Magglio Ordonez's son taken by Tigers in MLB draft

The Detroit Tigers picked a familiar name in the MLB draft Saturday. The team reached back to it's recent past and took the son of playoff hero Magglio Ordonez in the 38th round of the draft, who also goes by the same name.

For those that remember, the elder Ordonez hit the game winning home run to send the Tigers to the 2006 World Series.  His son is a senior at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida  and was drafted with other sons with major league ties. Sons of Bobby Bonilla, Cal Ripken Jr., Mariano Rivera, Lenny Dykstra, Paul Byrd, Charlie Leibrandt and Benito Santiago.

The younger Ordonez will have the chance to climb the ladder and make it to the majors on his own merit.

Tigers' Evan Reed being investigated for sexual assault

Reliever Evan Reed is being investigated by the Detroit Police Department after allegations of involvement in a sexual assault, according to reports.

MyFoxDetroit.com broke the story Monday evening, reporting that the alleged assault took place the day before Opening Day.

The Tigers issued a response to the report, saying: “The organization is aware of the very serious allegation that has been made against pitcher Evan Reed. This allegation is concerning and we are aware of an on-going investigation. It would be inappropriate for the ballclub to comment further at this time.”

Reed’s attorney, David G. Gorcyca, the former Oakland County prosecutor, also issued a statement, which read:

“I was informed this morning that the Detroit Police Department has opened an investigation involving Evan Reed. We are very confident that once a thorough and full investigation is completed, Mr. Reed will have nothing to fear.

“During the infancy of this investigation, no one should formulate any conclusions that a crime has been committed. Mr. Reed is currently on a seven-day West Coast road trip and has not been contacted by the Detroit Police Department. We plan on cooperating with the investigation when the time is appropriate. Until then, no further comment will be made by me or Mr. Reed.”

The Tigers released a statement Monday night saying the organization is aware of the "very serious allegation," made against Reed, adding the allegation is "concerning," and that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

Reed appeared in the Opening Day win over the Royals, pitching the seventh inning. He went 1 1/3 innings in the Tigers’ win over the Orioles on Friday.

Detroit Tigers showing interest in reliever Luis Ayala

Even though Dave Dombrowski said the Detroit Tigers were done spending for the offseason, he's still looking to improve the team and do it in an affordable way.

The Tigers have shown interest in right handed veteran reliever Luis Ayala. Ayala spent most of last year with the Atlanta Braves after pitching in two games with the Baltimore Orioles. He went 1-1 with a 2.90 ERA in 37 games with the Braves.

In three years with the Atlanta Braves Ayala has made about 157 appearances while posting a 2.58 ERA. Ayala, 36, must have himself a top agent if he’s able to get the attention of almost every organization in the league. The Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners are also said to be courting the well traveled veteran.

Overall Ayala has a career record of 38-47 with a 3.34 ERA and 367 strikeouts in 554 1/3 innings for the Montreal Expos, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Florida Marlins, New York Yankees, Orioles and Braves.

Omar Infante signs four year deal with the Kansas City Royals

Omar Infante is officially once again an ex-Detroit Tiger. The second baseman reportedly will sign with the AL Central rival Kansas City Royals.

Reports say the contract is for four years and around $30 million.

The Tigers went in a different direction at second base when they traded first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for Ian Kinsler.

The New York Yankees were thought to be the leader for Infante's services and reportedly offered three years for $24 million but Infante wanted four years, so he signed with Kansas City instead. It's a good pickup for Kansas City as they filled their hole at second base for good value.

Infante batted  .318 with 10 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .795 OPS in 118 games for the Tigers in 2013. Infante has a .279 career average and a .721 career OPS.

Even though he won't be a Tiger, they'll see a lot of him within the division.

Former MLB All-Star Magglio Ordonez elected mayor of Venezuelan city

Former MLB All-Star Magglio Ordoñez was elected mayor of Juan Antonio Sotillo, a municipality in the Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui.

