Detroit Tigers Links: Tigers defensive improvements, Fields of Arizona, Melky still a possibility

We lead off our links this morning with one of our own, Tom Zahari.

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Tom has the Detroit Free Press beat for us and writes regular articles for them. Yesterday he looked at how with the anticipated return of Jose Iglesias, another year of Ian Kinsler, Alex Avila presumably at catcher, and Anthony Gose in center field, the Detroit Tigers could have a severely upgraded defense and be very sharp up the middle.

Yesterday we discussed the Tigers’ prospects who had a very good Arizona Fall League (Steven Moya, Robbie Ray and Joe Mantiply). Today we look at one, Daniel Fields who didn’t exactly light the world on fire in fall ball. This is not good news for the prospect who has had a couple of bad years and for the Tigers in general, who would love to have him as a legitimate outfield option in the near future.

Speaking of outfield options, the Melky Cabrera to Detroit talk has died down some following Victor Martinez‘s contract. There is still some possibility of this happening. According to reports both sides were enamored with each other last week and since the Tigers knew all along they wanted to sign V-Mart, it seems like perhaps their interest was never effected.

Detroit Tigers’ defense could be special in 2015 – Tom Zahari, Motor City Bengals special to the Detroit Free Press

"Overall, the Tigers should be between very good and excellent defensively up the middle in 2015. They should cover a lot of ground in spacious Comerica Park, barring injuries. With the middle so well covered, it also should allow players at the corners to adjust their positioning and reach more balls. Overall, the Tigers should be an improved defensive squad in 2015."

Detroit Tigers prospect Daniel Fields tries to make up for lost time in Arizona Fall League – Chris Iott, MLive

"Fields hit .255 (12 for 47) with one home run, seven RBIs and three stolen bases in 12 Arizona Fall League games. He said he felt that he was “playing catch up” after his first season with Toledo was interrupted by the injury."

Melky Cabrera Heading to Detroit Tigers? Blue Jays Addition of Russell Martin Makes Reunion Unlikely – Thomas Carannante, HNGN

"Well, Greg Brady of Sportsnet 590 The Fan tweeted last week that the Detroit Tigers’ interest in Cabrera was “very, very real” and that if they acquired him, J.D. Martinez would be shifted to right field to make room for Cabrera in left. Rajai Davis would remain in center field and the team wouldn’t have to worry about re-signing free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter who’s turning 40 next season. Spending that money on Cabrera would be worth it since he just turned 30 years old and the Tigers wouldn’t have to worry about their outfield in the near future."