MLB Detroit Tigers

Bruce Rondon, Joel Hanrahan Could Give Detroit Tigers A Major Boost In 2015

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By @Brad_Faber

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, it was hardly a secret that one of the Detroit Tigers‘ biggest weaknesses was their bullpen, which ultimately posted a 4.29 ERA that ranked fourth-worst in MLB. The Tigers’ sloppy relief pitching was also on display during the 2014 postseason.

Heading into 2015, however, things may be looking up. Sure, the Tigers haven’t made many moves to improve the bullpen other than acquiring Alex Wilson in the Yoenis Cespedes deal and picking up Joakim Soria‘s option, but there is no reason a Tigers fan can’t engage in a little wishful thinking when it comes to hard-throwing righties Joel Hanrahan and Bruce Rondon. Maybe, just maybe, one or both might be poised to triumphantly return.

Hanrahan, of course, made a pair of All-Star teams and racked up 76 saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates between 2011-12. After appearing in only nine games for the Boston Red Sox in 2013, the Tigers took a chance on him last May, signing him to a one-year deal, but he never became healthy enough to take the mound. The Tigers are rolling the dice on him yet again, however, reportedly inking him to a minor league contract this past November.

When it comes to Rondon, fans have been waiting for the emergence of now 24-year-old for a couple of years. Heading into 2013, there was talk of him being the team’s next closer, which was a job he ultimately proved to be unready to tackle, leaving the Tigers to opt for an ill-fated reunion with Jose Valverde before Joaquin Benoit ultimately solidified the role.

Rondon did, however, eventually became an important contributor, pitching to a 3.45 ERA (3.01 FIP), 1.36 WHIP and racking up 30 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched. He was also expected to be a key member of the Tigers’ bullpen in 2014 before it was announced that he would be needing Tommy John surgery.

Obviously, there are still many question marks surrounding the Tigers’ bullpen such as the now 40-year-old Joe Nathan and the lack of a second left-hander, but there are a few bright spots. Al Alburquerque and Blaine Hardy had decent seasons in 2014, and Soria will almost certainly pitch better than he did for the Tigers last season. There is currently a certain amount of buzz surrounding youngster Angel Nesbitt as well.

If Hanrahan and Rondon can make it back, the bullpen may not be half bad in 2015.

Brad Faber is a Detroit Tigers writer and Sabermetrics columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Faber, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google. 

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