Sorry, Tigers fans, but building a champion is costly
The Detroit News, Terry Foster

This is the price of doing business. If Tiger fans want to play with the big dogs, then they must reach deeper into their pockets. Some Tigers fans are not happy with the recent increase in ticket prices at Comerica Park.

Detroit Tigers' Max Scherzer briefly discussed long-term contract, opted to 'hammer out a one-year deal'
MLive.com, James Schmehl

Represented by agent Scott Boras, Max Scherzer acknowledged Thursday that both sides briefly discussed a multi-year contract, but they elected to "hammer out a one-year deal."

Tigers' Jim Leyland 'brokenhearted' that Jose Valverde doesn't have a job
Detroit Free Press, Jeff Seidel

More than anything, Leyland remembers when Valverde saved 49 games in 2011.

Early notes: Don’t look for a closer proclamation
Beck's Blog, Jason Beck

Four days into Jim Leyland’s morning press briefings, he has been asked about his closer situation four different times, I believe from four different sets of writers.

The Mike Trout Effect
Motor City Bengals, Chris Hannum

Guys that can do what Mike Trout did last year are a rarity at any position. Trout played in 139 games, but he ran the bases, hit for average, hit for power and defended terrifically at a premium position.

Yes, they were invited to spring training
SweetSpot Blog, David Schoenfield

Let's take a quick scroll through the spring training non-roster invitees and point out some of the more interesting names.

Mike Piazza's new book, and the TRUTH about back acne
Baseball Nation, Grant Brisbee

Mike Piazza released an autobiography this week, and there wasn't anything especially shocking or revelatory about it.

Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer responds to his critics … in a rap song
Big League Stew, Mike Oz

Well, well, well, this week's Trevor Bauer saga just got a lot more interesting ... and rhymey.