Kenny Rogers is an animal - After weathering a rough patch for several games, Rogers has bounced back with wins in his last three outings, allowing just three runs in 19 innings, including a key shutout against the White Sox. That kind of performance is great at any time, but when this kind of streak comes when the rest of the team is slumping, it is especially valuable. Rogers, for once, is actually a stabilizing force on a team that can use his presence.

The bullpen is great, and growing - The bullpen is already among the best in the league. Todd Jones has 34 saves in 37 tries. Guys like Jamie Walker and Fernando Rodney are eating innings efficiently. Joel Zumaya has been a particular revelation. The 21-year-old is 6-2 with a microscopic ERA, he can throw 100 mph at will, and he was a starter in the minors so he can stretch out if he is needed. Reinforcements are on the way, too. Andrew Miller was the Tigers' first round selection in this year's draft. He tore up the minors, and was called up early this week to add yet another 100 mph fireballer to the pen. If that isn't enough, Humberto Sanchez, another very good young pitcher, is owning AAA and could come up in September. Tigers' fans have nothing to worry about in the pitching department now or for years to come.

Pudge - Ivan Rodriguez is not having the best statistical year of his career, but he is as much responsible for this team's success as anyone. The future Hall-of-Famer has won it all before with a young team, and he handles a pitching staff as well as anyone ever has. The fact that pitching is the team's strength isn't a coincidence. He's the kind of leader that a division winning team has to have.

Their schedule - The 29 remaining games include four key games against Minnesota and three against the White Sox, but it also has a whole lot of soft spots. Series against Seattle, Texas, Baltimore, Toronto and two against Kansas City are just what the doctor ordered for a team in a downward trend.