Jon Paul Morosi and Fox Sports are at it again. Morosi reports tonight that the Tigers have inquired about Angels infielder Maicer Izturis, who they hope could start in the infield and bat near the top of the order. I assume the switch-hitting 31-year-old would be targeted as a second baseman.
Morosi notes:
Izturis, a switch hitter, isn't known for his durability. This year marked the first time he has played more than 120 games in a major-league season. But that wouldn't necessarily be a huge issue in Detroit, where he could split time with the likes of Ryan Raburn, Brandon Inge and Don Kelly at the two positions.
Izturis batted .276 with a .334 OBP and .388 slugging average in 2011. He is a career .275 batter across either seasons with an OBP of .339.
Fielding-wise, Izturis appears to be above average at third base and shortstop, while the advanced stats have him a bit below average at second base. But sample size isn't big enough to have full confidence.