Todd Jones

2013

There was no outlook written for Todd Jones.

2008

Jones topped 35 saves for the third year in a row and is poised to do so again. The Tigers had talked of having him give way to Joel Zumaya during the 2008 season but those plans were dashed with the news of Zumaya's shoulder injury. Jones doesn't have good stuff, relying on contact to get people out. Manager Jim Leyland tries to only bring him in to start an inning rather than having Jones come in with runners on as that has often been disastrous. His ERA won't be pretty, but Jones will still get plenty of save opportunities as long as he has the faith of his manager.

2007

Jones finished 4th in the AL with 37 saves last season. He owes a lot of his success to the Tigers using him almost exclusively at the start of an inning when the bases are empty. Because Jones lacks a strikeout pitch he has to pitch to contact and that is a dangerous proposition in tight ballgames with men on base. Provided the Tigers continue to use him in a similar manner in 2007 he should remain a relatively effective closer despite his mediocre stuff.

2006

When Guillermo Mota faltered as the Marlins closer, Jones stepped in and had a career year. The Tigers snapped him up as a free agent, hoping he can continue to relive his late-90s glory days with the organization, but he's just as likely to revert back into the entirely mediocre pitcher they chased out of town in 2001.

2005

Jones went to camp with Tampa Bay, was released, pitched well for Cincinnati, was traded to Philadelphia and pitched okay for them. People have been writing Jones' obituary for years, but his 11 wins led NL relievers. It goes without saying he won't do that again, but the venerable sinkerballer isn't done yet.

2004

Jones still has something left in the arm. He'll try to nail down a set-up role with the Devil Rays.

2003

Jones is first in line to replace Jose Jimenez should the Rockies trade or demote him. The Rockies did well to revive Jones' career after a horrendous 2001.