Detroit
Tigers

News: Willis' (anxiety) status with the Tigers heading into 2010 is unclear.
Impact: "In Willis' case, which we all know to be unique, he needs to throw the ball over the plate on a consistent basis," general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "We don't know if he'll do that or not." Manager Jim Leyland wanted Willis to pitch in winter ball, but he hasn't thus far. Being saddled with his $12 million salary for 2010 is part of the reason that the Tigers will have to be light spenders in free agency this winter, while it's also made the idea of trading Willis elsewhere obsolete. 

News: The Tigers purchased Boesch's contract on Friday, promoting him to the 40-man roster, the Detroit Free Press reports
Impact: Boesch, 24, slugged his way to the Eastern League lead last season with 28 home runs, 61 extra-base hits and 269 total bases. He still hasn't seen any time in Triple-A, so look for a lengthy stint with Toledo next season. 

News: The Tigers purchased Strieby's contract on Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Impact: The big lefty (6-5, 235) broke out with Double-A Erie last year, hitting .303 with 19 homers in 294 at-bats. With Miguel Cabrera blocking the way at first base for years to come, the Tigers have toyed with the idea of moving Strieby to the outfield. Despite being moved to the 40-man roster, he'll likely spend most of his time in the higher levels of the minors this upcoming season. 

News: The Tigers purchased Ciriaco's contract on Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Impact: The move was made to protect Ciriaco from next month's Rule 5 Draft. While this promotes him to the Tigers' 40-man roster, he isn't expected to play in the majors next year. Ciricao, 20, hit .256 with 11 homers and 15 steals while splitting time between High-A Lakeland and Triple-A Toledo last season. 

News: The Tigers purchased Sizmore's (ankle) contract on Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Impact: This moves Sizemore to the 40-man roster, protecting him from December's Rule 5 Draft. Sizemore, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is expected to be in the running for the Tigers' second base job. 

News: The Mariners remain interested in acquiring Tigers' starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.
Impact: Jackson is due a raise from his $2.3 million 2009 salary, and the Tigers don't seem willing to pay it. With the Mariners more competitive than expected in 2009, they could be going for it in 2010. Pitching in Seattle's very spacious Safeco Park, much like Detroit's Comerica Park, Jackson could have another big season were he to be shipped to the Northwest. 

News: Bourquin was suspended for 50 games on Thursday after testing positive for an amphetamine, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: Bourquin, who hit .283 at High-A and .228 at Double-A last season, will serve his suspension at the start of the 2010 season. 

News: Washburn says the arthroscopic surgery on his knee in October was minor and he's almost back to full strength. "It feels great now, almost like I didn't even have a surgery. So, I don't see it being a problem for me in the future," he told FoxSports.com. Washburn has said there's mutual interest in returning to Seattle and he'd also like to play for Minnesota or Milwaukee close to his Webster, Wis. home.
Impact: The knee injury doesn't look like an issue for 2010. It looks like he'll have several suitors this offseason but may take a home town discount to pay for the Twins or Brewers. 

News: Porcello finished third in the voting for American League Rookie of the Year, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Impact: He finished behind Andrew Baily of Oakland and Elvis Andrus of Texas. The 20-year-old righty finished the season 14-9 with a 3.96 ERA. His biggest knock from a fantasy perspective was a lack of strikeouts (89), but Porcello is expected to become more of a swing-and-miss pitcher as he progresses. 

News: The Mariners are believed to be interested in Tigers' hurler Edwin Jackson, according to FOX Sports.
Impact: The two sides have talked, but nothing serious developed as of yet. The Mariners would use Jackson as a complement to ace Felix Hernandez, and he could benefit from playing his home game at pitcher-friendly Safeco if a deal is ultimately worked out.  

News: The Mariners are reportedly interested in star outfielder Curtis Granderson, according to FOX Sports.
Impact: The Mariners are among the teams looking to add payroll, and would prefer to use Granderson in left with Franklin Gutierrez in center. This should be viewed as speculation for now.  

News: Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said he will not re-sign Huff this offseason, Mlive.com reports.
Impact: Huff failed to make an impact in Detroit's lineup, hitting just .189 with two homers in 40 games. His best bet to bounce back next season will be as a designated hitter with an AL squad. 

