It's the type of news that sends the rumor-mill whirling. Chicago media reported that outfielder Reed Johnson (and later catcher Geovany Soto) were pulled out of Monday night's game, and were seen shaking hands with teammates, a sure sign that they were headed to other locker rooms very soon.

Johnson, a 35-year-old journeyman outfielder, is just the type of player that the Tigers are looking for: an inexpensive (1-year, $1.115M contract with Cubs) right-handed batter, who hits lefties very well (career .313 hitter; .333 this season).

Coincidentally, Thomas Collier, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Tigers' Class A affiliate at West Michigan, was also pulled from his game, after just three innings of work.

As I wrote earlier today, Johnson's exactly what the Tigers may be seeking, either before or after Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Earlier Monday, The Oakland Press' sports columnist, Pat Caputo, had a hunch that Johnson might be a perfect fit in Detroit.

UPDATED: Apparently, according to reports from the Atlanta Journal Constitution (among others) Johnson's headed to Atlanta, along with pitcher Paul Maholm.