Kick Em' While They're Down

Rob Sanford

This is no time to feel sorry for your opponent. The White Sox come to Detroit a struggling team. Their manager Ozzie Guillen has already had a temper tantrum, a sure sign the pressure is already on him. Guillen is a goner if Chicago doesn't win this season. Sox GM Kenny Williams, never a big fan of Guillen, has just about run out of patience with his manager. Add to that a slumping start and it all points to Guillen having his bags packed just in case. The Tigers, who have not been world beaters either, have a chance to make a statement this week end.

Manager Jim Leyland says he may play Ryan Rayburn more often at 2nd base in order to have a stronger bat in the line up. I think you give up a lot defensively by doing that..but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Is Phil Coke headed back to the bullpen??? Not necessarily. Just because he's had problems with control doesn't mean it can't be fixed. His history shows that hasn"t been his M.O. in the past so perhaps it's simply mechanics.

The Tigers need Austin Jackson to get on base. He's the leadoff man, and should be a spark for the offense but that's not happening right now. I think he will snap out of his slump eventually...but how long can the Tigers wait before sitting him down for a while?

It's good to have Ryan Perry back in the bullpen...if he has become a pitcher. He's been a thrower with a blazing fastball  up  till now and it's time to realize he can't throw it past hitters without having at least second pitch.

Joel Zumaya....I've made my feelings on this subject before. He is the 21st century version of "The Bird." One great season then injuries cut his career short.