The Quest For Relief Eyes the Non-Tenders

by Ian Casselberry on Dec 14, 2008 2:30 PM EST in Detroit Tigers News

The Detroit Tigers shed one reliever from their roster by not tendering a contract to Aquilino Lopez by Friday's deadline for arbitration-eligible players. But they might be able to procure a new one from the list of non-tendered players who are now available as free agents.

The big name that stands out for any team in need of bullpen help, especially one looking for a closer, is Takashi Saito. He's just one year removed from a 39-save season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Of course, the obvious question is that if Saito was still any good, why would the Dodgers have let him go? Judging from their interest in Trevor Hoffman, they don't appear ready to hand ninth-inning duties over to Jonathan Broxton.

But Saito missed two months this season due to a partially torn ligament in his elbow. Though rather than shut himself down with Tommy John surgery, he opted for an experimental stem cell injection and came back in September to pitch in six games, allowing three runs in 5.3 innings. He was eventually taken off the postseason roster after failing to record an out during his one appearance in the NLDS.

The Dodgers must not think Saito is completely done, however, as they were willing to offer him a contract worth $2.5 million. Saito refusing the offer, however, makes you wonder what he's seeking on the open market. (He made $2 million this season.) But even if he's looking for a raise (up to $3.5 million?), a healthy Saito (and he says he is) might still come cheaper than some of the other available free agent relievers.

Someone else worth pursuing might be Joe Nelson, who the Marlins non-tendered over a difference of $150,000 in negotiations. This season with Florida, Nelson pitched 54 innings, compiling a 3-1 record, 2.00 ERA, and 60 strikeouts. (22 walks raises an eyebrow, though.) And since the Tigers seem so intent on signing a left-handed reliever (Joe Beimel), consider that lefties hit just .227/.292/.320 against Nelson.

Here is the complete list of non-tenders. Is there a name that catches your eye?

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Comments

Joe Nelson?

Good find there Ian. The money is short, and would look to be within the dollar budget of DD. Looking at Nelson’s stats from last year, he had a 10 k per 9 innings and a 3 1/2 walks per 9, so the k to walks ratio is good at about 3 to 1. Also a homer allowed every 10 innings. We could be waiting around for awhile or a quick move for another arm as a reliever or closer for the Tigers bullpen.
There was a good article at Motor City Bengals about Ryan Perry, (2 seamer with sink, to calm the fears of a straight fastball written earlier this year),so who knows if he could in fact, be part of the Tigers plans as early as April.

by KalineCountry on Dec 14, 2008 4:48 PM EST reply actions

Saite is a prize, if healthy

Tigers should be going for Fuentes or Cruz than Nelson. Britton would be great if he would sign a minor league deal but I doubt it. Burke might be interesting as a back-up catcher.

by Barry2 on Dec 14, 2008 6:24 PM EST reply actions

Non Tenders

What about moving Daniel Cabrera to the pen? Possibility?

by uncle orange on Dec 14, 2008 6:45 PM EST reply actions

Finding reliever and closer

I agree Barry, on Saito and Cruz, it just seems to be the Tigers and DD reluctance to spend.
As for a non tender with D. Cabrera, he has talent but is not only inconsistent but seems to be a bit of a head case. Remember when he threw at Sheffield?, and he has been in other “aggressive” situations facing a batter before and since.

by KalineCountry on Dec 14, 2008 7:40 PM EST reply actions

Charlie Haeger? Really?

A young knuckleballer in the White Sox organization. His stats aren’t great, but 24 years old is basically 19 in knuckleballer years.

If he could be locked up with a cheap minor league contract for a long time, it might be worth it. I was hoping he’d be given enough time to get that thing under control.

The cheapest he’d come would be about $50,000/year, since he’s played in the majors.

“Eye-catching”, but maybe not a good idea.

by cherub_daemon on Dec 15, 2008 5:20 PM EST reply actions