Is B.J. Ryan Worth A Look?

Courtesy of Photbucket

Lost between BranTorino and the French Insurgency (Patent Pending) in yesterdays news cycle was the release of Toronto Blue Jays left-hander B.J. Ryan. The Blue Jays were Tigers like in sending Ryan packing while continuing to pay out the $15,000,000 remaining on his contract. The essential differences at play here are:

Ryan was, and in a sense still is, signed through next season.

Ryan is a left-handed reliever who was very recently a dominant force at the back end of the Orioles and Blue Jays bullpen.

And….The Tigers could be on the flip side of this particular situation, picking up Ryan for the prorated MLB minimum, taking a shot in the dark at a possible diamond in the rough.

Yes, I have seen Ryan’s numbers this year. In 20.2 innings this season he is 1-1 with a 6.53 ERA, 13 K’s, 17 BB’s and five home runs allowed.

I’ve also seen that in his career he’s saved 30 or more games three times, all in the AL East. Ryan has a career 3.37 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP with a career K per 9 ratio of 10.5 and happens to sport even better numbers historically in the final two months of the season. In August and September combined over his 11 year career B.J. has blown away hitters to the following tune:

200.1 IP, 42 saves, 2.43 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 230 K’s, 87 BB, K to BB ratio 2.64:1

Again, in the AL East.

Why do I keep bringing that up? Two reasons. If the Tigers intend on winning the AL Central they’ll need to play well against the AL East, as they will face teams from that mighty division 19 times in the seasons final two months (Rays 7, Red Sox 4, Orioles 4, Blue Jays 4). Secondly, if the Tigers are successful in their quest to reach the post-season they will have to play someone from the AL East en route to the World Series appearance they covet.

Before I go any further, Yes, I am aware of the following issues:

B.J. Ryan had major reconstructive elbow surgery in 2007.

B.J. Ryan has been awful in his limited work this season.

B.J. Ryan has seen a decrease in his velocity and is 33 years old.

Oh, and I almost forgot:

B.J. Ryan would cost the Tigers less than $200,000 to acquire for the remainder of this season, without having to give up a single player in return.

Let’s not forget he is also a six foot six inch left handed reliever who still has a big time slider and a 90 MPH + fastball with sinking action.

Is he a reclamation project? Absolutely. He could prove to be inept and worthy of the release the Blue Jays bestowed upon him. It is arguably the most likely result. So what? He is a classic low risk high reward opportunity. Even better, he’s a no risk high reward opportunity. If that is in fact the case then the Tigers have done little more than experiment, which is precisely what I propose they should do.

Due to his service time Ryan would have to accept an option to AAA Toledo, where he could conceivably pitch regularly for two weeks under the watchful eye of coaches. He would be available to medical staff, trainers, and other support personal and could be closely monitored by the big league club some 90 minutes away. If he can demonstrate velocity a late July call-up to work directly with Rick Knapp would be the next step. After a week or so of simulated games and bullpen sessions the decision could be made. Is he ready to help this team or should he pack his bags?

If nothing else positive were to come from this experiment, it might be nice to get some detailed scouting reports and information about AL East hitters he has faced so many times.

Of course B.J. would have to want to come here, which I believe he would. If Ryan is looking to continue his career, and only he knows that answer, it would make sense to sign with a team which could give him regular work and a chance to prove himself once again. This is how you re-build yourself.  What better way than to join a first place team in a pitchers ballpark with top tier starting pitching and next to no pressure? Until very recently Bobby Seay was the only usable left handed reliever in the Tigers bullpen. The cavalry came in the form of Fu-Te Ni, who has been impressive so far but remains a rookie with less than two weeks of MLB experience on his resume. Ryan could be that extra veteran left hander in the pen this team has been looking for.

It would cost Mike Ilitch 40,000 Hot N Ready’s, at the most.

A roster move would be required to make it happen, but little else other than a phone call and a check, assuming he clears waivers, which the Tigers could utilize if needed. This move would be a long-shot for certain, but sometimes long-shots win. When that happens it can make for one hell of a story while getting doused in champagne. It’s the kind of thing TV people love, and the kind of promotion a 33 year old lefty reliever looking for a second chance would salivate over.

Men in need work harder than men in comfort.

Financially Ryan is not in need, but if the competitive fire still burns in him, the one that made him an elite closer for a short time, nothing can satisfy it like success on a big stage.

I’m not recommending B.J. Ryan, at the end of this miraculous revival I’m imagining, should become the Tigers closer. He Shouldn’t. Fernando Rodney has done that job quite well this year. I envision Ryan working in a situational capacity at first, then perhaps in a 7th or 8th inning role and even possibly, potentially, as a fill-in closer when Rodney needed a rest in the last weeks of the season.

So there you have it, my long-shot pick for the second half. I can’t say I’m overtly confident in his return to glory, but I have no doubt that the cost to find out is too small to pass up.

Have a question or a comment? Leave your thoughts below or drop me a line at jelletlambie@gmail.com

Tags: B.J. Ryan, B.J. Ryan as a Detroit Tiger?, Detroit Tigers, Should the Tigers pursue B.J. Ryan