Tigers Acquire SS Renteria From Braves

DETROIT (AP) _ The Detroit Tigers addressed one of their biggest needs Monday, acquiring shortstop Edgar Renteria from the Atlanta Braves for two prospects. <br/><br/>Renteria batted .332 in 124 games

Monday, October 29th 2007, 4:10 pm

By: News On 6

DETROIT (AP) _ The Detroit Tigers addressed one of their biggest needs Monday, acquiring shortstop Edgar Renteria from the Atlanta Braves for two prospects.

Renteria batted .332 in 124 games with the Braves this year, finishing with 12 homers and 57 RBIs. Detroit went into the offseason needing to add a shortstop after deciding to shift Carlos Guillen to first base.

The Tigers gave up right-hander Jair Jurrjens, who showed signs of promise last season, and minor league outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

``We are excited to add an All-Star-caliber shortstop in Edgar Renteria to the Tigers organization,'' Detroit president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said in a statement. ``Edgar is a quality player, proven winner and tremendous leader that solidifies our infield.''

It was the first major trade for new Braves GM Frank Wren, who took over when John Schuerholz stepped aside this month to become team president.

Renteria, a five-time All-Star, has a .291 career batting average over 12 seasons. The deal reunites him with Detroit manager Jim Leyland, who was in charge when Renteria and the Marlins won the World Series in 1997.

``Edgar is a premier major league player that is a great fit for our club,'' Leyland said. ``I have a great history with him and I'm looking forward to being reunited with him.''

Jurrjens started seven games for the Tigers this year, going 3-1 record and 4.70 ERA. Hernandez batted .293 with four homers and 50 RBIs for Single-A West Michigan this season.