Matt Anderson

After posting a 13.97 ERA during spring training, Anderson was sent to Triple-A Toledo, where he spent the entire 2004 season. He could make it back to the majors sometime this year, but it won't be with the Tigers, who released him over the offseason.

Anderson started the season as the team's closer and got hit very hard, eventually losing the closer's spot and being sent to the minor leagues. He never managed to show consistency upon being called back, after having to try to re-invent himself at Triple-A Toledo. He'll be in the closer mix for the Tigers, but he's probably behind Danny Patterson, Al Levine, and Fernando Rodney in the pecking order, although manager Alan Trammell managed to change closers a number of times last year.

A torn muscle in his right shoulder cost Anderson four months (surgery wasn't needed), but Anderson at least had the dedication to take his rehab seriously and make a courtesy appearance at the end of the year. A lot of people will concede the closer job to Franklyn German, but he still has to beat out Anderson. One caveat -- the Tigers would love to deal Anderson, if possible, as he's already worth a fair amount of money for a 26-year-old reliever. He's in the second year of a $9.7 million contract.