Question

: Why is Phil Coke still in the Tigers' bullpen? He has blown too many leads and I think it's time to find someone new.

-- Nick

Answer

: Are we watching the same Phil Coke?

You know, the same Phil Coke that filled in for an injured Jose Valverde and pitched a scoreless 1-2-3 ninth inning to pick up Tuesday night's save?

The same Phil Coke that is tied for the seventh in the American League with 11 holds? The one that owns a 3.60 ERA and a 28:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio? That Phil Coke?

C'mon, Nick. There's plenty of blame to pass around the Tigers' clubhouse, but suggesting Coke is one of the main contributors is a flat-out lie.

Coke has allowed only 16.7 percent of his inherited runners to score -- owning the eighth-best percentage in the American League. Only Duane Below (12.5 percent) has a better success rate on the team.

Sure, there was the two-game stretch in Oakland where he saw his ERA balloon to 5.93. But, it's important to remember that three of the runs were credited to Coke when Collin Balester served up a grand slam to Brandon Inge.

Take away the grand slam and his season ERA sits at 2.70.

Coke and been vital to a Detroit team that has depended on a bullpen to eat innings with a starting rotation that has been consistently inconsistent.

And, Coke has taken to the challenge, making a team-high 32 relief appearances. His ERA at home is an impressive 1.80 in 15 innings pitched. What more do you want?

It's important to recognize the team's need for a left-handed reliever. Coke is one of only two southpaws in the team's bullpen. Without Coke, you're stuck with only Below.

Sure, the Tigers could look to Triple-A Toledo, but where would you start?

Matt Hoffman? He's fallen off the map after an impressive spring training, allowing 18 runs -- 13 earned -- in 17 innings. Fu-Te Ni? He's been on the 7-day disabled list since May 18 and is now considered a starter.

Darin Downs might make the best case. His 2.59 ERA and 30:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio warrants a callup, but he's not on the 40-man roster, which would require two moves to be made. Could he replace right-hander Luke Putkonen? Sure. But, I'm under the impression Putkonen will be the odd man out when the Tigers call up Jacob Turner.

So, if you're asking whether the Downs should replace Coke, the answer is no. That's just foolish.

If you're asking whether the Tigers should address their bullpen at the non-waiver trade deadline, it might be a possibility. But considering their recent success and the potential arrival of Al Alburquerque after the All-Star break, I'd still say no.

And, truth be told, even if they were to address their bullpen at the deadline, it wouldn't affect Coke. Because he's not going anywhere.

At this rate, he's in line to set career highs in nearly every statistical category. More importantly, he's a fan favorite.

Jim Leyland talked about the team's need for swagger on the team. That's Phil Coke. I mean, who else

?

Coke has evolved. He's no longer the left-handed specialist used solely in pitching matchups. He's a true setup man. And, if

turns out to be a long-term project, the Tigers will need the brash 29-year-old more than ever.

-- Follow James Schmehl on Twitter: @jamesschmehl.