Tigers Still After Beltran

This courtesy of the Houston Chronicle via SI.com's Hot Stove Truth and Rumors Report:

Mets GM Omar Minaya is about to make his move on Carlos Beltran. The Mets are in the process of setting up a meeting with Beltran and his agent, Scott Boras, for early next week. The Cubs and Tigers also remain in the hunt for Beltran, who is no longer listening to teams not willing to offer at least a seven-year deal. -- Houston Chronicle

That has to warm a few hearts in Tigertown. Landing Beltran would sell some tickets, create tons of positive buzz for the team and, most importantly, make them better on-the-field. I get uneasy about anything over a five year deal, though. If a seven year deal with Beltran were structured so that it didn't financially handcuff the organization for its duration, who could be opposed to adding a player of Beltran's ability?

Later on in SI.com's report, the obligatory mention of Derek Lowe and Odalis Perez being linked to the Tigers appears. I think Lowe will come, if he lowers his demands. I just don't see Dave Dombrowski handing him a multi-year contract above about eight million a year.