Top 5 Detroit Tigers Storylines From The Winter Meetings
5. Avila On Castellanos: 'His Bat Is Going To Do The Talking For Him'
"I would probably say that right now, sitting here today, he's probably a below-average defender, with the ability or the chance of becoming at least an average defender," Avila said. "And obviously Nick Castellanos – his bat is going to do the talking for him."
4. Ausmus Was 'Surprised' Tigers Landed Jordan Zimmermann
Coming off a 2009 Tommy John surgery, Zimmermann has struggled with a fading velocity in recent years. Many wonder if his second elbow will last through the end of his new five-year deal. But Avila has said previously that there is risk with every pitcher, and the club believes in what he's done in recent years.
3. Avila Happy With Starting Pitching, Bullpen Moves Could Still Come
"It (might) be something that goes into the rest of the winter, I don't know," he said. "If we were to stop right now where we're at with Lowe and K-Rod and the guys we have coming back, in all honesty, we would be happy, but we want a little bit more and we're gonna try to get more, if at all possible."
2. With Pitching The Focus, Tigers Announce Two-Year Deal With Mark Lowe
It's been no secret that pitching has been the Tigers' single-minded focus this week at baseball's winter meetings in Nashville. Even before signing Lowe, the club had already signed two starters in Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey, as well as closer Francisco Rodriguez.
1. Tigers Trade Two Prospects For Yankees Reliever Justin Wilson
The deal was discussed for about two days, according to Avila, who was "struggling" because he initially didn't want to give up young prospects.