News: Detroit president and general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed on Friday that Tigers would not try to re-sign Washburn, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, Mlive.com reports.
Impact: No big surprise here as Detroit is working with a bloated payroll. Numerous teams have shown interest in Washburn, so look for him to catch on as a fantasy relevant starter elsewhere. 

News: According to a report at the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are very interested in offering a prospect-heavy package to the Tigers for outfielder Curtis Granderson. The Angels and Yankees are also said to be interested in the outfielder.
Impact: A prospect-heavy package is exactly what the Tigers will want in return for Granderson, as they are in cost-cutting mode in a major way right now. A move to the National League might jump-start Grnderson, but the Cubs would be wise not to give up too much for a guy who is miserable against left-handed pitching. 

News: MLive.com reports that the Tigers have contacted Aubrey Huff to inform him that they will not re-sign the free agent outfielder.
Impact: This is no big shocker as the Tigers are trying to shed payroll and Huff was brutal at the plate after coming over in a trade from Baltimore. In 40 games the former Oriole hit just .189 with a pair of homers and 13 RBI for his new club. Someone looking for outfield power will likely come calling though. 

News: Updating a previous report, the Tigers have contacted starter Jarrod Washburn to inform him that they are not interested in re-signing him, according to MLive.com.
Impact: Washburn was having a career year until he was traded to the Mariners in July. A knee injury and a sudden bout of ineffectiveness led to a 1-3 record and a 7.33 ERA with the Tigers. Expect teams to cautiously avoid him this hot stove season unless they have no other options. 

News: The Brewers are interested in trading for Tigers pitcher Edwin Jackson, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Impact: The Brewers declined Braden Looper's $6.5 million 2010 option to create payroll flexibility, and Jackson would be a much better, if not necessarily cheaper, alternative.  

News: Newsday is reporting that the Tigers and Angels are discussing a possible Curtis Granderson deal.
Impact: The Halos would reportedly play Granderson in left field, leave Torii Hunter in center and either deal or DH Juan Rivera. The potential trade does not sound close to completion, however, and many other teams, including the Yankees, are said to be interested in the Tigers' power-hitting speedster.  

News: The Phillies have interest in signing Polanco to fill their opening at third base, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Impact: Polanco, who won a Gold Glove at second base this year, is willing to move to third, as long as it's for a contending team. The Phillies are also considering Mark DeRosa and Adrian Beltre for their opening at third. 

News: According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies are interested in making Placido Polanco their everyday third baseman.
Impact: Polanco, who won a Gold Glove this season at second base, says that he will move to the hot corner as long as he gets to play for a contender. The problem is he hasn't played there since 2005. Still, the Phillies think the move will work and feel that a reunion with the 34-year-old Polanco would be promising. Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa are also on the team's radar. 

News: The New York Post is reporting that the Detroit Tigers have made center fielder Curtis Granderson available in a trade. The Tigers don't want to trade Granderson, but for the right price they would be willing to make a deal.
Impact: The Tigers are hurting for money, and they have nearly $100 million tied up in just 10 players for next season. The Yankees are said the be very interested, and they have the prospects to get a deal done. We will keep an eye on this situation. 

News: Polanco was awarded the American League Gold Glove award at second base on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: This marks the second Gold Glove of Polanco's career. Polanco committed just two errors in another efficient defensive campaign. He filed for free agency last week and could be bringing his slick fielding to a new team next season. 

News: Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombroski would not confirm a report that he's shopping around Jackson, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Impact: The Hot Stove season has officially arrived. With a bloated payroll, don't be surprised if half of Detroit's roster gets mentioned in trade rumors over the next month. This would be a solid time for the Tigers to sell high on Jackson, who is coming off a career year, but he's one of their cheaper options in the rotation and will probably stay with the team. 

News: Gerald Laird is reportedly on the Tigers' trading block, according to FOX Sports.
Impact: Laird will turn 30 later this week, and only batted .225 in 2008 - while raking in $2.8MM. It would not be hard for Detroit to find a comparable option for less money.  

News: Edwin Jackson is believed to be on the Tigers' trading block, according to FOX Sports.
Impact: Jackson had a fine 2009 campaign with Detroit, but the club is considering moving him to trim some payroll. He has a contract through 2010, and it is uncertain if the Tigers are in serious talks with any teams regarding a trade. Their 2009 payroll of $132MM was among the highest in the majors.  

