Detroit Tigers Links: Dirks’ Back Problem, Vegas Odds, and New Grass Will Be Ready

April 5, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view during the playing of the national anthem before the opening day game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Dirks’ injury dates to high school days – John Lowe – Free Press

"“He’s had off-and-on back pain during his career,” Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said. “It’s always been something he could manage. This time it wasn’t.”"

If the timetable holds, Dirks should be ready to go by the beginning of June. And hopefully by then, fully healthy.

The Ten Most Indispensable Tigers – Lee Panas – Detroit Tiger Tales

"Even the best teams can only sustain so much misfortune and every year the grand plans of some pre-season favorite is derailed by unforeseen circumstances. The hardest thing for analysts or anyone else to predict is injuries and the loss of key players for extended periods can dramatically change the course of a team’s season."

The #1 player might surprise you. OK, not it won’t. It’s Miguel Cabrera.

Las Vegas tabs Tigers as favorites to win AL pennant – Al Beaton – Bless You Boys

"The betting odds stack up favorably in the Tigers’ favor. They are overwhelming favorites to win the AL Central, favored over the Red Sox and Rays to win the American League, and behind only to the Dodgers and Cardinals to win the 2014 World Series."

A big factor here is that the Detroit Tigers are much more likely to win their division than the Red Sox or Rays are, so they’re more likely to be in the (real) playoffs in the first place.

Despite brutal winter, Tigers insist: New field ‘will be ready for Opening Day’ – Tony Paul – Detroit News

"Nabozny and her crew this week began the process of pumping warm air from 750,000-BTU trailer heaters under a massive tarp, and onto the infield surface. Those who walked by the ballpark Wednesday could catch a glimpse of a bubble-like dome rising high above the infield. The heating will continue almost round the clock until the sod installation."

No more ugly mis-matched grass patches will be a welcome sight. Comerica Park had always had such beautiful grass.