Heating up

Who would have guessed Tigers-Twins would mean something this time of year? Especially given the Tigers struggles over the last decade and Minny's problems earlier this season.

But here we are, and this three-game set in Minnesota has gained importance thanks to the Twins going 34-8 over the last 42 games. Detroit is 7-2 against Minny this season and has an 8.5 game lead. I don't think it's a disaster if the Tigers get swept -- and the Metrodome has been a house of horrors over the years -- but it sure would be nice to quiet the Twins a bit.

Zach Miner, Nate Robertson and Jeremy Bonderman will go to the hill for the Detroiters. Miner has struggled lately and faces Francisco Liriano, whose been nearly unbeatable. This one looks to go in the Twins' column, but maybe it's one of Sparky's reverse locks? We'll hope so. Detroit roughed up Liriano when he was a reliever.

Bonderman vs. Santana on Sunday could be a great one.

The Tigers have 68 wins so far this season. With five more victories, they will surpass their win totals for 10 of the past 12 years. They've already bettered seven of the past 12.