Tigers probably won't add a closer

LAS VEGAS -- The Tigers tried for Kerry Wood, and they believe they would have gotten J.J. Putz if the Mets hadn't stepped in at the last minute with a better offer.

Now, people familiar with the Tiger plans say, getting a new closer is no longer a priority.

The Tigers aren't interested in Trevor Hoffman, and they can't afford Brian Fuentes. They don't see any good options on the trade market, either. So the plan is to stockpile as many bullpen arms as they can, and hope they find some bargains (maybe left-hander Kyle Bloom, who they took in the Rule 5 draft, for example). The Tigers will also hope that Rick Perry, their top draft pick last June, advances quickly enough to be considered for a big-league spot.

After losing out on Putz, the Tigers traded for Edwin Jackson, who joins Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman and Armando Galarraga in their rotation. The fifth spot is open, with Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis and Zach Miner among the candidates.

The Tigers have some hope that Robertson will bounce back from an awful 2008. They have less hope about Willis, and it's not even out of the question that he could be released if he doesn't show improvement in spring training.

Tigers probably won't add a closer

I tend to disagree with this, as everyone and their mother knows the tigers bullpen is a big issue, and i notice one name that wasnt mentioned in this article. That name is John Smoltz, he has been linked to the tigers recently and could come in, at a closer role. That being said I would tend to think that the tigers sign one of 3 people Fuentes, Hoffman, Smoltz, with Smoltz and Hoffman being the logical choices to let the interior option get another year in the minors under their belt.

Tigers probably won't add a closer

John Smoltz wants to remain a starting pitcher. I don't think the Detroit Tigers, even with their 5th starter gap, would want him there. Though he does have ties to Michigan and the Tigers, I'm not sure that they will end up acquiring him. We'll see though. The Atlanta Braves sure are working hard on their pitching this offseason

Tigers probably won't add a closer

I think after squeezing every last bit of juice outta Jones they think they can make anyone a closer. I mean, credit to him and them, he made it work for a long while. But I wouldn't feel too bad on missing out on Putz or Wood. Tough to spend good money on someone who only throws 80 Inn or less to have him out for a month or two, which is what you're risking with both of those guys. Now Fuentes - I think he may have been the best on the market and he's still out there. The Tigers can't *afford* him? What kinda money is he looking for?

Maybe you can convert DTrain? Sorry. Just kidding...

tigersfan48028 Reputation: 9 Level: Amateur Since: Dec 11, 2008	Posted on: December 11, 2008 8:02 pm Score: 37 Tigers probably won't add a closer I tend to disagree with this, as everyone and their mother knows the tigers bullpen is a big issue, and i notice one name that wasnt mentioned in this article. That name is John Smoltz, he has been linked to the tigers recently and could come in, at a closer role. That being said I would tend to think that the tigers sign one of 3 people Fuentes, Hoffman, Smoltz, with Smoltz and Hoffman being the logical choices to let the interior option get another year in the minors under their belt. [ Reply to Comment ]
shamrocker35 Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 25, 2007	Posted on: December 11, 2008 10:52 pm Score: 92 Tigers probably won't add a closer John Smoltz wants to remain a starting pitcher. I don't think the Detroit Tigers, even with their 5th starter gap, would want him there. Though he does have ties to Michigan and the Tigers, I'm not sure that they will end up acquiring him. We'll see though. The Atlanta Braves sure are working hard on their pitching this offseason [ Reply to Comment ]
pubscout Reputation: 91 Level: All-Star Since: Apr 19, 2007	Posted on: December 12, 2008 11:59 am Score: 81 Tigers probably won't add a closer I think after squeezing every last bit of juice outta Jones they think they can make anyone a closer. I mean, credit to him and them, he made it work for a long while. But I wouldn't feel too bad on missing out on Putz or Wood. Tough to spend good money on someone who only throws 80 Inn or less to have him out for a month or two, which is what you're risking with both of those guys. Now Fuentes - I think he may have been the best on the market and he's still out there. The Tigers can't afford him? What kinda money is he looking for? Maybe you can convert DTrain? Sorry. Just kidding... [ Reply to Comment ]

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