Detroit Tigers Trade Rumors

FanGraphs ranks Prince Fielder signing second-worst this offseason
February 10
Detroit News
 
"Folks around here seem to like the Tigers' signing of Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract. Outside of Detroit, others disagree. One, Dave Cameron of the popular baseball site FanGraphs.com, called the signing the second-worst move of the offseason."
Yoenis Cespedes might leave U.S.
February 9
ESPN.com
 
"Yoenis Cespedes, who met with the Miami Marlins and toured their new ballpark on Wednesday, could head back to the Dominican Republic as early as Thursday, said his agent, Adam Katz. "Nothing is scheduled for now," Katz said when asked if he and Cespedes plan to meet with other teams before the 26-year-old Cuban outfielder departs. He declined to say whether Cespedes had met with other clubs besides the Marlins since he arrived in Miami on Tuesday. Cespedes had lunch Wednesday with Marlins president David Samson, executive vice president Larry Beinfest and general manager Mike Hill, then got a firsthand look at the Marlins' new park, which is located in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood"
AL source: Miami Marlins frontrunners to land Yoenis Cespedes
February 7
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes is scheduled to land in Miami Tuesday afternoon. According to an American League source from a club that's been monitoring his free agency, the Marlins likely will be his future employer. Cespedes is expected to meet with club officials Wednesday. Though the U.S. Treasury's Department of Foreign Assets Control must unblock Cespedes before he can play professionally here, he is able to negotiate and come to terms with the club of his choosing. Team President David Samson last week said they were aggressively negotiating with Adam Katz, Cespedes agent from the Wasserman Media Group. The AL source said all indications are the Marlins have the inside track to"
Tigers 'most likely set,' but still are pursuing Yoenis Cespedes
February 6
Detroit News
 
"More and more, it's looking like the Tigers' fifth starting spot is Jacob Turner's to lose. Asked Monday if he's still hoping to bring another veteran pitching presence to spring training, which begins Feb. 20 for pitchers and catchers, Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said, "There's a chance it may not happen — which is fine. "We may still sign a guy or two. We'll just wait and see. We've talked to people, but we've not had any success in that regard. The closer we get (to spring training), unless something happens, we'll just go with the people we have." Going into camp that way, however, doesn't mean the Tigers will come out that way. "There's still plenty of time to"
Yoenis Cespedes signing before spring training
January 31
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes is now free to sign with any team he would like and his agent, Adam Katz, told Fox Sports Monday that his client is expected to do just that before spring training camps open in a few weeks. "We are aware of the (spring-training) dates," Katz told Fox. "We expect him to be in camp with one of the clubs." Of course, Katz may have a lot of sifting to do before then. The word has been that pretty much everybody who has seen Cespedes pick up a bat has some interest in signing the 26-year-old. Katz termed the market for Cespedes as "meaningful and aggressive" to Fox."
Cespedes is a free agent, and bidding can begin
January 25
CBSSports.com
 
"The bidding for Yoenis Cespedes can finally begin. The 26-year-old Cuban outfielder has established residency in the Dominican Republic, and Major League Baseball told teams on Wednesday that he is now officially a free agent. But where will he go, how much will he cost, and how fast could he make an impact? First, the where: Cespedes himself told reporters in the Dominican that the Cubs have shown the most interest in him, with the Marlins, Tigers, White Sox and Orioles also involved. The Nationals have also shown interest in Cespedes, and the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies scouted him, although it's believed that none of the three will be among the top bidders. The Marlins have made no"
Cespedes gains residency in the DR
January 24
MLB.com
 
"The bidding is about to begin. Cuban outfield prospect Yoenis Cespedes has established residency in the Dominican Republic and is now waiting on approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent, his representative Edgar Mercedes said. Cespedes, who just finished a stint with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, recently said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Indians have expressed the most interest in signing him. He is expected to command a contract greater than the one received by Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds in January 2010."
Reports: Prince Fielder coming to Tigers
January 24
Detroit News
 
