Detroit Tigers Trade Rumors: Latest Updates and Reaction

Big things were expected for the Detroit Tigers this season. There were few analysts and observers who didn't predict a second consecutive AL Central title and playoff spot for Jim Leyland's team. 

The Tigers haven't quite lived up to those expectations, however. Ask a Tigers fan, and they'd tell you plenty—with a dash of venom—of how badly their team has played so far this year. Third place in the division and 3.5 games back from the lead is not what anyone imagined. 

General manager Dave Dombrowski hoped the team could get by without addressing the needs at second base and left field, hoping that the in-house options would play just well enough. Unfortunately, the results have been disastrous, leaving the Tigers to look at filling those holes at the trade deadline. 

The Tigers will be involved in numerous trade rumors from now until July 31. We'll help keep you updated on the latest rumors, along with reaction and analysis. Just keep checking back for the newest information. Click over to the first slide and you'll get the most recent trade buzz.

Tigers and Cubs Working on Deadline Deal for Alfonso Soriano

Posted: Tuesday, July 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET

The likelihood of the Detroit Tigers picking up a middle-of-the-order bat just hours before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline seemed slim. Finding the right fit is even more difficult considering that the Tigers are looking for a short-term fill-in, as Victor Martinez is expected to be ready to play next season.

Nonetheless, one of the power right-handed bats available on the trade market is Alfonso Soriano. He's a tough sell for the Chicago Cubs with approximately $40 million remaining on his contract through 2014. No team is interested in taking on that salary. 

But if the Cubs eat some of that money, a deal could get done. Apparently, the Tigers are interested in Soriano under those circumstances. 

CSN Chicago's David Kaplan tweeted that the Tigers and Cubs were working hard on trying to make a Soriano deal happen, according to a source. As you'd expect, the hang-up was the money and who pays what. 

Soriano has had something of a resurgent season for the Cubs, batting .274/.324/.504 with 19 homers and 61 RBI in 380 plate appearances. If the Tigers are looking for a right-handed bat, that's a pretty good one.

He's even playing good defense in left field, according to Fangraphs' UZR, but Wrigley Field and Comerica Park are obviously two different scenarios defensively. 

However, I just don't see any way this trade gets made with the money on Soriano's contract. It might just be the most immovable deal in baseball. I can't see the Tigers taking on that contract, especially in a midseason trade deadline move. Maybe arrangements can be made during the offseason.

One thing to consider is that the Tigers and Cubs may be able to revisit this deal a month from now. Soriano's contract will surely pass through waivers, as no one will want to pick that money up. If the Tigers really want Soriano and can work out the money with the Cubs, maybe they can pick him up before Aug. 31. 

UPDATE: CBS Sports' Danny Knobler tweets that the Tigers are not getting Soriano.

With Victor Martinez a 50-50 Shot to Return, Tigers Seek Run-Producing Bat

Posted: Tuesday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m. ET

Are the Detroit Tigers now looking for a middle-of-the-order bat before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline? 

After getting Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez from the Miami Marlins last week, it was presumed that the Tigers were looking to add an additional complementary piece or two. Perhaps a corner outfielder to platoon with Andy Dirks or a bullpen arm.

However, according to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler, the Tigers are pursuing a run-producing bat to hit behind Prince Fielder in light of news that Victor Martinez's rehabilitation from knee surgery isn't progressing as well as hoped. 

At one point, Martinez was doing so well that it was hoped he might be able to rejoin the Tigers by late August or early September. No team would add a bat like that so late in the season. 

But Knobler's Tigers sources now tell him that Martinez's return is a 50-50 possibility, at best. That leaves the Tigers looking for a possible replacement.

Good luck with that. There aren't many options available on the trade market, especially considering that the Tigers are seeking short-term replacements. Martinez is still expected to be ready for next season, so Detroit doesn't want to be saddled with someone that might not have a spot on next year's roster. (Alfonso Soriano, for example.) 

This seems curious to me, as I can't imagine that the Tigers were really banking on Martinez's return this season. Of course, they were hopeful. Who wouldn't be?

But the chances of coming back from a torn MCL injury so soon seemed like a remote possibility. So are the Tigers really looking for someone to replace Martinez at this point? 

If the Tigers are really looking, however, two names that pop to mind are Carlos Lee from the Miami Marlins and Bryan LaHair of the Chicago Cubs. 

