Tigers eyeing Darwin Barney, Nate Schierholtz

In an effort to fill holes left by injuries to starters Andy Dirks and Jose Iglesias, the Tigers are looking at external trade options around the league during spring training. According to CBS Chicago's Bruce Levine, Detroit has sent top-level executives to scout the Cubs in recent days, and the team has interest in infielder Darwin Barney and outfielder Nate Schierholtz.

This isn't the first time that the Tigers have taken a look at Barney, who has expressed a willingness to play shortstop despite seeing significant time at second base over the last few years. According to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com, the Tigers inquired on Barney before the trade deadline in 2012, but obviously failed to acquire him in their attempt to add infield depth that season. Barney has also been linked to the Yankees this offseason, and could be dealt as the Cubs continue their rebuilding effort.

Detroit is unlikely to pursue free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but could look at trade options like Didi Gregorius (Diamondbacks), Tyler Pastornicky (Braves) or Clint Barmes (Pirates), according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.

Schierholtz, who is slated to become a free agent after this season, has drawn consistent trade interest since July, being linked to the Nationals, Diamondbacks and Pirates over the last few months. He is reportedly available in trades due to the Cubs' high opinion of recent addition Ryan Kalish, who is returning from injury and could take over for the team in right field on a full-time basis.