A.L. CENTRAL Tigers look up to Tribe; both still on bottom

Left-handed pitcher Brian Tallett was recalled from AAA Buffalo.
DETROIT (AP) -- The Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers are both young teams looking to the future.
If the last 10 days are any indication, the Indians are a little closer to their goals.
The Indians beat Detroit 8-2 Wednesday, giving them five wins in seven games against the Tigers since May 19.
"Cleveland is the type of team we want to match ourselves against right now, and as much as I hate to admit it, they're better than us," Tigers manager Alan Trammell said.
"That shows us what kind of work we have to do."
Rookie's success
Rookie Jody Gerut homered and drove in three runs, the second multi-RBI game of his short career. The other one, a four-RBI performance, also came against the Tigers.
"It's exciting playing against teams that are doing exactly what we are -- building with a lot of young guys," he said. "This was a good day -- the kind that really helps your confidence."
Gerut also had a big day in right field.
He made a diving catch to start a third-inning double play, then threw out Craig Monroe when he tried to go from first to third on a fourth-inning single.
"I love playing defense because not a lot of people take pride in it," he said. "I really like it, I take pride in my defense."
Gerut's skills haven't gone unnoticed.
"He's been a thorn in our side all the way back to spring training," Trammell said. "He comes up with some big hits and big plays."
While the Indians have dominated the Tigers, they're just 15-30 against the rest of the American League.
"The next step is for us to be more consistent on a day-to-day basis," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "I think we are getting a little better at that, but we have to keep pushing forward."
Winning pitcher
Ricardo Rodriguez (3-5) won for the first time in eight starts since April 13, allowing two runs and eight hits in seven innings.
"It's a lot easier to pitch with the lead, because you feel more comfortable," he said. "It took me a long time to get into the game, because the umpire [Randy Marsh] wasn't consistent on the inside part of the plate."
Tigers starter Mike Maroth (1-10) lasted 11/3 innings before leaving with a strained hamstring. He gave up four runs -- two earned -- two hits and two walks.
"It never popped, which is a good thing," said Maroth, who hopes to make his scheduled start next week in San Diego. "It just tightened up to the point where I couldn't follow through. Every pitch was high and outside."
Cleveland placed RHP Jason Bere (shoulder) on the disabled list and recalled LHP Brian Tallett from Triple-A Buffalo.