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Detroit Tigers need to target Miami Marlin’s young talent

By Josh Scramlin

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It was recently reported by Jon Morosi of Fox Sports that the Detroit Tigers were in trade talks with the Miami Marlins, though nothing is serious as of yet.

This could quite possibly be the beginning of something great for the Tigers. With a treasure trove of uber-talented youngsters, Miami is the perfect team for Detroit to make a deal with. Many of these young players are still under team control for years to come and for a player such as David Price, Miami might be willing to part ways with some of their young players.

A trade to receive multiple players that would fill the holes the Tigers currently have would be better than having just a couple of good players. Complete teams win championships, and by receiving fresh, young talent, Detroit would be a better team as a whole. Even if they did trade away David Price or Rick Porcello.

Regardless of who the Tigers send to the Sunshine State, quality young players must be the return. Here are a few players that Detroit needs to set their sights on when talking with Marlins brass:

 Steve Cishek

Sep 15, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) pitches against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Cishek is a premium closer that has flown under-the-radar his entire career, due to him playing in Miami. But the 28 year-old is exactly what the Detroit bullpen so badly needs, a reliable reliever. Cishek racked up 39 saves in 2014, 5th in the NL. He also struck out 84 batters in 65.1 innings. With a career ERA of 2.65, the sidearmer would be able to make a nice transition into a set-up man, since the Tigers stand so firmly behind Joe Nathan.

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David Dombrowski has said multiple times that the team is not signing any big-ticket relievers, but that doesn’t mean one couldn’t be acquired via trade. Cishek doesn’t entirely solve the bullpen conundrum inDetroit, but he would certainly pick up the lacking areas.

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald believes it’s possible Cishek could be traded with his current salary situation:

"Closer Steve Cishek could see his salary jump from this year’s $3.4 million figure to as much as $6 million in 2015 through arbitration, and the Marlins — like most teams with lower payrolls — have scrimped when it comes to their bullpen.At the moment, the thinking within the organization is that they’ll tender Cishek with intentions of bringing him to spring training. But if another reliever proves capable of handling the closer’s role, he also could be dangled in a trade to address needs at other positions."

Marcell Ozuna

Jun 22, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna (13) connects for a base hit during the second inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The speedy Ozuna fills the gaping hole the Tigers have in CF, playing 140 of his 153 games last season in center. I’m sorry everybody, I really hate to be the rain on your parade, but an Anthony Gose/Rajai Davis platoon is not going to suffice. Both those guys are nothing more than glorified bench players, which is why a guy like Ozuna needs to head to the Motor City.

With a breakout season in 2014, the 22 year-old mashed 23 HR and 85 RBI, very strong compliments to his respectable .269 BA. He also collected 26 doubles and five triples.

Another strong point is that Ozuna is incredibly young, 22 years-old to be exact. This could either be a good or bad thing for Detroit, as he could either contribute for many years to come, or turn out to be a gigantic bust.

Christina De Nicola of Fox Sports points out that consistency has eluded the young speedster:

"Consistency has been elusive for Ozuna…his 164 strikeouts ranked seventh in the NL. For the second straight year, his season came to a premature end with an injury during the final homestand. Southpaws held him to a .245 average and when the pitcher was ahead in the count, Ozuna batted .229 (.308 when he was ahead, .280 even count)."

Regardless of his flaws and youngster status, Marcell Ozuna is a man the Tigers need to try and pry away from South Beach.

Henderson Alvarez

Sep 1, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez (37) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins have a cluster of young pitchers, arguably the best group of young arms in the MLB. Between Jared Cosart, Jose Fernandez, Henderson Alvarez, Tom Koehler, and Nathan Eovaldi, Miami is a garden of young arms. If the Tigers are to trade either Rick Porcello, David Price, or somebody else, there’s a traffic jam of pitching in South Beach.

If they were smart, the Tigers could seize the moment and possibly get their hands on one of those arms in a trade. Henderson Alvarez is the guy Detroit should target.

The 24 year-old righty was selected to the All Star Game in 2014, posting a 2.65 ERA in 30 starts. Alvarez racked up 111 strikeouts and led the NL with three shutouts. If the Tigers are going to give up premium pitching, they have to receive a proven pitcher in return to patch up the hole it would leave.

Though they are simply rumors at this point in time, it’s quite possible a deal could be made, considering Miami and Detroit’s extensive trade history (Anibal Sanchez, Miguel Cabrera). If it ever does escalate to that point, hope that the men listed above sport the English D when the deal is done.

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