"Money is one reason the Tigers haven't yet traded for, or signed, a fifth starter.

Multiple contract years — either assumed during a trade or essential to signing a free agent — also explains why an Edwin Jackson, or a Joe Saunders, hasn't been of interest to a team that needs help.

The only factor arguing against acquiring a seasoned starting pitcher is that the Tigers believe they already have a fifth starter, with more help either on the way or ultimately available to the club as trade chips.

Jacob Turner, Duane Below, Andy Oliver, Adam Wilk, Casey Crosby, Drew Smyly -- it is reasonable to believe one of the above will be in manager Jim Leyland's rotation at some point this spring and that at least one other pitcher will be part of a significant trade in 2012."