Thursday, June 30, 2005
College Scheduling
For fans of the old pigskin, here is ESPN's list of their college football broadcasts. Those who prefer the cagers can gaze at this partial lineup for the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. (Why can't I find a complete listing?)
No, No, No
This shouldn't happen. Somebody, anybody, stop Tommy Hearns. I appreciate his desire for the competition and for the cash, but he runs far too great a risk of getting hurt.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Is It That Time Already?
I got caught a bit off-guard by this one. Did I miss the off-season completely?
Not Humbled (Yet) League
We've all heard Jeremy Roenick's comments about fans who feel NHL players are greedy. J.R. thinks any fan who feels that NHL players are greedy can smooch his backside. Oh, and they can stop watching hockey altogether. There is the problem, Jeremy. No one was watching in the first place.
Roenick's sentiments reveal what the NHLPA has gotten wrong from Day One. The players and their union viewed themselves, and their league, on an equal plane to other sports, mostly notably, the NFL, NBA and MLB. There's the rub. The National Hockey League is closer to being compared to Major League Soccer than the Big Three.
That comment isn't going to make my fellow Detroit fans too happy, but it's painfully true. The NHL is simply not a big time sport. We here in the U.S., and especially in self proclaimed Hockeytown, consider the NHL one of the "Big Four" along with Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association. However, nothing could be further from reality.
We've been down this list before, but just as a refresher for Mr. Roenick, hockey falls behind the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, NASCAR, NCAA football and NCAA basketball. In terms of television ratings, you can add poker, bowling, fishing and probably rodeo. That puts pro hockey pretty far down the list of must-see sporting events in North America.
The NHL may have had games aired on the same television networks as other sports, but they never had the ratings, fan base or revenue streams that other sports enjoyed. Yet, the NHLPA stubbornly refused to back down during this labor impasse because they had the perspective of being equally as big, both in popularity and revenue, as professional baseball, football and basketball. The players acted like big fish in a little pond, only to find out they are barely little fish in a very big pond.
The players were never able to see the forest for the trees and Roenick's comments reveal they still can't. J.R. can take some solace, however. I don't think the players are greedy at all. Nope. I think they are naive. Naive to the point, well, to the point of absurdity. That, and they are arrogant. But I don't think the NHLPA is greedy.
Does that mean I can get your approval to watch, J.R.?
Roenick's sentiments reveal what the NHLPA has gotten wrong from Day One. The players and their union viewed themselves, and their league, on an equal plane to other sports, mostly notably, the NFL, NBA and MLB. There's the rub. The National Hockey League is closer to being compared to Major League Soccer than the Big Three.
That comment isn't going to make my fellow Detroit fans too happy, but it's painfully true. The NHL is simply not a big time sport. We here in the U.S., and especially in self proclaimed Hockeytown, consider the NHL one of the "Big Four" along with Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association. However, nothing could be further from reality.
We've been down this list before, but just as a refresher for Mr. Roenick, hockey falls behind the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, NASCAR, NCAA football and NCAA basketball. In terms of television ratings, you can add poker, bowling, fishing and probably rodeo. That puts pro hockey pretty far down the list of must-see sporting events in North America.
The NHL may have had games aired on the same television networks as other sports, but they never had the ratings, fan base or revenue streams that other sports enjoyed. Yet, the NHLPA stubbornly refused to back down during this labor impasse because they had the perspective of being equally as big, both in popularity and revenue, as professional baseball, football and basketball. The players acted like big fish in a little pond, only to find out they are barely little fish in a very big pond.
The players were never able to see the forest for the trees and Roenick's comments reveal they still can't. J.R. can take some solace, however. I don't think the players are greedy at all. Nope. I think they are naive. Naive to the point, well, to the point of absurdity. That, and they are arrogant. But I don't think the NHLPA is greedy.
Does that mean I can get your approval to watch, J.R.?
