The Tigers signed Jamie Walker for $900,000. Walker is a solid left handed reliever, and the Tigers would be hard pressed to find a free agent that could offer the same production at a better price. Walker struggled at the end of the season, but the entire bullpen seemed to collapse was roles changed with the loss of Urbina.

The Tigers also decided not to pick up Al Levine’s $1.1 million option. While Levine redeemed himself by pitching better in August and September, he was brutal before the All Star break. The fact of the matter is, Levine hasn’t had good peripherals. He isn’t overpowering enough to keep guys off balance, and he can’t strike guys out. Given the Tigers below average defense, the pitching staff has to keep the ball out of play and Levine couldn’t do that. If he can be resigned much cheaper (and especially to a minor league contract) he could provide some organizational depth. However, his option price was prohibitive.