There are a number of different philosophies about the Tigers’ current plight.
Mine is based on what I refer to as the "don’t quit theory."
There is no sugar-coating what happened to the Tigers Monday night. Getting no hit is humiliating, and making matters worse, it just as easily could have been a perfect game. The Tigers did, indeed, look like Toledo North. The players called up from the minor leagues were hopelessly overmatched by Matt Garza, who essentially threw little more than well-placed fastballs to quell Detroit’s hitters.
But in the big picture, it was just one game. The Tigers are still only three back in late July.
This theory they are injury-depleted and deciding whether they should make a move based on this road trip to Tampa Bay and Boston is ridiculous. They need help NOW. There are some younger players/prospects that should be untouchable in deals - Jacob Turner, Daniel Fields, Rick Porcello, Andrew Oliver and, probably, Brennan Boesch and Charlie Furbush. After that, everybody should be on the table to make a deal for a hitter or two. The sooner the better.
Look at clubs like Pittsburgh, Washington and Baltimore, who never get into this position and are constantly rebuilding. The Tigers exist for one reason: To get to this spot and try to strike.
Given their current state, it’s unlikely the Tigers can beat out the White Sox and Twins and win the A.L.. Central. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try.
The White Sox were supposed to be done early this season, and rallied without their best pitcher, Jake Peavy. The Twins haven’t pulled the chute, despite losing Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau. Just the opposite. Last season, when Morneau went out with a season-ending injury, the Twins responded by winning 17 of their next 21 games - and ultimately catching the Tigers. One major reason why: An in-season deal for veteran starting pitcher Carl Pavano.
For years, the Twins have been haunting the Tigers with "players just up from their farm system."
Here’s some unsolicited advice for the Tigers owner Mike Ilitch and his front office: Go for it, albeit in a calculated way, but go for it nonetheless.
You know the White Sox and Twins, in the same circumstance, would.

My column in Tuesday's Oakland Press: The lowdown on the Detroit Mud Hens http://tinyurl.com/2fbqh83

My latest exclusive online commentary: Lions offense way ahead of the defense: http://tinyurl.com/2fgac4n