Sunday News

Tigers need a closer
Associated Press

Jim Leyland freely admits that at least one role on his pennant-winning team is very much up in the air after Detroit let free-agent closer Jose Valverde go after he struggled toward the end of last season, leaving that spot open for any number of candidates. With spring training less than three weeks away, Leyland realizes he'll have some major decisions to make with his bullpen, but the veteran manager isn't shying away from discussing it.

"I'm concerned about it, to be honest with you, but it's certainly not a panic mode," Leyland said. "I think we have some people there that can do it."

The Tigers were at Comerica Park on Saturday, where the field was coated with snow. The appearance was part of their TigerFest event, and there is plenty of interest among fans in who will take over as the closer. General manager Dave Dombrowski was taking questions when a member of the audience asked him about Brian Wilson, the talented reliever who is recovering from elbow surgery and was not offered a contract by the San Francisco Giants.

"Remember, he wants to be a closer," Dombrowski said. "We're really not in that position to be able to make him that promise at this time. He's still coming back from an injury."

Detroit hasn't added anyone who would be considered a definite candidate to close games this season, and right now the Tigers sound as though they're ready to let 22-year-old right-hander Bruce Rondon compete for the job. Rondon has never pitched in the big leagues, but he had a 1.53 ERA across three levels in the minors last year.

Leyland plans to spend some time getting to know Rondon during spring training, and he's particularly interested to see how the youngster bounces back from adversity. Rondon struck out 66 hitters in 53 innings last year, but he also walked 26.

"He's a very bright kid, and I can't wait to see what he's got in spring training," catcher Alex Avila said.

If Rondon doesn't win the job outright, Leyland is willing to close games by committee. When Valverde faltered toward the end of last season, left-hander Phil Coke was able to fill in during the playoffs.