News: Brandon Lyon has filed or free agency, according to MLB.com. Lyon had a 2.86 ERA in 65 apearances for the Tigers last season.
Impact: Lyon ended up having a nice season as a setup man for Fernando Rodney, and he could find work either as a closer or a setup man. If he goes somewhere with vacant closer role, he could have some fantasy value heading into next season. 

News: Minnesota is interested in signing Washburn as they seek to add one or two veteran pitchers to the rotation, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Washburn is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery in October.
Impact: The Twins have shown interest in Washburn before as they tried to trade for him in 2008. There's some thought the western Wisconsin native may want to sign with the Twins to play close to home. 

News: The Tigers say they also have moved Zumaya from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.
Impact: Zumaya, who has had shoulder problems since an offseason injury in late 2007, last pitched on July 18 against the New York Yankees. He was then placed on the 15-day disabled list. Zumaya was examined by Dr. James Andrews, and will have surgery to remove a bone shard from the stress fracture in his shoulder. 

News: The Tigers recalled the contract of Larish from Toledo and placed him on the 60-day disabled list.
Impact: Larish is out for the year following wrist surgery. 

News: The Tigers announced that Treanor had surgery Thursday for a bone spur in his hip, a move that is expected to end his season.
Impact: Treanor said he had a torn labrum on the right side that needed to be fixed. The 33-year-old Treanor was 0-for-13 in four games and struck out four times. 

News: Marcus Thames has been removed from the Tigers' 40-man roster, and will become a free agent, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck.
Impact: Thames hit .252 to go along with 13 home runs in a part-time role for the Tigers last season. Expect him to stay in the American League.  

News: Treanor (hip/hernia) became a free agent on Friday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Impact: He could catch on with a club in need of a backup catcher, but Treanor isn't likely to be a major contributor next season. 

News: Thames became a free agent on Friday, Jason Beck on MLB.com reports.
Impact: The Tigers decided not to bring back Thames for another season. He'll likely look to join a club with openings at designated hitter or left field. 

News: Polanco filed for free agency on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: Polanco finished the season strong for the Tigers, hitting .315 with four homers and four steals after the All-Star break. Due to budgetary constraints, Detroit is expected to hand second base duties over to prospect Scott Sizemore instead of re-signing Polanco. 

News: Washburn (knee) filed for free agency on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: Washburn, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in October, isn't expected to return to the Tigers. He has shown interest in returning to the Mariners and could provide some value next season if he fully recovers from his surgery. 

News: Huff filed for free agency on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: Huff was a disaster after coming over to Detroit in August, hitting just .189/.265/.302 in 106 at-bats. He'll likely have to sign with an AL team with a need for a designated hitter to have an everyday role next season. 

News: Rodney filed for free agency on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: Rodney is in line for a big payday after converting 37 of 38 saves. He wants to return to Detroit, but it's still uncertain if Detroit is willing to meet his asking price. If he doesn't land another job as a closer, Rodney's fantasy value will take a serious hit next season. 

News: Everett filed for free agency on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: Everett hit .238/.288/.325 in 345 at-bats as a Tiger. The Tigers are lacking an obvious replacement within their organization and could opt to bring Everett back for another season if the price is right. 

News: According to the Detroit Free Press, Tigers' pitcher Jarrod Washburn said he "would be surprised" if the team offered him a contract for next season. Washburn was acquired from Seattle the the trade deadline but struggled with a knee injury after coming to Detroit.
Impact: Washburn was just 1-3 with a 7.33 ERA in his time with the Tigers this season, so it's not a big shocker that they might not want him back. He was having an outstanding campaign with the Mariners before the trade, so there is no doubt that he will get plenty of attention this winter. 

News: Inge had surgery on both knees on Tuesday.
Impact: The Tigers said Thursday that the Nov. 3 procedure at the Detroit Medical Center will address patella tendinitis that plagued Inge throughout this past season. Inge is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February. The 32-year-old native of Lynchburg, Va., hit .230 with 27 home runs and 84 RBIs in 161 games. 

News: Inge underwent successful surgery on both his knees Tuesday, the Detroit News reports.
Impact: Inge will have to rest his knees for the next six weeks before being able to begin a strenghtening and rehab program. With that timetable, the Tigers expect Inge to be at full strength when spring drills begin. Inge's knees were a big part of his second-half decline, so he could put together an even better campaign next season if the rehab goes well. 

