Detroit Tigers Links needs to get out the vote

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Miguel Cabrera has fallen behind Yadier Alonso in All-Star voting, meaning the Tigers might not have a position player selected to the All-Star game for the first time since 2001.

I’ve always had a tough time with the fan vote aspect of the MLB All-Star game. Obviously I want to see Miguel Cabrera play. And just because he is having a down year doesn’t change the fact that he is the best first basemen in the AL. But Alonso is certainly the most deserving, slashing an impressive .310/.401/.655 in a break out campaign.

Choosing Miggy over Alonso isn’t nearly as egregious as the great Royaling of 2015, but I do feel like I am talking out of both sides of my mouth when I encourage voting team over who deserves it. Alonso’s lead is small, and I will still be voting for Miggy, but I am not going to be heartbroken if Cabrera loses.

In other, completely unrelated draft news, Joey Votto will be giving Zack Cozart a donkey if he makes the All Star team. So if you feel like doing some NL voting, can I suggest Cozart?

Possible panic

Tuesday brought news that Michael Fulmer will have his next start pushed back after a shoulder flare up warranted a cortisone shot. Fulmer had an MRI over the weekend that showed fluid in his bursa sac but no structural damage.

Fulmer threw yesterday and said that he is not concerned at all, but allow the rest of us to be concerned for him. The team should be taking it extra careful with their most important pitcher.

The other guys throwing baseballs hard

In need of a fresh arm, the Tigers sent down a taxed Arcenio Leon and called up Chad Bell. Bell has pitched well for the Tigers giving up ten hits and three runs over 13 ²⁄₃ innings of work.

With the Fulmer push, the only start set in stone for the upcoming week is Buck Farmer’s on Tuesday. Justin Verlander and Jordan Zimmermann are both dealing with minor injuries and will be re-evaluated Wednesday.

Finally, Daniel Norris feels he is finally closing in on pitching deeper into games. This would be extremely helpful, there is a big difference from handing two or three innings to the bullpen and four.

Some good news

Draft notes

I’m not much of a draft expert, meaning Grant’s very exact draft preview pretty much echoes my insight. But if you are, BYB has all the coverage you need as the picks roll in. And that includes an open thread where we can make massive conjectures about 18 year-olds. Come join the fun.

Old unemployed friend alert

The Cardinals have released infielder Jhonny Peralta and it’s no surprise he cleared waivers with a $10 million price tag for 2017. Now 35, Peralta’s age seems to have caught up with him as he’s slashing .204/.259/.204 so far this season.

It’s very possible someone will take a look at a player who was an All-Star as recently as 2015, but this seems to be the last hurrah for the former Tiger.

For your free time

Eight things to watch during the six game homestand. Tigers will host a one hour Yoga class on CoPa’s field because Yoga is so hot right now. Jameson Taillon was activated from the DL after surgery for testicular cancer and made his first start last night. Glad to have him back. Where is the best place to stand during a walk-off. The A’s are not good again, and they aren’t even doing that well.

Baseball is awesome