Anibal Sanchez returning to Detroit for 2013 season – MLB Detroit Tigers News
Free agent starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez will be coming back to Detroit for the next season, reports a leading sports. Sanchez produced some magical performances for the Tigers last season after he was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a mid season
trade.
Sanchez lifted his game play considerably after moving to Detroit. His performances in the post season, in particular, were extremely impressive. However, as Sanchez was going to become a free agent, the Tigers did not renew his contract.
Several Major League baseball teams showed interest in the right hander as soon as the season ended. Los Angeles Angles, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox were All in the mix but eventually it was the Tigers who made the
right five year $80 million offer to the starter, which he accepted generously.
"I'm like everyone else," Leyland said during a brief phone conversation. "I'm not at liberty to discuss anything."It didn't stop the players from acknowledging the move, though.
"I am pumped," Avila told The Detroit News. "With Torii and with Anibal coming back, we're looking pretty good."He's definitely a big-time pitcher," he further added. "A top-of-the-line pitcher."
“After the Dodgers signed billboard free-agent Zack Greinke last weekend, Sanchez was next in line for teams bent on signing a reliable starter”, Tony Paul of Detroitpress.com said.
The deal that was finalised on Friday morning has not been confirmed by the Tigers’ front office but various MLB sources have confirmed the news. Media representatives tried to get in touch with Tigers’ General Manager Dave Dombrowski late in the evening
but he referred their calls to the relations department, which said the Tigers were awaiting physical before making the final announcement.
Newly signed outfielder Torii Hunter also acknowledged in his tweet, which said “Welcome back to Detroit”. Catcher Alex Avila also made comments on his tweet. With Anibal Sanchez in their pitching lineup, Tigers now have one of the most dangerous starting
rotations in the American League. It will be interesting to see if Sanchez can live up to the expectations to help Detroit win the World Series title in 2013.
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