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Photo Test
Finals Thoughts
Before I return to yardwork and the barbecue on this 90 plus degree day, here are just some wild thoughts on the NBA Finals.
It's hard to be mad at losing the Finals. Sure, the Pistons could have won, but forcing a Game Seven one year after winning their third title is not exactly a bad thing. I'm disappointed, but not terribly disappointed.
I thought the Pistons allowed far too much dribble penetration in each of their losses. They could not allow the Spurs backcourt to drive right to the basket. In their defeats, that's exactly what they did.
Rasheed Wallace was too inconsistent, but Tayshaun Prince was invisible. The Pistons are barely seven deep (the starting five plus Antonio McDyess and, in The Finals, Lindsey Hunter), they simply couldn't afford to have Prince disappear for long stretches. If Prince had played even half the series the way he played in the regular season, or the previous two post-seasons, the Pistons may still be champs.
I laugh everytime I hear someone call into a sports-talk radio show and lament 'Sheed's lack of post-up play. That's been a knock on Wallace forever. He simply can't or won't dominate in the low post consistently. That's, in large part, why he's not an all-star type player.
Regardless of where Larry Brown lands, Darko Milicic has to play next year. Having a number two pick overall not even be able to provide you with a few decent minutes in The Finals hurt the Pistons, too.
Did anyone else think that Game 7 was horribly officiated? Okay, let me try that again. Did anyone else not associated with the Pistons think that it was a horribly officiated game? I thought both teams got some terrible calls against them. Stuff that was no more than incidental contact in any other game, at any other level, got whistles. I thought the refs took both teams out of their games, especially in the first half.
In the end, the Spurs were the better team. As the seven games indicated, they were better, just not by much.
Thanks to the Pistons for another quality season.
It's hard to be mad at losing the Finals. Sure, the Pistons could have won, but forcing a Game Seven one year after winning their third title is not exactly a bad thing. I'm disappointed, but not terribly disappointed.
I thought the Pistons allowed far too much dribble penetration in each of their losses. They could not allow the Spurs backcourt to drive right to the basket. In their defeats, that's exactly what they did.
Rasheed Wallace was too inconsistent, but Tayshaun Prince was invisible. The Pistons are barely seven deep (the starting five plus Antonio McDyess and, in The Finals, Lindsey Hunter), they simply couldn't afford to have Prince disappear for long stretches. If Prince had played even half the series the way he played in the regular season, or the previous two post-seasons, the Pistons may still be champs.
I laugh everytime I hear someone call into a sports-talk radio show and lament 'Sheed's lack of post-up play. That's been a knock on Wallace forever. He simply can't or won't dominate in the low post consistently. That's, in large part, why he's not an all-star type player.
Regardless of where Larry Brown lands, Darko Milicic has to play next year. Having a number two pick overall not even be able to provide you with a few decent minutes in The Finals hurt the Pistons, too.
Did anyone else think that Game 7 was horribly officiated? Okay, let me try that again. Did anyone else not associated with the Pistons think that it was a horribly officiated game? I thought both teams got some terrible calls against them. Stuff that was no more than incidental contact in any other game, at any other level, got whistles. I thought the refs took both teams out of their games, especially in the first half.
In the end, the Spurs were the better team. As the seven games indicated, they were better, just not by much.
Thanks to the Pistons for another quality season.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Thursday Night Moanin'
What do you suspect we would have to pay ESPN to stop talking about Terrell Owens? It's not football season. He's not without a contract. He's not even holding out from camp. Well, he's not holding out, yet, anyway. However, it's seems like you don't go more than about twenty-four hours without someone affiliated with the network talking about him.
Monday night with the NBA Finals underway, baseball in full swing, Annika winning another major and a number of other more noteworthy sports topics to choose from, ESPN.com has T.O.'s contract situation as it's lead story?