"The various complications can be worked out later. For now, this much is clear: In stunning fashion as the so-called "mystery" team in the negotiations the Tigers reportedly have come to terms with first baseman Prince Fielder on a nine-year contract worth $214 million. As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, the team hadn't yet confirmed the signing — but the Tigers usually wait until a physical is taken and passed before making announcements. It could also be there's some language in the contract still to be worked out. But the framework of a bold free-agent signing is in place."
Tigers' Victor Martinez likely out for season with torn ACL
January 17
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Tigers today announced that designated hitter Victor Martinez tore the ACL in his left knee during off-season conditioning last week and likely will miss the 2012 season. Martinez will be re-evaluated by Dr. Richard Stedman next week and surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee is anticipated. Martinez hit .330 with 12 home runs and 103 RBIs in 145 games with the Tigers last season. He signed a $50 million, four-year contract before last season."
Tigers agree to 1-year deals with Max Scherzer, Delmon Young, Don Kelly
January 17
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski will have another arbitration-free winter. Starting pitcher Max Scherzer, leftfielder Delmon Young and utility man Don Kelly -- the final three Tigers slated for arbitration next month -- agreed to one-year contracts with the clubs today. Jon Heyman of cbssports.com reported the monetary terms for the deals as $6.75 million for Young, $3.75 million for Scherzer and $900,000 for Kelly. The Tigers announced Monday that pitchers Rick Porcello and Phil Coke avoided arbitration by signing one-year deals."
Well-placed Tigers still likely to pick up veteran arm before camp
January 15
Detroit News
 
"Money is one reason the Tigers haven't yet traded for, or signed, a fifth starter. Multiple contract years — either assumed during a trade or essential to signing a free agent — also explains why an Edwin Jackson, or a Joe Saunders, hasn't been of interest to a team that needs help. The only factor arguing against acquiring a seasoned starting pitcher is that the Tigers believe they already have a fifth starter, with more help either on the way or ultimately available to the club as trade chips. Jacob Turner, Duane Below, Andy Oliver, Adam Wilk, Casey Crosby, Drew Smyly -- it is reasonable to believe one of the above will be in manager Jim Leyland's rotation at some point this spring and"
Six teams eye Yoenis Cespedes
January 14
ESPN.com
 
"Yoenis Cespedes' much-awaited debut in professional baseball didn't go as expected, but the Cuban prospect remains optimistic about his future as he revealed the six teams which have expressed interest in his services. Cespedes, who is awaiting word from Major League Baseball on his status as a free agent after defecting to the Dominican Republic, has worked out for most teams, but he said the most interest has come from the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins. It has been speculated that Cespedes could command a signing bonus similar to the $30 million fellow Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman received from the Cincinnati"
Tigers in discussions regarding Matt Garza
January 10
Detroit News
 
"A report on CSN Chicago claims the Tigers and Cubs are "down the road in discussions" concerning Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. David Kaplan writes "talks have progressed far beyond the initial stages." Kaplan mentions Jacob Turner, 20, the right-hander Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said he was not looking to trade. He also mentions Casey Crosby, 23, a left-hander who was 9-7 with a 4.10 ERA at Double-A Erie last season. Crosby is from Maple Park, Ill., near Chicago."
Tigers' Dombrowski: Jacob Turner not on trading block
January 4
Detroit News
 
"Jacob Turner, it appears, is not for sale. Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, said during an energized Wednesday phone conversation that the Tigers have no plans, nor desire, to trade their 20-year-old right-handed starting pitcher and top prospect, as has been reported nationally. The Tigers were believed to be offering Turner as bait in a potential trade for Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. Dombrowski, though, said no such trade offer has been made, although clubs have continued to call him with offers that have centered on Turner. "We are not looking to trade Jacob Turner," Dombrowski said. "We love the guy. But I have received calls from clubs wondering if we would"
Report: Tigers make top prospect Jacob Turner available in trade talks
January 1
Detroit News
 
