Odds and Ends: Putz, Byrdak, Graves

Today's linkage. J.J. Putz is out for at least a few weeks; the fantasy baseball world reacts. The Astros inked Tim Byrdak, selling him on an easy path to the big leagues. The 34 year-old southpaw had a 3.20 ERA last year, albeit with poor control. The Twins added former closer Danny Graves to their Triple A club. He's also 34. His peripherals weren't too impressive last year for the Long Island Ducks despite 33 saves. I did a Q&A with Dexter Sports. Unfortunately Corey Koskie doesn't seem anywhere close to coming back. Joe Sports Fan looks at baseball's "bespectacled...

Tigers Release Tim Byrdak

According to MLB.com's Jason Beck, the Tigers released 34 year-old southpaw reliever Tim Byrdak today. Byrdak stuck out 49 in 46 innings last year, but also walked 26. He had a lousy spring, and apparently Jim Leyland's confidence doesn't mean much. The Detroit Tiger Weblog is now wondering what the Tigers will do for a second lefty in the 'pen. There are various guys floating around (Aaron Fultz comes to mind), but no one markedly better than Byrdak. Currently there's nothing imminent in the Tigers' hunt for bullpen help.