Only in an alternate universe can one picture the Detroit Tigers (46-46) selling at the trade deadline. The club that has won four consecutive AL Central titles is now growing realistic about their chances this season. The latest rumors indicated general manager Dave Dombrowski could change course.
The Tigers entered the season with one of the most talented clubs in the MLB, but a couple of injuries and one of the league's worst pitching staffs really put them at a disadvantage. It also doesn't help that the division-leading Kansas City Royals have the second-best record in baseball and the second-place Minnesota Twins (50-42) surprised everyone after four consecutive 90-loss seasons.
Detroit has limited time before they need to make a decision regarding their future. They have a number of impending free agents including David Price, Yoenis Cespedes, Rajai Davis, Joakim Soria, Alex Avila, Alfredo Simon and others who they may not be able to retain after the season. If the front office feels the team can't catch up to the Royals (9.5 games back) or the second wild-card spot (four games back) without Miguel Cabrera, who will be out until mid-August, or a capable starting rotation, then selling becomes the primary option, which previous rumors have suggested.
They could be headed in that direction.
"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," writes Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
"The Tigers, according to several people inside and outside the organization familiar with their strategy, plan to put ace David Price and power-hitting outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on the trade market.
"Yet, when contacted Monday, Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski told USA TODAY Sports that no decision had been finalized."
Dombrowski told Nightengale that the "focus is trying to win right now," which is certainly believable because the Tigers have 10 games left before July 31, and while they're all against other teams vying for contention (Mariners, Red Sox and Rays), it's very realistic they make up the ground they've lost. Obviously if they were to go on a big win streak then this scenario would no longer be considered, but right now it seems as if the front office is prepping for it.
Late last week Jon Heyman of CBS Sports talked about the Tigers' potential deadline plans.
"Still no one sees the Tigers selling, even at only .500. 'Not with that owner,' one rival executive remarked with admiration about Mike Ilitch, who has spent to win for years and come close a lot."
However, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, "sources say Christopher Ilitch - Mike Ilitch's son and the president of Ilitch Holdings Inc. - recently has been exerting greater influence over the Tigers' business operations." That could change things a bit.
Price and Cespedes will have many suitors in the offseason and neither have ongoing contract extension talks with the Tigers. Both players have expressed interest remaining with Detroit, but it's likely they would like to explore free agency to see what's out there.
By trading them, Detroit can get plentiful assets in return to help improve their low-ranking farm system. Price and Cespedes would be considerable additions for other contenders throughout the league and the negotiating leverage is on the side of Dombrowski.
We'll see how the Tigers perform in the next 10 days because that will be the tell-tale sign if they're going to sell or not.