"In a surprising offseason development, the Tigers reportedly have made their top prospect, right-handed starter Jacob Turner, available in trade talks as they now appear to seek a top-gun starting pitcher for their 2012 rotation. Buster Olney reported Saturday for ESPN.com the Tigers have made it known to several clubs Turner is attainable in a deal for an established starter, which has included discussions about Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. The trade conversations represent a change in strategies for the Tigers. Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, had maintained well into December the Tigers were interested only in adding a low-key starter as insurance for a"
Sources: Tigers join pursuit of Cubs' Garza
December 31
Foxsports.com
 
"The Detroit Tigers have emerged as a suitor for Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza. Interest in Garza has picked up recently, major league sources say, and the Tigers are involved. Multiple teams are pursuing Garza aggressively, increasing the odds that the right-handed starter will be dealt before spring training. The New York Yankees are interested in Garza, but one source said they are not currently engaged because of the Cubs' asking price. Garza's rising salary — likely more than $8 million in 2012, with another year of salary arbitration thereafter — could become problematic because of the Yankees' proximity to the luxury-tax barrier. However, unlike many available pitchers, Garza"
Cespedes, the latest international sensation
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Cespedes, the talented Cuban defector, is expected to establish residency in the Dominican Republic and be cleared to play by US officials soon after the New Year. And then he's likely to sign for more than the $30.25 million countryman Aroldis Chapman received from the Reds, according to nearly all of the dozen executives I polled. The reasons for such a large contract, according to one team official, include a lower injury risk than Chapman, a larger number of interested teams, the new CBA and hype created by YouTube videos showcasing Cespedes' superlative athletic ability. Baseball officials with expertise in Latin America believe the Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, Blue Jays, Rangers, Tigers,"
Report: Tigers target Yoenis Cespedes nearing free-agency
December 21
Detroit News
 
"Yoenis Cespedes, a prized outfielder who defected from Cuba this past summer, is expected to be granted residency of the Dominican Republic this week, his representative told ESPN.com. That's a necessary step before Major League Baseball declares him a free agent. "We'll hear about it (Tuesday). We are confident that Yoenis will receive his documents this week," Edgar Mercedes, the player's representative, told ESPN.com. "In January we'll be authorized to sign (with a major league team). We are on time to sign for the next season, because spring training will start on the second week of February.""
Frugal moves give Tigers front office hope
December 10
Detroit News
 
"Never did the Tigers expect four days of Winter Meetings dialogue to tweak a roster that still requires work. But with an agreement — all but finalized — to sign right-handed reliever Octavio Dotel for a bullpen that needed a trusty soul, Dave Dombrowski and his front-office corps at least could leave Dallas following Thursday's meetings wrap-up and feel as if their finishing touches are manageable. "I think we've made progress," said Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, following Thursday morning's Rule 5 Draft, which is annually the final act from baseball's winter convention. "We haven't been looking at making a big splash. But I think a lot is coming this wintertime."
Nationals trade Collin Balester to Tigers for Ryan Perry
December 10
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals cut ties with one-time top prospect Collin Balester today, dealing him to the Detroit Tigers for reliever Ryan Perry, a 2008 first-round choice who threw 37 innings in 36 games last season, compiling a 5.35 ERA with 24 strikeouts and 21 walks. Balester shuttled between the majors and Class AAA Syracuse last season and had a 4.54 ERA in 35 2/3 major league innings, primarily as a long reliever. The Nationals were motivated to move Balester because he has run out of minor league options, while Perry still has one remaining. Essentially, they can do with Perry what they did with Balester last year – toggle him up and down for roster management purposes without the threat of"
Report: Detroit Tigers sign free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel
December 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"On today's final day of the baseball winter meetings, the Tigers appear to have filled a vacancy in their bullpen. According to a report from MLB Network, the Tigers have signed right-hander Octavio Dotel to a one-year contract. FOX Sports first reported the deal was close. Dotel, 38, gives the Tigers depth, especially for the seventh inning."
A's Gonzalez hottest lefty at meetings
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The left-handed pitcher most in demand at the winter meetings is not either of the top free agents, C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle. No, the lefty generating the most attention is the Athletics' Gio Gonzalez, who is attracting trade interest from nearly a dozen teams, major league sources say. The Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Reds and Phillies are the known suitors for Gonzalez, according to sources. Other clubs including the Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and Rockies also are known to be pursuing starting pitching and likely have some interest in Gonzalez. The Yankees have had only minimal conversations with the A's about Gonzalez and are not a factor in the discussions, a source"
Suitors for potential Gio trade increasing
December 7
MLB.com
 