Is Owens' agent paying ESPN to get coverage? Are we all that desperate to hear everything out of T.O.'s mouth? I'm just amazed at the T.O. watch the media seems to be on. Call me in late July when he doesn't show for training camp. (Yes, I do see the irony and stupidity of discussing Owens' here. I'm only adding to the problem, but I had to complain.)
Another athlete who should be relegated to obscurity is Mike Tyson. Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.
Locals have probably heard about this already, but the Detroit Zoo got into trouble with some Michigan fans this week. The zoo has two baby wolverines. The zoo also has a Michigan State grad, with a sense of humor, as a vet. The caregiver named the newborns, Sparty and Bucky. This sent some Michigan fans, and Zoo patrons, into a lather.
Naming a wolverine after the mascots of Michigan State and Wisconsin? Not on their watch. These supposedly educated individuals threatened to pull their financial support from the zoo unless a name change occurred.
Let me see if I understand this. Some well heeled folks are incensed over the naming of two wolverines, neither on scholarship as far as I know, after other Big Ten mascots and they are going to stop supporting an institution already hurting for money? They are going to cut off their funding of one of the city primary attractions because two critters are named Bucky and Sparty? They are going to abandon their support of all of the inhabitants of the zoo because their school has been indirectly insulted?
They sure sound like well educated, deeply thoughtful, animal lovers to me.
I read where dolphins were found using sponges as tools. Some scientists have suggested that this is proof of evolution. In other news, these same scientists were forced to dismiss evolution as nothing more than theory after seeing the results of The Discovery Channel/AOL survey of The Greatest American.
After breezing through the list of the 100 Greatest Americans ever you have to wonder if we shouldn't have let the dolphins vote instead.
Less than an hour before tip-off, but I still don't buy the fact the Pistons are "back in the series". Win tonight, then, yes, they are temporarily back in. Why only temporarily? Because the Pistons absolutely have to win all three games here in order to have any real chance of repeating as champions.
Being "back" means having a chance to win the championship in my mind. If the Pistons fold tonight, and I don't think they will, the Game Three win will look very, very small. Thinking the Pistons can win three straight, with the last two in San Antonio, is almost unimaginable. Sure, it would be mathematically possible, but only those with the most red, white and blue colored glasses would believe repeating is still possible.
Right now, however, the dream lives on. My guess: Pistons 89-Spurs 86.
Don't look now, but the Tigers are nearing .500, again. Come on, fellas. Get over the break even mark and stay above water for a while.
By the way, who will be the Tigers' all-star representative? Carlos Guillen, Jeremy Bonderman and Brandon Inge seem like the most likely candidates. Pudge Rodriguez may get the nod, but as he won't start (he can't catch Jason Varitek), his numbers might not be worthy of a back-up slot. Why do I get the feeling Inge will be the only Tigers' rep?
You probably didn't notice, and I hope for your sake you didn't because that would make you as lame as me, but Davis Love III was wearing a trucker style Titleist cap at the U.S. Open today. (Sorry, the link is not to a picture.) It was your traditional baseball cap with a mesh back and the Titleist logo on front. I know it's a very popular retro style. For some reason, a trucker cap looked horribly out of place at the U.S. Open. Go figure.
Other fashion statements at Pinehurst #2 (Yes, these are photo links): Sergio Garcia, Charles Howell III, Tiger Woods and finally the always stylish Ian Poulter. Those are some pants.
I've got to go watch some basketball now. Go Pistons!
Monday night with the NBA Finals underway, baseball in full swing, Annika winning another major and a number of other more noteworthy sports topics to choose from, ESPN.com has T.O.'s contract situation as it's lead story?
Is Owens' agent paying ESPN to get coverage? Are we all that desperate to hear everything out of T.O.'s mouth? I'm just amazed at the T.O. watch the media seems to be on. Call me in late July when he doesn't show for training camp. (Yes, I do see the irony and stupidity of discussing Owens' here. I'm only adding to the problem, but I had to complain.)
Another athlete who should be relegated to obscurity is Mike Tyson. Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.
