Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 19

ESPN.com

columnist Jayson Stark

"Third base appears to be the Phillies' first order of business once the free-agent negotiating period starts. But they don't seem to have a clear-cut top choice among Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco and Adrian Beltre. DeRosa is a great fit in many ways, but there are concerns that he's never played 75 games in any season at third base. Polanco has sent signals he's open to playing third for his old team, but he has started only 38 games at third base in the last seven seasons combined. And while Beltre is probably the best pure baseball fit, he figures to want a longer contract than the Phillies are interested in offering. So this hunt could still move in a lot of different directions. Pedro ..."

Possible Tiger Trades

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November 18

SI.com

"Curtis Granderson, Edwin Jackson, Brandon Inge, other Tigers: All three of those Tigers have tradeable contracts. Granderson ($25.75 million over three years) makes sense for the Yankees, Cubs and others, Inge ($6.6 million) for the Phillies, Orioles or Angels and Jackson (arbitration eligible) for just about everyone."

Washburn could draw big interest

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November 18

Foxsports.com

"Jarrod Washburn was one of the most coveted starting pitchers on this year's midseason trade market, before the Mariners dealt him to the Tigers. But he was a disappointment in Detroit, going 1-3 with a 7.33 ERA in eight starts. Only later did we learn that a painful left knee — one that required surgery in October — was largely to blame. Now, the 35-year-old left-hander feels healthy. And if teams believe he's capable of replicating this year's first-half success — 6-6, 2.96 ERA — Washburn could become one of the more attractive free agent pitching options this winter. "The surgery on the knee wasn't real extensive," Washburn told FOXSports.com in a Wednesday e-mail. "Dr. (Lewis) Yocum ..."

Tigers' Edwin Jackson visits soldiers at Fort Benning

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November 18

Detroit News

"Tigers pitcher Edwin Jackson returned to the Fort Benning Military Base in Columbus, Ga., earlier this month to conduct a youth baseball clinic. Jackson lived at Fort Benning as a youth. Jackson was accompanied by his parents, Edwin Sr. and Regenia, on his return trip for Fort Benning. Edwin Sr. is a retired Army Sergeant First Class."

Tigers' Justin Verlander finishes third in AL Cy Young Award voting

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November 17

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander finished third in voting for the American League Cy Young Award. Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Royals won this afternoon in voting by 28 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Greinke earned 25 first-place votes and three second-place votes for 134 points on a 5-3-1 scale. Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners was second with two first-place votes, 23 seconds and one third for 80 points. Verlander received one first-place vote, but no seconds. He had nine third-place votes for 14 points. C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees was fourth with 13 points, and Toronto's Roy Halladay was fifth with 11 points. Greinke's 2.16 ERA was lowest ..."

Tigers ace Justin Verlander third in AL Cy Young voting

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November 17

Michigan Live

"Kansas City Royals ace Zack Greinke will remember this week for the rest of his life. He was named the American League's Cy Young Award winner today, and is getting married Saturday. Greinke led the major leagues with a 2.16 ERA, posting a 16-8 record and 242 strikeouts. Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers finished third behind Greinke and Seattle's Felix Hernandez in balloting by 28 members (two per league city) of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Hernandez (19-5, 2.49 ERA, 217 strikeouts) got two first-place votes and Verlander received one. Verlander went 19-9 and tied for the major league lead in wins, while leading the majors with 269 strikeouts, 240 innings pitched ..."

Shortstop Scutaro open to staying with Jays

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November 17

Foxsports.com

"Teams are inquiring about free agent Marco Scutaro not just as a shortstop, but also as a second baseman, according to his agent, Peter Greenberg. One team even asked if Scutaro would consider moving to third. Scutaro, who played Gold Glove-caliber defense for the Blue Jays last season, will "entertain all possibilities," Greenberg said — including a return to the Jays on a one-year deal if, as expected, he is offered salary arbitration. The Jays offered Scutaro a contract extension during the season and another after the season ended, Greenberg said. Scutaro wants to explore the free-agent market, but he likes the city, team and manager Cito Gaston, who gave him his first chance to play ..."

