(Best E Casino) - The window is still open for the Detroit Tigers this season, but if they continue to play the way they've been playing lately, it won't be long before it's shut.

The Tampa Bay Rays managed a three-game sweep of Detroit over the weekend, sending the Tigers to a fourth straight loss. At the moment, Detroit (55-56) is 6 1/2 games back in the American League Central, with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins tied for first.

With Ken Griffey Jr. donning a Chicago White Sox uniform and Francisco Liriano back to throwing darts for the Minnesota Twins, the cards are stacked against the Tigers.

But they've got an opportunity to do something about that right now, as they are in Chicago for a three-game set with the White Sox. However, further stacking the deck against the Tigers is Chicago's 35-16 record at U.S. Cellular Field.

Detroit is also in a transition period, without perennial All-Star Pudge Rodriguez in the clubhouse. Pudge's reception to splitting catching duties with Inge wasn't exactly a warm one.

Feeling Brandon Inge was ready to become an everyday catcher, Detroit dealt Pudge Rodriguez to the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Kyle Farnsworth. On the surface, trading away a future Hall of Famer would seem the equivalent of throwing in the white towel. But the Tigers have major issues in their bullpen, and by addressing it now, the front office is confident the team has a better shot to win this year. And they may have addressed it in an inexpensive way, should the deal pan out.

Farnsworth was a staple in Detroit's bullpen in 2005. He has a 3.65 ERA on the season, and has allowed only two runs over his last 8 1/3 innings, with nine strikeouts. He is making $5.5 million this season, compared to $13 million for Rodriguez, who is in the final year of his contract. Inge has two years remaining, for a total of about $13 million.

Now, more than ever, it's time for Inge to start earning his keep.

LEYLAND READY TO MAKE CHANGES

Manager Jim Leyland said in a very matter-of-fact way Sunday that if guys don't start performing, there will be some changes.

"We're too good to be playing like this," he said during an unabated rant. "I'm ashamed to be playing like this. But maybe I'm the one who's got us overrated, but that's my situation. "This is not some kind of a threat. I really like this team. But you got to do better. I can't keep putting them in the lineup or giving them the ball to pitch."

Through June and July, Detroit compiled a 32-11 record to creep back into the AL Central race. But since then, they are 3-7.

WHO'S HOT

Miguel Cabrera was named the AL Player of the Month for July. He hit .330 with eight homers and 31 RBI in the month, clearly showing he's finally adjusted to American League pitching.

WHO'S NOT

To say there are some issues in the bullpen would be a vast understatement.

Todd Jones was recently relieved of his closer's role, then conveniently informed the coaching staff he's been dealing with shoulder problems. An MRI revealed right shoulder tendinitis, which will keep him out until at least mid- August.

Joel Zumaya was shut down for a few days this weekend with tenderness in his right shoulder, the same shoulder he had offseason surgery on. And Fernando Rodney has blown four saves in only five opportunities. Clearly, relying on that trio isn't going to get the Tigers any closer to the postseason.

A LOOK AHEAD

Nate Robertson (6-8, 6.06) hasn't made it past the third inning in two of his last three starts, although he will be given the ball in tonight's series opener against Gavin Floyd (11-6, 3.43) and the White Sox. On Wednesday it will be Justin Verlander (8-11, 4.49) against John Danks (8-4, 3.31). And on Thursday, Zach Miner (5-4, 3.77) will close out the series against Javier Vazquez (8-9, 4.66). The Tigers then return home to face the Oakland Athletics for a weekend series.