Here is the latest regarding the Detroit Tigers and the Winter Meetings…
- As we talked about yesterday, the Tigers appear to have interest in Mets infielder Daniel Murphy while the Mets have interest in Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks. The Tigers see Murphy as a potential replacement for Brandon Inge at third and a fill in as well at second base. According to James Schmehl, Murphy, who hit .320 with six home runs and 49 RBIs, could also be seen as a leadoff candidate after swiping five bases before a torn left MCL cut his season short in August. Despite the reports, ESPNNew York.com suggested Tuesday said that Murphy will likely remain with the Mets this upcoming season.
- Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he is comfortable with having Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn platooning at second should the Tigers not pursue an everyday second baseman this offseason. This is according to Chris Iott of Mlive.com.
- With the Tigers outrighted the contract of first baseman Ryan Streiby to Triple-A Toledo, the Tigers are now down to 39 players on their 40 man roster. With this opening in the roster, the Tigers could become players in the Rule 5 Draft this Thursday at the Winter Meetings. Now if the Tigers do become involved there is some risk that comes with taking a player in the Rule 5 draft. For instance if the Tigers select a player they would have to remain with the club at the major league level or be offered back to the original club for $25,000. Under Rule 5 Draft guidelines, eligible players can be selected for $50,000.Some potential candidates for the Tigers include (via Mlive.com)…Johan Yan, RHP: Yan signed a six-figure deal with the Rangers as a 16-year-old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic in 2005. He converted to a right-handed reliever in 2009 following back-to-back years of offensive struggles and has since switched to a funky — but effective — sidearm delivery. He projects as a middle reliever, but is recognized for having pin-point control.
Brad Meyers, RHP: Meyers, 26, was named the Washington Nationals minor league pitcher of the year in 2009 recognized for his uncanny control. The 6-foot-6 right-hander likely projects as a back of the rotation starter.
Erasmo Ramirez, RHP: Ramirez, 21, is projected as a back of the rotation pitcher. He was named Seattle’s Pitcher of the Year for Class A in 2010 and went 10-8 with a 4.83 ERA in splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A Tacoma this past season.
T.J. McFarland, LHP: McFarland, 22, is a hard-throwing left-handed that went 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA over 27 starts between Class A and Double-A in Cleveland’s system. He is recognized as having a strong arm, but has struggled with command as a starter.
Trevor Reckling, LHP: Reckling, 22, has reportedly struggled with command, but is touted for having a strong arm. He consistently hits 90-plus with his fastball, but his control issues remain a concern — likely a result from his deceptive mechanics.
- The Tigers offered one year minor league contracts to the following players: Matt Young, Quintin Berry, Audy Ciriaco, Ramon Garcia and Omir Santos.
- The Tigers said Brayan Villarreal, Jose Ortega, Luis Marte, Al Alburquerque and Andy Dirks are playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic or Venezuela.
- The following Tigers participated in the Arizona Fall League: Casey Crosby, Rob Waite, Dixon Machado, Hernan Perez, Rob Brantly and Andy Oliver.
- Lynn Henning of the Detroit News writes that the Tigers are now playing the waiting game for Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
Ref: Mlive.com, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, MLBTradeRumors.com,