Detroit Tigers Links 12/4/13: More Fister fallout, Nathan, Choo & Tram and Lou reincarnated

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Trade does not make Detroit Tigers better immediately, does help keep salary structure under control – Chris Iott, MLive

"The Tigers don’t appear to be as good today as they were prior to the trade. But the trade definitely helps the franchise with its salary structure in 2014. Money seems to be playing a major role in the offseason moves the Tigers are making.Whether the trade makes the Tigers a better team over the long haul, well, time will tell. But if anyone can claim victory as things stand right now, it’s the Nationals."

Tigers don’t get enough for Doug Fister – Keith Law, ESPN.com Insider (Need a subscription for full article)

"Detroit might fill some minor holes, but I don’t think they got full value back given the market for starters right now and how effective Fister has been the past two seasons."

Much Work To Be Done In Detroit Tigers Bullpen After Joe Nathan Signing – Thom Tsang, Rant Sports

"Nathan or not, the Tigers will still need guys to get the ball to him, and the fact that the team’s options after Rondon in late innings comes down to newly acquired Ian Krol (-0.3 fWAR in 2013), Al Alburquerque (amazing stuff, but can’t hit the strike zone), and Phil Coke (5.40 ERA over 38.1 IP) doesn’t inspire too much confidence."

Shin-Soo Choo is Detroit Tigers’ top target for outfield – Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press

"This isn’t the first time the Tigers and Shin-Soo Choo have been linked. The Tigers are looking to shore up leftfield as well as the bullpen, but Choo, 31, is likely to come at a hefty price since he’s one of the most sought-after bats in free agency. Choo batted .285 last season with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting 21 home runs, 54 RBIs and scoring 107 runs hitting toward the top of the lineup.But most importantly, Choo gets on base: His .423 on-base percentage ranked second in the National League last season behind teammate Joey Votto. Choo has a career .389 on-base percentage."

Ian Kinsler To Wear #3 For Detroit Tigers – Evan Jankens, CBS Detroit

"It’s like 1984 all over again — I’m a 1-year-old and starting to grow hair — Lou Whitaker is playing second, and Alan Trammel is manning the middle at short. The only problem is it’s 2013 and Lou and Tram are far removed.On Monday, the Tigers announced via their Twitter that the newest Tiger Ian Kinsler would wear number three.Why is this news you ask? Jose Iglesias started wearing number 1 when he was traded to the Tigers and that number had not been worn since Lou Whitaker did from 1977-1995."