Wojo: Tigers Need Trades; 'They Have Two Weeks to Figure it Out'

The Tigers clearly have some sluggers and are capable of exploding in any inning. They're also capable of giving up a whole lot runs in any inning.

Detroit News sports columnist Bob Wojnowski thinks the Tigers better make some trades soon:

Yes, the Tigers are kidding themselves if they believe one big acquisition by the trade deadline saves their season. But they’re kidding themselves more if they believe they can stay in contention without doing anything.

Basically they have two weeks to figure it out, starting tonight in a three-game series against the Royals. The current group has to show it’s worth further investment, financial and emotional. GM Al Avila has said he doesn’t plan to make major moves, but if he’s counting on clarity by July 31, I’m afraid that’s unlikely. The Tigers are 46-43, 6 1/2 games behind the Indians and four games out of a wild-card berth. They’re lucky to be that close, frankly, with all their pitching issues.

Last season, Mike Ilitch authorized Dave Dombrowski to trade three big pieces — David Price, Yoenis Cespedes, Joakim Soria — as the Tigers limped to the deadline. It turned out to be the right call, landing exceptional rookie Michael Fulmer, as well as young pitchers Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd. Still, it had to be a tough call, going against Ilitch’s nature and the very fiber of how the Tigers have been run for a decade, with a spend-now, worry-later mentality.