According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers’ approach to this year’s trade deadline remains unclear. It might make sense for GM Dave Dombrowski to wait a while longer, since the Tigers have a series against the White Sox this weekend. The Tigers are currently in third place, 5.5 games behind the Sox.
One need might be starting pitching; Tigers starters rank 10th of 14 teams in ERA. Padres starters Randy Wolf and Greg Maddux are not on the radar. The Tigers will probably attend Freddy Garcia’s August 5th audition. No other possibilities have surfaced, but A.J. Burnett would be intriguing.
On the relief side, the Tigers are said to be interested in Pirates lefties Damaso Marte and John Grabow. They were also linked to Jon Rauch in April. Shortstop is considered a longer-term need for the Tigers, who seem unlikely to exercise Edgar Renteria’s $12MM option for ’09.
Recently Morosi took a look at Tigers prospects who may be used as possible trade chips. Reliever Fernando Rodney is considered expendable, as well.
