Looks like one of the top candidates to lose his closing role due to the presence of sexier options has locked down the job for 2007. With the disabling of set-up man Fernando Rodney with shoulder issues, Todd Jones is as safe a bet for saves as any closer in the league.
He is so safe that there exists no immediate options to close if he hurts himself right now. The Tigers are recalling starter Zach Miner and putting him in middle relief. Is he any worse a bet than Jose Mesa?
With a minor league career K/9 of 6.7, there is some room to hope a move to relief will increase that rate. With HR/9 over the same time of 0.65, there exists more room to hope for a successful transition to middle relief.
The Tigers need it.