Tigers need to resign Neal among others

Twenty six saves later, and a Bronze medal around his neck, free agent Mudhens closer Blaine Neal could be looking for a major league contract. Neal had converted 17 of 17 save chances before the Olympic games. He never got the call to the parent organization in 2008, but his numbers speak louder than words.

If you haven’t heard his story, it also speaks volumes to Neal’s love of the game. Neal, who was drafted by the Marlins in ’96 was considered to have one of the best power arms of his draft class. Now at the age of 30, he battles to remain in the majors. Before last season, after his sixth organization, the Toronto Blue Jays didn’t resign him and the thirty year old was out of a job. Nobody seemed to have interest in him, so he started looking on websites for contact information and open fantasy camps. His former GM Dave Dombrowski and the staff put together for the fantasy camp seemed promising. So Neal packed his bags and took a chance. The Tigers only signed one player that day. Neal was brought in to add depth into the organization, but ended up being a big asset to this organization.  Could he be a big asset in 2009? That is yet to be seen. He could be a cheap option though, that could fill in a spot in the bullpen. And if there isnt room for him, he could fill in for injuries (since our bullpen never stays healthy).   Beyond Neal, let’s take a look at some minor league free agents that could be worth signing.

Ian Ostlund, LHP Toledo- After struggling during a Toledo call-up in 2007, Ostlund responded well to the lefty specialist position in the Mudhen bullpen in 2008. In 69 innings, Ostlund struck out 77 batters and only walked 17. He could be the cheap way out, instead of going after a Brian Shouse or Joe Beimel. Either way he could be yet another peice of depth in case of injury. It seems that Casey Fossum will not be back next season, and Ostlund could be the one to fill his slot, if pricing is too much for lefty relievers.

Other Minor League Free Agents:

Scott Thorman, 1B Atlanta Braves- With third baseman Kody Kirkland being a free agent, The Tigers could look to bring in a first baseman and keep Mike Hessman over at third. Thorman took the league by storm in 2006, when he debuted in Atlanta and hit 15 homers in 81 games. Last season, at AAA Richmond, Thorman hit 19 dingers and drove in 56 RBIs in 101 games. What makes Thorman unappealing is his consistently low OBP. Last season he had a .286 On Base Percentage.

Preston Larrison, SP Cleveland Indians- Yes, he is a former Tiger farm hand, but his numbers weren’t too bad last season. With the Mudhens he put together a 3.31 ERA in 29 starts. After being claimed from the Indians, He went 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA. He has never been a big strikeout pitcher, but with AAA Buffalo, his k/9 average was near 8. He does have an injury past, but it could be worth the signing. He would be a good replacement for the loss of Virgil Vasquez, and could make a good back end of the rotation alongside Eddie Bonine.

Eliezer Alfonzo, C San Fransisco Giants- It is always scary to consider a player who served a major suspension for steroid use, but catching is one of the positions that needs the most depth in the Tigers organization. Alfonso was considered for the starting job before being suspended in 2008. Now with top prospect Buster Posey, the Giants are unlikely willing to resign Eliezer. Alfonso is currently hitting .322 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs with the Caribes de Anzoategui of the Venzuelan Winter leagues. He could be an option, especially if James Skelton were selected in the Rule V draft.

Those are just a few names the Tigers should consider in the minor league market.