Lee hasn't had a great season, hitting only six home runs and slugging .396 for the Marlins and Astros. But he's a free agent after the season and a right-handed bat, two things the Tigers are reportedly seeking. 

LaHair was an early-season breakout with a torrid April that earned him his first All-Star appearance. But he's fallen off the table in July, batting .203 and slugging .254. 

Tigers Reportedly Made Offer for Cubs' Reed Johnson

Posted: Tuesday, July 31 at 11:00 a.m. ET

The Detroit Tigers are pursuing right-handed hitting outfielders in the hours leading up to Tuesday's trade deadline.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson was included in the deal that sent left-hander Paul Maholm to the Atlanta Braves. But before that arrangement was made, the Tigers were among three other teams that made an offer to the Cubs for Johnson. That's according to ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine. 

The Tigers are clearly looking for someone to pair with Andy Dirks in left field, preferably an outfielder who can also provide a good glove. 

Johnson hit .302/.355/.444 in 183 plate appearances for the Cubs. He was even more effective against left-handed pitching, batting .321/.367/.524. Adding to Johnson's appeal is that he can play all three outfield positions. He could have been a backup to center fielder Austin Jackson as well. 

With Johnson traded and the New York Mets apparently not interested in dealing Scott Hairston, there aren't many right-handed options left for the Tigers. At least not at the lower-cost the Tigers would prefer. Someone like Shane Victorino or Alfonso Soriano would demand far more, in terms of prospects or money.

Besides, the Tigers appear to be looking for a reserve, platoon type of player.

Scott Hairston Possible Trade Target for Tigers?

Posted: Monday, July 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET

The Detroit Tigers made their big trade deadline move last week when they acquired Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez from the Miami Marlins. But general manager Dave Dombrowski is still looking to add a couple of complementary pieces before Tuesday's deadline. 

According to Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi, the Tigers have shown interest in New York Mets outfielder Scott Hairston. The guess is that they envision him as a right-handed platoon to play with Andy Dirks in left field. 

Hairston has been outstanding against left-handed pitching this season, batting .315/.346/.621 with nine home runs and 26 RBI. For his career, he has an .838 OPS against lefties. Hairston has also played solid defense in left field, according to Fangraphs' UZR, which is an important consideration for the Tigers in Comerica Park. 

ESPN New York's Adam Rubin confirmed that the Tigers and Mets discussed Hairston, but said it was unlikely that a deal gets made. 

The Mets likely prefer to keep Hairston as a low-cost option, one who's being paid $1.1 million this season. The demotions of outfielders Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Lucas Duda to Triple-A Buffalo mean that Hairston will probably see much more playing time. 

Interest in Hairston shows that the Tigers still view left field—and maybe right field—as positions that could use upgrading. It appears that they will have to keep looking, however. 

Tigers Get Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez from Marlins

Posted: Monday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET

The Detroit Tigers were hoping to get a second baseman and starting pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline. They filled both needs with one deal on Monday afternoon.

Rumors had the Tigers interested in both Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez during the past couple of weeks. As MLive.com's Chris Iott reports, Detroit acquired both players in exchange for top pitching prospect Jacob Turner, Triple-A catcher Rob Brantly and pitcher Brian Flynn. 

The trade was originally reported by Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi. Just before the trade was reported, Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Marlins were "extremely disappointed" with the team's performance and ready to make some deals. In other words, time to sell. 

Infante returns to Detroit after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Tigers. This season. he's batting .287/.312/.442 with eight home runs and 33 RBI in 347 plate appearances. That's a significant upgrade over the .201 batting average and .562 OPS that Detroit got from its second basemen so far this year. 

Sanchez is 5-7 with a 3.94 ERA this season. But he's a pitcher capable of throwing 200 innings with 200 strikeouts, which is excellent for the middle of the Tigers' rotation. Sanchez is also capable of throwing a no-hitter, as he did in 2006 and almost did again last year. 

Did the Tigers make a good trade for Infante and Sanchez?

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski got one of the best second baseman available and perhaps the best starting pitcher that wasn't Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza. They filled two big holes with one trade. I don't know how you don't consider this a good deal for Detroit. This is a better team than it was 24 hours ago.

