Report: Detroit Tigers sign closer Joel Hanrahan

Apr 10, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Joel Hanrahan winds up against the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions have added some fire power to their bullpen and have answered the question ‘who will sign Joel Hanrahan’ as the team has reportedly reached a deal with the closer. According to the Detroit Free Press, as well as CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, the Tigers are set to announce this afternoon that they have signed Hanrahan to a major league contract.

"The Tigers have a deal with two-time All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan, sources tell CBSSports.com.Detroit has called a conference call for noon ET to announce the signing."

According to Heyman, while Hanrahan was an All-Star closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he will likely end up being the setup man for Joe Nathan in Detroit, replacing Phil Coke. The move gives the Tigers a huge arm to add to their bullpen and could end up serving as a dynamic one-two punch when paired with Nathan as closer.

Detroit was already looking to be a World Series favorite entering the season and this move coupled with the season they’re having makes them even more unstoppable than they already seem to be.

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