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 ..."

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 ..."

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 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 ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

Tigers free agent Washburn eyes return to Seattle

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November 5

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers this summer made an investment in pitcher Jarrod Washburn that didn't pay off. Now the lefty could be returning to the team that sent him to Detroit, the Seattle Mariners. Washburn, a free agent, told the Mariners' Web site that Seattle is among the teams at the top of his list. He didn't name any other teams. Washburn, 35, went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts for Seattle before being dealt to Detroit for rookie left-hander Luke French. Washburn was AL pitcher of the month in July with Seattle. But soon after the Tigers acquired him at the July 31 trading deadline, a knee injury prevented him from pitching effectively. After missing the last few weeks of the season, ..."

Report: Tigers' Jarrod Washburn would like to return to Mariners

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November 4

Detroit News

"Free-agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn, not likely to re-sign with the Tigers, says a return to the Seattle Mariners would be among his top choices. "Seattle definitely is toward the top of my list," Washburn told MLB.com. "I'll just have to see what happens when the free-agent season begins.""

Tigers' free-agent Washburn eyes return to Seattle

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November 4

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers this summer made an investment in pitcher Jarrod Washburn that didn't pay off. Now the lefty could be returning to the team that sent him to Detroit, the Seattle Mariners. Washburn, a free agent, told the Mariners' Web site that Seattle is among the teams at the top of his list. Washburn, 35, went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts for Seattle before being dealt to Detroit for rookie left-hander Luke French. Washburn was AL pitcher of the month in July with Seattle. But soon after the Tigers acquired him at the July 31 trading deadline, a knee injury prevented him from pitching effectively."

Tigers want hard-throwing Cuban Aroldis Chapman

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October 28

Detroit News

"The Tigers are interested in Cuban-born left-hander Aroldis Chapman, according to numerous sources. He's a 21-year-old with triple-digit speed. At this point, however, the Tigers' interest amounts to nothing more than attempting to schedule a meeting with Chapman -- as several clubs are trying to do. Chapman defected July 1 and according to SI.com, "a shallow free-agent pitching pool (is) expected to make him one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason." It's thought Chapman could get contract offers of more than $30 million. The Tigers do not comment on their level of interest in free agents."

Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes

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October 27

SI.com

"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."

Tigers' Scott Sizemore fractures ankle bone

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October 24

Detroit News

"Scott Sizemore, who has been tabbed as the Tigers' next starting second baseman, fractured a bone in his left ankle during Thursday's game in the Arizona Fall League. Sizemore will miss the remainder of the AFL schedule but should be fully recovered well ahead of spring training, said Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager. Sizemore, 24, suffered the fracture when he planted his left leg on a double-play ball during Thursday's game between the Peoria Javelinas, for whom he plays, and the Peoria Desert Dogs. He was rocked by the baserunner's hard slide and suffered a "nondisplaced" fracture, which would be considered the best of some bad news for Sizemore and the ..."

Power loss hurts Marcus Thames' '10 role

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October 17

Detroit Free Press

"Marcus Thames hit his final home run of the season in mid-August. He went homerless in his final 25 games. According to Baseball-Reference.com, it was his longest homerless streak in six seasons with the Tigers. General manager Dave Dombrowski said he was surprised by Thames' homerless streak. He said Thames wasn't playing hurt during the power drought. "I kept waiting for him to have one of those hot streaks where he hits seven homers in eight games," Dombrowski said. "It never came this year." When he hit his final homer, Thames was averaging a homer every 14.4 at-bats this season. That roughly equaled his pace for his three previous combined seasons under manager Jim Leyland: a homer ..."

First base coach Andy Van Slyke will not return to Tigers

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October 10

Detroit News

"Whether he wanted to or not, Andy Van Slyke is now free to explore "other opportunities." The Tigers announced Friday that Van Slyke, their first base and outfield coach, won't be returning after four years with the team. The other five coaches will be back, however. Manager Jim Leyland had great admiration for the job Van Slyke did with the team's outfielders. "He works them," Leyland said more than once. He worked them because Van Slyke always had asked a lot of himself as a five-time Gold Glove outfielder. "I want the good catch to be routine for them, and the exceptional catch to be ordinary," he said about his approach to coaching the Tigers' outfielders. When contacted on the ..."

