Speculation about Tigers' interest in Kemp unfounded

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Were the Tigers, whose payroll has dropped this offseason, really in contact with the Dodgers about superstar outfielder Matt Kemp, as a Foxsports.com report suggested Tuesday evening?

The answer from Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski sounded like a line from a Taylor Swift song.

"We never ever have had a conversation with the Dodgers about Matt Kemp," Dombrowski said Wednesday evening.

The Dodgers have four outfielders for three spots, and Kemp has the biggest contract of the quartet. With six years and $128 million reportedly left on his deal, his remaining obligation is similar to the kind of deal many expect top free-agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to sign. The Tigers were not involved in talks on Choo before signing Rajai Davis to a two-year contract.

Kemp's agent, former Major League pitcher Dave Stewart, told reporters Wednesday that the Dodgers assured Kemp he would not be traded.