The Tigers are clearly getting a little upset with Joel Zumaya who continues to get injured at a alarming rate. But the Braves need bullpen help from the right side and his potential would likely have them very interested in him. With the Tigers maybe needing a 2B they might want to take a look at Kelly Johnson of the Braves. If the Braves were to offer Kelly Johnson and J.J. Reyes to the Tigers for Zumaya and Jeff Larish this would be a deal that would likely get done. Johnson is a top of the order type of hitter while Zumaya is a back of the game reliever. This would be the type of trade that would help both teams. It almost makes too much sense to get done.

The Detroit Tigers have six free agents to think about over the winter. The Tigers would like to bring back Placido Polanco, Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon but it might cost them too much money. The Tigers might be able to entice Lyon to come back if they promised him the closer’s job but he might not be able to handle the job. Polanco and Rodney are going to get offers from other teams that will likely be out of the Tigers’ price range. The Tigers will likely try to improve on Adam Everett at shortstop and they will likely let both Aubrey Huff and Jarrod Washburn walk as neither of them helped the Tigers down the stretch after coming over in deadline deals. The Tigers will likely consider Adam Kennedy and Ronnie Belliard at 2B as they are likely in the Tigers’ price range. Felipe Lopez will likely be considered at either shortstop or 2B for the Tigers over the winter as he has a nice upside for a player who might come over in a bargain. Juan Uribe and Alex Gonzalez (if the Red Sox let him walk) will likely be also considered at shortstop for the Tigers. The Tigers will likely look at Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez, Billy Wagner and Kevin Gregg would likely be considered by the Tigers at closer if both Rodney and Lyon leave. Personally, I really liked what I saw out of Wagner at the end of the season. The Tigers will also be looking for middle relief help with their eyes on pitchers like Danys Baez, Kiko Calero, Bobby Howry, Brendan Donnelly, Chan Ho Park, Russ Springer and David Weathers. The Tigers will be very busy trying to tweak the roster in an attempt to contend again in the American League Central in 2010.

Carlos Guillen complained to the media about his lack of playing time in 2009 and not having a set position.  It looked like this was causing a problem between him and manager Jim Leyland, but Leyland announced today that Guillen will be his starting LF when the 2010 season roles around.  Guillen was limited to 81 games, with many of those games missed due to a shoulder injury.  He moved around in the field a lot, playing first base, third base, shortstop, left field and DH.  Guillen attributed this as one of the reasons he struggled offensively.  He hit .242 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs.

I think this is a good move by Leyland, who many thought might be fired (and still might be) after blowing a seven game lead in the AL Central in the final two weeks of the season.  I do think Leyland should be axed, but maybe if he becomes more of a “players’ manager”, like in this instance, Tigers’ players may respond better to the 64-year-old no-nonsense manager.  I don’t know how good Guillen will be as the everyday left fielder, but at least this keeps a controversy from stewing all offseason.  Also, if Guillen struggles Leyland can always make a change early in the season.

The Tigers’ season ending with a thud tonight as three unlikely heroes led the Twins to victory. Carlos Gomez led off the 12th inning with a single to drive his season average up to .229. Gomez scored on a single to RF off the bat of Alexi Casilla who finished the season with a whopping batting average of .202. Twins’ reliever Bobby Keppel walked a tightrope in the top of the 12th inning as the Tigers had the bases loaded but they couldn’t get a run to the plate. It was Keppel’s first win of the season for the Twins. The ending of the season is a shame for the Tigers as 20-year old starting pitcher Rick Porcello was outstanding. He worked the first 5 2/3 innings for the Tigers in this game and he only gave up 4 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 8 batters. Zach Miner relieved him and he brought a gas can with him. He worked 2/3 of an inning tonight and he gave up 4 hits and 2 earned runs. Closer Fernando Rodney dropped to 2-5 on the season as he worked the last 3 innings of the game for the Tigers giving up 2 earned runs. The Tigers did have some other good performances besides Porcello in this game. Magglio Ordonez was 2 for 5 with a homer, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs as he finished the season strong. Miguel Cabrera was also in a groove as he was also 2 for 5 with a double, homer, a run scored and 2 RBIs. Finally, Ryan Raburn got the start in LF and he was 2 for 4 and threw out a runner at the plate to extend the Tigers’ season a few more innings. This season ended with huge disappointment for the Tigers who had a 7 game lead on September 7th and they blew it.

This is technically a regular season game but it essentially is a playoff game. It’s win or go home time for the Tigers and Twins in the MetroDome on Tuesday. The Tigers are going with 20-year old righty rookie starting pitcher Rick Porcello in this game while the Twins counter with right Scott Baker. Porcello has started 30 games for the Tigers so far this season and he is 14-9 with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. In 4 starts against the Twins this season he is 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Porcello will have to be very careful with two hitters who come into this game very, very hot. Jason Kubel is 8 for 11 (.727 avg, 1.636 OPS) against Porcello this season with 2 doubles. Delmon Young also has caught fire at the right time for the Twins as he is 4 for 9 with a double and 2 RBIs against Porcello. It will be interesting to see how Porcello reacts to the noise and pressure in this game. Scott Baker has started 32 games for the Twins this season and he is 15-9 with a 4.36 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He has not pitched too well against the Tigers this season however as he is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP in 4 starts. The Tigers have a few hitters that are very effective against him. Magglio Ordonez is 6 for 11 (.545 avg, 1.091 OPS) with 3 RBIs against him this season. Miguel Cabrera is 4 for 11 (.364 avg, 1.144 OPS) with a double, homer and 2 RBIs this season against Baker. Carlos Guillen and Placido Polanco are each 3 for 6 against Baker this season. This game will be fun to watch as both pitchers throw strikes and depend on their defense.