The Tigers wrapped up their four game series against the Indians yesterday afternoon at The Jake Globo-brands Fun Park with a 9-4 loss, halving the series with the Erie Warriors.  The games were highlighted by a Paul Byrd shutout on Monday, Pudge being traded before Wednesday night’s marathon win for the Tigs, and wickedly sloppy play by both teams in the last two contests.  Despite the split, the Cats remain 5.5 behind the AL central leading White Sox.  We head into the weekend facing the AL east leading Devil Rays in Tampa.  The matchups look like this:

Fri:  Zach Miner (5-3, 3.65) v Scott Kazmir (8-5, 2.84).
Sat:  Kenny Rogers (8-7, 4.62) v Andy Sonnanstine (10-6, 4.65).
Sun:  Armando Galarraga (9-4, 3.36) v James Shields (9-7, 3.66)

On the heels of the Pudge trade Detroit Tigers Weblog offers a nice post with some love for our former catcher.  We’ll miss you, despite your brutal OBP.  On the flip side, Roar of the Tigers offers a scouting report on Kyle Farnsworth courtesy of MVN Yankees writer Tom Gaffney.  I’m not sure whether that included his hieght, weight, or reach.  (Mike in Waterford says you know Farnsy is a team guy ‘cause he throws down!!).

I hate Brett Favre

The trade deadline came and went, the biggest move being a three team deal which inclued Manny Ramirez going to the Packers Dodgers, Jason Bay to the Red Sox, and the Pirates were a part of the deal somehow.  Also, Ken Griffey Jr is headed to the south side to join the White Sox.  Dayn Perry breaks down the winners and losers at Fox Sports.

Oh, yeah, and Todd Jones is now on the DL.