Trade Deadline Primer: AL Central
Detroit Tigers
Status: Buyers
Needs: Starting pitcher, third baseman.
Notes: The top priority for the Tigers is to find another starting pitcher. Some names that have surfaced in rumors are Hiroki Kuroda, Aaron Harang and Jeremy Guthrie. Derek Lowe's name has come up, but he's got an awfully big salary compared to his actual production at this point. Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports has reported that Kuroda is the Tigers' number one target. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune presented an interesting scenario, one in which the Cubs would ship third baseman Aramis Ramirez, starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano and cash to the Tigers for third baseman Brandon Inge and prospects. This would work pretty well to fit both the Tigers' glaring needs, but I'm not sure how much more than speculation is behind it. And, as we noted yesterday, Ramirez has stated he'll use his no-trade clause at least through July 31. The Tigers have also been connected to Carlos Beltran, but outfield isn't near as much a need as starting pitching or third base.