Locals have probably heard about this already, but the Detroit Zoo got into trouble with some Michigan fans this week. The zoo has two baby wolverines. The zoo also has a Michigan State grad, with a sense of humor, as a vet. The caregiver named the newborns, Sparty and Bucky. This sent some Michigan fans, and Zoo patrons, into a lather.
Naming a wolverine after the mascots of Michigan State and Wisconsin? Not on their watch. These supposedly educated individuals threatened to pull their financial support from the zoo unless a name change occurred.
Let me see if I understand this. Some well heeled folks are incensed over the naming of two wolverines, neither on scholarship as far as I know, after other Big Ten mascots and they are going to stop supporting an institution already hurting for money? They are going to cut off their funding of one of the city primary attractions because two critters are named Bucky and Sparty? They are going to abandon their support of all of the inhabitants of the zoo because their school has been indirectly insulted?
They sure sound like well educated, deeply thoughtful, animal lovers to me.
I read where dolphins were found using sponges as tools. Some scientists have suggested that this is proof of evolution. In other news, these same scientists were forced to dismiss evolution as nothing more than theory after seeing the results of The Discovery Channel/AOL survey of The Greatest American.
After breezing through the list of the 100 Greatest Americans ever you have to wonder if we shouldn't have let the dolphins vote instead.
Less than an hour before tip-off, but I still don't buy the fact the Pistons are "back in the series". Win tonight, then, yes, they are temporarily back in. Why only temporarily? Because the Pistons absolutely have to win all three games here in order to have any real chance of repeating as champions.
Being "back" means having a chance to win the championship in my mind. If the Pistons fold tonight, and I don't think they will, the Game Three win will look very, very small. Thinking the Pistons can win three straight, with the last two in San Antonio, is almost unimaginable. Sure, it would be mathematically possible, but only those with the most red, white and blue colored glasses would believe repeating is still possible.
Right now, however, the dream lives on. My guess: Pistons 89-Spurs 86.
Don't look now, but the Tigers are nearing .500, again. Come on, fellas. Get over the break even mark and stay above water for a while.
By the way, who will be the Tigers' all-star representative? Carlos Guillen, Jeremy Bonderman and Brandon Inge seem like the most likely candidates. Pudge Rodriguez may get the nod, but as he won't start (he can't catch Jason Varitek), his numbers might not be worthy of a back-up slot. Why do I get the feeling Inge will be the only Tigers' rep?
You probably didn't notice, and I hope for your sake you didn't because that would make you as lame as me, but Davis Love III was wearing a trucker style Titleist cap at the U.S. Open today. (Sorry, the link is not to a picture.) It was your traditional baseball cap with a mesh back and the Titleist logo on front. I know it's a very popular retro style. For some reason, a trucker cap looked horribly out of place at the U.S. Open. Go figure.
Other fashion statements at Pinehurst #2 (Yes, these are photo links): Sergio Garcia, Charles Howell III, Tiger Woods and finally the always stylish Ian Poulter. Those are some pants.
I've got to go watch some basketball now. Go Pistons!
Monday, June 13, 2005
College World Series Field Set
I only managed to correctly guess three of the eight teams to make the trip to Omaha. I got Texas, Tulane and Nebraska right. Baylor, Tennessee, Florida, Arizona State and Oregon State round out the CWS field and make me look silly, as usual. (In my defense, I did get 12 of the 16 teams from the opening rounds correctly.)
I'm happily wrong about Oregon State, as I tend to root for schools in the north. I'm really annoyed about ASU because when I initially reviewed the brackets, I liked the Sun Devils chances. However, the big media boys filled my tiny brain with all the pro-Fullerton talk and basically talked me out of picking ASU entirely. AZ State didn't even get a mention in my tournament preview post. I'm glad Arizona State is headed for Nebraska, but I wish I would have picked them. Further proof that I am not very smart.
