Detroit Tigers Links: 2014 Rotation even better, Scherzer & Avila, V-Mart & hometown Bass

May 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello (21) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Is starting rotation for Detroit Tigers even better than in 2013? So far, the numbers say it is – Chris Iott, MLive

"Doug Fister has yet to make his first start of the season for the Washington Nationals. Robbie Ray has yet to make his first appearance in the majors. Off days and weather postponements have prevented Drew Smyly from getting into a regular pattern as a starter. Anibal Sanchez is on the disabled list.But the starting rotation for the Tigers in 2014 so far has posted better numbers than it did over the course of the 2013 season."

The starters are on a roll now. It seems like a distant memory when only one starter got a win the first time through the rotation.

Tigers’ Scherzer and Avila thrive on in-your-face relationship – Terry Foster, Detroit News

"He treats everybody differently. The relationship with Scherzer is more of the man-cave mentality. Verlander wants to be left alone before games and is more of a calm focus on the mound.“Max likes you to get in his face a little bit,” Avila said. “Justin is more intense but a more relaxed intensity and a more matter-of-fact. On the day of his start you can tell in his face that nobody should talk to him. Every guy is different, and it is my job to know how to help them prepare for a game,” he said. “We have to be able to execute a game plan and at the same time make adjustments quickly.”The dynamic with Scherzer is more interesting because Avila has permission to get mouthy.“At times he does it, and it makes my job easier,” Scherzer said. “I know he wants me to pitch my best, and if it takes him getting in my face, then let’s do it. We are here to win and we do what it takes.”"

Avila’s cool demeanor is a good contrast to Max and Justin’s fiery game day persona.

VMart’s still locked in at plate, all the more reason he may stick around with Tigers – Matthew B. Mowery, Oakland Press

"“Vic’s a professional hitter. Very few people I’ve come across never give up on any particular pitch in any particular count. This guy is 100 percent concentrated on every single pitch he sees,” said manager Brad Ausmus, who played for 18 seasons, alongside a handful of eventual Hall of Famers."

An interesting argument over this season could be if you can only keep one, who do you keep? Max or V-Mart? That may not be an argument, but instead a real scenario by the end of the season.

Tigers Notes: Astros’ Bass enjoys facing favorite childhood team – Dana Wakiji, Fox Sports Detroit

"Bass still has fond memories of going to games at old Tiger Stadium.“Went and watched Cecil Fielder play, obviously Brad Ausmus when he was there,” Bass said. “Got my first ball at old Tiger Stadium. I’ll always remember that to this day so that place holds a special part in my life.”Although Tiger Stadium is no more, it will live on in Bass’ memories.“I’m happy that they still have that flag up there where the stadium was,” Bass said. “It was just special. A lot of people in Detroit hold that place close to them and definitely I’m one of them.”"

The Tigers and their fans enjoyed playing Bass on Monday night when he allowed V-Mart insurance solo shot in the eighth inning.