Detroit Tigers Trade Rumors

Tigers agree to terms with 8 players
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March 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"Wrapping up some routine preseason business, the Tigers today announced they had agreed on one-year contracts with their eight remaining unsigned players. All the players were under the Tigers' control for this season. They would have remained on the Tigers' roster if they had not agreed to terms. Any player who didn't sign by today could have had his contract renewed at a figure chosen by the club (as long as it wasn't too big of a pay cut)."
Damon agrees to deal with Tigers
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February 20
MLB.com
 
"The free-agent flirtation between Johnny Damon and the Detroit Tigers is finally nearing an end. And the empty locker next to manager Jim Leyland's office in the Tigers' Spring Training clubhouse is about to get filled, thanks to a one-year contract to bring Damon to Detroit. A source familiar with negotiations confirmed to MLB.com the agreement on the reported $8 million deal, though the Tigers organization has not confirmed that a pact has been completed. The contract is pending a physical. But considering all the twists and turns of this courtship, which began with agent Scott Boras publically recommending his client to Detroit in mid-January, a physical Sunday or Monday should be the ..."
Sox withdraw offer to Damon: Appears to be headed to Detroit
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February 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"Barring a last-minute change, outfielder Johnny Damon won't be a member of the White Sox when pitchers and catchers have their first formal workout Sunday. General manager Ken Williams, in a rare negotiating revelation, said Friday he withdrew the Sox's offer to Damon after stretching their dollars as creatively as they could past their payroll budget. "I went to (Chairman) Jerry Reinsdorf and asked for another special exemption," Williams said. "We tried to be creative, and I can truthfully say Johnny and (agent) Scott Boras showed a willingness in what we were trying to do. But the total dollars and cents didn't make sense." Williams didn't close the door on Damon, who appears destined ..."
Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski confirms an offer has been made to Johnny Damon
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February 19
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski this morning confirmed that his club has made an offer to free agent outfielder Johnny Damon. He would not elaborate on Tigers owner Mike Ilitch's involvement in discussions with Damon's agent, Scott Boras, or the speculation that Detroit has offered two years at $14 million and one year at $7 million. "I'm not closing it off," Dombrowski said, "but I'm not saying it's done by any means. We're still in it." He added this note in regard to not expecting Damon in camp for any club when full squads report early next week"
No sign of spring or Johnny Damon as Tigers gather in Lakeland
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February 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"A quick first glance around the Tigers spring-training clubhouse shows that Johnny Damon has a spot waiting for him. The locker closest to manager Jim Leyland's office sits empty, in a part of the room where the other lockers are stuffed with players' gear. That locker could go to an instructor who might come to camp, such as the eminent Andres Galarraga, the longtime slugger who could be a mentor to his fellow Venezuelan first baseman, Miguel Cabrera. Or it could go to a player who hasn't been signed yet. Such as Damon. Damon could fill that locker the way he could help fill the Tigers' two vacancies atop the batting order and their shortage of left-handed hitting. There's plenty of time ..."
Tigers, not White Sox, the better match for Johnny Damon
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February 19
Detroit News
 
"Ironically, it was Thursday's silence that suggested outfielder Johnny Damon and the Tigers might be moving closer to a deal that would bring Damon to Detroit. The Tigers were maintaining their no-comment posture with respect to a 36-year-old free agent and left-hand batter who could easily become manager Jim Leyland's choice as the team's new left-fielder, and just as likely, their answer at leadoff. Scott Boras, the agent for Damon, likewise was in solitude. He did not return a Detroit News phone call, which had been placed in an attempt to learn if Boras was having better luck discussing Damon's availability with the Chicago White Sox than with the Tigers. Boras has been public and ..."
Report: Former Yankee with Tigers wants Damon on board
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February 19
New York Post
 
