Detroit Tigers: Deals Aren't Done for This Season

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Aug 7, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view as umpires James Hoye (92) and Ted Barrett (65) go to a replay review in the fourth inning during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The July 31 trade deadline gets fan attention but there’s one more target date that the Detroit Tigers can take advantage of to build their 2016 roster. August 31 is the deadline for waiver trades to be made if the acquiring team wants the player eligible for their postseason roster.

Major League teams load the waiver wire this time of year in hopes of clearing players for trade possibilities. If a player is not claimed during the 48 hour waiver period he’s eligible to be dealt to any team but other scenarios can also occur.

If a player placed on revocable waivers is claimed the team can always pull him back and keep him. They can only do this once. If a team places that same player on waivers again and he’s claimed, he cannot be revoked.

If a player is claimed off of waivers the original team and claiming team can attempt to work out a traded. They have 48 hours to finalize a deal or the player is removed from waivers and stays put.

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A player can be placed on waivers in an attempt to shed his contract and free up money for the following season. The claiming team pays the waiver price and acquires the player plus the remainder of the contract.

Years ago players were waived with an understanding between general managers that, if you don’t claim my players I won’t claim yours. Waiver wire activity was minimal and trade talks continued between teams through August with no obstacles. Now waiver scenarios can be tricky waters to navigate, testing a general manager’s skill in devising strategy while showing a poker face to rivals.

A team can put in a claim on a player in an attempt to block a rival from acquiring him. The risk is, that team may be stuck acquiring that player and his contract if the placing team doesn’t pull him back. General managers also tend to have long memories. If they’re blocked by a team they can block opportunities for that team the following season, or as many seasons as it takes to get revenge.

With Dave Dombrowski now out as the Tigers’ general manager and Al Avila promoted to the post it will be interesting to see what the team has in mind for August. Here are a few possibilities that could make sense and help the Tigers improve the haul of prospects they acquired in July.

One player that would easily clear waivers for the Tigers is second baseman Ian Kinsler. He’s due the remainder of his $16 million salary for 2015 then his base salary drops for the remaining three seasons of his current deal, to $14 million in 2016 and $11 million in 2017 with a team option for $10 million in 2018.

Since July 27 Kinsler has been on fire, slashing .422/.458/.578 with an outstanding .439 BAbip. There are two teams that have crater-sized holes at second base who would also be willing to swallow the remainder of his deal.

The New York Yankees have been out-gunning the AL East all season but are beginning to hear footsteps from the recently reinforced Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees have scored 529 runs this season, second in the American League, with lineup killer Stephen Drew, and recently Brendan Ryan, platooning at second base.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are also in the thick of a division race with a Houston Astros team that has faltered at times but refused to die. They’re currently dealing with the weak-sticked Johnny Giavotella at second.

Both teams could bolster their postseason odds with Kinsler working the right side of their infields and can afford the contract. Whether they will make the attempt remains to be seen.

Outfielder Rajai Davis is 34-years old and in the first year of a contract that pays him $5 million a season through 2016. He offers the element of speed and capable defense that contenders prize during a stretch run.

There were multiple teams interested in Davis prior to the July 31 deadline. The Mets and Cardinals were the most prominent of those looking to add him to their clubhouses. Davis himself caused quite a stir when, a few days before the deadline, he followed a bunch of Cardinals players and media accounts on Twitter.

Don’t be surprised if the Cardinals and Mets, among other contenders, still have Davis in their crosshairs throughout August.

Jul 19, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher

Alex Avila

(13) tags out Baltimore Orioles first baseman

Chris Davis

(19) at home base during the fourth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Would a father put his son on the trading block as one of his first actions as general manager? If he needs to do a quick rebuild he would. Considering the way James McCann has taken over the catcher position this season Avila could find himself a contender target.

Detroit Tigers: Deals Aren’t Done for This Season

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