This one is a real head-scratcher to ol’Heckler . . . it looks as though the Tigers’ are set to announce the signing of veteran reliever Jose Mesa, best known as a Cleveland Indian who pitched last year for Colorado. The 40-year-old righthander (who ranks 13th on baseball’s all-time saves list with 320) went 1-5 with a 3.86 ERA last season. The deal is contingent on Mesa passing a physical exam this week, and is reported to pay in the neighborhood of $2.5 million.

As to why the Tigers would want to add the erratic Mesa to an otherwise solid pen is another question. Does he take the role of long reliever Jason Grilli? Is he simply brought in to add even more depth? Will he act as a role model for fellow Latinos Fernando Rodney and Wil Ledezma? Are the Tigers planning a trade that would affect their pen? Right now, it’s anyone’s guess.

Rumors were circulating today that Todd Jones’ name was being brought up in trade talks during the winter meetings, with Florida supposedly in the mix. Jones could definitely bring a left-handed bat Detroit so desperately needs, and the team could then slide Joel Zumaya into the closers role.

Elsewhere with Detroit, reports are still saying Baltimore is looking to have Marcus Thames in their outfield next year, even after acquiring Jay Payton. The only problem? The Orioles have nothing the Tigers really want, which is why they are trying to swing a three-way deal in order to have Thames wearing the Oriole orange next season. Stay tuned . . .

- The Heckler

This entry was posted on Monday, December 11th, 2006 at 12:01 am and is filed under Baseball Hotstove. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.