Yes, Dombrowski had to pay a steep price in prospects. Giving up Turner hurts, but he's been considered expendable since last winter and would've been traded in any deal for a starting pitcher. Brantly was blocked in the organization by Alex Avila. The Tigers got what they needed and didn't have to give up Nick Castellanos in the process. That feels like a win. 

Detroit has been looking for a second baseman since they let Placido Polanco go after the 2009 season. Now they have one through 2013. As an established veteran, Tigers manager Jim Leyland will presumably know how to use Infante now, which he didn't back in 2006-07.

If Dombrowski can sign Sanchez to a contract extension—something he's been quite good in his tenure as Tigers GM—this trade looks even better for Detroit. 

Tigers Still Interested in James Shields

Posted: Monday, July 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET

With Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza apparently moving out of reach for the Detroit Tigers, general manager Dave Dombrowski may have turned his focus to Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields.

According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, the Tigers and Los Angeles Angels scouted Shields on Friday night when he pitched against the Seattle Mariners. Shields was relatively impressive, allowing four hits over 7.1 innings. Curiously, Shields gave up three runs despite striking out 10 batters.

The Fox Sports duo mentions that the Tigers have also shown interest in Cole Hamels, but indications are that the left-hander might agree to a new contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Additionally, Shields would be under club control for another two seasons with two club options remaining on his contract. Hamels, of course, is set to be a free agent after this season. 

Can Tigers beat out Angels for James Shields?

The question with Shields is whether or not the Rays consider themselves sellers at this point. Tampa Bay is only 2.5 games out of a wild card playoff spot going into Monday's play. Trading away a good starting pitcher like Shields would effectively wave the white flag on the 2012 season, which could be difficult to justify. 

Of the pitchers that appear to be available, Shields could be the best fit for the Tigers. He's under contract for two more seasons and probably wouldn't cost as much in prospects as someone like Matt Garza because the Rays want to dump his salary. 

Shields has also pitched in the American League for his entire career, so there would be one less question for the Tigers to worry about. Unlike Ryan Dempster or Anibal Sanchez, Shields has succeeded against AL lineups, more impressively versus AL East competition. 

Anibal Sanchez Latest Starting Pitcher on Tigers' Radar

Posted: Monday, July 23 at 4:30 p.m. ET

After Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza, it's beginning to look like the next most popular trade target for teams seeking starting pitching will be the Miami Marlins' Anibal Sanchez. 

Late last week, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman tweeted that Sanchez was the most likely Marlins player to be dealt. USA Today's Bob Nightengale followed up with a rumor that the Atlanta Braves were showing interest.

Now, Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi says the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox scouted Sanchez's start in Pittsburgh on Sunday. 

Sanchez has a 5-7 record and 3.94 ERA this season. Though it hasn't been his best year, he's a pitcher that can give a team 200 innings and 200 strikeouts, two qualities that the Tigers would love to add to their rotation. 

One thing to consider is that Sanchez can be a free agent after this season, having gone through his three years of arbitration. How much would a team like the Tigers be willing to give up for what could possibly be a two- to three-month rental? 

Is Sanchez a good trade target for the Tigers?

I'm sure Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski would prefer to get a pitcher under club control for a year or two, as he did last year with Doug Fister. But getting a player who's going to be a free agent after the season is the game Dombrowski has to play if he wants to get a starting pitcher this year. 

My guess is that the Tigers prefer Matt Garza, given his experience pitching in the American League and one more arbitration year that keeps him under contract through 2013. But if trading prized prospect Nick Castellanos is the price for Garza, that's almost certainly a deal breaker. So the Tigers have to look elsewhere.

Sanchez threw a no-hitter in 2006 and came close to another one last year, so that's the sort of talent he has. His record doesn't necessarily reflect that, however, which gives Sanchez the appearance of a pitcher with unfulfilled potential.

Yet he's also pitched for some bad Marlins teams. As was the case with Fister last year, perhaps Sanchez will thrive playing for a winning team that can score some runs for him. 

Tigers Discussing Deal with Diamondbacks for Stephen Drew

Posted: Monday, July 23 at 4:00 p.m. ET

Last week, rumors about the Detroit Tigers' interest in Arizona Diamondbacks infielders Stephen Drew and Ryan Roberts hit the trade buzz machine. It appears that the two teams are still trying to work out a deal, but maybe with a bit more focus now.

