Detroit Tigers Links: Brad Ausmus likes analytics, but he doesn't love them

One of my favorite dramas playing out in baseball is the internal struggle between the "old school" players and the evolution of today's game. Whether it's the audacity of Jose Bautista to show emotion after a playoff clinching bomb, or the recent injection of analytics into baseball thought, the old timers have had a hard time adjusting.

Take it away, Goose.

"It is a joke," Gossage said. "The game is becoming a freaking joke because of the nerds who are running it.

"I'll tell you what has happened, these guys played rotisserie baseball at Harvard or wherever the f--- they went, and they thought they figured the f---ing game out. They don't know s---.

That's my favorite grumpy old man quote in baseball history. Just a gross misunderstanding of the usefulness of math.

Analytics have been a hot topic for the Tigers this offseason. After comments from general manager Al Avila highlighting analytic development, the organization has made significant moves to embrace the practice. The Tigers hired Jay Sartori, formerly of Apple, to lead baseball operations and accompanied that hiring with an overhaul of the department. With these developments in mind, questions on Gossage's comments made their way to manager Brad Ausmus.

In typical Ausmus fashion, he offered the most calculated response possible.

"Between the old-school mentality and new-school mentality, there's a blend to the two that is the best solution," Ausmus said. "To say there's no value in statistics is probably an unfair statement, because we've been using statistics to some degree in baseball for decades. I think they've just become a little bit more specialized. More detailed."

Ausmus is understandably tiptoeing around the subject after Anthony Gose blasted the use of analytics last week. But what is more interesting is Ausmus' relationship with the practice. While his young, Dartmouth graduate profile might suggest an overuse, Ausmus has constantly insisted on the human element of the sport.

It will be interesting to see whether the empahsis in analytics influences any change on Ausmus' decision making in 2016. Especially with the bullpen. Let's all hope it helps with the bullpen choices.

Please be OK, please be OK, please be OK

I have been strong in my conviction that Victor Martinez is going to have a massive year, so feel free to blame this injury on me. At least it doesn't appear to be too serious.

Maybe they are underrated to YOU

Both JD Martinez and Francisco Rodriguez make J.P. Morosi's list of top 10 underrated players. But you already knew they were good.

Speaking of underrated, ESPN profiles Ian Kinsler's growth into a leadership role with the team.

The most interesting man in the world...in the AL East

Come for the hilarious picture of Pablo Sandoval, stay for the Grant Brisbee analysis.

And you know who won't be winning that award for the AL Central? That would be Adam LaRoche. He took one look at the Chicago White Sox and bailed. Just kidding, it's pretty clear that he did it to be with his family. Gotta respect that.