DETROIT — No closer to closing the book on the closer-who’s-not-closing controversy.

While Jose Valverde retained the title of closer after his ninth-inning meltdown in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland wouldn’t commit at the time that he’d use his veteran in that role for Game 2 or the foreseeable future.

And the veteran skipper still wouldn’t tip his hand prior to Game 3, either, saying basically that he’d play it by ear.

“I have two or three plans in place, to be honest with you,” said Leyland, who reiterated that he hopes that’s a decision he’s in a position to make. “I can tell you right now that I don’t have a definite closer etched in stone for tonight, so I’m just going to wait and see how the situation develops.”

But is Valverde one of those options?

“Yes, he’s part of the equation,” Leyland admitted.

It certainly makes it easier for a manager if he’s not overwhelmed with options at a critical juncture of the game like the ninth inning of a close contest. It’s easier if there’s just one guy in the role of closer, taking all the guesswork out of that equation.

But Leyland is not averse to mixing it up and playing the match-ups, if something’s not working. He’s done it before.

“There’s been times during my career that I’ve had to mix and match and go by committee. So you do that to the best of your ability. It’s kind of a second-guesser’s smorgasbord, really, because when you pick this one, you should have picked that one, and why did you pick this one and why didn’t you pick that one?” Leyland said. “The reason I love a closer that’s a definite closer ... it takes a lot of pressure off the manager. My mom never even used to second-guess me when I brought in a top-notch closer.

“So it is nice to have that guy, because it takes a lot — and people think I am kidding, but I am not — it takes a lot of stress off a manager.”

And considering that Valverde has given up seven earned runs — or, more accurately, two more than the entire rotation combined, in more than 55 more innings of work — and gotten just seven outs so far in three playoff appearances, it’s clear something’s not working.

But there are options, alternatives.

If the match-ups dictate, Leyland could always go with left-hander Phil Coke, like he did for a two-inning save in Sunday’s Game 2. Or he could go with 14-year veteran Octavio Dotel, who has 109 saves, or set-up man Joaquin Benoit, who’s had 13, but never more than six in a single season. There’s also Al Alburquerque, who might not be able to do it in consecutive days, but could give you one night here or there.

Nice to have options.

“I would have to say there is a big difference between our bullpen this year and last year. I think there are more guys that Skip feels that he can trust to put into a game in a tough situation. Our bullpen is deeper as far as the guys that Skip is able to use. Last year I know basically it seemed like it was Benoit and Valverde. Every single game they threw a lot. And Skip really wanted to address going into this year we have to have the full bullpen to get through the season to win the series,” catcher Alex Avila said.

“And really the way he has been able to manage the bullpen recently, obviously because Jose has been struggling a little bit, basically the whole last month of the season and into the postseason he has gone a lot of match‑ups, but then he’ll just go with the hot hand. Really the guy that’s pitching the best he’s been throwing out there.

“And, you know, at this point of the season you have to go with the guy that is going to get outs. But the fact of matter is the guys we have, I know he trusts them big time to get the job done.”

Each of those guys has earned that trust at times this year, and maybe at other times, lost a bit of it.

Leyland could go with any of the alternatives.

Or he could go with Valverde. Not much point in having him on the roster, if he’s not going to be used, right?

“It is kind of a touch-and-feel thing, and there is a little luck involved, to be honest. ... I am a firm believer that we definitely, without question, need Jose Valverde to win. I truly believe that,” said Leyland, who mentioned again the track record — 110 saves in 118 chances in three seasons in Detroit — when discussing the possibility of going back to his normal closer. “I know the old ‘what have you done for me lately’ stuff, but this guys good. And I’m just going to have to play this one with managerial instincts. I may be right; I may be wrong. I don’t really have an answer.”

When and if Valverde comes into a game in Detroit, the reaction of the crowd likely won’t be any more pleasant than the boos showered down on the Yankees at home this weekend, as they fell in an 0-2 hole to the Tigers.

It doesn’t have to be, though.

One player would prefer it weren’t.

“Well, I mean, really honestly I would like to see no negative reaction. I know as a fan you buy tickets and, you know, you buy the right to cheer and you also buy the right to boo. But we are in the postseason, and, you know, every positive vibe that can help us possibly win is extremely beneficial for us,” said Game 3 starter Justin Verlander, who was wowed by the reaction Coco Crisp got in Oakland, when the AL Division Series shifted there after the A’s outfielder’s key drop a game earlier.

“I thought he might get booed, but he got the biggest cheer from the whole stadium. I would like to see that from our fans as well.

“I know Valverde has been struggling, but it is not for the lack of trying. And I think the only things fans can get upset at is lack of effort, and there has been none of that there with him.

“And like Skipper said, he is still our closer and we have a lot of faith in him. I haven’t seen his attitude change whatsoever. It is the life of the closer. Those guys are a little bit different.

“Whenever he comes into a game, whatever situation it is, we are positive about it and will be behind him 100 percent, and I think the fans should be as well.”

Email Matthew B. Mowery at matt.mowery@oakpress.com and follow him on Twitter @matthewbmowery. Text keyword “Tigers” to 22700 to get updates sent to your phone. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.