looks like the leftys have bonded and are feeding off each other.

40 games and 27-13 record. Meaning if we play just .500 ball here out, we'll go 88-74. Thats good enough for me. Here are my quarter term grades:

LF- Monroe/Thames combined .243 14 HR 30RBI...only 1 error,,great defense and timely hitting from the 8 hole................B-
CF- Granderson .262/6/13....commanding presence at top of order..great d in CF...reminds me of Chet Lemon...lot to still learn........B
RF- Ordonez .299/10/26...solidifies respect..will have better 2nd half ...A
3B- Inge .242/9/23...holds down the fort better than any role player in AL...would like a TRoy Glaus-type player, but he has 9 HR's........B
SS- Guillen.333/5/25...MVP ..great D, best hitter in lineup..will also get hotter...watch injuries, needs to only play 5 games a week, thanks to Santiago...A+
2B- Polanco.291/1/12....The anchor. As he goes , so goes we...Best DP combo in baseball....A
1B- Shelton .298/11/25...Got us off and running..overall he's back to normal..I expect his avearge to stay the same...Best number 7 hitter in baseball...A
C- Rodriguez.306/2/15...I dont like his power numbers, but sans streiods, this is what he is...Put him in 7th spot and his attitude drops. so..keep the king happy i guess...B
DH- love how Leland uses this to rest his stars....A+
Starters......The number 1 ranked staff in the game..'nuff said...A
Relievers...and remember we BLEW 4 games, but over very solid. Jones is a good OLDSkool presence for Rodney and Z....B

Leyland gets a sweet AA...how many of us would still be happy with 20-20?

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Good report BHQ.

Pretty hard to quibble with any of this. I still think the Tigers should trade Jones near the trade deadline if the team is not in contention for a third-base prospect. Having Inge stuck at third base does not free him up to play anywhere else like backup catcher. Also, Jones has a 4.05 ERA, which stinks for a closer. He's not the solution for the long haul. Rodney is. It's like a rollercoaster ride every time Jones goes out there. Also, Shelton has really cooled off. If he doesn't hit above .300, I'll be disappointed.

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"I don't believe there's any problem in this country, no matter how tough it is, that Americans, when they roll up their sleeves, can't completely ignore. - George Carlin

Re: Shelton, I'd settle for .285 with power.

Shelton's projected stats..... .312 avg 25 HR 88 RBI...i'll settle for that

Great week for the Bengals . 6 and 1 with only loss to Reds on friday at the "Dont u dare call it the copa or I'll kill u" Park. Top highlights:
1. Justin V-man.....17 innings and 0 runs!!! Please dont over use this guy. What great stuff!!
2. Todd Jones...4-4 saves
3. Two great 1 run wins vs Cincinnati. A springboard to confidence.
i think I'm falling in love with this team. 30-14...89-73 if we play .500 here on out...........

That 1-0 victory was monster.