The Tigers may have the best record in the major leagues, but only two of their players were named to the American League squad for the All-Star game - catcher Ivan Rodriguez and pitcher Kenny Rogers. Rodriguez rallied at the end to be named starting catcher in the fan voting, or otherwise he might not have been selected.

In the meantime, the White Sox, who trail the Tigers in the American League Central standings, have six all stars. Three were named by volatile White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who also snubbed Tigers manager Jim Leyland by not naming him to the coaching staff for a return to Pittsburgh, where he is an icon from his days managing the Pirates. How can Justin Verlander lead the American League in wins and rank third in ERA and not being going to the All-Star Game. Few relievers have been as a successful as Tigers rookie Joel Zumaya, who leads the American League in holds. Curtis Granderson is a better player than Grady Sizemore. So os Magglio Ordonez. Nate Robertson also merited consideration.

This is typical of Detroit athletes getting snubbed on a national level. It�s like what the Pistons went through at all-star time until last year when four Pistons finally played in the All-Star game. Guillen could have shown the Tigers proper respect. That he didn�t only shows he is more than a little taken aback by the Tigers� success this season.

Random thoughts

- If Ben Wallace leaves the Pistons as a free agent, it might open up a scenario where the Pistons could swing a deal to land Kevin Garnett.. He is one of the best players in the world and in his prime, but with Garnett on the floor and Flip Saunders on the bench, the Pistons would become the Timberwolves East. Does any one want to that? Thought so.

- Shortstop Carlos Guillen has had a very solid season and his contribution to the Tigers� success has been vastly underrated.

- How about Magglio Ordonez for Comeback Player of the Year?