Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Over the first 66 games of the 2015 campaign, it would suffice to say that the Detroit Tigers‘ bullpen has been better than most expected. However, even though Tigers relievers have managed to post a 3.36 ERA, which is currently the fifth-best mark in the American League, they have also posted a 3.90 FIP and a 4.26 xFIP, which may paint a more dire picture going forward.
Plus, even though Joakim Soria has been excellent, he recently showed that he is human in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, surrendering a walk-off grand slam to Todd Frazier in the 13th inning early on Thursday morning.
With the Tigers now sitting in third place and looking to claw their way back to the top of the AL Central, it would hardly be shocking to see GM Dave Dombrowski try to acquire another player or two before the non-waiver trade deadline at the end of next month. Much has already been made of the Tigers’ possible interest in adding another starting pitcher, but they cannot forget about the bullpen either. Of course, Bruce Rondon is still toiling in Triple-A Toledo and trying to make his way back, but the Tigers would be wise not to bank on him being a difference-maker this season. One guy they should consider trading for is Colorado Rockies closer John Axford.
During his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, there was a time when Axford was in elite territory, particularly back in 2011 when he went 46-for-48 in save opportunities while posting a 1.95 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Sure, he took a rather large step back in 2012 and bounced around quite a bit over the following two years, but he seems to have found his way once again with the Rockies in 2015.
Signed to a minor league contract in early February, Axford has posted a 1.37 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP while converting 12 saves in as many chances so far this year. His current 7.78 K/9 is below his career mark of 10.58, but his velocity is still plenty good. According to Brooks Baseball, the 32-year-old is throwing his average four-seam fastball at a speed of 96.02 mph. Perhaps most impressively, he is inducing ground balls at a 60 percent clip.
Bringing Axford to Detroit would make the bridge to Soria stronger, and he could also fill in as a spot closer on occasion. He may also be a more realistic and affordable choice for the Tigers than higher profile options such as Jonathan Papelbon and Aroldis Chapman.
Brad Faber is a Senior Writer and Sabermetrics Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Faber, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.
