Detroit Tigers Links: Injured players getting closer, Jim Leyland’s return, Ilitch’s fire still burns & bow tie mania

Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers’ Andy Dirks begins baseball activities; Anibal Sanchez to throw simulated game – Chris Iott, MLive

"“I texted [Andy Dirks] the other day,” Ausmus said. “He threw the other day for the first time and he can take dry swings, just swing the bat easy. So that’s where he’s at. I guess the very beginnings of baseball activities.”Sanchez (right middle finger laceration) is set to pitch in a simulated game Tuesday while the Tigers are in Baltimore. That would put him on track to return to the rotation May 18 against the Red Sox in Boston."

Dirks original return date was late June. This puts him on track for that, if not maybe a week or two sooner.

Ex-Detroit Tigers skipper Jim Leyland briefly back in the spotlight, but he’s enjoying time out of it – Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press

"“I got invited to Mr. I’s box,” Leyland told a group of reporters of owner Mike Ilitch after hanging up his phone. “I haven’t been there in eight years.”Leyland had that relaxed, freshly retired glow. Deep suntan. Untucked shirt.“I didn’t want all this hoopla to be honest with you,” he said."

It was a fun day at the park on Saturday and Leyland received numerous standing ovations from Tigers’ fans. While Jim didn’t want the pomp and circumstance, he told reporters that he was happy to be able to say a formal “goodbye” to fans on the field.

Tigers owner Mike Ilitch still burns to win World Series – Terry Foster, Detroit News

"Ilitch’s health isn’t what it was when he celebrated Stanley Cup championships with the Red Wings. But those around him say Ilitch, who will be 85 in July, still has fire and badly wants a World Series championship this season.“I know he is feeling pretty good, and that is fantastic,” Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander said."

I’m not really sure how long Mr. I has left, but a World Series title would be the perfect event in likely the final years of his era as owner of the team. 

Fans buy up Tigers charity bow ties; more coming – Crain’s Detroit Business

"Fans bought the entire lot of 276 numbered Detroit Tigers Foundation bow ties within 24 hours of them going on sale last week, the team said.To meet the sartorial demand, a new batch of charitable bow ties will be available for sale within two weeks. They’re $57."

The amount of the initial order of bow ties, 276, was symbolic. It marked the number of Detroit Tigers’ victories from 2011 to 2013.