Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski revealed his stance on the team's impending free agents to beat reporters on Tuesday.
Via MLive.com's Chris Iott on Twitter: The team plans to pursue right-handed starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez in free agency. Sanchez came to the team along with Omar Infante in a July trade with the Marlins and went 4-6 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings over 12 starts with the Tigers. He also started one game in each round of the postseason for the Tigers, allowing four earned runs over three starts, posting a 1.77 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings.
However, the team will not pursue designated hitter/outfielder Delmon Young or closer Jose Valverde in free agency, according to Dombrowski. Young hit .267/.296/.411 with 18 home runs in 608 plate appearances before being named the ALCS MVP. The Tigers will have Victor Martinez returning from injury in 2013, and he's projected to fill the team's DH slot.
Valverde was removed from the closer role during the postseason after allowing three earned runs and taking the loss in Game 4 of the ALDS. He saved 35 games while posting a 3.78 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 48 strikeouts in 69 innings. Dombrowski revealed that rookie Bruce Rondon would be in the mix for the team's closer role in 2013. Rondon was 2-1 with a 1.53 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 66 strikeouts in 53 innings over three minor-league levels.
Other candidates to close could include Joaquiin Benoit, Octavio Dotel, Al Alburquerque and Phil Coke.
Dombrowski also indicated Gerald Laird might not be back, saying the team would be comfortable with Bryan Holaday as backup catcher. The Tigers' GM indicated outfielder Brennan Boesch would be tendered a contract while outfielder/infielder Don Kelly would be left off the 40-man roster. He also said Quintin Berry will compete for a roster spot in spring training.
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