Ausmus wants left-handers with right stuff

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has already stated his potential desire for two left-handed relievers in his bullpen, something the Tigers didn't always have in past years. That does not, however, mean he wants two lefty specialists.

If Ausmus is going to carry two lefties, he would like to count on one of them to be able to retire right-handed hitters in more than a one- or two-batter role.

"You'd like to have a lefty who can get both out," Ausmus said, "and then also have that lefty ideally that can get a big left-handed hitter in the eighth inning with the game on the line to get you out of that inning."

That thought process, Ausmus said, could also be flipped, providing use for a right-handed reliever who can retire left-handed hitters. Al Alburquerque and Joaquin Benoit fit that profile last year.