In just his first offseason in charge, new Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila made wasted no time in addressing the team’s lingering Achilles Heel—the bullpen.
Avila had a solid foundation to build upon with Alex Wilson, Blaine Hardy and Drew VerHagen, but more help was needed. Much more.
Avila brought in elite set up men Justin Wilson and Mark Lowe via trade and free agency respectively, but his most noteworthy move where relief pitchers were concerned was the acquisition of Francisco Rodriguez.
To add Rodriguez, the Tigers only had to part with blocked infield prospect Javier Betancourt.