Leyland lets Tigers have it

By JON PAUL MOROSI, Associated Press

Last update: April 14, 2008 - 12:01 AM

CHICAGO – His team had been shut out for the fourth time this season and second game in a row.

His hitters could not produce more than one hit in an inning, while his pitchers gave up two grand slams, to Paul Konerko and Joe Crede, in an 11-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

And manager Jim Leyland decided he had seen enough from his Detroit Tigers, who open a two-game series tonight against the Twins at Comerica Park.

On Sunday, for what is believed to be the first time this season, Leyland yelled at his team after a loss.

"He’s upset," Detroit outfielder Magglio Ordonez said. "He should. You see our record?"

Their record, the worst in the majors, is 2-10.

"I’m to the point where I didn’t hold it in very good, and I meant what I said," Leyland said. "I’m not going to get into what I said. That’s nobody’s business.

"There was one thing that sticks out to me right now that’s going on, and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back with me.

"It’s glaring."

Almost two years ago, Leyland fumed after his players showed a poor approach at the plate in a 10-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians. Sunday’s defeat had a common feature: quick, weak outs.

White Sox starter Javier Vazquez needed 92 pitches to breeze through seven innings. He struck out nine. He gave up one extra-base hit and retired 10 hitters on three pitches or fewer.

"I feel embarrassed right now," said third baseman Miguel Cabrera, who went 1-for-4 and is batting .175. "I’m disappointed with what I’m doing right now on the field. ... I’m swinging at bad pitches.

"It’s bad. I’m playing bad. ... I feel bad. I feel embarrassed. I feel like everybody’s behind me, laughing."

Recent Twins stories

White Sox buy out Jermaine Dye - April 14, 2008

White Sox buy out Jermaine Dye - The Chicago White Sox have declined the mutual option on veteran right fielder and former World Series MVP Jermaine Dye, clearing the way for him to become a free agent. More