Detroit Tigers Links: More Max Scherzer Contract Reaction, and Tigers Sign J.D. Martinez

Mar 20, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) throws against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Max Scherzer might have done Tigers huge favor – Kurt Mensching – Detroit News

"The Tigers should be thankful they won’t actually be on the hook for the offer — if it is as high as reported — because seldom does such a long, high-priced deal with a starting pitcher actually work in a team’s favor."

It’s going to sting if/when Max Scherzer signs elsewhere, but Kurt is probably right — the large contract he’s due to get won’t look good when he’s owed $25+ million per year as a 35 year old.

Max Scherzer and the confusing offseason of the Detroit Tigers – Grant Brisbee – SB Nation

"The agent was not impressed. The Tigers took the unusual move of sending out a press release to explain the non-contract. It read something like, “We tried, everyone. But Max Scherzer and Scott Boras are being super greedy,” but it was phrased a touch more delicately."

I didn’t read it so much as the team calling Max Scherzer greedy as the team telling the fans “sorry, but this just isn’t happening.” I think the writing has been on the wall that the Tigers weren’t going to simply offer him the moon just because they’re scared someone else might sign him in the offseason.

But I will agree with Grant’s theme here — this offseason has been a confusing one.

Trading Scherzer now would be a mistake – Art Regner – Fox Sports Detroit

"Now that contract negotiations have broken off between the Tigers and starting pitcher Max Scherzer, many Detroit fans feel that trading the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner is the best option."

I’m not sure who these fans are that he’s referencing, but they clearly have terrible ideas.

Detroit Tigers sign J.D. Martinez to minor league deal – James Schmehl – MLive

"Martinez spent parts of three years in the majors with Houston, batting .251 with 24 home runs and 126 RBIs.He’s expected to open the season in Triple-A Toledo and is considered organizational depth, but could provide much-needed insurance in the outfield for the Tigers, who have been struck with the injury bug this spring."

J.D. Martinez hits right handed (and not particularly well at that), so he’s not going to provide help in their current predicament, but he does provide a somewhat legitimate emergency option should Detroit suffer another outfield injury (but let’s not think about that).