Plauderecke » Thursday for the start of the Detroit Tigers winter

DETROIT - Max Scherzer was ready for all the questions — and he doesnt seem to mind that his contract status is such a big topic as spring training approaches. "I figured you guys wanted to talk about it, but this is the perfect time, during the off-season, when were not playing baseball," Scherzer said. Scherzer was at Comerica Park on Thursday for the start of the Detroit Tigers winter caravan. He recently agreed to a one-year, $15,525,000 deal with the Tigers, avoiding arbitration but leaving plenty of questions still unanswered about his future. Scherzer, last years AL Cy Young Award winner, can become a free agent after this season. He says he has no problem fielding questions about his future now, before spring training starts. By the time opening day rolls around, though, hell be focused on pitching. So theres a sense the clock is ticking if the Tigers want to lock up their star right-hander before he reaches free agency. Detroit signed ace Justin Verlander to a $180 million, seven-year deal shortly before last season, avoiding the prospect of Verlander testing the open market. But Verlander was two seasons away from free agency. Scherzer has only one more to go. "Every player wants to be a free agent," Scherzer said. "At the same time, you realize weve got a good thing here in Detroit." The Tigers have won three straight AL Central titles, and Scherzer went 21-3 with a 2.90 ERA last season, winning the Cy Young two years after Verlander did. General manager Dave Dombrowski didnt offer many specifics about the status of negotiations with Scherzer, but he left no doubt about how the organization feels about the 29-year-old pitcher. "I would not characterize our discussion as strong, weak, anything other than we are hopeful that wed like to have him in the organization for an extended time," Dombrowski said. "I know he has expressed a desire that hed like to stay here. Hopefully that leads to a position where something can happen." A couple recent deals have given Scherzer a sense of the type of contract that could await him. Clayton Kershaw, a two-time Cy Young winner who is four years younger than Scherzer, reached a $215 million, seven-year agreement to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka came to terms with the New York Yankees for $155 million over seven years. "Owners are making more money, and therefore players are going to make more money," Scherzer said. "You have new TV money coming in. Thats good for everybody involved. Its win-win for the owners and for the players." Scherzer says his arm feels good, and that hell keep working to improve. He said his curveball can still progress, for example. "Theres always things you can tinker with in spring training. Its a great time to practice and try new things," he said. The question is whether this might be his final season in Detroit, but thats not a prospect Scherzer is too worked up about right now. "I love it here in Detroit. This is a great team, weve got so much talent, weve been together for so long, and Im comfortable," Scherzer said. "Obviously this is a place I want to play, and thats why I said hopefully we can get something done before spring training." Kahale Warring Womens Jersey . Trailing by a goal after 20 minutes of play, Joe Pavelski responded with three goals and an assist as the Sharks snapped a two-game losing skid with a 5-2 victory over the struggling Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Kahale Warring Texans Jersey . The Tournament of Champions, which starts Friday, is his first event since a freak accident in Shanghai two months ago. Snedeker was on a Segway scooter during a corporate outing at Sheshan International when he took a tumble and injured his left knee. http://www.officialhoustontexanspro.com/Max-scharping-texans-jersey/ . Defenceman Tessa Bonhomme was among three players released from the team Tuesday morning along with defenceman Brigette Lacquette of Waterhen, Man. Max Scharping Jersey . - Veteran Kings defenceman Robyn Regehr, sidelined since Game 1 of the Anaheim series, says hes close to returning. Max Scharping Youth Jersey . The Toronto Argonauts signed the veteran linebacker to a three-year deal Tuesday, hours after the start of CFL free agency.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Tight end Rob Gronkowski is one of six New England Patriots starters inactive for the final regular-season game for the AFCs top seed.With home-field advantage clinched throughout the conference playoffs going into Sundays game against Buffalo, the Patriots also listed as inactive five regulars who were questionable on the injury report — wide receiver Julian Edelman (thigh, concussion), cornerback Brandon Browner (groin), linebacker Donta Hightower (shoulder), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) and guard Dan Connolly (knee).ddddddddddddunning back Jonas Gray already had been declared out with an ankle injury.Two starters are inactive for the Bills: defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (knee) and cornerback Stephon Gilmore (concussion). Also inactive are wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, linebacker Randell Johnson, tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, tight end Chris Gragg and running back Bryce Brown.Buffalo has been eliminated from playoff contention.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '