DETROIT TIGERS BASEBALL

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DETROIT --The Detroit Tigers on Thursday added five minor league prospects to the 40-man roster by buying their minor league contracts. The move blocks the prospects from selection in the Rule 5 draft at next month's baseball meetings in Las Vegas.

Top outfield prospects Wilkin Ramirez and Casper Wells, a Grand Rapids native, were added to the roster along with right-handed pitchers Alfredo Figaro, Guillermo Moscoso and Zach Simons.

The Tigers have two openings on the 40-man roster to be filled in the weeks ahead.

AP PhotoThe Detroit Tigers are looking at pitcher Junichi Tazawa, who may be the first Japanese player to bypass Japan's Major Leagues and coming straight to the United States.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have met with Junichi Tazawa, a young pitcher attempting to become a ground breaking player in Japanese baseball.

Tazawa is in position to become the first player from his country to bypass playing in Japan's Major Leagues before coming to the United States to play.

"That would be the first time its happened," Detroit assistant general manager Al Avila said Wednesday. "Our scouts say he's a pretty advanced, polished player with four big league pitches.

AP File PhotoOne report says the Tigers are interested in trading for Boston shortstop Julio Lugo.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers are talking trade in regard to obtaining a shortstop, and Julio Lugo appears to be one they are interested in acquiring.

The Boston Globe reported Sunday that the Red Sox are considering a deal with the Tigers for either Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson.

"We're having ongoing conversations with a couple of clubs and some free agent (shortstops)," Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said Monday, while neither confirming nor denying the discussions with Boston. "I would not say the situation is crystallizing, but we are getting a better idea of our options."

DETROIT -- The Boston Globe reported Sunday that the Red Sox are discussing a trade with the Detroit Tigers for one of their left-handed starters, Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson.

All three players are coming off rough seasons.

DETROIT -- Tigers fans looking forward to seeing games against teams such as the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox will have to pay a little more next season.

The Tigers said they're raising ticket prices for choice seats to some select games.

The increase will range from $2 to $7 for 21 games, including series with the Cubs and Red Sox, Friday and Saturday games in June, July, and August, and opening day.

AP File PhotosThree players the Detroit Tigers could target in the offseason: From left, Closer J.J. Putz, backup catcher Henry Blanco and shortstop David Eckstein.

DETROIT -- The attempt to right the wrong begins for the Detroit Tigers with the opening of free agent signing season.

President and general manager Dave Dombrowski's efforts will intensify headed into the heavy trading sure to take place Dec. 8-11 at baseball's winter meetings in Las Vegas.

GENEVA -- Leaders of baseball and softball, along with five other sports seeking inclusion in the 2016 Summer Games, will present their cases Friday to the International Olympic Committee.

Golf, karate, roller sports, rugby and squash officials also will meet the 16-member program commission, which will deliver an influential report to the IOC's top decision-making body before the vote by IOC members in October.

Tigers president Dave Dombrowski joined Bill Simonson on "The Huge Show" to talk about his plan for Detroit in the offseason, including a potential upgrade to the bullpen that won't include free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez.

"In the K-Rod case, what he's advertised out there what he's looking to have as a free agent ... I don't think we're in a position where we're going to compete and pay him those dollars," Dombrowksi said. "A lot of our people here need to step up and do the job for us. Right now, it's a wide-open bullpen."

AP File PhotoMiguel Cabrera was the Tigers' first American League home run champion since 1991.

DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera did not waste any time making a strong first impression.

Cabrera, the American League's home run leader with 37, was voted Tiger of the Year by the Detroit Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America after his first season with the club.

He received 14 of 15 votes, with center fielder Curtis Granderson getting the other vote in balloting announced Thursday.

AP File PhotoAfter declining his $13 million option for next season, the Tigers may be willing to bring back shortstop Edgar Renteria, right, at a cheaper price.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers brought back bullpen coach Jeff Jones on Thursday, but will they bring back shortstop Edgar Renteria?

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski picked up the club's $3 million buyout option on Renteria rather than pay him $12 million in 2009. Dombrowski indicated that decision four weeks ago but formally could act on it once the World Series concluded Wednesday.

"The offseason has officially started," Dombrowski said.