NERIS TO THE DETROIT TIGERS
The Tigers are just on the outside of the American League playoff spots, but are squarely in the race. Their 49-46 record has them 7.5 behind the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central Division race, eight back in the loss column, but they are just four out of the final AL Wildcard berth.
Closing for the Tigers is ‘KRod’ himself, Francisco Rodriguez, and the 34-year old veteran who seems to have been around forever is having a solid season in that role.
However, the primary right-handed setup options for manager Brad Ausmus have proven less than ideal. No one from among Alex Wilson, Bruce Rondon, Mark Lowe, or Shane Greene has been overly impressive, and some have been downright disappointing.
Neris would immediately become the Tigers primary righty setup option, seeing most of the high-leverage 8th inning action, and he would be a big improvement over any of those options already with the team.
This might be the perfect fit of Neris with a team that needs him. If Detroit GM Al Avila would come off JaCoby Jones, and if the Phillies are able to overcome his two minor league suspensions for a “drug of abuse”, it might bring back a potentially dynamic offensive player.
If the Phils find Jones too much of a risk, perhaps lefty Kevin Ziomek could attract them. He could arrive by next season to step in as a left-handed option at the back of the rotation.
I don’t think the Tigers would come off Beau Burrows, Derek Hill, or Christin Stewart, arguably their top three prospects. Everyone else is suspect to me. So while Neris makes sense to Detroit, what the Phils would get back in return is a bit problematic.
Next: NERIS TO HOLLYWOOD