Detroit Tigers News

Johnny Damon likes Yzerman, Tigers
Comment
February 9
Detroit Free Press
 
"If Steve Yzerman wasn't busy running Team Canada for the Olympics, perhaps he could help persuade free agent Johnny Damon to sign with the Tigers despite a lower offer than he'd like. Damon has rooted for the Red Wings for years. He started doing so because of how much he likes Yzerman. Damon's agent, Scott Boras, talked Monday about Damon's fervor for the Red Wings. "When he and I go to a Greek restaurant, he always orders octopus," Boras said. But if Damon goes to work for Mike Ilitch, it will be because of how he feels about his baseball team, not his hockey team. "Johnny came to me about Detroit," Boras said in a telephone interview. "He told me, 'If I can't play for the Yankees, I ..."
Reports: Ex-Tiger Marcus Thames signs with Yankees
Comment
February 9
Detroit News
 
"Former Tigers outfielder / designated hitter Marcus Thames has signed with the New York Yankees, multiple media outlets are reporting. Sports Illustrated, attributing the information to sources, said Thames signed a non-roster contract that will pay him $900,000 with incentives if he makes the team."
Fox Sports Detroit to show 156 Tigers games this season
Comment
February 9
Detroit News
 
"All but one of the Tigers' 162 games will be on television this season -- the second game of the season on Wednesday, April 7 at 8 p.m. at Kansas City. Fox Sports Detroit will televise 156 games, one will be on Fox Sports Detroit Plus, and four will be the Fox Saturday Game of the Week (WJBK Fox 2 in Detroit). Additionally, four spring training games will be on Fox Sports Detroit -- March 15 (Toronto), March 18 (Houston), March 21 (Yankees) and March 25 (Toronto)."
Andres Galarraga will mentor Miguel Cabrera
Comment
February 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The Detroit Free Press reports former major league star Andres Galarraga probably will join the Detroit Tigers at their spring training site in Lakeland, Fla., to serve as a mentor for countryman Miguel Cabrera(notes), who has admitted to alcohol issues. "Detroit wants me to be with Miguel during spring training and that's where we are," Galarraga told the Venezuelan Web site Panorama.com. "If it's for spring training, I think I will accept, but if it's for the season, I don't want to be away from my home for eight months.""
Report: Detroit, Atlanta like Damon
Comment
February 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"Foxsports.com reports that the Tigers and Braves are among teams interested in the services of free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon. The report says the Tigers' chances of getting Damon rest on whether owner Mike Ilitch wants to expand the team's budget. Damon's agent is Scott Boras, who has recent history with the Tigers. Boras also represented Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordoñez when they signed with the Tigers."
Major league executives say Justin Verlander's deal with Tigers is good for baseball
Comment
February 5
Michigan Live
 
"John Westhoff, the Detroit Tigers' vice president and legal counsel who did much of the negotiating on starting pitcher Justin Verlander's five-year contract for $80 million, was pleased Thursday. He was smiling for two other clubs, too. The Seattle Mariners recently signed ace Felix Hernandez for five years at $78 million and the rival Minnesota Twins are reportedly close to a long-term deal with catcher Joe Mauer. "It's good that Felix Hernandez stays with Seattle and Justin Verlander stays in Detroit," Westhoff said. "That's good for baseball, and it will also be good when Joe Mauer stays with Minnesota. "The Mets and the Yankees don't have to sign everybody. These are win-win deals." ..."
Justin Verlander says he 'can't even fathom' his $80 million deal with Tigers
Comment
February 5
Michigan Live
 
"In a town experiencing an exodus in hard economic times, Justin Verlander is sticking it out. The Detroit Tigers pitching ace had 80 million reasons to stay after signing one of the richest contracts in franchise history Thursday. Verlander inked a five-year deal for $80 million. For 2010, he will receive a $500,000 bonus and a $6.7 million salary. He will be paid $12.75 million in 2011 and $20 million over each of the final three years of the deal. "I can't even fathom this," said Verlander, who turns 27 on Feb. 20. But there was one thing he was sure of. "Whether I'm making one cent or a billion dollars, it's not going to change my personality, especially when I get on the mound," ..."
Tigers GM Dave Dave Dombrowski remains high on Jeremy Bonderman making a comeback
Comment
February 5
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski continues to speak confidently about Jeremy Bonderman being his club's fourth starter. Dombrowkski looked at Justin Verlander during Thursday's news conference to announce his ace's long-term deal and said, "Justin has been throwing with Jeremy in Lakeland (Fla.) and says he's throwing tremendously." Bonderman, 27, hasn't won a game since his 2008 season ended June 1, when surgery was required to correct a blood flow problem from his heart to his right arm. Shoulder muscles had to be cut extensively during the operation and a long comeback ensued."
Right-hander Justin Verlander says $80-million deal won't change his effort on the mound
Comment
February 5
Detroit Free Press
 
