“I want to come back, but I’d be surprised if I was back,” said Bonderman, who gave up nine hits and seven runs over four innings on Saturday. “They have a lot of young arms in the minors, like (Jacob) Turner and (Andy) Oliver, who are just about ready. I’m not an old guy, I’m only 27, but I know the nature of this business.”
Bonderman is 8-9 with 111 strikeouts in 181 innings this season and is one of many Tigers whose contract is up at the end of the season. The other players with expiring contracts include; Brandon Inge, Johnny Damon, Gerald Laird, Jhonny Peralta, Magglio Ordoñez and Carlos Guillen
Brandon Inge, Johnny Damon, Jhonny Peralta and Magglio Ordonez (according to Miguel Cabrera) have all expressed their desire to return to the Tigers next season. However, catcher Gerald Laird has said that although he has enjoyed his experience with the Tigers, he will explore other opportunities to be an everyday catcher elsewhere.
“I started the season 0-for-14 at the plate, and from that point I got frustrated at the plate and my playing time diminished,” Laird said. “I thought I’ve swung the bat pretty good in August and September, but with the situation with Alex … I know there’s a need for catchers, and I know there are opportunities out there.”
