You just knew, after the Tigers unceremoniously knocked the snot out of the Yankees in an American League Division Series, that the Yankees would come on strong in free agency this off season. And they already have, signing left-hander Andy Pettitte to a one-year $16 million deal. Now speculation is running rampant the Yankees will sign Roger Clemens next because he and Pettitte are so close. That would give the Yankees a possible rotation of Mike Mussina, Pettitte, Chien-Ming Wang, Clemens and Carl Pavano, if the latter is healthy and is not traded (the Yankees have gotten offers from the Rockies and Cardinals for Pavano). That starting pitching combined with the Yankees thunderous lineup could make them deadly again. But it could also be playing into the Tigers hands. Clemens was 7-6 last year. He does not even throw in the mid-90s anymore. Mussina was not throwing very hard late last season, either. And Justin Verlander easily won his start against Pettitte, who also appears to have slowed, last season. If the Tigers play their cards right, they could be a force for years to come. But they must remember that youth combined with experience is the best way to go. They must give room to their young players to grow and not rely solely on big-name players who are overpriced because they are past their prime. That is the major concern about the Gary Sheffield deal, and why re-signing Brandon Inge was so important. They still need to let Curtis Granderson develop and bring along Wilfredo Ledezma - and not be afraid to rely on Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller in the not-too-distant future. The Yankees are not a good role model for the Tigers to follow. Remaining on the course they have established is the wiser path. They can beat the Yankees. The Tigers have already proven that. But they will never beat the Yankees at their own game.

Random Thoughts

- Getting five players selected on the Associated Press first- and second-team All-American teams is quite an accomplishment for Michigan. It is a testament to the coaching job Lloyd Carr and his staff have done. Nobody can say they did not get the most of out their stellar recruiting classes this season.

- It is just me, or do the Red Wings make average goalies look great. Ray Emery? Come on. The loss to Ottawa Tuesday hauntingly looked like one of the Red Wings’ playoff losses in recent years.