(A note to Detroit Tigers fans: Arizona State's CWS appearance means we can all get a look at draft choice Jeff Larish. The Sun Devils firstbaseman will probably be in the Tigers farm system when ASU's run is over.)
I'm still predicting a Tulane triumph, but I'm rooting for Oregon State to do well.
For information regarding the CWS use these links:
NCAA Baseball
CWS Omaha.com
I'm happily wrong about Oregon State, as I tend to root for schools in the north. I'm really annoyed about ASU because when I initially reviewed the brackets, I liked the Sun Devils chances. However, the big media boys filled my tiny brain with all the pro-Fullerton talk and basically talked me out of picking ASU entirely. AZ State didn't even get a mention in my tournament preview post. I'm glad Arizona State is headed for Nebraska, but I wish I would have picked them. Further proof that I am not very smart.
(A note to Detroit Tigers fans: Arizona State's CWS appearance means we can all get a look at draft choice Jeff Larish. The Sun Devils firstbaseman will probably be in the Tigers farm system when ASU's run is over.)
I'm still predicting a Tulane triumph, but I'm rooting for Oregon State to do well.
For information regarding the CWS use these links:
NCAA Baseball
CWS Omaha.com
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Michigan Football Preview
College Football News' writer Pete Fiutak preview's the 2005 Michigan football team. Click here for a look.
No, Spartan faitful, I'm not trying to play favorites here. I just don't see a link to the MSU preview to provide you with.
No, Spartan faitful, I'm not trying to play favorites here. I just don't see a link to the MSU preview to provide you with.
Prince Must Shine
You can get overwhelmed with analysis of the NBA Finals. I'll keep my preview of tonight's tilt simple. Here is the one thing I am looking for: Tayshaun Prince's ability to score, especially in while posting up Manu Ginobili.
Prince, who one could argue was Detroit's MVP of the regular season, has had a sub-par playoff. Contrary to his previous two post-seasons, Prince has not sparked the Pistons at either end of the floor.
It looks to me like Prince can abuse Ginobili on the block, but he has to be able to hit those baby hook shots and finger-rolls that he has missed thus far. Prince also looks like he can beat several of the Spurs off the dribble, but has been unable to finish those, either. That absolutely has to change.
Prince must become a true threat to score, especially over Ginobili. Once Prince has established that, he can fall back some and hit the occasional three. Getting Ginobili to work harder defensively would also be a welcome sight.
Prince has seemed timid offensively since the playoffs began. That must change. The Pistons need him to become a force. They need him tonight.
Prince, who one could argue was Detroit's MVP of the regular season, has had a sub-par playoff. Contrary to his previous two post-seasons, Prince has not sparked the Pistons at either end of the floor.
It looks to me like Prince can abuse Ginobili on the block, but he has to be able to hit those baby hook shots and finger-rolls that he has missed thus far. Prince also looks like he can beat several of the Spurs off the dribble, but has been unable to finish those, either. That absolutely has to change.
Prince must become a true threat to score, especially over Ginobili. Once Prince has established that, he can fall back some and hit the occasional three. Getting Ginobili to work harder defensively would also be a welcome sight.
Prince has seemed timid offensively since the playoffs began. That must change. The Pistons need him to become a force. They need him tonight.
Year One
Today marks the first anniversary of my blog. Who said it wouldn't last? Oh, that's right. That was me. Well, fortunately for both of my loyal readers, I was wrong. (Yes, again.)
I thank those who have stopped by, those of you that have taken the time to email me and those bloggers who have added Beyond Boxscores to their links.
Feel free to raise a glass of your favorite beverage in honor of this momentous day.
I thank those who have stopped by, those of you that have taken the time to email me and those bloggers who have added Beyond Boxscores to their links.
