2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Tigers Not Looking to Deal Jacob Turner

This weekend it was reported that the Detroit Tigers were willing to trade top pitching prospect Jacob Turner.  With the Tigers being tied to Cubs ace Matt Garza, speculation began that Turner would become the centerpiece of a potential deal for the right-hander.  Yesterday, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski quashed these rumors, saying that, while Detroit is willing to listen on anybody, they are “not looking to trade Jacob Turner”.

Reports this weekend said the Tigers would be willing to trade Turner in return “for the right starting pitcher”.  Because Detroit was one of five teams reportedly in on Garza, many thought the Turner report was referring to him.  The Cubs have stated they’d want young starting pitching in return for Garza, and Turner is one of the league’s top young arms.

But Dombrowski noted that the Tigers are not as set on adding a starting pitcher as they are made out to be by the media.  He did admit that Detroit discussed Gio Gonzalez with the Athletics before he was traded to the Nationals, but the Tigers were “just not prepared to give up” what the A’s were asking for.  Since Gonzalez, Dombrowski said that he doesn’t think he’s made another call pursuing starting pitching.

Dombrowski told reporters that he’s comfortable entering the season with his four veteran starters, Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, while letting Detroit’s collection of young arms battle for the final rotation spot.

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