Detroit Tigers Links 1/6/14: Outfield is improved but could Gardner or Ethier be on the way and Freehan’s best moment

Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers Rumors: Is Team Still Interested in New York Yankees’ Outfielder Brett Gardner? – Max DeMara, The Detroit Sports Site

"Despite all the interest, Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman doesn’t seem inclined to trade his outfielder just yet. As Gammons notes, the only way Cashman would deal Gardner is for starting pitching. It’s probably not a trade destined to happen, but still, it’s interesting to note that the Tigers have been keeping tabs on Gardner. Might a possible deal centered around a pitcher and Jackson be the reason Detroit was keeping tabs on Santana after the free agent rush? The Tigers have made a habit of pulling stunners when everyone least expects it, so despite the fact Dave Dombrowski says he’s done, stay tuned."

Detroit Tigers Have Improved Outfield For 2014 – Spencer Impellizzeri, Rant Sports

"The Tigers have upgraded their outfield with the moves they have made this offseason. Their moves have put together a lineup that puts the players in spots that fit their abilities best. With the changes to the lineup, the Tigers outfield becomes a much improved unit that will make them a better ball club in 2014."

Could Andre Ethier Be A Fit For The Detroit Tigers? – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

"Ethier will only be 32 years old next spring and the potential for him to put together a great season is still there. Granted, there is no guarantee that he will have a resurgence in Detroit, but sometimes a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered, and there is a chance that Ethier could really benefit from hitting in the same lineup as Martinez and Miguel Cabrera."

Top Tigers Countdown #15: Bill Freehan – John A. McGeehan, Bless You Boys

"Bill Freehan will forever be remembered for Game 5 of the 1968 World Series versus the Cardinals. Unlike 2006, the Cardinals were favored to defeat the Tigers. Lou Brock stole 62 bases in the regular season and seven in the first four games of the World Series. The Tigers were down three games to one, and fell behind in game five. But in the third inning of Game 5, Freehan gunned Brock down at second base. In the fifth inning, Brock doubled and then attempted to score on Julian Javier‘s single to left field. Willie Horton was coached that Brock tended to coast into the plate, and his throw to Freehan was in time as Brock failed to slide. The Tigers came back to win the game and the series."