"New Tigers pitcher Phil Coke wants someone else to join him in Detroit: former Yankees teammate Johnny Damon. Since turning down a Yankees offer and the team moving on, Damon's pursuit of a new team has lingered up to the start of spring training. The 36-year-old outfielder is seemingly deciding between the Tigers and White Sox. Coke told MLB.com he wants him to pick the Tigers. "I wish I had his number," Coke said, "because I'd be like, 'Hey, man, quit messing around.' "I mean, I love Johnny. He's an amazing person, on and off the field. It doesn't matter where he's at. He's the same guy. He's a great clubhouse guy. He's a great dude to go hang out with, on and off the field. He's an ..."
As Tigers and other teams lobby for Johnny Damon, his wife likely will have final say
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February 18
Michigan Live
 
"Phil Coke sat in front of his locker after Tuesday morning's workout and shook his head thinking about Johnny Damon. His former teammate on the New York Yankees is mulling joining Coke and the rest of the Detroit Tigers. "I wish I had his number," Coke said. "I'd call and say, 'Hurry up and sign and get over here. Quit messing around. Let's go!' " Coke, a reliever for the Yankees who came to Detroit via trade, is unabashed in his admiration for the free-agent outfielder with two World Series rings and 2,425 hits. "I love Johnny," Coke said. "He's an amazing person on and off the field. He's a great player and clubhouse guy." So, he'd love to see Damon join the Tigers? "Yeah, absolutely," ..."
White Sox could be Damon front-runners
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February 18
MLB.com
 
"Monday's round of golf played in Orlando involving White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, television play-by-play man Ken "Hawk" Harrelson and Johnny Damon certainly was not designed as a Chicago recruiting pitch for the talented outfielder. Instead, it was an outing for Dr. Phillips High School, where Pierzynski, Damon and Harrelson's son, Casey, who also took part, all once attended. Of course, the White Sox pursuit of the free-agent left-handed hitter was not an out-of-bounds topic over the 18 holes. "Certainly that came up," said Harrelson during a Wednesday appearance on the Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. "That was not the purpose of the outing." Whatever was said to ..."
Johnny Damon-Tigers deal closer, but nothing's imminent
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February 17
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Tigers reportedly are getting closer to signing free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon, although nothing is imminent. Damon's agent, Scott Boras, did not return calls to the Free Press seeking comment Tuesday. "We're continuing to negotiate and move forward," Boras was quoted as saying about Damon and the Tigers on the twitter account of MLB.com writer Jason Beck. Foxsports.com reported that the sides exchanged proposals in the past several days. The Tigers reportedly have offered Damon, 36, a two-year, $14-million contract that is believed to be the richest offer he has received."
Tigers sign five players for 2010
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February 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with five players for the 2010 season: right-handed pitcher Eddie Bonine, catcher Alex Avila, infielder Brent Dlugach and outfielders Brennan Boesch and Wilkin Ramirez. According to the Tigers, they now have 31 players on their 40-man roster under contract for this season."
Tigers, Damon slowly working toward deal
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February 16
Detroit News
 
"The Tigers and Johnny Damon appear to be moving, at less than full speed, toward a deal. The Tigers, per usual, aren't talking. His agent, Scott Boras, made it clear during a Monday phone conversation that the ball was in the Tigers' court as he and the former New York Yankees outfielder negotiate to find a home for 2010. The Tigers have been interested since Tigers owner Mike Ilitch at least opened the door for Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, to discuss signing the left-hand batter with a career .282 average and, far more valuable to the Tigers, a .355 on-base percentage. Boras and Damon had been holding out for a two-year deal. It is possible, however, that ..."
Tigers, Damon exchange proposals but no deal is imminent
Comment
February 16
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"There is now only a "very small" difference of opinion between the Tigers and Johnny Damon as to what the outfielder's salary should be, one major league source said Monday. The sides have exchanged proposals within the last several days, but the source said a deal is not yet imminent. A one-year, $7 million deal is possible, as is a two-year contract worth $14 million. But the source downplayed the chances of a one-year deal with a player option for 2011 — similar to the contract that Adrian Beltre, another Scott Boras client, signed with the Red Sox."
Johnny Damon's decision might take awhile
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February 12
Detroit Free Press
 
