Names to Keep Eyes On

     With the MLB trade deadline approaching, it is now time to take a look at a couple names that come to mind that the Detroit Tigers could trade for at the end of the July.  The needs on the roster Detroit might go after are starting pitchers, a second baseman, and more help in the bullpen.  I would expect the Tigers to go out and find more starting pitching, but here are a few names that come to mind that the Tigers could target.

Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza could be at the
top of the Tigers wish list for July 31st. 

     Matt Garza, RHP, Cubs:  Garza has been mentioned a lot in trades with the Tigers, among other teams.  Garza would be a good number three starting pitcher in the rotation (depending on how Doug Fister and Max Scherzer's performs throughout the rest of the season).  Garza is currently 4-6 with a 4.01 ERA for the Cubs, but he has a career ERA of 3.85 with Chicago and Tampa Bay.

     Jason Vargas, LHP, Mariners:  The Tigers could be looking at another midseason trade with Seattle like they did last year to acquire Doug Fister.  Vargas is only 7-7 this season with a 4.31 ERA, but his ERA has ballooned during interleague play.  Vargas would fit well at the back end of the rotation and would give starter Drew Smyly more of a break in the rotation.

     Wandy Rodriguez, LHP, Astros:  Another lefty starter that the Tigers could be looking at as a back-end of the rotation answer.  Rodriguez has pitched very well for a bad Astros team, going 6-6 with a 3.54 ERA. Rodriguez has given up many hits, however, so if the Tigers trade for Rodriguez, it will need to be for a cheap price.

     Darwin Barney, 2B, Cubs:  Not a real stud, but he could be an answer for the Tigers at second base.  Won't exactly tear the cover off the ball when batting, only batting .265 with three homers and 23 RBI's this season, and is only hitting .269 in his young two-year career.  Barney, however, can be a boost for the infield's defense that has been greatly criticized.  Barney could possibly be included with Matt Garza if that trade could happen.

     Marco Scutaro, SS, Rockies:  Another middle infiedler the Tigers could be looking at.  Scutaro has played shortstop his entire career, but has started to play second base in Colorado, and could be another solution at second base for this season.  Scutaro has not had a bad year at the plate, hitting .286 with four homers.  The only problem with Scutaro is is that he is 36-years-old, so it would most likely be only a solution at second base for this season, so if the Tigers only plan for this year, then they take chance on Scutaro.

     Now, the Tigers do not have much in their farm system to trade that they can get a top player, like a Cole Hamels, but they could possibly find a way to get Garza with what they have.  RHP Jacob Turner and 3B Nick Castellanos are the prospects that are untouchable in the trades, but there could be other prospects the Tigers could give up to acquire one or two of these of these players that can help get a World Series Championship that Detroit has set out to do.