"While Albert Pujols stole all the overnight buzz at the Winter Meetings, talks of a trade involving A's hurler Gio Gonzalez were picking up steam by the time the sun came up in Dallas on Wednesday morning. The 26-year-old Gonzalez, already known to have drawn interest from teams including the Marlins and Yankees, reportedly added the Tigers and Phillies to his list of suitors. Next to free-agents C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle, the A's southpaw appears to be the most sought-after pitcher this week. Miami's interest in local product Gonzalez has been well documented, and on Tuesday Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record noted that the A's asked the Yankees for power bat Jesus Montero, along with"
Tigers are trying to push for A's starter Gio Gonzalez
December 7
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"I learned from multiple Detroit team sources tonight that the Tigers have strong interest in Gio Gonzalez and they probably would be willing to part with top prospect Jacob Turner, a right-handed starter, in any deal. Turner, 20, was the ninth pick in the 2009 draft. To land Gonzalez, of course, it will take a package of significantly more: likely one more of the club's top three or four prospects and several other decent young players. (I can't repeat it enough: Think Dan Haren deal.) The sources I spoke to tonight are unsure if the Tigers would be able to match any proposal the Yankees might make. The Yankees have long coveted Gonzalez, and the Detroit faction believes that New"
For Tigers, major trade unlikely with core of team returning
December 7
Detroit Free Press
 
"The moves the Tigers made during the season have reduced their need to make acquisitions in this off-season. Doug Fister and Delmon Young became the last two pieces the Tigers needed to win the Central Division this season. Both are due to return to the Tigers next season along with almost the entire core of the team that won 95 games. Fister arrived on July 30 and filled the open spot in the rotation. Young came two weeks later and filled the vacancy at the No. 3 spot in the order."
Tigers seek relief for bullpen
December 7
Detroit News
 
"How the Tigers pulled off that Great Bullpen Robbery last season could someday be grist for a suspenseful book or movie. Talent obviously explained most of the Tigers wizardry. Jose Valverde went 49 for 49 in save situations and Joaquin Benoit was pretty much automatic after a rough April. But there also were dips along the way. Ryan Perry was erratic, Al Alburquerque occasionally was ailing, Daniel Schlereth got behind too many hitters, and Phil Coke was in and out after resuming life as a reliever following a stint as a starter. It has left the Tigers hunting for one more seasoned reliever, preferably one who can help stabilize the seventh, which was a source for some of last season's"
Joel Zumaya wants to return, but open to fresh start
December 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"Hard-throwing Joel Zumaya is working on his comeback. The question is: Will he come back to the Tigers? The free-agent right-hander hasn't thrown in a regular-season game since 2010, and he is ready to show he can pitch again. Zumaya told Jason Beck of MLB.com this week he would "love to go back there" in talking about the Tigers. But at the same time, Beck said Zumaya sounded like a pitcher in need of a fresh start. "I think it's best for me that I can start somewhere new," Zumaya told MLB.com in a phone interview Wednesday night. He is scheduled to throw a mound session for interested teams this month in Houston, where his agents are based. About 10 teams are expected to watch. Zumaya"
Marlins interested in Carlos Guillen?
November 30
Detroit News
 