Police called to Cabrera's home

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October 5

Detroit News

"City police were called to a domestic dispute at the home of Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera early Saturday morning, records show. Cabrera showed up at Comerica Park with scratches on his face for Saturday's key game against the Chicago White Sox. Both he and team officials refused to say what caused the scratches. A Birmingham Police log shows police were called to Cabrera's Birmingham home for a "family trouble" call about 6 a.m. Saturday. The complainant was described on the log as "Rosanna Cabrera." The wife of the Tigers star is named Rosangel Cabrera. A neighbor reported she saw about three police cruisers in front of the Cabreras' home early Saturday morning and said ..."

Cabrera: No comment on scratches

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October 5

Detroit Free Press

"First baseman Miguel Cabrera and Tigers officials declined comment Sunday about how he obtained abrasions on his face and whether he was involved in an altercation after Friday night's game. Cabrera arrived at Comerica Park on Saturday with visible abrasions on his face. He told FoxSports.com his dog had done it. The Detroit News reported in Monday's editions that Birmingham police were called to a "family trouble" incident around 6 a.m. Saturday at Cabrera's home. Cabrera, 26, is married with a daughter. "No comment," Cabrera said Sunday morning, when asked about the marks on his face. "I'm looking right now for a win today.""

Bobby Seay set for MRI on pitching shoulder

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September 25

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers left-handed reliever Bobby Seay said he will have an MRI exam in Detroit today on his pitching shoulder. Until the results of that exam are known, it won't be clear when Seay -- the top left-hander in the bullpen -- might pitch for the Tigers again. Barring a roster move, Seay's absence would leave rookie Fu-Te Ni as the lone left-hander in the bullpen. Ni hasn't allowed a run in his past eight outings. Seay entered Thursday night's game to start the eighth inning and gave up a leadoff bloop single. Travis Hafner was next, and during that at-bat, catcher Gerald Laird said he saw that something about Seay "didn't look right." Manager Jim Leyland and head athletic trainer Kevin Rand ..."

Dombrowski: Smoltz 'probably not a fit' for Tigers

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August 18

Foxsports.com

"Whenever John Smoltz is available, the question comes: Could he return to the Tigers, the team he cheered for while growing up in Michigan, the team that drafted him out of Lansing Waverly High School, the team that traded him to Atlanta in 1987? The answer, at least right now: Not very likely, although Tigers club president/general manager Dave Dombrowski didn't entirely dismiss the possibility. "It's probably not a fit for us," Dombrowski said Tuesday morning, "but we could still sit down and talk about it." The reason appears to have less to do with Smoltz's present ability than it does Dombrowski's contentment with his own pitching staff. Even without the injured Joel Zumaya, the ..."

Tigers acquire Aubrey Huff from Orioles

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August 17

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers today acquired infielder/outfielder Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brett Jacobson. Huff hit .253 with 24 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs and 72 RBIs in 110 games with the Orioles this season. He has batted .324 with runners in scoring position. "Huff is a quality major league hitter, who adds a left-handed bat to our lineup and brings versatility to our club with his ability to play numerous positions," Tigers general manager David Dombrowski said. In 10 seasons with Tampa Bay (2000-06), Houston (2006) and Baltimore (2007-09), Huff has compiled a .284 batting average, 201 home runs and 739 RBIs in 1,282 games."

O's Huff, Mora, Baez clear waivers

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August 10

Baltimore Sun

"Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Danys Baez, three veterans in the final guaranteed years of their contracts, have cleared waivers, according to league sources, meaning they can be traded to any club if the Orioles find a suitor. The two infielders and the reliever clearing waivers isn't at all surprising as the Orioles didn't find much interest in any of the veterans before last month's nonwaiver trade deadline. All three have struggled at times this season and are still owed a decent chunk of money for the rest of the season. Mora, who is hitting .254 with three homers and 29 RBIs, is still owed about $2.7 million. Huff (.255 average 12 homers, 68 RBIs) is due approximately $2.4 million ..."

Sources: Tigers may not be done yet

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July 31

Foxsports.com

"The Tigers have remained in contact with the Orioles about outfielder Luke Scott, major-league sources told FOXSports.com. Detroit still has a decent inventory of prospects, even after sending left-handed pitchers Luke French and Mauricio Robles to Seattle this morning for Jarrod Washburn. When the season began, neither French nor Robles were thought to be among the top 10 prospects in the organization. The Tigers still have a need for offense, but Scott, primarily a designated hitter in Baltimore, would probably need to play left field in order to fit into the everyday lineup. Scott is a left-handed batter, and Carlos Guillen, still unable to play left field because of a shoulder injury, ..."