"Don't hold your breath waiting for Yankees castoff Johnny Damon to make up his mind about where he will play baseball this season. Here's the latest on Damon -- who, according to reports, has been offered $14 million over two years by the Detroit Tigers -- from the New York Post: Without mentioning teams by name, Johnny Damon said the number of clubs he is considering signing with isn't limited to the Braves and Tigers. "We have others," Damon told the Post on Thursday."
Tigers offer free agent outfielder Johnny Damon two-year deal worth $14 million
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February 12
Michigan Live
 
"Johnny Damon could bring star power, top-of-the-order offensive spark and a resume that includes 2,425 hits and World Series triumphs with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to the Detroit Tigers. It's not official, but it appears Damon could be headed to Detroit when considering the offers the 15-year veteran is mulling. FoxSports.com reported Thursday that Damon, after agent Scott Boras reached out to Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, has been offered two years at $14 million or one year at $7 million to come to Detroit. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the Atlanta Braves are offering one year for between $4 million and $5 million. ESPN reported that the Braves and Tampa Bay Rays ..."
Report: Detroit offers Damon two years, $14 million
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February 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"You can curse Scott Boras all you want and blame him (and his ilk) for baseball salaries spiraling out of control. But we just found out again why he's the best agent in baseball. According to FoxSports.com, Boras has coaxed a two-year, $14 million offer out of the Detroit Tigers for free agent outfielder Johnny Damon. If the report is accurate, you can forget about the Braves landing Damon for left field and, more important, the leadoff spot in their batting order"
Damon said to be close to a deal
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February 12
Boston Globe
 
"Various reports have the Tigers and White Sox bidding for Johnny Damon. The Braves also have an interest, but not for more than one year. Here is my question to you: If Johnny comes back to Fenway Park this season and you're in the stands, will you cheer him or boo him? Damon was savaged by the fans after he signed with the Yankees and it continued for the better part of four years. Having watched the Yankees take batting practice from the field, I'm here to tell you that some of the stuff people yelled at Damon was pretty crude."
Damon decision could drag into next week
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February 12
New York Post
 
"Without mentioning teams by name, Johnny Damon said the number of clubs he his considering signing with isn't limited to the Braves and Tigers. "We have others,'' Damon told The Post today. Asked if he was ready to decide by the end of the week, the former Yankees favorite said, "I don't know.'' The Braves train in Orlando, Fla., Damon's hometown, and the Tigers use nearby Lakeland as their spring training base, making each club desirable to Damon, who also attracted attention from the Rays and White Sox. FOXSports.com reports the Tigers are willing to hand out a two-year, $14 million deal to the 36-year-old outfielder, with a one-year, $7 million offer also on the table. The Braves ..."
Johnny Damon nearing decision
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February 11
ESPN.com
 
"The Johnny Damon Sweepstakes appeared to be nearing the finish line Thursday, as Damon tries to choose from several offers far less than the two-year, $20 million deal he and agent Scott Boras have been seeking. Two sources told ESPN.com that the Detroit Tigers have made the largest offer, amid speculation around the industry that that bid is in the range of one year, $7 million. There were indications the sides were still discussing a possible two-year deal. But even the Tigers' one-year offer appears to be the biggest offer on the table. The Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays have also remained in the bidding, with both teams talking about one-year contracts for fewer total dollars than ..."
Suitors eyeing Damon in reduced market
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February 11
MLB.com
 
"While celebrating a World Series championship with his Yankees teammates in October, Johnny Damon didn't have much reason to believe this offseason would evolve like this. But one week before the start of Spring Training, the 36-year-old outfielder is staring at the reality that he's still seeking his next employer. The Braves have spent the past couple of weeks monitoring Damon's situation, and they opted to offer him a one-year deal earlier this week. Financial terms of the offer weren't disclosed. A Major League source, however, has indicated that the contract's total value is less than $4 million, which includes deferred money. While the Braves have provided an offer, there is still a ..."
Tigers still not close on Johnny Damon
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February 11
Detroit News
 
