Detroit Tigers Trade Rumors: Dombrowski Admits Selling is a Possibility
By Matt Snyder
Bob Nightengale, of USA Today, recently took a look at the Detroit Tigers‘ situation and came to the conclusion that the team needs to be sellers at the trade deadline this season. Here’s Nightengale:
"The Tigers, barring a veto from owner Mike Ilitch, are going to surrender and be sellers within the next 10 days at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.For the first time since 2008, the Tigers have no choice but to inform teams that two of their marquee commodities will be dealt by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline."
But, for really the first time this year, it’s not just a writer speculating that the Tigers might sell. Nightengale was able to quote Dombrowksi confirming that, yes, the Tigers may have to spend the rest of this season “regrouping”.
"“We’re not thinking of rebuilding,” says Dombrowski, whose team has won two pennants with one losing season since 2006, “but if we have to, it would be a case of regrouping.”"
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It’s a little big of GM-speak here, not wanting to say “rebuilding”, but that’s probably the best way to say it in this case. The Tigers would be trading assets that take them out of the immediate running, but they (in all likelihood) wouldn’t be trading anyone who’s already in the plans for next year and beyond.
The two big names that Nightengale mentions — Cespedes and Price — are destined to hit free agency in a handful of months. Neither would be in Detroit next season without a new contract anyway.
In his statements in the article, Dombrowski leaves the door open for a hot 10-game stretch that keeps the Tigers in contention, but he gives the impression that the front office is indeed moving forward with plans to sell.
"“We’re at a point where we have to do what’s best in our heart for the franchise.”"
The Tigers have enough money coming off the books to be players in the free agent market this upcoming offseason. That payroll space, combined with a young, cost-controlled arm or two acquired during this trade period, could help Detroit bounce right back into contention next season.
But for now it looks like the question is less “will the Tigers sell?” and more “which exciting young player(s) will they get back!?”
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