Fox Sports Arizona's Jack Magruder reports that the Tigers and D-Backs have discussed a shortstop swap that would send Drew to Detroit with Jhonny Peralta going to Arizona. However, Magruder's sources told him that such a deal is "a long shot."

Peralta would give the D-Backs a starter at shortstop or third base (more likely third base), which they've been seeking all season. John McDonald or Willie Bloomquist would surely take over at shortstop for Drew. 

Drew obviously becomes the Tigers' shortstop, one who could potentially man the position for years to come if Detroit works out a contract extension for him. But Drew has yet to show he's fully healthy and ready to play shortstop again after recovering from a broken ankle. He also isn't hitting very well, batting .217/.273/.283 this season, which doesn't make him an upgrade over Peralta.

Should the Tigers trade for Stephen Drew?

The Tigers would surely love to upgrade at shortstop with Peralta taking a step back from his All-Star performance a year ago. But is Drew really an upgrade at this point?

Dombrowski has shown interest in Drew before. Or at least the D-Backs have offered him to Detroit previously. And getting a younger shortstop who could fill that position for the Tigers over the next few seasons is extremely appealing. However, Drew has many question marks surrounding him right now. 

To me, this looks more like a deal to pursue in the offseason, though Drew will probably be a free agent. So why take the risk now?

If Dombrowski wants Drew, go after him once the D-Backs let him go. This is a much better deal for Arizona right now, with Peralta filling an immediate need. For the Tigers, it's more of a deal for the future. 

Tigers Still Chasing Ryan Dempster

Posted: Friday, July 20 at 4:00 p.m. ET

Ryan Dempster is scheduled to start Friday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. There was some thought the Chicago Cubs would try to trade him before that appearance, but it's looking more like that won't happen. 

The Detroit Tigers are still among the teams showing interest in Dempster, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. 

CBS Sports' Danny Knobler tweeted that the Tigers want to find a "difference-making" starting pitcher. Dempster would likely fit that category as the major league leader in ERA. But how much do the Cubs want for him? And how much are the Tigers willing to trade for a pitcher who's set to become a free agent after the season? 

Knobler also reported that the Tampa Bay Rays are telling teams that James Shields is not available yet.

One difference-maker that you can scratch off the Tigers' list is Zack Greinke. Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi tweeted Detroit is not a serious player for the Milwaukee Brewers' right-hander. 

Is starting pitching the priority for the Tigers?

I've been asked that question by quite a few people in recent days, and I think it's become pretty clear that Dave Dombrowski is going after pitching. I don't know if the Tigers have abandoned their pursuit of an outfielder, but judging by the lack of trade buzz about that, I would say yes.  

Look at the most recent rumors: Ryan Dempster, Wandy Rodriguez, Darwin Barney, Clayton Richard, etc. We haven't heard about the Tigers and Carlos Quentin lately. 

Starting pitching and a second baseman appear to be the top items on Dombrowski's shopping list less than two weeks before the July 31 trade deadline.

Tigers Inquired on Padres' Clayton Richard

Posted: Friday, July 20 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Add the San Diego Padres' Clayton Richard to the list of starting pitchers the Detroit Tigers are checking in on before the July 31 trade deadline. Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reports that Detroit is one of three teams to inquire about the left-hander. 

This season, Richard is 7-10 with a 3.86 ERA for the Padres. He's made 20 starts thus far and his 135.1 innings pitched lead the National League. 

However, Richard would probably be a costly acquisition for the Tigers. He's 28 years old and is under club control through 2014 with two arbitration-eligible seasons remaining. As MLive.com's James Schmehl reports, Richard is being paid $2.7 million this season, agreeing to a contract with the Padres to avoid arbitration. 

Is Clayton Richard a pitcher the Tigers should pursue?

The Tigers want a left-hander for their starting rotation and Richard has been effective through his major league career. There's a concern with any Padres pitcher, in that the larger dimensions of Petco Park can make pitchers look better than they would in a smaller ballpark.

However, Richard isn't a fly ball pitcher. According to Fangraphs, 54 percent of Richard's batted balls have resulted in ground balls. That will play well in any ballpark, including Detroit's Comerica Park.

Unfortunately, ground balls also require a good infield defense for success, something the Tigers don't have. (Just ask Rick Porcello.) 

