Detroit Tigers Links: Nationals after Scherzer? Four new Tigers players, K-Rod can help

With the Max Sherzer saga continuing to unfold, it’s quite uncertain at this point in time where the former Cy Young winner could land. The New York Yankees are rumored to be involved (in other news, blue and yellow mixed make green), but an article in the Washington Post ponders whether or not the Washington Nationals could make a run at Scherzer.

Could the Nationals make a play for a free agent starter such as Max Scherzer?  – James Wagner

"They (Nationals) could make a play for a free agent starting pitcher such as Max Scherzer. The reasoning? If the Nationals feel like they can’t sign (Jordan) Zimmermann long-term, trading him would fill the second base need. And, (Washington GM Mike) Rizzo is intimately familiar with Scherzer and knows Scherzer’s agent, Scott Boras, well because of past dealings with Boras clients Jayson Werth, Strasburg, Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon."

There have been rumors of the Nationals trading pitcher Jordan Zimmerman if they are unable to lock him up with a contract. If that does happen, Wagner believes the Capitol City is a legitimate landing spot for Scherzer.

"Moving Zimmermann’s $16.5 million salary would create room, but it could easily be taken up with the salary of the players they net in return from a trade and a potential free agent starter’s salary. Payroll considerations could be a big factor. Beyond 2015, however, the Nationals have relatively fewer payroll commitments on the books.)"

It’ll certainly be interesting to see how this all shakes out, as Washington was not the team I was expecting to make a splash in the market this offseason. Even if they were legitimate players in the sweepstakes, would they be able to offer him enough money? With few payroll commitments in the future, it’s very possible.

Also, one cool thing to think about, this would mean Scherzer would be reunited with former teammate Doug Fister.

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In the past few days it seems there has been a revolving door in Detroit as players are coming and going. Three Detroit Tigers pitchers have signed minor league deals elsewhere while four new players have signed minor league deals with the Tigers.

Four players to join Detroit Tigers, three pitchers sign elsewhere -Chris Iott

"The Tigers have signed outfielder Xavier Avery, third baseman Jefry Marte, left-hander Omar Duran and right-hander Tim Melville.Right-handers Jose Ortega and Justin Miller have signed minor-league deals with the Colorado Rockies, while Kevin Whelan has signed with the Oakland Athletics. Those three each pitched sparingly for the Tigers during the 2014 season"

The most enticing of the four that signed with Detroit is Xavier Avery:

"Avery, 24,  was a second-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2008 draft. He hit .223 (21 for 94) with six stolen bases in 32 games for the Orioles in 2012, the only season in which he has appeared in the majors. Avery, who is athletic and hits left-handed, could give the Tigers depth in the minors behind Anthony Gose, who the Tigers acquired in a trade this month."

Avery being only 24 years of age means there’s still tons of time to improve, and the idea of getting some actual depth in the minors is nice.

As we are all aware, the Tigers bullpen needs some help. Everybody who’s anybody has been mentioned as an option for Detroit. One name has recently popped up that everybody seemed to have forgotten about, Francisco Rodriguez.

Detroit Tigers rumors: Francisco Rodriguez edition–Ryan Dunne

"At 32-years-old, Rodriguez still has a lot to offer to any team looking to upgrade their bullpen like the Tigers are hoping to do so.In 2014 for the Milwaukee Brewers, Rodriguez finished the year with an ERA of 3.04 in 68 innings pitched and had a total of 44 saves on the season. Rodriguez has been arguably one of the best closers in the game over the past decade as he has the second most saves amongst active pitchers behind current Tigers closer Joe Nathan."

The only thing that I have to say about K-Rod is he has been predominantly been a closer his entire career. Detroit needs some long relief and a set-up man; but maybe Rodriguez could convert to a set up man. The bullpen needs all the help it can get. There’s days I think we could slap a glove on the hot dog man and send him out to the mound. It will certainly be interesting to see if the Tigers bring in the veteran reliever.