Detroit Tigers Links: Jim Leyland's lineups & Jose Valverde's 'return to dominance'

Jim Leyland's lineups -- particularly last night's -- make people angry, Jose Valverde is starting to induce fewer heart attacks, and a 350-pound reliever steals third base. These stories and more in today's Morning Prowl.

Tigers links:

Jim Leyland Brings Anger From Fans Upon Himself -- Motor City Bengals, John Verburg
"Jim Leyland is responsible for putting his best team on the field, and today, in a rare occurrence, I have to say my piece."

Commentary: Pitching should push Tigers to Central title -- The Detroit News, Kurt Mensching
In case you missed Kurt's News column from yesterday.

Drew Sharp: Tigers fall flat, but big picture looks brighter -- Detroit Free Press, Drew Sharp
"You'd think that, by now, everyone in this town would have realized that it's futile hoping for comfort from this team. Just accept the fact that they're destined to do the opposite of what you expect."

Jose Valverde’s return to dominance -- The Tigers Den, Matthew Snyder
Dominance is such a strong word.

Commentary: Alex Avila wrestling slump, not afraid to admit it -- The Detroit News, John Niyo
"In times like these, sometimes it's best to just keep your head down. So that's what Alex Avila did Monday afternoon, after he'd hit a ground ball into the hole on the right side of the Cleveland Indians infield."

September Rookie Review: Avisail Garcia, OF, Detroit Tigers -- Minor League Ball, John Sickels
My review is much more generous. But I'm also pretty sure my judgement is clouded because I saw him throw a strike from right field to third base in spring training and as result that's the only thing I'll ever judge him on. If you were there you'd understand.

A sweep to follow being swept. -- Roar of the Tigers, Samara Pearlstein
Terrible cartoons are my favorite.

Around the AL Central:

Game 136: Indians 3, Tigers 2 -- Let's Go Tribe
"The Indians edged the Tigers 3-2 to win their first series in six weeks. A recap of the action."

Royals Beat Best Team in Baseball 6-3 -- Royals Review, Jeff Zimmerman
"Guthrie kept the Rangers in check for only 2 Runs and the offense used the long ball to score against the Rangers' pitchers."

Elsewhere in baseball:

350-pound relief pitcher Jose ‘Jumbo’ Diaz steals third base in minor-league game (Video) -- Big League Stew, Mark Townsend
Defying the laws of physics. Or something like that.

Bring back Terry Francona! -- HardballTalk, Craig Calcaterra
"That quote, from the never quick-to-call-for-the-axe Ken Rosenthal, pretty much sums up your early morning long form reading."

Roger Clemens, Adam Greenberg, And The Value Of One Measly Roster Spot -- Baseball Nation, Grant Brisbee
"Roger Clemens and Adam Greenberg were both very different candidates for a surprise September appearance. Neither one will likely see the field, though, and here's why that might be a good thing."