In order to be competitive in the AL Central for 2011, the Detroit Tigers need to bolster their bullpen by targeting relievers, specifically setup men, this winter, according to MLB.com’s Jason Beck.

“The free-agent market, we’re going to look for some relievers,” manager Jim Leyland said. “We need help, and that’s where we’re going to get it, we think. We’re hoping to get it through maybe some free agency.”

Leyland made it clear that Detroit needs bullpen help whether it’s through free agency or trades.

The Tigers are set with Jose Valverde as closer, but the team will look at adding setup men to complement Ryan Perry, Bobby Seay, Zach Miner, Phil Coke and Joel Zumaya. However, it won’t be cheap for Detroit in the middle relief market.

Some candidates the Tigers could look at include Scott Downs, J.J. Putz, Joaquin Benoit, Arthur Rhodes and Jesse Crain.