Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Detroit Tigers are looking very hard at Pittsburgh Pirates starter Zach Duke sources tell TIOPS. The Tigers and Pirates have been scouting each other extensively over the past month.
Prospects SS Cale Iorg and LHP Casey Crosby have been discussed.
Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com reported on Sunday that Larry Corrigan, one of GM Neal Huntington’s special assistants, scouted the Tigers entire weekend series with the White Sox.
It is not clear who the the Pirates are eyeing off of the Tigers MLB roster but it’s believed to be a reliever.
The Tigers have also been scouting Tom Gorzelanny, Ian Snell who are currently pitching in Class AAA Indianapolis but their top target is Duke.
There has been no indication from sources that the Tigers are interested in Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
With three days until the trade deadline, the Tigers are not the only suitor for Duke.
The Philadelphia Phillies could get back into the mix if they miss out on Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay.
TIOPS baseball Insider John Perrotto claims the Phillies have a host of prospects at Class AAA Lehigh Valley that interest the Pirates including right-handers Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and outfielder Michael Taylor.
The Rangers remain some-what in the hunt but the Pirates are eyeing top pitching prospect Martin Perez in any deal.
The Cubs who inquired about Duke don’t have the farm system to make a deal for Duke.
