ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Changes could be forthcoming for the Detroit Tigers.

One of the preseason favorites to win the AL pennant, the Tigers started play today with a .500 record at 55-55. That has manager Jim Leyland looking at changing his lineup and pitching staff if things don't improve.

"Some people have to do better, or they'll be some changes," Leyland said before Sunday's game at Tampa Bay. "It's not a threat or anything. I don't want to and hope I don't have to, but that's just the way it is.

"What's going on right now is not good enough. It's been disappointing from Day 1."

Leyland indicated he was not questioning his team's effort, but was addressing its "production."

"You've got to step it up if you want to be in the hunt," Leyland said. "You don't want to be in the hunt, go home. Take an early vacation. Come back for spring training. We'll bring some kids up to play.

"We should be embarrassed. I'm not sure enough people are."

Detroit lost games Friday and Saturday to the AL East-leading Rays.

"I've been disgusted the last two nights going back to the hotel," Leyland said. "We just looked like we got out-pitched, out-hustled, out-managed. That's embarrassing. This is a (good) team we're playing, but we're pretty good too."