Below has at least arguably been the Tigers' best reliever this year, and he has clearly been at least one of the best. If a manager's reaction to one of his best relievers giving up a leadoff single with a one-run lead is "Phooey, I'll bring in the minor leaguer who had an ERA over six last year in Toledo and has a WHIP of nearly two this year and let him make his Major League debut," that manager belongs on an ice floe.

Well, Hopper, I know you have loathed Leyland almost from the day he arrived, so it doesn't take much of anything to get you all over him, but this time (and I agree with you almost as much as I don't) I agree with you. I think Below has pitched admirably. He doesn't overpower, but he has some ability to locate and I like his demeanor. I would say his future is as a set up guy. He doesn't look like a guy who can get through a lineup more than twice before they figure him out.....but then Porcello is that way too, I guess. Wasn't he considered the long lefty out of the Spring? Why shouldn't he pitch to a RH'd hitter with a man on second with 1 out in the bottom of the 8th with a 1 run lead? Sheesh. If you want to see what a raw rookie can do in that situation (Ortgega) why not find out what your (somewhat) experienced guy can do?

I would have left Below in or at least brought in Villareal over the kid. Not only was it bad on Leyland's part it was a disservice to Ortega. I know. I know. It's the bigs. If you're there...you're there to perform. But it was asking a lot of a kid to make his ML debut there.

Except that Ortega isn't here to perform. He hasn't even performed in AAA the last two years. He's here as a matter of default and desperation. I'd say that using him for his debut with the game on the line is one of the dumbest things Leyland has ever done, except for the fact that there is so much competition in that area.

I still think starting Figaro in game 161 with no reason whatsoever besides wanting Porcello to perhaps pitch against the Twins in 163 was the dumbest thing Leyland has ever done.

It's certainly a worthy candidate for the title.