Brandon Inge's status is still in limbo, Jim Leyland wants to get out of Florida, and Josh Beckett is still set to pitch on Saturday. These stories and contract extensions for everyone in today's Morning Prowl.
Tigers' Brandon Inge says he's about ready to play, but for which team? - Detroit Free Press, John Lowe
If there's one thing we know about the Brandon Inge situation, it's that we don't know anything about the Brandon Inge situation.
Mother Nature playing ball for the Tigers' Opening Day - The Detroit News, Josh Katzenstein
The Detroit media thinks that it will be sunny (but a little chilly) on Opening Day. Translation: bring an umbrella, it's gon' rain.
Detroit Tigers are class of weak field - SI.com, Ted Keith
This is nothing that we haven't already seen a hundred times over from the national media, but at least Sports Illustrated is on the bandwagon too.
Jim Leyland Is Ready For The Regular Season - SB Nation Detroit, Sean Yuille
For someone that has never been to Lakeland, this quote has me concerned about the restaurant variety (or lack thereof) in that area.
Five left-handers will begin season in starting rotation for Triple-A Toledo - MLive, Chris Iott
I don't like the fact that Jacob Turner is staying in Lakeland for a little while to "get some work in." Let's hope that this only lasts for a week or two and Turner is in Toledo by mid-April.
Opening Day Scavenger Hunt - Brain Matters
It's no Rod Allen Drinking Game (shameless, I know), but Mr. Brain's scavenger hunt is probably more appropriate for those of us who are at school/work during the game.
Boston Red Sox's Josh Beckett probable despite thumb injury, Bobby Valentine says - ESPN Boston, Rick Weber
"It's been a little hard to quite put our thumb on it," Valentine quipped. Rimshots aside, I wouldn't be surprised to see Beckett be scratched from this start later on this week. I doubt Valentine wants to see his #2 starter on the DL in April for something very preventable.
Cleveland Indians' Ubaldo Jimenez suspended five games for Tulowitzki beaning on Sunday - Cleveland Plain Dealer, Paul Hoynes
Manager Manny Acta has already stated that the Indians will appeal the suspension, though I wouldn't be surprised to see them drop the appeal after Jimenez's first start. Their schedule works out after that where he could just be pushed back a day and not miss a full turn through the rotation.
Washington Nationals' Plan For Stephen Strasburg Will Be Questioned All Year. - Federal Baseball, Patrick Reddington
If the Nationals actually shut down Strasburg during a pennant race, I'll... do something mildly embarrassing on video. I'll leave the details up to you guys.
Reds close to $200 million extension with Joey Votto - HardballTalk, Aaron Gleeman
If Brandon Phillips is not a Tiger next season, I will be heartbroken.
Matt Cain, Giants agree to five-year extension - MLB.com
Put it this way: he won't be a Yankee until at least 2018.