:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24971351/20131207_mse_mb2_004.0.jpg)
Day three of MLB's Winter Meetings was a Detroit Tigers rumor fest. Over the past 24 hours, the organization was supposed to be doing the following:
- Kicking the tires on reliever Joba Chamberlain.
- Contacting the Los Angeles Dogers about a possible deal for All-Star center fielder Matt Kemp.
- Telling other teams AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer was not on the trading block, but a contract extension was unlikely.
- Max Scherzer was back on the trading block and could be acquired for the right price.
Late Wednesday afternoon, Tigers' GM Dave Domborowski made the media rounds and decided to clear the air. He refuted almost everything which has been reported since Tuesday night.
He appeared on ESPN's Baseball Tonight...
After the break on SC: MLB #WinterMeetings - Tigers Pres/GM Dave Dombrowski, who says they're in "fine shape"... pic.twitter.com/y5vTnRGsyx
— Baseball Tonight (@BBTN) December 11, 2013
...and (God help him) MLB Network's Intentional Talk.
#Tigers president, CEO and general manager David Dombrowski sits down with the boys of Intentional Talk. pic.twitter.com/OuG4OLoD5m
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) December 11, 2013
Dombrowski proceeded to deny, deny, deny.
Is Kemp on the Tigers' radar? No.
Dombrowski: "We have never ever had a conversation with the Dodgers about Matt Kemp."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) December 11, 2013
What about all the speculation over Scherzer's contract status? It's just that, speculation.
Dombrowski called report of pessimism over chances of re-signing Scherzer "not accurate." Said no discussions with Boras yet.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) December 11, 2013
Are the Tigers still in the market for players? Only if that player can throw out of the bullpen.
#Tigers reiterate they're probably done adding position players -- unless "something comes out of blue." Last focus: RH or LH reliever.
— Tony Paul (@TonyPaul1984) December 11, 2013
Dombrowski downplaying thoughts Tigers will sign another higher-profile reliever. That's either reducing expectations or inviting trouble.
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) December 11, 2013
Dombrowski on bullpen (cont.): Wants to add "correct arm." Implied it would not be a top-shelf reliever.
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) December 11, 2013
The only thing Dombrowski didn't address was Chamberlain. Maybe he's the 'not top-shelf' reliever?
So there you have it. If you believe the Tigers' GM, the team hasn't even discussed an extension with Scherzer's agent Scott Boras, they are happy with their rebuilt everyday lineup and are looking for just one cheap bullpen arm.
Wouldn't you believe someone dressed in a turquoise t-shirt and checkered sport coat?