"Justin Verlander plans to be a Tiger for a long time, perhaps even his entire career. He made that clear after signing a five-year, $80-million contract Thursday at Comerica Park. "I feel a part of this Tigers family, and that Olde English D means something to me," he said. "The fans here have embraced me and all that comes together, and the Tigers putting money into this team and our owner Mr. Ilitch really allowing us to put a quality product on the field and having a chance to win, all that comes together, and really it was a no-brainer for me." President and general manager Dave Dombrowski called Verlander "one of the best pitchers in the game of baseball and somebody that can anchor ..."
Jeremy Bonderman has 'a lot of life on his ball'
Comment
February 5
Detroit Free Press
 
"There was good news regarding another Tigers starting pitcher Thursday. President and general manager Dave Dombrowski mentioned during the news conference announcing the signing of Justin Verlander to a five-year, $80-million deal that right-hander Jeremy Bonderman has been throwing in Florida and is feeling good. He is rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Verlander confirmed the situation to reporters."
Justin Verlander's deal a steal for Tigers
Comment
February 5
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Drew Sharp
"It's always a gamble investing $80 million in anybody who's possibly one fastball away from irrevocable arm trouble, but the Tigers made the right call in telling Justin Verlander that he's the new face of their franchise. And that face bears a big smile right now. This was a no-brainer. The Tigers couldn't lose him at the risk of losing the remainder of the public goodwill established from their 2006 World Series run and organizational commitment to spend more money two years ago. The Associated Press, quoting anonymous sources, reported that Verlander and the Tigers agreed on a five-year, $80-million contract. The team could announce the deal as early as this afternoon. This is a deal ..."
Justin Verlander proves he's a Detroit man
Comment
February 5
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Drew Sharp
"While others can't wait to leave Michigan and its vast economic challenges, Justin Verlander's staying. He's got 80 million reasons for sticking around. That's an attractive lure. But let's ignore for a moment the outrageous dollars the Tigers will pay their pitching ace over the next five years. That's a bounty only the luckiest of lottery winners could dream about. But if it was all about maximizing his value in the open market, Verlander could have waited 20 months and received much more from New York or Boston. "But this is home," Verlander said Thursday. "I truly believe that. And why would anybody leave home if you're happy there?" This was a good day for the Tigers, a good day for ..."
Verlander: 'I love Old English D'
Comment
February 5
Detroit News
 
"The Tigers and Justin Verlander made it final Thursday when they announced a five-year contract extension worth $80 million. "My major consideration is that I want to win," Verlander said at Thursday's press conference announcing the signing. "I feel like this organization wants to win and that they put this team into position to win year in and year out. I feel like I've grown up in this city. I love the Old English D. I feel at home here." Verlander will be paid $6.75 million in 2010, $12.75 million in 2011, and $20 million in each of the final three years of the contract. He also receives a $500,000 signing bonus. "He's one of the best pitchers in baseball and will be the man who ..."
Tigers sign Justin Verlander: 'I feel like this organization ... wants to win'
Comment
February 5
Detroit Free Press
 
"Justin Verlander put pen to paper shortly after his news conference began this afternoon, announcing that he will remain a Tiger through 2014. Verlander and the Tigers agreed to a five-year, $80-million contract today, rather than going to arbitration for a one-year contract. The deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus, $6.75 million this season, $12.75 million next year and $20 million in each of the following three seasons. He would have been eligible for free agency after the 2011 World Series. "I want to win," Verlander said. "That's first and foremost. And I feel like this organization ... wants to win, and they're going to put this team in a position year in and year out. "That's all ..."
Tigers to announce Justin Verlander signing today
Comment
February 4
Detroit News
 
