The Detroit Tigers are looking to deal this offseason, taking offers on some good players and causing some speculation around a certain great player. Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski has said that he is entertaining offers for center fielder Curtis Granderson and starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, and some believe that first baseman Miguel Cabrera could be had if the price is right.
Granderson had a bit of a down year in 2009, posting a career high in home runs (30) but seeing his batting average fall to a career low .249. The Tigers may be guarding against further regression from Granderson by trying to deal him while he’s still at or around peak value. The Yankees, Cubs, and Angels are among the teams rumored to be after the young center fielder, and the Tigers are expecting at least two (if not three) prospects back in a deal.
Also in the “sell-high” category is right-handed starter Edwin Jackson. Jackson was acquired by Detroit last offseason and had a career year, going 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA and displaying the talent that many believed he had. Despite his strong numbers, Jackson’s second half line raises some flags – after the break he went 6-5 with a 5.07 ERA, causing some to believe that his first half (7-4, 2.52) was a fluke. The Mariners and Brewers are rumored to be interested in dealing for Jackson, but may find the Tigers asking price to be prohibitive.
Lastly there is Miguel Cabrera, who at times appears to be one of the best hitters in the game and at others appears to use some of the worst judgment. His well publicized “night out” after a game in Chicago may have cost the Tigers a chance at the playoffs, and some believe Detroit would be willing to deal him this offseason. The Boston Red Sox have been linked the most in the rumors, and they probably have the combination of young major league talent and prospects to get a deal done. Whether or not he's a good fit for the team is another story...
The Tigers are certainly making some noise early this offseason, but will any of these players be moved? My guess is that the Tigers will end up dealing Jackson and keeping Granderson and Cabrera. Jackson is the ultimate “sell-high” candidate, who should net a good return as teams become more desperate for starters later in the winter.
Comments