I'm sure some fans are also intrigued by Richard being a former University of Michigan baseball player (and one-time quarterback). I'm often a sucker for stories like that myself. I pull for the Michigan guys. Of course, that's irrelevant in this case. Dave Dombrowski doesn't care where Richard went to school, and most Tigers fans probably don't either. 

Tigers Among Three Teams Scouting Wandy Rodriguez

Posted: Friday, July 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET

For the second consecutive year, the Detroit Tigers are linked to Houston Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez in trade rumors.

According to CBS Sports' Scott Miller, the Tigers were one of three teams scouting Rodriguez's start against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Rodriguez wasn't impressive for those scouts, giving up five runs in four innings. In his past two starts, he's allowed nine runs and 11 hits in 10 innings of work.

During last year's winter meetings, MLB.com's Jason Beck reported that the Astros approached the Tigers about a potential deal for Rodriguez. But Detroit wasn't interested in paying the $36 million remaining on the final three years of Rodriguez's contract. And the Astros said they wouldn't take on any of that salary. So the deal was a non-starter.

Should the Tigers pursue Wandy Rodriguez?

The Tigers need a starting pitcher, but any interest in Rodriguez baffles me. For one thing, if general manager Dave Dombrowski wasn't interested in paying Rodriguez's salary through 2014 before, what would change his mind now?

Rodriguez is owed $5 million for the rest of this season. He's under contract for $13 million next year. And being traded would trigger a $14 million option for 2014. The Tigers are willing to pay top dollar, but $32 million for Rodriguez is clearly too much for them. 

Dombrowski surely prefers a strikeout pitcher, given how terrible the Tigers' defense has been this season. Rodriguez has decent strikeout stuff, averaging almost eight Ks per nine innings during his career. But he's also been a very hittable pitcher, allowing 8.9 hits per nine innings. Detroit's defense isn't going to help with that. 

The Tigers would love a left-hander in their starting rotation, and Rodriguez would fit in nicely after Justin Verlander and Doug Fister. But $32 million should get them a better pitcher. Unless Dombrowski wouldn't have to give up top prospects in exchange for picking up that salary, it's difficult to imagine him making this deal. 

Tigers Looking at Ryan Roberts and Stephen Drew?

Posted: Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET

At three games under .500 and six games behind the San Francisco Giants in the NL West, the Arizona Diamondbacks are increasingly looking like sellers at the July 31 trade deadline. The D-Backs have plenty of infielders that could draw interest on the trade market, which means they can expect to hear from the Detroit Tigers.

Actually, the D-Backs have already heard from the Tigers, according to Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi. Morosi's sources tell him that Detroit has recently checked in on shortstop Stephen Drew and utility man Ryan Roberts. 

The Tigers have shown interest in Drew before, but declined to trade Rick Porcello for him two years ago. At the time, Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski was happy with Jhonny Peralta at shortstop and Porcello was one of their best young pitchers.

However, Peralta has struggled this season, compiling a .745 OPS after putting up All-Star numbers last year. Porcello looks increasingly like a disappointment, racking up a 4.66 ERA this year and giving up the second-most hits in the major leagues. 

Porcello probably isn't a target for the D-Backs now. They have plenty of starting pitching, including several top prospects. Morosi speculates that Peralta could go to Arizona in a deal, giving them a player who could play shortstop or third base at a fixed cost of $6 million next season.

Would either Drew or Roberts help the Tigers?

I wrote two years ago that Detroit should have pulled the trigger on a Porcello-for-Drew deal. The chance to get a young everyday shortstop was worth the price of a young starting pitcher, even one who had shown as much promise as Porcello. 

Drew has to show he's healthy enough to play shortstop every day, having returned from a broken ankle. Since the All-Star break, he's swung a strong bat, hitting 5-for-15 (.333). But the Tigers might want to see Drew play more shortstop before deciding to make a deal for him. 

Roberts has declined terribly since last year's breakout season. The Tat Man has gone from hitting 19 home runs to an OPS of .640. But he could help the Tigers out at second base and provide a defensive option at third base for Miguel Cabrera, if needed.

It's a bit curious that the Tigers aren't interested in another D-Backs infielder, Willie Bloomquist. Since he can play shortstop, however, he might be in demand by more teams. So the Tigers are exploring the other options on the Arizona roster. 

James Shields Being Pursued by Tigers?