"Signed, sealed and delivered. The Tigers will announce the signing of Justin Verlander to a five-year contract Thursday at 3 p.m. at Comerica Park. They aren't saying the news conference is for Verlander. But it will be. They're also not saying the contract is for $80 million because they never disclose the terms of an agreement. But it is. And because it's a news conference instead of a conference call, it means that Verlander will be on hand at Comerica Park -- two weeks after saying he wanted to take care of the 2010 season before entering into other talks. This takes care of the 2010 season. And four more after that. The length of the contract means Verlander can't be a free agent ..."
Tigers expected to announce Justin Verlander signing today
Comment
February 4
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Tigers have announced a 3 p.m. press conference today. A club spokesman would not reveal the topic, but it is believed to be in regard to the signing of Tigers starter Justin Verlander to a long-term contract. Verlander, 26, has agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract, according to the Associated Press. He was 19-9 in 2009, sharing the major league lead in wins and leading the majors with 269 strikeouts, 240 innings and 35 starts. Verlander foregoes three years of free agency by signing, but gets likely double the money he would have earned in the next two seasons. The average salary over the length of the contract is $16 million. Two major league executives, both ..."
Verlander signing makes everyone happy
Comment
February 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"There seems to be no debate. Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers reportedly have agreed to an $80-million, five-year contract, and no one's complaining. Here's a sampling of reaction, starting with our own Drew Sharp. Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press "This is a deal that's beneficial to both parties. Verlander gets the long-term guarantee that'll protect him should he encounter physical problems. … "The deal also comes at a discount for the Tigers should Verlander continue at the rate he's established through his first four seasons - 65 wins (the most of any major league pitcher during that period younger than 30 years old)." Jason Beck, MLB.com "For the Tigers, keeping Verlander for the ..."
At the right price, signing Damon would be good idea for Tigers
Comment
February 4
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Jamie Samuelsen
"Johnny Damon Detroit Tigers … any drawbacks you can see?Everything about this story strikes me as reactive, not proactive. Damon claims he wants to be a Tiger. While I'm sure that's true, it's only because he hasn't been able to find another team or another salary that fits his desires. We all wanted to go to the prom in high school. But once the most-popular and best-looking girls were going with the most-popular and best-looking guys, you had to move down the list. This is Damon asking the nerdy-looking girl from chemistry class. (As an aside - I love Scott Boras' line about how Damon insisted he could make the Yankees a winner before he signed there. Hey Johnny - see all those ..."
Source: Tigers, Justin Verlander agree to $80M deal
Comment
February 4
Detroit News
 
"Justin Verlander has agreed to a five-year contract with the Tigers worth $80 million, the Associated Press reported. Not the six years the Tigers' right-hander was believed to have wanted. But also not the $75 million which served as a starting point. And the source that told The Detroit News last week the sixth year "wouldn't be a deal breaker" was right. Although there wasn't official confirmation about the contract Wednesday, an announcement could come as soon as today, according to the AP report that quoted a source "familiar with the negotiations." The length of the contract covers Verlander's last two years of arbitration eligibility, but far more important, the first three years of ..."
Dave Dombrowski, Jim Leyland not commenting on Johnny Damon's interest in Tigers
Comment
February 3
Michigan Live
 
"In January, when rumors connecting the Detroit Tigers to free agent outfielder Johnny Damon appeared on SI.com, Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said through a club spokesperson: "We have not expressed interest in Johnny Damon." But he was not interested in denouncing Damon on Tuesday, after Damon's agent said he wanted to sign with Detroit. Dombrowski was asked if he was interested in Damon, 36, who just completed a four-year deal with the New York Yankees that paid him $13 million each year. "It's a situation for us where we have not discussed free agent players in public," Dombrowski said. "And I don't see any benefit in doing that in this situation." Dombrowski said recently at ..."
Is Scott Boras reaching out to Mike Ilitch?
Comment
February 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"So what's the deal with those media overtures Johnny Damon's agent made about him wanting to be a Tiger? Here's ESPN's Buster Olney's take: "Some folks working for teams had the same reaction ... as I did: This is an effort by Scott Boras to reach out to Mike Ilitch, who has OK'd the signing of many Boras clients in the past, including Magglio Ordoñez and Pudge Rodriguez. ..."
Fantasy mag likes Cabrera, but not Inge
Comment
February 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"Fantasy baseball magazines are starting to appear on newsstands. In the Sporting News' edition, the Tigers have two players worthy of consideration in the first five rounds. In the magazine's mock draft, first baseman Miguel Cabrera went seventh overall, and pitcher Justin Verlander was taken 53rd. Austin Jackson, acquired from the Yankees in the Curtis Granderson trade, was rated 37th among the magazine's top 50 prospects. Granderson went 101st in the mock draft and was ranked 123rd among all players. The Tigers have two other prospects listed. Pitcher Casey Crosby ranked 41st, and Scott Sizemore -- expected to replace Placido Polanco at second base -- was rated 46th. Third baseman ..."
Dombrowski: Tigers 'not close' to signing Johnny Damon
Comment
February 3
Detroit News
 
