Tigers interested in Putz
Now that the Tigers have filled their voids at catcher and shortstop, their one focus left is the bullpen. And one point of interest on the closer market for Detroit is the Mariners' J.J. Putz.
While Seattle's new general manager, Jack Zduriencik, told reporters Monday that he has received plenty of inquiries on Putz, the Tigers have expressed interest in the Michigan native. They're believed to be among the more aggressive parties. With the M's looking for left-handed power as they move on from free agent Raul Ibanez, the Tigers have bargaining chips to interest them with corner infielder Jeff Larish and outfielder Matt Joyce.
The expectation is that the Tigers could trade one of the two, but probably not both, leaving one to serve as a lefty bat off the bench. The other could be included in some sort of package, probably involving at least one pitching prospect to address another Mariners need.
In general, Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Monday that they've been very involved in talks with teams and free agents for closers.
"I can say we've been very active in conversations," Dombrowski said, "but I don't know if progress is being made or not. There are a lot of clubs pursuing bullpen help, and there's a lot of guys out there. So I don't know how it all is juggling together."
Asked if he felt like the upper tier of free-agent closers is becoming more realistic for them with a stagnant market, Dombrowski said, "I would say I doubt it."
That could be an indication that free agent Kerry Wood remains a reach for them.
-- Jason Beck
While Seattle's new general manager, Jack Zduriencik, told reporters Monday that he has received plenty of inquiries on Putz, the Tigers have expressed interest in the Michigan native. They're believed to be among the more aggressive parties. With the M's looking for left-handed power as they move on from free agent Raul Ibanez, the Tigers have bargaining chips to interest them with corner infielder Jeff Larish and outfielder Matt Joyce.
The expectation is that the Tigers could trade one of the two, but probably not both, leaving one to serve as a lefty bat off the bench. The other could be included in some sort of package, probably involving at least one pitching prospect to address another Mariners need.
In general, Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Monday that they've been very involved in talks with teams and free agents for closers.
"I can say we've been very active in conversations," Dombrowski said, "but I don't know if progress is being made or not. There are a lot of clubs pursuing bullpen help, and there's a lot of guys out there. So I don't know how it all is juggling together."
Asked if he felt like the upper tier of free-agent closers is becoming more realistic for them with a stagnant market, Dombrowski said, "I would say I doubt it."
That could be an indication that free agent Kerry Wood remains a reach for them.
-- Jason Beck
It looks like now the Indians are reportedly close to signing Kerry Wood. What do the Tigers think about that? Is Putz number one on the Tiger's list because he's cheaper and his contract is only for 1 year with an option? Seems like Tigers aren't worried about giving up Larish and a prospect. They must be looking at the money left over to sign another set-up type reliever in addition to Putz.
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