Posted: Tuesday, July 17 at 9:00 a.m. ET

If the Tampa Bay Rays decide to become sellers at the deadline, one player they'll likely look to move is starting pitcher James Shields. If Shields becomes available, the Detroit Tigers are interested in making a deal for him, according to CBS Sports' Danny Knobler. 

Shields hasn't been in his finest form this season. He's allowed 146 hits this season, the most in the majors. (Right behind him is the Tigers' Rick Porcello.) But a scout Knobler spoke with believed Shields would benefit from a change in scenery. 

Knobler also speculates that the Tigers could put an appealing package together for the Rays, centered around catcher prospect Rob Brantly, who compiled an .806 OPS with Double-A Erie before being promoted to Triple-A Toledo. 

Should the Tigers make Shields their primary pitching target?

Shields would be a great fit for the Tigers' rotation as a No. 2 or No. 3 pitcher behind Justin Verlander. He can give the team innings, which it sorely needs from a starter other than Verlander. Shields would also give opposing lineups a different look, relying mostly on his changeup to get hitters out rather than try to blow them away with fastballs. 

As Knobler points out, Shields would also be relatively inexpensive, owed the remainder of a $7 million salary this season with club options over the next two seasons that could be worth up to $21 million. That might be more than the Rays want to pay, but should fit the Tigers' budget just fine.

Unlike some of the other pitching options available, such as Ryan Dempster, Shields' seven seasons with the Rays give him plenty of experience against American League lineups. That's something that has to appeal to the Tigers. 

Ryan Dempster on the Tigers' Radar?

Posted: Tuesday, July 17 at 8:00 a.m. ET

The Detroit Tigers want to get a starting pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline. The pitcher they've been most associated with in trade rumors is Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. However, Detroit may be interested in Garza's teammate, Ryan Dempster, as well.

Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi—who's tuned in to the Tigers, having covered them for the Detroit Free Press—reports that Detroit and the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams showing the most interest in Dempster. 

ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine also reports that the Tigers have inquired about Dempster, along with Garza and second baseman Darwin Barney. Detroit will have to get in line for Dempster, however. Levine reported in another article that 10 teams have shown an interest in the pitcher.

Dempster leads the major leagues in ERA at 1.86, and there's a prevailing thought that the Cubs would like to trade him sooner rather than later because he's healthy now. In addition, if Dempster is dealt first, the focus can switch to Garza and the market for his services will increase.

Will the Tigers take Dempster over another pitcher like Garza?

I'm a bit surprised in the Tigers' interest in Dempster, given that he's not a big strikeout pitcher and I think that's general manager Dave Dombrowski's preference. But Dempster isn't a soft-tosser either. He can get the strikeouts when needed.

Perhaps most importantly, he can give Detroit's rotation innings to go along with Justin Verlander and Doug Fister.

I think there has to be some concern that Dempster has never pitched in the American League before. Additionally, Dempster is more of a ground ball pitcher and he won't have the infield defense behind him in Detroit that he currently has with the Cubs.

However, Dempster might be a cheaper acquisition than Garza, which may be why the Tigers are showing interest now. Cubs president Theo Epstein sought a large return for Garza over the winter, preventing these two teams from completing a previous deal for Garza. If the demands are the same, Dombrowski will try to see what he can get without having to deal prized prospect Nick Castellanos. 

Could Omar Infante Return to the Tigers?

Posted: Friday, July 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET

The Detroit Tigers have needed a second baseman all season. (They've actually needed one since letting Placido Polanco go in 2009, but let's have that discussion elsewhere.) 

Marco Scutaro looks like the only decent option available on the trade market. Competition for him figures to be pretty tough, with several teams needing infield help.

However, if the Miami Marlins decide that they're sellers at the trade deadline (and they really probably should), ESPN's Jayson Stark thinks their second baseman, Omar Infante, would be a good fit with the Tigers. 

After a hot start, Infante has cooled off a bit. But a .290/.314/.455 slash average with seven homers, 30 RBI and eight stolen bases is vastly better production than the Tigers have been getting at second base this season. 

Would the Tigers be interested in Omar Infante?

Infante is the player that got away for the Tigers. Personally, I don't think Jim Leyland liked him for some reason and never seemed that interested in playing him.

So Dave Dombrowski tried to get something for him and made a trade with the Cubs for Jacque Jones that was a dud for the Tigers. (Jones hit .165 in 90 plate appearances.) The Cubs flipped Infante to the Braves and he's been a solid middle infielder ever since. 

