The Tigers are targeting relievers capable of closing in trade talks, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). Jose Valverde is expected to sign elsewhere as a free agent, which means the Tigers don’t have an established late-inning reliever.
GM Dave Dombrowski and manager Jim Leyland have publicly expressed optimism that relief prospect Bruce Rondon could become the team's closer in 2013. Still, it wouldn't hurt to add depth to a bullpen that also features Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke and Octavio Dotel.
Though there's been lots of speculation about Rafael Soriano and Detroit, a team official recently told Peter Gammons of MLB Network that it "ain't happening." Chris Perez and Joel Hanrahan are two closers who could be dealt, and the Tigers could pursue any number of setup relievers.
