Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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June 25

Detroit News

columnist Lynn Henning

"Among the background stories on a Tigers team with no shortage of drama is their free agency situation. The Tigers have a handful of players who could find themselves on the free-agent auction block this autumn: Fernando Rodney, Placido Polanco, Brandon Lyon, and Adam Everett. What happens with those players has ramifications beyond 2010. It has to do with draft picks, which the Tigers will receive if any of the above qualify as a Type A or Type B free agent and sign elsewhere -- as long as the Tigers offer them salary arbitration for 2010. And that's where things get sticky. Each year Elias Sports Bureau computes free agents based upon their performance class. Type A free agents are ..."

Source: Injured Glaus has trade appeal at 1B/DH

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June 23

Foxsports.com

"Here's another name to consider for all those teams in the market for a first baseman or designated hitter. Troy Glaus. Glaus, who has yet to play this season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, is progressing better with his hitting than his throwing, according to a source with knowledge of his recovery process. While Glaus hit off a pitching machine for the first time Monday and could be ready for a minor-league rehabilitation assignment by the middle of next week, he is struggling to throw at distances of greater than 90 feet, the source said. If Glaus cannot play third base, he will be of virtually no use to the Cardinals. Albert Pujols, perhaps the best player in the ..."

Ten ball clubs that can add payroll

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June 22

SI.com

"Baseball is doing better than most businesses. But you know something's amiss when even the Yankees are claiming they can't add salary or expand their payroll. Ultimately, the $200 million team just might find a few mil in the seat cushions. But for now anyway, they're saying they are tapped out. The same may be true for the Cubs, yet another storied big-market club that may not spend this summer. The Cubs' situation could be compromised by the glacial pace of the team's sale. At present, their player dealings appear to be in the same sort of limbo as the sale, meaning their big in-season acquisition may be limited to recovering star Aramis Ramirez. The Rangers also are believed to have ..."

Agent: Tigers OF Guillen could return by July

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June 22

Foxsports.com

"About one week after acknowledging that shoulder surgery was a possibility for his client, agent Peter Greenberg said the prognosis for Tigers left fielder Carlos Guillen has become "brighter" recently. Guillen, currently rehabilitating with a trainer in Miami, told Greenberg on Saturday that he is "feeling much better." "He now feels he should be able to come back (this season), maybe even by early July," Greenberg said Sunday. "It will depend on how he continues to progress. Ideally, the Tigers would like him to be able to come back and play left field, which would take him a bit longer to get to that point." Greenberg said Guillen, 33, is hoping to avoid offseason surgery on his right ..."

Magglio Ordonez awaits decision on return

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June 22

Detroit News

"Tigers manager Jim Leyland still has not decided whether to start Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs at Comerica Park. He said he wants to think about it and figure out what is best for the ballclub and Ordonez. Leyland has sat Ordonez the last four games trying to clear his head and get out of a power slump that has seen him hit .273 and hit two home runs. Leyland said Ordonez has taken the time off well and the two joked around a bit Sunday before the Tigers' 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. "I am going to take a day off to think a little longer on it," Leyland said. "I would like for it to be Tuesday, but I am not sure." Once Ordonez ..."

Magglio Ordonez might return to lineup Tuesday

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June 21

Detroit News

"Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Saturday that outfielder Magglio Ordonez might return to the lineup Tuesday against the Cubs, giving him five days of rest. Leyland said last week he wanted to give Ordonez, who is slumping, time off to clear his head. Leyland was not thrilled with comments from agent Scott Boras, who criticized the benching in a story in The Detroit News. "Scott Boras might be better off if he leaves Magglio Ordonez and myself to handle this instead of him, because Magglio Ordonez will be back in the lineup," Leyland told reporters before the game. "When you beat your head against the wall and continue to do it, sooner or later you say, 'You know what, this isn't working. ..."

