Because that's the pick the Tigers have in the 2010 draft. And it makes sense for the Tigers to sign Jose Valverde, according to Smilin' Ken Rosenthal.
In theory, Valverde could increase his possibilities by considering offers to set up – the Cubs, for example, could sign him as protection for Carlos Marmol.
Valverde, however, probably will not want to settle for a reduced role. He led the National League in saves in 2007 and ’08, and converted all 17 of his chances with a 1.64 ERA after the All-Star break last season. His best outcome would be to close for one year, then re-enter the market.
The Tigers would forfeit a first-round pick for signing him – a significant obstacle. A team that finished with one of the 15 worst overall records last season would lose, at worst, a second rounder.
Prediction: Tigers
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
