I just got done watching the Tiger game this afternoon, and at this point, Jason Johnson has to be thrown into the long list of surprises this year. He threw a five hit shutout today, and in four of his last five starts, he’s given up one earned run or less, and he’s 3-0 during that same stretch (which included the one hitter against the D-Backs. If the White Sox lose (they’re down 3-1), then the Tigers will be five games back heading into the break.

I heard some great commentary this morning by Pat Caputo, who I consider the Detroit area’s media expert on baseball. He also said, despite the logic of a 43 win team bouncing back and making the playoffs the next year, that the Tigers should be considered contenders and they should make a deal to improve their team without mortgaging their future.

I now have the Futures Game on the TV, which is always a fun game to watch. The Tigers send Kyle Sleeth and Will Ledezma to the game, so they’re well represented. Prince Fielder, son of former Tiger Cecil Fielder, is up to bat and roped an opposite field single.

White Sox just took the lead, so if they win, then the Tigers will lose that half game. They are seven games behind the White Sox in the loss column, which is a little more telling of how much ground they have to make.

I started playing MVP Baseball 2004 this weekend. I’ve basically mastered the easy level, and I’m going to move up and see how I do. I think the guy who’s supposed to imitate Charly the singing hot dog guy does a very poor impersonation of him. Outside of that, a great game.

I also went to Electronic Boutique to try to sell a handful of games. The amount they wanted to give me was inadequate. Regardless, if anyone has a PS2 or XBox and wants to trade some games, drop me a line.

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