Detroit Tigers Links: Steven Moya, Dixon Machado battling for roster spots in spring training

Over the past several seasons, the Detroit Tigers have been one of the more boring teams to talk about during spring training. Once a four-time division winner with few holes in their starting lineup, there wasn’t much to say about them besides “Yeah, they’re good.” A bit more uncertainty has crept in over the past couple years, but there still aren’t many position battles to discuss as the calendar approaches March.

Instead, we fans are left to quibble over the battle for the 25th and final roster spot. Luckily, that battle is shaping up to be a good one this year. Outfielder Steven Moya told reporters that he belongs in Detroit, but his lack of versatility might make him the odd man out. Tyler Collins is also out of options, but might be part of a center field platoon with newcomer Mikie Mahtook. Infielder Dixon Machado boasts even more versatility, and is just as hungry to make the roster as his competition. Anthony Gose will be in the mix as well, though his 40-man roster status (or lack thereof) puts him at a disadvantage.

It’s spring training and everyone is happy

• Kyle Ryan is happy about being in Lakeland
• The Tigers are happy with Joe Jimenez
• Justin Verlander is happy about everything
• Nick Castellanos is happy for batting practice
• Miguel Cabrera did some boxing this offseason and was probably happy about that too

This has nothing to do with sports

But when Alex Trebek starts dropping bars on Jeopardy, you have to pay attention.

Around the division

• The Royals are discussing a contract extension with Eric Hosmer, who wants a 10-year deal. Please cave to that nonsense, Dayton.
• Poor Charlie Tilson can’t stay healthy in Chicago.
• The Cleveland Indians believe the world is round, which is more than we can say for a certain basketball player in their city.
• The Twins are so exciting, we’re talking about Craig Breslow. Fire emoji.

Other stuff

Last week, FanGraphs’ Dave Cameron ranked the best 10 transactions of the offseason. This week, he ranked the 10 worst. As you might imagine, the Tigers are absent from both lists. Also lacking Tigers: this list of breakout candidates according to PECOTA. Beyond the Box Score looked at former Tiger (for a minute) Luis Cessa and his peculiar preseason projections. DRaysBay is looking for the best baseball movie of all-time.

Baseball is awesome