The big question surrounding the Detroit Tigers this offseason is whether or not the collapse of the local economy might prompt the team to trade off some of its star players. According to the Detroit News' Lynn Henning, the Tigers' financial losses this season were serious enough that dealing away their most expensive player, Miguel Cabrera, is now a consideration.
The annual autumn review that Dombrowski held with owner Mike Ilitch made clear that Detroit's economics have caught up with the Tigers. The team hemorrhaged money in 2009 and stands to bleed profusely in 2010, as well.
Cabrera's salary was $15 million in 2009 and jumps to $20 million in 2010 and again in 2011. He climbs to $21 million in 2012 and 2013, and to $22 million in 2014 and in 2015, after which he will be a 32-year-old free agent.
Henning goes on to say that Cabrera might not be traded for two reasons: 1) He's simply too valuable to the Tigers' lineup, and 2) The Events of October 3 raise a huge red flag for any teams potentially interested in a deal.
But if the Tigers are trying to trade Cabrera, Henning speculates that the Boston Red Sox are the most likely trade partner. The Sawx have the budget to take on such a large contract, and a minor league system with enough prospects that might interest the Tigers. And with that, Ken Rosenthal just pumped his fist. Except Henning seems to have a more suitable return package in mind, centered around pitcher Clay Buchholz.