Tigers plan to stay sharp during layoff

The Detroit Tigers plan to scrimmage against their Instructional League team Sunday-Monday as they prepare for their first trip to the World Series since 2006.

“We’re going to try to be a little more prepared (than in 06)," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Friday.

The Tigers lost the 2006 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games after six-day layoff. This time layoff will be five days.

The Tigers, who swept the New York Yankees to advance, could easily face the Cardinals in a World Series rematch. The Cardinals lead the San Francisco Giants three games to one in the National League Championship Series. Game 5 is Friday night in St. Louis.