Rumor mongering: Tigers no longer interested in Stephen Drew, will focus on Scott Hairston

As begins the winter meetings, so does the rumor mongering. The Tigers, as expected, are in the thick of it.

Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports have sources telling them the Tigers' interest in free agent shortstop Stephen Drew has cooled, due to the fact he is looking for a multi-year deal.

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News refutes of the Fox Sports crew this morning, claiming the Tigers want to upgrade their infield defense and remain interested in signing Drew, specifically for his increased range. Henning says if the Tigers decide to trade for a shortstop instead, they may look into acquiring the Orioles' J.J. Hardy. Their main chip in any possible trade will be incumbent shortstop Jhonny Peralta, though it would take far, far more than Peralta to obtain Hardy, a 2012 Gold Glove winner..

In regard to the oft-discussed Indians shortstop, Asdrubal Cabrera, Rosenthal and Morosi report the Tigers have not been involved in any trade discussions. Morosi tweeted the Tigers are included in Cabrera's six-team no-trade clause.

Rosenthal and Morosi also say the Tigers will instead focus on obtaining a left-handed reliever and right-hand hitting outfield platoon partner for Andy Dirks while in Nashville.

So who would be the Tigers' outfielder of interest?

It may be 32 year old free agent Scott Hairston, who hit .263 with 20 home runs with the Mets in 2012. Hairston is a career .276/.325/.500 hitter against left-hand pitching, making him a very enticing outfield option. But the Tigers may have to outbid the Yankees and Mets for his services.