Many have assumed that the Tigers are going to go after Rafael Soriano or some other free agent closer. They need a closer. They have the money. They’ve worked quite nicely with Scott Boras before. If they don’t go after someone they’re going to be forced to go with a rookie closer in Bruce Rondon. It just makes sense, the reasoning goes.
Not so fast, Dave Dombrowski tells the Detroit News’ Lynn Henning:
Just got off phone with Dombrowski. Made it clear Tigers are NOT shopping for a closer. Will go to camp giving Rondon every shot to win job.
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) November 29, 2012
Dombrowski believes they have back-end insurance in case Rondon isn’t ready: Benoit, Dotel, Coke, Alburquerque, etc. Lots of certitude…
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) November 29, 2012
Of course, no GM would ever downplay his interest in a free agent in an attempt to improve his negotiating position. That, like, never happens.
