admittedly not particularly good, I thought there was a movable strike zone. In the first inning, I was sure Kazmir threw some strikes that were called balls. But I realize that is probably the fan speaking, not an impartial observer, and I do think that later in the game the Tiger pitcher got squeezed a bit too. I was also surprised at the called third strike on Longoria in his first at bat.

But that home run was majestic.

And how about that Gross catch in the 9th! Without it, Cabrera is up as the tying run.

Question. Was Leyland arguing that Cabrera’s ball hit the catwalk and should have been a home run? They did not announce that the game was being played under protest, but I don’t know what else he could have been discussing. In any case, did it hit the catwalk or was it simply off the wall?

Also, I was commenting to my son after the game that I saw 2 plays in which it seemed Upton was loping, not running full tilt after fly balls. One was the Cabrera hit. I think he either lost it in the roof or was sure it was out. Crawford also seemed befuddled on that play. In any case, he played it well off the wall, and there was no way he could have gotten to it.

The other was on a long line drive into the gap. I think Granderson hit it. In my view, there was no way he could get to it and rather than run full tilt at the wall he decided to play the carom. Had he rushed at it and extended himself to try the catch it might well have bounded back as an inside the park home run. I think it very possible that some apparent loping in the outfield is simply judgment as to how best to play the ball, not dogging it.

Later in the game, Upton made a very nice running catch in deep center field. On that ball, he sprinted back and hauled it in. Again, I credit him with solid decision making, not taking some plays off.

I also think it very unlikely that Maddon would tolerate anything less than total effort. It has been the mantra here for almost 3 years now, to play the game right regardless of the score or situation. Maddon’s response to Young in last year’s penultimate game indicates he will not brook partial efforts, and if Upton were loafing, I am confident Maddon would address it immediately and effectively.

please sign Gary Glover??? PLZ

Detroit News Quotes”It was a home run,” Leyland said, firmly. “The ball hit the catwalk and dropped down. No doubt in my mind. You could tell the way the ball reacted, and the way they (outfielders) reacted.”