Sources: Washburn traded to Tigers

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July 31

ESPN.com

"The Seattle Mariners have traded left-handed pitcher Jarrod Washburn to the Detroit Tigers for rookie left-hander Luke French and pitching prospect Mauricio Robles, sources tell ESPN. The Yankees, who have considering an upgrade to their rotation, and Mariners also had spoken briefly about a proposal involving Washburn on Thursday afternoon, a source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. Washburn (8-6) has a 2.64 ERA this season and had won four consecutive starts before taking a no-decision Tuesday against Toronto. In that stretch, the veteran allowed only three earned runs in 36 2/3 innings."

Tigers won't turn to market for Inge help

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge has been bothered by severe pain in his left knee and is hitting only .135 — with no RBIs — since the All-Star Game. But he hasn't been placed on the disabled list, and it doesn't look like the team is searching for a would-be replacement on the trade market. Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said early Thursday evening that he isn't placing a higher priority on players who can play third base."

Tigers inquire about Roy Halladay, shoot down Blue Jays' steep demands

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July 31

Detroit News

"After inquiring about the asking price for Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay, the Tigers bowed out ahead of Friday's trade deadline when they were told Toronto wanted pitchers Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry and Casey Crosby, an elite prospect. The information was disclosed by a Blue Jays source familiar with Toronto's trade discussions as the club continues to mull offers after being earlier turned down by the Phillies. Porcello is a 20-year-old right-hander who is 9-7 with a 4.62 ERA and likely will draw votes for American League rookie of the year. Perry, 22, another right-hander, was the Tigers' first-round draft pick in 2008 and has pitched effectively out of the bullpen for manager Jim ..."

Yanks not alone in pursuit of Washburn

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"The Yankees are not the only team pursuing Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn. The Tigers also are interested in Washburn, a major-league source says, and the Brewers could jump back in. Yet, the Mariners still are not sending clear signs that they are willing to move Washburn, who ranks third in the American League with a 2.64 ERA, just ahead of Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. "The Mariners don't want to send the wrong signs if they trade him," one source says. "It could look like they're giving up." The M's, six games out in the wild-card race and 7 1/2 games out in the AL West, acquired shortstop Jack Wilson and right-hander Ian Snell from the Pirates on Wednesday. They likely would seek ..."

Market performance won't trump the one on the field

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July 31

Detroit Free Press

"The sobering words were spoken at a World Series. They also apply to today's trading deadline in major league baseball. Before Game 7 of the 1982 World Series, St. Louis manager Whitey Herzog was about to go to the field for batting practice. As he did, a few journalists in his office told him the many factors his team had in its favor that night in the one-game showdown with Milwaukee for the title. Herzog responded to all their evaluations as he walked toward his office door, his fists jabbed into his Cardinals windbreaker. "It doesn't mean anything if we don't execute," he said. Soon after the trade deadline passes at 4 p.m. today, you'll be able to hear "winners" and "losers" declared. ..."

Royals get Anderson from Tigers

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Royals announced today that they have acquired outfielder Josh Anderson from the Tigers for cash considerations. Anderson was recently designated for assignment when Carlos Guillen returned from the disabled list."

Yankees interested in Josh Anderson trade with Tigers

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July 30

Michigan Live

"Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland confirmed today that the New York Yankees have interest in outfielder Josh Anderson, whom Detroit has 10 days since Friday to assign to another team via trade or have clear waivers before possibly sending him out-right to Triple-A Toledo. "It's a possibility," Leyland said. "They are interested. I think one other club is interested." The Yankees are looking to replace center fielder Brett Gardner, who has a fractured left thumb but is listed on the club's Web site as expected to return in mid-August."

Tigers' Joel Zumaya to visit orthopedist Dr. James Andrews

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July 30

Detroit News

"Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya will meet Thursday morning with orthopedic expert Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla., as he seeks answers for his latest bout of shoulder pain. Zumaya, the 24-year-old right-hander who has had a string of physical setbacks since 2007, is still feeling the effects of a stress fracture in his right shoulder that ended his 2008 season. He has not pitched since July 17, when he felt pain during a game against the New York Yankees. He was placed on the disabled list the next day. A fragment of bone from the earlier stress fracture has been floating in Zumaya's shoulder, as doctors and Zumaya knew. But it was thought that the bone shard might remain free and of no ..."

Tigers may be in trade market for No. 2 catcher, reliever

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July 28

Detroit Free Press

"A left-handed hitter likely would be the most noticeable addition the Tigers could make at this week's trade deadline. But the club also has shown interest in acquiring two types of players a contender seeks to solidify itself: a backup catcher and a reliever. The emphasis in the search for the No. 2 catcher appears to be offense. Dusty Ryan, the Tigers' No. 2 catcher, has two RBIs in 19 at-bats. He still has limited experience. Gerald Laird, the No. 1 catcher, has 24 RBIs. The annual nonwaiver trading deadline is Friday at 4 p.m. Laird has started 77 games at catcher in the Tigers' 98 games. Laird ranks seventh among major league catchers in innings caught, according to STATS LLC. So a ..."

