Detroit Tigers Links: Omar Infante update, Fifth Third Ballpark reopens & Miggy amazing

Apr 2, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Omar Infante (14) walks back to the dugout against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Royals’ Omar Infante has jaw sprain and ‘non-concussive head injury’ – Mike Axisa, CBS Sports

"Royals second baseman Omar Infante has been diagnosed with a sprain on the right side of his jaw as well as a “non-concussive head injury,” the Royals announced. He also needed six stitches. Infante was hit by a pitch in the face on Monday night and a concussion was feared.  Based on the Kansas City medical team’s initial diagnosis, it does not appear he’ll miss a significant amount of time,” said a team spokesperson to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star. The Royals will evaluate Infante over the next 48 hours before deciding whether to place him on the DL."

This is newsworthy to Tigers’ fans not only because of the implications of the Royals losing Infante’s services for how ever long, but because Omar seemed to be genuinely well-liked among fans in Detroit during his two stints here. Get well soon, Omar!

Never in doubt: Fifth Third Ballpark set to open as promised three months after massive fire – Peter J. Wallner, MLive

"The park has come a long way in a short amount of time. The fire, started by a space heater in one of the suites, heavily damaged the right-field side of the park, destroyed nine suites and gutted the concourse and home team clubhouse. What fans will find 95 days later will be a park still in recovery but ready to host baseball. Crews from Wolverine Building have the first-base side under roof, with restrooms and the main concession stand on that side promised to ready."

I don’t think any of us had any doubts that the Whitecaps and the City of Grand Rapids would get the park up to snuff for the home opener, which took place Tuesday. Still, it’s a job well done and the Whitecaps continue to be a stellar Tigers’ affiliate.

What makes Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera so amazing? Players, coaches chime in – Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press

"“I can’t fathom how one person can be this good for such a long period of time,” Al Kaline said, starting to find the words. “I guess the answer that most people give is the way he uses the whole field and he hits with power and gets base hits even though he can’t run well. He’s not a speed demon.”You know what?” Torii Hunter said, letting out a sigh. “I’ve had a chance to see something different with this guy. It’s the way he carries himself. With all the accolades – Triple Crown, MVP, big contract, everything – this guy is so humble and so charitable and so down to earth. And another thing: He works hard. Behind the scenes, he is in the cage and working hard. Things you don’t see. But you see the results. Trust me. He’s doing some amazing things behind the scenes. He works his butt off.”And yes, at that moment, I felt like I was asking an up-and-coming pop star to comment on the Rolling Stones at the height of their career.“I can only pick one?” Chris Davis asked. “The thing that impresses me the most is the balance when he hits. It’s something we don’t talk about a lot. Being a bigger guy, you see guys falling all over the place. But he always looks like he always has his feet under him.”"

Has there been a player in recent Tigers’ history that is in the drop-what-you-do-and-watch category. Perhaps Bird? Cecil Fielder that one magical season? Enjoy it Tigers’ fans, it just doesn’t come around often.

Detroit Tigers Should Trade for a Left-Handed Reliever – David Fouty, Rant Sports

"While they have all of these position players who could eventually end up with steady jobs in MLB, the Tigers need a left-handed reliever who is ready to pitch in the big leagues now. Left-handed pitching can demand more in a trade, so it might cost them, but they’re already missing Bruce Rondon this season, who they were planning on being their everyday setup man. They’re going to need one more reliever they are confident in if they’re going to win another AL Central crown."

Easier said than done. The author floats names like Hernan Perez or Jordan Lennerton, but could the Tigers get a quality lefty reliever with one of those in return? Teams hold on to their lefties because they are not very plentiful–which is the reason Phil Coke still sports the Olde English D. Teams don’t want to give up on lefties unless they absolutely have to, which is the territory that Coke is finding himself entering.