Baseball Guru
11-17-2004, 11:16 AM
BY MARK FRANCESCUTTI, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
The Tigers are making serious dips into the free-agent pool for the second straight off-season. And, this year, players are more eager to visit Detroit.
Second baseman Jeff Kent met with Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski and manager Alan Trammell at Comerica Park on Monday. Closer Troy Percival is expected to visit in the next few days.
Kent's agent, Jeff Klein, said many teams have shown interest in his client. But Kent doesn't intend to visit many of those teams. He wanted to visit Detroit.
"They had called to express some interest, and frankly, it was not an organization he knew much about," Klein said. "He wanted to explore it in greater detail."
Kent, 37, has played mostly in the National League in his 13 seasons. Last season, he hit .289 with 27 home runs and 107 RBIs with Houston. He won the NL MVP in 2000 with San Francisco. The Astros did not pick up his $9-million option year, but have expressed interest in re-signing him.
If the Tigers signed Kent, current second baseman Omar Infante, who showed improvement this past season, would likely have to switch to third base or the outfield. But Klein said Kent wouldn't be opposed to switching positions.
Klein said there was no timetable for Kent's decision. He isn't expected to rush his decision and likely will visit other teams.
Percival, 35, who saved 32 games last season, wants a deal done this month. He is scheduled to visit the Indians and Cubs this week. Percival's agent, Paul Cohen told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that his client is seeking a deal of one or two years. Cohen also told the paper that two teams have made offers but wouldn't identify them.
Last year at this time, free agents such as Vladimir Guerrero and Miguel Tejada didn't warm up to the Tigers, who were serious to invest money but were coming off a 119-loss season.
Detroit is being mentioned as a major player in this year's market. The Tigers, expected to increase their payroll this off-season, also have had discussions with Florida right-handed starter Carl Pavano and Cubs right-handed starter Matt Clement. They've reportedly expressed interest in Boston right-handed starter Derek Lowe, and third basemen Corey Koskie (Minnesota) and Troy Glaus (Anaheim).
Mud Hens: The Tigers' Triple-A affiliate in Toledo will retain manager Larry Parrish (for his third season), pitching coach Jeff Jones and hitting coach Leon Durham.
Whitecaps: Matt Walbeck, who led the Tigers' Class A affiliate in Comstock Park to a 69-70 record and a Midwest League title, will return for a second season. Pitching coach A.J. Sager and hitting coach Tony Jaramillo also will return.
The Tigers are making serious dips into the free-agent pool for the second straight off-season. And, this year, players are more eager to visit Detroit.
Second baseman Jeff Kent met with Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski and manager Alan Trammell at Comerica Park on Monday. Closer Troy Percival is expected to visit in the next few days.
Kent's agent, Jeff Klein, said many teams have shown interest in his client. But Kent doesn't intend to visit many of those teams. He wanted to visit Detroit.
"They had called to express some interest, and frankly, it was not an organization he knew much about," Klein said. "He wanted to explore it in greater detail."
Kent, 37, has played mostly in the National League in his 13 seasons. Last season, he hit .289 with 27 home runs and 107 RBIs with Houston. He won the NL MVP in 2000 with San Francisco. The Astros did not pick up his $9-million option year, but have expressed interest in re-signing him.
If the Tigers signed Kent, current second baseman Omar Infante, who showed improvement this past season, would likely have to switch to third base or the outfield. But Klein said Kent wouldn't be opposed to switching positions.
Klein said there was no timetable for Kent's decision. He isn't expected to rush his decision and likely will visit other teams.
Percival, 35, who saved 32 games last season, wants a deal done this month. He is scheduled to visit the Indians and Cubs this week. Percival's agent, Paul Cohen told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that his client is seeking a deal of one or two years. Cohen also told the paper that two teams have made offers but wouldn't identify them.
Last year at this time, free agents such as Vladimir Guerrero and Miguel Tejada didn't warm up to the Tigers, who were serious to invest money but were coming off a 119-loss season.
Detroit is being mentioned as a major player in this year's market. The Tigers, expected to increase their payroll this off-season, also have had discussions with Florida right-handed starter Carl Pavano and Cubs right-handed starter Matt Clement. They've reportedly expressed interest in Boston right-handed starter Derek Lowe, and third basemen Corey Koskie (Minnesota) and Troy Glaus (Anaheim).
Mud Hens: The Tigers' Triple-A affiliate in Toledo will retain manager Larry Parrish (for his third season), pitching coach Jeff Jones and hitting coach Leon Durham.
Whitecaps: Matt Walbeck, who led the Tigers' Class A affiliate in Comstock Park to a 69-70 record and a Midwest League title, will return for a second season. Pitching coach A.J. Sager and hitting coach Tony Jaramillo also will return.