Detroit Tigers Links: It’s Opening Day again!

Opening Day is upon us! No, seriously, the Detroit Tigers will play a baseball game today, weather permitting, of course. As you anxiously await first pitch, check out the Opening Day lineup and 25 man roster that was announced earlier this week. Also check out Tuesday’s game preview to see how Justin Verlander and Jose Quintana match up. You can even scout the White Sox hitters in this White Sox preview. Here are five of the Tigers’ great Opening Day performances.

The Tigers are honoring Mike Ilitch at Comerica Park with ‘Mr. I’ cut into center field. Matt Manning was assigned to extended spring training, which sounds worse than it is. You can read an excerpt from Tom Gage’s new book The Big 50: Detroit Tigers: The Men and Moments that Made the Detroit Tigers. Michael Fulmer is back on track after his last spring training start. The Tigers front office and Brad Ausmus may talk about an extension during the season. Seven Tigers made the Opening Day roster for the first time. A change in the Tigers’ ways are coming, says general manager Al Avila. The Tigers are again at the top of the league in payroll, which isn’t surprising since there hasn’t been much change to the roster.

AL Central News

For the first time since 2008 the Minnesota Twins have won on Opening Day. They were able to secure the victory when the Kansas City Royals bullpen had a meltdown. In that game Byron Buxton made the MLB’s first five-star catch of the season.

The Cleveland Indians had a comeback victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday. However, ace Corey Kluber gave up a few dingers. FanGraphs takes a look at the Indians’ third base situation.

Around the League

Michigan native Matt Shoemaker talks about taking a 105 mph pitch off his head last season with the Los Angeles Angels. Dodgers centerfielder Joc Pederson hit the first grand slam of the 2017 season; here’s a video if you like watching homers. Eno Sarris of FanGraphs takes a look at baseball’s two-way players of the past. Paul Sporer makes his bold predictions for the 2017 season. Jeff Sullivan explains why Zach Greinke is not out of the woods yet.

MLB.com shows you where the MLB’s top 100 prospects are starting the season. David Ross is back on Dancing with the Stars. The Oakland Athletics dedicate their field to Rickey Henderson. The Cincinnati Reds give the fans at the ballpark a taste of advanced metrics. If you like reading books, especially books about baseball, you should check out Hard to Grip by Emil DeAndreis, which sounds like a great read.

Miggy and Iggy are headed to the ballpark!

Clayton Kershaw isn’t fair