Detroit Tigers Links: Rick Porcello gets back to basics & the Bruce Rondon saga continues

Decision looms on Tigers closer candidate Bruce Rondon
The Detroit News, Tom Gage
Do I get credit for saying that Rondon will be the closer all spring if he's the closer on Opening Day? Because he's the closer.

No gloating from Rick Porcello about winning Tigers' No. 5 job
Detroit Free Press, John Lowe
Sounds like Porcello got back to basics this offseason, which could be an excellent premonition for the Tigers if his spring numbers are legit.

MLB: Previewing the American League Central teams
ESPN
I'm not saying that they will do it, but the Tigers are a lot closer to 95 wins than this post suggests

Minnesota Twins right-hander Vance Worley to face Detroit Tigers in season opener
MLive, Chris Iott
Worley's likely reaction: "Who's their starter? Aww, man."

Baseball Nation previews the AL Central
Baseball Nation
Other than Rob Neyer asserting that "nearly all" of the Tigers' everyday players are past their primes, this was entertaining.

Elsewhere in Baseball:

Brandon Maurer Makes Team, Rotation Set
Lookout Landing, Scott Weber
Former Tigers Jeremy Bonderman was sent to minor league camp after failing to win a job in the rotation.

Cardinals ink Adam Wainwright to five-year, $97.5 million deal
HardballTalk, Drew Silva

"The 31-year-old right-hander posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 184/52 K/BB ratio across 198 2/3 innings in 2012 after recovering successfully from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery surgery. He owns a 3.15 career ERA and a 1.21 career WHIP."

Phil Hughes to begin the season on the Disabled List
Pinstriped Bible, Tanya Bondurant
Both Ivan Nova and David Phelps are likely to start against the Tigers in their early season series at Comerica Park. Phelps looked excellent through four innings against the Baltimore Orioles last night, for what it's worth.