Feel free to raise a glass of your favorite beverage in honor of this momentous day.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Polanco-Urbina Deal
"What?". That was my first reaction when I heard about the Detroit Tigers dealing Ugie Urbina (and Ramon Martinez) to Philadelphia for infielder Placido Polanco. My gut reaction was this was a bad deal. Not because Polanco is a bad player. He is, in fact, a fine upgrade at secondbase. No, the reason I didn't like the trade is because I just don't quite see the logic in the move. Billfer at the Detroit Tigers Weblog did a good job of summing up my sentiments.
Basically, this deal seems to just create as many questions as it answers. There's no reason not to embrace Polanco's arrival, but I have to wonder if it's really what is best for the organization?
Basically, this deal seems to just create as many questions as it answers. There's no reason not to embrace Polanco's arrival, but I have to wonder if it's really what is best for the organization?
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Draft Day Thoughts And Tigers Links
The Tigers ended up going with high schooler Cameron Maybin with the tenth overall selection in the draft. This is a good news/bad news situation. The good news is that many, including the staff at Baseball America, thought Maybin was a top five pick. In theory, the Tigers got a minor steal. In theory.
My problem with the pick is that Maybin is probably further from contributing to the success of the big league club than I would like. That's not unusual, most high school kids fall into that category, thus my preference for college players. However, I still believe the Tigers are in need of some more immediate assistance.
However, I can't fault the Tigers for taking a player with Maybin's upside. Obviously, I will be a member of the Cameron Maybin Fan Club until given a reason not to be.
Their second round choice was kind of puzzling. Chris Robinson, catcher, from Illinois. I think most teams thought he would go much later in the draft. I know I did. I like the kid, I'm a Big Ten baseball fan, so I embraced his selection. I was just caught off guard by how early he went. Happy to have him wearing the Old English D. Or that nifty Sea Wolf.
Can't say I know one stinking thing about third rounder Kevin Whelan. What I've read so far indicates he is projected to be a closer. I'm guessing he throws hard, as Dave Dombrowski isn't a fan of the soft tossers. As I stated earlier, I prefer the college kids, and Whelan was the first of three straight NCAA players the Tigers grabbed.
I like fourth rounder Jeff Larish of Arizona State. He hits for power and gets a fairly healthy amount of free passes. I would think he would start at Lakeland, but wouldn't be there very long. AA Erie isn't out of the question, in my mind, though, as the Pac-10 provides a fairly high level of competition.
Fifth rounder Michael "Clete" Thomas appears to have decent wheels and a good bat. (I'm assuming Clete and Michael are one and the same. There is only one other Thomas on Auburn's roster he is a freshman, thus ineligible for the draft.) Both Thomas and Maybin are centerfielders by trade. I wonder if Maybin's career will begin at Lakeland and Thomas at Erie? I love the nickname, Clete. Cannot recall one in baseball since Clete Boyer.
After Thomas, the Tigers selected five pitchers in a row. Again, I don't know anything about the remaining choices on Day 1. We will all have to wait to hear about their long-term potential over the next several days.
In an interesting note for the Maize and Blue fans out there, Zach Putnam didn't get drafted until very late. I thought I heard the 8th round. The Ann Arbor native was projected at the beginning of the year to go in the top ten picks overall. I suspect that his lower than expected draft selection increases the odds he joins the Michigan baseball squad next year. I hope so, anyway.
Here are some Tiger links for your reading pleasure. Billfer at the Detroit Tigers Weblog keeps up with the draft here.
Jeff at TigerBlog wonders about what to do with Urbina ? To trade or not to trade? That is the question. (As always, my answer is "What are the Tigers getting in return?")
With a post getting all kinds of links throughout Tigertown, Blue Cats and Red Sox makes me want to quit blogging immediately with her fine poetry on the Tigers/O's contest. You just can't compete with that kind of stuff. Well, I can't anyway.
Correction: I was wrong. Apparently, Zach Putnam did not get drafted at all on the first day. I hope to see Putnam in Big Ten play next spring.
My problem with the pick is that Maybin is probably further from contributing to the success of the big league club than I would like. That's not unusual, most high school kids fall into that category, thus my preference for college players. However, I still believe the Tigers are in need of some more immediate assistance.
