Detroit Tigers Acquire Catcher Gerald Laird from Rangers, Consider Signing SS Adam Everett

The Detroit Tigers made two moves today at the start of Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, Nevada. First, they acquired catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers, in exchange for two pitching prospects, Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo.

After trading away veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez at the 2008 Trade Deadline, the Tigers found themselves with a huge hole at the catching position. Manager Jim Leyland seemed to agree with the acquisition and was pleased with the move. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers let one of their top catching prospects go. The Rangers still have Taylor Teagarden, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Max Ramirez behind the plate. Ramirez may have to switch positions if the Rangers end up keeping all three.

This looks like a small win for the Tigers. Moscoso projects as an average MLB reliever/potential-spot starter, and Melo is not widely considered to be one of the Tiger's premier prospects. Laird is a young, talented catcher who should provide above-replacement-level numbers in a talented Tigers lineup.

The Tigers are also rumored to be pursuing free agent shortstop Adam Everett. After a year of questionable defense at the middle infield positions, Everett would undoubtedly provide an upgrade there, pending his shoulder is in good health. Everett is a solid defensive veteran, but he really can't hit. Last season, he posted a line of 19-2-20-.213 in 127 at-bats. If the Tigers can upgrade the position further, either through the Winter Meetings or through a preseason trade, they would probably be best served. Everett would be a great defensive replacement, but I don't feel he has a spot in the loaded Tigers lineup.

All in all, GM Drombowski has done a good job at accumulating two players who should provide great immediate dividends to the Tigers. Hopefully, they can continue to acquire the right players for their team and solidify more core needs.