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Posted on Fri, Feb 5, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.

Detroit Tigers show they want to contend; Jeremy Bonderman works on a comeback

By AnnArbor.com Staff

JUSTIN-VERLANDER.jpg

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander talks during a news conference on Thursday. Verlander and the Tigers finalized an $80 million, five-year contract on Thursday, a deal that avoids a salary arbitration heading. Verlander's deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus, $6.75 million this season, $12.75 million next year and $20 million in each of the following three seasons. (Photo: Associated Press)

The Detroit Tigers are spending money, and that's good, Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski says.

Starting pitcher Justin Verlander has a five-year, $80 million deal. They signed closer Jose Valverde to a $14 million deal. Wojnowski also assumes that the Tigers can't be done, considering the team's needs.

"When Mike Ilitch owns the team, you're gonna try to win," Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "Now, there might be some adjustments you need to make. But I do have an owner that allows you to keep your hands in things, and if the right thing is available, sometimes you do it."

MORE TIGERS MLive.com: Tigers general manager says Jeremy Bonderman can make a comeback.

Detroit Free Press: Justin Verlander says Detroit is home, columnist Drew Sharp writes.

DETROIT LIONS Detroit News: Quarterback Matthew Stafford's knee is getting better and he's offered the team his opinions on what it should do, columnist John Niyo says.

DETROIT RED WINGS MLive.com: Nicklas Lidstrom having another strong second half.

DETROIT PISTONS MLive.com: Pistons healthy, expect to have full roster for just fourth time this year.

NFL Dallas Morning News: Former Dallas Cowboys receiver faces allegations that he raped a woman in 2007.

Miami Herald: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson figures he's done in San Diego.

NASCAR USA Today: The Chase makes regular-season events less relevant.