Sotillo, in coastal northeastern Venezuela, is home to about 250,000 people — about the population of Orlando, Fla.

Ordoñez was among the winners in the 335 elections Sunday across Venezuela.

He’s a member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, which boasts more than 5 million members, and is a backer of President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro became president in April after the death of Hugo Chavez.

Ordoñez’s victory was announced on the party’s Spanish language website at psuv.org.ve. It did not list the ballot totals.

Ordoñez, 39, earned $133.4 million in his major league career, according to baseball-reference.com.

The former American League batting champion returned to Venezuela after his retirement from baseball in 2011 and has been positioning for a career in politics.

Ordoñez was a six-time all-star and played for the Tigers from 2005-11. He played for the Chicago White Sox from 1997-2004.

In his 15 seasons, he hit 294 home runs, 426 doubles, and 21 triples, and had 1,236 RBI, 651 walks and 94 stolen bases. He was a career .309/.369/.502 hitter over 1,848 career games.

Ordoñez is perhaps best known in Detroit for his walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2006 American League Championship Series against the Oakland Athletics, a blast that sent the Tigers to the World Series.

Tigers need some thunder on the bench

The Detroit Tigers don't need to do too much retooling of their roster to remain a contender. While the team does have holes in left field, closer, and possibly third base, they have enough to remain atop the American League Central.

The Tigers grabbed some payroll flexibility when they traded first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler. I'm not in the business of trying to spend someone else's money but I do have an opinion on what the Tigers should have on the bench. They do need speed, but they also need a bat or two on the bench.

When I look at the current 40 man roster I don't see anyone who isn't a regular that scares me. There isn't anyone I think that could run into one and maybe be a steady bat off the bench. Matt Tuiasosopo filled that role last season but eventually the magic ran out and he was put on waivers. They'll bring back utilityman Don Kelly and even though he's come up with some timely hits, he's not one who I would be afraid of in a clutch situation. With leftfield up for grabs either Andy Dirks or Nick Castellanos (if he's not moved to third) will be manning left. Which means one or the other will be on the bench.

I'm not calling my suggestions that I'll mention an end all, be all solution, but I do believe they could help in the short term and be cost effective.

Raul Ibanez- The ageless wonder whacked 29 homers playing on an offensive challenged team in Seattle and playing in spacious Safeco Field. You could plug Ibanez in at DH or platoon him at first with Victor Martinez if you keep Miguel Cabrera at third. His price might be too high, but at 41 you won't be tied to him too long.

Jeff Francouer- The one time hot prospect has fizzled, but two seasons ago showed some signs of life in Kansas City. He could come cheap since he was released by Kansas City. He could supply some defense with the strong arm. His drawback is that he's a free swinger and the Tigers don't need that when they need to get a run across.

Mark Reynolds and Carlos Pena- These two players are nearly identical...feast or famine. They'll get you some bombs but they'll strike out a whole lot. Both players are someone an opposing pitcher would have to be somewhat careful with.

Nate McLouth- Could be a nice, cheap bench option for a contender.

Rajai Davis- If you want a late inning defensive replacement and some speed off the bench this is your guy.

Eric Chavez- Yes he gets hurt a lot, but maybe just maybe he can hold the fort until Castellanos is ready to take over full time. At the very least keep him around to teach him a few things.

I'm not saying these are players they should be fully investing time to go after, but maybe take a flier on one of them and see can they catch lightning in a bottle and get a little thunder on the bench .  

Tigers trying to work out a deal with Brian Wilson

The Detroit Tigers came into the offseason with the goal of acquiring a closer. After finally settling on Joaquin Benoit, the Tigers knew they had to revamp the bullpen.

After being mentioned as a possible suitor for Joe Nathan, the Tigers reportedly are in negotiations with free agent closer Brian Wilson.

 Wilson met Sunday with Tigers manager Brad Ausmus and with Wilson’s agent, Dan Lozano, in Los Angeles.