Tigers bench Magglio Ordoñez

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June 19

Detroit Free Press

"Magglio Ordonez, homerless in a career-high 38 straight games, is on the bench indefinitely. Manager Jim Leyland said he believes he's "tried everything" to get Ordoñez ignited. He has moved him around the batting order. He has given him days off. Ordoñez has taken extra hitting practice and studied tapes of his at-bats. Asked how long he would keep Ordoñez out of the lineup, Leyland said, "Indefinitely." He declined to elaborate, but said he might even withhold Ordoñez from pinch-hitting. "I'm going to get him away from it," Leyland said. "He's beating himself up. Just let him breathe a little bit and see what happens." Ordoñez has two homers, none since late April. He's hitting .273 but ..."

Bad shoulder could cost Tigers' Guillen '09 season

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June 16

Foxsports.com

"It has become increasingly unlikely that left fielder Carlos Guillen will return to the Detroit Tigers' lineup any earlier than one month from now. And Guillen's season will be in jeopardy if his right shoulder doesn't improve soon. Guillen's agent, Peter Greenberg, said Monday that there could be a drop-dead date on the decision to have surgery sometime in July, in order to afford Guillen the best chance at making a full recovery before the 2010 season. Greenberg acknowledged that off-season surgery is a possibility, even if the 33-year-old returns to action this year. "He is trying to do everything he can to avoid surgery, especially since it's his throwing shoulder," Greenberg said. ..."

As usual, Tigers likely to target power arms

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June 9

Detroit News

"It could be a matter tonight of the Tigers sticking with their usual preferences in the Major League Baseball Draft. And that would mean the Tigers will make the ninth overall pick a pitcher, with the heavy favorite being Jacob Turner, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound right-hander from Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, Mo. Turner would make it four pitchers in four years for the Tigers and their first-round selections. He also would make it twice in three years that the Tigers selected a high school right-hander represented by Scott Boras. Turner is regarded as perhaps the second-most talented pitcher in the draft next to San Diego State's Stephen Strasburg, who is all but guaranteed to ..."

Tigers should cut losses with Magglio Ordoñez

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June 7

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers have a difficult decision approaching: What to do with struggling outfielder Magglio Ordoñez? There's little room for sentiment when a once proficient slugger wanes. The memories resonate as though they were yesterday -- the pennant-clinching home run in Game 4 against Oakland three years ago and the American League batting title the following season. Ordoñez remains one of the genuinely nice people in baseball, always equipped with a smile. But he's not getting the job done. His .357 slugging percentage entering Saturday was only 77 points higher than his .280 batting average. That's indicative of a No. 8 hitter who's batting third in the order. The season is one-third ..."

Why mess with success in draft? Tigers Baseball

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June 7

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers are busy preparing for the Major League Baseball amateur draft, which begins Tuesday and ends Thursday. General manager Dave Dombrowski, vice president of amateur scouting David Chadd and the scouting brain trust were at Comerica Park on Saturday studying data about the prospects. But one main member of the brain trust -- manager Jim Leyland -- refuses to take part in meetings about the draft. He was invited to look over the big board, but Leyland -- just like he said he has done at managerial stints with the Pirates, Marlins and Rockies -- avoids meetings about the draft. "I really don't want to know who we're thinking about because that way, if something leaks, they can't ..."

Tigers' Jeremy Bonderman to start Monday at Chicago

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June 6

Detroit News

"Jeremy Bonderman will be activated to start the second game of Monday's day-night doubleheader against the White Sox in Chicago. The roster move will likely take place between the two games. Bonderman won't be the power pitcher of the past, however. With his arm not regaining the strength it had before last year's shoulder surgery, Bonderman admitted Friday that he'll have to depend on more off-speed pitches. "I still have another month before it's been a full year since my surgery," he said. "If it (his velocity) comes back, great. If not, so be it. "I'm not saying I'm going to be a guile guy, but I'll have to pitch smart more than anything. I'll still be able to go out and throw a ..."

