The Tiger’s Ninth Inning Solution

By: Jonathan Teich

In 2011, as the Detroit Tigers were making their run to the American League Championship series, every fan knew when Jose Valverde danced his way onto the mound the win was guaranteed.

Valverde converted every save opportunity during the 2011 season and finished the season with 49 saves, and extended his streak to 51 consecutive regular season saves which began in 2010 with the Houston Astros.

So heading into the 2012 season Tigers fans had high hopes that Valverde, also known as, Papa Grande, would be just as successful. Instead he performed his best Jekyll and Hyde impersonation and performed terribly all season. Instead of ensuring a victory he was only good for a potential heart attack.