That's what he says according to Lynn Henning's story in today's Detroit News...

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090130/SPORTS0104/901300313/1004/SPORTS

What a boost to the bullpen, and the pitching staff in general, this would be... Joel also says his arm feels like it did in 2006.  If that's the case, and if Rodney and Lyon can be effective in their roles, this could be a fun season after all.

Good article from Jason Beck on the Tigers website...

Among the highlights from Leyland, who spoke last night at a charity dinner for the CYO in Toledo:

Joel Zumaya is making good progress down in Lakeland.

Jeremy Bonderman looks stronger than ever.

Dontrelle Willis, according to Leyland, looks better than at any point last year.  Of course he has yet to face any hitters in 2009.

There will be an open competition for the #5 spot in the rotation during spring training, although Leyland will not name all of the participants.

Something might be done in the next four to five weeks to bolster the bullpen.

I certainly hope so.

TG

I've just received word the Tigers have signed reliever Juan Rincon to a minor league deal and have invited him to camp.  Rincon spent last season with the Twins and Indians.

His ERA was something like 5.98, so he should be a perfect fit for the Tigers bullpen!  No, I don't think he would be the answer as far as a closer is concerned.  Hopefully, Brandon Lyon is still being considered for that job.

EDIT (by Ian): Last season, Rincon posted a 5.86 ERA in 55.3 innings, with 39 strikeouts and 24 walks.  Right-handers hit .279/.340/.419 against him, while lefties batted .323/.414/.510.

His best season was probably 2004, during which he struck out 106 batters in 82 innings, finishing with an 11-6 record and 2.63 ERA.