MLB Rumors: Kyle Farnsworth
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Fernando Rodney blew a save Wednesday -- serving up a solo shot to Jose Bautista -- and was replaced by Joel Peralta, who, if Rodney is removed from the closer's role, figures to pick up some save chances moving forward.
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The Toronto Blue Jays are still looking to add a relief pitcher and CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman tweeted earlier this winter that the club wants a setup man capable of closing. Such an arm shouldn't be too difficult to find, but the free agent market has thinned of such veteran relievers with ninth-inning experience.
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The Tampa Bay Rays, led by skipper Joe Maddon, pitching coach Jim Hickey and GM Andrew Friedman, already have proven they know how to build a bullpen for cheap and use them optimally. The club's relief corps led the American League in ERA at 2.88 in 2012. Is there a a chance they are better in 2013?
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Tuesday Kyle Farnsworth's name was linked to the Toronto Blue Jays, in theory, since the club is reportedly looking for a setup man who can close on occasion. Farnsworth, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, has narrowed his choices to three teams. Rosenthal adds via Twitter that among the clubs in the market for late-inning relief are the Blue Jays, Mariners, Rays, Marlins, Mets and Tigers.
Perhaps the contender that needs the most help late in games is the Tigers, who appear set to let Jose Valverde, their closer in recent years, leave via free agency. As of now, their projected closer is rookie Bruce Rondon, with Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit also possibilities.
With Rafael Soriano now off the board, Farnsworth may be among the most sought after relievers remaining, suggesting the buzz on him could pick up some and he may choose a destination relatively soon.
Others still available include Juan Carlos Oviedo, Francisco Cordero, Mark Lowe, Guillermo Mota, Brandon Lyon, Matt Lindstrom, Matt Capps, Kevin Gregg, Jon Rauch, Francisco Rodriguez and Valverde.
Perhaps the contender that needs the most help late in games is the Tigers, who appear set to let Jose Valverde, their closer in recent years, leave via free agency. As of now, their projected closer is rookie Bruce Rondon, with Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit also possibilities.
With Rafael Soriano now off the board, Farnsworth may be among the most sought after relievers remaining, suggesting the buzz on him could pick up some and he may choose a destination relatively soon.
Others still available include Juan Carlos Oviedo, Francisco Cordero, Mark Lowe, Guillermo Mota, Brandon Lyon, Matt Lindstrom, Matt Capps, Kevin Gregg, Jon Rauch, Francisco Rodriguez and Valverde.
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