http://www.sportsnipe.com Detroit Tigers, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048023/morning-prowl-bourquin-banned-organizational-trees-top-10-prospects-bless-you-boys-blog.html The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.comMorning Prowl: Bourquin Banned, Organizational Trees, Top 10 Prospects, and ...Bless You Boys (blog)With the 40-man roster needing to be finalized today, it's worth checking out the Organizational Tree that Bill Ferris has set up at The Detroit Tigers ...Tigers minor league 3B Ron Bourquin suspendedThe Associated PressEx-Whitecap Ronnie Bourquin suspended 50 games after testing positive for ...The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.comTiger minor leaguer suspended 50 games for failed drug testThe Detroit NewsGo-Ems.com -DetroitTigers.comall 150 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048022/tigers-ink-4-minor-leaguers-detroit-free-press.html MLive.comTigers ink 4 minor leaguersDetroit Free PressThe Detroit Tigers today purchased the contracts of second baseman Scott Sizemore and shortstop Audy Ciriaco from Triple-A Toledo and first ...Infield, 'pen among Tigers' market concernsMLB.comPlaying With the Tigers' 40-Man RosterBless You Boys (blog)MLB 9s: Detroit Tigers?Did Ty Cobb Have The Best Offensive Season Ever?Bleacher ReportRotoworld.com -DetroitTigers.com -The Detroit Newsall 18 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048021/tigers-add-four-players-to-40man-roster.html Tigers Add Four Players to 40-Man Roster The Tigers had four spots open on their 40-man roster, with six players eligible for free agency. And today, when rosters had to be finalized, the team filled each spot. Second baseman Scott Sizemore, shortstop Audy Ciriaco, and outfielders Ryan Strieby and Brennan Boesch were added to the roster. (Bill Ferris has more at The Detroit Tigers Weblog) Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048020/freeagency-roundup-tigers-ink-4-prospects.html The Detroit Tigers today purchased the contracts of second baseman Scott Sizemore and shortstop Audy Ciriaco from Triple-A Toledo and first baseman/outfielder Ryan Strieby and outfielder Brennan Boesch from Double-A Erie. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047164/tigers-add-4-to-roster.html The Tigers have added Scott Sizemore, Ryan Strieby, Brennan Boesch, and Audy Ciriaco to the 40 man roster, protecting them from the Rule 5 draft. The roster was at 42, but with the 6 free agents off the roster, and the addition of these 4 players it is now full at 40. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047163/scott-sizemore-three-others-added-to-tigers-40man-roster.html Sizemore, a second baseman, shortstop Audy Ciriaco and outfielders Ryan Strieby and Brennan Boesch will be automatically invited to spring training. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046067/detroit-tigers-cf-granderson-will-guide-viewers-on-authentic-stadium-tour-multichannel-news.html MLive.comDetroit Tigers CF Granderson Will Guide Viewers On 'Authentic' Stadium TourMultichannel NewsDetroit Tigers centerfielder Curtis Granderson will take viewers behind the scenes in a number of America's famous stadiums. Granderson, who has signed an ...Tigers' Curtis Granderson pitching reality television and online seriesMLive.comCurtis Granderson may be sports' next big reality TV starChicago Sun-Timesall 5 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045277/facebook-twitter-free-agents.html Tigerblog just entered the 21st century.  I finally figured out to how to set up a Facebook fan page so if you want to follow the site that way, sign up as a fan.  You can also find me on Twitter at @tigerblog. Free agent signing season begins today.  I expect things will be rather subdued until [...] Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045276/footprints-in-snow-tigers-fanhouse-blog.html Footprints in the Snow: TigersFanHouse (blog)The Detroit Tigers are in a unique position this offseason. They missed the playoffs in 2009 after blowing their division lead during the final weeks, ...and more » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045275/morning-prowl-bourquin-banned-organizational-trees-top-10-prospects-goodbye-hessman.html [Updated at 9 a.m.]   Tigers minor league third baseman Ronnie Bourquin received a 50-game suspension yesterday, after testing positive for an amphetamine.  Good timing, with the team having to decide who to keep on the 40-man roster.  He'll serve the penalty at the beginning of next season. Bourquin played in 118 games between Single-A and Double-A this year.  