Today the Tigers brought back a familiar piece as they re-signed infielder Ramon Santiago to a two-year contract worth about $4 million dollars in guaranteed money.
Santiago hit .260/.311/.384 last season splitting time between second base, shortstop and third base. He ended up becoming the teams primary shortstop towards the end of the season and into the playoffs.
Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski commented that if the season were to start today, Santiago would platoon second base with utility man Ryan Raburn.
Going into the offseason, the general feeling was that the Tigers were going to address the infield positions with an everyday player at either second or third. With the addition of Santiago, it would seem that the Tigers could go forward and fill the third base position with a higher priced player such as Aramis Ramirez.
The Tigers have also been linked to other infielders such as Maicer Izturis, Martin Prado and Kelly Johnson.
Trades on the horizon?
Danny Knobler of CBS Sports writes that the Tigers would like to round out their starting rotation this offseason with an addition possibly coming via a trade.
Obviously the Tigers would like to fill their vacant starting spot with a lefty. Currently some of the bigger named lefty starters on the market are C.J. Wilson who at first look will be commanding much more money than he is really worth. Then there is veteran Mark Buehrle who is very familiar with the AL Central given his many years with the Chicago White Sox.
The Tigers may be looking to package outfielder Delmon Young. The Tigers seem to have some concerns with his defensive capabilities in left field and was recently mentioned being part of a trade for Atlanta’s Martin Prado.
Coco Crisp a Detroit Tiger?
Danny Knobler also writes that the Tigers may be interested in veteran outfielder Coco Crisp.
The switch-hitting Crisp led the American League with 49 stolen bases in 2011, hitting .264/.314/.379 with 27 doubles as Oakland’s center fielder.
Crisp however seems to prefer playing for a west coast team and the A’s appear willing to bring him back.
Currently the Tigers outfield in 2012 is projected to be Delmon Young, Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch.
Other news and notes
- According to James Schmehl of Mlive.com, the Tigers have re-signed catcher Omir Santos to a minor league deal. Santos served as Alex Avila’s backup during the playoffs this past season.
- Former Tigers ace Jack Morris has another chance at being elected into the baseball hall of fame. He is on this years ballot which currently is being considered “weak”. During his career, Morris was 254-186 with a 3.90 ERA in 18 seasons in the majors, including 198-150 with a 3.73 ERA in 14 seasons with the Tigers.
Ref: Twitter, CBS Sports, Mlive.com, AP (image), MLBTradeRumors.com
