Detroit Tigers Links: Rick Porcello's projected season & the designated hitter debate

Keith Law's thoughts on Rick Porcello; Don Kelly's versatility; and the always entertaining designated hitter discussion. These stories and more in today's Morning Prowl.

Tigers links:

Jason Heyward, Justin Smoak and other disappointing youngsters to believe in -- Keith Law Blog
Law discusses some former top prospects who -- despite having less-than stellar 2011 seasons -- have big futures ahead of them. Included on the six-man list is Detroit's Rick Porcello. (Subscription required)

Don Kelly Offers The Tigers Versatility, But That Might Not Be What They Need -- The Tigers Den, Matt Snyder
In the past, Don Kelly's versatility has been useful -- even helpful on occasion (I admit that begrudgingly) -- but is it something the Tigers really need this year? Probably not. But we know Jim Leyland will find a way regardless.

Former teammates Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera move to third base -- MLB.com, Jason Beck
"They once comprised the left side of the Florida Marlins infield. Now Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez are both coming under the hot spotlight of the hot corner." Oh, and Cabrera thinks Ramirez will win MVP this season.

Positional Power Rankings: Second Base -- FanGraphs Baseball, Chris Cwik
Yesterday I linked to FanGraphs positional power rankings for catcher. Today's post takes a look at second base, which not surprisingly, Detroit finished 21st. Though they must have missed the memo about Brandon Inge vying for a spot, because he doesn't get any kind of mention. The Tigers also finished fifth in the rankings for first base, where Binge does get a mention. Weird.

Detroit Tigers built to contend for years to come with young starting lineup, rotation -- MLive.com, Chris Iott
"Three key members of the bullpen are well into their 30s, but overall the Tigers are a young team with lots of talent."

Charting Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA -- The Detriot Tigers Web Blog
A closer look at Baseball Prospectus' 2012 projections and what they mean for Detroit.

Cabrera '¿Si or No?' T-Shirt sale extended -- Alternative Hero
According to walkoffwoodward.com, the sale of the Miguel Cabrera "¿Si or No?" T-Shirt has been extended through Sunday, March 11. If you haven't already ordered this marvelous piece of Tigers merchandise, you should probably do so.

Detroit Tigers fifth-starter candidate Q&A: Jacob Turner still 'feeling out' newly developed slider -- MLive.com, James Schmehl
"This is the second of six question-and-answer sessions with Detroit's fifth-starter candidates. The six-part series will run every day during the week of March 4."

What Can We Expect From Ryan Raburn? -- Detroit Tigers Scorecard Blog, Alexandra Simon
As PhilCoke'sBrain predicted in his post, it's likely that Ryan Raburn will "hit 108 home runs and drive in 324." Since we know that will never actually happen, what can we expect from Raburn this season? Will 2012 finally be "his year"?

The 2012 BYB Meet-Up: Ticket payment info -- Bless You Boys
In case you missed it yesterday, here's the 2012 BYB Meet-Up ticket payment information. The sooner you decide that you're going, the better! There are 50 seats reserved and we're trying to have all tickets accounted for by July 4th.

Extrapolation -- Brain Matters
Don't think you can make season predictions after a few spring training games? Baloney! My personal fav: "Brandon Inge will hit .333 causing MLive collapse under the weight of commenter bloviation."

With his retirement announcement yesterday, an ode to Carlos Guillen awaits you after the jump ...

Elsewhere in baseball:

Is the designated hitter coming to a National League park near you? -- SI.com, Tom Verducci
Verducci thinks some time in the next 10 years, the designated hitter will be incorporated into both leagues. Do you agree or disagree with his notion? And if it does happen, how will it change the game of baseball -- for better or worse?

Judge Deals a Financial Blow to Mets’ Owners -- NYTimes.com, Richard Sandomir
"A federal judge rejected a bid by the Mets’ owners to have the remaining claims of a lawsuit in the Madoff fraud dismissed, and ruled that the trustee was entitled to collect up to $83 million."

Andrew McCutchen's new contract and its impact on Shane Victorino -- Philadelphia Daily News, David Murphy
McCutchen's $51.5 million contract is the second largest in Pirates history -- behind Jason Kendall's $60 million, six-year deal in 2000. Prince Fielder thinks this is funny.

Alex White may be charged with "extreme DUI" -- HardballTalk, Craig Calcaterra
Jeff Passan ... paging, Jeff Passan. "Extremely" judgmental editorial piece needed, stat.

Johnny Damon Still Looking For A Home -- Baseball Nation, Grant Brisbee
"Johnny Damon is still looking for a DH job, but the problem is that there aren't any DH jobs looking for Johnny Damon."