Today's Tigers Trade Target: Michael Wuertz?

Jon Paul Morosi is reporting in today's Freep that the Tigers' trade radar is currently zeroing in on a Chicago Cubs reliever.  And thankfully, it's not Ryan Dempster.  The name Morosi mentions instead is Michael Wuertz, a 29-year-old righthander who posted a 2-3 record and 3.48 ERA last season.  More impressively, he notched 79 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings.

Chicago is looking for a right-handed hitter in return, which is something Dave Dombrowski can offer with either Brandon Inge or Marcus Thames.  Perhaps more specifically, the Cubs have been seeking both center fielders and second basemen during the offseason and spring, two positions Inge would seem capable of filling (though he hasn't played any second base in the majors).  

With Kerry Wood set to be the Cubs' closer (back spasms pending), Lou Pinella's relief corps appears to have a surplus of relievers. Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol are already slotted in as the set-up man, with Scott Eyre and Kevin Hart also looking to win jobs in the bullpen.  So if the Tigers want Wuertz, the Cubs look like they could spare him.