Miguel Cabrera hopes for best after pulling hamstring

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June 5

Detroit News

"The last thing the first-place Tigers needed was an injury to Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera left Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Red Sox in the second inning after pulling his left hamstring running to first on a single. Cabrera grabbed at the hamstring as he rounded second on a single by Curtis Granderson, which brought manager Jim Leyland and trainer Kevin Rand out of the dugout. "I actually made a mistake. We should have taken him out right then," Leyland said after the game. "When you saw him come around third (on the next play), you could see it was bothering him." Cabrera was noticeably limping around third on Brandon Inge's double and grabbed at the hamstring once again on his way to the ..."

Marcus Thames likely to join Tigers soon

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June 4

Detroit News

"There's no specific timetable. But it's clear Marcus Thames will rejoin the Tigers soon -- probably as soon as they face the next left-handed starting pitcher. Thames began his injury rehab assignment to Toledo slowly. But with four hits on Monday, his progress wasn't slow anymore. And with the Tigers looking at a barrage of left-handers in a five-game series at Chicago next week, including a day-night double-header on Monday, they'll want to stack the lineup with right-handed hitters. Manager Jim Leyland said about Thames: "I would expect he will rejoin us soon. The reports are he's getting close." As for sore-shouldered Carlos Guillen, however, Leyland said: "It's going to be long ..."

Carlos Guillen still ailing for Tigers

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May 20

Detroit News

"It won't be a parade of returning players this week, but the walking wounded definitely are healing. To start with, Nate Robertson is feeling a lot better. His back isn't bothering him anymore. "Night and day compared to the way it was," he said. However, Carlos Guillen only is somewhat better. He hasn't tested his sore right shoulder as much as he'll need to. "I've been throwing a little, but I can still feel it when I swing," he said. The upshot of that is Robertson probably will be ready to come off the disabled list when he's eligible, which is Thursday. But Guillen won't be ready when he's eligible, which is today. Robertson has been on the DL with what the Tigers are calling a ..."

Tigers will put Magglio Ordoñez on bereavement list Monday

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May 18

Detroit Free Press

"Outfielder Magglio Ordonez will take a leave starting Monday to be with his wife while she undergoes a medical procedure. Leyland said Saturday that Ordoñez would miss Tuesday and Wednesday games against Texas and said Ordoñez might not return for the Thursday afternoon finale of the series. The Tigers are allowed to add a replacement to the roster and will do so either late Monday or early Tuesday."

Magglio Ordonez leaving Tigers to be with wife

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May 18

Detroit News

"Magglio Ordonez will miss at least the first two games of this week's series against the Texas Rangers as he attends to his wife, who is undergoing surgery. The Tigers right fielder will be placed on "bereavement leave," which will entitle the Tigers to call up a replacement player from the minors leagues. That player is not expected to be named until today or Tuesday, when the team begins its three-game series at Comerica Park. Ordonez, 35, had a double in three at-bats in Sunday's 11-7 victory over the A's and is batting .256, well beneath his .311 career average. But he has had four doubles in the past week after amassing only three extra-base hits during the first month of the ..."

Tigers' Jeremy Bonderman says he's close to returning

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May 15

Detroit News

"Now that he's going to make his first rehab start, Jeremy Bonderman isn't just on the road back to the majors. He's in the fast lane. "I'm maybe one or two starts away," Bonderman said in the Tigers' clubhouse before Friday night's game. The right-hander, who has been on the disabled list since March 30 because of his ongoing recovery from last year's shoulder surgery, will start for the West Michigan Whitecaps on Saturday"

Tigers' Matt Treanor likely out for rest of season

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May 3

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers announced today that catcher Matt Treanor likely will miss the remainder of the season. Treanor underwent surgery Thursday on his right hip to remove a bone spur that was causing inflammation, the club announced. The operation was performed by Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Treanor was placed on the disabled list last weekend with a right hip strain. At that point, he was expected to miss at least a few months. Dane Sardinha has replaced Treanor as the Tigers No. 2 catcher."

