Detroit Tigers Links: 11/18/13: Trade Winds in Detroit & Possible Free Agents in Minnesota

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers’ swelling payroll stirs trade winds; Scherzer, Porcello, Fielder may go on block – John Lowe, Detroit Free Press

"At the annual general managers’ meetings in mid-November, club executives explore deals. At those meetings four years ago, media reports emerged that the Tigers had told teams that Curtis Granderson was available. Within weeks, they traded him to the Yankees.There are now reports that at last week’s GM meetings, the Tigers told clubs they will listen to trade offers for Max Scherzer, Prince Fielder and Rick Porcello. Each is a logical trade candidate."

Max Scherzer: Don’t want to be traded – ESPN

"“I don’t want to be traded,” Scherzer said. “I got a great thing going in Detroit, we have a great team. I hope they don’t mess with it. I want to be a Detroit Tiger and hopefully get back to the playoffs and try to do the ultimate goal and win something for the city of Detroit.”Agent Scott Boras, typically not known for negotiating contract extensions for high-profile players on the cusp of free agency, said Wednesday that Scherzer will keep an open mind if the Tigers approach him."

MLB rumors: Brian Wilson believed to be Detroit Tigers preferred closer target? – Bryan Rose, FanSided

"The Tigers were so desperate for a fireman at one point during the 2013 season, they went back to embattled arm Jose Valverde, who they moved on from after the 2012. That of course, as expected, didn’t work out which lead to the Tigers mixing and matching until finally settling on Joaquin Benoit, who finished out the year as Detroit’s closer and did a fine job in the role.However, Detroit seems to be looking for an experienced closer, so they can move Benoit back to his setup role and ESPN’s Buster Olney believes former San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson is atop their wishlist."

Around the AL Central 

Royals’ Roster Decisions: Francisley Bueno – Hunter Samuels, Kings of Kaufmann

"While Bueno has been effective, there are some drawbacks. I have some doubts that he will be able to miss enough bats at the big league level to be effective over an entire season. Guys who rely on sinkers can still get opponents out, but Bueno isn’t a pitcher who you want to have on the mound when you’ve got to have a strikeout. He’ll also be 33 years old at the start of the season, and even though relievers don’t necessarily need to be young to get outs, Bueno doesn’t have the upside of many of the other Royals’ relievers. Finally, Bueno does not have any options remaining, meaning if he doesn’t make the major league roster out of spring training, he’d have to be designated for assignment. Because the bullpen is already crowded as it is, it’s highly unlikely Bueno could break camp with the team with all of the other left-handed relievers available."

Minnesota Twins are willing to offer a five year deal for free agent starter – David Miniel, FanSided

"Minnesota has shown interest in bringing back Johan Santana, but will more than likely grab Garza and or Nolasco before they considering bringing back Santana. The front office of this team are looking to offer a starting pitcher a five year contract which will be loaded with some cash.Matt Garza right now is their primary target who was drafted by the Twins, is coming off a season where he posted a 3.82 ERA with a 10-6 win/loss record and 136 strikeouts between both the Cubs and the Rangers."