Detroit Tigers Links: DD talks baseball’s growth, Drew still not likely, Miggy’s contract in perspective, terrifying Bobblehead Max

Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers’ Dave Dombrowski puts baseball’s growth in perspective – Noah Trister, AP

"“We’ve become such a larger industry. . With that comes more dollars being spent for players, more employees in front offices, more scouts, more player development people,” Dombrowski said during a spring training interview with The Associated Press. “The part where it hasn’t changed is that putting together a club, in many ways, is very similar. We have a lot more devices and tools to use, because we have the statistical analysis."

Sounds like the words of a man drumming up his candidacy for commissioner of baseball. Speculate, speculate, speculate….

Stephen Drew may be willing to sign 1-year deal, but Detroit Tigers still likely to pass – James Schmehl, MLive

"By waiting until the day after opening day to sign with a team, Drew essentially guaranteed himself protection as he can no longer be subject to a qualifying offer from a team at the end of the 2014 season if he chooses to sign a one-year deal. The Tigers are confident Gonzalez and Romine can fill the shortstop job, and based on Gonzalez’s late-game heroics Monday, they could be right. That said, it’s hard to argue that Drew isn’t a better overall solution than either Gonzalez or Romine, particularly if he’s willing to settle on a one-year deal."

I wish someone kept stats for the times Stephen Drew‘s name was mentioned in Comerica Park on Opening Day. It likely reached its highest peak when Alex Gonzalez dropped a ball and recorded an error in the middle of the game and then slowly receded when he drove in the game tying and winning run in consecutive at-bats. Nonetheless, for some fans, the fervor will not end until Drew signs elsewhere.

Miguel Cabrera’s contract is insane, but it’s not that bad – Motor City Bengals special to Detroit Free Press

"ESPN nearly burned down — likely because the Yankees or Red Sox weren’t agreeing to the contract. Baseball executives were reportedly “appalled and disgusted” by the deal, no doubt throwing up into a nearby wastebasket with tattered remains of their big contracts of the past. Those unnamed executives who always refuse to go on record when complaining to the Buster Olneys of the world have and will sign these crazy contracts. If Cabrera hit the open market, you had better believe each these execs would have signed this contract, given the OK by his owner."

Miggy’s contract is insane–when compared to the working man and woman’s salaries–not so when you put it up against entertainers in Hollywood and the music industry. Miggy’s contract is insane–until its passed up by the next high-profile free agent in a year or two.

The adventures of Bobblehead Max – Phil Coke‘s Brain, Bless You Boys

"You never know where this “guy” might show up."

Max Scherzer‘s bobblehead, which looks nothing like him, was terrifying enough. Now, thanks to Phil Coke’s Brain, it will be in my nightmares for the rest of my life. One, two, Freddy’s MAX is coming for you. / Three, four, better lock your door. / Five, six, grab your crucifix. / Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. / Nine, ten, never sleep again.