A needed day off

The Tigers lost the final two games of the Minnesota series -- one in tough fashion as Todd Jones failed to preserve a 1-run lead Saturday. Detroit lost back-to-back games for the first time since mid-April, a span of 17 contests. So Monday's day off was a good time to regroup.

Jones leads the team with six saves despite missing time, but also has an 6.14 ERA. Fernando Rodney, who has five saves, hasn't given up a run in 13 IP this year. The Detroit papers are speculating that Leyland won't hesitate to use Rodney more often as the closer, but that Jones probably isn't in immediate danger.

Placido Polanco has been out with a sore back, and Leyland says it might be bad. That's not good news. It's tough to replace a .300 hitter in the No. 2 spot. This will test Detroit's depth, which I've said all along I fear is a weakness.

Curtis Granderson, my star in the making, has been inconsistent in the leadoff spot. He strikes out too often (32) but does have 19 of the Tigers' 77 walks this season. He seems to hit best early in an at-bat, regardless of the count, and struggles the longer the at-bat goes on.

Tigers go to Baltimore for three games. The O's are struggling, having lost five in a row and eight of nine. Hopefully, this is good medicine for the Detroiters.