He batted .267/.361/.408 with eight home runs and 77 RBIs.   The Arizona Fall League plays its championship game tomorrow afternoon at 2:45 p.m. ET.  And the Peoria Javelinas, with several Tigers prospects, are playing for the title.  So here's one last chance for you to get a look at Casper Wells, Robbie Weinhardt, Andrew Oliver, and a few others before next spring.  The game will be shown on MLB Network. (via The Detroit Tigers Weblog)   At Take 75 North, Matt Wallace has thoughts about the 40-man roster, listing 11 players who could be protected by the Tigers.  But maybe they shouldn't be, as they could also be replaceable within the organization.   The Freep has a photo gallery of 10 free agents the Tigers should take a look at this offseason.  There are a couple of interesting names suggested (Endy Chavez, Frank Catalanotto) and one that makes me - and I'm only speaking for myself - want to pull my hair out (John Smoltz).   With the 40-man roster needing to be finalized today, it's worth checking out the Organizational Tree that Bill Ferris has set up at The Detroit Tigers Weblog.  How did each player on the roster end up with Detroit?  Some had a pretty direct route, others took a more winding road.   At The Hardball Times, Matt Hagen listed his Top 10 Tigers prospects.  The list is headed by pitcher Jacob Turner, Detroit's first-round draft pick this year.  He's followed by second baseman Scott Sizemore, who Tigers fans will probably get a good look at next season. (Thanks to Dberg for posting this in the comments yesterday.)   Jason Beck gives a slow clap to Mike Hessman, who became a minor league free agent on Wednesday.  His days in the Tigers organization are very likely over.  In five years with the Mud Hens, Hessman got the call up to Detroit for 29 games.  He batted.256/.330/.615 with nine homers and 19 RBIs, playing first base and third base. Other familiar names who became free agents were Dane Sardinha, Macay McBride, and Brent Clevlen.   If you've seen the term "BABIP" get bounced around from time to time in the comments and wondered what that was all about, Big League Stew provides a thorough explanation.   The Royals will add powder blue hats to their day-game ensemble next season.  I think they should've gone back to the powder blue pants.  Of course, you can't sell uniform pants to fans like you can sell hats. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044013/time-for-tigers-to-pursue-free-agents.html Baseball free agency began at midnight Thursday. Over 150 players are free to sign with other clubs, and teams must set their 40-man roster today to determine which players are available for the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 10. The Tigers were listing 42 players on their 40-man roster as of Thursday evening. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1043816/tucker-talks-you-play-to-win-game-daily-49er.html CBC.caTucker Talks: You play to win the game!Daily 49erIn 1968, Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain won 31 games en route to snagging the American League Cy Young award. ...Sports Briefs: Lincecum wins NL Cy Young in a close voteWinston-Salem JournalTim Lincecum wins second straight NL Cy Young AwardDigitalJournal.comall 766 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1043815/tigers-will-wait-to-sign-their-free-agents.html Thursday was the deadline for teams to negotiate exclusively with free agents who played for them in 2009. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042811/exwhitecap-ronnie-bourquin-suspended-50-games-after-testing-positive-for-grand-rapids-press-mlivecom.html Go-Ems.comEx-Whitecap Ronnie Bourquin suspended 50 games after testing positive for ...The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com... once regarded as one of the top prospects in the Detroit Tigers organization, has been suspended for a second time in three years. testing positive for ...Tigers minor league 3B Ron Bourquin suspendedThe Associated PressTiger minor leaguer suspended 50 games for failed drug testThe Detroit NewsTigers' Bourquin suspendedGo-Ems.comDetroitTigers.comall 135 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042530/minor-notes-protection-bourquin-afl.html Some minor league news and notes: 40 man roster We?ve talked here already about the Tigers need to trim the 40 man roster and the need to protect players ahead of the rule 5 draft coming up in December. The 40 man will be set initially tomorrow (things could of course change between now and the actual [...] Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042071/ron-bourquin-suspended.html Minor League infielder Ron Bourquin got a 50 game suspension for testing positive for amphetimines.  What’s interesting is Bourquin could have been lost in the Rule 5 draft, but he’s now effectively protected because I doubt a team would want to scoop him up knowing he’ll take up a roster spot and miss 50 games.  Bouquin [...] Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1041217/william-malcolm-luxe-collection-selects-peter-karmanos-eddie-lee-detroit-usprwire-press-release.html William Malcolm Luxe Collection Selects Peter Karmanos, Eddie Lee and Detroit ...USPRwire (press release)Detroit Tigers, Curtis Granderson is a Major League Baseball All Star that is also the quintessential Ambassador of Goodwill for the league with his ... Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1041216/tigers-minor-leaguer-suspended.html Tigers Minor Leaguer suspended Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1041215/tigers-freeagent-targets.html Our best guess at whom the Tigers might sign, starting Friday. We took needs and budgets into consideration. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040585/tigers-prospect-bourquin-suspended-50-games-over-amphetamine-cbssportscom.html Tigers prospect Bourquin suspended 50 games over amphetamineCBSSports.comNEW YORK -- Double-A third baseman Ron Bourquin in the Detroit Tigers' organization was suspended for 50 games on Thursday after testing positive for an ... Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040584/tigers-prospect-bourquin-suspended-50-games-over-amphetamine-cbssportscom.html Tigers prospect Bourquin suspended 50 games over amphetamineCBSSports.comNEW YORK -- Double-A third baseman Ron Bourquin in the Detroit Tigers' organization was suspended for 50 games on Thursday after testing positive for an ... Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040583/tigers-minor-league-3b-ron-bourquin-suspended-associated-press.html Tigers minor league 3B Ron Bourquin suspendedThe Associated PressNEW YORK ? A minor leaguer in the Detroit Tigers' organization has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine under baseball's ...Tiger minor leaguer suspended 50 games for failed drug testThe Detroit Newsall 57 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040582/tigers-minor-league-3b-ron-bourquin-suspended-ap.html Double-A third baseman Ron Bourquin in the Detroit Tigers' organization was suspended for 50 games on Thursday after testing positive for an amphetamine. Bourquin will serve the suspension at the start of next season. He hit .283 with three home runs and 58 RBIs in 81 games last season for the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Class A Midwest League. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040581/uneasy-thanksgiving-coming-up-for-edwin-jackson.html Trade rumors surrounding Edwin Jackson aren't going away.  They may even be picking up heat.  USA Today's Bob Nightengale posted the latest rumblings he's been hearing on his Twitter feed: Keep and eye on developing three-way trade talk with Tigers and Mariners and mystery team involving M's Brandon Morrow and Dets Jackson If anything, this corroborates what Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal reported at the beginning of the week.  The Mariners are interested in Edwin Jackson, and the Tigers might be looking to get Morrow in return.  Although a "mystery team" making this a possible three-way deal is a new development.  As something of a follow-up on ESPN's Rumor Central (Insider), there's an implication that this deal could end up setting the market for starting pitching this offseason.  If the M's got Jackson, they wouldn't pursue a free agent like John Lackey or Rich Harden.  But this would also establish a price for acquiring a starting pitcher in trade. (Keith Law thinks highly of Jackson and believes that Morrow's problems with developing into a starter are due somewhat to mismanagement by former Seattle GM Bill Bavasi).  If the Tigers are going to make a deal, is it possible they'd make it before the Winter Meetings in the second week of December?  A few days ago, Peter Gammons wrote that many general managers are still waiting to hear what their budgets are going to be for next year.  So if Dave Dombrowski believes he can only work with what he already has, perhaps he needs to have payroll freed up before GMs get together in Indianapolis. I guess we'll be keeping an eye out for a potential deal between now and December 7, when the Winter Meetings begin. (Thanks to granderson28 for posting this in the comments of our last post.) Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040580/tiger-minor-leaguer-suspended-50-games-for-failed-drug-test.html Ronnie Bourquin, 24, who played the past year at Class-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie, must sit out the first 50 games of the 2010 season. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040579/tigers-minor-leaguer-suspended-50-games.html NEW YORK — A minor leaguer in the Detroit Tigers' organization has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine under baseball's minor league drug program. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040578/tigers-minor-leaguer-suspended-50-games.html NEW YORK — A minor leaguer in the Detroit Tigers' organization has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine under baseball's minor league drug program. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039645/giants-tim-lincecum-wins-second-straight-cy-young-award.html Giants ace Tim Lincecum has won the National League Cy Young Award, becoming the first repeat winner in the majors since Randy Johnson won four straight from 1999-2002. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038261/jose-valverde-projected-as-tiger.html Paul White at the USA Today is projecting that the Tigers will sign Astros closer Jose Valverde.  He’s a little too injury prone for my tastes and my bet is his price tag will be too high.  The Tigers have some good young arms to use in the pen.  If they’re going to go for [...] Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038260/ilitch-thanksgiving-parade-float-celebrates-detroit-news.html Ilitch Thanksgiving parade float celebrates DetroitThe Detroit News"We're still working on it," Cullen said, later adding that she was sure the Detroit Tigers' mascot, Paws, will be there. Being a quasi-Communist country, ...and more » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038259/infield-pen-among-tigers-market-concerns-mlbcom.html Bleacher ReportInfield, 'pen among Tigers' market concernsMLB.comDETROIT -- Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski has trade discussions percolating -- a lot of trade discussions, ...Playing With the Tigers' 40-Man RosterBless You Boys (blog)MLB 9s: Detroit Tigers?Did Ty Cobb Have The Best Offensive Season Ever?Bleacher ReportA look at Tigers' upcoming roster moves and free agent pursuitsMLive.comDetroitTigers.comall 6 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037435/billy-martin-prospects-offseason.html Just a few quick links.  First off, Chris Jaffe has written an excellent book (I’ve seen parts of it) on baseball managers. Evaluating Baseball Managers: A Comprehensive History and Performance Analysis, 1876-2008 goes way back into the 1800s and brings things up to present, analyzing managers along the way.  He wrote a couple of excerpts [...] Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037434/ilitch-thanksgiving-parade-float-touts-detroit-news.html Ilitch Thanksgiving parade float touts DetroitThe Detroit News"We're still working on it," Cullen said, later adding that she was sure the Detroit Tigers' mascot, Paws, will be there. Being a quasi-Communist country, ...and more » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037433/jarrod-washburn-considering-twins-brewers-yahoo-sports.html Jarrod Washburn considering Twins and BrewersYahoo! Sports... tried hard to get him from the Seattle Mariners back in July before the trading deadline but the M's ending up shipping him to the Detroit Tigers. ...Jarrod Washburn: Washburn interested in return to SeattleRotoworld.comall 7 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037432/playing-tigers-40man-roster-bless-you-boys-blog.html Bleacher ReportPlaying With the Tigers' 40-Man RosterBless You Boys (blog)More photos » AP The Detroit Tigers braintrust has some decisions to make about their ...Infield, 'pen among Tigers' market concernsDetroitTigers.comMLB 9s: Detroit Tigers?Did Ty Cobb Have The Best Offensive Season Ever?Bleacher ReportA look at Tigers' upcoming roster moves and free agent pursuitsMLive.comDetroitTigers.comall 5 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037431/jarrod-washburn-considering-twins-brewers-yahoo-sports.html Lefthander Jarrod Washburn grew up in Wisconsin and he apparently wouldn't be too upset to head back there... Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037430/playing-tigers-40man-roster.html More photos » AP The Detroit Tigers braintrust has some decisions to make about their 40-man roster by Friday. Who stays, and who goes? Browse more photos » With major league teams having to finalize their 40-man rosters by Friday, the Detroit Tigers have some decisions to make about which players they want to protect and which to leave exposed for the Rule 5 Draft that takes place at the end of next month's Winter Meetings.  If you look at Detroit's current 40-man roster, you'll notice 42 names are listed.  However, six of those names will be free agents as of Friday.  That leaves four openings.  But at least two of them are already spoken for, as Scott Sizemore and Ryan Strieby will need to be added.  (Jason Beck and Lynn Henning seem to be high on Brennan Boesch, who hit 28 homers for Double-A Erie this year.  Me, I think he looks a bit like Number Two's son on The Prisoner.  He could take up a third opening.) So the Tigers will probably have to make some moves to create more room on the roster.  Who else should go?  And which prospects need to be protected? At Mack Avenue Tigers, Kurt Mensching listed the players he thinks should go, and the ones that could stay.  In his article on the subject, Beck also suggested a couple of other players Detroit could protect.  (Just to clarify, players generally don't have to be protected until they've played four minor league seasons, which is why prospects such as Casey Crosby, Cody Satterwhite, or Brett Jacobsen aren't being mentioned.) Almost two weeks ago, demondeaconsbaseball requested that we have a 40-man roster discussion thread, so this is probably the best time to do it.  I know some are more familiar with the Tigers' minor league system than others.  (I'm probably not as familiar with some prospects as I should be, either.)  But I think plenty of you have an opinion on this. Just to get the thread started, four names immediately stood out as players who could be cut when I looked over the roster.  I'd send off Freddy Dolsi, Clay Rapada, Don Kelly, and Dontrelle Willis.  (All but Willis have minor league options remaining, however, and could stay in the organization.  As Kurt pointed out in his post, Eddie Bajek has listed who still has options at his blog, Detroit Tigers Thoughts.) So what moves would you make?  Is there anybody else you'd cut loose?  Who's an important player for the Tigers to protect?  Play with the 40-man roster! Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036943/top-10-prospects-for-2010-chicago-white-sox-detroit-tigers-hardball-times.html Top 10 prospects for 2010: Chicago White Sox and Detroit TigersHardball TimesI don't think he has All-Star ability, but we may be looking at Detroit's long-term answer at catcher. 5. Ryan Strieby: Strieby continues to clobber the ... Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1035876/infield-pen-among-tigers-market-concerns-detroittigerscom.html Bleacher ReportInfield, 'pen among Tigers' market concernsDetroitTigers.comDETROIT -- Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski has trade discussions percolating -- a lot of trade discussions, ...MLB 9s: Detroit Tigers?Did Ty Cobb Have The Best Offensive Season Ever?Bleacher ReportA look at Tigers' upcoming roster moves and free agent pursuitsMLive.comDecisions ahead for Tigers prospectsDetroitTigers.comall 4 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1035875/tigers-wont-increase-ticket-prices-next-season.html Tigers Won't Increase Ticket Prices Next Season The Tigers announced a freeze on ticket prices today, also lowering the prices in certain sections for season tickets and individual game tickets. The Lower Baseline Box (sections 112-114, 141-143) seats will be reduced by $7-9 and the Upper Baseline Box (sections 334-337) seats will be reduced by $5 next season. 5,800 seats will still be available for $12 or less. The highest ticket prices are $77 for premium games in the On-Deck Circle tickets ($70 regular). The lowest are the Skyline seats (section 345) for $5. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033062/tigers-rick-porcello-comments-on-al-rookie-year-thirdplace-finish-mlivecom.html ESPNTigers' Rick Porcello comments on AL Rookie of the Year third-place finishMLive.comDETROIT -- Detroit Tigers starter Rick Porcello finished third in voting behind American League Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey, ...Tigers' Porcello finishes 3rd in AL Rookie of the Year votingExaminer.comDid Two Late Season Games Cost Porcello The "Rookie Of The Year" Honor?Bleacher ReportTigers' Rick Porcello finishes 3rd in AL rookie votingDetroit Free PressOaklandClubhouse.com (subscription) -ESPNall 234 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033061/tigers-cut-some-ticket-prices-freeze-rest-for-10-usa-today.html Tigers cut some ticket prices, freeze rest for '10USA TodayDETROIT (AP) ? The Detroit Tigers are freezing most ticket prices for the 2010 season and lowering season and individual-game ticket prices for the rest. ...Detroit Tigers freeze, reduce some ticket prices, for 2010 seasonCrain's Detroit BusinessTigers lower select ticket prices for 2010ConnectMidMichigan.comTigers lowering select 2010 ticketsDetroitTigers.comDetroit Free Press -The Detroit Newsall 7 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033060/evening-prowl-voting-verlander-ernie-harwell-grandersons-hitting.html   MLive.com's Steve Kornacki was the one voter who put Justin Verlander on the top of his AL Cy Young Award ballot.  (25 went to the winner, K.C.'s Zack Greinke, with two going to Seattle's Felix Hernandez.)  Kornacki based his vote on Verlander showing toughness under pennant race pressure, something Greinke and Hernandez didn't have to worry about.   Jason Beck transcribed highlights from last night's interview between Bob Costas and Ernie Harwell on MLB Network (which I forgot to post a reminder about).  As you might imagine, Harwell was warm, funny, and poignant.  Perhaps the most impressive part of the interview was Ernie reciting his Hall of Fame induction speech completely from memory. Unfortunately, I don't know when (or if) MLB Network will replay the show.  If I find out anything (or if anyone else knows), I'll try to post that information (or any clips that pop up online) here. UPDATE: Two clips are on now on MLB.com.  In the first, Harwell remembers Jackie Robinson.  The second is Ernie's Hall of Fame speech.  (via True Blue L.A.)   At The Detroit Tigers Weblog, Bill Ferris tries to figure out why Curtis Granderson's batting average slid so far in 2009.  Did he try to pull the ball too much, as some believe?  Hit too many fly balls?  Bill compares his spray charts over each of the last three seasons to get some answers.   Baseball Prospectus' Christina Kahrl got to vote for the AL Rookie of the Year, and explains her ballot in this article.  She was one of eight who didn't vote for the Tigers' Rick Porcello. (I have to admit, when I first heard about so many writers leaving Kid Rick off the ballot, I was baffled.  But then I remembered that only three players go on the ballot.  So while I don't necessarily agree with it, leaving Porcello off under those circumstances is more understandable.  I'm kind of biased, of course.)   Matt Wallace chimes in on recent trade rumors at Take 75 North, and likes the idea that the Tigers are trying to get younger (and don't intend to trade away prospects for veterans).  But he's not down with trading Curtis Granderson.   At Baseball Musings, David Pinto is writing profiles for the 968 players who pitched at least 20 innings or had 50 at-bats in the major leagues last year, going from "A" to "Z."  Yesterday, Tigers catcher Alex Avila was featured.   Chris Jaffe of the Hardball Times has written a book called Evaluating Baseball's Managers, 1876-2008, which will be available in December.  You can read an excerpt about former Tigers manager Billy Martin at the HT website, which includes how hard he rode pitchers such as Mickey Lolich.   Talking Chop knows it won't happen, but would love to see the Braves (and their surplus of starting pitching) make a run at Miguel Cabrera.   Brew Crew Ball has a trade suggestion between the Tigers and Brewers (fueled largely by the idea of trimming payroll), but I don't think any Tigers fans would be on board with this one.   The general manager of the Tigers' Class A Lakeland team, Zach Burek, was interviewed by A Penny's Worth about the business of running a minor league franchise and the considerations that need to be made for the offseason, weather, etc. (via The Detroit Tigers Weblog)   The Minnesota Twins will be sporting some fancy new threads to go along with their new ballpark next season.  Big League Stew has a look at the retro 1961 uniforms that will be worn on Opening Day and home Saturday ballgames.  The Twins will also get new road uniforms, which also have a bit of a retro touch. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033059/decisions-ahead-for-tigers-prospects.html Decisions ahead for prospects Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033058/tigers-lowering-select-2010-tickets.html Tigers lowering select 2010 tickets Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033057/tigers-freeze-or-lower-ticket-prices-for-2010.html The Tigers are not increasing ticket prices next season. The club announced Wednesday it was lowering select ticket prices and freezing all others for the 2010 season. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032155/detroit-tigers-freeze-reduce-some-ticket-prices-for-2010-season-crains-business.html Detroit Tigers freeze, reduce some ticket prices, for 2010 seasonCrain's Detroit BusinessThe Detroit Tigers are freezing ticket prices for 2010, and will lower the cost of some individual and season tickets. ...Tigers lower select ticket prices for 2010ConnectMidMichigan.comTigers freeze ticket prices for 2010The Detroit Newsall 4 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032154/tigers-freeze-ticket-prices-for-2010.html The Tigers will not raise prices for season-ticket packages or individual games in 2010. The team also said Wednesday that season-ticket prices for 4,500 seats in two rebranded sections at Comerica Park would be reduced. Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1031102/usa-today-tigers-could-target-closer-jose-valverde-mlivecom.html USA Today: Tigers could target closer Jose ValverdeMLive.comUSA TODAY says: Detroit Tigers Valverde had 25 saves last year with a 2.33 ERA for the Astros. In 2007, Valverde had 47 saves for the Arizona Diamondbacks, ...USA Today: Closer Valverde will be a TigerDetroit Free PressNo Fire Sale? Media Links Closers to TigersBless You Boys (blog)all 3 news articles » Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1031101/no-fire-sale-media-links-closers-to-tigers.html This might qualify as a news flash: a couple of writers in the traditional baseball media aren't suggesting the Tigers trade off players to reduce payroll (or subsidize the Yankees and Red Sox).  Instead, they think Detroit should stay in contention by adding a key piece to their bullpen. First, FOXSports.com's Dayn Perry lists 10 moves that teams should make this offseason to improve themselves.  His suggestion for the Tigers?  Sign Billy Wagner: Detroit is in contending mode, so the wise play would be to resist the temptation to sell off and instead take calculated risks. Since the AL Central is so winnable (and since the Tigers came within a hairsbreadth of a division title this past season), tweaks at the margins might be enough. One tweak could be adding Wagner. (Thanks to SabreRoseTiger for posting this in the comments yesterday.) Wagner missed most of the season with an elbow injury, pitching in only 17 games.  But after he recovered (and was traded by the Mets), he posted a 1.58 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 13.4 innings for the Red Sox.  Given his injury history and age (Wagner will turn 39 next season), perhaps he'd be looking for a lower-cost, one-or-two-year deal on the free agent market. The other suggestion is made by USA Today's Paul White, who lists the top 10 free agents and predicts where they'll end up.  White's destination for Jose Valverde?  Your Detroit Tigers. More closers are on the market than teams willing to commit significant money for one. That gives the Houston Astros a shot at keeping him. In the end, a contender takes the plunge. (Hat tip to Bill Ferris for passing this along.) I don't think we have a match here.  Yes, the Tigers want a veteran closer.  And Valverde is the top one available.  However, he's also a free agent for the first time, and will surely be looking to cash in.  (He made $8 million last season to avoid arbitration.)  That doesn't fit how the Tigers apparently want to do business this winter (nor was it their approach last year). But if, as White believes, there aren't that many teams looking for a top-tier ninth-inning reliever, maybe Valverde would be willing to take a shorter, cheaper contract and try free agency again when the market improves.  That didn't happen last year, however, and it probably won't this time around. Valverde pitched in 52 games for the Astros this season, racking up 25 saves in 29 opportunities, along with a 4-2 record and 2.33 ERA.  He struck out 56 batters and walked 21 in 54 innings, his lowest totals in three years.  Ankle and calf injuries kept him out early in the season. So while it might be refreshing to get a break from the fire sale scenarios that so much of the baseball media seems to be envisioning for Detroit, are these realistic options for the Tigers?  Can they make these moves without dealing off some of the players that have been discussed? Detroit Tigers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates