Detroit Tigers Links: Peralta’s would-be appeal, More Fister backlash & the size of Castellanos’ leash

Jhonny Peralta. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jhonny Peralta wanted to appeal suspension, but Detroit Tigers traded for Jose Iglesias – Josh Slagter, MLive

"“It was so hard,” Peralta told USA Today, “everything was going on in my head. I tried to do that. I tried to appeal. But there wasn’t good communication between my agent and (Tigers president Dave) Dombrowski. “When they got Iglesias, I knew I had to take my suspension.”“We talked to his agent (Seth Levinson, at the time) and we knew he was thinking of appealing,” Tigers president Dave Dombrowski told USA Today. “There was a time I was thinking he was going to appeal. And at that point, we wouldn’t have made a trade. But my gut told me the closer we got to the (trade) deadline, and talked to them, he wasn’t going to appeal.”"

I was one of those that thought Peralta was going to fight the suspension because of questionable ways MLB went about obtaining its “evidence.” I’m no fan of Alex Rodriguez by any means, and neither was baseball, which is why I believe (and these opinions are only mine and probably a wild-eyed conspiracy theory) that MLB was out to get rid of A-Rod and help the Yankees in the process, taking the other players down in the process. But that’s a tale I’ll tell one day while guest hosting Coast to Coast AM.

As far as Jhonny, I wish him well. He apologized, served his suspension, took his lumps, and was one of the main reasons that the Tigers advanced out of the first round of the playoffs.

Tigers notes: Base running a priority – Dana Wakiji, Fox Sports Detroit

"“I want to make clear that doesn’t mean there’s a carousel out there,” Ausmus said. “I know this from experience — if you have the green light and you’re on first base, from pitch one, you’re much more in tune with what’s going on. You’re trying to time the pitcher, you’re watching the catcher. As opposed to just standing there without the green light, and now all of a sudden you get the steal, now you haven’t been timing the pitcher. You’re much more in tune, much more in rhythm of the game if you have the green light because you’re looking for opportunities.”"

The Tigers defeated their college buddies yesterday by a score of 12-0, so we didn’t get an accurate gauge of their speed–especially with the regulars only receiving one at-bat. Stay tuned for updates on Detroit’s new-found speed or lack thereof.

National writers still trying to make sense of Detroit Tigers trading Doug Fister – Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press

"Many pundits called it the best trade of the off-season – for the Nationals. Many argued the Tigers didn’t do their homework. But Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports suggested late last week the trade is starting to make sense, given the tightening market for young pitchers.Rosenthal later wrote: “While the Tigers wanted to increase payroll flexibility and clear a spot in their rotation for left-hander Drew Smyly, Dombrowski said the only way they were going to trade a veteran starter was if they could acquire a younger pitcher who was close to the majors. Ray was that guy.”"

Clearly the Tigers won this trade. Yesterday, Robbie Ray threw three scoreless innings, fanning five of the six batters he faced and Steve Lombardozzi was 2-for-2 with a double and triple. There is no more accurate measuring stick than the very first Spring Training game in February against a college team. Meanwhile Doug Fister has yet to throw a pitch for the 2014 Washington Nationals.  Advantage=Detroit

The sarcasm scale is registering an 8.0.

How patient will Detroit Tigers be with rookie Nick Castellanos? Who will bat fifth in lineup? – James Schmehl, MLive

"As for Castellanos, I suspect the Tigers will be very patient this season. Like, very, very patient. And the reason? Simply, really. They don’t really have a better option. As it stands today, Don Kelly is the team’s primary backup third baseman. And behind Kelly? Steve Lombardozzi. Call me crazy, but neither of those names seem like everyday solutions at third base. And, I’m fairly certain I’m not in the minority when I say that.Now, I know the Tigers could always shift Miguel Cabrera back to third base and anoint Victor Martinez as their everyday first baseman, but — as of now — that scenario isn’t even being considered in the Tigers’ clubhouse. There’s a slight possibility it could be put on the table down the road, if the Tigers aren’t getting any production out of the third-base spot by the All-Star break, but as of now, the Tigers appear committed to Castellanos as their third baseman."

The lack of depth at third is indeed troubling. Barring a trade, no one is lurking out there on the free agent wire. Like it or not, Casty’s the man at the hot corner. Perhaps that will help him relax a bit. Fingers crossed….