Detroit Tigers: Updating 10 Big Stories To Follow After MLB Winter Meetings

With the recent conclusion of the winter meetings, there are still many unanswered questions swirling around the Detroit Tigers.

Many fans expected the Tigers to make a big splash via free agency or trade during the meetings, while others thought they would stay relatively quiet.

While the Tigers managed to bolster their bullpen, they still have needs that have yet to be filled.

Are they satisfied with their current roster going into spring training?  Will they make a big move in the coming months?

Let's update the 10 biggest and most recent Detroit Tigers stories.

10. Collin Balester

Even though Balester has not spent a full season in the minors, Dombrowski and the Tigers are looking forward to the addition of Balester to the Tigers bullpen.

There is no question that Balester will be in the big league bullpen when the season starts in April, and his big right arm is a welcome addition to the bullpen.

In a recent report by the Detroit Free Press, Dombrowski was quoted as saying Balester was brought in because he gives more options to the Tigers than Perry did.

“We need someone who can pitch multiple innings, and Balester has shown he can go three or more innings,” Dombrowski said.  “He’s more apt to do that than Ryan. He’s been a starter. Ryan wasn’t guaranteed a spot on our club. He should benefit from a change of scenery.”

The numbers are not too appealing, as he had a 4.54 ERA in 35.2 innings with the Nationals during 2011, the Tigers are looking for improvement from the young righty.

9. Octavio Dotel

The recent signing of Octavio Dotel gives the Tigers an immediate boost to their bullpen.  Dotel allows Jim Leyland, as well as all Tiger fans, to relax a little bit more during the seventh and eighth innings.

Even though he is 38 years old, Dotel is coming off a relatively successful season.  His 3.50 ERA in 54 innings is a welcome addition to a bullpen that add a great deal of up-and-down moments during the 2011 season. 

Tigers fans should be impressed at his work during the 2011 postseason, as he boasted a 2.61 ERA in 10.1 innings with opposing hitters only managing a .139 average. 

8. Austin Jackson

Unfortunately, Austin Jackson has no idea what his role will be when the 2012 season rolls around.

However, it is a certainty the Tigers are looking for fewer strikeouts and better offensive numbers next year.  Jackson struck out 181 times during 2011, and since he is the one sure speed threat the Tigers have in their arsenal, each strikeout means fewer running opportunities for Detroit.  

Jackson's role next season will be based largely on their offseason moves.  He is not a leadoff hitter, which is the most likely reason they are after Yoenis Cespedes. 

After his tremendous rookie season, there is no question that Jackson has the potential to be a great player.  An improvement is necessary, and there is no question that the Tigers are working with him now in order to prepare him for the upcoming season.

7. Maicer Izturis

One of the rumors heard around the end of the November was the possible trade for Angels infielder Maicer Izturis.

While this is probably not a possibility anymore, as the Tigers have recently re-signed Ramon Santiago, one can still assume there is a small chance for the Tigers to make this deal.

Perhaps the Tigers would look for a platoon role including both Santiago and Izturis; this would give both players a chance to rest a bit more during the season.

Izturis has the edge in career batting average (.275) and may be looked at as a possible leadoff hitter for the Tigers in 2012.  MLive.com recently reported that Dombrowski is unsure of his leadoff situation.

“Will Jackson be our leadoff hitter next season? We really can’t answer that question,” Dombrowski said.

6. Gio Gonzalez

There is no question that the Tigers are in need of a fifth starter.  However, Dave Dombrowski has recently stated that he is looking for a starting pitcher, but he is fully committed to giving one of the young prospects a chance at the starting rotation.

The Detroit Free Press recently reported that Dombrowski is looking at every opportunity to improve his club. 

"We’re exploring everything. Oakland has made it clear that except for a player or two they’re open to talking about anybody."

The addition of a high-quality pitcher like Gonzalez would be incredible for an already-great starting rotation that is extremely young. 

The chances of the Tigers pulling off this trade may be slim, as the A's are looking for a talent-laden trade, which would most likely have to include third base prospect Nick Castellanos and future ace Jacob Turner.

