Fernando Rodney News

Their biggest needs, in order, appear to be a back-of-the- bullpen arm with the stuff to pitch the eighth and ninth innings, a multiple-innings arm, and a dependable situational lefty.

With baseball's holiday shopping season - the free agent signing period - beginning at 12:01 a.m., figured we'd share our wish list for the Phillies off-season in open letter form, for Ruben Amaro to see.

With both Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon free agents, Joel Zumaya a constant question mark and Ryan Perry perhaps a year or two away from being handed the reigns to the ninth inning, the Detroit Tigers are looking for a closer for 2010.

If they make trades for Curtis Granderson, Edwin Jackson, and maybe others, the Tigers will get pitching in the exchange.

Topping the to-do list: Pitching was awful -- starters, relievers, hot dog vendors called to throw an inning.

The Tigers will watch free agency pick up later this week, when players can field offers from all teams.

Last week, after doctors mended the torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, Brad Lidge returned to his Colorado home with a clear mind and, at last, a sound body.

With Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff officially out of the picture, Tigers Insider Steve Kornacki said general manager Dave Dombrowski should now focus his attention on the Tigers' bullpen -- specifically free agent relievers Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon.

Yes, two posts on Curtis Granderson potentially getting traded to the Yankees is necessary.

Each game is captured in analytical detail by Philadelphia Magazinea s 2008 a oeBest Sportswritera Jason Weitzel, along with photos, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive interviews by Michael McNesby, making this 370-page compendium a must-own for all fans.

By now you probably have a good idea of who the Tigers' free agents are: Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon; Placido Polanco and Adam Everett; Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff.

The Tigers owe Willis $12 million in 2010. Getting beyond all the disappointment and second-guessing, let's assess the 2009 Tigers for what they really were: a fourth-place lineup that overachieved their way to the cusp of the postseason.

Saturday 07 Nov 2009 Cleveland Indians Name Roman Pena as Director of Latin American Operations Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 01:23AM MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-The Cleveland Indians today named RAMON PENA Director of Latin American Operations Ramon is a veteran, respected scout with 28 years of scouting experience under his belt.

On the same day the Indians began to fill out their coaching staff, they also filled a key scouting role Friday by hiring Ramon Pena as their director of Latin American operations.

Closer Fernando Rodney was essential to stabilizing the Detroit Tigers' bullpen, and shortstop Adam Everett was central to improving the team's defense in 2009.

With the Tigers' lack of financial flexibility and so many closers on the market this year, what are the realistic options for the back end of the bullpen? Is the team more likely to use some combination of Ryan Perry and Joel Zumaya, or do you expect the Tigers to fill the role via free agency? -- Matt F., Chicago Zumaya and Perry are potential ...

The Tigers obviously don't have a lot of money to spend, so which one of these four free agents is most necessary to re-sign: Placido Polanco, Fernando Rodney, Brandon Lyon or Adam Everett? Welcome to the portion of the blog where I praise Placido Polanco and call him one of the most important Tigers of the last five years.

If it's World Series time, it's generally time for Tigers owner Mike Ilitch and general manager Dave Dombrowski to talk money.

In discussing the Tigers' off-season with various baseball wizards and how a team that finished 86-77 the past season can avoid falling beneath .500 in 2010, I've come away with the following thoughts, which are either daring, prophetic, or sure to be regretted: Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, tends to act aggressively ...

Late Saturday night, Angels left-hander Brian Fuentes became the fifth closer in this postseason to blow a save with his team within three outs of victory.