"A week after Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said the Tigers "aren't close to anything" regarding Johnny Damon, Dombrowski said Wednesday they ... aren't close to anything. "Same as before," Dombrowski said."
Johnny Damon says Braves 'on top of list'
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February 10
Detroit News
 
"For which team does free agent Johnny Damon really want to play? For the team that will give him the best contract, of course, For instance, Atlanta is still on his dance card. David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Tuesday that Damon, in a text message, reiterated he would like to play for the Braves."
Report: Detroit, Atlanta like Damon
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February 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"Foxsports.com reports that the Tigers and Braves are among teams interested in the services of free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon. The report says the Tigers' chances of getting Damon rest on whether owner Mike Ilitch wants to expand the team's budget. Damon's agent is Scott Boras, who has recent history with the Tigers. Boras also represented Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordoñez when they signed with the Tigers."
Tigers GM Dave Dave Dombrowski remains high on Jeremy Bonderman making a comeback
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February 5
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski continues to speak confidently about Jeremy Bonderman being his club's fourth starter. Dombrowkski looked at Justin Verlander during Thursday's news conference to announce his ace's long-term deal and said, "Justin has been throwing with Jeremy in Lakeland (Fla.) and says he's throwing tremendously." Bonderman, 27, hasn't won a game since his 2008 season ended June 1, when surgery was required to correct a blood flow problem from his heart to his right arm. Shoulder muscles had to be cut extensively during the operation and a long comeback ensued."
Tigers expected to announce Justin Verlander signing today
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February 4
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Tigers have announced a 3 p.m. press conference today. A club spokesman would not reveal the topic, but it is believed to be in regard to the signing of Tigers starter Justin Verlander to a long-term contract. Verlander, 26, has agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract, according to the Associated Press. He was 19-9 in 2009, sharing the major league lead in wins and leading the majors with 269 strikeouts, 240 innings and 35 starts. Verlander foregoes three years of free agency by signing, but gets likely double the money he would have earned in the next two seasons. The average salary over the length of the contract is $16 million. Two major league executives, both ..."
Tigers to announce Justin Verlander signing today
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February 4
Detroit News
 
"Signed, sealed and delivered. The Tigers will announce the signing of Justin Verlander to a five-year contract Thursday at 3 p.m. at Comerica Park. They aren't saying the news conference is for Verlander. But it will be. They're also not saying the contract is for $80 million because they never disclose the terms of an agreement. But it is. And because it's a news conference instead of a conference call, it means that Verlander will be on hand at Comerica Park -- two weeks after saying he wanted to take care of the 2010 season before entering into other talks. This takes care of the 2010 season. And four more after that. The length of the contract means Verlander can't be a free agent ..."
Source: Tigers, Justin Verlander agree to $80M deal
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February 4
Detroit News
 
"Justin Verlander has agreed to a five-year contract with the Tigers worth $80 million, the Associated Press reported. Not the six years the Tigers' right-hander was believed to have wanted. But also not the $75 million which served as a starting point. And the source that told The Detroit News last week the sixth year "wouldn't be a deal breaker" was right. Although there wasn't official confirmation about the contract Wednesday, an announcement could come as soon as today, according to the AP report that quoted a source "familiar with the negotiations." The length of the contract covers Verlander's last two years of arbitration eligibility, but far more important, the first three years of ..."
Dave Dombrowski, Jim Leyland not commenting on Johnny Damon's interest in Tigers
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February 3
Michigan Live
 
"In January, when rumors connecting the Detroit Tigers to free agent outfielder Johnny Damon appeared on SI.com, Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said through a club spokesperson: "We have not expressed interest in Johnny Damon." But he was not interested in denouncing Damon on Tuesday, after Damon's agent said he wanted to sign with Detroit. Dombrowski was asked if he was interested in Damon, 36, who just completed a four-year deal with the New York Yankees that paid him $13 million each year. "It's a situation for us where we have not discussed free agent players in public," Dombrowski said. "And I don't see any benefit in doing that in this situation." Dombrowski said recently at ..."
Dombrowski: Tigers 'not close' to signing Johnny Damon
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February 3
Detroit News
 
