Detroit Tigers targeting a closer for 2013 season – MLB News
It is the day after the annual Winter Meetings but there are a still a lot of free agent players and trade possibilities in play. It seems it is going to be a busy offseason for majority of Major League Baseball teams.
Apart from their trade during the Rule 5 draft, it has been a quiet offseason for the Detroit Tigers. Their biggest move of the winter came in the last month when they signed former Los Angeles Angels’ outfielder Torii Hunter for a two year $26 million dollar
deal.
According to sources, the Tigers are now looking to target a reliever “capable of closing” for the next season. The vacancy opened up after Jose Valverde’s contract was not renewed by the Tigers.
After the post season, General Manager Dave Dombrowski had indicated that the Tigers are considering Minor League Bruce Rondon for the closing position.
"This guy is a special potential closer with the makeup of a closer," Dombrowski said. "Normally you're not going to thrust that in a young guy's hands and say automatically, 'That's your job,' but it would not surprise me if he earned that job.
Rondon is one of the most promising prospects in the Tigers’ farm system. He can hit the 100 mph barrier on regular basis. However, what separates him from other youngsters is his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.
It will be interesting to see if the 21 year old can get the opportunity to make his MLB career. Tigers’ also have their eyes on the Cleveland Indians’ Chris Perez who saved 39 games last season.
The 27 year old Perez made the most of available opportunities in the last season as he saved 39 games in 43 chances with an excellent 3.59 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. However, trading Rondon in exchange for Perez seems to be an unlikely option for the Tigers right
now.
But now there rumours are that the Tigers could trade Rondon for a more experienced relief pitcher. Owner Mike Ilitch is desperate to get his hands on the World Series title. It seems he is willing to pay any price for the trophy.
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