Detroit Tigers Trade Targets: Latest Trade Rumors

It's starting to get interesting folks!

As the trade deadline approaches (July 31), the trade talks intensify, and the Tigers figure to be deep in the discussions from here on out.

So what exactly are they targeting? From all accounts, a new starting pitcher, which makes sense given the struggles of the No. 5 spot in the rotation as well as Brad Penny's continuous roller coaster ride.

That being said, their name is also being thrown around in discussions of position players as well.

Anything goes this time of year, so we will take a look at the most recent trade rumors and how probable each of these prospective moves might be.

Hiroki Kuroda, RHP, Dodgers

If all the rumors are true, it appears this is the guy that the Tigers are targeting. He is a very good pitcher with a solid earned run average (3.11) and a less than stellar record (6-13). That is more of a testament to a lack of run support; Kuroda is pretty good.

He also is a free agent after the season and apparently is not wild about leaving Los Angeles.

The problem with Kuroda is that the Tigers are not the only team that is interested, and if they get into a bidding war with New York or Cleveland, they may give up more than they are willing to, or should, give up.

However, if Dombrowski were able to not only get him but keep him away from a rival like Cleveland, it would be a double whammy.

That being said, I think he would cost too much considering how many teams are interested. I don't see this happening.

Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP, Rockies

A 27-year-old ace with no-hitter stuff and a contract that is cheap through 2014? Now why on Earth would Colorado trade this kid?

Well, they are the Rockies, not exactly known for their baseball prowess. But there is no way they would give him up without a king's ransom.

It has been speculated that Jimenez discussions would at the very least cost the Tigers either Rick Porcello or Max Scherzer plus some of their top talents in the minors.

For Dombrowski, this has got to be a tough call. On the one hand, he needs to win now, and Jimenez most certainly would make the Tigers the favorite to make the postseason, a spot he needs to reach in order to gain another contract.

On the other hand, Jimenez would cost nearly all of the blue-chip pieces that Dombrowski has accumulated over the years, leaving the minors yet again barren.

All things considered, Dombrowski has the stones to make this kind of blockbuster. But again, I think the Yankees could offer more and have arguably a bigger need here.

This is not likely to happen.

Rafael Furcal, SS, Dodgers

OK, just checking to see if you are still paying attention.

But yes, ESPN mentioned Furcal as a potential target of Detroit.

Why? You've got me; I have no clue. He is hitting below Mendoza, is on the wrong side of 30 and plays a position that is a strength of ours.

Just a ridiculous rumor.

B.J. Upton, Outfield, Rays

See Furcal, Rafael for a comparison of ridiculousness. But the Associated Press is floating this as a potential target.

He plays centerfield, a position that is not of need for us, and has an anaemic obp of .307. He has some pop in his bat, but you need to get on base to be of use as the centerfielder.

Dumb rumor.

Erik Bedard, LHP, Mariners

Apparently, according to CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler, the Tigers are no longer in the Bedard sweepstakes.

This somewhat baffles me. The Mariners are floundering and need bats desperately. Casper Wells or Andy Dirks could step in immediately and start for them. They are not at a loss for pitchers, and Bedard is a free agent after the year anyway.

Why the Tigers don't take a run at him is anyone's guess. Perhaps they are gunshy after the Jarrod Washburn debacle.

Aaron Harang, RHP, Padres

Now this is my darkhorse. I have been saying for a month now that Harang is the perfect fit for the Tigers. He has given up three or fewer runs in eight of his last nine starts, he has an opposing batting average of .259 and has only 34 walks in over 100 innings. To put that into perspective, Jimenez has 47 in just a slightly higher amount of innings.

Harang is a workhorse that has only failed to go six innings once in his last nine game, and in that game, he went five and a third. In the National League, with the propensity for double-switching, that is an accomplishment.

Harang would easily upgrade the rotation, taking pressure off of Scherzer and Porcello.

He also is a free agent after the season and would not cost nearly what Kuroda or Jimenez would generate.

Wandy Rodriguez, LHP, Astros

OK, so I haven't heard his name connected to the Tigers. However, according to Jon Paul Morosi, they had a scout at the West Michigan Whitecaps (class A) game last night.

Rodriguez would fit a need, and his name has been on the trading block. He is a lefty in a rotation starved for one.

However, he isn't all that effective right now. In his last six starts, he has given up four or more runs four times, including three five run games.

He has a solid era of 3.60 and doesn't walk many hitters, but we would have to get him for cheap for this to be a good move, and I don't see that happening.

Personally, I kind of hope the Tigers are in talks for Hunter Pence or Michael Bourn if Houston is a real player right now.