"Not so fast. He'd like to come here, but the Tigers say they are not on the verge of signing free agent Johnny Damon. In response to questions about Damon, general manager Dave Dombrowski has said twice in the last two days, including to The Detroit News on Tuesday morning, "We're not close to making any kind of deals at this point." The means signings. That also means trades. It's also true that Damon's agent, Scott Boras, and Dombrowski have not yet discussed the 36-year-old outfielder's interest in the Tigers. Therefore, it remains unclear what kind of contract Damon would want if he came to Detroit -- but this could be an indication: Speaking last Friday on WFAN in New York, Damon ..."
Verlander 's stats could add up to Hernandez-like deal soon
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February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers are increasingly optimistic that they will sign Justin Verlander to a long-term contract extension, one major league source told FOXSports.com on Tuesday. Verlander's representatives are using Felix Hernandez's recent contract with the Mariners – five years, $78 million – as a reference point in negotiations. One person familiar with the talks said Friday that a sixth year at a mutually acceptable price would probably clinch the deal. But it's also possible that the sides could agree on a five-year deal with a guarantee of more than Hernandez's $78 million. Surpassing the Seattle ace's big deal is believed by some to be a consideration for the competitive Verlander. Verlander's ..."
Johnny Damon-to-Tigers makes too much sense
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February 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"My mother used to say, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." And usually, she was right. But maybe just this once she can be wrong. Johnny Damon and the Tigers seem like a perfect match. It would certainly make a fine at the end of one of the Tigers' most confusing off-seasons. Damon would give the angered fans something to be excited about. Trading Curtis Granderson, combined with the economy, will hurt ticket sales this year. Damon won't solve all those problems, but he is a fan favorite and someone that might be able to bring a few more fans to Comerica Park at a time when every fan counts. While the Tigers are trying to get younger while remaining competitive, Damon, 37, ..."
Agent: Damon wants to play for Tigers
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February 1
Detroit News
 
"Johnny Damon, the free-agent outfielder who helped the Yankees to a world championship in 2009, would be happy to talk with the Tigers. "Johnny believes the addition of him to Detroit's lineup would make the Tigers a winner," Scott Boras, Damon's agent, said during a Monday phone conversation. Boras agrees. "He's batted .363 at Comerica Park, he has a .412 on-base percentage at Comerica," Boras said. Boras added, quoting Damon before Damon signed earlier contracts with the Yankees and Boston Red Sox: "I told you I could make the Yankees a winner, and I told you before I left Oakland (where he played in 2001) I could make a Boston a winner.""
$75 million, 5 years for Tigers ace Justin Verlander?
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January 30
Detroit Free Press
 
"What will it take for the Tigers and Justin Verlander to agree on a long-term deal? Could it be $75 million over five years? Or $90 million over six? Neither side has publically offered up a figure or discussed the state of any negotiations. Last week, during the Tigers' winter caravan, Verlander professed his love of Detroit and his desire to stick around for the long haul, and president and general manager Dave Dombrowski reiterated that the Tigers eventually wanted to sign their right-handed ace to a long deal. Despite their silence on length and term, the financial parameters could be coming to light. On Friday, according to a series of tweets by Jeff Passan, a baseball reporter at ..."
Tigers could target Hank Blalock, Adam Kennedy
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January 29
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Tigers already have closer Jose Valverde locked up -- and many observers didn't even expect the club to make that big of a splash during this free-agency season. But Jon Paul Morosi of foxsports.com reports that they might not be done shopping. Citing third baseman Brandon Inge's surgically repaired knees and second baseman Scott Sizemore's inexperience and recent leg surgery, Morosi thinks the club might want some insurance at those positions."
Tigers sign Scott Sizemore, Austin Jackson and five others to one-year deals
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January 27
Michigan Live
 
