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Ranking The Detroit Tigers’ 6 Most Puzzling Moves Since 2006

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Since the Detroit Tigers became contenders again back in 2006, GM Dave Dombrowski has pulled off quite a few great moves, which is actually something he has been doing for Detroit since 2002. However, there have also been a couple of head-scratchers in the Motor City over that same stretch. So, without further ado, here are the Tigers' six most puzzling moves since the 2006-era began.

Since the Detroit Tigers became contenders again back in 2006, GM Dave Dombrowski has pulled off quite a few great moves, which is actually something he has been doing for Detroit since 2002. However, there have also been a couple of head-scratchers in the Motor City over that same stretch. So, without further ado, here are the Tigers' six most puzzling moves since the 2006-era began.

6. Keeping Don Kelly Around For Six Seasons

6. Keeping Don Kelly Around For Six Seasons Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
After making his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007, Don Kelly signed a minor league deal to return to the Tigers, the organization that originally drafted him, prior to the beginning of the 2009 season. The light-hitting, versatile utility man became a fixture on the Tigers' bench through 2014, returning like a boomerang every time it appeared that his time with the team was up. While he certainly had a few big moments with Detroit, particularly in the postseason, the Tigers simply kept him around for way too long.

After making his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007, Don Kelly signed a minor league deal to return to the Tigers, the organization that originally drafted him, prior to the beginning of the 2009 season. The light-hitting, versatile utility man became a fixture on the Tigers' bench through 2014, returning like a boomerang every time it appeared that his time with the team was up. While he certainly had a few big moments with Detroit, particularly in the postseason, the Tigers simply kept him around for way too long.

5. Bringing Back Jose Valverde in 2013

5. Bringing Back Jose Valverde in 2013 Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Still in need of a closer, the Tigers opted for an ill-fated reunion with Jose Valverde in April of 2013, bringing him back on a minor league deal. While it was a low-risk move and Valverde was a perfect 49-for-49 in save opportunities for Detroit in 2011, the Tigers should have known better after his collapse in the 2012 postseason. After a rough go of it in the big leagues, Valverde was ultimately designated for assignment and subsequently agreed to be sent to Triple-A Toledo. He was given his unconditional release in August of that year.

Still in need of a closer, the Tigers opted for an ill-fated reunion with Jose Valverde in April of 2013, bringing him back on a minor league deal. While it was a low-risk move and Valverde was a perfect 49-for-49 in save opportunities for Detroit in 2011, the Tigers should have known better after his collapse in the 2012 postseason. After a rough go of it in the big leagues, Valverde was ultimately designated for assignment and subsequently agreed to be sent to Triple-A Toledo. He was given his unconditional release in August of that year.

4. Not Re-Signing Joaquin Benoit After 2013

4. Not Re-Signing Joaquin Benoit After 2013 Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
After having a great season in 2013, going 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP while saving 24 games, the Tigers decided not to re-sign Joaquin Benoit after the 2013 season. Instead, they signed Joe Nathan to a two-year, $20 million deal. While Nathan struggled last season and has now undergone another Tommy John surgery, Benoit has been flourishing with the San Diego Padres.

After having a great season in 2013, going 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP while saving 24 games, the Tigers decided not to re-sign Joaquin Benoit after the 2013 season. Instead, they signed Joe Nathan to a two-year, $20 million deal. While Nathan struggled last season and has now undergone another Tommy John surgery, Benoit has been flourishing with the San Diego Padres.

3. Not Re-Signing Placido Polanco After 2009

3. Not Re-Signing Placido Polanco After 2009 Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Although he had an excellent run with the Tigers after coming over in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies back in June of 2005, the Tigers let Placido Polanco walk as a free agent after the 2009 season. After Polanco's departure, rookie Scott Sizemore took over at second base and struggled mightily. The Tigers were really unable to find a solid solution at that position until they reacquired Omar Infante in July of 2012.

Although he had an excellent run with the Tigers after coming over in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies back in June of 2005, the Tigers let Placido Polanco walk as a free agent after the 2009 season. After Polanco's departure, rookie Scott Sizemore took over at second base and struggled mightily. The Tigers were really unable to find a solid solution at that position until they reacquired Omar Infante in July of 2012.

2. Trading Jair Jurrjens After 2007

2. Trading Jair Jurrjens After 2007 Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
In need of a shortstop, the Tigers acquired Edgar Renteria from the Atlanta Braves after the 2007 season in exchange for Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez. While Renteria essentially flopped for the Tigers, Jurrjens went on to have a couple of great seasons with the Braves. While knee injuries have now caused Jurrjens to fall off the radar in a big way, the Tigers clearly could have used him between 2008-11. It should be noted that Jurjjens did rejoin the Tigers organization briefly in 2013, appearing in seven games with the Toledo Mud Hens. He is now in the Colorado Rockies organization.

In need of a shortstop, the Tigers acquired Edgar Renteria from the Atlanta Braves after the 2007 season in exchange for Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez. While Renteria essentially flopped for the Tigers, Jurrjens went on to have a couple of great seasons with the Braves. While knee injuries have now caused Jurrjens to fall off the radar in a big way, the Tigers clearly could have used him between 2008-11. It should be noted that Jurjjens did rejoin the Tigers organization briefly in 2013, appearing in seven games with the Toledo Mud Hens. He is now in the Colorado Rockies organization.

1. Trading Doug Fister After 2013

1. Trading Doug Fister After 2013 Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
After having a great two and a half year run with the Tigers, Doug Fister was dealt to the Washington Nationals in December of 2013 in exchange for Robbie Ray, Ian Krol and Steve Lombardozzi. It is almost universally agreed that the trade was more than a little lopsided in favor of the Nationals, and it is still a rather unpopular topic among most Tigers fans.

After having a great two and a half year run with the Tigers, Doug Fister was dealt to the Washington Nationals in December of 2013 in exchange for Robbie Ray, Ian Krol and Steve Lombardozzi. It is almost universally agreed that the trade was more than a little lopsided in favor of the Nationals, and it is still a rather unpopular topic among most Tigers fans.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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