Detroit Tigers: 10 Free Agents to Target to Get to 2012 World Series

While the Detroit Tigers head into the offseason on a not-so-high note, they have a promising outlook ahead. 

The core of the Tigers is relatively young and very talented.  The Tigers have the luxury of keeping the vast majority of the team under contract through next season.  Therefore, only a few key additions will be necessary.

With some big contracts coming off the books this winter, the Tigers will have the opportunity to make a run at several free agents that can make this good team a great one. 

Here are 10 free agents that can help the Detroit Tigers advance to the 2012 World Series. 

10. Joel Peralta: Relief Pitcher

There is no question that one chink in the Tigers' armor is the bullpen.  While Al Alburquerque emerged as a fantastic option in late innings, and Joaquin Benoit turned it on in the second half of the season, there are no other relievers that the Tigers feel comfortable bringing in at certain points in a close game. 

Peralta's numbers don't lie: 2.93 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 61 K's during the 2011 season.  

While he will be 36 during the 2012 season, he would immediately provide a veteran presence in the Tigers' bullpen and give Leyland a viable seventh inning option. 

9. Kelly Johnson: Second Baseman

While his numbers were down during the 2011 season, there is no doubt that Johnson would immediately improve the second base position with Detroit, as it has been a "revolving door" throughout the majority of the season. 

Ramon Santiago's defense has never been a concern, and his bat came on strong down the stretch and in the playoffs; however, it is unreasonable to assume that he can be an everyday player, since he is best suited for the utility role. 

Johnson hit 21 home runs in 2011 and would provide some power out of the second base position, since Guillen, Sizemore, Rhymes and Santiago combined for eight home runs all season.  He also has a career .343 OBP, which would be a positive for a team that struggled to get consistent production from any second baseman.

8. Aramis Ramirez: Third Baseman

There are many out there who feel this position is not a true concern.  Some feel that Brandon Inge's postseason surge was a sign that his career is not truly finished.  They also believe that a platoon of Kelly, Betemit (if re-signed) and Inge would more than suffice.

I am definitely not one of those people.  The Tigers have the tools necessary to win a championship, so why not add a proven hitter that immediately would make the Tigers lineup one of the best in Major League Baseball?

Ramirez hit .306 with 26 home runs and 98 RBI's during the 2011 campaign.  The Tigers had very limited production from the third base position, with 45 RBIs and eight home runs this season. 

There is no question that Ramirez would be a huge contribution to the Tigers in 2012, and he would get a chance to play for a contending team. 

7. Coco Crisp: Outfield

If there is one thing the Tigers lack, it is speed.  Austin Jackson cannot be the only player who can steal a base. Therefore, the Tigers need to find an answer: Coco Crisp.

Crisp was tied for the A.L. lead in stolen bases with 49 last season.  The entire Detroit Tigers team had 49 stolen bases through all of the 2011 season.

Defensively, Crisp would fit well in Comerica Park, considering the well-known spacious outfield.  He had a .997 fielding percentage with Oakland in 2011.  To put this in perspective, Austin Jackson, who is a Gold Glove candidate in center field, had a .992 fielding percentage. 

While the outfield is a not a dire need for this Tigers team, there is no doubt Crisp could help catapult this franchise to new heights in 2012. 

6. Jose Reyes: Shortstop

Another weak spot for this Tigers lineup is the leadoff hitter.  While Jackson had a stellar rookie campaign, he is not ready to be a true leadoff man. 

Reyes could give the Tigers and their lineup a huge exclamation point. 

He is coming off his best season, hitting .337 with a .384 on-base percentage.  He is a true leadoff hitter and could provide the Tigers with many RBI opportunities throughout the 2012 season. 

Many have made it known that Jhonny Peralta came to Detroit to play shortstop and would probably become angry at any chance at a position change. 

However, I believe Peralta is the ultimate team player.  While he may not like the position change, there is no doubt he would welcome Reyes to the Tigers organization, as he would most certainly provide a catalyst for a 2012 championship. 

5. Kyle Farnsworth: Relief Pitcher

Is it time for the return of Kyle Farnsworth?  Why not?

Farnsworth is coming off his best season with a 2.18 ERA in 63 games, which is only 0.01 lower than his ERA while a member of the Tigers and Braves in 2005. 

While he has a career ERA upward for 4.00, he has a big right arm that has gotten better each year for the past three years. 

While it is unlikely that the Rays will decline his option for 2012, he could provide a much-needed boost for the Tigers' bullpen if they decide to go after him.

4. Michael Cuddyer: Infield/Outfield

There is no question that Cuddyer would be an asset to any team.  His ability to play multiple positions, his .284 average with 20 home runs, and his "anything for the team" mentality will make him a popular free agent during the winter.

Cuddyer could provide a bright spark in the Tigers lineup while making it incredibly difficult to get through every hitter each and every night.

While he has only known the Minnesota Twins organization, one can never tell what will happen.  It may be a long shot to nab Cuddyer, but if he is available and for the right price, why not take a shot?

We can all imagine.

3. C.J. Wilson: Starting Pitcher

Even though his postseason numbers have not been impressive this season, his regular season numbers look outstanding.

He went 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA, 206 Ks and a 1.19 WHIP. 

Wilson has strung together a few impressive seasons lately.  He is still relatively young at age 31 and could contribute to a very young and talented Tigers' starting rotation.

There are many who feel Jacob Turner should be given a shot at the fifth starting spot; however, it is critical that the Tigers have a lefty in the rotation, and Turner is simply not ready to take on that pressure-filled role just yet. 

2. Mark Buehrle: Starting Pitcher

In my opinion, the first option for the fifth spot in the Tigers' rotation should be Mark Buehrle. 

He won 13 games with a 3.59 ERA with a struggling team in 2011. While he has had some on-and-off moments over the past year, when Buehrle is "on," he is one of the best pitchers in baseball.

His veteran presence could definitely contribute to a young rotation led by ace Justin Verlander.  Buehrle would provide the Tigers with a solid left-handed pitcher every fifth night that is difficult for any hitter to face; also, he would provide the Tigers with some time in order to continue developing their top prospects, namely Turner and Andy Oliver.

1. Prince Fielder: First Baseman

While this probably comes as a huge surprise, Prince Fielder would obviously provide a tremendous boost to an already potent Tigers lineup.

Imagine a lineup with the middle three, four and five hitters being Cabrera, Fielder and Martinez.  We all remember the days of Cecil Fielder; perhaps it is time for another Fielder to wear the olde English D. 

His .299 average, 38 home runs and 107 walks would be such a huge bonus to a Tigers team that is on the cusp of being one of the best teams in baseball.

While Fielder is a first baseman, let us not forget that Cabrera spent many years with the Florida Marlins organization playing the hot corner.  Cabrera's fielding percentages are a bit lower at third base, but there is no doubt that his work ethic in the offseason could help to improve those numbers. Sacrifices are always made on the journey to a championship.

This may be a large pipe dream, but it would be difficult to beat a Tigers lineup with Fielder as a member.  His presence would automatically catapult this Detroit Tigers franchise to the best in the American League, if not all of Major League Baseball.