Double-A Erie manager (and former Tigers third baseman) Tom Brookens says he'd be interested in a major league coaching job if one was offered.  Will the Tigers offer him the first base coach position vacated by Andy Van Slyke? 

  Clete Thomas had his high school jersey retired on Wednesday.  Thomas wore No. 3 at Mosley High School in Lynn Haven, FL.  (I'm sure Gary Sheffield would've given that up willingly.)  It's the first baseball number the school's ever retired.  (You can see a list of his prep achievements here.)

Here's more on the ceremony, including video, from a local news station.  (via 1baseball34 on Twitter)

  If you want to get a look at prospects Casper Wells and Andrew Oliver, MLB Network is broadcasting the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Showcase Saturday night at 8:15 p.m. ET.  (via MLive.com)

  On his blog, Jason Beck shared some projections from the Bill James Handbook.  And they look pretty kindly on Ryan Raburn next season.  (Curtis Granderson and Magglio Ordonez are also viewed favorably, which would make a huge difference for next year's lineup.)

  More minors: At Fangraphs, Marc Hulet looks at five Tigers minor leaguers (current or former) who are worthy of mention, but probably won't be listed among the team's top 10 prospects.

  Jarrod Washburn says he'd "be surprised" if the Tigers offered him a contract for next season.  Washburn sounds like a smart guy.  If they were interested, Detroit has exclusive negotiating rights with Washburn, who says his knee feels better after surgery, until November 20. 

  If you'd like to look at who will join Washburn in free agency, here's a complete list of free agents for 2010 from MLB Daily Dish.

  Anybody else look at the deal for Jeremy Hermida the Red Sox made with the Marlins, and wonder if the Tigers could've (or should've) gotten in on that action?  Or would that have just added to a logjam in Detroit?  (Over the Monster is a bit baffled by the trade, wondering where Hermida will play in Boston.)

  Meanwhile, Mark Teahen had reportedly been traded to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields.  Or was he?  As of last night, Teahen was still a Kansas City Royal.

  The Big Lead has three ideas to improve the MLB playoffs.  Mostly, we're linking to this because the writer called the Tigers-Twins tiebreaker "the most exciting baseball moment this season."

  Those who believe the Tigers should pursue a trade with the Brewers for shortstop J.J. Hardy (unless he's non-tendered) will likely enjoy this Fangraphs article about Hardy's defense.

  Have some time to kill at work today?  Check out this optical illusion based on the break of a curveball.  No wonder Wilkin Ramirez can't hit that thing.  (I probably shouldn't have said that.)