While Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski continues to evaluate every viable middle infielder on the trade market with the deadline drawing near, USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that Dombrowski and the Miami Marlins are already in discussions about infielder Omar Infante:
The #Marlins also in trade talks with the #Tigers about sending Omar Infante back to Detroit where he can play second base. #MLB
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 18, 2012
Infante hit .253 over six seasons with the Tigers from 2002-07, but immediately morphed into a .300 hitter upon switching over to the National League with the Braves and Marlins. An All-Star appearance marked the highlight of his career in the summer of 2010, and after being traded the following year, helped to pave the way for him to sign a two-year, $8 million extension with the Marlins last fall.
Viewed unanimously as a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman with an above average bat, Infante led the majors in assists last season but still remains an undervalued commodity in baseball circles. Knowing the friendly relationship that Dombrowski has had with the Marlins' organization over the years, it might not be out of the realm of possibilities to see Infante in a Tigers' uniform soon.
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