Wilson, 31, is coming off a partial 2013 season in which he posted an ERA of 0.66 in 13 2/3 innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wilson didn't make his season debut until Aug. 22 because he was working his way back from Tommy John surgery performed in April of 2012.

Wilson was a three time All Star with the San Francisco Giants, where he had his greatest success. If the Tigers can  sign Wilson it would address the glaring hole in the bullpen they've been trying to ever since Jose Valverde was forced to relinquish the closer's role.

Along with the Tigers, Wilson has also reportedly drawn interest from the Rockies, Rangers, Angels, Mariners and the Indians. He's reportedly looking for a multi-year deal.

Report: Jhonny Peralta to sign with Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are keeping busy in the offseason. After trading third baseman David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels for outfielder Peter Bourjos, the Cardinals are reportedly making a slight splash in free agency.

According to reports the Cardinals are closing in on a deal with former Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

The team is looking to upgrade from the tandem of Peter Kozma and Daniel Descalso. Peralta will do just that, but if he's signing in the neighborhood of the reported $50 million or more that he had on the table the Cards would be better served taking a pass.

Peralta ,31, served a 50 game susupension for his involvement Major League Baseball's Biogenesis scandal. He's a two time All-Star and .268 career hitter with 156 home runs in 11 seasons with the Cleveland Indians and Detroit. He came back from the suspension to help the Tigers reach the American League championship series and had a very solid playoff performance.

Due to the suspension I figured Peralta might come a little cheaper. Terms of the deal have not been announced.

Charlie Manuel expresses interest in managing Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers manager job is an attractive one right now.  The team is coming off it's third straight appearance in the American League Championship Series and have made two World Series appearances (2006, 2012).

There have been a lot of names thrown out there and there should be no shortage of managers currently on the sideline that would like to take the Tigers job.

Former Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has 'expressed his interest' in taking over the Tigers gig that Jim Leyland recently stepped down from. Leyland said he didn't have much left in the tank but Manuel, who is 70, says he still has the fire during an interview with Detroit Sports 105.1.

 "My agent will definitely call some teams and feel them out," Manuel said. "He talks to me before he does it. He chats with me regular."

"Condition-wise, I feel tremendous," Manuel said. "I've still got the fire. I've got a full tank. I'm still very much in the game."

Manuel managed the Indians from 2000-2002 and won the AL Central in 2001. He managed the Phillies from 2004-2013, winning a World Series title in 2008, reaching the World Series again in 2009 losing to the New York Yankees.

Manuel won 780 games in Philadelphia, including five consecutive National League East titles from 2007-2011.

Eric Wedge and Dusty Baker interested in Detroit Tigers managerial opening

With Jim Leyland stepping down as manager of the Detroit Tigers speculation has begun on who'll take over for the American League Central champions.

There might be two guys interested in the job. Former Cincinnati Reds skipper Dusty Baker and former Seattle Mariners manager Eric Wedge.

Wedge stated that he would love the opportunity to manage the Tigers. Baker said that he would be flattered to manage the Tigers.

“If the Tigers have interest in me, I would love the opportunity,” Wedge said today. 

“I’ve always respected Dave Dombrowski and what Dave has accomplished,” Baker said. “I have the ultimate respect and friendship for Jim Leyland. I’d be flattered and honored to be given such an opportunity.”

Wedge resigned from his post in Seattle due to philosophical differences with the front office. Wedge wanted a win now approach while the front office felt the team should build with young players. Baker was fired from the Reds for his team practically collapsing late in the season and for sticking up for a coach the team wanted to fire.

The Tigers would also like a manager that is driven to win now. The team is clearly in a win now mode and is looking to win it's first World Series since 1984. The Tigers came up short in 2006 and 2012.

I don't know if Baker or Wedge are viewed as bonafide candidates, but I'm sure their names will be thrown in the mix.

If I had my choice I'd pick Wedge since Baker has a bad track record with overworking pitchers (Kerry Wood, Mark Prior).

