Detroit Tigers pursuing free agent Scott Hairston – MLB News Update
According to very reliable source from ESPN.com, the Detroit Tigers are looking to add another bat to platoon Andy Dirks in left field for the next season. Scott Hairston could be the perfect solution for the Tigers’ outfield problems.
Although the Tigers made it to the World Series finals in 2012, questions have been raised about the depth in their batting line-up. Apart from third baseman and American League MVP Miguel Cabrera and first baseman Prince Fielder, none of the hitters could
live up to the expectations.
The Tigers tried combinations of Omar Infante, Andy Dirks, Quintin Berry and Delmon Young in the outfield but things did not work out for them. Few weeks ago, the Tigers announced that they have signed former Los Angeles Angles’ outfielder Torii Hunter on
a two yeair $26 million deal in an effort to strengthen up the line-up and it seems that is about as big of a move the Tigers will make this offseason.
James Schmehl of mlive.com quotes in his post,
“Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski indicated in mid-November that the club could add a right-handed hitting outfielder as at least a platoon option alongside Dirks. By adding Hairston, the Tigers would seemingly fill a hole vacated by right-handed hitters
Delmon Young and Ryan Raburn, who will not return in 2013. Hairston would also give rookie outfielder Avisail Garcia ample time to hone his skills in Triple-A Toledo, should the Tigers be reluctant to offer him a spot on the Opening Day roster,” he added.
Other Major League Baseball teams including the New York Yankees and the New York Mets have also shown interest in Hairston, who had a great time on the plate last season as he batted .263 with 20 home-runs and 57 RBI’s in 134 games. He hit .286 with 11
home-runs and 30 RBI’s against the left-handers, another reason why the Tigers would like to add him to their big league roster. However, it is not clear exactly what Hairston is seeking this winter. According to mlive.com, the 32-year-old could grab a two
year contract worth $8-10 million.
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