Detroit Tigers Links 12/25/13: Chrismas Wish List, Bold Predictions, Best Pitchers in MLB, and Shin-Soo Choo

June 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) talks to starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) in the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

A Christmas wish list for Tigers fans – Matt Pelc – Free Press

"My first wish would be long term contract extensions for Miguel Cabrera and Max Scherzer, whose contracts expire after the 2015 and 2014 seasons respectively. This would not only keep two fan favorites on the roster for the rest of their careers, it would also help make sense of a perplexing off-season."

The Best Pitchers in Baseball Since 2011 – Lee Panas – Detroit Tiger Tales

"The Tigers’ Justin Verlander was first among AL pitchers with 89 runs saved. Kershaw led Verlander in Pitching Runs (142 to 78), Base Runs (143 to 79) and FIP Runs (89 to 82), but trailed Verlander slightly in Adjusted Pitching Runs (116 to 114). Other current Tigers among the leaders were Anibal Sanchez (21st) and Max Scherzer (25th).Remember Doug Fister? He finished 15th with 46 runs prevented by this metric. We probably should just accept his trade to the Nationals at this point and see how things work out, but he’s been really good the last few years, better than a lot of people realize."

Three 2014 Detroit Tigers Bold Predictions – Niklas Jarvinen – The MLB Nation

"The 2006 and 2011 Tigers both won 95 games. Look at those Opening Day rosters and compare them to the 2014 roster any way that you can, and on paper the 2014 one is the best. Now the 2012 and 2013 ones were better on paper too, but this Tigers team is not one-dimensional and as long as few things work out and the Tigers position themselves to acquire a bat in July, I think this Tigers team could win up to 97-98 regular season games and could possibly bring a World Series to Detroit."

Detroit Tigers Made Right Call By Not Signing Shin-Soo Choo – Spencer Impellizzeri – Rant Sports

"Choo is a very good player, but paying $130 million over seven years for the 31-year-old would not have been smart for the Tigers. With the .423 on base percentage that Choo had last year, he would have been a significant upgrade over Jackson in the leadoff spot, but giving a seven-year deal to a player north of 30 just wouldn’t be economically smart"