Armando Galarraga (12-6, 3.58) vs. 
Fausto Carmona (8-7, 5.16)
If it's possible to emphasize the point any further, this weekend's series with the Indians seems to underline how disappointing the season has been. This was supposed to be a pivotal clash between AL Central contenders on the second-to-last weekend of the 2008 schedule. Surely, these three games would determine the winner of the division.
Well... not so much. Although if the Tigers are still interested in a third-place finish, a series win or sweep could help that cause. With this being the Tribe's last home series of the season, however, they won't want to go out like chumps.
Jim Leyland thought Armando Galarraga looked as if he might be burning out a bit. Thanks to last weekend's rainouts in Chicago, however, Galarraga got a nice chunk of extra rest. We'll see if that makes a difference in his performance tonight. He's lost his last two starts, giving up a combined 11 runs in 10 innings. But Galarraga has won in three of his four outings against Cleveland this season.
Fausto Carmona has also lost his past two starts, giving up 14 runs and 17 hits in 11 2/3 innings. According to MLB.com, the sixth inning has been troublesome for him lately, where he's given up 10 runs during his last three appearances. Carmona has won all three of his starts against the Tigers this year.
So which of these starting pitchers will blink tonight?
Remember, Lloyd McClendon will be managing the Tigers this weekend, while Leyland serves a three-game suspension for "inappropriate conduct." But who knows how these things work? Maybe Leyland will manage from the clubhouse.
Let's Go Tribe has your SB Nation opposing view for 2008's last series between the Tigers and Cleveland this season.