Rumor: Tigers have interest in D-backs’ Drew, Roberts
Jul 17, 2012, 3:48 PM | Updated: 4:58 pm
The July 31 trade deadline is just weeks away, which means
the
rumor mill is bound to heat up.
And, with the Diamondbacks still sputtering along and
likely
looking to make some deals, their players will be oft-
mentioned
in rumors.
Like, for instance, this report from FoxSports.com’s John
Morosi,
which states the Detroit Tigers are interested in both
Stephen
Drew and Ryan Roberts.
It’s not clear how advanced the talks are, but sources say
there
has been dialogue between the clubs on scenarios involving
one or
both players.
Drew is hitting .233 since returning from a horrific ankle
injury
last month, and may need to prove to Detroit — and other
possible suitors — that he is healthy enough to be
counted on
every day. A solid player, the D-backs are almost certain
to
decline Drew’s option for next season, making him a free
agent.
Thus, they may be inclined to move him now and get
something in
return.
Roberts, on the other hand, has been nothing close to the
player
he was last season, as he’s hitting just .239 with six
home runs
and 32 RBI. He seems to have lost his hold on the third
base job,
but still has value in a utility role for a contender.
Morosi speculates the D-backs could be interested in
Tigers
shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who is 30 years old and hitting
.267
this season.
The Tigers hold a $6 million club option on Peralta for
next
year. It is possible the Diamondbacks will ask for him in
trade
discussions, since he could address their need for a
shortstop or
third baseman next year. Peralta has been a better
offensive
player than Drew or Roberts this year, totaling a .745 OPS
in 81
games.
