Detroit Tigers Links: Jose Valverde is Tigers' best option & Jose Alvarez returns to Toledo

Jose Valverde is the Tigers' best option at closer, Jose Alvarez gets sent back down to Toledo, and Miguel Cabrera is on pace for best season ever for a Tiger. These stories and more in today's Morning Prowl.

By Melissa Heyboer Jun 10, 2013, 6:00am EDT

Tigers links:

Like it or not, Jose Valverde is Tigers' best closing option
The Detroit News, Lynn Henning
Jose Valverde being anyone's "best option" is a terrifying thought.

Despite a sterling spot start, Jose Alvarez sent back to Toledo to get Tigers bullpen up to strength
Out of Left Field, Matthew B. Mowery
Well that's upsetting. Even though I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone.

Cabrera on Pace for Best Batting Season Ever for a Tiger
Tiger Tales, Lee Panas
He's also on pace for being my favorite person ever.

Detroit Tigers Not Exceeding Expectations with W-L Record, But Run Differential Tells Another Story
Motor City Bengals, Matt Snyder

Run differential, while not perfect, is generally regarded to be a better indicator of a team’s overall talent level than wins and losses are.

Around the AL Central:

MLB Final Score/Recap: Detroit Tigers 4, Cleveland Indians 1
Let's Go Tribe

Don F. Kelly hits a three-run homer that gave the Indians their seventh straight loss (and eleventh straight on the road).

Royals complete sweep of Astros with 2-0 victory
Royals Review, Connor Moylan

There's nothing like a series against the Astros to help build some confidence.

White Sox 4, Athletics 2: Enough for a split
South Side Sox, Jim Margalus

Hector Santiago's first start in place of Jake Peavy a success.

Royals' can't-miss prospects have missed
SweetSpot Blog, Joe Werner
I feel every year is "supposed to be the Royals year."

Elsewhere in baseball:

Numbers that Matter: Inside Upton’s, Dunn’s and Montero’s struggles
Sporting News, Ryan Fagan
How is "career worst" still even a possibility for Adam Dunn at this point?

Motivated by failure against Marlins, Mets make sweeping changes
HardballTalk, Bill Baer
Whenever you get upset with the Tigers just remember, it could be worse. We could be Mets fans.

Baby spotted sporting a mohawk at Coors Field
Big League Stew, Mark Townsend
There's no way to describe this but awesome. Well done, parents. Well done.