The Tigers sure are relying heavily on their Texas scouts these days. Detroit’s top three picks in 2012 — pitcher Jake Thompson, infielder/outfielder Austin Schotts and pitcher Drew VerHagen — all are arriving in the Tigers system by way of Texas, two of them from the same high school (Thompson and VerHagen both attended Rockwall-Heath, … Continue Reading →
Would he be a lifesaver? No, not at the this point in his career. But veteran slugger Vladimir Guerrero sure could serve as a life preserver while the Tigers are treading water, waiting for reinforcements to arrive. Guerrero, 37, was just released today by the Blue Jays — at his request. Frankly, he got tired … Continue Reading →
We’ve seen Tigers manager Jim Leyland show off his vocal chops before. Years back, he busted into song during a tour of the Motown museum. Then there’s this video, from a meet-and-greet with a young fan: Both times, our reaction was the exact same: Marlboro Reds be damned, Skip can carry a tune! So it … Continue Reading →
On a day he handed off to charity the proceeds of a product he pitches, “Fastball Flakes,” Tigers ace Justin Verlander took time to talk about a product he isn’t officially affiliated with … yet. Taco Bell. Verlander’s love of Taco Bell has been widely known since he went on “Conan” in January and spilled … Continue Reading →
At The News, we always are trying to provide the best and most-comprehensive coverage of the Metro Detroit sports scene. That includes the super-popular Tigers. So this week, we are welcoming the newest member of our Tigers coverage team: Kurt Mensching, the editor of the always insightful and entertaining Tigers blog, Bless You Boys (blessyouboys.com). … Continue Reading →
The Tigers will have plenty of time to determine who to select with their first pick in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. In the official draft order released by the league Tuesday, the Tigers won’t make a selection until the 91st overall pick. That’s late in the “second” round. There will be 31 picks … Continue Reading →
The Tigers are off to a good start. Their starting pitchers — at least in the won-lost column — are not. Despite starting the season 5-1, no Tigers starter has recorded a win. And according to the Elias Sports Bureau, that’s the first time that’s ever happened in major league history. Yes, oddly, all five Tigers … Continue Reading →
When it comes to the game’s elite players, few teams are as stacked as the Tigers. Even ESPN agrees. Today, the sports behemoth unveiled its top 10 players, ending a two-week countdown from 500 to No. 1. And Tigers fans will be pleased to know your team has two of the top four: Slugger Miguel … Continue Reading →
Yes, I get all the arguments for the new playoff format. I know it was too easy for the wild-card winner to waltz to the World Series. I know there was little incentive to winning a division championship. And I know that even by adding two more teams, Major League Baseball’s postseason still is the … Continue Reading →
One went down, a little. The other went up, a lot. But both of the Tigers’ top two prospects — pitcher Jacob Turner and third baseman Nick Castellanos — had respectable showings Thursday, when ESPN’s Keith Law unveiled his annual top-100 prospects list. Turner, the favorite to be the Tigers’ fifth starter this season, checked … Continue Reading →