Detroit Tigers Links 1/5/14: Max’s future, Huff retires, advocating for Ayala, and Tigers sabermetric projections

Credit: Twitter @Max_Scherzer

Locking up Max Scherzer might be next move for Detroit Tigers – Hayden Kane, FanSided

"Eligible for free agency after the 2014 season, Scherzer avoided arbitration with the Tigers last year. Jason Beck of MLB.com writes that the sides will look to do the same this year and that a long-term deal for Scherzer might be in play as the team’s next move. The Tigers’ history under Dombrowski suggests they’ll try to avoid arbitration before delving too deeply into long-term talks, though in some cases over the years the two have gone in hand-in-hand. A one-year extension could then be factored into a longer-term deal if the two sides can reach one.” The arbitration process starts on January 14th. Beck also notes that the Tigers will soon face a contract decision with Miguel Cabrera, so there will be plenty of work for the front office to keep their team in tact."

(Ex-Tiger) Veteran utility man Aubrey Huff retires, accepts Pac-12 broadcasting job – David Miniel, FanSided

"According to Chris Cotillo on Twitter, Aubrey Huff will officially call it a career and has accepted a broadcasting job with the Pac-12 Network. Huff will begin his broadcasting career in February and from the sounds of things, he’s very happy and excited about the new chapter of his life."

Detroit Tigers Need To Sign Reliever Luis Ayala – Spencer Impellizzeri, Rant Sports

"Signing Ayala would provide a veteran that could provide stability to the bullpen. Besides Nathan, the rest of the bullpen is has either been inconsistent in recent years or is young and unproven. The Tigers are looking to avoid the bullpen problems of years past and Ayala would be a great solution to that."

Detroit Tigers’ sabermetric projections for 2014, Detroit Free Press

"MIGUEL CABRERA :  .317 with 38 home runs, 119 RBIs, 92 runs and 32 doubles.IAN KINSLER: .271 with 15 home runs, 68 RBIs, 84 runs and 32 doubles.JUSTIN VERLANDER: 3.07 ERA, 225 strikeouts and 60 walks, though no win total was projected.MAX SCHERZER: 3.42 ERA, 225 strikeouts and 55 walks.JOE NATHAN: 2.91 ERA with 16 walks and 61 strikeouts in 52 innings. No save count was projected."