Detroit Tigers links: Big names available but little offseason movement

For those of us who obsess over the potential moves in the off season, the first week and a half have been a disappointment. There has been little movement of players, and, in a stunning turn of events, people are actually accepting qualifying offers! I would echo this sentiment, but insert Tigers general manager Al Avila.

I'm waiting pic.twitter.com/50cZSTCPct

— Cespedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) November 17, 2015

That said, it's possible that the offseason could escalate pretty soon. Kurt provides a good summary of which Tigers could move, and with Avila graduating from the school of Dombrowski blockbusters, I would put this at a decent probability.

Other surprising names have begun to pop up as trade possibilities. Brett Gardner, considered an important player for the Yankees, has been mentioned as a moving candidate. Jerry Dipoto has coveted Gardner from his time with the Diamondbacks.

There was also a tweet that Jose Fernandez might be shopped although it was later refuted by a Joe Frisaro article. Two things: first, it's good to know that I'm only 3,000 twitter followers away from being able to start rumors. Second: the reason this gained some traction is no one would doubt this from Marlins president David Samson. Seems like something he would do. But who am I to talk, I'm just a guy behind a keyboard writing fan fiction about Wayne Gretzkey and Kid Rock. Although, that probably makes me more qualified than Samson.

Aroldis Chapman has long been discussed as a trade candidate as well but add American hero and long ball expert Todd Frazier to the mix. That has to be a bit depressing for the Cincy faithful but the Reds are going into full rebuilding mode.

All these possibilities don't even include the big free agents, which have yet to make their selections. Let's hope some of these come to fruition in the next couple weeks to fill the off season void. Otherwise we are just going to have pass the time marveling at Andre Drummond.

James McCann's rookie year with Detroit Tigers stands out - Detroit Free Press, Anthony Fenech
James McCann is not the American League rookie of the year. Despite receiving no votes, McCann does have some hardware.

Did the Red Sox Just Reset the Market for Relievers? - FanGraphs Baseball, Matthew Kory
Taking into account Kimbrel's salary and the prospects traded, what is the current market for relievers?

James shines bright light on Tigers' baserunning woes - The Detroit News, Chris McCosky
The Bill James handbook sums up what we already knew, the Tigers were dreadful at base running last year.

Rangers, Mariners swap Leonys Martin for Tom Wilhelmsen - CBSSports.com, Mike Axisa
The Rangers and Mariners have agreed to a trade sending outfielder Leonys Martin to Seattle for reliever Tom Wilhelmsen. Other players are involved as well.

Which Team’s Rotation Overachieved Most in 2015? - FanGraphs Baseball, Owen Watson
The Tigers rotation was actually considered unlucky by FanGraphs' metrics. I consider the fans who watched them the unlucky ones.