Inge tells Tigers he wants out

Brandon Inge has informed the Tigers that he would rather start at third base for another club than accept a reserve role and remain in Detroit.

“He’s loved his time here,” president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Friday. “He loves the city. He loves the organization. But at this point in his career, he would like to continue playing third base on an everyday basis.”

Inge, 30, does not want to become a catcher again, Dombrowski said.

Inge, one of the team’s most popular players, lost his starting job when the Tigers acquired All-Star Miguel Cabrera from the Florida Marlins this week. Dombrowski, who spoke with Inge on Friday, said he will attempt to trade Inge to a club that envisions him as its everyday third baseman.

“For as much as he’s done for us, and as hard as he’s played, it makes a lot of sense for us to do that,” Dombrowski said.

Inge had a career year as the Tigers advanced to the World Series in 2006. He subsequently signed a four-year, $24-million contract extension but batted only .236 this past season, with 14 home runs and 71 RBIs.

Because of those factors, it might be difficult to strike a deal quickly. The Tigers have been reluctant to assume any of the $19.1 million left on Inge’s contract if he’s traded.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are intrigued by Inge but wary of his contract.

Red Sox keep Timlin

Mike Timlin’s preference was to remain with the Boston Red Sox.

“The decision wasn’t totally mine. It was my family’s, too,” he said after finalizing a $3 million, one-year contract. “At this point in my career, it’s not just about me anymore.”

Timlin’s agents checked out the market and told the 41-year-old right-hander he had choices.

“There was some serious interest across the league. It was nice to know,” Timlin said. “But we know the people in the organization and they know what I’m about. I really enjoy playing for Terry Francona. Boston is always competitive. That’s the reason I signed there six years ago.”

Pettitte will return

Andy Pettitte formally returned to the New York Yankees when he accepted the team’s offer of salary arbitration.

Catcher Michael Barrett returned to the San Diego Padres when he accepted his club’s offer and infielder Mark Loretta went back to the Houston Astros. They were the only players to accept among the 17 offered arbitration by their former clubs last Saturday.

Pettitte, who made $16 million last season, decided last weekend he preferred to pitch for the Yankees next year and put off retirement. The acceptance of arbitration appeared to be procedural – he had a standing $16 million offer from New York.

Brewers acquire Torres

Former Pirates closer Salomon Torres, the majors’ most-used reliever in 2006, was dealt by Pittsburgh to the division rival Milwaukee Brewers for pitching prospects Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts.

The Brewers – rebuilding their bullpen since losing Francisco Cordero to Cincinnati and Scott Linebrink to Chicago via free agency – landed a proven reliever who, until last season, was one of the majors’ most dependable and durable.

The 35-year-old Torres made a major league-leading 94 appearances in 2006 after pitching in 78 games in 2005 and 84 in 2004. Torres never had an ERA higher than 3.28 during those three seasons. He had recurring problems with a sore right elbow last season, limiting him to 56 appearances.