Padres' trade bait staying put?

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July 27

Foxsports.com

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"No team should make personnel decisions based on public relations, but Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and closer Heath Bell will be particularly difficult to move because of their respective standings in the community. Gonzalez is a native San Diegan and Mexican-American, not to mention highly productive and highly affordable. Bell lacks obvious community ties, but his gregarious presence makes him especially popular with fans. The Padres recently staged a "breakfast in the park" promotion that was attended by about 500 fans. The team set up tables behind home plate and on the warning track in the outfield. Bell, without being asked, spent more time mingling with fans than any other ..."

Source: Tigers still hunting for a hitter

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July 27

Foxsports.com

"Detroit designated hitter Carlos Guillen returned from the disabled list over the weekend and batted .417 in three games against the White Sox, all Tigers victories. But Guillen is still limited physically, in the respect that his right shoulder won't permit him to bat right-handed and play in the outfield. So Guillen will be limited to DH duty for the time being. That doesn't bode well for the team's trade pursuits, since a number of the hitters that interest the Tigers (Baltimore's Luke Scott and Washington's Adam Dunn, for example) profile as DHs. But that won't stop the team from trying to upgrade. One major league source said Monday that Tigers president/general manager Dave ..."

Carlos Guillen improving, but Tigers remain skeptical

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July 24

Detroit News

"Carlos Guillen might rejoin the Tigers today. Or he might not be back for three weeks. As of Thursday, the Tigers still weren't sure how soon Guillen would be activated off the disabled list -- because even though he's begun to swing the bat well at Triple-A Toledo, Guillen has to prove he's past the point of his shoulder soreness recurring. In another encouraging game, Guillen went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Toledo's 18-1 victory over Syracuse on Thursday night. In two games with the Mud Hens, he's 4-for-7 with two walks. "But it all depends on how he responds," manager Jim Leyland said. "I've learned not to get excited until he's here because we got excited when he first went to Lakeland, ..."

Tigers' Jim Leyland hasn't talked trades with GM

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July 23

Michigan Live

"If General Manager Dave Dombrowski has any major trades in the works, Leyland doesn't know about them. "If Dave does get something going, he'll fill me in on it, but we haven't had any conversations about that," Leyland said. "I'm sure he's doing whatever he does at this time of the year." Leyland said he has little to do with trades, so he does not spend much time pondering the possibilities. "To be honest with you, I couldn't even tell you who's available," Leyland said."

Maybe Tigers could use a Holliday

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July 23

MLB.com

"Considering the Tigers' offensive woes, including another 2-1 loss Wednesday to the M's, perhaps it isn't a Halladay Detroit needs, but a Holliday. The San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday that several teams had scouts this week in Oakland, where Matt Holliday put on a hitting display over three games against the Twins. The Mercury News names the Tigers and Giants among teams "known to have at least a degree of interest" in Holliday. The Tigers have had internal discussions about Holliday, but their level of interest likely depends on how much the A's demand in return. The Tigers arguably don't have the depth in their farm system to offer Oakland enough talent to top the two First-Year ..."

A's, Tigers can't agree on Holliday deal

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"There is no match between the A's and Tigers for Oakland left fielder Matt Holliday, a major league source told FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. The A's gave the Tigers a list of prospects that they would want to discuss for Holliday, but the talks failed to progress. The Tigers' farm system is thin on impact position players, and they would need to make their best young prospects available to tempt the A's. So far, Detroit hasn't been willing to discuss hard-throwing left-hander Casey Crosby, perhaps the organization's best prospect now that Rick Porcello is in the big league rotation. The Giants, too, are not expected to be a serious player for Holliday, who since May ..."

Despite 'excruciating' pain, Inge won't head to DL because of close division race

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July 23

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge said Wednesday he recently has been playing in "excruciating" pain at regular intervals because of what he said is a 75% tear in a portion of his left knee. Inge said he would consider going on the 15-day disabled list only if he received assurances that he'd be able to return fully healed in 15 days. He said he has received no such assurances. Manager Jim Leyland held Inge out of the starting lineup Wednesday, but Inge played third base in top of eight inning, then struck out in the bottom of the ninth to end the game. "I know he's in pain," Leyland said. "If it gets to a point where he can't get through it, we'll have to make an adjustment." Inge, the ..."

Tigers Trade Rumors