Detroit Tigers Links: Tigers interested in Price? Porcello appreciates support, former Tiger Tom Veryzer dies

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

MLB trade rumors: Could the Tigers be in on David Price? – Rob Rogacki, Bless You Boys

Like Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez yesterday, David Price is really good. He dominated the Tigers on Sunday night, allowing three runs in 8 2/3 innings. Surprisingly, that was his worst outing in some time; Price had a 2.12 ERA in his previous six starts. He has a 7.95 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2014, second only to Minnesota’s Phil Hughes (prior to Hughes’ start last night). Price is a four-time All-Star and is arguably the best left-handed pitcher in the American League. He is also under contract for the 2015 season, giving the Tigers a ready-made replacement for Max Scherzer until some of the cheaper options on the farm develop.

While the draw of having Price under contract for the 2015 season, it’s hard to imagine the Rays will be willing to part with much less than the entire farm system for that one season. David Price is a certified ace, and a lefty, which in baseball means he’s worth his weight in diamonds and the Rays stay competitive year after year by getting the most they can from their superstars before free agency. Sure, it would be nice to have Price around next season, but not for every prospect in the system that’s worth a lick. 
Rick Porcello ‘excited’ about Tigers backing him in Final Vote – Steve Kornacki, Fox Sports Detroit

According to the latest voting totals, Porcello is third among five candidates with Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale in the lead. And it’s hard to argue with Sale getting the nod with his 8-1 record, 2.16 ERA and 0.87 WHIP.

Porcello’s 11-5 record with a 3.53 ERA and 1.18 WHIP are very good, but don’t approach Sale’s numbers. He might not beat out Sale, but he’s thoroughly enjoyed the Tigers and his teammates promoting him for the honor.

An entertaining video of Detroit reliever Joba Chamberlain interviewing teammates such as Max Scherzer, Torii Hunter, Ian Kinsler and Rajai Davis about why Porcello deserves votes has been playing on the Comerica Park scoreboard video screen.

“Joba’s pretty good at that,” Porcello said. “It’s weird to have all your teammates talking about you, and doing it for you. I definitely appreciate it, and I’m happy it’s going on.

“It’s just humbling. Torii Hunter talking about me being an All-Star is pretty cool…Whether I win it or not, I’m never going to forget it.”

There is little to no chance of Porcello staging a comeback against Sale, but really, his quotes in this piece say it all. And lets not forget that Porcello is 25 years old and just starting to hit the peaks and crests of his career. If he continues to improve on his excellent season so far, there is no reason he won’t need the fan vote next year, he’ll be an inital selection. 

Former Detroit Tigers SS Tom Veryzer dies at 61 – Perry A. Farrell, Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Tigers confirmed today that former shortstop Tom Veryzer, 61, died this week.

Veryzer was the Tigers’ starting shortstop after Eddie Brinkman and before Alan Trammell. He played five years with the team, hitting an RBI single in his first plate appearance in 1973. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians in December 1977, after batting just .231 in Detroit.