What I like less, somehow, is b). 39 games where you just roll over and die (40 counting last night, though a bit of an exaggeration since it includes games where the Tigers might have at least tied it). Unless you’re the Mariners or the Nationals, that’s a lot.

a) Wins where the Tigers were behind at some point
b) Losses where the Tigers never led
c) Losses where the Tigers had the lead at some point
d) Wins where the Tigers were never behind

a) 40
b) 39
c) 32
d) 26

What do these numbers describe? Clue: They add up to the total number of games played so far.

That’s what I think, too.

I would guess the reason Clevlen is not up is two fold. One, the Tigers have two full time OF’s and Three guys looking to play LF (Joyce, Thames, and Raburn). With Larish and Hessman at third, Raburn will ose some at bats there. Bringing up Clevlen would clog up that spot. Also, I think management has a feeling he is never going to be a major league starter so why cut the at bats of guys who can hit for a athlete like Clevlen?

Hollimon had an awful demotion and would not be called up. Thomas may be in the same situation as Clevlen. But with the injury, there was no need for the call up.

And how.

At least an upgrade of the left-side infield should be in order. Guillen should be the DH and Renteria should be gone, so they will need to address 3B and SS. Playing Mendoza-line Inge at 3B would solve the D there, but then they have to concentrate on getting a decent catcher. I prefer this approach, since we know what Inge brings at 3B and there is enough overall offense to give up some production there. I don’t really see Inge as the answer at catcher anyway.

Detroit Tiger Thoughts idea of going after Oakland’s Mark Ellis to play short is an intriguing thought.

As far as the pitching staff goes, they need to go after a #1 starter and a do some kind of an overhaul of the bullpen. Get pitchers who throw strikes!

They are going to have to give up some players to get, since they can’t increase payroll yet again. Since they have an abundance of outfileders, the biggest return might come from trading Ordonez. I’d hate to see him go, but no one else on the roster would bring as much in return and they could reduce some salary at the ame time.

They also need to get a new manager and coaching staff. One that is actually concerned about pitching and defense. With the exception of the first half of ’06 the bottom line results have been all down hill with JL. I think this is a testament to the old adage about not hiring your friends to do a job they are not qualified for. I am not hopeful in this regard. I am afraid we may have to sit through another year of on-field mismanagemant and be forced to wait for ’10 for the real re-build to begin.

whats our opening day lineup looking like next year???

I believe it is Clete Thomas who has the elbow problems. But I forgot to mention this as well. I hadn’t heard that about Hollimon.