MLB Rumors: Detroit Tigers Need to Acquire Stephen Drew and Ryan Roberts

The Detroit Tigers are interested in acquiring shortstop Stephen Drew and utility infielder Ryan Roberts from the Arizona Diamondbacks, reports Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

Drew and Roberts, although not superstars, represent significant upgrades over their counterparts currently in the Tigers' infield. The Tigers need to jump on the chance to acquire one, or both, of the players in order to make it to the postseason.

While it's not clear as to how far talks have progressed, Morosi and Rosenthal (in the same report) mentioned that the Diamondbacks and Tigers have begun preliminary discussions regarding the players.

This is not the first time that the Tigers have had interest in Drew. Two summers ago, the Tigers were among one of many teams to be rumored to have interest. At the time, Drew was two years away from free agency. Now that he is scheduled to be a free agent after this season, the Diamondbacks may be inclined to ask for less.

In return for either player, there's a chance that Arizona could ask for Jhonny Peralta, as he could address their need for a shortstop or a third baseman next season.

While Peralta has been a better offensive contributor than Drew this season—.745 OPS compared to a .579 OPS—the real kicker in this deal is Roberts.

If giving away Peralta (and a few prospects) can bring both Drew and Roberts, the Tigers need to make this deal.

Their production at second base this season has been nothing short of atrocious. It's clear that the combination of Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn just isn't cutting it. Their combined OPS in 2012 is just .543.

While Roberts is also experiencing a bit of a down season himself, his numbers—.239/.287/.353, six homers, 32 RBI—represent a significant upgrade over the combination Detroit uses now.

Roberts also offers versatility and can play third base, the outfield and even shortstop in an emergency. This makes it easier to rest players like Miguel Cabrera, Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch and Quintin Berry.

Getting solid production from second base would only improve a team looking to make a statement. After signing Prince Fielder this offseason to add some more firepower to an already potent lineup, the Tigers have been a disappointment thus far.

They may be playing well right now, but a record of 47-43 is not what they had expected. They especially didn't expect to be in second place in the AL Central behind the Chicago White Sox, who are playing very good baseball. An upgrade or two for Detroit may be necessary to catch them.

While neither Drew nor Roberts will offer above-average defense, they are solid offensive contributors who can complement the power provided by Cabrera and Fielder.

Even if the Tigers acquire just one of them from Arizona, they'll be one step closer to making a playoff push.