Detroit Tigers: 5 Starting Pitching Trade Deadline Targets

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Jul 4, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Servicemen line the infield before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Should the Detroit Tigers be buyers or sellers at the trading deadline?

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For the first time in a decade, the Tigers are not guaranteed to be buyers before this month’s trading deadline. Because of a so-so first half, and the injury to Miguel Cabrera, the question of whether or not the Tigers should buy or sell may trump the speculation about who they should add.

As I stated last week, even before Miggy’s injury, I believe this team should be a seller and begin to retool for a brighter future. This proved pretty divisive as many fans believe this team can turn things around with some deadline acquisitions and, maybe, a management change–but that is a topic for another day.

It does not matter what we think, it really depends on what Mike Ilitch and Dave Dombrowski want to do. During DD’s reign, he has rarely been a seller, and aside from dealing Pudge Rodriguez in 2008, they have never sold off pieces since the team became competitive in 2006.

So unless the team nose-dives and goes 5-16 leading up to the trading deadline, the Tigers will do what the Tigers usually do on or around July 31, sell off prospects to try for another shot at that elusive fifth World Series title.

The lineup, even without Cabrera for six weeks, has stabilized, so the focus will almost certainly be on starting pitching. Especially considering that they can only rely on David Price and Anibal Sanchez to give them solid efforts these days.

So let’s look at five starting pitchers that the Tigers may be looking to add for the stretch run.

Next: Samardzija

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