Now that Infante is a more established major leaguer and second baseman, maybe Leyland would give him more of chance. (Though I wonder if Infante would really want to play for him again.)

He could certainly help the Tigers. Not only could he give them a decent glove at second base, but he'd fit nicely into their lineup, probably in that No. 2 hole. 

What Stark's tweet didn't indicate is whether or not the Tigers have inquired about Infante. So maybe he's just trying to connect some dots. But if the Marlins make him available, this would be a nice move.

Tigers Looking for Offense More Than Pitching?

Posted: Monday, July 9 at 1:00 p.m. ET

A frequent argument among Tigers fans right now is whether the team should pursue starting pitching at the trade deadline or go after a bat that could fill the team's gaping hole at second base. 

One major league executive who's spoken with the Tigers told Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal that the team is more interested in adding offense than pitching. Besides second base, the Tigers could look to shore up the corner outfield spots.

Marco Scutaro would appear to be the only second baseman worth going after. His numbers are down this year, with a .277/.329/.372 slash average to go with four home runs and 24 RBI. But that's a vast upgrade over the collective .545 OPS that the Tigers have gotten at second base this season, the worst in baseball. 

Going after an outfielder like Carlos Quentin, Shane Victorino or—dare we suggest—Justin Upton would provide much more of a boost to the Tigers lineup.

Should the Tigers go after hitting or pitching?

I'm definitely of the belief that you can never have enough pitching. If the Tigers have a chance to get someone like Matt Garza who could be a strong No. 2 in the rotation behind Justin Verlander, that would make them a strong playoff team. 

But the Tigers have struggled this season because they don't have a deep lineup that can consistently wear out opposing pitchers. (This was a reason they lost to the Rangers in last year's ALCS to.) They're kind of an all-or-nothing lineup that hasn't gotten much from anyone besides Miguel Cabrera or Prince Fielder. 

Making pitching staffs have to work hard against the sixth, seventh and eighth spots in the batting order is what set the Rangers and Cardinals apart last year. Adding depth to the lineup with someone like Quentin would accomplish that.

Something else to consider is that acquiring a batter probably won't cost as much in trade as a top-flight starting pitcher. The Tigers can get a quality bat without having to reach for a second baseman. If this was the draft, we'd be talking about Detroit getting the best player available, rather than trying to fill a need. 

Tigers Feel Trade for Matt Garza Is Unlikely

Posted: Monday, July 9 at 11:30 a.m. ET

The Tigers are interested in Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza. Several insiders throughout baseball believe Detroit's greatest need at the trade deadline is for a starting pitcher. So this would be a great fit for both sides, right?

According to CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler, however, people in the Tigers organization are telling him that a deal for Garza is unlikely. (Knobler has good sources with the team, having covered the Tigers for MLive.com.) 

Opinions vary wildly among the rival executives Knobler spoke to regarding what the Tigers need. Some think a starting pitcher is the way to go, while others think second base is their biggest hole. Maybe the Tigers don't have to make a move, but just need to play better. And how much wiggle room is in the payroll after signing Prince Fielder? 

Still, in Knobler's view, the Tigers' plan of attack isn't as clear as it was a year ago.

Do the Tigers really see a deal for Garza as unlikely?

Even if the Tigers were pursuing Garza, general manager Dave Dombrowski wouldn't say so. That's just not his move. Though he might hint as to what the team was actually looking for, whether it was a power bat, starting pitcher or reliever. 

However, whomever is telling Knobler that a trade for Garza won't happen is probably speaking the truth. The Tigers had a chance at Garza in January, but the general sentiment was that Dombrowski didn't want to give up the prospects Theo Epstein wanted in return. So what's different now?

If the Cubs want Nick Castellanos, that's still a deal breaker for Dombrowski. So the Tigers might look elsewhere for pitching. 

Tigers Checked with Cubs on Darwin Barney

Posted: Friday, July 6 at 6:00 p.m. ET

Second base has been a black hole for the Tigers all season. The players Detroit has put at the position have combined to hit .198/.272/.266 with two home runs and 22 RBI. 

After being unable to acquire a player like the Braves' Martin Prado, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski decided no other second basemen were worth pursuing. He took a chance that the team's in-house options, such as Ryan Raburn and Ramon Santiago, would be adequate.

