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Tigers aren't shopping for another shortstop

Dombrowski says club is pleased with Romine, may add bullpen arms

KANSAS CITY -- While the Tigers addressed their most pressing need by dipping into the free-agent market for an in-season signing, there are no indications they're anywhere close to doing the same to address their much-rumored situation at shortstop.

Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski downplayed the possibility when asked about adding another free agent on a Friday conference call announcing the signing of former All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan.

"At this point, we're really looking at a focus on what we have right now," Dombrowski said. "We tried to fill our situation here. ... The one area we wanted to address the most on our ballclub is our bullpen if we had the right opportunity."

As for shortstop and other positions, Dombrowski said, "We really haven't approached those specific topics yet."

That seemingly reinforces the belief from others that any chance of the Tigers signing free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew would be following next month's First-Year Player Draft. To sign Drew beforehand would require the Tigers to give up their first-round pick, the 23rd overall selection. Signing Drew anytime after June 5, by contrast, would come without that required compensation.

Dombrowski gave a vote of confidence to Andrew Romine, who has handled the bulk of the playing time at shortstop for the past two weeks since Detroit parted ways with Alex Gonzalez.

"Andrew Romine has done a very good job for us at shortstop," Dombrowski said.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason.
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