Tigers release reliever Williamson

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April 27

MLB.com

"Scott Williamson's attempt at a comeback with the Tigers quietly ended on Sunday, when he was released from the Triple-A Toledo roster. Williamson partly became the victim of a roster squeeze. The Tigers optioned right-hander Eddie Bonine to Toledo on Saturday to make room for Joel Zumaya's return from the disabled list. Williamson's release opened a spot for Bonine on the Mud Hens' roster. The rest was a matter of Williamson's struggle to find consistency in the arm that made him one of baseball's top setup men in the early part of the decade. After a scoreless inning in each of his first two outings, the 33-year-old right-hander struggled over his final three appearances, allowing a ..."

Tigers face roster decision

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April 25

Detroit News

"Joel Zumaya will return to the Tigers roster this weekend as his team prepares for a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals that begins tonight at Kauffman Stadium. What isn't yet clear is what pitcher will be lopped to make room for the 24-year-old right-hander who figures to boost manager Jim Leyland's back-end bullpen. The candidates would seemingly include: Juan Rincon, right-hander: He has a 6.14 earned-run average that is a bit deceptive. Rincon has allowed nine hits and five earned runs in 7 1/3 innings of work. He has also walked five batters. But a 30-year-old right-hander with a measure of savvy and a solid track record, and who is steadily rebuilding arm strength ..."

Joel Zumaya rejoins Tigers, will be activated Saturday

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April 25

Detroit News

"Joel Zumaya's happiest thought Friday as he returned to the Tigers clubhouse had to do with -- no surprise -- his right arm. "My arm feels 100 percent, and I can say that with honesty this time," said Zumaya, the 24-year-old right-hander who was set to become a Tigers bullpen firebrand before tendon tears and shoulder reconstruction introduced him to two years of setbacks. "Being a baseball player, sometimes you've got to lie. Sometimes, you feel 50 percent or 80 percent. Well, I feel 100 percent." Zumaya will not be formally activated until Saturday, which Tigers manager Jim Leyland said was the probable plan when he spoke Friday a few hours before the Tigers and Kansas City Royals met ..."

Joel Zumaya about to rejoin Tigers

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April 24

Detroit News

"Joel Zumaya is ready to pitch in the majors again. Tigers manager Jim Leyland said before Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels that Zumaya, who pitched in back-to-back games for Triple-A Toledo this week, will rejoin the team in Kansas City during this weekend's three-game series. "It won't be Friday," Leyland said, when asked specifically when Zumaya would be activated. Pitching in consecutive games was considered the final hurdle for the hard-throwing right-hander who suffered a couple of setbacks in spring training. It's his right shoulder that's been bothersome. When the Tigers left Florida, Leyland said, "we're not going to bring him back until he's right." And, ..."

Minors outfielder Tyner sent to Tigers

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April 23

MLB.com

"The Brewers traded Triple-A Nashville outfielder Jason Tyner to the Tigers' top affiliate on Wednesday to clear a spot for prospect Cole Gillespie, who was slowed by a sore right elbow to start the season, but was ready to report to Nashville on Thursday. Tyner was sent to Toledo for future considerations, but Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash joked that those considerations could be a cup of coffee at the Winter Meetings. The deal was really about finding Tyner a job, because opportunities were thin in Nashville and, with Gillespie joining the fray, about to become even thinner. "We didn't know what the situation was going to be at the end of Spring Training when [Tyner] became ..."

Zumaya return appears imminent: 'I'm ready to face those Yankees'

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April 23

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya pitched a scoreless seventh inning tonight for Triple-A Toledo and declared afterward that he is "ready" to return to the major leagues. "I'm about ready now," the hard-throwing reliever said. "I'm about 100%. I've been throwing the ball 100%. "Hopefully I'm up there (in the big leagues). Hopefully you guys (in Toledo) don't see me down here again. I'm ready, man. It's been a little road … I'm going to be up there. I'm going to be happy to see the guys." Then he made reference to Detroit's upcoming home series against the New York Yankees, next Monday through Wednesday. "I'm ready to face those Yankees," he said. "I know they're coming to town." Tigers ..."

