Marcus Thames, who was going to be the Tigers’ primary designated hitter this season after they jettisoned Gary Sheffield, hasn’t played since April 18. Carlos Guillen, who is supposed to be their everyday left fielder, has been sidelined since May 5.
        Nevertheless, the Tigers are in first place, riding a five-game winning streak at the start of play on Thursday.
        Obviously, the kids that the Tigers have called up and inserted into the lineup haven’t been doing half bad.
        “It’s a fun team right now,” admitted Jim Leyland.
        For the first time in a long time the Tigers have some speed in their lineup. And it shows _ both on the base paths and in the outfield.
        Guys like Josh Anderson, Clete Thomas, Ryan Raburn, and  Wilkin Ramirez, along with left-handed pitcher Luke French have all made significant catches or hits or pitches of late.
        “I like the energy they bring,” Leyland said. “We’re seeing the benefit of having speed.”
        In fact, the Tigers manager has been having the time of his life, putting runners in motion, pulling on hit-and-run plays, and watching his corner outfielders catch balls that previously would have fallen in.
        On Thursday, Leyland could even laugh at the fact that, “I managed us into a triple play last night.”
        It has all been great fun.
        “In spring training, I didn’t know Luke French from Sammy Spanish,” Leyland admitted Thursday after French had been shipped back to Toledo and Nate Robertson restored to the active roaster. “Then all of a sudden, they tell me, here he is: Luke French. Who the hell is Luke French?
        “And he comes in and does a helluva job (two games, three innings pitched, 0.00 ERA). He got a chance to show what he could do. And he made a helluva impression. That’s why this is such a great game.
        “But I’m not saying he’s the next Hal Newhouser,” Leyland added. “He might be closer to the next Stubby Overmire.”
        Leyland knew what Wilkin Ramirez could do. He just didn’t know when.
        Ramirez gave everyone a preview with his giant home run in his major league debut on Wednesday night.
        “You just don’t find physical specimens that have power and speed like he does,” Leyland said. “This guy is blessed like a lot of people aren’t.
        “But I read where Ramirez said after the game that God did it. I’m not so sure about that.
        “I’m not sure either one of them can hit a slider,” Leyland quipped.
        However, as much as Leyland has enjoyed having the kids in the lineup, this season will still ultimately depend on the Tigers proven veteran stars.
        “Before it’s all said and done, we’re going to need Guillen and Thames and Magglio Ordonez to knock in some big runs for us,” Leyland said.
        “If they do, we’ll be OK. If they don’t, we’ll be in trouble.
        “If we have to start asking these kids to knock in big runs with a man on second base and two outs, we’ll be in trouble. They’re not ready for that.”
        The Tigers hope to send Thames, who is recovering from a painful rib cage injury, to Toledo on rehab assignment next week. Guillen’s injured Achilles tendon has improved but his shoulder is still sore. His return is probably at least a few days behind that of Thames.