I'm a day or so late with this (thanks to a migraine headache - and I didn't think I got those), but the Detroit News' Lynn Henning (who's also a guest on the latest edition of The Detroit Tigers Podcast) wrote a very interesting article concerning which free agents (or trade possibilities) the Tigers were likely to pursue.  

 Henning thinks there's a 75% chance Geoff Jenkins will be your Tiger in left field next season.  My first reaction was, "Whoa, let's not be hasty."  But after looking over the numbers, I realize that any other suggestions I might have had don't look so good in comparison.

Cliff Floyd?  He's got that old Florida Marlins Dave Dombrowski-Jim Leyland connection that some enjoy pointing to.  But he's also too injury prone, probably can't move well enough to cover Comerica Park's left field anymore (though he seemed to play well in LF in limited action for the Cubs last year), and might retire.  And he'd prefer to end his career back with the Marlins.  

Brad Wilkerson?  He's the guy I had my eye on, not only because of his left-handed bat, but also his versatility in playing the outfield and first base.  In addition, Wilkerson could give the Tigers another option in the leadoff spot, if needed.  But he never quite hit as well in Texas as I thought he would.  And the stats don't really back my contention that Wilkerson would also offer more speed.  He gets dinged up a lot, too.

Adam Dunn?  How can you not love the power he'd bring to the Detroit lineup?  He's blasted 40 home runs in the past four seasons.  But how many runs would he give away trying to play in that huge outfield?  The Reds plan to pick up his contract option for next season, which has led some to assume he'll play for Cincinnati in 2008.  But that might have been done to make him easier to trade, as the Yankees did last year with Gary Sheffield.  $13 million would make him the most expensive choice, however.

Considering the alternatives, Jenkins looks as appealing as any other available left fielders.  He hits for power, doesn't strike out as much as I thought he did, and can play both corner outfield spots.

The Tigers are more in the market for a "stopgap," much as they were when they signed Luis Gonzalez to keep left field occupied until Juan Encarnacion was ready.  (Oh, remember those days?)  At 33, Jenkins fits the profile of a guy who could provide some production for a couple of seasons, in anticipation of Cameron Maybin's eventual ascent to the major league lineup.  

 I'm kind of surprised Henning had Edgar Renteria rated as a 50% possibility, because to me, he almost seems to be the only suitable option for the Tigers at shortstop next season.  He provides more balance, offensively and defensively, and his contract isn't as outrageous as Jack Wilson's.  

But Renteria has to be acquired through a trade, and that's likely why his chances of coming to Detroit are rated lower.  What if the Tigers don't want to give up the starting pitching that the Braves might ask for in return?  If the price is Nate Robertson, I'd make that deal before Frank Wren could finish his sentence (even if it weakens the current starting rotation).  But if Atlanta wants more, where do you draw the line?

However, if reporters in Renteria's native Colombia are referencing the Tigers in questions to him, maybe it's just too apparent that this is a perfect fit.  

 One curious thing about Henning's list is that no starting pitcher other than Kenny Rogers was mentioned, and I think that's a position the Tigers strongly need to consider looking at - even if they do re-sign Rogers, as expected.  Obviously, the hope is that Rogers is able to stay healthy through all or most of 2008.  But is it too much of a risk to think that he won't break down at some point?  Even if his recent history suggests last season was an anomaly?  

Starting pitching is where the proverbial diamonds in the rough might be found.  U.S.S. Mariner thinks Bartolo Colon could be a sweet bargain.  Viva El Birdos has its eye on Jon Lieber.  (Hat tip: MLB Trade Rumors)  Should the Tigers be thinking along the same lines?

What if the Cubs don't pick up the option on Steve Trachsel's contract?  Would Livan Hernandez be crushed in the American League?  Maybe Jason Jennings wants to prove that he's worth a long-term deal after crapping out with Houston last season.  We also know that the Tigers were interested in Brian Lawrence (perhaps as a long reliever) before he signed with the Mets.  He's once again available.  Shawn Chacon?  Rodrigo Lopez?

Yes, Detroit has two potential candidates for next year's starting rotation in Andrew Miller and Jair Jurrjens, but what if they're not quite ready for prime time over a full season, as the Tigers' braintrust seems to think?  There are several other pitchers that might fulfill the same "stopgap" role that the Tigers are seeking in a left fielder.  And if they don't work out, minor league help is at hand, and the financial risk (hopefully) wasn't that large to begin with.

Is it counter-productive to suggest that the Tigers should trade Nate Robertson and pick up another veteran starting pitcher?  Well, maybe - but I don't think so.  Not if that trade yields a sorely needed starting shortstop.

So what do you think?  If I were headed to a sports apparel shop this weekend to buy a customized jersey of the newest Tigers, what name should I get stitched on the back of it?