Tigers GM: Miguel Cabrera trade rumors 'absurd'

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April 22

Detroit News

"Some rumors are denied. This one had a door slammed on it. With one of his strongest replies to any question he's been asked in his current role as the Tigers president and general manager and chief executive officer, Dave Dombrowski on Tuesday called the repeated speculation he's heard on ESPN that the Tigers could make Miguel Cabrera available for a trade this season "completely absurd." "Not only that, but it upsets me," he said. "We have no intention whatsoever to trade him." Dombrowski said he's heard such speculation more than once on ESPN. "There's nothing that can happen this year that would make us think about trading Miguel Cabrera," he said. "The guy's only 26 and might be ..."

Sheffield signing with Mets

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April 3

SI.com

"Gary Sheffield has agreed to sign with the New York Mets, SI.com has learned. An official announcement is expected this afternoon. It is presumed that the Mets will pay him the pro-rated portion of the $400,000 minimum. The Tigers are obligated to pick up the rest of Sheffield's $14 million salary. Sheffield chose the Mets over the Phillies and Reds because he believes he'll get more playing time with the Mets -- although Mets people have said no promises have been made. The New York Post first reported that the Mets were closing in on a deal with Sheffield earlier on Friday. He's expected to be mainly a right-handed pinch hitter off the bench and to occasionally spell Ryan Church in right ..."

Robertson: My time with Tigers may be nearing end

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April 3

Detroit Free Press

"Nate Robertson thinks of himself as a starting pitcher. On Wednesday, the Tigers decided they were better off without him in their rotation. Robertson will start the season in the bullpen - a peculiar place for someone who signed a three-year, $21.25-million contract as a starter less than 15 months ago. But he had a 6.35 ERA last year and lost out to Zach Miner and rookie Rick Porcello in the rotation competition this spring. "There's definitely a difference of opinion, because I don't have the job," Robertson said Thursday. "The cycle of a player's time in a certain place comes and goes. This is my seventh year in the organization. "Maybe my time here is nearing its end. And I'm fine ..."

Reds join Phillies in running for Gary Sheffield

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April 2

Detroit Free Press

"The Cincinnati Reds wrapped up training camp with an overture to Gary Sheffield. Manager Dusty Baker said today that he's interested in adding Sheffield - a friend for many years - to the roster. The trouble is that he can't offer regular playing time to the 40-year-old free agent, who is hoping for a full-time job and a multiyear deal. Baker got permission from general manager Walt Jocketty to call Sheffield and see whether he would consider the Reds, who don't have a starting job open. Sheffield, who was released by the Tigers on Tuesday, could start in leftfield when the Reds are facing a left-handed pitcher, fill in at first base on occasion and pinch-hit. "I don't even know if we're ..."

Nate Robertson wants to start, even if not with Tigers

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April 2

Detroit News

"Now looking at a long relief role for the Tigers, left-hander Nate Robertson said Thursday that "maybe my time here is nearing its end." Robertson, a starting pitcher for the Tigers during his previous six seasons in Detroit, was a touch-and-go choice but ultimately won a spot on manager Jim Leyland's 25-man roster that will begin the regular season Monday at Toronto. But an ongoing battle to reclaim the command he displayed in 2006 and during previous seasons continued during spring camp. Robertson's contract status --- he is owed $17 million through 2010 -- is believed to have contributed to the Tigers' decision to keep him on the staff, albeit in long relief. "I think the cycle of a ..."

Tigers working on deal to send Ryan Raburn to St. Louis

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April 1

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals have recently discussed a trade that would send infielder/outfielder Ryan Raburn to St. Louis, according to one person in the industry with knowledge of the talks. Raburn has been battling for one of the final spots on Detroit's Opening Day roster, but left-handed-hitting prospect Jeff Larish may have moved ahead of him in the competition. The Tigers can send Raburn to Triple-A Toledo without putting him through waivers - he has one minor league option remaining - but they may prefer to trade him for a pitching prospect. Raburn, who turns 28 this month, has played five different positions in the majors - all three in the outfield, in addition to second ..."

