8 straight

That would be eight straight series that the Tigers have lost on the road. Despite losing their best pitcher (Cliff Lee) and best hitter (Victor Martinez), the Indians demolished the first-place Tigers yesterday. Prior to the game, Leyland said this was Armando Galarraga's most important game of the season (per FSD's Rod Allen). Perhaps that was the wrong motivation.

Things could not have gone worse for Galarraga, as he gave up a career-high eight runs. The offense was just as bad. Opposing pitcher Carl Pavano entered the game with an ERA north of 5, with batters hitting him at a .300+ clip. Fast-forward eight innings, the Tigers manage 1 measly run (on six hits - all singles), with Pavano hardly taxed at 100 pitches.

Over the course of the Cleveland series, the Tigers were 5-33 (.150) with runners in scoring position, and notched six errors in the three games. If the Tigers remain true to form, they'll turn things around this week, as they return home.

They're on the roster?!
This would be exciting news if it was 2006. Unfortunately, the return of Jeremy Bonderman and Nate Robertson will likely mean nothing. Both players are scheduled for starts in Toledo, and Dombrowski actually hinted that Bondo may be headed to the pen. Neither pitcher had any velocity this season, nor much control. If there's anything left in the tank, perhaps a rebirth as a closer might be Bonderman's best chance. As for Nate... I think it's a simple case of age catching up with him. Many pitchers can keep cranking out the heat north of age 30. Not Nate. Once he hit that milestone, he lost it.