Greinke gets one more win: AL Cy Young

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November 17

Kansas City Star

"Zack Greinke’s sweep of the major awards is complete after being named the American League Cy Young winner by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Greinke won with 25 of 28 first-place votes, and 134 points, easily beating runner-up Felix Hernandez of Seattle, who received two first-place votes and 80 points. Detroit’s Justin Verlander received the other first-place vote. Greinke went 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA and 242 strikeouts in 229 1/3 innings, his breakout season becoming a needed point of pride in an otherwise dreadful Royals season. His ERA was more than a third of a run better than Hernandez, who finished second, and the AL’s best mark since Pedro Martinez in 2000."

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello finishes third in AL rookie voting

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November 17

Detroit Free Press

"When Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello held the Twins to two runs in the tiebreaker playoff game, he earned at least one first-place vote for American League rookie of the year. "He had a spectacular year," said Barry Rozner, a longtime baseball writer in the Chicago area with the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald. "He came up big in the last game and gave the Tigers a chance to win. That clinched it for me." But Porcello's performance that day didn't sway enough voters to make a difference for him. The AL rookie award did go Monday to a right-hander from New Jersey. But it went to Oakland Athletics reliever Andrew Bailey (26 saves), not Porcello (14-9 record), who finished third. ..."

Justin Verlander in running, but long shot for Cy Young

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November 17

Detroit Free Press

"In some years, Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander might have become this season's favorite for the Cy Young Award. Verlander tied for the American League lead in wins (19), led it in strikeouts and finished emphatically for a team trying to make the playoffs. But when the AL Cy Young winner is announced at 2 p.m. today, it will be a surprise if it's Verlander. Kansas City right-hander Zack Greinke built an eminent case for the award all season, and Seattle right-hander Felix Hernandez and Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia also mounted campaigns that deserved notice from the 28 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America who voted for the award. Here's a look at the four ..."

Mariners show interest in Tigers RHP Jackson

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November 16

Foxsports.com

"Count the Mariners among the teams interested in Tigers right-hander Edwin Jackson. The teams have spoken about Jackson and exchanged names, but the talks "are not all that serious," according to one source with knowledge of the discussions. Jackson, 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA last season, would be a strong complement to ace right-hander Felix Hernandez in the Mariners' rotation. The Tigers, sources say, are seeking minimum-salary pitching for Jackson, whose salary will rise from $2.2 million in arbitration. Mariners right-handers Brandon Morrow and Shawn Kelley both fit that description, and are the types of hard throwers favored by Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski. The Mariners, one of ..."

Tigers' Porcello third in A.L. Rookie of the Year voting

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November 16

Detroit News

"He came close, but Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello is not the American League's Rookie of the Year. Oakland closer Andrew Bailey is the A.L. winner. Bailey, an All-Star in his first major league season, was selected first on 13 of 28 ballots and finished with 88 points. Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was the runner-up with 65 points, one more than Porcello. Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan was named National League Rookie of the Year. It was a strong field for the A.L. award. Although he didn't win, Porcello has an outstanding season. The 20-year-old right-hander went 14-9 with a 3.96 ERA. Among the highlights of his first full season was a 5-0 record with a 1.50 ERA in May -- ..."

Tigers' Rick Porcello finishes 3rd in AL rookie voting

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November 16

Detroit Free Press

"Oakland A's right-handed reliever Andrew Bailey has won the American League rookie of the year award. Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello finished a distant third in the voting. Porcello got seven of the 28 first-place votes and finished one point behind the runner-up, Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus. Bailey received 13 of the 28 first-place votes. Andrus got eight. Each of the 28 voting baseball writers puts three rookies on the ballot. A first-place vote is worth five points, a second-place vote worth three and a third-place vote worth one. Bailey won with 88 points. Andrus got 65 points and Porcello 64. Porcello was listed on 20 of the 28 votes cast. No one was listed on all 28 ..."

Tigers won't pursue Washburn, Huff

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November 16

MLB.com

"The Tigers will watch free agency pick up later this week, when players can field offers from all teams. But as expected, they will not pursue re-signing Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff. Meanwhile, the Tigers have had contact with the agents for relievers Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon, second baseman Placido Polanco and shortstop Adam Everett, but those discussions were believed to be preliminary ahead of follow-up talks later. Washburn and Huff were both late-season trade acquisitions who struggled down the stretch, and neither was expected to be targeted. Washburn had told reporters after filing for free agency that he hadn't heard from the Tigers other than to check on his knee ..."

