Detroit Tigers: Three Players That Should Be on the Trade Block
Shane Greene RP
Greene has often been an inconsistent reliever for the Detroit Tigers, bouncing back and forth from a sub-three ERA to one above five. He is rather familiar with the closer role and has served in that capacity more than once in his career. Ultimately finding much success there this season. In previous successful seasons, he found the transition difficult to that role, yet he has excelled there this season.
In 2018, Greene was rather consistent from April until August- September saw him struggle excessively, as he surrendered 12 earned runs in just 9 innings. His 5.12 ERA would likely have been around the 4 mark if he could have avoided such a disastrous month. Such a season would place his stats in line with 2017 and 2019, yet he took some time to adjust to the closer’s role.
Greene does not threaten to overpower anyone that he faces, despite being rather dominant in the first half of 2019. He relies upon a 93 mph sinker and 88 mph cutter to set up his 81 mph slider. They work in tandem, as he has strikeout a batter per inning and produced an equal amount of groundballs to flyballs.
He relies on precision to work the zone due to the fact that he lacks the stuff to rear back and fire it by opponents. However, this method could be equally successful if not more so because there has been a stunning amount of home runs on fastballs this season.
A modest salary of 4 million for this season and an extra year of arbitration control makes him a tantalizing choice, who will not require an overly abundant return. His track record provides enough that a solid return will be received, yet not enough to be considered too much.
Some teams that may be considering a move for the sinker-baller are the competitors for the NL East- the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. He was originally considered to be an option for the Mets, who are in dire need of bullpen assistance, yet they seem to have fallen from legitimate contention. The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are two more NL clubs that may be seeking the depth that Greene can provide them with.