Detroit Tigers Links 1/13/14: Rookies prep, Robbie Ray discovers passion of Tigers fans and Lamont a father figure to Big Hurt

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers’ Nick Castellanos, Hernan Perez, Daniel Fields get prep work for majors at MLB’s rookie program – George Sipple, Detroit Free Press

"Outfielder Daniel Fields hit .284 in his first full year at Double-A Erie last season. If he continues to progress at the plate this season, he could be in line to make his major league debut sometime in 2014. The Tigers obviously feel that way — Fields was one of three players sent this past week to Washington for MLB’s rookie career development program. The other attendees sent by the Tigers were Nick Castellanos and Hernan Perez. The rookie career development program gives players who are considered ready or near ready to contribute in the big leagues a crash course on life in the majors."

Why Detroit Tigers prospect Robbie Ray may put his roots in Grand Rapids – Lenny Padilla, MLive

"According to MLB.com’s Jonathon Mayo, Ray is the No. 3 prospect in the Tigers organization. He also might get a strong look for the Tigers rotation in spring training if Tigers starter Justin Verlander isn’t ready yet, according to Mlive.com Tigers reporter James Schmel. Verlander underwent surgery last week to repair a core muscle. Ray said he learned quickly how passionate Tigers fans are. “When the trade first went down, my Twitter followers went from 200 to over 2,000,” he said with a laugh. “So if that’s a good indication of the fan base. They seem pretty dedicated.” Ray [@robbieray22] said he was in town to visit Taylor and her parents, Dale and Ginger Pasma, and to take engagement photos. They also took in a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game. He said he’s not sure where they will live after they get married, but Grand Rapids is a heavy favorite."

Frank Thomas credits Tigers’ Gene Lamont as influence on Hall of Fame career – Sipple

"“I think Gene was a great manager,” Thomas said Wednesday after being named to the Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2014 class along with Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Thomas said Lamont “kind of stabilized my career.” He also said Lamont was like “a father figure.” “Had a lot of special times with him,” Thomas said of Lamont. “I still wish him well. I’m really shocked he still hasn’t become a manager again, because he was a calming influence.”"