Detroit Tigers Links: Miguel Cabrera Bunts, Coke Throws Live BP, Verlander’s Sports Cars

Feb 18, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (left) talks with Justin Verlander during a team practice at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Better know a Tiger: Francisco Martinez – John A McGeehan – Bless You Boys

"Francisco Martinez is back where he was three years ago, graduating to Double-A and expecting a big season."

The Detroit Tigers will have Nick Castellanos at third base in the big leagues this year, but after him the only player that’s like a prospect at third base in the system is Francisco Martinez. Maybe he never becomes the Tigers’ third baseman, but maybe he could once again become an asset.

Strange spring training sight: Miguel Cabrera practices laying down bunts – Chris Iott – Mlive

"“If he bunts during the season, I’ll just get in my car and drive back to San Diego,” Ausmus said. “I’ll go on record right now: If he bunts during the season, he did it on his own.”"

Whew, that was close. Thought for a minute there we’d be seeing Extreme Ausmus Small Ball ™ all season long.

Early signs positive for Tigers’ Phil Coke after season of getting ‘clobbered’ – Tom Gage – Detroit News

"With a good feeling came good pitches.“Pitches I wanted no part of,” Torii Hunter said. “You don’t expect to see some of that (stuff) until the regular season.”"

I’m just hoping he can be an effective LOOGY, but then, I don’t know why they gave him all that money.

Verlander’s fastball matches his fast cars – Dana Wakiji – Fox Sports Detroit

"In a lot with several expensive cars and trucks, the shiny orange Lamborghini Aventador stands out.“I’ve been waiting for it for like two years, so when I get it, it’s like a kid at Christmas,” Verlander said.He also has a new yellow Ferrari."

There’s probably a Kate Upton/overcompensating joke in this material somewhere if anyone wants to dig for it.