Detroit Tigers Links: V-Mart MVP, Benoit coming back & Papa Nathan

Jun 25, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) points to the sky after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington . Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers’ Victor Martinez is AL MVP – Gregory Philson, Rant Sports

“Martinez is hitting .330 on the season and has an OBP of .387. He is also slugging at a solid .610 clip and has driven in 52 runs this season. While he is primarily a designated hitter, the lack of defensive brilliance from Cabrera has not hurt his awards. Martinez has played 13 games at first and two at catcher. His offensive WAR is a sturdy 2.5 according to Baseball Reference; he is projected to smack 44 homers and drive in 114 runs. Martinez is a great complement to Cabrera, and that just makes the Tigers that much more dangerous. Detroit is looking like the team many people thought could be a World Series contender, and Martinez is a big reason why.”

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I can hear the whining from the Mike Trout fans-AGAIN. I agree with the writer that V-Mart is the MVP, however this might be Trout’s year. He is having a fine year again and some writers probably feel he’s due after being quote-unquote “robbed” the last two years by Miguel Cabrera.

Tigers scouring relief market, could show interest in San Diego’s Huston Street, Joaquin Benoit – James Schmehl, MLive

“Street, 30, is 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA and has converted 20 saves in 20 opportunities this season. He could be viewed as a potential replacement for struggling closer Joe Nathan, who entered Wednesday 15 for 20 in save chances with a 6.18 ERA. Benoit went 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA in 205 games in three seasons with the Tigers between 2011-13. He signed a two-year, $15.5 million contract with the Padres this past winter, which includes an $8 million option for 2016.”

Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Hell, why not get them BOTH? Seriously though, if the Tigers can get Benoit, they should jump at the chance. But just think, they could have had him without giving up anyone had they signed him after last year.

Joe Nathan channeling the spirit of Jose Valverde? – James Janke, Detroit Free Press

“It’s possible this is just a rough patch that Nathan will work through — after all, Nathan had one of the better years of his career last season in Texas — but it’s also possible that at age 39, he’s just no longer able to regularly pitch quality innings at the MLB level. Either way, we’re going to find out; Nathan is making $9 million this year to close, and the only other effective options Detroit has are Al Alburquerque, who still has a career BB/9 north of 5, and Joba Chamberlain.”

Sadly, I think Nathan is not just going through “a rough patch.” This rough patch has lasted 2/3 of the games he’s appeared in this season. The Tigers can’t continue to stick with him at closer, CAN THEY?!?!

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