"On Wednesday, the Tigers benched slumping slugger Magglio Ordonez indefinitely. Manager Jim Leyland said he talked to Ordonez about the outfielder's declining production a few weeks ago, so the benching shouldn't come as a total surprise. Leyland felt he had to make a move with the offense in a tailspin, scoring three or fewer runs in seven straight games. "Right now he's beating himself up," Leyland said. "Just let him breathe a little bit and see what happens. I really feel bad for him, but I've got to do something. That's just the way it is." Leyland said Ordonez didn't know what was wrong with his stroke. "I think he's just befuddled right now," the manager said. "I don't think he can figure it out, I don't think anybody can figure it out right now. If anybody can, I'm open for suggestions (Sportsline)."
Magglio has not been himself this season. You have to wonder if his age (35) is finally catching up to him. Still, I don't expect to him to be on the bench long. He just needs to find his power swing again, because he only has 2 HRs this season. His average isn't terrible (.273), so I think he will make the proper adjustments and be a decent player. Leyland had to do something as his team seems to be falling apart, and I think this was done to send a message to the rest of the team that anyone can be benched no matter your resume.
