Placido Polanco, four other Tigers file for free agency
The Detroit News
Five Tigers filed for free agency Thursday, the first day eligible players were allowed to get the ball rolling toward signing contracts for 2010.
Shortstop Adam Everett, first baseman Aubrey Huff, second baseman Placido Polanco, closer Fernando Rodney and starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn now are free agents, but the Tigers hold exclusive negotiating rights until 12:01 a.m. Nov. 20.
At that point, free agents are free to begin negotiating will all 30 teams.
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Reliever Brandon Lyon hadn't filed as of Thursday night, but likely will do so soon.
With a payroll of well over $100 million, it appears the Tigers won't have much flexibility in terms of player additions this offseason. It's believed they are not interested in retaining the services of Huff and Washburn, both late-season additions and busts, and Rodney and Polanco are thought to be seeking multi-year contracts for substantial raises over their 2009 salaries.
Meanwhile, Lyon might try to pursue a job elsewhere as a closer.
Everett, who signed a $1 million, one-year deal last winter, is seen as the most likely to return because of affordability.
Around Major League Baseball, 79 of a potential 182 eligible free agents formally filed Thursday, including big-ticket players such as sluggers Matt Holliday and Jason Bay and pitchers John Lackey and Randy Wolf.
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