Tigers' Verlander gives team deadline to talk extension
Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander is giving the team until Wednesday to offer him a multi-year contract extension.
CBS Sports reported Saturday that Verlander will not talk about a contract with the Tigers after his next spring start because he wants to concentrate on the season, which starts April 1.
Verlander's current deal runs through 2014. The team is aware of his position.
"Once this last start comes around, I want to concentrate on the start of the season," Verlander said.
Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said he does not publicly discuss contract negotiations. Verlander would not further comment on his contract demands.
Dombrowski did say that there is time to work out a deal.
"First of all, Justin is still with us two more years," Dombrowski said. "And as I've said, we want Justin to remain a Tiger for a long time."
Verlander is coming off a 17-8 season with a 2.64 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 238 1/3 innings pitched. He is making just over $20 million this year but could seek a deal similar to the five-year, $175 million contract that the Seattle Mariners have discussed with their ace, Felix Hernandez.