This is the problem with fans wanting Leyland gone. No one seems to be thrilled with the possible list of candidates and can't name anyone to take over the reins of a possible championship team.

Ex-Tiger outfielder Bubba Trammell charged with aggravated assault

Former Detroit Tigers outfielder Bubba Trammell is facing charges of aggravated assault after he allegedly ran down two police officers after they responded to a domestic violence call at his Knoxville, Tennessee home.

Trammell has struggled with depression in the past and that might have something to do with the charges he's facing.

This past Saturday, Trammell, 42, who has struggled with depression in the past, allegedly pushed a family member and began breaking items inside his home, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. He also allegedly exposed himself to a female family member.

Trammell allegedly “drove his vehicle eastbound on Glenrothes Boulevard toward officers,” according to the arrest warrant obtained by the Sentinel. “Officers were standing in the street, in front of the defendant, signaling him to stop. Officers had to move out of the path of the vehicle to avoid being struck by the vehicle.

“When officers entered their vehicles to go after the defendant, he came back to the scene and was taken into custody.”

Trammell will be arraigned on September 23 on the two aggravated assault charges, plus charges of domestic assault and indecent exposure.

Report: Tigers could be a player for Yankees' Robinson Cano

Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has a pretty hefty payroll. But he has shown that he's willing to spend to get that elusive World Series trophy.

The Tigers are contenders this year and might be in the market for a second baseman if Omar Infante leaves in free agency. One player that has been mentioned is New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano.

“Owner Mike Ilitch is aggressive and wants to win a championship, and while the team's priority must soon be about signing Miguel Cabrera to his next contract, Ilitch has shown he's willing to expand his budget,”ESPN's Buster Olney wrote.

Olney looked at the market for Cano and says that he expects the Yankees to be major players, the Tigers, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants might be interested in the 30 year old All-Star.

I don't see the Phillies getting in the Cano sweepstakes since they just signed Chase Utley to a contract extension. I also can't see Cano leaving the Yankees but that team is getting older and I don't know if Cano wants to play his remaining years on that might not be a playoff contender.

I don't see the Tigers spending big for Cano, but who saw the Prince Fielder signing coming. I'd love to see Cano sporting an Olde English D, but I'm afraid it won't happen. If it does happen expect the price of Hot n Ready's to go up.

Jack Clark fired over his PED remarks about Pujols and Verlander

Former major leaguer Jack Clark, who accused Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander and Anaheim Angels slugger Albert Pujols of using performance enhancing drugs, has been fired from his job as a Fox Sports Radio talk-show host, the St. Louis Dispatch is reporting.

Clark, who hit 340 home runs during an 18-year big league career, began working at WGNU-AM in St. Louis just last week. He based his accusation on conversations he said he had with Chris Mihlfeld, Pujols' former personal trainer, who worked with the Dodgers when Clark was the team's hitting coach in 2000. He also accused Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander of using PED's since he's had a dropoff in performance from previous years.

"Verlander was like Nolan Ryan, he threw 97, 98, 100 miles an hour from the first inning to the ninth inning," Clark said on WGNU-AM. "He got that big contract, now he can barely reach 92, 93. What happened to it? He has no arm problems, nothing's wrong. It's just the signs are there.

"The greed ... they juice up, they grab the money and it’s just a free pass to steal is the way I look at it."

InsideSTL Enterprises quickly distanced itself from Clark and co-host Kevin Slaten. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the company issued a statement saying it had "terminated its relationship with Jack Clark and Kevin Slaten. As independent contractors, we want to make it clear that the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of InsideSTL. Also as independent contractors, InsideSTL did not have editorial control over the show’s content."

"It is irresponsible and reckless for Jack Clark to have falsely accused me of using PEDs," Pujols, who is on the disabled list and did not travel with the Angels to Cleveland, said in a statement. "My faith in Jesus Christ and my respect for this game are too important to me. I would never be able to look my wife or kids in the eye if I had done what this man is accusing me of."

Pujols has threatened legal action against Clark. There has been no word on whether Verlander plans to do the same.

