I noticed the folks at MLB Trade Rumors picked up on the Detroit Free Press speculations on the Tigers trade possibilities. They suggest Mike Maroth as a possible piece of the puzzle of any significant trade due to his upcoming free agency and general serviceability.
I wouldn’t like to see him leave this year though it depends on what is coming into the organization in return. Maroth has had some rough outings but he’s also been one of the more consistent starters and this has translated into wins when he’s on the mound. He has given up the long ball at an alarming rate but, again, still bringing in the wins. That said, I’m not sure I have a great suggestion for who else could be on the block.
I’m in full support of the Tigers doing what we need to do to get the bullpen working again and soon. I just hope it’s at a price where we aren’t sacrificing more than we get. Much of the Maroth talks circle around the fact that Kenny Rogers is soon to return though there is no faith that Kenny will be Kenny of ’06 when he returns.
It looks to me as if the Tigers pretty much have to make a deal. When Rogers and Colon come back or are ready to come back, we’ll need two roster spots, and there’s only one pitcher on the roster (Miner) who both has options and is a candidate to be sent down. Add in the return of Zumaya later in the summer and the possible promotion of Andrew Miller or someone else and we could have as many as three extra pitchers.
Sooner or later, it seems to me, at least one one and maybe two of Maroth, Durbin, Grilli, Ledezma, Colon, Seay or Byrdak will need to be moved, and if we don’t make a trade, we’ll need someone to clear waivers or be gone.
So for me, the question is who and when? Prior to July 31 (the interleague trading deadline) likely would be best. For various reasons I’ll hate to see any of them go, but if it has to happen, I’d like to get a catcher or a left-handed hitting 1B, 3B or LF.
I agree, Seay and Byrdak aren’t both needed and are simply still there because they provide the best shot at holding an inning.
Zach Miner would be a good option to move and I’d hate to see Durbin leave his current slot with the success he’s having there. Maroth is a possibility and one that you didn’t mention was Robertson who is apparently being eye’d by other team: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/06/as_looking_at_n.html