"The Miami Marlins have entertained free agents Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols and Mark Buehrle, but they just might be interested in an old friend, too. Carlos Guillen has attracted interest from the Marlins, Foxsports.com reported."
Sources: Tigers interested in Angels' Izturis
November 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers have interest in trading for Angels infielder Maicer Izturis, major-league sources told FOXSports.com, and it's believed that he ranks behind Atlanta's Martin Prado on Detroit's trade wish list. The Tigers are looking for upgrades at second base, third base and the leadoff spot. Izturis, 31, has filled all of those roles over an eight-year career. Izturis, a switch hitter, isn't known for his durability. This year marked the first time he has played more than 120 games in a major-league season. But that wouldn't necessarily be a huge issue in Detroit, where he could split time with the likes of Ryan Raburn, Brandon Inge and Don Kelly at the two positions."
Cardinals, Reds and Tigers interested in Dotel
November 29
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel has garnered interest from a number of teams, and the Cardinals, Reds and Tigers are among those that have inquired about him, according to a major-league source. Dotel, who turned 38 last week, was a valuable member of the Cardinals' bullpen during the second half and World Series run, compiling a 2.61 ERA in 12 postseason appearances."
Unanimous MVP vote unlikely for Tigers' Justin Verlander
November 21
Detroit Free Press
 
"The American League MVP will be announced at 2 p.m. today. If Justin Verlander wins it, he probably won't do so as overwhelmingly as Denny McLain did in 1968. McLain won the MVP unanimously in 1968. He remains the only pitcher to win the MVP unanimously in the 80-year history of the award. The only other pitcher who has a claim on winning unanimously is the Giants' Carl Hubbell in 1936. He received all six first-place votes cast, but two voters didn't submit a ballot."
Report: Tigers about to bring back catcher Gerald Laird
November 18
Detroit News
 
"Once upon a time, 2009 to be exact, Gerald Laird played in 135 games as the Tigers catcher and had 477 plate appearances. He's not coming back to Detroit to do that. But according to FOXSports.com reports from the general manager's meetings Thursday in Milwaukee, the Tigers are bringing Laird back to be Alex Avila's backup. The contract is pending the completion of a physical. It made sense, however, for both sides to agree on this. For Laird, he's had a year in St. Louis of getting accustomed to severely limited playing time, as he will see with the Tigers."
Sources: Tigers interested in Prado
November 14
Foxsports.com
 
"With Aaron Hill returning to the Diamondbacks on a two-year, $11 million deal, the Tigers believe they may need to turn to the trade market to fill their opening at second base. The Tigers are interested in Atlanta's Martin Prado, sources say. He's available, too. Prado started at second base for the National League in the 2010 All-Star Game, but his production declined this year as he battled injuries and dealt with a position switch to left field. He has a career .801 OPS when batting first, and Detroit is looking for a leadoff man."
LaRussa might be interested in Tigers front office position
November 12
Detroit News
 columnist Tom Gage
"Don't be surprised if the Tigers hire Tony LaRussa. Not to manage, though. Jim Leyland is, and will continue to be for at least 2012, the Tigers' manager. Plus LaRussa doesn't want to manage again. If he still wanted to manage, he wouldn't have left the St. Louis Cardinals. The Tigers won't hire him to coach, either. Leyland and LaRussa are close friends, but if Gene Lamont gets the Red Sox managing job, for which he's interviewing, LaRussa would not become Leyland's bench coach. Even for Leyland, there's no indication LaRussa intends, wants or would agree to coach. But this is what I think - and why I'm saying the Tigers have as good a chance as any team, but better than most, of adding"
Cuban star draws Tigers' attention
November 12
Detroit News
 
"The Tigers have strong interest in an outfielder viewed as the most talented player to have departed Cuba in decades. Yoennis Cespedes (pronounced SES-peh-des), a 26-year-old center fielder and superstar for the Cuban national team, this summer defected to the Dominican Republic. He is considered to be a spectacular, five-tool (speed, power, defense, hitting for average, and for power) player, replete with a personal 20-minute highlights film available on YouTube. Cespedes is a 5-foot-10, 187-pound right-handed hitter, with a vertical leap of 45 inches. He runs a 60-yard dash in 6.3 seconds. He has been on the international scouts radar for years and was further observed last week by the"
Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen plan to play again next season
November 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"They are unlikely to be sporting the Old English D next year, but Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordoñez have every intention of playing again next season. At least that's what Guillen told MLBlogs.com writer Jason Beck this past weekend. Guillen, who already had expressed his intentions to play next year, said he spoke with Ordoñez, who told Guillen he was planning on playing next year, too."
Free agent infielder Jamey Carroll has his eye on the Tigers
November 8
Detroit News
 
