MLB Trade Rumors: Tiger Push for Jimenez; Indians Target Ludwick, Pence To Phill

With just days before the MLB Trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians have ramped up their efforts to acquire the positional players they so covet.

The Indians have already acquired Kosuke Fukudome from the Chicago Cubs earlier this week, but are obviously looking to add another bat with equal or better power potential than Fukudome.

Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, reports that the Indians are making a “strong push” for Ludwick, despite the Rangers remaining the favorites to land him.

Ludwick did not play in the Padres series finale against San Diego Thursday night.

But the Indians aren’t the only team in the AL Central making some noise in the current trade market, as the Detroit Tigers have “…made contact (with Colorado) to discuss possible trade scenarios…” reports FoxSports.com.

It is no mystery that the Tigers have been hoping to land an elite arm to help bolster their starting rotation, but Ubaldo Jimenez could just be out of range for the Tigers.

Jimenez does have a history of not being that great of a second half pitcher, but a move to Detroit would be a far better situation for him than starting half his games in the most hitter-friendly park in the majors, Coors Field.

The Phillies are doing their best to counter the defending World Series champs’ blockbuster acquisition of Carlos Beltran, but making a significant push for Astros outfielder Hunter Pence.

It was originally reported that the Phillies initial offer was Single-A right-hander Jarred Cosart, and Single-A first baseman Jonathan Singleton, but that may not be enough.

Now, Jon Heyman on Twitter reports that there is a sense that if the Phillies sub Domonic Brown for Singleton, the deal will get done.

Both parties could benefit from this deal. The Astros are looking to build up from quality youth, while the Phillies are looking to upgrade in the outfield to stave off those pesky Giants and Braves.

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