The Quest For Relief: No Return For Smoltz
by Ian Casselberry
on Jan 8, 2009 12:30 AM EST
in News
10 comments
Throughout The Quest For Relief that's gone unfulfilled, a small flicker of hope has remained in the hearts of several Tigers fans. What about John Smoltz? Could he return to Detroit? Would he be interested in being the team's closer?
In my own mind, I kind of wrote off the chances of that happening, as I just didn't see Smoltz leaving Atlanta. That opinion was further influenced by an interview Bobby Cox had with ESPN's "Baseball Today" podcast a few weeks ago, in which he sounded like a manager who expected Smoltz to be in his starting rotation this season.
As it turns out, that instinct was half-correct. Smoltz will not be reuniting with the organization where he began his professional baseball career. There will be no return to Michigan. But he also won't be staying with the Braves for a 21st season.
Several reports indicate that Smoltz will sign with the Boston Red Sox. According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, Smoltz opted for Boston's offer late Wednesday and will inform the Braves of his decision early this morning. Buster Olney reported that the contract will include a $5.5 million base salary, with an additional $5 million attainable through incentives.
So there won't be any romantic reunion through free agency in Detroit this offseason. Though we have no idea if the Tigers were truly interested in Smoltz, let alone looking at him as a starter or reliever, here's yet another player that could've filled a key need that's signing with another team. And that's getting more than a little bit frustrating.
What are the Tigers' plans for their bullpen? Anyone care to take a guess at this point?
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see you in 2010
That’s it, I give up. There is no longer any significant solution to our bullpen problems available. Yes, if things break right we could be contenders next year but I will hold off carrying any significant expectations until 2010.
by tigerfaninChicago on
Jan 8, 2009 2:57 AM EST
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Smoltzy
Tigerfaninchicago-
Take it easy. Let him go. Tigers don’t need another old guy with a big contract getting in the way of things. If the Tigers can find a young"er" guy who might be able to sign for multiple years, then that’s great. My thoughts are that DD did not waste his time, or money, offering guys like Smoltz or Hoffman anything worth considering. It’s appropriate to hold off significant expectations, considering last year we had great expectations and look what that did for us. There is still plenty out there. Lyon and Cruz are both viable, proven options. We can always make a trade too.
Also, there are plenty of pretty good starters out there (Sheets, Lowe, Penny, Pettite, Garland to name a few) if the Tigers want to go out and shore up the starting rotation and make Miner and Robertson (and Willis if he’s accurate in the spring) relievers. Tons of possibilities and still 3 months until opening day, so plenty can happen. Let’s not get down on them yet.
Bob Biscigliano
detroit4lyfe.blogspot.com
by Detroit4lyfe on
Jan 8, 2009 8:47 AM EST
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Why not get the best arms
If you can pick up Sheets at a reasonable price why not. Looper could be interesting too.
Go for Cruz even though it will cost you a second pick. Tigers should go for it because of the weak division. You could move one of your hard throwing starters to the bullpen like Smoltz did in the middle of his career.
by Barry2 on
Jan 8, 2009 9:44 AM EST
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A Cub fan buddy of mine suggested WIllis for the closer role. Interesting thought. Wacky delivery, pretty good stuff (when he’s not being a mental midget).
Did I mention he was a Cub fan?
"I will drink my all for Tennessee today"
by TheGoldfishCowboy on
Jan 8, 2009 10:55 AM EST
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The consistent complaining about The Tiger pen is fairly ironic. It seems that everyone is upset that prospects such as Joyce, Skelton and Moscoso got traded away for MLB proven players. However when it comes to the pen no one believes in Zumaya, Perry, Fien or Satterwhite.
The glass is always half-empty at Comerica.
by MacRae on
Jan 8, 2009 11:07 AM EST
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Forget Hoffman, too
Not like he was ever in the running, either, but this pretty much leaves Brandon Lyon as the only proven closer on the free agent market.
by Ian Casselberry on
Jan 8, 2009 12:26 PM EST
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Correct Me If I'm Wrong...
but isn’t Takashi Saito a proven closer? He had some injury trouble last year, but he could be a very cheap, low-risk option.
Additionally, putting Dontrelle Willis at closer might be the worst idea I have ever heard involving baseball. Seriously.
Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.
by spotstarters on
Jan 8, 2009 12:43 PM EST
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No, you're right
But how about Lyon being the only proven closer not coming off an injury?
I hope the Tigers do look at Saito, though.
by Ian Casselberry on
Jan 8, 2009 12:45 PM EST
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Saito had some kind of experimental surgery done and is probably about as risky as Cordero though he might be ready sooner.
I think it’s entirely possible that DD is proving his worth as a businessman right now. If this waiting snags Lyon or Cruz for $5m or less it’ll be an absolute steal.
by MacRae on
Jan 8, 2009 1:37 PM EST
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For what it’s worth, Saito did come back to pitch last season. He didn’t do all that well in the postseason, however.
by Ian Casselberry on
Jan 8, 2009 2:02 PM EST
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