Detroit Tigers Roster Report 2009-01-29

The Tigers added another starter, RHP Edwin Jackson, and made other offseason moves they believe strengthened a deficient defense -- adding C Gerald Laird and SS Adam Everett while shifting Brandon Inge to third and Carlos Guillen to left. Bullpen improvement remains an issue; the Tigers lack a proven closer and have no highly touted possibilities.

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), RHP Juan Rincon (minor league free agent from Indians), RHP Brandon Lyon (free agent from Diamondbacks), RHP Scott Williamson (minor league free agent from Mariners).

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), C Vance Wilson (free agent, signed minor league deal with Royals), LHP Casey Fossum (free agent, signed minor league deal with Mets), RHP Freddy Garcia (free agent, signed with Mets).

FREE AGENTS: LHP Kenny Rogers, RHP Gary Glover, RHP Aquilino Lopez (non-tendered).

Rogers could be brought back but only on a low-risk contract and only if he expresses interest. Glover won't be back.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Justin Verlander.

Verlander is seeking $4.15 million, while the Tigers have offered him $3.2 million.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Joel Zumaya (right shoulder soreness because of scar tissue breakup) will keep building up his shoulder and began 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.

Author: Fox Sports

Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com

Added: January 29, 2009