Chicago Cubs pullout, Anibal Sanchez head to Detroit – MLB Detroit Tigers News
After the Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent Zack Greinke last week in the National League, Detroit Tigers responded on Friday agreeing to a five year $80 million contract with the Anibal Sanchez in the American League.
Sanchez and Greinke were the two most expensive and polished starting pitchers in the free agency. Sanchez posted some impressive number in the post season last year, helping the Tigers win the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.
Although the starter continued his hot form into the World Series finals, Tigers’ offence was unable to put enough runs on the board and the San Francisco Giants completed a memorable 4-0 series sweep against the Tigers.
As soon as the season ended, Sanchez became a free agent and several Major League Baseball teams showed interest in him. Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and the Minnesota Twins went cold on Sanchez due to price tag attached to him but the Tigers remained
in the mix.
“Sanchez and his agent, Gene Mato, however, offered the Tigers one shot at a final bid. By late Thursday night, momentum had moved in Detroit's direction. By early Friday morning, Mato informed Bob Nightengale of USA Today a deal had been sealed”, Tony Paul
of Detroitnews.com said in his post
“The Tigers rotation now flaunts premier talent in Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister and Sanchez, with, likely, left-hander Drew Smyly filling out the No. 5 position,” he further added.
From July through to September, Sanchez gave up three or less runs with an impressive 2.74 ERA in his 12 overall starts for the Tigers. He got better with each passing game to end the season on an extremely bright note. In the playoffs, he posted an incredible
1.77 ERA In three games, combined with control and accuracy.
The Tigers were reluctant to offer Sanchez such a lucrative contract, particularly after signing free agent outfielder Torii Hunter for two year $26 million contact and it seemed they will be outbid by other teams but owner Mike Ilitch spoke to agent Mato
ensure Sanchez return to Detroit.
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