The Newest Cedar Point Ride.....The Detroit Tigers

Rob Sanford

The Tigers former closer Todd Jones was called by Ernie Harwell...."Rollar Coaster" Jones because of his up and down performance. Now it's not just one player but the whole team. Just when you think the Tigers have turned the corner...then a losing streak that looks like they're never going to win again. We reach the "Sparky Line" this week, or the 40 game mark of the season, a time that Sparky Anderson used to say you pretty much knew what kind of team you have. I defy anyone to come up with an analysis with this club. Things look good right now but who knows for how long.

After being lights out during spring training and most of the month of April, Joaquin Benoit seems to have lost that early dominance. Jim Leyland doesn't seem worried, and he's probably right. But I wonder if he has some sort of injury because he hasn't pitched much in the last week or so. I hope he's OK beause the Tigers need a strong back of the bullpen staff.

Here's something wierd. The Tigers are now in the top 5 in runs scored in the American League..which would make one think the offense is a good one. But if you eliminate the Toronto series, you know that too is an up and down proposition. I've really come around to Leyland's philosophy of you're only as hot as the next days pitcher.

It seems like it's been a month since the Bengals have had a homestand of any length, so the one they have this week end is more than welcome. I hope being home with "momma and the kids" is too much of a distraction for the players.