3 teams that should think about signing Francisco Rodriguez

The Detroit Tigers had seen enough from Francisco Rodriguez, releasing the struggling veteran reliever from the organization on Friday after the 35-year-old posted an abysmal 7.82 ERA in 28 appearances this season.

Rodriguez, who began the year as the team's closer, not only lost his job in the ninth inning, but also managed to lose his command and ability to perform in critical situations, which eventually led to his release.

Despite his down year in the Motor City, K-Rod still has a resume that includes 437 career saves, a 2.86 career ERA, and a strikeout rate of 10.5 per nine innings. He also saved 44 games last season.

With that in mind, here are three teams that could take a chance on Rodriguez.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins own the worst bullpen ERA (5.20) in the American League and their starting rotation isn't exactly strong either (4.92 ERA). Yet, they've somehow managed to compete for top spot in the Central this season, sitting just 2 1/2 games back of the Indians.

Closer Brandon Kintzler (19 saves in 22 chances), southpaw Taylor Rogers (2.45 ERA, 1.17 WHIP), and 26-year-old Tyler Duffey (.239 opponents' average) have been reliable for the Twins, but after that things haven't been great.

Adding a proven veteran such as K-Rod could potentially help Minnesota in its chase for the division crown, while providing stability at the back end of the 'pen. Plus, Rodriguez will most certainly come at bargain since he's already collecting a paycheck from the Tigers.

The Twins have also been a thorn in the side of Rodriguez all season (.455/.455/.818), so he'd surely appreciate not having to face them anymore.

Oakland Athletics

If Rodriguez is adamant about finding a job fast, the Athletics may be a good fit, especially if he's willing to play for near the league minimum, which is right in Oakland's price range.

The Athletics are 11 games under .500, but they're still only seven games out of a wild-card spot and they need relief help.

Oakland made their 'pen a priority over the past two seasons, signing veterans Ryan Madson, John Axford, and Santiago Casilla, yet the unit sits 26th in baseball in ERA this year.

Some of K-Rod's most successful seasons came while pitching on the West Coast - albeit at a much younger age - when he saved 208 games for the Los Angeles Angels, so perhaps a return to that side of the country will reignite his success.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals are one of baseball's best teams, but one area of concern for the NL East leaders is their bullpen, which sits last in the NL in ERA (5.04), opponents' average (.272), and strikeouts (191).

Washington has already reportedly been linked to a plethora of relievers including Mark Melancon, Kelvin Herrera, Pat Neshek, David Robertson, and Tony Watson, but with Rodriguez on the market - and his price tag presumably low - the Nationals could take a chance on the veteran.

K-Rod did have success in the NL as a closer with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, saving 178 combined games, but he'd surely pitch in whatever role he was asked to if picked up by a contender.