Detroit Tigers Links 1/10/14: Justin Verlander worries, Max Scherzer lifts Whitecaps, cause of Fifth Third fire and AL Central makeover

Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander Has Surgery As Fans Hold Their Breath – Brent Smith, Rant Sports

"It is the same surgery Miguel Cabrera underwent in October and the timetable is set at six weeks of rehab, but that still won’t calm the nervousness of Detroit who has seen off-season injuries plague them unlike any team in existence. One only needs to read Joel Zumaya‘s Wikipedia page to understand how it seems Tigers players are healthier on the field than they seem to be off of it. While everyone keeps saying everything is fine, Tigers fans always have to silence that little voice in their mind that Verlander is going to struggle and this is going to be the reason. There is no more room for error in the Tigers rotation now that Doug Fister was traded so right now everyone is just holding their breath that both Cabrera and Verlander make it through their surgeries flawlessly. Once injuries happen it can be hard to keep them away, but the Tigers are going to need to enlist some voodoo help because any more surgeries or injuries to this roster could spell its end in 2014."

Max Scherzer to give Whitecaps a memorable first event since Fifth Third Ballpark fire – Peter J. Wallner, MLive

"The West Michigan Whitecaps will hold their winter banquet Jan. 23 in the organization’s first public event since a fire damaged Fifth Third Ballpark, and the Detroit Tigers have arranged to make it memorable. The Whitecaps announced Thursday, Jan. 9, that the 20th Winter Baseball Banquet will include more than 20 players, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, along with Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president, CEO and general manager. Other Tigers expected include newcomers Joba Chamberlain and Steve Lombardozzi."

Fifth Third Ballpark fire caused by space heater next to trash bin, worsened by sprinkler system failure – John Tunison, MLive

"The massive Fifth Third Ballpark fire last week was caused by a space heater that ignited a Rubbermaid trash container, but complicated by a sprinkler system failure."

Offseason changes make American League Central a brand new ballgame for 2014 – Tony Paul, Detroit News

"Sure, the Indians, Royals, Twins and White Sox have made their share of moves, some rather drastic — and many impressive. Yet, it’s the Tigers, winners of three straight division titles, who will be most unrecognizable on Opening Day. A team built on big money, big names and big bats has failed to deliver Mike Ilitch the World Series crown he’s craved, so president and general manager Dave Dombrowski has gone back to the drawing board, while insisting he’s not making wholesale changes or reining in the payroll."