So here's a thought now that John Smoltz is coming back for the Red Sox - the Tigers should trade for Brad Penny.  Granted, he's not anything special, but he sure has been more effective that Dontrelle this year.  Since he's signed for only one year, I doubt it would take much for Detroit to pry him away.  The downside to trading for him is that he's making 5 million this year, plus incentives, which is a heck of a lot more than French, Lambert, Bonine or any other minor-league starter.

Oost

I think it's important to note that Humberto Sanchez got released this weekend and Anthony Claggett got sent down after giving up 8 runs in 1.2 innings

Also, Miller is on the DL with a 6.94 era and 8 walks to 3 k's, and Maybin is batting .217 with 19 k's in 46 at-bats.

On the bright (or is that dark?) side, Jair Jurrjens is pitching very well for the Braves and Gorkys Hernandez is hitting .344 for Atlanta's AA club. 

I think the Tigers could have traded Miller, Maybin, Jurrjens and Hernandez for Cabrera and they still would have made out okay.  Well, maybe we'll have to wait a few years to know for sure.

Oost

So David Mayo of the Grand Rapids Press was arrested for marijuana possession and running a drug house.  Now we may know why he wrote such "fantastic" stories.  To borrow the expression, I've often wondered what some columnists or commentators were "smoking".

In my opinion, two of the industries you most certainly do not want to be in if you are going to engage in illegal behavior are television and newspapers.  If you get caught, everyone is going to find out.

JMO