That risk has blown up in his face and Dombrowski is looking for a second baseman again at the trade deadline. But there isn't much help available. Look at this list at MLB Trade Rumors. It's Marco Scutaro and not much else. 

According to Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi, however, the Tigers took a shot at one other second baseman and called the Chicago Cubs to see if Darwin Barney was available. Barney isn't having a great season, batting .262/.307/.369 with three homers and 23 RBI. But that's an upgrade over what Detroit has been getting at second base. 

Morosi also reported in his tweet that talks between the Cubs and Tigers on Barney went nowhere. 

Will Tigers try to make a deal for Barney again?

Tigers fans will be happy to hear that Dombrowski is trying to find an improvement at second base. But he's reaching the same realization as he did during the offseason. There is very little help at that position.

Marco Scutaro is probably the Tigers' one great hope for finding a second baseman, and Dombrowski will work hard to acquire him. But he will likely end up deciding to pursue players who can improve the roster at other positions, such as the outfield. 

Would the Tigers be better by getting the best second baseman available, even if he's not very good?Or is it more sensible to upgrade the lineup with someone like Carlos Quentin in one of Detroit's corner outfield spots? 

Is Matt Garza the Tigers' Top Trade Target?

Posted: Friday, July 6 at 5:30 p.m. ET

The Tigers have shown interest in Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza before. Back in January, Detroit tried to make a deal with the Cubs for Garza, with CSNChicago.com's David Kaplan saying the two teams were "down the road" in trade talks, but that obviously fell through. 

Has Theo Epstein's asking price for Garza changed since January? Maybe. But Epstein might be counting on teams feeling some urgency to add a key piece that could help fuel a playoff run. The Tigers would definitely fit in that category. 

The Cubs appear to be doing their due diligence for a potential deal with Detroit. Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi tweeted that the Cubs had scouts watching the Tigers' Double-A club in Erie recently. Morosi added, however, that talks between the two teams are not serious.

Will the Tigers make a big push for Matt Garza?

Reportedly, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski was willing to include top pitching prospect Jacob Turner in a deal for Garza (or Gio Gonzalez, another pitcher Detroit was chasing in the offseason). But he drew the line at third baseman Nick Castellanos, seen as the organization's great position player hope. 

If Dombrowski didn't want to give up Castellanos in January, why would his mind have changed in July? Priorities may have changed for the Tigers, however, after signing Prince Fielder as a free agent. The expectation was to contend for the World Series even before getting Fielder. But once he joined the team, it became an absolute necessity. 

That sort of urgency may convince Dombrowski to give up his best prospect for a top starting pitcher like Garza. Garza would definitely give the Tigers a boost in their division title run. And he'd make their pitching staff awfully formidable in a playoff series. 

Would Tigers Pursue Shaun Marcum Again?

Posted: Friday, July 6 at 5:15 p.m. ET

Before the 2011 season, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski was interested in acquiring pitcher Shaun Marcum from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi. The Jays instead traded Marcum to Milwaukee in exchange for Brett Lawrie. The Tigers eventually signed Brad Penny that offseason. 

Morosi reminded his readers and Twitter followers about the Tigers' interest in Marcum last week, writing that he may be an option for Detroit if Marcum recovers from his elbow injury and the Brewers want to trade him. 

Before going on the disabled list, Marcum went 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 13 starts for the Brewers. He struck out 77 batters in 82.1 innings, which is the highest strikeout rate (8.4 per nine innings) of his career.

Marcum could be a nice addition to a starting rotation that hasn't provided much behind Justin Verlander this season. For the Tigers to make a charge in the AL Central and any progress in the playoffs after that, they'll need to add a starter.

Should the Tigers pursue Shaun Marcum?

Marcum lacks the star power Tigers fans would like to see in a trade deadline deal. But getting Doug Fister last year at the deadline worked out beautifully.

Additionally, Marcum might cost less than a top-tier pitcher like Matt Garza or Zack Greinke. That could leave Dombrowski with pieces to trade for a batter. 

However, Marcum was terrible in September and during the playoffs last season. That should concern the Tigers, who should try to determine if Marcum wore down or if there were some other issues at play.

Getting burned on Jarrod Washburn in 2009—who developed a season-ending knee injury—is a memory that still stings for everyone involved with the Tigers.