When spring training began, even Jose Valverde's biggest supporters agreed the Tigers couldn't bring him back. Thursday, they brought him back. What changed? ...more

There were 10 blown saves in the major leagues on Wednesday. Through the first three full days of the season, saves are being converted at just a 58-percent rate (70 percent is more normal). Is there something going on here? Indians closer Chris Perez thinks there might be. ...more

Bruce Rondon wasn't up for the job of Tigers closer, and that's fine. But why in the world did a team with World Series aspirations come to spring training hoping that an inexperienced 22-year-old kid could do the job -- with no real backup plan? ...more

The Tigers realize now that they have little choice but to try to acquire a closer on the trade market this spring. They also realize that it won't be easy to find one. ...more

The Tigers made their decision, and they're sticking to it. They really have little choice now, because if 22-year-old rookie Bruce Rondon can't handle the closer role, the Tigers left themselves with few other good options. It was an interesting decision for a "win now" team, one that could determine whether they do indeed win. ...more