Unless the Tigers can package a deal that interests the A's, don't expect this move to happen any time soon.

5. Coco Crisp

If Detroit were to trade away the services of Delmon Young in order to get Martin Prado, there will be a hole in left field.  They may take a look at signing veteran outfielder and speedster Coco Crisp. 

With a career batting average of .275, there is no question that his experience in the AL Central is one of the largest reasons for the Tigers having interest in the aging outfielder.  He has played for both Cleveland and Kansas City, accumulating five years of experience with or against AL Central teams.

It may also be possible that the Tigers are looking at Crisp to not only fill a possible hole in left field, but he may also be asked to take over the duties as a leadoff hitter. 

His ability to run once on base is definitely something the Tigers are looking at to fill their desperate need for speed, especially since Crisp stole more bases than the entire Detroit Tigers team during 2011 (49 total).

Whether or not Prado comes in remains uncertain, however, Crisp's name may come up again very soon in relation to the Detroit Tigers.

4. Aramis Ramirez

One of the holes the Tigers need to fill is the gaping one at third base.  While the Tigers seem prepared to platoon that position with both Brandon Inge and Don Kelly, there is no question that the acquisition of Aramis Ramirez would be an incredible offseason move for the Detroit Tigers.

Coming off a season where he hit .306 and accumulated 93 RBI for the Chicago Cubs, Ramirez would immediately make an already-potent Tigers lineup even more devastating for opposing pitchers. 

Recent rumors suggest both the Brewers and the Phillies are in hot pursuit of Ramirez.  The Brewers are desperately trying to fill the offensive hole left by the recently departed Prince Fielder, while the Phillies are looking to shore up third base with an aging Placido Polanco coming off an injury-induced shortened season.

If the Tigers are able to outbid the Brewers and Phils for Ramirez's services, they will immediately become the best team in the American League.

Note: Aramis Ramirez signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as of December 12th.

3. Martin Prado

One of the more recent rumors surrounding the Tigers is the possible trade for Martin Prado.  While the Braves declined this trade a few weeks back because they were not interested in the services of Delmon Young, ESPN recently reported that they may revisit this trade in an attempt to get some power in the middle of the lineup.

The acquisition of Prado would be an incredible boost to Detroit, as they have lacked offense out of the second and third base positions for quite some time. 

He is a career .293 hitter, who is coming off a lower-than-average season at the plate.  However, he has a career .294 batting average and has hit over .300 three times in three straight seasons.

Don't be surprised if we hear about this trade again in the coming weeks.

2. Starting Pitcher...

The Tigers know they need a starting pitcher.  However, they have the advantage of knowing that they have a pitching-heavy farm system that could be called up anytime.

Detroit has been linked to a few free-agent starting pitchers, most recently Mark Buehrle and Roy Oswalt. 

However, the Tigers feel they have the young pitchers who could step up and fill the fifth spot in the rotation during spring training. 

Pitchers like Jacob Turner, Andy Oliver, Duane Below and Drew Smyly are all possibilities for the fifth spot.  MLive.com recently quoted Dombrowski has stating he is fully confident in his young staff.

“We’re open to be in a position where we listen to anything, but we think that if we have our four starters that are established that we would go on with the young guys as a fifth starter,” Dombrowski said.  “We think that we have more than one that might be able to step up. We’re not looking for them to be our fourth starter.”

If the Tigers decide to go after a free-agent pitcher, it will be someone who is simply a fifth man, in much the same way as Brad Penny filled the Tigers' need during 2011. 

1. Yoenis Cespedes

One thing is for sure: The Tigers are definitely going after Yoenis Cespedes.

If the Tigers can pull off the signing of this young star, the outfield in Comerica Park will be well taken care of for years to come.  Cespedes brings an element of speed and power to Detroit, and if the Tigers lack anything, it is speed.

While the Tigers will have to outbid a great number of teams in order to win the services of Yoenis Cespedes, it would appear that they are one of the top three teams that could sign him to a large contract. 

Cespedes is full of potential, and the Tigers have had their eye on him for quite a while.  When he hits the market, which will be very soon, look for Detroit to hit the ground running in their pursuit of his talents.