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Jose Valverde

Jose Valverde

The 5 MLB Teams That Can't Afford to Fail at the Trade Deadline

With the July 31 trade deadline looming, less than two weeks remain for teams looking to make a non-waiver deal.

The deadline represents an integral period of time for both contending and rebuilding organizations. Contenders, like the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, must decide if this year is theirs and sacrifice a bit of the future to improve the present.

Detroit Tigers Struggling Offense or Closer Jose Valverde: Which Is Worse?

The Detroit Tigers have quite a few glaring weaknesses for a team that leads its division by 4.5 games, namely struggling closer Jose Valverde and an anemic offense that only shows up for six innings a night.

Detroit Tigers: Make Two Key Moves in Bullpen Including Naming Valverde Closer

After a lackluster start to the season by the bullpen, the Detroit Tigers made two big moves on April 23 to try and stabilize it.

Detroit Tigers Sign Jose Valverde to 1-Year Deal

The Detroit Tigers chose not to bring Jose Valverde back to the team after the 2012 season, but fate has a strange way of bringing two sides together. 

Valverde will sign a one-year deal to return to Detroit, as confirmed by the Tigers' Twitter account, and he will take over as the team's closer when he gets to town:

Detroit Tigers Should Not Bring Jose Valverde Back as Closer

Earlier in spring training, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland spoke about his surprise that last year's closer Jose Valverde is still a free agent. According to Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press:

MLB Free Agency: Latest Talks on Top Players Still Available

Although spring training is just under way, there are still a number of quality free agents available who could have a big impact with a team.

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers : Team Grades from ALDS Game 1

Of the four Division Series matchups, this one probably featured the most different teams.

The Athletics exceeded almost everyone's expectations with rookies and other youngsters, while the Tigers were on the outside looking in for most of the season despite their high expectations with superstars like Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder on the roster.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jonathan Papelbon Should Be Next on Trading Block

It is Jonathan Papelbon, not Cliff Lee, whom the Phillies should be trying to move via waiver trade this month.

MLB Free Agency: Jose Valverde, Kevin Youkilis and 5 Contract-Year Disasters

Whenever an athlete is playing on the last year of his or her contract, it is crucial to have a good season in order to parlay that success into a long-term deal.

No matter a player's age, if he shows he can perform at a substantial level, he will greatly enhance his chances of a long-term deal.

Every free-agent class has its top-tier players, but for every good player that maintains their previous levels of excellence, such as Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke, there are guys who do not perform as well when the money is on the line. 

Detroit Tigers Struggling to Make Returns on Investment on Highest-Paid Players

Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Jose Valverde account for $73 million of the Tigers' payroll this year.

And nearly thirty games in, General Manager David Dombrowski might well be asking himself if the Tigers are seeing the type of returns expected from such a large investment.

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Best of the American League
Tampa Bay
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Boston
19%
Chicago
7%
Minnesota
10%
Los Angeles
17%
Texas
27%
Total votes: 270

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