No World Series Winner Has Ever Traded For A Closer During The Season
By: Dennis Fithian
@dennisfithian
Blog assistance by intern Blake Meakin follow him on twitter @BlakeEMeakin
The Tigers need to find a closer. This much is agreed upon. Where to find that closer? According to the history, looking back at forty plus years of World Series winners, that closer won't be found during the season via the trade market. If history holds true the Tigers will find their eventual closer this year from within. Take a look below at World Series winners and who their closer during the regular and post season was.
World Series Winner -- Regular Season Closer --- Post Season (if not the same or committee)
2012 Giants – Santiago Casilla free agency in 2010; Sergio Romo 2005 draft (POSTSEASON)
2011 Cardinals – Fernando Salas undrafted free agent 2007; Jason Motte drafted (POSTSEASON)
2010 Giants – Brian Wilson 2003 draft
2009 Yankees – Mariano Rivera undrafted free agent in 1990
2008 Phillies – Brad Lidge offseason trade in November 2007
2007 Red Sox – Jonathan Papelbon 2004 draft
2006 Cardinals – Jason Isringhausen free agency in 2002; Adam Wainwright trade in 2003 (POSTSEASON)
2005 White Sox – Dustin Hermanson free agency in 2005; Bobby Jenks claimed off waivers in 2004 (POSTSEASON)
2004 Red Sox – Keith Foulke free agency in 2003
2003 Marlins – Braden Looper traded in 1998
2002 Angels – Troy Percival 1990 draft
2001 Diamondbacks – Byung-Hyun Kim undrafted free agent in 1999; R. Johnson and Schilling (WORLD SERIES)
2000 Yankees – Rivera free agent in 1990
1999 Yankees – See 2000
1998 Yankees – See 2000
1997 Marlins – Robb Nen traded in 1993
1996 Yankees – John Wetteland traded in 1995
1995 Braves – Mark Wohlers 1988 draft
1994 – no World Series
1993 Blue Jays – Duane Ward traded in 1986
1992 Blue Jays – Tom Henke free agent compensation in 1985
1991 Twins – Rick Aguilera deadline deal in 1989
1990 Reds – Randy Myers traded in December 1989
1989 Athletics – Dennis Eckersley traded in 1987
1988 Dodgers – Jay Howell traded in 1987
1987 Twins – Jeff Reardon traded prior to 1987 season
1986 Mets – Roger McDowell 1982 draft; Jesse Orosco 1978 draft (POSTSEASON)
1985 Royals – Dan Quisenberry undrafted free agent 1975
1984 Tigers – Willie Hernandez traded prior to 1984 season
1983 Orioles – Tippy Martinez traded in 1976
1982 Cardinals – Bruce Sutter traded in 1980
1981 Dodgers – Steve Howe 1979 draft; Dave Stewart 1975 draft (COMMITTEE)
1980 Phillies – Tug McGraw traded in 1974
1979 Pirates – Kent Tekulve undrafted free agent in 1969
1978 Yankees – Goose Gossage free agency in 1977
1977 Yankees – Sparky Lyle traded in 1972
1976 Reds – Rawly Eastwick; Will McEnaney 1970 draft
1975 Reds – Rawly Eastwick 1969 draft
1974 A's – Rollie Fingers signed by the Kansas City Athletics in 1964
1973 A's – see 1974
1972 A's – see 1974
