Tigers expressing interest in Rafael Soriano?

The Detroit Tigers may be pursuing free agent closer Rafael Soriano, according to Peter Gammons.

The respected baseball analyst said on MLB Network that Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has spoken with Scott Boras, Soriano's agent, about acquiring the closer. Soriano, the ten-year pro from the Dominican Republic, has played for the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, and the New York Yankees.

With Mariano Rivera sidelined all season with an injury, Soriano pitched in 69 regular season games as the Yankees' closer, posting 42 saves with a 2.26 ERA. In three postseason appearaces, Soriano tossed 4-1/3 scoreless innings.

Soriano, 32, is said to be seeking around $60 million over a four year contract. The Tigers do have a recent history with clients of Boras, including Prince Fielder, Magglio Ordonez, and Ivan Rodriguez. Detroit is in the market for a closer as three-year Tiger closer Jose Valverde is a free agent.