Quick hits

• Somebody was going to make the miscue of calling Ausmus "sir," and not necessarily a prospect. Joba Chamberlain became the latest to do so Thursday, answering an instruction in the clubhouse with a "Yes, sir."

The 44-year-old Ausmus, who would rather be called anything but that, took it in stride.

"Don't call me sir," he replied kindly.

• The Tigers held popup drills Thursday, and the weather cooperated with sunny skies and a good breeze to make things interesting.

"It doesn't hurt," Ausmus said, "but I'll tell ya, it's different in a game regardless."