I apologize for posting this question if has already been posted or answered..

Are the Tigers actively looking for a Left handed bat? I have read on ESPN.com they are, but haven't really seen anything from a local source. Most of the local sources seem to believe the team wants DY healthy before making a move.

However yesterday listening to a Texas Rangers call in show they mentioned that the Rangers would consider trading Blaylock or Wilkerson if they could get back a young arm or two. One of the teams mentioned as a trade partner was Detroit, however to my surprise the host/analyst mentioned Grilli, Zach Minor and Ledezma as solid prospects to get back, not Zoom or Verlander.

Has anyone heard names of Left handers we are interested in? If they are looking at batters, what positions, power bats or contact hitters, veteran or youthful (meaning guys who are under 30 or so)?

I haven't heard anything about this so I can't help.

I find it mind boggling that the Rangers would consider trading Blalock for prospects.

Texas is still in the race out west, yes? Can't imagaine them dumping a stud like blay for a mid-level prospect right now.

V and Z are untouchable this side of a superstar.

Here's the deal. The Tigers have shown so far that you don't have to have R-L balance in your lineup to succeed. However, that doesn't mean they assume they can go through a whole season and the playoffs without it, and still be successful. While they wouldn't necessarily want to fix something that isn't broke, they do want to think a little ahead of the game - Dombrowski is a genius. He also figures that while the park is being packed, it's a good time to get Mr. I to write a big check.

Now, would I trade for Blaylock or Wilkerson? You bet your left nut. Not only are both lefty bats, but 3B and LF are probably our biggest needs. The good news is the needs aren't huge. The Tigers aren't desperate. So rather than rumors where the Tigers would have to give the world, rumors are giving us the upper hand. It's a strange position to be in, but a good one.

Zach Miner has been a complete stud this year, which is a bit surprising. I'm guessing people aren't bashing the Farnsworth trade anymore since Colon is also holding his own. Miner could be the Kenny Rogers replacement is a couple years if no moves are made. However, I don't think you pass up the chance to get a guy like Blaylock when you've got another guy who is still a bit of a question mark.

As for Grilli, let him go. Our bullpen has depth to it. We've got more young arms. Just don't leave the cupboard bare.

Bottom line: if the Tigers can get a guy like Blaylock, and the only guy on their major league roster that they give up is Grilli, it would be one of the greatest trades in team history. Blaylock is only 25 and already has 97 HR's and a career BA of .277, while fielding 3B for a career % of .961. I don't care how much a person likes Brandon Inge (29 years old, 55 HR's, .238 BA, career fielding % of .950 at 3B), you jump all over a player like this and either trade Inge and thank him very much or make him the best utility guy in the league.

I love Brandon, but if Blaylock were available, like Jeth said, you'd have to take him for Ledezma/Grilli or even Miner/Grilli (although I really like the first deal, what a steal it would be). We don't have a set DH right now with the way DY's been, and getting Blaylock would just make our lineup even more flexible. If this could be done, the majority of Tiger Town would cream their pants, even if it made BInge a bit unhappy.

I think we're getting carried away here.

IMO, Texas won't be trading Blalock unless they get a current roster-worthy pitcher or a major league ready stud pitching prospect.

Do they even have somebody able to step in at 3B?

Maybe a Zumaya/Inge package could get it done, but it would have to be something of that nature, IMO.

I think we're getting carried away here.



I know, Glenn, we're just speculating based on what some radio guy said. Also, I don't know if I'd do the Zumaya/Inge thing, based on how important Zumaya's been to our success and how important he may be in the future. Yes, I'm also a homer, so that may factor in.

Inge is 29? Damn.