With the MLB Winter Meetings done and over with, the Tigers are still looking to upgrade an infield position. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has been devoted on upgrading at 2nd or 3rd base.
However, the latest rumors circulating seem to be upgrading the shortstop position. We can only assume that Jhonny Peralta would move to 3rd base if they acquire a new shortstop.
Peralta, 29 years old, was the long-time shortstop for the Cleveland Indians before being moved to 3rd to make room for Asdrubal Cabrera in 2009.
His offense seemed to struggle more than his defense when switching positions. Looking at his career numbers, he holds a .252 batting average when starting at 3rd and a .272 average while playing shortstop.
The difference in stats doesn’t seem to bother Dave Dombrowski. Big names like Jimmy Rollins and Hanley Ramirez have been hovering around the Tigers this week.
The agent for Jimmy Rollins, Dan Lozano, has said that there are many teams who are interested in Rollins. Though the Tigers have said they are not interested, other teams are coming out and saying that they are in the mix - as reported by Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.
In Miami, Hanley Ramirez will be forced to move to 3rd base with the signing of shortstop Jose Reyes. Although Ramirez has not said much publicly, reports have said that he is not happy with the move.
The Marlins were rumored to be talking with at least 4 teams, Tigers included, who were interested in a trade for the young star. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen has said that he has talked with Ramirez and he did not seem upset about the position move, even saying that he was told the Marlins would pursue Jose Reyes aggressively.
If Hanley refuses to play 3rd base for the Marlins, they will have no choice but to trade him. Many see Detroit as a very possible home for him. He is a very close friend to Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera.
Though these are just rumors and more than likely mean nothing, you can’t help but fantasize about the possibility of the Tigers grabbing a big name infielder. Dombrowski seems to have no problem with including their #1 prospect Jacob Turner in a deal. This makes a Hanley Ramirez trade, or similar deal, a lot more than just a rumor.
The Tigers have always been very quiet about who they are pursuing and have been known to come out of left field with a signing or a trade.
Lets just hope the next announcement doesn’t come from out of left field but from the shortstop position instead.
Matthew LaFave can be reached by e-mail (matt_lafave@yahoo.com) or on Twitter (@MatthewLaFave).
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