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06:09 PM ET 11.27 | The Detroit Tigers made it through the American League playoffs in 2012 without the use of a traditional closer. Their stated plan this winter is to avoid paying for saves and to head into next season with 21-year-old right hander Bruce Rondon, a man who has never thrown a major league pitch but throws so many minor league pitches in excess of 100 miles per hour, penciled in as their ninth inning man. Meanwhile, the most impressive closer in the league last season, Rafael Soriano, has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Yankees and is seeking a new deal. His timing, it seems, couldn't have been worse. With Mariano Rivera nearing a deal to re-claim his job in New York and major market clubs like the Dodgers and Angels already sewing up their bullpen issues, Soriano is likely regretting leaving $14 million on the table in his quest for a multi-year contract.

Rafael Soriano, AP Photo/Tomasso DeRosa

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November 28, 2012 12:09 AM ET

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The headline and the story seem to be saying completely different things.

williewilliejuan

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November 28, 2012 01:02 AM ET

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Most impressive closer in the league? Fernando Rodney says hello.

PoppinFresh

Rancho Cucamonga , CA

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November 28, 2012 07:55 AM ET

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Tigers will sign a 9th inning guy. Count on it.

...the best policy

Harrodsburg, KY

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November 28, 2012 09:13 AM ET

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Why is his timing bad??? Whoever wrote this is an idiot...there will be plenty if teams lining up for his services....

Sgt. Schultz

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November 28, 2012 09:23 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 01:02 AM ET 11.28 by PoppinFresh

Most impressive closer in the league? Fernando Rodney says hello.

Thank you.

The Moose

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November 28, 2012 03:04 PM ET

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He pitched really well for The Yankees!!!

Not4Nutten

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November 28, 2012 05:09 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 01:02 AM ET 11.28 by PoppinFresh

Most impressive closer in the league? Fernando Rodney says hello.

ugh

h2opololpunk

Gainesville, FL

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November 28, 2012 06:53 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 01:02 AM ET 11.28 by PoppinFresh

Most impressive closer in the league? Fernando Rodney says hello.

Mariano Rivera says hello. He's by far the most impressive until he has a bad year or retires.

CardsFan2

Saint Louis , MO

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November 28, 2012 07:59 PM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 06:53 PM ET 11.28 by CardsFan2

Mariano Rivera says hello. He's by far the most impressive until he has a bad year or retires.

By far. I was just referring to this last season.