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Justin Verlander could improve his walks per nine innings; Brandon Inge, Brandon Inge, and Brandon Inge; and the 10 greatest opening days of all time. These stories and more in today's Morning Prowl.
Tigers links:
Fewer walks might make Tigers' Justin Verlander the 'complete' pitcher -- Detroit Free Press, John Lowe
You know what would also make Justin Verlander a more "complete" pitcher? A Taco Bell endorsement.
17 Detroit Tigers rank on ESPN's list of 500 best players in baseball -- MLive.com, Justin Rogers
"The Tigers placed eight position players and nine pitchers on the list with Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander cracking the top five."
Brandon Inge drama casts shadow over Tigers' opener -- The Detroit News, Bob Wojnowski
"Inge Inge Inge. It's an Inge binge. Even the Inge fringe wants in, which makes everyone cringe. (Sorry.)" Yep, that happened.
The 2012 Detroit Tigers Opening Day lineup as compared to 2003 -- Walkoff Woodward, Josh Worn
Ahhh, memories. Also, anytime Bobby Higginson's name is referenced anywhere it gets automatic linkage.
The 10 greatest Opening Days of all time -- The Hardball Times, Chris Jaffe
A look at the best games to open the season in baseball history. Three Tigers games made the list.
What lineup would you create for Tigers Opening Day? -- Detroit Free Press
We've all wanted to pretend at some point or another that we could do Jim Leyland's job better than him. Yes, I'm looking at you. So, here's your chance. Create your very own opening day lineup. And ... go!
2012 Detroit Tigers: Predictions and Preview -- Detroit Sports 360, John Czech
Oh, why not? How about one more season preview for old time's sake?
Brandon Inge Is Annoying But Not Worth Your Rage -- Detroit Tigers Scorecard Blog, Grey Papke
Amen.
Elsewhere in baseball:
Adam Dunn will hit third in the White Sox’s lineup following disastrous season -- HardballTalk, Aaron Gleeman
[Insert Adam Dunn joke here]
Presenting Your 2012 Rookies Of The Year! -- Baseball Nation, Rob Neyer
Rookie of the Year predictions! If you don't agree, make sure to belittle and berate him in the comments. It's the American way.
Reporting tobacco use by ballplayers is now just an easy online form away -- Big League Stew, Kevin Kaduk
This is, for lack of a better word, stupid. Good luck with this enforcement.
Top players like Votto worth long-term risk -- SweetSpot Blog, David Schoenfield
Interesting article, just not sure I buy it. Mainly because I kind of hate using WAR as a determining factor for a player's ability. But whatevs.