"Not so fast. He'd like to come here, but the Tigers say they are not on the verge of signing free agent Johnny Damon. In response to questions about Damon, general manager Dave Dombrowski has said twice in the last two days, including to The Detroit News on Tuesday morning, "We're not close to making any kind of deals at this point." The means signings. That also means trades. It's also true that Damon's agent, Scott Boras, and Dombrowski have not yet discussed the 36-year-old outfielder's interest in the Tigers. Therefore, it remains unclear what kind of contract Damon would want if he came to Detroit -- but this could be an indication: Speaking last Friday on WFAN in New York, Damon ..."
Verlander 's stats could add up to Hernandez-like deal soon
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers are increasingly optimistic that they will sign Justin Verlander to a long-term contract extension, one major league source told FOXSports.com on Tuesday. Verlander's representatives are using Felix Hernandez's recent contract with the Mariners – five years, $78 million – as a reference point in negotiations. One person familiar with the talks said Friday that a sixth year at a mutually acceptable price would probably clinch the deal. But it's also possible that the sides could agree on a five-year deal with a guarantee of more than Hernandez's $78 million. Surpassing the Seattle ace's big deal is believed by some to be a consideration for the competitive Verlander. Verlander's ..."
Scott Boras: Free-agent OF Johnny Damon wants to be a Detroit Tiger
Comment
February 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"Free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon would like to play for the Tigers, according to his agent, Scott Boras. Boras told the Free Press on Monday night that Damon believes he can "dramatically improve the team and feels that the team has a great shot of winning the division." "You're bringing in a guy also ... who has won two championships in the last five years," Boras said. "And won at major markets -- that's not something Detroit has." Damon, 36, could be attractive because he's a proven performer hitting at the top of the lineup, and the Tigers have some question mark at the top of the order with Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco gone. The left-handed hitter batted .282 with 24 home ..."
Tigers' issues in full bloom as spring training nears
Comment
February 2
Detroit News
 
"You know what that means to baseball fans -- spring training. The Tigers will be on the field this month -- Feb. 19 for pitchers and catchers, Feb. 23 for position players. It seems light-years closer today than it did even on Friday. That's the difference, though, between February and January. February. You know what that means to baseball fans -- spring training. The Tigers will be on the field this month -- Feb. 19 for pitchers and catchers, Feb. 23 for position players. It seems light-years closer today than it did even on Friday. That's the difference, though, between February and January. So it's time again to focus on what will be the Tigers' most compelling stories this spring. ..."
Johnny Damon wants to be Tiger
Comment
February 2
Detroit News
 
"Johnny Damon, the free-agent outfielder who helped the Yankees to a world championship in 2009, would be happy to talk with the Tigers. "Johnny believes the addition of him to Detroit's lineup would make the Tigers a winner," Scott Boras, Damon's agent, said during a Monday phone conversation. Boras agrees. "He's batted .363 at Comerica Park, he has a .412 on-base percentage at Comerica," Boras said. Boras added, quoting Damon before Damon signed earlier contracts with the Yankees and Boston Red Sox: "I told you I could make the Yankees a winner, and I told you before I left Oakland (where he played in 2001) I could make a Boston a winner." Boras says Damon has the same disposition ..."
Report: Agent Scott Boras says ex-New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon has eye on Detroit Tigers
Comment
February 2
New York Daily News
 
