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Two days left, guys! Just two days!
Detroit Tigers are correct to allow Brandon Inge to compete for job at second base -- MLive.com, Chris Iott
So we've all heard the news. Jim Leyland will likely let Brandon Inge compete for the job at second base during spring training. Chances are, you've already made up your mind on whether you love or hate this decision. In case you haven't, or in case you're easily persuadable, Iott explains why giving Inge this opportunity is for the best.
Brandon Inge to Play 2nd Base; Shenanigans Will Ensue -- Detroit4Lyfe, Rob Rogacki
While Iott thinks giving Inge a shot at second base is a good idea, Rob clearly does not. In fact, he thinks it's shenanigans.
The 2012 Detroit Tigers' greatest unknown -- isportsweb
The Tigers will have many strengths entering the 2012 season -- namely extra-base power -- but they still have a few things to work out if they want to not just reach the playoffs, but also bring home a world championship.
Tigers Prospect Jordan Pratt Retires -- Motor City Bengals, James R. Chipman
It's sad news when anyone announces a retirement, but especially sad when it's a 22-year-old prospect. Given the circumstance, I can't say I blame him though.
Linsanity! Baseball's Jeremy Lins -- SweetSpot Blog, David Schoenfield
Some of you may have already seen this article, but I thought it was fun. Schoenfield picks five baseball players who garnered the same sort of attention as current NBA sensation Jeremy Lin. To the surprise of no one, Detroit Tigers own Mark "The Bird" Fidrych is on the list.
Happy ValenTigers Day! -- Roar of the Tigers, Samara Pearlstein
I have no idea how, but I missed this when I did links for Wednesday. Now I realize Valentine's Day is over, but these could not go without a mention. Truly awesome.
Tee it up with the Detroit Tigers -- Catch Central Florida, Rebecca Thompson
If you're going to be in Lakeland for spring training (and have a couple thousand dollars to spare), you may want to consider participating in the 17th Annual Major League Scramble. Because who doesn't want to play golf with the Detroit Tigers?
You might have seen Kurt's post yesterday referencing Tony La Russa working with the Tigers. But in case you haven't, here's Tom Gage's tweet saying just that. Leyland said yesterday that LaRussa will be working with Dave Dombroski in the front office. Hmmm. Go forth and discuss ...
Tony LaRussa to work with #Tigers in non-uniform, non-official capacity this spring - for about 2 weeks
— Tom Gage (@Tom_Gage) February 16, 2012
Around the AL Central:
Indians and Angels out of A.J. Burnett trade talk -- Scoop Du Jour, Mark J. Miller
Any rumors involving A.J. Burnett being traded to the Cleveland Indians or the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have cooled down considerably according to Miller, who says as it stands now, Burnett will either remain a Yankee or become a Pirate.
As a matter of law, the Twins are the White Sox’ arch rivals -- HardballTalk, Craig Calcaterra
No description I write here will do this justice. You just have to go read it.
Elsewhere in baseball:
Hall of Fame catcher Carter dies at 57 -- MLB.com, Anthony DiComo
Incredibly sad news for the baseball world. Simple put, Gary Carter was a fantastic baseball player and arguably an even better man. You don't have to be a Mets fan to love and respect everything he did for the game. He will be missed.
Dodgers' bidders to meet MLB's ownership committee -- BusinessWeek, Ronald Blum
"Remaining bidders for the Los Angeles Dodgers have been told they will be scheduled for meetings with Major League Baseball's ownership committee early next month."
Predicting the breakout players of 2012 -- SweetSpot Blog, David Schoenfield
Schoenfield polled Twitter users as to who their top choices were for breakout player of 2012. Here are the results. And the good news is, Yu Darvish is not included.