John Lowe thinks Justin Verlander should start the 2012 MLB All-Star Game; by the numbers, Alex Avila is a middle-of-the-pack catcher; and Nyjer Morgan is still an ass. These stories and more in today's Morning Prowl.
Tigers links:
John Lowe: Starting Tigers' Justin Verlander in All-Star Game in Rangers' best interest -- Detroit Free Press, John Lowe
It would also be cool for Detroit and -- oh I don't know -- Justin Verlander.
Baseball Insider: In wide open AL Central, White Sox send first message -- The Detroit News, Tony Paul
"The deal was the first noteworthy acquisition among the four AL Central contenders. But who knows? At this rate, the Kevin Youkilis trade might end up having more of an impact on the presidential election."
Why Won't Doug Fister's Teammates Support Him? -- The Triangle Blog, Shane Ryan
Yes, this was written prior to the eight earned runs Fister gave up on Wednesday night.
Toby Harrah sticking with Tigers to work with hitters -- Beck's Blog, Jason Beck
I love this. And no, I don't think it means Lloyd McClendon is going anywhere.
How is Alex Avila Doing Defensively? -- Tiger Tales, Lee Panas
Answer: Only slightly better than he's doing physically.
One Man's Opinion: Where Do We Go From Here? -- Motor City Bengals, Brian Sakowski
"Ok, enough of the "DOOOOM UNDERPERFORMANCE DOOOOOM" obvious stuff." But I like that stuff. Hmpf.
Around the AL Central:
White Sox 4, Yankees 3: Viciedo steals a win -- South Side Sox, Jim Margalus
"Dayan Viciedo's go-ahead three-run homer gave the White Sox a 4-3 victory in the series opener at Yankee Stadium."
Game 75: Indians 7, Orioles 2 -- Let's Go Tribe
"The Indians used the home run to blow past the Orioles 7-2. A recap of the action."
Elsewhere in baseball:
Overthinking It: Why Some Pitchers Don't Get Injured -- Baseball Prospectus, Ben Lindergh
"'Pitchers are going to get hurt,' says one team executive, but a select few pitchers defy the rule." Subscription required.
Fan hit with falling bullet during Rays game -- HardballTalk, Craig Calcaterra
Tropicana Field: Forever confirming its place as American's worst ballpark.
Nyjer Morgan Should Be Suspended For Shoving Fan -- Baseball Nation, Al Yellon
Nyjer Morgan should be suspended for merely existing.
D-backs would like Daron Sutton to stop wearing suits -- CBSSports.com, Dayn Perry
Literally have no words. This is why we can't have nice things, America.