Fighting an "emotional hangover," the Detroit Tigers have to put aside their tense, draining series against the New York Yankees and focus on the Texas Rangers.

The best-of-seven American League Championship Series start tonight (8:05, Fox) in Arlington. Justin Verlander will start for Detroit against C.J. Wilson.

"This is a responsibility, and we’re out there to try to take care of the guys," Tigers manager JIm Leyland said. "You do move on. I think there’s emotional hangovers -- not the hangovers maybe you guys think there may be -- more emotional and draining hangovers than anything else."

Leyland has been at his best with the press, trying to fill recorders and notebooks to take some pressure off his players. Yahoo Sports columnist Tim Brown declared today that Leyland is the face of the playoffs.

TIGERS

• MLive.com: Predictions -- 3 reporters agree that Tigers will reach World Series
• Fox Sports: Slideshow of players to watch in the ALCS
• SI.com: Cliff Corcoran breaks down why Tigers will win in 7 games
• Dallas Morning News: Predictions, features, stats and more on the ALCS

FOXSPORTS.COM'S KEN ROSENTHAL ON THE TIGERS <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=12a1b5a8-64e5-462d-8153-741b202754f8" target="_new" title="">Rosenthal: Tigers' storylines</a>

LIONS

• MLive.com: Lions offensive coordinator happy with line play
• Chicago Tribune: Bears giving up too many big plays this season

RED WINGS

• MLive.com: Red Wings open season with 5-3 victory against Ottawa