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Detroit Tigers: Cole Hamels Detroit no-no, Xavier Avery departs

By Matt Pelc

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If the Detroit Tigers can ever right the ship in time to be considered serious buyers at the trading deadline, they may have an additional hurdle in obtaining one of the top names in the Trade Deadline Hot Stove League.

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That name is former World Series MVP Cole Hamels. The Philadelphia Phillies ace has been linked to pretty much every team shopping later this month and the Tigers name has come up since they have been one of the most active movers at the deadline in recent years.

But when signing his massive contract a few years back, Hamels including the Tigers as a team on his no-trade clause. That, of course, can be waived given the right circumstances–much like Prince Fielder waived his before the trade to the Texas Rangers, however if the Tigers are still foundering at the deadline and they make the deal for him, would he really want to go to a third-place team? Stay tuned on that one.

The Tigers announced some minor league moves with Xavier Avery exercising an out in his contract. Avery was a non-roster invitee to Toledo and has put up good numbers with the Mud Hens, but not being on the Tigers’ 40-man roster with a cluster of outfielders in front of him likely led to the decision.

Detroit wasted no time in signing someone to take Avery’s position, inking minor league journeyman Trayvon Robinson. He has just 288 career at-bats at the Major League level and hasn’t appeared for a big league team since 2012.

Minor league depth, people. Nothing to get excited over.

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels has Tigers on his no-trade list – Fox Sports

"But there are 20 teams that Hamels could block a trade to, and the Detroit Tigers are one of them, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly:“According to sources, Hamels’ nine-team “trade-to” list consists of two American League teams (Yankees and Rangers) and seven National League teams (Nationals, Cardinals, Braves, Padres, Dodgers, Cubs and Mets).”The Tigers, of course, are not on the list, meaning Hamels could veto a potential deal involving Detroit."

Detroit Tigers release Xavier Avery after outfielder exercises opt-out in contract – James Schmehl, MLive

"Avery, who hit .250 in 17 games this spring before being assigned to Triple-A Toledo. In 73 games with the Mud Hens, Avery batted a team-high .305 with a .371 on-base percentage, and served as the team’s primary leadoff hitter.Given the outfield depth in Triple-A Toledo, Avery — who was not added to Detroit’s 40-man roster — likely didn’t see an opportunity to crack Detroit’s 25-man roster in the near future. Triple-A Toledo’s outfield currently features Steven Moya, Tyler Collins and Daniel Fields — all of whom are on Detroit’s 40-man roster."

Source: Detroit Tigers agree to terms on minor league deal with outfielder Trayvon Robinson – Schmehl

"A former 10th-round pick of the Dodgers in 2005, Robinson has not been added to Detroit’s 40-man roster and is considered to be organizational depth.Robinson signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in April, and hit .256 with a .357 on-base percentage at Triple-A Reno before being released June 22.Robinson made his major league debut in 2011 and batted .215 spanning 288 at-bats with the Seattle Mariners. He hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2012, spending the last two seasons in the Orioles, Dodgers and Padres farm systems."

Next: Tigers have abundance of trade bait at deadline

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