>>Tigers' Verlander Won't Pitch For U.S. In World Baseball Classic

(Lakeland, FL) -- Team USA will not have arguably its best pitcher for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander is declining an invitation to participate in the event. Verlander told reporters of his intention to skip the WBC upon arriving to Detroit's spring training complex in Florida. The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner says he doesn't think his arm would be ready for competitive action by the time the United States begins play in early March. The U.S., Canada, Mexico and Italy will compete in Pool D play beginning March 8th in Phoenix, Arizona.

>>Mariners Finalize Extension With Hernandez

(Peoria, AZ) -- The Seattle Mariners have finalized the much-anticipated contract extension with ace pitcher Felix Hernandez. According to CBSSports.com, the terms remain seven years for 175-million-dollars through 2019. A press conference to formally announce the deal is set for this afternoon. The extension was first reported last week, but the deal hit a snag over concerns about Hernandez's elbow. The Mariners are believed to have added language in the contract to protect themselves from any long-term health concerns for the 26-year-old former Cy Young winner. Hernandez went 13-and-9 with a 3.06 ERA last season. He is 98-and-76 with a 3.22 ERA in eight seasons overall, all with Seattle.

>>Tigers' Prince Fielder On World's Largest Baseball Card

(Lakeland, FL) -- Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder is the featured athlete on what the Topps trading card company is touting as the world's largest baseball card. It was unveiled yesterday at the Tigers' Spring Training home in Lakeland, Florida, measuring 90 feet long by 60 feet wide. One hundred kids and Fielder helped to take part in the event to kick off the season and promote the release of the first series of Topps baseball cards for the year.