In search of relief, Tigers have talked trade with Mets

JON PAUL MOROSI'S BLOG
In search of relief, Tigers have talked trade with Mets

By JON PAUL MOROSI • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • March 29, 2009

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers had serious discussions with the New York Mets in recent days about relief pitcher Brian Stokes, the Free Press has learned, but the chances for a deal fell dramatically when the Mets determined that Stokes was likely to make their Opening Day roster.

Tigers infielder/outfielder Ryan Raburn -- an ideal player for the National League, because of his versatility -- likely would have been sent to New York in the deal.

The Tigers are still searching for relief help, with a little more than one week before Opening Day.

Raburn, who has one minor league option remaining, is believed to have drawn interest from other clubs, in addition to the Mets. His inclusion in the trade proposal is an indication that the Tigers could send him to the minors if he's not traded before Opening Day.

The team has also made outfielder Marcus Thames available on the trade market.

I hope they don't trade Thames or Raburn though