Tigers' Bonderman could be sidelined for weeks

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March 30

Detroit Free Press

"Of all the words Tigers fans would have wanted Jeremy Bonderman to utter this morning, these were not atop the list. "I'm a ways away." But he said that almost immediately when asked about his performance in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed three earned runs in 1 1/3 innings, a clear signal that he won't be ready for the regular season after undergoing surgery last year. "I can't put a timetable on any of it," Bonderman said. "When I'm ready, I'm ready. It's going to be a little bit. I'm not going to come up if I ain't right." Bonderman acknowledged that he will want to throw at least six innings in a minor league game - without experiencing abnormal pain in subsequent ..."

Pitcher Bonine expected to make Tigers' roster

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March 30

Detroit News

"It looks like Tigers right-hander Eddie Bonine has an excellence chance of making the club. "He's been tremendous," manager Jim Leyland said. "He's a different pitcher out of the bullpen than he is starting." Bonine allowed a run in his first spring appearance, but has pitched 13 1/3 scoreless innings since. "He's done very, very well," Leyland said. "He's had a tremendous spring training. One of the big things is that he knows he won't be out there as long (as when he started), so he throws harder out of the bullpen." But the best indicator that Bonine is going to make it that he will pitch the first two innings of the Tigers' game on Thursday, said Leyland."

Omar Backs Off Deal for Stokes

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March 30

New York Post

"The Mets had a change of heart with reliever Brian Stokes last week. In a move first reported by the Detroit Free Press, GM Omar Minaya was in serious talks with the Tigers about shipping Stokes to Detroit for infielder-outfielder Ryan Rayburn. But with Stokes pitching well this spring (he threw 2" innings of scoreless relief here yesterday against the Orioles), the Mets broke off talks because they want the righty to fill a long-relief role. "We're very pleased with his velocity and his overall pitching," Minaya said yesterday when asked about Stokes. * All you would-be announcers might want to get your resume tapes ready. The Orioles' flagship radio team of Joe Angel and Fred Manfra ..."

Tigers talk trade with Mets

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March 29

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers had serious discussions with the New York Mets in recent days about relief pitcher Brian Stokes, the Free Press has learned, but the chances for a deal fell dramatically when the Mets determined that Stokes was likely to make their Opening Day roster. The Tigers today placed right-handed pitcher Joel Zumaya on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27 with a sore right shoulder and left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis on the 15-day disabled list with an anxiety disorder. Tigers infielder/outfielder Ryan Raburn -- an ideal player for the National League, because of his versatility -- likely would have been sent to New York in the deal. The Tigers are still searching for ..."

Rick Porcello may pitch Saturday

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March 18

Detroit Free Press

"Right-hander Rick Porcello's next start has been pushed back another day because of the cut finger on his pitching hand, manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday. Porcello, the prize rookie, is now due to pitch Saturday against the host Yankees in Tampa. He had been scheduled to pitch Friday at home against Washington. Nate Robertson, scheduled to pitch in a camp game Thursday, will start Friday instead. Leyland wouldn't guarantee that Porcello will pitch Saturday. First, his finger has to improve. "He had a Band-Aid on it (Tuesday morning)," Leyland said. "I said, 'How is it?' He said, 'I can throw, but every time it bleeds.' " Porcello, who's making a bid for the open rotation spot, suffered a ..."

Zumaya doubtful for Opening Day

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March 16

Detroit News

"Joel Zumaya's bid to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster "is in the gray area now," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Sunday before the Tigers and Washington Nationals met at Space Coast Stadium. Zumaya's latest setback has occurred because of a neck cramp that could keep him from throwing until later this week. "I doubt very much that he'll be ready for Opening Day unless something happens in a hurry," Leyland said of his 24-year-old right-hand reliever who has had a steady stream of ailments since April of 2007. "He really hasn't pitched in two years." Zumaya tore a tendon in his right middle finger in April of 2007 and was on the shelf until mid-season. Later that year he damaged his ..."

