Sources: Tigers interested in Angels’ Izturis
The Tigers have interest in trading for Angels infielder Maicer Izturis, major-league sources told FOXSports.com, and it’s believed that he ranks behind Atlanta’s Martin Prado on Detroit’s trade wish list.
The Tigers are looking for upgrades at second base, third base and the leadoff spot. Izturis, 31, has filled all of those roles over an eight-year career.
Izturis, a switch hitter, isn’t known for his durability. This year marked the first time he has played more than 120 games in a major-league season. But that wouldn’t necessarily be a huge issue in Detroit, where he could split time with the likes of Ryan Raburn, Brandon Inge and Don Kelly at the two positions.
Izturis is coming off a season in which he posted a .276/.334/.388 line while spending time at second base, shortstop and third base. He is said to be a close friend of Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez, a fellow Venezuelan.
The Angels aren’t planning on an everyday role for Izturis in 2012; they are looking to upgrade at third base and have Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar ticketed for second and short, respectively. Izturis is set to earn $3.8 million next season in the final year of his contract.
It’s believed that Jerry DiPoto has broad license to retool the roster in his first off-season as the Angels general manager.
— Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal
