Faith and/or luck

So this is why guys like playing for Jim Leyland, I guess. Last night, he let Alexis Gomez hit in the bottom of the 8th with runners on first and second and two outs in a 1-1 game. Gomez was 0-for-3 and batting below the Mendoza Line.

Of course, Gomez singled in the winning run.

These are the kinds of things -- which either are brilliant or just lucky -- that can turn a good team into a great one. Leyland has consistently shown faith in his players, whether it's leaving in a pitcher to work out of trouble or a hitter to drive in the big run.

If these moves don't work, then he looks like an idiot. But so far, the players have come through. This has got to do wonders for the confidence of the players, especially on a team that's been down for so long.

And, by the way, the staff ERA now stands at 3.01 entering this afternoon's game.