Torii Hunter's son seeking $40 million in lawsuit

Torii Hunter's son, Darius McClinton-Hunter, has filed a lawsuit for $40 million in damages from those who accused the 17-year-old of sexual assault last year. Torii took a leave of absence from the Los Angeles Angels last season to be by his son's side in this case. Hunter is currently an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers.

Hunter's attorney Larry Friedman, says there is also the possibility of legal action against the Prosper (Texas) Police Department, which, Friedman claims, "investigated a crime that didn't exist for over a year after the accuser recanted her complaint."

Two girls said in May 2012 that McClinton-Hunter and three other boys from Prosper (Texas) High School forced them to have sex, but the girl who made the allegations against McClinton-Hunter recanted her statement less than 48 hours later. In February, a grand jury declined to indict McClinton-Hunter. 

One of the other boys was indicted on a lesser charge of unlawful restraint. The case is pending.

The lawsuit, filed in Collin County, Texas, seeks to "recover damages against the girls and the parents of the girls who made the false accusations of sexual assault against Darius that falsely branded as a 'criminal,' ruined his reputation, sent him to an Alternative School for a year, got him kicked off the Prosper High School Football Team and banned from High School Sports."

In my personal opinion the truth lies somewhere in the middle. I don't know the facts of the case so I won't go and say the girls are lying or say that it was consensual. But if one has recanted her statement there is some truth to both sides of the story.

It's a ridiculous amount of money Hunter is seeking, but I do agree that false rape allegations and the like should be punished harshly. This is a period of time, unfortunately, where men and women are not equal, but opposite of the way it had been for centuries.

Verlander says he would accept a gay teammate

During an interview with CNN's Carol Costello, Detroit Tigers pitcher, Justin Verlander, said that he would "absolutely" accept an openly gay player on his team.

"I wouldn't mind it," Verlander added.

While some players in the major professional sports have reservations about having a gay teammate, it's almost a breath of fresh air to hear one of baseball's big names to say he'd welcome a gay teammate. I still don't think anyone is ready to face it head on no matter how they speak on the subject.

Verlander went on to say that he's "pretty sure" that there are gay players currently playing in the majors and that the Tigers are equipped to have a gay player in the clubhouse.

"I'm sure there are," Verlander said when asked if there are currently gay MLB players. "I think as with any sport, a gay player would be hesitant to come out, but the sheer number says there absolutely is."

"Yeah, I don't see why not, given the right situation, and a team that's a family atmosphere, and I feel like we have that atmosphere here. I don't think one of our players would be scared to come out. We got 25 guys, it's a family, and our goal is to win a World Series. What your sexual orientation is, I don't see how that affects the ultimate goal of our family.

I agree with what he's saying but he doesn't speak for the rest of his teammates who might feel differently about it. It really shouldn't matter as long as he would be helping your team compete an win championships while performing at a high level. Right now it won't be accepted and I'm pretty sure we're a long way off from seeing a player come out.

Family of Tigers' Brayan Villarreal escapes armed kidnapping

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Brayan Villareal is breathing a bit easier today after his family was unharmed after an armed kidnapping attempt in his native Venezuela.


The Tigers confirmed Sunday that the family of relief pitcher Brayan Villarreal was the target of an unsuccessful armed kidnapping on Friday night in Venezuela.

No members of Villarreal's family were harmed, however, and the incident won't require him to leave spring training.

Villarreal was not with the team on Sunday when it played the Braves. His next scheduled appearance is for Monday's game in Lakeland against the Braves.

Tom Gage of the Detroit News also confirmed that there was gunfire involved in the attempt.

It's not uncommon for players and their families from Latin and South America to become targets for financial gain. Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos was kidnapped and freed less than two years ago.

Hopefully the Tigers will help Villarreal get his family out of there so they'll never have to live through something like that again.

Tigers might bring back Jose Valverde

The Detroit Tigers are unsettled in their bullpen. The closer portion to be specific.

