Tigers, focused on pitching, are following Kuroda
The Tigers are currently prioritizing pitching over offense on the trade market and have maintained their interest in Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, sources say.
Detroit has had a scout at several of Kuroda’s recent starts, one source told FOXSports.com.
Kuroda, 6-10 with a 3.06 ERA in the first half, is one of the Dodgers’ top trade candidates, but a full no-trade clause could complicate any efforts to move him. Kuroda is owed around $5 million over the remainder of this season, after which he will become a free agent.
The Tigers are keener on Kuroda than the likes of Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers, Jeff Francis and Ryan Dempster, sources say. Also, Detroit is unlikely to trade for Seattle’s Erik Bedard – who is currently on the disabled list – in part because the Tigers’ deal for another Mariners lefty (Jarrod Washburn) didn’t pan out because of health reasons two years ago.
Meanwhile, Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran is on the Tigers’ position-player wish list, if they opt to upgrade the lineup instead. But for now, with the back end of the rotation looking unstable, general manager Dave Dombrowski is likely to spend any trade chips on pitching.
— Jon Paul Morosi
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what are the tigers willing to give up? oliver? crosby? beyond those 2 not much to offer from 25 man or upper minors. schlereth should still have some trade value.
dombrowski could be done in Detroit if they don't make playoffs this season. might be willing to mortgage more of the future than usual. can he find another peralta- type player for 3b?


