Tigers affirm interest in re-signing Anibal Sanchez

Eager to keep his rock-solid pitching staff intact, Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed his team's interest in re-signing right-hander Anibal Sanchez this offseason, as reported by Jennifer Hammond of FOX 2 Detroit.

Sanchez posted a stellar 1.77 earned-run average over three postseason starts this year for the Tigers, and proved to be more than just a notable mid-season addition after being acquired by Dombrowski from the Miami Marlins in July. Although Sanchez is sure to field plenty of lucrative offers from interested franchises, the Tigers may very well present the best opportunity for him to succeed.

If the Tigers are unable to keep Sanchez in town though, promising left-hander Drew Smyly would be the first player called upon to join the rotation. Dombrowski told George Sipple of The Detroit Free Press that he could see Smyly as the team's No. 5 starter if needed, but that the young lefty would need to earn it first and foremost:

Dombrowski: "We'd love to welcome back and have Anibal Sanchez back."

— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) October 30, 2012