Tigers Talking Trade

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.