Detroit Tigers Links 12/21/13: Max Scherzer, Brad Ausmus, and Scouting Joel Pineiro

March 4, 2012; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Joel Pineiro (39) against the New York Yankees during spring training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Detroit Tigers among at least three teams on hand to scout starting pitcher Joel Pineiro – MLive

"Dave Dombrowski told reporters last week that he doesn’t anticipate his club will make any big moves before spring training.But the Tigers could still make a couple small ones.The Tigers were reportedly among at least three teams in attendance earlier this week to scout former major league starter Joel Pineiro during his latest appearance in the Puerto Rican Winter League."

Catching, curiosity shape Brad Ausmus’ chops as new Tigers manager – Detroit News

"Dombrowski hired Ausmus when it seemed inconceivable — here, anyway — that a general manager would entrust a team so talented and seasoned to a man who has never managed in the minor or major leagues.He did it because Ausmus knocked him out during last month’s interviews. He did it because Ausmus had the intellectual curiosity to ask his earlier managers — Joe Torre, Phil Garner, Larry Dierker, etc. — during the course of a game why they made a particular move. Those explanations helped assemble a future manager whose interview answers left even Dombrowski stunned, as he later mentioned."

Max Scherzer keeps the offseason interesting – Fox Sports Detroit (pictures in link)

"First, Scherzer and his new wife Erica went all out for an ugly-sweater Christmas party, with Scherzer donning a baseball-themed sweater, a pair of red corduroy pants straight from 1976 and white running shoes."