Curtis Granderson trade talk might be just that -- all talk

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November 15

Detroit Free Press

"Well, the Tigers apparently are listening to offers for young stars Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson, partly because they would like to cut payroll. Before you start ripping apart your Dave Dombrowski bobblehead, let me remind you that you don't actually have a Dave Dombrowski bobblehead. Also, there are two reasons to take a deep breath here. 1.) Mike Ilitch is a notoriously emotional owner. In temperament, he is the opposite of William Clay Ford. Ford will keep an incompetent employee on staff for up to 10 years after the employee dies. Ilitch suffers through a bad Tigers month and seethes. Ilitch's emotion sometimes helps the Tigers. He ignored his team's finances and gave Dombrowski ..."

Tigers won't talk specifics, but say they want ace Justin Verlander 'for a long time'

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November 14

Michigan Live

"Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander made $3.675 million last year by signing before an arbitration hearing. He went 19-9, tying for the major league lead in wins and leading the majors in strikeouts (269), innings pitched (240) and starts (35). Detroit controls him for two more seasons, but going to arbitration should lead to a nice raise. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski was asked about signing his ace to a long-term contract to assure he's in Detroit beyond 2011."

Will Tigers trade Curtis Granderson? GM Dave Dombrowski says 'nothing is imminent'

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November 14

Michigan Live

"If you wear a Curtis Granderson jersey or are just a fan who really appreciates the Detroit Tigers All-Star center fielder , take a deep breath and settle down.

There is no concrete evidence suggesting the Tigers are in serious trade talks regarding Granderson.

That isn't to say Granderson won't be traded. He's not untouchable -- few players in the game are. It's just it's unlikely to happen. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski was asked if he had discussed a Granderson trade with the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Angels, which was reported this week by New York newspapers. "I would not go into any specifics on that," Dombrowski said. "But, hey, we have talked to every club out ..."

Tigers won't pursue free agents Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff

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November 14

Michigan Live

"The Detroit Tigers have decided not to re-sign pitcher Jarrod Washburn and designated hitter Aubrey Huff as free agents. "We called both Jarrod and Aubrey this week and told them we will not be pursuing them," Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said Friday night. "We wished them well." Washburn had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after the season and said he hopes to be 100 percent next year. His knee gave out late in the season after being acquired from Seattle July 31. He was 1-3 with a 7.33 ERA for the Tigers after going 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA for the Mariners. Huff hit .189 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 40 games with Detroit, which acquired him from Baltimore Aug. 17. He hit ..."

Costas' interview with Ernie Harwell to be shown Tuesday

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November 13

Detroit Free Press

"The MLB Network will pay tribute to Ernie Harwell, above, with an interview the 91-year-old Tigers legend taped with young whippersnapper Bob Costas, at 8 p.m. Tuesday. "This will be my last World Series, I think," Harwell says in the interview. "Back in July, the doctors gave me six months to live, give or take a few months. "I'm hoping to reach my birthday on Jan. 25, but I'm pretty sure I won't make the baseball season. But you never know, as the Lord works wonders.""

Verlander named Tiger of the Year

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November 13

Detroit Free Press

"Right-hander Justin Verlander, who struck out more batters than anyone in baseball and nearly won 20 games for the first time, has won the Tiger of the Year Award in voting by the Detroit chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. It is the first time he has won the award and he was a unanimous selection. Verlander went 19-9 with a 3.45 ERA. He struck out 269 batters. He also was selected for the All-Star Game. The award was announced today at the BBWAA's annual meeting."

Ernie Harwell opens up about battle with cancer

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November 13

Detroit News

"Hall of Fame Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell opened up to Bob Costas about his cancer fight in a recent television interview that will air next week. Harwell, 91, who this summer was diagnosed with inoperable bile-duct cancer, told Costas, "I'm hoping to reach my birthday on Jan. 25, but I'm pretty sure I won't make the baseball season. "But you never know as the Lord works wonders." Harwell, who spent 55 years as a major league announcer, including 40 with the Tigers before retiring at the end of the 2002 season, told Costas that doctors in July gave him six months to live, "give or take a few months.""

Justin Verlander is Tiger of the Year

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November 13

Detroit News

"Justin Verlander has won his first Tiger of the Year award. In the annual balloting of the Detroit chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Verlander received all 22 first-place votes. Verlander is the first pitcher since Steve Sparks in 2001 -- and just the second since 1986 (Jack Morris) -- to be named Tiger of the Year. Verlander finished with a 19-9 record and a 3.45 ERA. These were some of his highlights: He tied for the American League lead in wins with Seattle's Felix Hernandez and New York's CC Sabathia. He led the AL in strikeouts (269), starts (35) and innings (240). He was 10-2 with a 2.81 ERA at home. He went 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA in May. In 18 starts between ..."

Yanks likely to target available Granderson

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November 12

New York Post

"In a cost-cutting frame of mind, the Tigers have let teams know Curtis Granderson could be had for the right package, an NL executive told The Post. The Yankees will almost certainly push to the front of the line when it comes to Granderson. He obviously would be an upgrade on the Melky Cabrera/Brett Gardner duo. In addition, the Yankees could quickly face a need to restore lefty power if Johnny Damon and/or Hideki Matsui leave to free agency. Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last season, the fourth most by an AL lefty. Brian Cashman met with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski at the GM Meetings, which concluded yesterday, but it is not believed the two did any more than discuss needs and ..."

Jim Hendry says Cubs now are in good position to make moves

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November 12

Chicago Tribune

"After talking to seven or eight teams about trade possibilities Wednesday, Jim Hendry felt optimistic about his offseason game plan. "It's kind of the way I anticipated," the Cubs general manager said upon leaving the GM meetings at the O'Hare Hilton. "You feel like there's some business that will be done in the next few weeks. Hopefully you can do something before you get to Indianapolis (for the Dec. 7-10 winter meetings). "We need a few moves. We don't need mega-moves. ... I had really good meetings. It was really a good environment after all." The Rangers' Marlon Byrd appears to be the Cubs' primary center field target, and sources said Hendry will be able to sign another outfielder ..."

Chicago Cubs must pursue Curtis Granderson

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November 12

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"On the third day of the general managers' meetings at the O'Hare Hilton, as executives were fleeing for flights home, something truly fascinating finally happened. The New York Post's Joel Sherman reported the Tigers' financial problems are so serious they are shopping center fielder Curtis Granderson, the Thornton Fractional South and Illinois-Chicago product. Hours later, there had not been a peep out of Detroit to knock down the report. Oh, really? Maybe Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski was too worn out from beating his head against a wall to slow the runaway speculation. But if the Tigers really are willing to trade the 28-year-old Granderson, a guy with old-school baseball skills and ..."

Tigers refuse to rule out trades

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November 12

Detroit News

"After he had shaken hands, kibitzed with cohorts and at least mulled trade thoughts during three days in Chicago, Dave Dombrowski conceded Wednesday the general manager meetings had been beyond routine. "I think I feel very comfortable in saying that there are generally a lot of conversations at these meetings, and this year there were really a lot of conversations," said Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, during a phone interview late Wednesday. Whether the dialogue translates into deals involving the Tigers -- perhaps for center fielder Curtis Granderson, or right-handed starting pitcher Edwin Jackson -- Dombrowski would not say. But he acknowledged that "we are ..."

Tigers shopping Edwin Jackson, Curtis Granderson

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November 12

Detroit News

"The Tigers are shopping star right-handed starter Edwin Jackson on the trade market in attempt to reduce their payroll for 2010, sources have told FOXSports.com. Motivated by the same cost-cutting philosophy, the Tigers also would be willing to part with center fielder Curtis Granderson for the right package in return, according to the New York Post. The Yankees appear to be a suitable fit for Granderson, the newspaper reports, as outfielders Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui head to free agency. Granderson made $3.5 million in 2009 under the terms of his current contract, and he is due to make $5.5 million in 2010, $8.25 million in 2011 and $10 million in 2012. The Tigers have an option in ..."

Yankees could deal for Tigers' Granderson

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November 11

New York Post

"In a cost-cutting frame of mind, the Tigers have let teams know that Curtis Granderson could be had for the right package, an NL executive told The Post. Granderson would be attractive to many teams, with the Yankees near the top of the list. They have long searched for a premium solution in center since Bernie Williams left his prime, but now they also face the loss of the lefty power of free agents Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last year. Brian Cashman met with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski at the now-concluded GM Meetings, but it is not believed the two did any more than discuss needs and available players. However, the two have a good relationship ..."

Sherrill for Jackson a possibility?

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Dodgers have some interest in Tigers starter Edwin Jackson, who is available. But one source with knowledge of the teams' positions said the sides haven't discussed a trade of Jackson for reliever George Sherrill. Still, a 1-for-1 trade of those players might ultimately make sense for both clubs. A big reason: Sherrill ($2.75 million) and Jackson ($2.2 million) earned very similar base salaries in salary arbitration this year. That should be the case again in 2010, which would enable the cash to balance easily. The Dodgers need a reasonably low-cost starter such as Jackson. The Tigers would like to acquire a late-inning reliever to offset the potential free-agent departures of Fernando ..."

Sources: Tigers trying to deal All-Star Jackson

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"Edwin Jackson was an All-Star pitcher for the Tigers this year. He looked like one of the great acquisitions in baseball for most of the season — a starter who pitched deep into games and wouldn't become a free agent until 2011. Now? The Tigers have made Jackson available on the trade market as part of an effort to alleviate their payroll crunch, multiple major league sources told FOXSports.com. It's not clear if club president/general manager Dave Dombrowski is engaged in serious talks with other clubs about Jackson. There is no indication that a deal is close. But it's telling that the team is considering trade scenarios involving Jackson at all. The Dodgers, who originally drafted ..."

Sources: Phils looking at reliever Rodney

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Phillies, looking to upgrade their bullpen, are showing preliminary interest in free-agent right-hander Fernando Rodney, according to major-league sources. Rodney, 32, converted 37 of 38 save chances with the Tigers last season, albeit with a 4.40 ERA. He would give the Phillies an alternative to closer Brad Lidge, who led the majors with 11 blown saves and had a 7.21 ERA. Tigers general manager David Dombrowski acknowledged Tuesday that he is not optimistic he can sign both of his free-agent relievers, Rodney and right-hander Brandon Lyon. Of the two, Lyon figures to be less expensive. Rodney, as a Type B free agent, is certain to draw heavy interest from a large number of clubs, ..."

Reliever Brandon Lyon interested in returning to Tigers

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November 11

Michigan Live

"Brandon Lyon and the Detroit Tigers have a mutual interest in his returning as a vital bullpen component in 2010. Lyon, who was 6-5 with a 2.86 ERA, 15 holds and three saves this season, said he filed for free agency Monday. "I don't really have a hunch on what will happen," Lyon said, "but I know the Tigers have some interest. "Detroit has been in touch with my agent (Barry Meister) once or twice, and talked of their interest in bringing me back. And it would be great to play there again. I liked it and felt comfortable." Lyon spoke on the phone while driving with his family from Phoenix to their home in St. George, Utah. He said he planned to return to the Phoenix area this weekend to ..."

Polanco wins second Gold Glove

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November 11

Detroit News

"Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco, who made just two errors in 2009, won his second Gold Glove in the last three years. He was the only Tiger honored with an American League Gold Glove. Polanco is the third Tigers infielder to win multiple Gold Gloves, joining Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker. The Gold Glove was first awarded in 1957. Polanco played defensively in 1,289 1/3 innings this season. He had 290 putouts and 439 assists in 731 chances. His fielding percentage was .997 -- above his career percentage of .993."

Jeter and Teixeira Receive Gold Glove Awards

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November 11

New York Times

"Derek Jeter, whose defense has been criticized in recent years through statistical analyses, won a Gold Glove award for his defense, joining Yankees teammate Mark Teixeira on the list of American League recipients released Tuesday. No other team had multiple winners. At 35, Jeter became the second-oldest shortstop to win the award; Luis Aparicio won it at 36 in 1970. Jeter has won four Gold Gloves, collecting the others from 2004 to 2006. "I've always taken a great deal of pride in my defense, and being honored with a Gold Glove is an accomplishment I will never overlook," Jeter said in a statement."

Ichiro, Hunter win ninth Gold Gloves

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November 10

MLB.com

"The American League Gold Glove winners, unveiled on Tuesday, showcase the cream of the league's defensive excellence, the ooh-and-aah squad. The dive-and-spin, dirty-uniform parade began with Mark Teixeira, who earned his third Gold Glove -- but first since 2006 -- for an often-overlooked aspect of his game that was every bit as vital to the Yankees' drive to a World Series title as his 39 home runs and 122 RBIs. Teixeira made only four errors in 1,275 chances, to say nothing of the errors by other infielders he prevented with his wide-ranging scoops of errant throws. The Tigers' Placido Polanco earned the award at second base after it had been "borrowed" last year by Boston's Dustin ..."

