Detroit Tigers Links: What does the future hold for Tigers, Max Scherzer?

It still kinda feels like an old friend has left and will not return for a long time, doesn’t it? Set aside the disappointing end to the Detroit Tigers season and highlight the word “end.” When you spent better parts of seven months, from late-February until early-October, its hard to disengage. You think, “wonder who’s starting tonight?” “Hopefully they’ll get on track,” until you realize.

While the sadness is subsiding, be sure to continue to turn to Motor City Bengals all offseason long for your Tigers’ news, notes, and hot stove action.

Today in the morning links we begin to look at the future. First up, Max Scherzer said all the right things on Sunday (I mean did we expect him to say “I want out of this place”–of course not) and wants to come back. But will that happen?

Next, we take a look at two articles discussing if this current crop of Tigers still have the ability to win it all.

What Happens to Max Scherzer After Detroit Tigers’ ALDS Sweep? – Mike Rosenbaum, Bleacher Report

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"While it’s far from a guarantee that the Tigers will attempt to meet Scherzer’s contract demands, it’d be surprising if they didn’t at least engage in negotiations given his success with the franchise and desire to come back next year."

Tigers’ era not over, even if it feels like it – Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press

"It’s possible that Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez join David Price to form a very good 1-2-3 next year, and perhaps Porcello takes that final step. This rotation could be a foundation, and if Martinez re-signs or a similar bat comes in, this team will contend in the division once more — if the bottom of the order and the bullpen are rounded out.Dombrowski faces his most challenging off-season in years, since at least 2009, when the Tigers lost to the Twins in Game 163 and he knew that he needed more firepower."

Has the World Series Window Closed for the Detroit Tigers? – John Stolnis, NumberFire

"The window to win a World Series, it appears, is beginning to slam shut. If it hasn’t already.The Tigers’ payroll in 2014 was just over $163.6 million, and next year they already have $98.5 million on the books, with holes to fill in the rotation and, more urgently, the bullpen. Detroit’s current path has been compared by many to the 2011 Phillies, who won 102 games, lost in the NLDS, and then saw their window of opportunity slam shut.Are the Tigers there now? Or can they still squeeze one more year out of their core, before Price leaves for free agency?"