As Detroit Tigers fans we have all come to the realization after this past season that our Detroit Tigers will not be a very good baseball team for some time. They are squarely in rebuild mode. With that said though the Tigers still need to fill out their roster.
The Detroit Tigers will not spend very much in this upcoming season so a low contract and maybe finding that diamond in the rough could work with this group. Here are three relief pitchers the Tigers can and should go out and sign for the upcoming season. Most of these names will have Detroit Tigers fans scratching their heads and asking “Who”? According to Tony Paul,
They actually might not sign a single major-league free agent, as the team dives into its deepest rebuild in years. If they sign any, it’ll likely be a bargain-basement pitcher or two, but likely nobody in The Detroit News’ top 50
Kevin Quackenbush
The first player is Kevin Quackenbush formerly of the San Diego Padres. His numbers last year were not very good. Quackenbush a right-hander had an ERA of 7.86 to go along with his 0-2 record. He appeared in 20 games for the Padres. But, Quackenbush had a good rookie campaign in 2014 when he had an ERA of 2.48 for the Friars. A change of scenery could help Quackenbush and help the Tigers in the process.
Joely Rodriguez
The next player the Tigers should go out and sign to try is Joely Rodriguez formerly of the Philadelphia Phillies. Rodriguez is left handed and is only 25. His numbers were not that great last year 6.33 ERA to go along with his 1-2 record. But, Rodriguez is young and he is left-handed. Because of his age, there is a potentially large upside to signing Rodriguez.
John Axford
The last player the Tigers should target is John Axford formerly of the Oakland A’s. Axford is 34 and older then what the Tigers are seeking. But, with his experience, he could potentially be a player that can help some of the young guys coming through and getting their first taste in the bigs. Axford had a 6.43 ERA to go along with a 0-1 record last year for the Oakland A’s.
Again nation these names won’t have you rushing to buy tickets to games this year, but they could fill some spots in the roster until the young guns in the minors are ready to pitch in the majors.