"The Tigers signed seven players to one-year deals Wednesday, including left-handed reliever Phil Coke and outfielder Austin Jackson. Detroit acquired both players from New York in December as part of a three-team trade that sent All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson to the Yankees. The Tigers also agreed to terms with 25-year-old right-hander Scott Sizemore, who is slated to start at second base in 2010. Outfielder Casper Wells, who will compete against Jackson and outfielder Clete Thomas in center field this spring, and right-handed pitcher Jay Sborz also signed."
Tigers' top prospects invited to major league spring training
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January 27
Michigan Live
 
"Three players figuring prominently into the future of the Detroit Tigers were among 13 the club invited Tuesday to the major league camp for spring training in Lakeland, Fla. Cody Satterwhite and Robbie Weinhardt, both considered future closer candidates, will get their first big league exposure along with Gustavo Nunez, the most highly touted shortstop in the organization. Backup catcher candidates Robinzon Diaz and Mike Rabelo, both with big league experience, were invited, along with catchers John Murrian, Eric Roof (an 18th-round pick in 2009 from Michigan State) and Max St. Pierre. Minor league pitchers Phil Dumatrait, Enrique Gonzalez and Josh Rainwater also will be in camp along ..."
Tigers send Jeff Larish to Toledo
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January 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Tigers today outrighted the contract of infielder Jeff Larish to Triple-A Toledo. Larish split the 2009 season between Detroit and Toledo. In 32 games with the Tigers, he hit .216 with three doubles, a triple, four home runs and seven RBIs. Larish batted .265 with 13 doubles, six home runs and 26 RBIs in 61 games with the Mud Hens."
Verlander to Tigers: Let's sort out 2010 contract before we talk about long-term deal
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January 22
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander on Thursday said he would like to settle on his 2010 contract before exploring a long-term deal with the club. Verlander noted that Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski has commented about wanting to make him a Tiger for many years, adding, "I also want to be here for a long time. That being said, I expect some talks to happen." However, first things first. Verlander is asking for $9.5 million for next season, Detroit is countering with a $6.9 million offer and in February, an arbitration panel will choose one figure or the other unless both parties first agree to a compromise salary. Verlander could set the record for an arbitration total awarded ..."
Justin Verlander indicates he's not close to a long-term deal with Tigers
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January 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"From what pitcher Justin Verlander said today, he isn't on the verge of a multiyear contract with the Detroit Tigers. Verlander said the Tigers haven't made him a long-term offer. He said he would prefer to get a contract for this season before he works on a long-term deal. Verlander has asked for $9.5 million, and the club has offered $6.9 million for 2010. An arbitration hearing next month will determine which of those figures becomes his salary unless he and the club settle beforehand. Verlander can be a free agent after two more seasons, in the fall of next year. He cited a recent quote from Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski. "Dombrowski's quote is they want me ..."
Verlander, Tigers not talking long term ... yet
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January 22
MLB.com
 
"Justin Verlander isn't thinking about a long-term contract quite yet. In fact, the Tigers' ace said he and the Tigers really haven't talked much about it. When the time comes, however, Verlander is open to signing one. "I think Dave [Dombrowski's] quote is that they want me around for a long time. I want to be here for a long time," Verlander said Thursday afternoon at the Tigers' media luncheon to kick off their annual winter caravan. Right now, though, Verlander wants to take care of his 2010 contract first before moving on to a longer deal. His agent, Michael Milchin, and the Tigers exchanged salary figures Tuesday as part of the arbitration process and were $2.6 million apart. ..."
Tigers avoid arbitration with Zach Miner, Bobby Seay, Gerald Laird; Justin Verlander still eligible
Comment
January 20
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Tigers on Tuesday signed relief pitchers Zach Miner and Bobby Seay and starting catcher Gerald Laird to one-year contracts. Starting pitcher Justin Verlander is the lone arbitration-eligible player who remains unsigned by Detroit. It is believed Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski is attempting to sign Verlander to a long-term contract, but he would neither confirm nor deny that Tuesday. "We are hopeful to keep Justin a part of our organization for a long time," Dombrowski said. Verlander, represented by Mike Milchin, submitted a $9.5 million contract figure. The Tigers offered $6.9 million. One figure or the other will be selected during a February arbitration hearing ..."
Tigers look at Phil Coke as potential fifth starter
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January 20
Michigan Live
 
