Detroit Tigers Links: Joaquin Benoit's new role & showboating after home runs

Tigers links:

Detroit Tigers' Jose Valverde remains confident in himself: 'When my time comes to go home, I'll do it'
MLive.com, Chris Iott

Valverde said the reason he has allowed six home runs this season -- in the past eight outings, in fact -- is due to hitters doing well and not any struggles on his own part.

Detroit Tigers GM Dombrowski OK with not having full-time closer
Detroit Free Press, John Lowe

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski was asked today how important it is for the Tigers to have a full-time closer.

The Detroit Tigers Fan's Guide to the 2013 Boston Red Sox
TigerSnark

After a disappointing series with the Orioles, our Tigers now have a record of 39-31 and still hold a few game lead in the AL Central.

Leyland will look to close with Benoit (updated)
Beck's Blog, Jason Beck

Before the Tigers called up Jose Valverde at the end of April, manager Jim Leyland didn’t have a set closer.

Brayan Pena is Not the Detroit Tigers’ Solution at Catcher
Motor City Bengals, Matt Snyder

Pena, on the other hand, is having something close to a career year.

Elsewhere in baseball:

Do strikeouts matter in postseason play?
SweetSpot Blog, David Schoenfield

Runs scored per game are down slightly from last year and at 4.21 runs per game are at their lowest level since 1992.

How much is too much when watching a home run?
Baseball Nation, Grant Brisbee

How much is too much when watching a home run?