Brad Penny, Magglio Ordonez, the Detroit Tigers bullpen: Morning Prowl

Hey guess what? There's only 13 days until pitchers and catchers report. In the meantime, read these!

Former Tigers pitcher Brad Penny signs with team in Japan – The Detroit News, The Associated Press

*crickets* I, uh, wish him the best of luck.

Penny won't be back, but fans shouldn't dance about it quite so much – The Oakland Press, Matthew B. Mowery

Another, very different look at the loss of Brad Penny. Mowery argues that his role as the fifth starter in the Tigers rotation was one Tigers fans should be reveling, not complaining about.

The Athletics are interested in Magglio Ordonez – NBC Sports, D.J. Short

It might have taken them five seasons, but the Oakland A’s finally figured out it might be better to have Magglio Ordonez with their team rather than against it. If he does get picked up by Oakland, can he stay healthy enough to contribute?

Detroit Tigers' Gene Lamont still seeking chance to manage in majors after missing out on Red Sox vacancy – MLive.com, Jame Schmehl

Gene Lamont might make some questionable calls at third base, but could he serve another team well as skipper? He thinks so.

With Tigers as common ground, Prince-Cecil Fielder reunion still looks unlikely – Detroit Free Press, Steve Kornacki

Steve Kornacki dissects the Prince-Cecil Fielder relationship and says the chances of them every being like the Griffeys and Bonds of the league is highly unlikely.

Tigers Bullpen Still One Man Short – Motor City Bengals, Chris Hannum

Hannum describes last season’s bullpen as "top heavy." He gives us his picks for who the Detroit Tigers should pick up in the free-agent market.

MLB 2K12 unveils trailer featuring cover boy Justin Verlander (with video) – The Detroit News, Tony Paul

I find it fitting that Verlander is shown striking out a White Sox player in the 70-second trailer. The only way it would have been more realistic is if it were Adam Dunn.

Top Ten Black Tiger Players of All Time – DesigNate Robertson, Rogo

In honor of Black History Month, DesigNate Robertson takes a comprehensive – and surprisingly serious – look at some of the best African American players in Tigers history.

Sources: Playoff expansion has issues – ESPN.com, Jayson Stark

Baseball can’t make up its mind. I am shocked.

Why Players Play Through Injury – Baseball Nation, Jeff Sullivan

Jeff Sullivan goes in depth on the theory behind athletes playing through injuries, including a look at former Detroit Tiger Carlos Guillen.