Who is Matt Lindstrom?  He's the pitcher Detroit wanted from the Marlins in exchange for Pudge Rodriguez.  Lindstrom has 32 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings (with 17 walks and 39 hits) for the Marlins this season.  The Miami Herald called him a "potential future closer." 

(via The Cutoff Man)

   Speaking of Pudge, he's "very happy" with the Yankees.  Before reading, just remember that grinding your teeth will wear away that enamel.  Not good for you.

   Over at Baseball Prospectus, David Laurila talked to former Tiger Travis Fryman, who's now managing in the Cleveland Indians system.  Among the topics discussed were Tiger Stadium, moving from shortstop to third base, playing alongside Alan Trammell, and Ernie Harwell.

(Hat tip to Jay from Let's Go Tribe)

   Today is the day Freddy Garcia throws for the dozen or more teams that might be interested in signing him, if healthy.  Is this a move the Tigers should still consider making or has it now become pointless?

(via MLB Trade Rumors)

   Which Detroit starting pitchers like to eat more on the days their turn comes up in the rotation?  That is one of the things to be learned from this Steve Kornacki article on pre-game preparations.

  Based on the eyeball test (or a check of any stats page), we knew Nate Robertson was bad this season.  But how bad, exactly?  Blake lays it out in excruciating, stats-backed detail at The Spot Starters.

  If you need something to feel optimistic or hopeful about, in regards to the Tigers' bullpen, Lynn Henning has a report on Detroit's crop of relievers from this year's draft.  So far, they're all looking good.

  Mike Hessman hit two home runs yesterday for Team USA, in an exhibition contest against Canada.  The Americans hit four home runs altogether, in a 17-5 victory.  The U.S. Baseball team leaves for the Beijing Olympics this week, and their first game will be against Korea on August 13.