News: Wells is hitting .375 with three homers and 14 RBI in eight games during the Arizona Fall League.
Impact: Wells had a solid season for Double-A Erie, hitting .289 with 17 homers and eight stolen bases. He's considered one of the Tigers' better positional prospects, but will likely need to see time at Triple-A before getting a chance at the major league level. 

News: Hollimon (shoulder) is expected to be cleared to throw within the next week, Mlive.com reports.
Impact: Hollimon appeared in just 29 games with Double-A Erie this season after suffering knee and shoulder injuries. It doesn't appear either injury will be a problem for the start of preseason, but he'll still have an uphill climb to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster. 

News: Treanor, who missed all of the 2009 season with a hip injury, is expected to be 100 percent by spring training, Mlive.com reports.
Impact: Treanor will be a free agent this offseason and it doesn't appear the Tigers will bring him back. He could catch on as a backup catcher elsewhere, but don't expect him to hold much fantasy value in that role. 

News: Larish, who is rehabbing from a wrist injury, is expected to be cleared to swing a bat in December and should be ready for the start of spring training, Mlive.com reports.
Impact: Larish, 26, could challenge for one of the Tigers' final roster spots next season, but he'll have to show improvements in spring training after hitting just .265 with six homers for Triple-A Toledo in 2009. 

News: Tigers trainer Kevin Rand said Zumaya's rehab from shoulder surgery has gone "extremely well," Mlive.com reports.
Impact: Zumaya is expected to be cleared to play catch soon and all indications are he'll be ready for the start of spring training. Given his injury history, it'll be hard to endorse Zumaya next season, but he could be in the running for closing duties if Fernando Rodney isn't re-signed. 

News: Sizemore underwent surgery on his fractured left fibula on Tuesday, Mlive.com reports.
Impact: The surgery was a success and the Tigers still expect Sizemore to be ready for spring training. He'll be re-examined in mid-January when the screws in his ankle are removed. 

News: Washburn had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last week, Mlive.com reports.
Impact: Detroit Tigers trainer Kevin Rand expects Washburn to make a full recovery. Washburn, who's a free agent this offseason, isn't expected to be re-signed by the Tigers. 

News: Scott Sizemore underwent surgery on his fractured left ankle, according to the Associated Press.
Impact: A surgeon inserted screws to stabilize Sizemore's ankle joint. He will have the screws removed in January and is expected to be good to go for the start of spring training in February. He was named the Minor League Player of the Year in 2009, and should compete for the Tigers' starting gig at second base if Placico Polanco leaves in free agency.  

News: Sizemore, who suffered a fractured left ankle while playing in the Arizona Fall Leagues last week, will undergo surgery on Tuesday, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Impact: The original diagnosis didn't call for surgery, but an MRI revealed cartilage damage in his broken ankle. His recovery time will be longer with the surgery, but Sizemore still hopes to be ready for the start of spring training. 

News: Sizemore is still likely to receive a promotion to the Tigers next season despite suffering a fractured left ankle last week, the Detroit News reports.
Impact: Sizemore will be in a walking boot for the next six weeks, but he's expected to be ready well before the start of spring training. The big question with Sizemore's outlook for next season remains whether or not the Tigers decide to re-sign Placido Polanco. If Polanco is retained, look for Sizemore to spend the majority of the season honing his craft with Triple-A Toledo. 

News: The Detroit News is reporting that Tigers' prospect Scott Sizemore will miss the rest of the Arizona Fall League season after fracturing his ankle. Sizemore is expected to be full recovered in six-to-eight weeks, which gives him plenty of time before spring training.
Impact: It's unfortunate that Sizemore will miss the fall league, but he will be fine in plenty of time for spring training. He is expected to challenge to be the team;s starting second baseman next season assuming Placido Polanco leaves, and he has a bright future ahead of him. 

News: Sizemore allegedly suffered a fractured tibia while trying to break up a double play in Arizona Fall League play, RotoWire's Bernie Pleskoff reports.
Impact: Sizemore was essentially getting auditioned to be Placido Polanco's replacement at second base this fall, should Polanco not re-sign with the Tigers. He's expected to be ready by spring training, but obviously this is a pretty bad break for Sizemore.