Tigers

Torii Hunter (Tigers)

2/2/13 10:04 pm

Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times reports that Torii Hunter felt misled by the Angels organization, being led to believe they didn’t have the financial flexibility to re-sign him.

Hunter was told that the organization was hand-cuffed by the bad contract of Vernon Wells, and couldn’t offer him more than a $5 million deal. After Hunter signed in Detroit, they went on to ink Josh Hamilton to a massive five-year, $125 million deal. He added that he would’ve been fine had the organization been honest and admitted they didn’t want to bring him back, he was just upset that he was lied to.

Source: latimes.com

Tagged as: news, Tigers, Torii Hunter

Jose Valverde (Tigers)

2/1/13 9:41 am

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Mets are pursuing Jose Valverde “to compete — or more likely unseat — Frank Francisco as closer.”

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson didn’t express much confidence in Francisco as his closer earlier this week, and it appears that he might find a replacement before spring training. Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Wilson are also on Alderson’s radar, but it sounds like Valverde is his primary target. Rubin notes, though, that a deal with Valverde “would have to be on the Mets’ terms… probably be akin to the contract to which Shaun Marcum agreed ($4 million).” Marcum can make an additional $4 million in incentives, and Valverde would likely have incentives in his deal for games finished or saves. He made $9 million with the Tigers in 2012, when he held a 3.78 ERA while notching 35 saves.

Source: go.com

Tagged as: Jose Valverde, news, Tigers

Jhonny Peralta (Tigers)

2/1/13 8:26 am

Jhonny Peralta has lost 18 pounds so far this offseason in an effort to improve his range at shortstop.

“It’s good,” Peralta said. “I’ve never been at this weight since I’ve been with Detroit. I finished last season at 236. I’m at 218 now. Dombrowski and everybody wanted me working on my range. That’s why I tried to get lighter. So I can be quicker, especially up the middle.” Peralta has made only 14 errors over the last two seasons, but his range has been among the worst in baseball at short, so losing some extra pounds probably won’t hurt. Fantasy owners are more concerned about the career-low .689 OPS he had last season.

Source: detroitnews.com

Tagged as: Jhonny Peralta, news, Tigers

Justin Verlander (Tigers)

1/30/13 1:18 pm

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports hears that there is “new optimism” that Justin Verlander will pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Clayton Kershaw, David Price and CC Sabathia aren’t participating while Andy Pettitte and Kris Medlen have bowed out in recent days, so adding Verlander would be a major boost for Team USA’s rotation. Given his massive workloads, the Tigers would likely prefer if their ace focuses on the season, but the decision is ultimately up to the player. He has until February 20 to notify Team USA of his intentions.

Source: cbssports.com

Tagged as: Justin Verlander, news, Tigers

Alex Avila (Tigers)

1/30/13 10:25 am

Alex Avila believes that platelet-rich plasma injections have helped his left knee.

Avila played through pain last season while hitting just .243/.352/.384 with nine homers, but he’s hopeful that his knee issues are behind him. “I’m already able to do stuff this offseason I wasn’t able to do last offseason,” said Avila. “I’m very happy about it.”

Source: detroitnews.com

Tagged as: Alex Avila, news, Tigers

Joaquin Benoit (Tigers)

1/27/13 9:13 am

Tigers manager Jim Leyland indicated Saturday that Joaquin Benoit isn’t a candidate to close because he doesn’t fare well pitching on back-to-back days.

“Joaquin Benoit physically, I don’t think he can do it,” Leyland said. “With all due respect to Benoit, he doesn’t bounce back.” Benoit fared well in 2011 when pitching with no rest, but he did struggle last season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Leyland admitted that he doesn’t “really know what I’m going to do” at closer, but it’s no secret that the Tigers hope Bruce Rondon runs away with the job. “We do have some others who can do the job if he needs a break, but to me, the leading candidate is Rondon,” general manager Dave Dombrowski said.

Source: detroitnews.com

Tagged as: Joaquin Benoit, news, Tigers

Austin Jackson (Tigers)

1/26/13 7:45 pm

Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson is working hard this offseason to improve his base stealing skills and wants to steal more bases in 2013.

The Tigers organization has hired veteran coach Jeff Cox as a baserunning consultant and have publicly stated that they want Jackson to be more aggressive on the basepaths. Jackson swiped 27 bags in 2010, but dropped to 22 in 2011 and only 12 a season ago. The 25-year-old is developing into a five-category contributor in fantasy leagues and is fully capable of swiping 30 or more bases in 2013.

Source: freep.com

Tagged as: Austin Jackson, news, Tigers

Justin Verlander (Tigers)

1/25/13 10:12 am

Justin Verlander said Thursday that the Tigers have yet to contact his representatives about a contract extension.

“There’s been no discussions as of yet,” Verlander said. “And, I don’t know if there will be.” Verlander has two years remaining on his five-year, $80 million deal, so it’s not necessary to lock him up just yet. It would behoove the Tigers not to wait too long, though. It’s possible Verlander, who turns 30 next month, could become the game’s first $200 million pitcher.

Source: mlive.com

Tagged as: Justin Verlander, news, Tigers

Rick Porcello (Tigers)

1/24/13 6:57 pm

Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said Thursday that he “doubted” he would go after another starter this offseason.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported earlier Thursday that the D’Backs would try to flip the newly acquired Nick Ahmed in a deal for Rick Porcello, but it doesn’t sound like Towers is anxious to make such a move. Arizona will let Patrick Corbin, Tyler Skaggs and Randall Delgado compete for the final spot in the rotation.

Source: twitter.com

Tagged as: news, Rick Porcello, Tigers

Delmon Young (Tigers)

1/22/13 10:22 am

Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports that the Phillies are “seriously considering” signing free agent oufielder Delmon Young.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. hopes to add a corner outfielder prior to spring training and confirms that he has been in touch with Young’s representatives. The 27-year-old batted .267/.298/.411 with 18 home runs, 74 RBI and a .707 OPS in 151 games last season for the Tigers. While Young could be a useful bat against left-handed pitching, he is a pretty big liability defensively.

Source: csnphilly.com

Tagged as: Delmon Young, news, Tigers

← Previous Entries