Detroit Tigers Links: Justin Verlander's shoulder & the agony of the AL Central pennant race

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Tigers links:

AL Central race is more comical than agonizing for contenders
The Detroit News, John Niyo

One night it's a mitt full of fielding errors and a lineup that turns P.J. Walters into Greg Maddux in a deflating loss, the next night it's a win that includes a sandlot display of base running and a near-injury suffered by the league's reigning Cy Young winner on a catcher's throw back to the mound.

Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander belie Tigers troubles
The Detroit News, Kurt Mensching
Kurt's News column from yesterday!

It may be maddening, but you gotta love this Tigers playoff chase
Detroit Free Press, Drew Sharp
"How can anyone not enjoy this?" You mean, how do I not enjoy the Tigers teaching us on a daily basis what non-fundamentally sound baseball looks like? Yeah, it's a freaking riot.

Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander expects shoulder to be fine after strange play in win over Royals
MLive.com, Chris Iott

Verlander: "All my weight landed on my left arm. It just kind of jarred my shoulder a little bit. I felt it for a little bit and then it went away. I got some ice on it after the game. It should be fine."

Magglio Appears!
Brain Matters
Because everyone needs a little giggle in the midst of a frustrating pennant race.

Alex Avila is having a darn good year for the Tigers
Motor City Bengals, Matthew Snyder
I love Avila, but I'm still not that convinced.

Around the AL Central:

Game 155: Indians 4, White Sox 3
Let's Go Tribe

The Indians came close to defeating the White Sox last night, but today they were able to finish the job.

Indians 4, White Sox 3: More baserunners needed
South Side Sox, Jim Margalus

The inability to turn a rather ordinary double play ball led to three Cleveland runs, but the focus remains on the struggling offense.

Elsewhere in baseball:

And the award for MLB’s most biased announcer goes to ...
HardballTalk, Aaron Gleeman
This is me shocked.

2012's Most Disappointing Team
Baseball Nation, Grant Brisbee
I think we could make a case for the Tigers here. Maybe a little?

Nelson Cruz buys fire truck for his home town in the Dominican Republic
Big League Stew, David Brown
Ah man! Does this mean I have to start liking Nelson Cruz? Because, ugh. No, but seriously, this is really awesome.

Mortal Gods
R.D. Rosen, SB Nation
Mystery author R.D. Rosen writes about his favorite ballplayer while growing up -- Al Rosen, who not only shared the same last name, but was one of baseball's great Jewish players. This is the debut piece as SB Nation begins highlighting long-form writing. A great multi-media experience and read. --Kurt