Papa Grande's time is up in Detroit and possibly in baseball. With Brian Wilson still looking for work, the Tigers should give the former San Francisco Giants closer a chance.
Wilson wasn't tendered by the Giants as the closer went under the knife this season and had season ending Tommy John surgery.
It goes unsaid, the team that signs Wilson will be taking a risk as the right-hander is still going through rehab and at a very slow pace. However, what do the Tigers have to lose?
Yes, their offense faltered in the World Series which is the reason why they lost, but Jose Valverde looked useless as the closer. He saved one game in the 2012 postseason. There was no exhilarating dance from the always animated closer who went a perfect 49-49 in save opportunities in 2011.
He finished the 2012 postseason with a 30.38 ERA allowing nine runs in 2.2 innings pitched. Ouch!
So why not take a chance with Wilson, who when healthy, proved to be one of the most elite closers in the game. From 2008-2011, Wilson saved 163 games, peaking at 48 in 2010, when he won his first World Series as a Giant.
The seven-time All-Star is 30 years old meaning he still has a future in baseball. We've seen multiple pitchers (Tim Hudson, A.J. Burnett, Josh Johnson, Steven Strasburg, Joe Nathan, Kerry Wood and the list goes on) who've bounced back well in their careers post the surgery.
The Tigers would pack an exciting clubhouse with baseball's most intriguing characters everything from the peaceful Prince Fielder to the always cool and hyperactive Justin Verlander. Wilson could bring even more attitude to the Tigers team.
The Beard would be very appropriate, whether wise, especially if the Tigers play in October once again.
