Yup.. I had totally written the Tigers off back in the month of May. Then I just went into let it ride mode. And here the Boys come. Back to .500; back in the thick of the Central race. So my hats off to the Tigers. One hell of a month of June. I can only hope July is even better.

I am making one of my summer month pilgrimages to visit my daughter in Ypsi next week. So we're looking at tickets to the 8th of July game against the Indians. Will probably go to Stub Hub to get them. I already have tickets to a game against the Rangers in Arlington in August. How many Tigers fans can say they've seen the Boys in 3 different parks in one season? I can! Saw the last spring training game here in Houston, Comerica next week, and Arlington in August. VERY tempted to see about a trip to KC or Minnie. Forget Chicago or Cleveland.

Off to Minnie tonight for the boys.. Hope the Metrodome is a LITTLE more friendlier than it was last trip thru. Who can forget the beginning of the May flop?

BEST news I've heard all season. Joel Zumaya has been activated! It's still going to take a serious post All-Star surge for the playoffs, but a one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle is back in place.

How about Mr. Thames's power display this past week? When he's drawing comparisons with McGwire, Horton, Greenberg.. Actually gets a opponents crowd to boo him instead of going Who? The shot he hit to dead center in AT&T Park? Even got compared to Mr. Bonds' power. I may add WITHOUT a steroid controversy but we won't go there...

Back to Zoomer. How fired up will he be in the 7th or 8th if he gets to come in and hold a lead on his first day back in his hometown? What will his presence alone do for the pitchers confidence on the mound when he knows he has a serious back up out there in the pen?

We'll see with the San Diego series. Kind of amusing to me is the Tigers next 2 opponents are the last 2 teams they faced in the Series.

Side note: Got tickets this week to see the Boys when they visit Arlington in August. 6th row off the field next to the visitors dugout. Sweet seats!

Despite the sweep of the Sox this week, and the string of quality starts. I am still slightly pessimistic that the Tigers have turned the corner finally and are beginning the march for the playoffs. Not that they're going to improve, they already have. That much is obvious. But improve to the point where the Central crown is within reach? I seriously think it may be too little too late there. What I am looking forward to is the Interleague play this next 2 weeks. It's going to be fun to watch!

Dammit that sux big time.I look at Bondo as being one of the steadier arms in the rotation. But I guess it sure makes things a little easier for Leyland with what to do with Willis and Galaragga. I just hope Bondo is ok in the long run.

Glad to see the bats wake up today. Just when I get comfortable with the Tigers having a bad season they win a big one in a big way and get my hopes up all over again. Ah well.

Its just a matter of time now. DD will be selling some serious players come the trade deadline. Since the WIN NOW build up of the payroll and player rolls has failed miserably for this season I look to the trade deadline as the Tigers having a serious Fire Sale. Who's going to go? Sad to say they will still try to move Inge by then. Carlos Guillen is another one that comes to mind. Maggs is in his last year. Pudge as well. Sheff.. I think we're stuck with. We'll be stuck with Todd Jones and maybe Kenny Rogers. But Nate Robertson, Zach Miner, and a few other relievers may not be as fortunate. AS long as they don't pull another Smoltz for Doyle Alexander moves..

While the Tigers have been on the left coast, I am home in Michigan visiting the daughter. Lil torqued about the Red Wings loss yesterday but oh well. Thats my other sport!

Anyway,The tigers are actually doing what I felt they were going to do on this swing. The best I had hoped they'd come home from the coast with either a 4-5 or a 5-4 record. They just need to split with Oakland these last 2 games. I see no reason why they cannot accomplish that goal. Just time for another bat explosion. By the way, I LOVED that set up of Guillen in left, Inge at third, with Cabby still at first. Finally a defensive set that made sense!

I look for Willis tonite to blow it to start with, then Galarragga to bail his butt out. Guillen is going to have a BIG night at the plate. He is Soooooo due right now.