Interesting Non-tenders

The Tigers have said they’re pretty much set for next year, which could be good or bad depending on your opinion of Craig Monroe, Sean Casey, and the bullpen. I happen to believe the team could benefit from a couple shrewd additions, but with few bargains to be had in the free-agent market and the team hesitant to trade pitching, any upgrades will have to come from the bargain bin.

Thus, it may behoove Dave Dombrowski to scour the list of players not tendered arbitration by their previous clubs. Some potentially useful pieces:

1. Trot Nixon — Hardly reliable as a starter because of his frequent injuries, but Nixon could be a very strong half of a platoon with Monroe. His on-base skills are still readily apparent (.390+ OBP in ‘06) and he could probably be had for a one-year commitment. I’m probably deluding myself by thinking the Tigers are looking to upgrade left field — they seem enamored by Monroe’s personality and his burgeoning reputation as a clutch performer — but it’ll be easier to get through the winter this way.

 2. Cliff Floyd — He was a rumored trade target when the Tigers were bat-shopping in July, but word is several teams are interested, meaning he will most likely get a starting job. I might give it to him, try to trade Monroe, and keep Thames as the fourth outfielder, but that could backfire if Floyd’s Achilles’ problem returns and Thames’ poor defense is exposed long-term in Comerica’s spacious left field.

3. Eric Gagne — Another useful piece, but he won’t sneak under the radar. Boston is supposedly hot for him.

 4. David Riske — Right-handed relief is not a primary need, but anything that means less of Jason Grilli is a nice idea. Riske would be good insurance against injury or ineffectiveness in the bullpen. If he would take a one-year contract, he might be a nice addition.

5. Kenny Lofton — Another intriguing name should DD realize the limitations of his starting left fielder. Lofton could lead off, which might allow the Tigers’ brass to stop fretting unnecessarily about Granderson’s strikeouts. Granderson is the superior defender, so Lofton could play left. His lack of power doesn’t play well there, but Detroit gets enough sock from unusual sources (third base, shortstop, center field) that they could overlook the low slugging percentage and happily accept the OBP boost.