I still don’t believe the Los Angeles Dodgers don’t have interest in Brandon Inge. I believe their comments lately are a smoke screen. They fancy themselves as contenders, have money and Inge has value not just as a third baseman, but in the utility role he is born to fill, especially in the National League. Inge would still have value after Normar Garciaparra and Andy LaRoche return.
But the Dodgers might have more interest in Joe Crede, who the White Sox have been trying to unload and insert Josh Fields as their third baseman.
I also disagree with manager Jim Leyland’s contention the Tigers can’t improve their bullpen at this late date. They must. Getting off to a good start is very important. And the Tigers bullpen is not good - although it was a good sign how Todd Jones threw against Atlanta Thursday. The game was on Atlanta’s FSN network and I watched it. Jones had excellent command. Denny Bautista gave up some runs in that game, but you can see what he has going for him is pretty good. But the depth is a problem - more mop-up and situational types than setup men.
The bigger issue is whether the Tigers want to trade Inge. I mean, who is going to be the backup catcher? To me, that remains as big a concern as the bullpen.

Random Thoughts

- Tom Izzo prepares his team for the NCAA Tournament better than any coach in the nation. It would not shock me if the Spartans beat Pitt.

- The Red Wings most underappreciated player is Johan Franzen. To say he is closing the season strongly would be an understatement. He is an example of why the Red Wings are tough enough to win the Stanley Cup.