I’m glad you highlighted Carlos Guillen. He is quietly having a tremendous post-season.

I’m also glad you didn’t mention anything about foreign substances.
The umpires saw nothing wrong and that’s all that matters. It should not have become an issue after that.

Leyland sticking with Todd Jones as his closer is one of the great mysteries of the 2006 Tigers. Jones is arguably the worst pitcher on the staff… and yet, it works. In spite of his raw stats, he’s as good as anybody at racking up the saves. I have two contradictory theories as to why Leyland stays with him:

1. Old school. Jones is a “proven closer” who has shown he can handle the pressure of the 9th inning, no matter what. If you put in a younger pitcher with better stuff, you might end up with a Fausto Carmona on your hands.

2. New school, sabermetric. The 9th inning is no more important than any other. The middle innings are often the key, especially when your starter has gotten into trouble. That’s when you need your best arms. If you can hold your lead and start the 9th inning clean, you can get by with a wily veteran to close the game.

From what I know of Leyland, he probably subscribes to both positions. And will never tell anyone.