Travis

Yeah, sounded like Betemit had a rough night at the bag. He's not a terrible 3B - I just think that he had a bad night. Even Inge's defense has been slipping, though, so you can't hardly compare Betemit to the Inge of old. With that in mind, the Tigers already have one of the weakest infields in the majors defensively, so even if he's not a true standout - it won't be that big of a deal. How about Verlander, though. Is there anything left to be said about this guy? 1 run on 5 hits and no walks? He's an incredible talent having a real special year.

Also acceptable.

If Wolski is bought out, is he even worth a shot? My experience with him is limited to the 1st round from a couple of years ago - but he was beast.

That's what I've deduced. Since they announced the trade for Betemit after my missed call - they were clearly trying to get a hold of me about taking over at 3rd. Clearly, they've seen my softball stroke.

I'm with you. I enjoy the way he calls games and I like his voice. Most of his crappy catch phrases go unnoticed by me, probably because they don't bother me much.

I love that Barasso realizes immediately that he wants nothing to do with a guy who would punch his ******* helmet off.

What do I win for suggesting that the Red Wings use their powerplay against that guy? But seriously, who's trying to punch Stevie Y? I would hope that guy's friends beat him up afterward.

Purcey had only given up 1 run of his own previously. He's struggling as of late, though, no doubt. If we could've gotten 1 more inning out of the rookie Below, Purcey likely wouldn't have thrown, but with Coke and Alburquerque unavailable - we had little choice. Obviously, it's not Below's fault - just a thought. Agreed about Betemit. That makes a really strong line-up: CF Jackson LF Boesch / Dirks RF Ordonez 1B Cabrera DH Martinez 2B Guillen SS Peralta C Avila 3B Betemit I don't like Boesch in the 2 spot, but there's nowhere else to put him. That's a good problem to have, though. Lots of big bats up and down the line-up. - After the game, Brandon Inge was designated for assignment to AAA Toledo. Given his veteran status, he could have refused to report and became a free agent. Being that it's Brandon Inge, though, he'll be reporting. According to Inge, Illitch passed a message down telling him that it wasn't a personal matter and that the Tigers want to keep Brandon Inge within the organization. Tough move for the Tigers, but a necessary one. Hard to keep Inge on the roster when we have to send guys like Casper Wells down to make room. I wish Inge all the best. He might not be a great ballplayer at this point, but no one ever said he wasn't a total class act.

Tigers address their needs at 3B by trading for Wilson Betemit from the Royals. Betemit is batting .281 with 27 RBIs and - at that rate - will be a huge upgrade at the bottom of the order.

Per: Detroit Free Press | Photos on Official Detroit Red Wings, Facebook

Just missed a call from a 313 number. Called it back and the person at the other end answered, 'Detroit Tigers'. It was the switchboard operator, though, who couldn't help. They didn't leave a voicemail, so I'm real confused.

This isn't 2002. I give him a solid B or B+ He re-signed Nick, didn't overspend on UFA defensemen or our 4th liners, gets a back-up at (what sounds like) a great price, and leaves us with the cap room to make another move or pull something off at the deadline. Obviously, he overpaid Ericsson, but given all the bloated contracts handed out to this year's defensive FAs - I have to cut him some slack. I'm not crazy about the Commodore signing, but I trust Kenny and Co. and what they see in him. I'm really happy about White, his potential, and the pay cut he took. I don't know that Kenny is done yet, but if he were I'd still give him a strong grade.

Great signing. Really the only goalie the Wings were going to go after at this point, so I'm glad it worked out. Welcome back Conks, having a better team in front of him will make him a better goalie - and that cap hit is great.

What an incredible move! So nice having Guillen back to provide a solid bat at 2B.

I was there for what should have been #400. That's okay, though. Happy to have seen him play. My fiancee's YL Ozzie CCM will have to get special treatment now, haha.

How much advertising potential do you think Mike Commodore really has? It's kind of dumb, yeah, but it's his choice and it's all in the name of fun. He can choose 00 for all I care.

It wasn't, but that Bruins Troll sure thought it was. I'm sure that's what Rivalred is referring to.

The Lightning just announced the signing of Stamkos via Twitter.

I love Osgood and recognize what he's done as a goaltender, but I don't know that #30 makes it up there. Not because he isn't deserving, but because the Wings very rarely raise numbers to the rafters.

Only if they can follow up with the brand and quantity. If you're buying a 12-pack of Miller Lite you can keep it all to yourself. I enjoy Twitter, but I spend a lot of time with technology anyway, so it's not like a real time-suck.

I don't know that he's still there. The heart and, to some degree, the talent might be - but his body is beginning to betray him.

Great career coming to an end. I feel that the HOF argument will be a major one, but I think his numbers - especially in the playoffs - speak for themselves. Thanks for all the years, Ozzie. Here's hoping we hear an Oz-zie chant opening night.

I think that's great. Ozzie has done a great job mentoring Jimmy Howard, and I'm glad that he's in a role where he can expand on that.