After a horrible postseason in which he allowed nine earned runs on 11 hits and one walk in 2 2/3 innings during the postseason, former closer Jose Valverde was shown the door. The Tigers are committed to making rookie Bruce Rondon the closer. Right now the Rondon experiment looks to be on shaky ground.

Valverde hasn't been signed by anyone and he dropped out of the World Baseball Classic (Dominican Republic) for personal reasons.

Last month Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he was "shocked" that Valverde hasn't been signed by anyone. Joel Sherman of the New York Post has reported that Leyland is interested in bringing back Valverde as a safety net in case Rondon can't hold down the job.

Leyland is interested but Valverde actually returning is another story. I would not entertain that thought for one minute. If I'm looking for a safety net, try Brian Wilson on an incentive laden deal.

Bringing back Valverde would do nothing except damage his now fragile psyche after the epic collapse he endured last season. Imagine the chorus of boos raining down on him at Comerica Park. He doesn't need to be back in Detroit and the fans don't want him back.
 

Delmon Young apologizes, answers questions from media

After a week of hearing nothing from him Detroit Tigers outfielder Delmon Young met with the media to apologize and answer questions. 

Although he probably had someone write this out for him and was coached on what to say, Young appeared to be emotional at times but contrite about his misgivings. Young didn't point fingers or try to blame anyone else. He placed the blame at his feet. He couldn't speak on anything case related, but I get the feeling that he'll get off light.

"I put myself in a bad situation and have no one to blame but myself. I'm currently getting treatment in an alcohol program through Major League Baseball," he said. "I just want to let people know that I'm not all the things that are saying about me. I made a lapse in judgment, but I can tell you that I am not an anti-Semitic.


"I wasn't raised that way. I come from a good family


"I hope that through the treatment program, I'll get all the help I need to come back and be a great teammate and successful baseball player in the Tigers' organization.


"I'll let my action from here on out take care of itself."

"With the job we have, everything is going to be public whether it's good or bad," said Young, 26. "It comes with the territory of being a professional athlete.

"I hope that after a while that people will see the person who's being portrayed isn't who I am. But I know it's going to take a while. You don't convince anyone with one speech."

Young also spoke with a local rabbi and both said it was a "wonderful conversation".

The only way this blows over is if Young works hard, keeps his mouth shut, and produces. If he doesn't he'll hear about it all year.

Victor Martinez could be back by the end of this season

It’s been a tough couple weeks for the Tigers who’ve had to deal with losing streaks, inconsistent pitching and Delmon Young’s drunken racist New York City tirade last week.

However some potential good news for the team revolves around injured DH Victor Martinez.

According to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, doctors have given Martinez better than a 20% chance to return to the team later this season which is something V-Mart is running with.

“Doctors say there is a lot of chance to play at the end of the year,” Martinez said, sitting in front of his locker during his first trip to Comerica Park this regular season. “So like I say, keep your fingers crossed, keep working hard and see what happens. He gave me 20% before, now he’s giving me a good chance to come back at the end of the year.”


“Big hopes for the end of the year,” he said. “So we’ll see how it goes. Just keep working slow, just got to make sure you put the hard work in everyday. “


Martinez underwent microfracture surgery in late January to repair his injured knee and at this point it doesn’t seem like he will need follow-up surgery. If he would’ve needed the addition surgery on his knee Martinez would’ve had no shot at returning this season.

Last season in his first year with the Tigers Martinez hit .330 with 12 home runs and 103 RBI.

Doug Fister going to the 15 day DL

The Detroit Tigers are one of the favorites to win the World Series. You have to be good to accomplish the feat, but you also have to be lucky. Which means staying injury free.

Today the Tigers' Doug Fister had to leave the game in the fourth inning of their 10-0 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Fister had to leave because of a  left costochondral strain. A rib strain for those not in the medical profession. Fister was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Tigers called up reliever Brayan Villarreal from Toledo.

The Tigers should hope this is the exception and not the rule for the season.