Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press has articles here and here about the possibility of a Tigers trade before the season begins. GM Dave Dombrowski admitted that trade discussions have intensified lately.
One possible need is a second lefty reliever, but the Tigers could potentially fill that role with Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis. Morosi adds that a need at catcher could surface if Matt Treanor's current injury is serious. And he notes that the team always needs young pitching.
As far as trade candidates, Marcus Thames ($2.275MM salary) leads the pack. Thames has big power and not much else, but the Tigers chose to tender him a contract for '09. Morosi wonders if the Reds could be a match, though their outfield picture seems set with Jonny Gomes taking on the right-handed slugger role. Other trade candidates: Mike Hessman, Ryan Raburn, or Brent Clevlen.
