Detroit Tigers Links: Jimmy Rollins, Bullpen Battle, and First Base Rankings

Feb 28, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers infielder Hernan Perez (26) gets Philadelphia Phillies Jimmy Rollins (11) out on a force play at second during the spring training exhibition game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Rollins won’t waive no-trade clause, not a candidate to be dealt to Detroit – James Schmehl – MLive

"“Because I can’t be traded,” Rollins told MLB.com. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care which way it is tried to be twisted or said, or if it is exactly how it was said, or even if it was said, I can’t be traded. It doesn’t matter. If I was tradeable it may have weight because that means I could be moving soon. But I am not tradeable and so it doesn’t matter.”As a veteran of 10 years in the major leagues and five with the same club, Rollins has full no-trade protection."

I wouldn’t mind Jimmy Rollins in theory, but his $11 million salary and then having to give up a piece to get him, the Tigers probably wouldn’t have been tripping over themselves to acquire him in the first place.

2014 Positional Power Rankings: First Base – Eno Sarris – FanGraphs

"#1 TigersMiguel Cabrera is so good that we docked him first base time for injury and some designated hitting, and he’s still number one. There’s some chance that he should be docked further — Victor Martinez shows up here as a better defender, and another year removed from knee surgery, he might actually show better glove at the position. That would dock Cabrera some positional value, but when you’re projected to have the best bat in the league again, you can afford to lose a run here or there."

No surprise here. Miguel Cabrera is the best hitter in the game, and therefore the Detroit Tigers have the best first base corps in the league.

Brad Ausmus giving many relievers ‘on the bubble’ a full look – John Lowe – Free Press

"“We are making an effort to pitch relievers that we want to look closely at,” Ausmus said in a text message today.With the starters now going more innings with each outing, there are fewer innings in which to look at relievers than earlier in the exhibition season. That’s all the more reason to give those precious, dwindling innings to bubble candidates."

I think it’s going to come down to picking three of Phil Coke, Ian Krol, Luke Putkonen, and Evan Reed. Pretty much like we’ve thought all along.

Comerica Park will sell POUTINE HOT DOGS – Bill Shea – Crain’s Detroit Business

"New this year at Comerica are four $7 specialty natural-casing-frank hot dogs in the food court:• Poutine Dog: frank with french fries, cheese curds and beef gravy• Late Night Dog: frank with fried egg, bacon and cheddar cheese• Pork & Beans: frank with baked beans, cheddar cheese and bacon• Slaw Dog: frank with coney chili and cole slaw"

I’d try the Poutine Dog at least once. Also the Late Night Dog and Slaw Dog sound good. Pork & Beans is a real snoozer, however.