"With no team appearing to be in serious pursuit of Johnny Damon, agent Scott Boras is going public in trying to sell him to the Tigers. "Johnny believes the addition of him to Detroit's lineup would make the Tigers a winner," Boras told the Detroit News Monday. Boras cited Damon's stats as a visiting player in Comerica Park, noting that he's hit .363 there with a .412 on-base percentage, and took the opportunity to remind Tiger fans that Damon previously predicted he could make the Red Sox and Yankees "a winner" when he signed with them in the past."
Free-agent OF Johnny Damon wants to be a Detroit Tiger
Comment
February 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"Free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon would like to play for the Tigers, according to his agent, Scott Boras. Boras told the Free Press on Monday night that Damon believes he can "dramatically improve the team and feels that the team has a great shot of winning the division." "You're bringing in a guy also ... who has won two championships in the last five years," Boras said. "And won at major markets -- that's not something Detroit has." Damon, 36, could be attractive because he's a proven performer hitting at the top of the lineup, and the Tigers have some question mark at the top of the order with Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco gone. The left-handed hitter batted .282 with 24 home ..."
Johnny Damon-to-Tigers makes too much sense
Comment
February 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"My mother used to say, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." And usually, she was right. But maybe just this once she can be wrong. Johnny Damon and the Tigers seem like a perfect match. It would certainly make a fine at the end of one of the Tigers' most confusing off-seasons. Damon would give the angered fans something to be excited about. Trading Curtis Granderson, combined with the economy, will hurt ticket sales this year. Damon won't solve all those problems, but he is a fan favorite and someone that might be able to bring a few more fans to Comerica Park at a time when every fan counts. While the Tigers are trying to get younger while remaining competitive, Damon, 37, ..."
Agent: Damon wants to play for Tigers
Comment
February 1
Detroit News
 
"Johnny Damon, the free-agent outfielder who helped the Yankees to a world championship in 2009, would be happy to talk with the Tigers. "Johnny believes the addition of him to Detroit's lineup would make the Tigers a winner," Scott Boras, Damon's agent, said during a Monday phone conversation. Boras agrees. "He's batted .363 at Comerica Park, he has a .412 on-base percentage at Comerica," Boras said. Boras added, quoting Damon before Damon signed earlier contracts with the Yankees and Boston Red Sox: "I told you I could make the Yankees a winner, and I told you before I left Oakland (where he played in 2001) I could make a Boston a winner.""
Placido Polanco already hard at work
Comment
February 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"Placido Polanco won a Gold Glove at second base for the Tigers in 2009. Last month, he signed a three-year, $18-million deal with the Phillies, who already have an All-Star in Chase Utley at 2B. Polanco told the Philadelphia Inquirer he's already getting work in at third base, taking grounders and focusing on the throw across the diamond. "The strength is there," he said. "You're either strong or you're not. ... It's a matter of getting used to it and stretching.""
Would you give Tigers ace Justin Verlander $15 million or more per season?
Comment
January 31
Michigan Live
 columnist Steve Kornacki
"Pretend it's your money. Would you sign Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander for the next five years at $75 million? What about upping that to six years at $93 million to $95 million? Those are the figures Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports the Tigers are discussing with Verlander and his agent, Mike Milchin. It's easy for fans to spend Mike Ilitch's money and side with Verlander, who, according to Passan, really wants that sixth year. Hey, Verlander tied for the major league lead in wins (19) and led the majors in strikeouts (269), starts (35) and innings pitched (240). But know this: There is only one contract among the six the Tigers gave during the past decade for at least four years ..."
Tigers discussing 5-year, $75 million deal with ace Justin Verlander
Comment
January 30
Michigan Live
 
"Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said his biggest concern this offseason was keeping ace Justin Verlander in Detroit. Apparently, he wasn't messing around. The Tigers are discussing a five-year, $75 million contract with Verlander, according to Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan. Verlander is reportedly seeking a sixth year guaranteed. Verlander has remained quiet this offseason about the negotiation process and Dombrowski has limited his comments, only saying that "we hope he remains a Tiger for a long time." Verlander's offer closely resembles the contract that Seattle Mariners' ace Felix Hernandez recently signed. Hernandez agreed to a five-year contract for $78 million with no option ..."
Make sure there's not a bad seat at Comerica Park
Comment
January 30
Detroit Free Press
 
"If you're considering a season-ticket package for the Tigers, the team's giving you a chance to try before you buy. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Comerica Park is open to those thinking about purchasing a season-ticket plan to view available locations throughout the ballpark. You also can check out the view from the party suits. Park in the Tigers' parking garage and go to the administration entrance off Montcalm to get in."
$75 million, 5 years for Tigers ace Justin Verlander?
Comment
January 30
Detroit Free Press
 
