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Right after the 2006 World Series, the Tigers sent a message loud and clear that they made business by acquiring big bat Gary Sheffield. Looking to make the same impression, today the Detroit Tigers acquired .332 hitting shortstop Edgar Renteria in exchange for Jair Jurrens and minor league outfielding prospect Gorkys Hernandez. Tigers skipper Jim Leyland is thrilled that the front office made the move.

“He was a part of the biggest night of my life in 1997,” Leyland said. “To be reunited with Edgar is a thrill.”

Edgar seems pleased for the change of scenary.

“I’m real happy to be a Detroit Tiger player,” Renteria said. “I know Dave and Jim Leyland and I think I’m going to be comfortable in Detroit.”

Although we won’t know which team this trade benefits until Gorkys Hernandez and Jair Jurrens fully develop into their prime, this was a solid acquisition for the Tigers. Carlos Guillen is a rock solid hitter, and not to get ahead of ourselves, but at just 32 years old, a move to first base could prolong his career by at least 2 years. He’ll be a mainstay in the Detroit organization, and the acquisition of Edgar Renteria will help ensure this.

This trade benefits the Braves organization almost as well as it does Detroit’s. Atlanta had a fantastic bullpen last year, but their starting rotation wasn’t always top notch. Jair Jurrens isn’t a prospect neccesarily, because he can help the Braves in 2008. Just 21 years old and armed with fantastic stuff, in a small sample he held his own for the big club in 2007, striking out 13 with just 11 walks. Gorkys Hernandez, just 19 years of age has also gotten rave reviews from baseball scouts. Ranked the 7th best prospect in the Detroit organization, Hernandez was said to have a Major League ready arm and the most accurate in the minor league system. Given time, Hernandez could blossom into Andruw Jones’ replacement in center field.