The Tigers added another starter (RHP Edwin Jackson) and made moves they believe strengthened a deficient defense by adding C Gerald Laird and SS Adam Everett while shifting Brandon Inge to third and Carlos Guillen to left, but they still need to improve a bullpen that was one of the worst in baseball last season. Detroit has no proven closer and no highly touted candidates. Shedding one of the DH types remains a quiet priority.
BIGGEST NEEDS: Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski took care of his positional tweaking and added a starter at the winter meetings but essentially exited the conclave without materially aiding the relief corps. Detroit may have to rely on a shaky RHP Fernando Rodney as its closer. A bona fide closer would help, but a stout setup man and some middle-inning assistance are also essential. ARRIVALS: C Gerald Laird (trade with Rangers), SS Adam Everett (free agent from Twins), RHP Edwin Jackson (trade with Rays), LHP Kyle Bloom (Rule 5 selection from Pirates), C Matt Treanor (free agent from Marlins).
DEPARTURES: RHP Kyle Farnsworth (free agent, signed with Royals), RHP Todd Jones (retired), SS Edgar Renteria (free agent, signed with Giants), OF Matt Joyce (traded to Rays).
FREE AGENTS: RHP Freddy Garcia, LHP Kenny Rogers, LHP Casey Fossum, C Vance Wilson, RHP Gary Glover, RHP Aquilino Lopez.
There was some early interest in Garcia, but that has waned with the acquisition of RHP Edwin Jackson and Garcia's shoulder troubles in winter ball. Rogers could be brought back but only on a low-risk contract and only if he expresses interest. Glover and Fossum won't be back. Wilson has missed two years with Tommy John surgery, but his chances for even a minor league contract diminished with the addition of Laird and Treanor. Lopez was non-tendered.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Edwin Jackson, C Gerald Laird, RHP Justin Verlander, LHP Bobby Seay, OF Marcus Thames, RHP Joel Zumaya, RHP Fernando Rodney.
All were tendered contracts but are likely to be signed before arbitration hearings begin. Detroit will explore offering Verlander a longer-term contract but may go with a one-year deal to see how he rebounds off his poor 2008 campaign.
IN LIMBO: LHP Nate Robertson, LHP Dontrelle Willis, OF Marcus Thames, UT Ryan Raburn.
Even though Robertson and Willis have guaranteed contracts, Detroit can't afford to keep both unless both are in the rotation. Thames and Raburn have limited market value.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Joel Zumaya (right shoulder soreness due to scar tissue breakup) will keep building up his shoulder and could begin throwing in December.
RHP Jeremy Bonderman (right rib removal, blood clot surgery in June 2008) resumed throwing before Thanksgiving and is expected to be fully ready when spring training begins.
