The Tigers have lost three of their last five games. That in itself is not much of an issue. Even the best teams go through stretches when they do not win. The Tigers� lofty record suggests they are one of those best teams. But it is disturbing the way the Tigers lost those games. They blew a lead and made numerous errors Sunday in a loss at Minnesota that would have completed a series sweep. Jim Leyland, simply put, stuck with Jeremy Bonderman too long. They made four errors Monday night in a loss to Tampa Bay. Then, with Tampa Bay throwing a limited lineup and suspect pitching at them, the Tigers were beaten again Thursday night. The Devil Rays are a bad team. Just splitting four games with them, when the next month, save for six games against Cleveland, presents all contenders, was not good. The Tigers have had some spans of losing games earlier this season. Most notably was going 3-7 over a 10-game period against the Yankees, Red Sox and White Sox. The difference was the Tigers were beaten in those games. Three of the past five days, they have beaten themselves. They gave away three games. And it may cost them later when the playoff race really heats up.

Random thoughts

- The weirdest statistic nobody talks about is that Joel Zumaya actually has more blown save opportunities (four) than Todd Jones (three). Zumaya is just one for five in save situations.

- The more I think about his future, the more I would like to see Zumaya start a game or two. I am starting to think that might be his best role. It seems like lately he is overthrowing. Maybe it is to light up the radar gun. He admits he enjoys the thrill his triple-digit readings gives fans. If he were a starter, he would have to pace himself more. It also seems like he muscling the ball too much lately, which was the flaw he displayed early in his professional career. He would have to smooth himself out if he were starting. It is too late to make that change this year with the Tigers in first place. I am talking about next year. It would seem like the Tigers rotation would be really strong with Verlander, Bonderman and Zumaya out front. It would also open the door for trading either Nate Robertson or Mike Maroth in a value-for-value trade.

- I remember when holding the world record in the 100-meter dash meant you were considered "The World�s Fastest Human." Now the record just raises eyebrows of suspicion about performance enhancing drugs. And that is sad.