Tigers may be open to dealing Cabrera

Tigers may be open to dealing Cabrera
Club is reportedly seeking ways to trim payroll next season

By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com

11/24/09 10:23 AM EST

As if Tigers fans didn't have enough trade gossip to chew on, with the reported availability of Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson, the Detroit News speculated Tuesday that first baseman Miguel Cabrera might be on the block as well.

The newspaper reported that nothing "irresistible" has been offered for Cabrera's services but speculated that he is as available as anyone on the Tigers' roster.

The Tigers had one of baseball's biggest attendance drops this past season, from a franchise-record 3.2 million in 2008 to fewer than 2.6 million in '09. Though they ranked fourth in the AL in overall attendance, they struggled to sell out games in September amidst a pennant race. And this winter, word has come that the team is trying to trim payroll for 2010 and beyond.

Cabrera is entering the third year of his eight-year, $152.3 million contract. He will make $20 million the next two seasons, $21 million in 2012 and 2013 and $22 million in 2014 and 2015.

On Monday, Cabrera, who hit .324 with 34 homers and 103 RBIs in '09, finished fourth in the AL MVP voting. He was the only player other than MVP winner Joe Mauer to receive a first-place vote.

The Detroit News reported that the Red Sox might be the most realistic trading partner if Cabrera is dealt, as they are seeking a big bat and have the ability to not only take on Cabrera's payroll but also come up with a suitable package for his services. The paper speculated that if the Red Sox sign John Lackey, they could potentially move young starter Clay Buchholz.

As for the latest on the Tigers' other two big names potentially on the block, FOXSports.com reported that the Angels have more interest in Granderson than Jackson because of the length of control in the center fielder's contract. Granderson is signed through 2012 with a $13 million option for 2013, while Jackson can become a free agent after 2011.

FOXSports.com reported that the Angels' depth at shortstop, catching and minimum-salary pitching make them a viable trade target for the Tigers.

Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Concerning Miggy, I think it all comes down to how serious he is in addressing his drinking problem. If he continues to be the club lush, then ship him elsewhere!