Bonderman's shoulder problem could put Porcello in the rotation

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March 14

Detroit Free Press

"LAKELAND, Fla. -- Manager Jim Leyland said Friday it soon will be clear if right-hander Jeremy Bonderman has a chance to pitch for the Tigers when the season begins. If that chance disappears, rookie right-hander Rick Porcello's already legitimate chance to make the rotation likely would grow. Leyland said, barring a trade, the replacement for Bonderman would come from among the four pitchers competing for the vacant fifth spot in the rotation. Porcello has been the most impressive member of that group so far. Bonderman hasn't pitched in an exhibition game because his shoulder hasn't recovered from surgery last year. He's due to throw in a camp game today; if that goes well, he will make ..."

Leyland says Bonderman won't throw for two or three days

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March 2

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers manager Jim Leyland said today that the next news on Jeremy Bonderman's status won't come for two or three days. Bonderman's first appearance of the spring, set for Saturday, was postponed because of stiffness in his right shoulder. Bonderman had surgery on the shoulder last year to alleviate a circulation problem. "He won't throw for two or three days, so I won't know anything until after that time," Leyland said before today's Tigers game against the Pirates. "I put that one in the hands of the medical people. When they tell me he's ready to go, I'll pitch him. "I don't think it's going to be long, to be honest with you. But I'm not going to get into predictions about that stuff ..."

Bonderman's first scheduled start put on hold

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February 27

Detroit Free Press

"On the second day of the Tigers' spring schedule, they made their first health-related announcement of the new season. Jeremy Bonderman, recovering from multiple surgeries to relieve a circulatory condition, won't pitch against the New York Mets on Saturday, as scheduled. Instead, he will throw that day in a simulated game against Tigers hitters. The decision was made because Bonderman has experienced "normal stiffness" in his throwing arm, according to manager Jim Leyland. "It's common sense," Leyland said. "For obvious reasons, you don't want to take any chances. He's probably going to be a little bit behind, so we're just making sure he's not trying to overexert. He wasn't too happy ..."

Porcello might be ready for Tigers in '10

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February 17

Detroit News

"Rick Porcello is getting closer. In another year, he could be the hot story at spring training. By next February, Porcello likely will contend for a spot in the Tigers' starting rotation. If he stays healthy, a right-handed pitcher with elite talent will have completed his basic training. He will have completed his second full season of professional baseball. He will have been groomed for an entire summer at Double-A Erie. He will be 21. But it will not happen in 2009. Porcello, who was the Tigers' first-round draft pick in 2007 and whose talent and signing package ($7.285 million) were proportionally immense, will need another year in the farm system. The reason: pitch counts. Porcello ..."

Left-hander John Parrish likely headed to Baltimore, not Detroit

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February 4

Detroit Free Press

"Left-hander John Parrish, whom the Tigers had pursued as a free agent this off-season, is likely to sign a minor-league contract with Baltimore within the next several days.

The Tigers had been interested in signing Parrish to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league camp. Parrish, 31, could have joined the competition to become the second left-hander in Detroit's bullpen, behind Bobby Seay. Tigers officials have seemed less concerned about adding relief help since signing potential closer Brandon Lyon to a one-year, $4.25-million deal last month."

Bonderman progressing nicely

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February 3

Detroit News

"Tigers starter Jeremy Bonderman cleared a high hurdle Monday. After throwing off a mound for the first time in eight months, Bonderman said that, "Barring a setback, I'll be at full strength when camp breaks in April." With spring training less than two weeks away, the right-hander was that happy with the way his recovery from last year's shoulder surgery is going. But after so much waiting, Bonderman also was that happy with the way he threw. "I will not lie," he said over the phone. "It felt good." Bonderman threw for eight minutes off a bullpen mound at the Tigers' complex in Lakeland, Fla. "All fastballs," he said. What kind of velocity? "I don't know. It doesn't matter right ..."

Tigers could trade a starter or two

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January 31

Detroit News

"What would have been considered laughable not long ago, what still is regarded as fantasy by some fans, made for a moment of serious discussion one week ago at Comerica Park. Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, was reading off a list of potential Tigers starters for 2009 as he spoke during WXYT radio's coverage of TigerFest. Down the line Dombrowski went: Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Armando Galarraga, Edwin Jackson, Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis, Zach Miner. "There are seven starters right there," Dombrowski said, adding the kicker: "Trade possibilities come up." The idea that a team that had chronic pitching problems in 2008 would be trading bulwark ..."

Casey plans to retire, join MLB Network

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January 26

MLB.com

"Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey is officially retiring, according to a report by WEEI.com in Boston. The report said Casey, nicknamed "The Mayor" for his friendly personality, has signed on with the MLB Network for role that has not been defined yet. Casey, 34, hit .322 in 199 at-bats for the Red Sox last season. He also played in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but spent eight of his 12 big league seasons with the Reds. A three-time All-Star, Casey had a .302 career average with 130 homers and 735 RBIs."

Tigers don't believe Kenny Rogers has made decision on retirement

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January 26

Detroit Free Press

"For months, Kenny Rogers' plans have remained a mystery. The longer he remains unsigned for the 2009 season, the probability increases that he has thrown his final competitive pitch. Last week, Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Rogers recently left him "a beautiful message" that did not reveal whether he intends to pitch this year. Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Saturday that he is not looking to add another starter, which would seem to rule out the possibility that Rogers will be on the roster when spring training opens next month. Rick Knapp, the Tigers' new pitching coach, played on several minor league teams with Rogers during the 1980s. The two men spoke in ..."

Fans brave elements to meet favorite Tigers TigerFest

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January 25

Detroit Free Press

"They lined up around the block and across the street. They braved the morning chill and winds that dropped temperatures into the low single digits. They huddled against the cold with bulky jackets and knitted hats -- and something else. Smiles. Plenty of smiles. Nearly every fan wore one as approximately 8,500 of the Tiger faithful flooded Comerica Park during TigerFest on Saturday. The annual fan celebration and its carnival atmosphere lured many with the promise of autographs from more than two dozen players. Mike Miller, 41, of Shelby Township had four young kids in tow. The group ducked into a heated stairway for a lunch break. On the steps, the rosy-cheeked kids munched on hotdogs. ..."

New Tiger Brandon Lyon gets good shot as closer

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January 25

Detroit Free Press

"Dave Dombrowski had kept the sheet of paper with him since the off-season began. It was his shopping catalog, a roll call of available relief pitchers. "It's been in my pocket all winter," the Tigers president/general manager said Saturday. Some pitchers signed elsewhere. Others were deemed too expensive or not intriguing enough. Over time, the team's preferences took shape. And Brandon Lyon's name was always on Dombrowski's list. "Pretty high up," he said. That would explain the Tigers' optimism Saturday as they announced that Lyon had signed a one-year, $4.25-million contract. When Dombrowski delivered the news to a TigerFest fan forum at Comerica Park, many in the room cheered ..."

Tigers taking a look at Lyon

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January 23

Detroit News

"There were indications Thursday the Tigers are near an agreement with free-agent right-handed reliever Brandon Lyon, who last season pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Barry Meister, the Northbrook, Ill., attorney who represents Lyon, would not confirm the Tigers have completed a multi-year deal for Lyon. But it is believed a contract could be finalized as early as today. "We're continuing discussions," Meister said. Lyon, 29, is perhaps the highest-profile reliever remaining on the 2009 free-agent market. The Tigers have indicated repeatedly they expect to add at least one reliever to a bullpen that is unmistakably the team's biggest soft spot two weeks before the start of spring ..."

Tigers close to signing 2 relievers

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January 23

Detroit Free Press

"Following a luncheon with local media Thursday afternoon, Tigers manager Jim Leyland continued an annual rite -- the fielding of questions about his team's bullpen. At one point, he offered a prediction: "Before it's all said and done -- I'm not talking about tomorrow -- there will be more of a veteran presence in our bullpen than people think." Apparently the Tigers could not wait until "tomorrow." Within hours of Leyland's remarks, industry officials said the Tigers were close to deals with right-handed relievers Brandon Lyon and Scott Williamson. Lyon, 29, is the headliner. He is expected to sign a multiyear contract, after saving 26 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. He ..."

Tigers Trade Rumors