"What will it take for the Tigers and Justin Verlander to agree on a long-term deal? Could it be $75 million over five years? Or $90 million over six? Neither side has publically offered up a figure or discussed the state of any negotiations. Last week, during the Tigers' winter caravan, Verlander professed his love of Detroit and his desire to stick around for the long haul, and president and general manager Dave Dombrowski reiterated that the Tigers eventually wanted to sign their right-handed ace to a long deal. Despite their silence on length and term, the financial parameters could be coming to light. On Friday, according to a series of tweets by Jeff Passan, a baseball reporter at ..."
Call 'em the Connecticut Tigers: Class A team moving from N.Y.
Comment
January 30
Detroit News
 
"One of the Tigers' minor-league teams is moving. Relax, Toledo, it's not you. It's Oneonta, which had been the Tigers' affiliate in the Class A New York-Penn League since 1999. After drawing fewer than 700 fans per game last year, the team is moving to Norwich, Conn., and will be called the Connecticut Tigers. The move also ends Oneonta's 44-year link with the New York-Penn League. Before it was a Tigers' affiliate, it was a Yankees' minor-league team. But the team near Cooperstown, N.Y., home of baseball's Hall of Fame, was sold in December 2008 and attendance plummeted last year. The move must still be approved by both Minor League Baseball and Commissioner Bud Selig's office. ..."
Contract talks start at $75M for Justin Verlander
Comment
January 30
Detroit News
 
"It's exactly where talks with Justin Verlander should start -- and are starting. Five years, $75 million. But it's probably not where they are going to end. Ever since Seattle starting pitcher Felix Hernandez agreed to a five-year, $78 million contract, it's been expected that discussions with Verlander -- if there were going to be any for beyond the 2010 season -- would look the same, sound the same. The ground floor, it turns out, is five years, $75 million, as first reported by Yahoo on Friday. If Verlander wants a sixth year, it might be a complication -- because a sixth year could tack on another $20 million. But at least the situation has a pulse now. It might lead nowhere except to ..."
Busy April, May will test Tigers' pitching rotation
Comment
January 29
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Tigers' depth -- and their five-man pitching rotation -- will be put to an early test this season because of a busy schedule in April and May. After the season opener in Kansas City on April 5, the Tigers have only two days off for the next month and that stretch includes an 11-game trip to Seattle, L.A. and Texas. The Tigers get one day off between three games at Minnesota (May 3-5) and three in Cleveland (May 7-9). Then they have three tough series at home: the Yankees on May 10-13, the Red Sox on May 14-16 and the White Sox on May 17-18. On May 19, the Tigers start a seven-game West Coast trip with two games at Oakland -- but finally get a day off May 24."
Justin Verlander's heat hottest in majors
Comment
January 29
Detroit Free Press
 
"Players polled by the Sporting News say the Tigers' Justin Verlander has baseball's best fastball. The right-hander received seven of 21 votes. Right-handed reliever Jonathan Broxton of the Dodgers was second with five votes. No other pitcher received more than two votes, not even Cy Young winners Zack Greinke (2009) and Roy Halladay (2003). The Sporting News said: "Justin has a Bugs Bunny fastball. ... His fastball jumps and has life when it reaches the hitter.""
Tigers could target Hank Blalock, Adam Kennedy
Comment
January 29
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Tigers already have closer Jose Valverde locked up -- and many observers didn't even expect the club to make that big of a splash during this free-agency season. But Jon Paul Morosi of foxsports.com reports that they might not be done shopping. Citing third baseman Brandon Inge's surgically repaired knees and second baseman Scott Sizemore's inexperience and recent leg surgery, Morosi thinks the club might want some insurance at those positions."
Tigers agree to contract terms with seven players
Comment
January 28
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Tigers on Wednesday agreed to contract terms with seven players on their 40-man roster. Outfielders Austin Jackson and Casper Wells, pitchers Phil Coke and Jay Sborz and infielders Scott Sizemore, Audy Ciriaco and Ryan Strieby are signed for 2010. None of those signed had reached the three-year playing service total required to receive salary arbitration and eventually would have had contracts renewed by the Tigers if they were unable to settle on a contract figure."
Busy April, May will test Tigers' pitching rotation
Comment
January 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Tigers' depth -- and their five-man pitching rotation -- will be put to an early test this season because of a busy schedule in April and May. After the season opener in Kansas City on April 5, the Tigers have only two days off for the next month and that stretch includes an 11-game trip to Seattle, L.A. and Texas. The Tigers get one day off between three games at Minnesota (May 3-5) and three in Cleveland (May 7-9). Then they have three tough series at home: the Yankees on May 10-13, the Red Sox on May 14-16 and the White Sox on May 17-18. On May 19, the Tigers start a seven-game West Coast trip with two games at Oakland -- but finally get a day off May 24."
Brandon Inge has major-league pain tolerance
Comment
January 28
Detroit News
 
