Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
In case you fell asleep sometime during May through early July and missed part of the American League Central pennant race, I have good news. Nothing has changed. The Detroit Tigers are still out in front but still unable to pull away from the Cleveland Indians while the Kansas City Royals are looking to make a run they never seem to make. See, all is the same. Things could be different however if the Tigers traded for Luke Gregerson at the MLB trade deadline.
Gregerson is a right-handed relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres. His stat line is impressive in number but more importantly it is consistent. Year in and year out Gregerson is a horse for the pitching staff and bullpen. Oh, and he also has closing experience as well. There really are a ton of good things about this guy, not the least of which is the team control that would remain if the Tigers went after him. He isn’t eligible to be a free agent until 2016.
All of that drives the price up and the Padres want someone MLB ready to be able to stick on the roster now and create an impact. The Tigers should be able to pay that price without doing much damage to their system. Gregerson isn’t a rental; he could be the man this bullpen has needed all season long. It is a high price but this guy is worth it. If the Tigers were to seriously go after a deal for this man, they might finally be able to see some separation in the pennant race. One great reliever can make a world of difference. Go get him, Tigers.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google Plus.