"It sounded as if Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski is leaning toward using left-hander Phil Coke, obtained from the New York Yankees in the Curtis Granderson-Edwin Jackson deal, as the fifth starter behind Verlander, Rick Porcello, Max Scherzer and Jeremy Bonderman. "I think he'll get the chance to lengthen out his arm and compete for the fifth spot," said Dombrowski, adding Coke still could end up in the bullpen."
Tigers agree to terms with closer Jose Valverde
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January 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"Confirming what was first reported five days ago, the Tigers announced this morning they have signed right-hander Jose Valverde to a two-year contract with a club option for a third year. Valverde will fill the vacancy at ninth-inning closer created when Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon left the Tigers as free agents last month. Rodney signed a two-year deal with the Angels and Lyon signed a three-year contract with the Astros — the club that Valverde left as a free agent after turning down a one-year contract to be decided in arbitration. Valverde's deal with the Tigers was first reported Thursday by Yahoo.com and FoxSports.com. Yahoo said Valverde will receive $7 million for each of the ..."
Justin Verlander's arbitration nears
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January 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"Under baseball's rules of business, right-hander Justin Verlander formally will let the Tigers know today his figure for salary arbitration -- that is, how many millions he wants in a raise for this coming season. But beyond Verlander's arbitration request, the larger story involves if and when the Tigers will sign him to a multiyear contract to delay his entry into free agency. Verlander, who turns 27 next month, has two more seasons to go before he reaches the six years of experience necessary for free agency. So a three-year deal now would postpone his free agency by a year. A four-year deal would postpone his free agency by two years, until after the 2013 season."
Tigers not interested in Johnny Damon
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January 18
Detroit Free Press
 
"After the Tigers signed closer Jose Valverde last week, there was speculation that outfielder Johnny Damon would be the next to don the Olde English D. Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski squashed that idea. He told MLB.com through a club spokesperson that the Tigers are not interested in the 36-year-old."
Tigers have not shown interest in Johnny Damon
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January 16
Detroit News
 
"This one lasted less than a day. Some rumors are legit -- such as the Tigers having interest in Jose Valverde. Some aren't. Less than 24 hours after it was first reported that the Tigers were talking to free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon, it turned out they weren't. According to a Tigers spokesman, Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said the team "has not expressed interest" in Damon, MLB.com reported. Where there was smoke, in other words, there wasn't any fire. And frankly, there wasn't all that much smoke. It was never confirmed that the two sides were seriously talking. In fact, at least one media outlet reported Thursday that it was unknown if the "talks were serious.""
Are Tigers interested in Johnny Damon and hiking payroll?
Comment
January 15
Michigan Live
 
"Hey, remember when the Detroit Tigers supposedly traded Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson to cut payroll? Now Detroit is reportedly only a completed physical away from signing Houston Astros free agent closer Jose Valverde for two years at $14 million with an option for a third season at $9 million. And Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated had a tweet Thursday night saying that the "Tigers could be in play for (Johnny) Damon." Damon, 36, just completed a four-year deal with the New York Yankees that paid him $13 million each year. He probably can't expect anything like that, but won't come cheap if Detroit is indeed interested."
Jose Valverde appears set to sign 2-year deal with Tigers
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January 15
Detroit News
 
"Always cautious, the Tigers haven't yet confirmed that their new closer is Jose Valverde -- "Papa Grande." Apparently a "t" hasn't been crossed. Some "i" hasn't been dotted. Plus he probably hasn't taken a physical yet. The Tigers never announce anything -- whether it be a signing or a trade -- until the incoming player has passed all the required tests. But somewhere between 99 and 100 percent lies the probability that Valverde has indeed agreed to the two-year, $14 million contract, with a $9 million option for a third, that Yahoo! Sports reported first on Thursday. Sources say it's done. The Tigers say -- nothing. But that's how these things go. Now is it as good a deal for the Tigers ..."