Tigers On the Prowl for Shortstops

I really only have a two-word response to this blog post from Jason Beck.  Hell, yeah:

The Tigers have not yet had formal discussions with the agent for Rafael Furcal, who just filed for free agency this week, but they're expected to enter the mix for the speedy shortstop.  How far they delve into the bidding should be telling for Detroit's approach this offseason.

I know.  Let's not get too excited.  Detroit hasn't even talked to Furcal's agent yet.  And Furcal might balk at any short-term offer, if that's what the Tigers are seeking.  But coming off a serious back injury, the Tigers might be able to work some negotiating leverage, as they did back in 2003 with Pudge Rodriguez. 

I've already made it known how I feel about Furcal.  I think he checks off a lot of boxes for the Tigers: speed, lefty bat, leadoff ability, and good defense.  So I'm rubbing my lucky Tiger paw on this one. 

Furcal only played 36 games last year, so let's look at his career numbers instead.  Over nine major league seasons, he has a .286/.352/.412 batting line, averaging almost 29 steals a year, along with nine homers and 46 RBIs.  

Meanwhile, today's San Diego Union-Tribune mentioned the Tigers among three teams that might be interested in Padres shortstop Khalil Greene.  The Boston Globe added the Red Sox to that mix, as well. 

Both The Spot Starters and Trumbull and Michigan devoted posts to Greene, so I'll nod to them.  Suffice it to say they both think he's worth a shot, as his sub-par numbers last season might have him considered expendable in San Diego. 

In 2008, Greene batted .213/.260/.339 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs, with 100 strikeouts in 423 plate appearances.  Yet he's just two years removed from notching 27 homers and 97 RBIs.