Why Detroit Tigers need to offer contract to Jose Valverde – MLB News
Despite posting some impressive stats for the Detroit Tigers over three seasons, closer Jose Valverde finds himself in a very difficult position. Overall, he made 110 saves while striking out 180 batters in his tenure in Detroit.
Valverde’s agent Scot Boras has already acknowledged that a number of Major League Baseball teams have shown interest in signing a contract with the relief pitcher. However, as of now Valverde has not joined any of the 30 MLOB teams for Spring Training this
year. In an interview with a leading sports website last week, Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland offered high praise of Valverde but it is not clear if the Tigers will take any further steps to bring back one of the best closers in the game.
"I’m shocked," Leyland said. "Totally shocked. Broken-hearted. Can’t believe it. This guy was absolutely fantastic, absolutely fantastic for us. One of the best teammates I’ve ever managed. He did as good a job … for three years in a row, he had the most
saves and the best percentage. I can’t believe it."
"I think the Tigers just felt that it was time," he added. "It was pretty rough on him that last period here in Detroit. It got a little rough on the kid. I understood the magnitude of what was going on and everything.”
Valverde started the 2012 season on a very bright note but he struggled to find his line as the season progressed. The right hander had a forgettable time on the mound in Tigers’ best of seven match American League Divisional Series against the Baltimore
Orioles. Leyland was disappointed with what he saw from his premier closer and the Tigers decided not to renew his contract in the offseason.
According to sources, Valverde loved to be part of the Tigers. He had a great time in the organisation and he is looking to find a way to get back into the team. Right now, both parties are playing the waiting game but it will not be surprise if the Tigers
offer Valverde a contract before the start of 2013 regular season.
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