Magglio Ordonez Rumors

A few updates on what the Detroit Tigers are doing this off season:

• General manager Dave Dombrowski noted that incumbent shortstop Ramon Santiago is not really a shortstop and the Tigers will need some replacement with the loss of Edgar Renteria.
• The Tigers are not expected to be involved in the Francisco Rodriguez bidding.
• Jon Paul Morosi theorizes that the Angels are a good trade partner for Magglio Ordonez.

Let's take a look at today's news and notes from around baseball:

• The Tigers may have to consider trading Magglio Ordonez.
• The Marlins are expected to increase payroll to $40M.  This is likely to handle their numerous arbitration cases without trading away too many of their young players.
• Orioles president Andy MacPhail says that the team will consider making a run at some of the big name free agents available this off season.
• David Weathers wants to play another year, whether it is with the Reds or another team.
• Jayson Nix signed with the White Sox.
• The Red Sox acquired Virgil Vasquez off of waivers and Gil Velazquez was let go.
• The Astros signed Taiwanese pitcher Chia-Jen Lo.

John Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press put together five predictions for the Tigers 2009 off season.  Let's take a look:

1. The Tigers will not trade for JJ Hardy to fill the void at shortstop because the Brewers are looking for pitching in a swap for Hardy.  Instead the Tigers will look at Rafael Furcal, Orlando Cabrera, Omar Vizquel and Jack Wilson.  Julio Lugo might also be a cheap option for them as the Red Sox are likely to eat much of the $9M to get him out of town.
2. Tigers manager Jim Leyland will not accept Dusty Ryan as the starting catcher for 2009 and the Tigers will look to acquire a more seasoned catcher.  Morosi names Miguel Montero from the Diamondbacks as an option. 
3. The Tigers could also talk to Texas about a catcher and will likely inquire about Michael Young, Joaquin Arias and Elvis Andrus to fill their shortstop needs.  The Rangers do have a plethora catchers available to trade, but are likely looking for pitching just as the Brewers are.
4. The Tigers will sign two free agent relievers.
5. The Tigers will only trade Magglio Ordonez if they're snowed over by an offer.

Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal gives us his latest update:

• Free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson is expected to be courted by the Mets, Yankees, Rangers, White Sox, Indians, Rockies and Cardinals.
• The Tigers may look to move Magglio Ordonez this off season in order to improve their pitching staff. There are a number of clauses that impact Ordonez's 2010 and 2011 option, but assuming those clauses are enacted, Magglio is basically owed $18M for 2009 and $15M for 2010 and 2011.
• Rosenthal thinks that both Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard could be available in trades this off season for pitching help as well. Fielder has already been rumored as a trade candidate to San Francisco for Matt Cain or Jonthan Sanchez.