"Little in the way of trades or signings is expected from the Tigers until at least later this week, although a graybeard free agent, Jamey Carroll, is open to a conversation with the Tigers as they ponder possible options on an everyday second baseman. Carroll, 37, has had back-to-back seasons hitting .290 or better for the Dodgers in a combined 279 games. Jonathan Maurer, Carroll's agent, said Saturday that he and Carroll were exploring multiple opportunities and overtures that have been extended during a particularly hot off-season market for second basemen. Maurer said the Tigers would be viewed "enthusiastically" by Carroll in any potential conversations, although the Tigers aren't yet"
Tigers' Andrew Oliver struggles in Arizona
November 7
Detroit Free Press
 
"As the weather begins to cool in Detroit, Andrew Oliver is looking to heat up in Arizona. But so far, his Arizona Fall League season has been anything but sunny. Oliver, a Tigers left-hander who figures to compete for a rotation spot next spring, has a 5.84 ERA in six starts with the Salt River Rafters. He has allowed earned runs in four of six starts, opponents are hitting .286 against him, and he has more walks than strikeouts. But Oliver has limited left-handers to a batting average of .091 and had his longest outing of the fall Friday, allowing two runs and two hits in three innings."
Free-agent slugger Jamey Carroll has his eye on the Tigers
November 7
Detroit News
 
"Little in the way of trades or signings is expected from the Tigers until at least later this week, although a graybeard free agent, Jamey Carroll, is open to a conversation with the Tigers as they ponder possible options on an everyday second baseman. Carroll, 37, has had back-to-back seasons hitting .290 or better for the Dodgers in a combined 279 games. Jonathan Maurer, Carroll's agent, said Saturday that he and Carroll were exploring multiple opportunities and overtures that have been extended during a particularly hot off-season market for second basemen. Maurer said the Tigers would be viewed "enthusiastically" by Carroll in any potential conversations, although the Tigers aren't yet"
Tigers ace Justin Verlander named player of the year by peers
November 4
Detroit News
 
"It's awards time for baseball, and this is a big one. One of the biggest, in fact. Justin Verlander was named player of the year by the Major League Baseball Players Association on Thursday, the first Tigers player so honored and just the second pitcher to receive the award. Earlier Thursday night, he was named pitcher of the year. Last month, Verlander was named player of the year by The Sporting News. And, he's a shoo-in to win the American League's Cy Young Award for his 24-5 season. But will he make it a clean sweep with the AL MVP award this month, announced Nov. 21?"
Tigers changes on way
November 2
Detroit News
 
"Magglio Ordonez, gone. Carlos Guillen, gone. When general manager Dave Dombrowski says it's "highly unlikely" a player will return, it's 99.99 percent certain he won't. And that's what Dombrowski said Tuesday about those two longtime Tigers — Guillen has been in Detroit eight years, Ordonez seven. "We pretty much told them the last month of the season that we would doubt they'd be back with us," Dombrowski said. "They've been a couple of key guys who not only helped us immensely on the field, but I don't think you can find better people.""
Tigers are likely to say farewell to veterans Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen
November 1
Detroit News
 
"Chances are this will be more of a goodbye session than hello. When Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski gets together with the media at Comerica Park on Tuesday for what's become his annual State of the Team discussion, he'll no doubt be asked about offseason plans. And about the Tigers' needs for 2012. On neither front, however, is he expected to be as verbose as he'll be about the players to whom it's likely the Tigers will be saying goodbye. When Dombrowski doesn't plan to re-sign players who have become free agents, he's recently been up front about saying so. At least he was last year when addressing the futures of Johnny Damon and Jeremy Bonderman."
Tigers face tough offseason calls
October 31
Detroit News
 
"Dave Dombrowski is taking his time. Perhaps it's because time is the Tigers' best friend as they ponder making their 2012 season better than a 2011 campaign that ended two victories shy of this year's World Series. Dombrowski, who next week marks 10 years as Tigers' front-office chief, declined after Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against Texas, the Tigers' last game of 2011, to speak about any areas of address that might be in place ahead of 2012. "It's too early," Dombrowski said. It was still too early last week when Dombrowski was asked if any overviews, strategies, or hard personnel decisions had been made. The Tigers president and general manager will instead meet"
Tigers exercise $9 million club option on closer Jose Valverde for 2012 season
October 28
Michigan Live
 
"Jose Valverde will be doing his dance at Comerica Park for at least one more season. The Detroit Tigers announced today that they have exercised the club option on Valverde's contract for the 2012 season. If the Tigers had chosen not to exercise the option, Valverde would have become a free agent. Valverde went 2-4 with a 2.24 ERA this season and converted all 49 of his save opportunities this season and was named the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year. He broke the franchise record for saves in a season that was previously held by Todd Jones (42 in 2000)."
Assistant GM Al Avila in demand but bound to the Tigers
October 26
Detroit News
 
"Press him about why he is turning down interviews for a potentially better job, and Al Avila will admit, at one time, he wanted to be his own boss. He aspired to be a general manager with all the freedom and authority to craft at Seattle, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Arizona a championship big-league baseball franchise. But he is remaining in Detroit. By his choice, and by contract language the Tigers vice president and assistant general manager approved, Avila has denied competing clubs any shot at approaching him, even as the Angels and Mets have sought to talk with him, just as the Mariners and Orioles in previous years discussed with him their vacant general manager openings."
Delmon Young makes history for Tigers, leaves early with injury
October 7
Detroit News
 
"But will they be without Delmon Young for the American League Championship Series? No Tiger had ever hit three home runs in the same postseason series before Young connected for his third in the first inning of Thursday night's 3-2 victory over the Yankees in dramatic Game 5 of their Division Series. "I don't know," Young said during the postgame celebration about the severity of what's being called a mild oblique strain. It was severe enough to knock Young out of the game after six innings, though. "I did it on a swing," he said."
Tigers say Verlander won't pitch in Game 5
October 6
New York Post
 
"Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Wednesday that Justin Verlander is not an option out of the bullpen for ALDS Game 5. Verlander has started two ALDS games, although he pitched only one inning in last Friday's Game 1 before it was suspended by rain. The Cy Young favorite threw 25 pitches that night, then started Game 3 on Monday on two days' rest and threw 120 pitches."
Jim Leyland, Tigers embody spirit of Detroit
September 29
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jim Leyland hasn't forgotten. Not for one minute. He remembers the tough times with pride, those days when he made $400 a month in the minor leagues. When he borrowed cash from his brothers to buy gas for the drive to spring training. When he worked in the off-season in the same glass factory where his father labored to make the money that fed seven kids. Maybe that's why he feels the connection so strongly with those Detroiters who follow the Tigers with their hearts but can't afford the seats behind home plate."
With three more hits, Tigers' Miguel Cabrera nears batting title
September 27
Detroit News
 
"Miguel Cabrera sure didn't look or sound like a guy worried about winning his first American League batting title this week. Soft-spoken and all smiles, the league-leading Tigers slugger, boasting a .343 average after a 3-for-5 performance Monday, tried to downplay the potential milestone any way he could. As reporters approached him in the clubhouse before Monday's game against the Indians, Cabrera finished signing an autograph, then juggled three baseballs before an attempt to embarrass teammate Ramon Santiago. "Santiago stole a bible from the hotel!" yelled Cabrera, explaining a trip to the crowd gathered. "That's a bad man." Once the laughing stopped and questions about Cabrera's"