Alright, I’m back.  My wife, son and my niece Tyler all took a trip down to Florida and we spent some time at Walt Disney World.  Had a good time, but now it’s back to reality.

The last time the Tigers won a series was when they won two of three against the Red Sox.  That was August 14-16 so this has been a pretty extended slide.  Since August 18, the Tigers are 6-13.  This week, the Tigers dropped two close games to the Mariners.  Today’s game was particularly odd because not only was there a three hour rain delay, but the game went into extra innings. 

Right now, the Twins are beating the Devil Rays 1-0 with plenty of game left.  If they win, the Tigers lead will be down to a mere three games with a huge four game series this weekend against the Twins at the Metrodome.  The White Sox look like they’re going to win so that will leave us with a 4 1/2 game lead for the Wild Card.  Yes, it’s gotten to the point where we’re keeping an eye on the Wild Card again.

Dmitri Young was released today.  After a great July, Young was just as mediocre through out August.  In 20 games and 71 at bats, Young had a .268/.307/.437 line.  That’s pretty bad for a guy who really can’t field a position well.  It’ll be interesting to now see whether Chris Shelton will make the playoff roster after this move.

Mike Maroth was taken off the disabled list today.  With Wil Ledezma throwing well, it’ll be interesting to see how Maroth fits in.

The Toledo Mudhens won a one game playoff game on Monday so they’ll squeak into the International League playoffs.   Toledo won the International League championship last year and West Michigan also made the playoffs (for the third straight time).  Erie has hit hard times though.  The Tigers recently fired the entire coaching staff after back to back last place finishes.

Tomorrow we’ll have a battle of rookies.  Justin Verlander will go up against Scott Baker.  Looks like the game will be on ESPN2.

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