By Tony Paul, The Detroit News





Detroit — Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski gave his 2014 season debriefing with the media at Comerica Park on Tuesday afternoon, touching on a number of topics during an hour-long news conference but offering very few specifics.

The big topics, obviously, are the free-agent statuses of pitcher Max Scherzer and designated hitter Victor Martinez.

Dombrowski, obviously, would love for the Tigers to bring back both. He said the team will continue to have a very high payroll, but unless it's willing to go in the $200 million stratosphere, which is unlikely, Scherzer is probably a goner.

Dombrowski admitted, "I don't think your odds improve" in the offseason on the Scherzer front, after Scherzer turned down a $144 million offer during spring training.

Martinez, being a 36-year-old DH, is the much more likely one to return, given his cost is more controllable.

Also among the hottest topics, of course, was the bullpen, which fell apart in the postseason, as well as the bench, which was so depleted that Hernan Perez was batting with the season on the line in the American League Division Series.

Since the Tigers' payroll is around $170 million, tied up into big-name stars, that doesn't leave much left for role players.

And that might be the case again in 2015.

"We are a top-heavy team," Dombrowski said. "I don't know that's going to change."

Among other topics Dombrowski discussed:

He wouldn't say if the Tigers will pick up the $7 million option on Joakim Soria, though he hinted it's probably pretty likely. "If we picked up his option, he'll be a very important part of our bullpen."

Doctors have given all-clear on shortstop Jose Iglesias (shin fractures), and he's likely to enter spring training as the clear-cut starter at the position.

Dombrowski is plenty confident going to spring training with the No. 5 spot in the rotation up for grabs, with the contenders some of the Tigers prospects.

He said ankle surgery for slugging first baseman Miguel Cabrera is a possibility, but not a certainty.

He expects reliever Bruce Rondon (Tommy John surgery) to be ready to go at the start of spring training.

He confirmed Brad Ausmus will be back as manager. "I think he's done a good job for us, and he's only gonna get better."

tpaul@detroitnews.com

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