Detroit Tigers Links: Spring training baseball is 1 day away

Good news! Wednesday, February 22 is the last day without Detroit Tigers baseball until the season ends. Sure, there are off days mixed in, but the Tigers officially open their season against the Florida Southern Mocs on Thursday. Righthander Myles Jaye will start that game for the Tigers. Jaye, a 25-year-old acquired from the Texas Rangers last season, will serve as minor league depth this season.

Unfortunately... you can’t watch it. The game is not televised, nor will it be broadcast on the radio. The first broadcast game of the season will be on Friday, when the Tigers open their Grapefruit League schedule against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Orioles have already been hit hard by injuries, unfortunately. Starter Chris Tillman is dealing with a shoulder issue, and shortstop J.J. Hardy has a sore back.

The Tigers’ lineups might look a little funky at first, but that is by design, according to manager Brad Ausmus. With the World Baseball Classic looming, Ausmus will try to maximize at-bats for those getting ready for the tournament.

This will have to suffice for televised baseball until the games get started.

Playoffs? Don’t talk about... playoffs

That’s exactly what FanGraphs’ Eno Sarris is doing as part of his 10 bold predictions for the upcoming season.

They’re projected to have about the seventh-best starting pitching depth in the big leagues this coming year. Mike Pelfrey, Anibal Sanchez, and Shane Greene are actually a decent trio when you’ve got them slotted in after your front five. And, given his new changeup, I like Michael Fulmer to repeat. Given his new slider and healthy-looking approach, I like Daniel Norris to break out. That’s three really good starters, two question marks, and some depth — I’d take that if I were the Tigers, with their offense.

One might not consider that a very “bold” prediction, but I’ll take the praise any way it arrives.

For your free time

The Nationals signed catcher Matt Wieters. Beyond the Box Score wonders if Carlos Rodon is ready to break out. I sure hope not. St. Louis’ Carlos Martinez is Baseball Prospectus’ latest pitch tunnel examination. Mike Pelfrey is probably a reliever. There are some nice cars at Cubs camp. Justin Verlander is unimpressed.

Baseball is awesome