Money is 'tight' in Detroit

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The Tigers will be "tight" with their offseason spending, according to one person who was briefed on the club's plans. That does not bode well for their chances to re-sign second baseman Placido Polanco, who earned $4.6 million this year. But Polanco is a Type A free agent, meaning other teams may be reluctant to sign him if the Tigers offer salary arbitration. Scott Sizemore, a 24-year-old prospect with no major-league experience, is the best internal candidate to replace Polanco. Sizemore batted .308 between Class AA and Class AAA this year but broke his ankle in the Arizona Fall League. He's not the polished defender that Polanco is. If Sizemore's ankle becomes a concern as the ..."

Ex-Tigers IF Brookens named first-base coach

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November 10

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers have hired Tom Brookens as their first-base, outfield and base-running coach. Brookens, an infielder on the Tigers' 1984 championship team, spent the past five seasons as a minor league manager in the organization, compiling a 310-262 record with Class A Oneonta (2005-06), Class A West Michigan (2007) and Double-A Erie (2008-09). "I'm looking forward to no more bus rides," Brookens said. "You get to start flying around a little." He also is looking forward to working with manager Jim Leyland, who directed Brookens in the Tigers' farm system. "Jim a as manager was a real motivator guy," Brookens said. "He had a fresh attitude every day. He might chew your butt out the night ..."

Tom Brookens joins Tigers' coaching staff

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November 10

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers today named Tom Brookens the team's first-base, outfield and baserunning coach. According to a news release from the Tigers, Brookens spent the past five seasons as a manager at the minor league level in the Tigers' organization, compiling a 310-262 record with Class A Oneonta (2005-06), Class A West Michigan (2007) and Double-A Erie (2008-09). "At the time I got into managing five years ago, it wasn't a goal of mine to coach in the big leagues," Brookens told the Free Press last week. "I wanted to work in the minor leagues. I still really enjoy the minors - working with younger players. "Over the last five years, I have redone my goals a little bit. If a big-league ..."

Brookens excited about joining Tigers

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November 10

Detroit News

"The Tigers today ended any suspense concerning the Andy Van Slyke coaching vacancy when they promoted Tom Brookens from Double A Erie manager to become the team's new first base, outfield and baserunning coach in 2010. "I was a little surprised, but I'm looking forward to it," Brookens said Monday from his home in Chambersburg, Pa. "I never got into the game to get back to the big-league level, but the opportunity presented itself, and Jim (Tigers manager Jim Leyland) felt he wanted me on the staff. "I certainly was very interested to get up there and work with him. It's an opportunity you just don't pass up." Brookens, 56, played for the Tigers from 1979-88 and for Leyland at the team's ..."

Tom Brookens named a Tigers assistant

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November 10

Detroit News

"Tom Brookens kept showing up at third base for the Tigers, year after year during the 1980s, no matter how many times he was supposed to be replaced by an allegedly better hitter. And now the Indomitable Tiger is back again. This time, he's a coach on manager Jim Leyland's staff, which was made official Monday when Brookens, 56, was brought aboard to replace Andy Van Slyke as the Tigers' first base, baserunning and outfield coach. "I had a hard time getting to first base when I was a player, so this should be easy," Brookens quipped, when reached by telephone at his Chambersburg, Pa., home Monday. "I can make up for all those times I couldn't get to first." Brookens has been managing in ..."

Phillies decline Feliz' 2010 option

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November 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings. Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers. Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336 ..."

'Good old days' weren't always so great

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November 8

Detroit Free Press

columnist Michael Rosenberg

"Well, the Yankees just won the World Series the old-fashioned way: by spending $50-some million more than anybody else, including $30 million for one player, Alex Rodriguez, who has admitted using steroids for at least three years. It is enough to make you long for the good old days. And that's why I'm writing this. For the most part, the "good old days" were fiction, and two new pieces of nonfiction should emphasize the point. One is "The Machine," Joe Posnanski's New York Times bestseller about the 1975 Cincinnati Reds, and "The First Fall Classic," about the 1912 World Series, by Mike Vaccaro. (I should say here that both authors are friends of mine. Because I'm a writer, I have a lot ..."

