Detroit Tigers make two official announcements at Comerica Park – MLB News
The Detroit Tigers made two official announcements on Monday at Comerica Park. Firstly, they reintroduced starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez who posted some impressive stats for them in the last season. Secondly, they acknowledged numerous phones calls from
other Major League Baseball teams interested in trading for one of their starting pitchers, which is perceived to be Rick Porcello.
Sanchez attended the press conference with his wife Anna and agent Gene Mato as the Tigers officially unveiled his deal. The five year $80 million contract is indeed a lucrative contract and it is what Sanchez was seeking when he entered the free agency.
Tigers’ General Manager Dave Dombrowski admitted the fact long term contracts fro pitchers are sometimes risky but he added that what Sanchez can bring to the club in terms of skills, delivery and hard work is unmatchable.
"Thank you, Mr. Ilitch, to let it happen," Sanchez said. "I know the players, the front office; we almost get the ring," he added, referring to last season. "Now I have a pretty good team. We'll (bring) the ring to the city."
”Dombrowski was careful in talking about the Tigers' sudden six-man rotation, one more than big-league teams typically carry. Sanchez joins Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister, Porcello, and Drew Smyly, whose left arm and steady 2012 rookie season have
made him a probable starter in 2013”, Lynn Henning of detroitnews.com said in his post.
He had a great 3.74 ERA in 12 starts for the Tigers in the last season. His performances improved with each passing day on the mound and he posted an incredible 1.77 ERA in the playoffs. Those numbers were enough to convince the owner Mike Ilitch who approved
the deal that brought back the 28 year right hander to Detroit.
With Sanchez back to the pitching rotation, the Tigers have now six starting pitchers that include ace Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister, Drew Smyly, Rick Porcello and Sanchez. According to sources, the Tigers could trade Porcello before the start
of 2013 Spring Training.
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