Detroit Tigers Links: 1/17/14: More Nelson Cruz scuttlebutt, instant replay and Brad Penny to KC

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Should Detroit Tigers pursue outfielder Nelson Cruz? ESPN’s Jim Bowden thinks so – Brian Manzullo

We here at Motor City Bengals are of two minds on whether the team should pursue Nelson Cruz. Sam O’Toole says yah, Matt Snyder says nah.

Apparently a possible Cruz-Tigers relationship is on other’s minds too.

“The Tigers’ trade of first baseman Prince Fielder, combined with their failure to upgrade offensively in left field, have left them one power hitter short,” ESPN’s Jim Bowden writes. “They did sign veteran speedster Rajai Davis, who is expected to split time with Andy Dirks in left field, but it really leaves questions about the bottom half of their lineup. Cruz would solve this problem for them and might be willing to sign a one-year “pillow” deal for a chance to hit in that lineup and return to the postseason. He would cost the Tigers their first-round pick, but a team in such a “win-now” mode can’t get too carried away about a pick, particularly when it is at the end of the first round (No. 24).”

Instant replay changes will keep Detroit Tigers’ video coordinator busy – George Sipple

Jeremy Kelch’s job just got a little more difficult, or at least a little more public. He’s the baseball video operations coordinator for the Detroit Tigers.As part of the expanded use of video replay, teams are now allowed to show replay of all plays on the ballpark scoreboard, regardless of whether they are reviewed. Close calls were not previously shown, like the blown call that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010.

Ex-Detroit Tigers pitcher Brad Penny signs minor-league deal with Kansas City Royals – AP

The Royals have signed former All-Star pitcher Brad Penny and veteran reliever Guillermo Mota to minor league contracts that include invitations to spring training. The 35-year-old Penny, whose best years came with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is trying to resurrect his career after missing last season to rest his right shoulder. Penny was 0-1 with a 6.11 ERA in 2012 with the San Francisco Giants.