http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/tigers-discussing-deal-for-jason-marquis.html4:34pm: The Indians have joined the Tigers in the pursuit of Marquis, tweets ESPN's Jim Bowden. The two division rivals appear to be chasing many of the same starting pitchers. The Nationals are asking a lot, as they reportedly want teams to take on Marquis' remaining $2.5MM and surrender a prospect.
12:21am: The Tigers are discussing a trade for Jason Marquis, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski has been looking for starting pitching this month and has had interest in Marquis.
Though the Tigers have pursued others, including Hiroki Kuroda and Jeremy Guthrie, they're not sure that Kuroda would accept a deal to Detroit and appear to have struggled to reach a deal with the Orioles for Guthrie. Tigers checked in on Doug Fister, but they were turned off by the Mariners' asking price. They contacted the Rockies about Ubaldo Jimenez as well.
The Tigers recently bumped Phil Coke from a rotation that includes Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello and Brad Penny.
Rizzo should be running to trade Marquis. Seriously, we don't trade him and we suck up the cost. 2.5 million for a prospect? Do it.
BTW, I know that WAR type numbers say that Span is better than Storen, but its like comparing apples to walnuts. They're completely different. As much as I want Span, I also see how valuable it is to be able to not worry about the game in the eighth and ninth innings. To only have to hope that your starter can get throw the fifth is a god-send. Mattheus, Kimball, Detwiler and even HRod are capable of getting us through two innings.
It all depends on the deal. If the Twins are tossing in a prospect(s) its worth looking at. But straight up? Not really. I'd much rather trade some prospects for Bourn.