Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland essentially gave Joaquin Benoit the nod as the team's closer Thursday, reports Jason Beck of MLB.com:
Jim Leyland names Joaquin Benoit Tigers’ closer ... for now
The Tigers might have a real closer now.
Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE
“I’m not naming anybody closer. I’m just saying if Benoit was available right now, I would try to close with him.”
While he was reluctant to make any official statement, his comment makes it seem as though he will go with Benoit until a better option presents itself.
Bless You Boys: Cautious optimism as Leyland might have named a closer
Benoit has pitched 30 innings in 2013 with an ERA of 1.80. At age 35, he is having perhaps his best season since 2010, and probably his best season with Detroit.
The team has cycled through closer this season, using pitchers such as Jose Valverde and Phil Coke, but only getting mixed results.
For a team with stars such as Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, it might make sense to just use their best reliever as their closer. Benoit is certainly being paid accordingly, as he is making $5.5 million in 2013.
If Benoit does not provide a suitable option, the team could look to the trade market, which features options such as Jonathan Papelbon.
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