I'm the ALL-IN guy because I seem to recall more of those attempts failing than actually attaining their goals.
In the case of this year's Tigers - because of the career and contract points of their core - I've made myself that ALL-IN guy.
That's why I think it's Papelbon or bust for their bullpen woes.
Sure, they can get a bit kinky in the short term, perhaps by patching together the 7th and then going Smyly, Benoit in the 8th and 9th. Or if you want MORE exotic, I offer, but don't necessarily support, Alvarez starts (heh, a 24 year old free agent, no one wanted), Porcello gets to try his hand harnessing mid 90s in the 7th, then Benoit remains in his thrive-worthy 8th inning role, and Smyly closes.
Um, right.
***Forgot the Rondon component of this. Yes, this is from last night***
Just offer the Phillies their choice of Castellanos or Garcia, make them pay some of his exorbitant salary and know that you've got a proven playoff closer in your grasp.
But, if not Papelbon, then who? I prefer a closer who's saved games successfully before, or presently, but if the Tigers choose, in my opinion, the riskier, albeit cheaper route of acquiring a guy with bullpen success and 'stuff' but not necessarily closing experience, let me offer soon-to-be free agent Jesse Crain of the White Sox.
But, damn, if the Tigers go this route, and it doesn't work out...then you're back to exotic.
If a Papelbon-type is acquired, then you ride with him all the way, and you remain in confidence even if things got a bit shaky for a couple outings.
If you consume the Kool-Aid I pass around when I throw WAR stats out, Crain has a rather remarkable one of 2.4, which is tied for 7th among ALL American League hurlers.