"Some fans wonder, understandably, how Brandon Inge could bat .268 during the first half of the 2009 season and .186 the final three months. They saw Inge, the Tigers third baseman, wallop 21 home runs before the All-Star break, six afterward. RBI totals had the same disparity (58 to 26), as did slugging percentage (.515 compared with .281) and on-base average (.360 against .260). And yet some doctors wondered not about his numbers, but about his pain threshold. "I've had doctors tell me," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said, "they don't know how he played those last few months." It had to do with two knees throbbing from patellar tendinitis. The condition was so acute Inge required surgery ..."
Tigers sign Scott Sizemore, Austin Jackson and five others to one-year deals
Comment
January 27
Michigan Live
 
"The Tigers signed seven players to one-year deals Wednesday, including left-handed reliever Phil Coke and outfielder Austin Jackson. Detroit acquired both players from New York in December as part of a three-team trade that sent All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson to the Yankees. The Tigers also agreed to terms with 25-year-old right-hander Scott Sizemore, who is slated to start at second base in 2010. Outfielder Casper Wells, who will compete against Jackson and outfielder Clete Thomas in center field this spring, and right-handed pitcher Jay Sborz also signed."
Tigers sign 7 players for 2010
Comment
January 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Tigers today announced that seven players have come to terms for the 2010 season. They are right-handed pitcher Jay Sborz and left-handed pitcher Phil Coke; infielders Audy Ciriaco, Scott Sizemore and Ryan Strieby; and outfielders Austin Jackson and Casper Wells."
Tigers' top prospects invited to major league spring training
Comment
January 27
Michigan Live
 
"Three players figuring prominently into the future of the Detroit Tigers were among 13 the club invited Tuesday to the major league camp for spring training in Lakeland, Fla. Cody Satterwhite and Robbie Weinhardt, both considered future closer candidates, will get their first big league exposure along with Gustavo Nunez, the most highly touted shortstop in the organization. Backup catcher candidates Robinzon Diaz and Mike Rabelo, both with big league experience, were invited, along with catchers John Murrian, Eric Roof (an 18th-round pick in 2009 from Michigan State) and Max St. Pierre. Minor league pitchers Phil Dumatrait, Enrique Gonzalez and Josh Rainwater also will be in camp along ..."
No Lou Whitaker at Tigers spring training
Comment
January 27
Detroit News
 
"No more Lou. The Tigers and longtime fan favorite Lou Whitaker have parted ways, and they aren't bringing him back. After serving as a spring-training instructor the last six years, lockering next to Willie Horton with Al Kaline two lockers down, Whitaker won't participate this spring. "That's true," a Tigers spokesman said. "He won't be in uniform. He won't be helping out." Whitaker lives in Lakeland, Fla., so it was mutually agreeable to both sides for him to serve as an instructor, although his actual responsibilities were less defined. As Alan Trammell's sidekick, Whitaker played second base for the Tigers (1977-95), retiring one year before Trammell, and in the minds of many, ..."
Tigers' Armando Galarraga slowly regaining confidence, receives strong scouting reports from Venezuela
Comment
January 26
Michigan Live
 
"Armando Galarraga had a glow about him at TigerFest on Saturday and it wasn't just from the tan he was sporting following the seven-day Caribbean cruise he went on last week. Galarraga's confidence appears to be at an all-time high following his offseason pitching for Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League. And, with 23 days remaining until pitchers and catchers report to Florida, it couldn't have come at a better time for the 27-year-old. "I felt like I needed to pitch," Galarraga said. "I wanted to work on my confidence. I needed to work on locating pitches, on my sinker, but mostly, I needed to go to the mound and feel confident." Right-handed pitchers Justin Verlander, Rick ..."