It's not like the Tigers haven't tried to solve their issues in the bullpen through baseball's amateur draft. They have - particularly in 2008. But it hasn't worked out for them.
The Tigers took college relievers with their first four picks in the '08 draft. First-round pick Ryan Perry (Arizona) has reached the major leagues, but been hauntingly inconsistent.
Second- and third-round picks Cody Satterwhite (Mississippi) and Rick Green (Kentucky) have hardly pitched in 2010 or this season because of injuries. The fourth-round choice that year, Brett Jacobson (Vanderbilt), is having a good season in Double-A ball. Problem is, it is in the Twins' system. He was the pitcher traded to Baltimore for Aubrey Huff in 2009 - and has since been traded to the Twins.
The Tigers selected college closer Chance Ruffin from the University of Texas with the 48th overall pick in last June's draft. He is holding his own, but hasn't been spectacular at Double-A Erie this season. Despite being drafted just last year, Ruffin is advanced in terms of age. He will turn 23 in September. The Tigers, obviously, need him to move quickly.
It's not like the Tigers totally missed in the '08 draft, though. Catcher Alex Avila (Alabama) was their fifth round pick.