Daily Jolt: Verlander looking for $200M? 'Yeah, absolutely'

Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander is making the media rounds these days, on Tuesday visiting with CNN's. Among the highlights aired [Tuesday] morning were further Verlander thoughts on becoming baseball's first $200-million pitcher (summary: he wants to get paid) and what it would be like to have a gay teammate (he's fine with it): * On whether he was humbled by playing with pro golfers in the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am last month: "I wouldn't say I was humbled. I got a new respect." * On comments he made about the $200 million: "They got taken out of context a little bit, but I'm not going to take back what I said. Do you want to be the first $200-million pitcher? Yeah, absolutely." (Detroit Free Press) Comment

Apart from his blocked shots, DeMarcus Cousins had a tough night both on and off the floor Tuesday. [Cousins] finished with eight points, 13 rebounds and a career-high five blocked shots. ... Cousins sat out the final 10:15, and his exit wasn't the usual jog to the bench. He engaged in a shouting match with fans seated on the baseline near the Kings' bench. "He said some disrespectful things, and I had some things to say back," Cousins said. "That was it." Cousins said he believes it was a Kings fan, "which makes it even worse." Smart said sitting Cousins had nothing to do with that verbal exchange and instead was about finding the best matchup to slow down the Nuggets (40-22). (Sacramento Bee) Comment

In a perfect world, Wes Welker would finish his career in New England. The hope has always been to have a deal in place by the time free agency begins March 12. But don't be surprised if Welker and his representatives are fielding offers this weekend. ... Let's start with Denver. Think if Peyton Manning told John Elway he wanted Welker to be his slot receiver, Elway wouldn't move mountains to get him? Isn't that what he did to get Manning? ... Then there's Indianapolis. The Colts certainly have the cap room to make a reasonable offer. The Dolphins have also come up in the Welker discussions of late. ... Welker might also get some feelers from Houston given his roots. (Boston Herald) Comment