MLB: Changes Are Coming in Detroit This Winter
With the economy bottoming out in Detroit and no light at the end of the tunnel in terms of a turn around in the Detroit area the Tigers are destined to be a completely different looking team come next season. The team has already decided that free agents Aubrey Huff and Jarrod Washburn likely will not figure into the plans for next year and trade winds have been swirling around Detroit in relation to other players on the roster.
Free agent relievers Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon are being linked to several teams looking for bullpen depth this off season. Rodney was the Tigers closer this past season but is probably better suited as a set up man. Lyon has been tried as a closer in the past but has always been better in the set up role as well.
There is some sentiment that the Mariners may be interested in bringing Washburn back as he had a strong season with the Mariners and they are in need of starting pitching depth behind Felix Hernandez. It is also believed that the Mets may be interested in Washburn as well as they are not expected to be major players for the big name free agents this winter.
Free agent Placido Polanco is not likely to be in Detroit next season either. There are several teams, including the Cardinals and Phillies, who are interested in him as a potential third baseman next season.
Edwin Jackson is rumored to be on the trade market and was reportedly offered to the Mariners in exchange for Brendan Morrow and relief prospect Shawn Kelley but were rebuffed. The Dodgers are also rumored to have inquired about Jackson.
The Cubs are said to be keenly interested in center fielder Curtis Granderson but are not willing to part with either Carlos Marmol or Starlin Castro to get him. Quite frankly I am not sure Granderson is worth giving up a blue chip prospect for anyways. Honestly I am not sure Granderson really makes the Cubs significantly better to begin with.
One of the hot rumors circulating as we enter the winter months is the Red Sox are considering making an aggressive run at landing first baseman Miguel Cabrera and are willing to give up two or three top prospects to get him. Moving Cabrera would free up a significant amount of cash and net them the most talent in return and it may be worth investigating for a franchise clearly entering a transition phase over the next couple of years.
