Random Observations

I haven't posted anything in the last few days, however that doesn't mean I haven't been paying attention. Here are some of the things I have been thinking about.

The Chicago Cubs have opted to sign Jeromy Burnitz to a short-term deal over offering Magglio Ordonez a long term deal. This is both good and bad news. The bad news? Add the Cubs to the list of teams scared off by Camp Ordonez' contract demands and wobbly knee. I think that brings the total number of teams afraid to 31.

Oh, there is good news. The Tigers are looking like front runners to sign Ordonez. Since they haven't counter Scott Boras' last proposal maybe Ordonez will accept whatever overpayment the Tigers offered originally. Complete with plenty of out clauses and incentives, I hope.

Even if the Tigers do sign Maggs to a reasonable deal, they still need to make a trade before Opening Day. There has to be a player or two available that would improve the Tigers in 2005. As an example, if the Mets ever decide to move Mike Cameron's contract, I'd like to think Dave Dombrowski would make an offer. Cameron's ability to cover ground in center could make up for the weak fielding corner outfielders the Tigers intend to trot out onto the Comerica Park grass this year.

Will the NHLPA just fire Bob Goodenow already? It's over boys. You lost. Your leader sold out you and your sport in the process. Just take the stinking salary cap and play hockey. Next season.

I assume most Detroiters have seen where Chris Chelios, Derian Hatcher and Kris Draper are playing in the UHL. This is just an example of how the NHLPA lost. You cannot have three visible players off an elite NHL franchise suit up in a low level minor league, a league with a salary cap, plus have another 200 or so of your players making less money playing in Europe only to turn around and tell us how you can't accept the concept of potentially making less money. You already are.

Chelios, Hatcher and Draper all signed on with the Motor City Mechanics. Does anyone else think that if the lockout extends into 2006 there may be a number of NHL players who become real life mechanics instead of hockey players?

I was impressed with Serena Williams at the Australian Open. When she got hurt, I thought for sure she would just let Lindsey Davenport walk right onto to the title. Wow, was I wrong! Williams just cruised right past Davenport in the last two sets. I'm still a bit surprised.

Apparently, Pro Football Weekly passed out a NFL Draft preview to the media during Super Bowl Week. Braylon Edwards, Michigan's wideout, was tabbed as San Francisco's choice at the top of the board. The publication had our Lions taking, I hope you are sitting, quarterback Aaron Rodgers of California. That would really quiet the quarterback controversy, wouldn't it?

I agree with many NBA beat writers, Steve Nash is the league's Most Valuable Player to this point in the season.

Hopefully, I will be able to crank out a few more posts this week. Thanks for bearing with me during the slow times.