MLB Trade Rumors: Tigers Could Still Add Starter this Spring

As we approach the spring and the start of the 2012 regular season, it would seem as if most teams are finished making significant moves.  Some players who do not have minor league options remaining could get dealt closer to the season, and there are some intriguing free agents remaining, but for the most part teams seem content focusing on baseball.  While this figures to generally be the case, it was reported yesterday that the Detroit Tigers will continue scouting possible trade candidates this spring.

While speaking with James Schmehl of MLive.com, Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila confirmed that Detroit will scout starting pitchers at other spring training facilities in the upcoming weeks.  Avila told Schmehl that the Tigers will be “looking at other pitchers in other camps throughout spring training to see if there’s anything that makes sense”.

Earlier this offseason the Tigers had their name tied to Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza.  While talks fizzled and Chicago is now reportedly considering extending Garza, general manager Dave Dombrowski has said that the team will continue looking for pitchers that could provide competition for Detroit’s fifth starter role.

An acquisition of a player such as Garza would push other pitchers in Detroit’s rotation down a spot.  The Tigers could also look to acquire an arm that could compete for the fifth starter role, leaving the rest of the rotation in place.

While Detroit continues monitoring players from outside the organization, the front office has said it’s comfortable with the internal options it has.  If no roster additions are made, young right-hander Jacob Turner would appear to be one of the favorites to capture the final spot in the Tigers rotation.  However, Duane Below, Adam Wilk, Andy Oliver, Drew Smyly and Casey Crosby also figure to offer Turner competition.

For more on the Tigers, be sure to check out Motor City Bengals.

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