Detroit Tigers Links: Lefty picked up from O’s, Collins surprised, Michigan confident in Tigs & team shows “class”

Sep 27, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mike Belfiore (65) makes his major league debut in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Red Sox defeated the Orioles 12-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers claim left-hander from Orioles – Eduardo Encina, Baltimore Sun

"Belfiore, who allowed one run and five hits in two innings with the Orioles in the Grapefruit League this spring, was one of several left-handed relievers who could have seen time in the major leagues this season because the Orioles are thin on left-handed relief depth."

You can’t go wrong with picking up a young lefty when it costs the team nothing. Belfiore won’t be facing his ex-teammates this weekend as he was promptly assigned to Toledo.

Detroit Tigers’ Tyler Collins surprised to be batting No. 2 vs. Royals – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

"Kansas City left-hander Jason Vargas struggled against hitters of the same hand last season, allowing a .327 average. And Collins has hit lefties, with a .289 average against last season at Double-A Erie. He hit .219 vs. righties.“Historically,” he said, he hits lefties “pretty well.” “But it doesn’t matter. They still have to throw the ball over the plate, and you still got to be patient and swing at good pitches,” he said.And hitting in front of Miguel Cabrera, he could see plenty of good pitches today. “That’s the theory,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “That’s what we’re hoping."

Ausmus was clearly playing the past percentages even if it was pretty unconventional. Collins didn’t get a hit and the Tigers struggled to score, so it didn’t really work out, but it was worth a shot. Fans who were upset about this quickly remembered that Don Kelly has made zero appearances in 2014, so all was forgiven.

Poll shows nearly half of likely Michigan voters believe Detroit Tigers will win World Series – James Schmehl

"A poll from Marketing Resource Group conducted in late March found that nearly half of likely Michigan voters said they believe the Tigers will win the World Series this season. The statewide poll of 600 likely voters by the Lansing-based firm was conducted March 24-28 through live telephone interviews, and showed that 32.7 percent of respondents said the Tigers would “probably win” and 16.3 percent said they would “definitely win.”About 24.8 percent of respondents said they the club would “probably not win” and 7.8 percent believed the Tigers would “definitely not win.” The poll is roughly in line with Las Vegas sports-book oddsmakers, who have listed the Tigers as favorites to reach the World Series out of the American League. The Tigers entered this season as favorites to win the AL pennant with 4-to-1 odds, according to Bovada."

Bunch of homers. Though I think they understand that this could be the Tigers last best chance at winning it all and hope also leads expectations.

Detroit Tigers Make A Pitch To Students With Outdoor Classes – CBS Local

"“We’re combining the love of the Detroit Tigers with the love of education,” said Eli Bayless, Director of Promotions and Special Events for the Tigers. The Tigers are holding a series of five special educational days at Comerica Park this year for high school students.“It’s just a great way for us to talk about the importance of a strong education,” said Bayless. “To talk about the importance of science and math. To talk about how weather works and the science behind it and put it in a forum at the ballpark, and is something that kids are interested in.”"

There was no Comerica Park around when I was in high school–Tiger Stadium was in its final few years when I graduated, but I would have loved an opportunity like this. As a parent with two small children, its always helpful to put them in an environment they love to learn. Win, win all around on this.