Gibson has the tools to be a manager Tigers Baseball

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November 8

Detroit Free Press

columnist John Lowe

"Kirk Gibson wants to be a major league manager. "I love challenges," said Gibson, 52. "It seems like the ultimate challenge." Gibson, bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has six years of major league coaching experience: his Tigers homecoming in 2003-05 under manager Alan Trammell and the past three seasons in Arizona under managers Bob Melvin and A.J. Hinch. He recently received a two-year contract to continue as Arizona bench coach. In a telephone interview, Gibson said that in his six years as a coach, he has learned a lot he'd apply as a manager. "I understand now how important relationships with the players are as a coach, and even more so as a manager," Gibson said. "I've ..."

Tigers not involved in trade talks for SS J.J. Hardy

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November 7

Detroit Free Press

"Although the Tigers have an opening at shortstop, they didn't have an opportunity to deal for J.J. Hardy, the shortstop whom Milwaukee traded Friday to the Twins for outfielder Carlos Gomez. In an e-mail to the Free Press after the deal was announced, Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said he didn't contact the Tigers about Hardy because they didn't have what he sought in return. "I was looking specifically for a center fielder or pitching that was low (in) salary and low (in) service time," Melvin wrote. "I did not see a match so I did not call (the Tigers)." Adam Everett, the Tigers' primary shortstop this season, is headed to free agency. Everett said in a phone interview this ..."

Tigers make Marcus Thames a free agent

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November 7

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers bid good-bye to slugging outfielder Marcus Thames today when they removed him from the 40-man roster. Thames, who spent six seasons with the Tigers, will become a free agent. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said he assumed the club would have "limited interest" in trying to re-sign Thames, 32. "We could have retained him by keeping him on the roster," Dombrowski said. "Marcus has done a very fine job for us throughout the years. He's a quality human being. "In our situation, we have outfield depth with (Ryan) Raburn stepping up. We have (Magglio) Ordonez and (Carlos) Guillen at the corner outfield spots. We have (Clete) Thomas and other young guys coming. "We ..."

Thames' time with Tigers is over

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November 7

Detroit News

"Not surprisingly, his voice was clear and upbeat. Marcus Thames sounded no different from the Thames who had hit his share of home runs during five seasons with the Tigers, who had kept his mouth shut when he did not play as often as he would have preferred, and who now is free to sign with another club after the Tigers decided Friday to release him along with backup catcher Matt Treanor. "I'll be fine, I'm in good spirits," Thames said, speaking from his home state of Mississippi as he traveled north for a weekend with friends in Tennessee. "I talked with Skip (manager Jim Leyland), and it's just business."

Trying offseason awaits Tigers

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November 6

Detroit News

"What a shame for the curious Tigers chroniclers that there are no transcripts from this week's team meetings at Comerica Park. It would be easier to discern where a team is headed with regard to somepersonnel questions: • Will the Tigers sign any of their impending free agents: Placido Polanco, Fernando Rodney, Brandon Lyon and Adam Everett? Will they formally confirm expectations they have no interest in either re-signing, or offering arbitration, to two more free agents: Aubrey Huff and Jarrod Washburn? • Are there any serious trade thoughts in mind as Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, huddles this week with manager Jim Leyland, coaches, scouts, and other ..."

Polanco, four other Tigers file for free agency

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November 6

Detroit News

"Five Tigers filed for free agency Thursday, the first day eligible players were allowed to get the ball rolling toward signing contracts for 2010. Shortstop Adam Everett, first baseman Aubrey Huff, second baseman Placido Polanco, closer Fernando Rodney and starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn now are free agents, but the Tigers hold exclusive negotiating rights until 12:01 a.m. Nov. 20. At that point, free agents are free to begin negotiating will all 30 teams. Reliever Brandon Lyon hadn't filed as of Thursday night, but likely will do so soon. With a payroll of well over $100 million, it appears the Tigers won't have much flexibility in terms of player additions this offseason. It's ..."

Rick Porcello named Tigers Rookie of the Year

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November 5

Detroit News

"Right-hander Rick Porcello has been named Tigers Rookie of the Year by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters' Association. Porcello, 20, led all American League rookies with 14 wins. He was 14-9 with a 3.96 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 170 2/3 innings. He is the fourth pitcher 20 or younger since 1970 to record 14 victories, according to Elias Sports Bureau. The others are Cincinnati's Don Gullett in 1971 (16 wins), Minnesota's Bert Blyleven in 1971 (16) and the Mets' Dwight Gooden in 1984 (17) and 1985 (24)."

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