However, I can't fault the Tigers for taking a player with Maybin's upside. Obviously, I will be a member of the Cameron Maybin Fan Club until given a reason not to be.
Their second round choice was kind of puzzling. Chris Robinson, catcher, from Illinois. I think most teams thought he would go much later in the draft. I know I did. I like the kid, I'm a Big Ten baseball fan, so I embraced his selection. I was just caught off guard by how early he went. Happy to have him wearing the Old English D. Or that nifty Sea Wolf.
Can't say I know one stinking thing about third rounder Kevin Whelan. What I've read so far indicates he is projected to be a closer. I'm guessing he throws hard, as Dave Dombrowski isn't a fan of the soft tossers. As I stated earlier, I prefer the college kids, and Whelan was the first of three straight NCAA players the Tigers grabbed.
I like fourth rounder Jeff Larish of Arizona State. He hits for power and gets a fairly healthy amount of free passes. I would think he would start at Lakeland, but wouldn't be there very long. AA Erie isn't out of the question, in my mind, though, as the Pac-10 provides a fairly high level of competition.
Fifth rounder Michael "Clete" Thomas appears to have decent wheels and a good bat. (I'm assuming Clete and Michael are one and the same. There is only one other Thomas on Auburn's roster he is a freshman, thus ineligible for the draft.) Both Thomas and Maybin are centerfielders by trade. I wonder if Maybin's career will begin at Lakeland and Thomas at Erie? I love the nickname, Clete. Cannot recall one in baseball since Clete Boyer.
After Thomas, the Tigers selected five pitchers in a row. Again, I don't know anything about the remaining choices on Day 1. We will all have to wait to hear about their long-term potential over the next several days.
In an interesting note for the Maize and Blue fans out there, Zach Putnam didn't get drafted until very late. I thought I heard the 8th round. The Ann Arbor native was projected at the beginning of the year to go in the top ten picks overall. I suspect that his lower than expected draft selection increases the odds he joins the Michigan baseball squad next year. I hope so, anyway.
Here are some Tiger links for your reading pleasure. Billfer at the Detroit Tigers Weblog keeps up with the draft here.
Jeff at TigerBlog wonders about what to do with Urbina ? To trade or not to trade? That is the question. (As always, my answer is "What are the Tigers getting in return?")
With a post getting all kinds of links throughout Tigertown, Blue Cats and Red Sox makes me want to quit blogging immediately with her fine poetry on the Tigers/O's contest. You just can't compete with that kind of stuff. Well, I can't anyway.
Correction: I was wrong. Apparently, Zach Putnam did not get drafted at all on the first day. I hope to see Putnam in Big Ten play next spring.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
No Tickets For You
I failed to mention that I did not win MLB.com's All-Star Game ticket lottery. Yeah, I'm shocked, too. I mean how could I not win? Although, I did win the right to have my email box filled with other news (see spam) from MLB.com. Woo-hoo!
I'm trying to accept the fact that I may not be attending the game. Note the tone of that sentence. I haven't given up, but it sure doesn't look good.
I'm trying to accept the fact that I may not be attending the game. Note the tone of that sentence. I haven't given up, but it sure doesn't look good.
NCAA Baseball Links
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Deford Slams U.S. Sports Fans
When I first read this, I pretty much ignored it. The longer I mulled it over, though, the more angry I became. I like Frank Deford, but his view on our jingoism is off-base. I am proof of it.
Deford opines that we Americans only like sporting events with Americans in it. Well, Mr. Deford, let me introduce myself. I'm an American sports fan living in metropolitan Detroit, right smack in the middle of cow country, as one of my fellow American internet friends out east called it. I've been known to root for the Red, White and Blue, as well. I'm suspecting I may well be the stereotype of the jingoist you have outlined.
Unfortunately, I've got some bad news. I love the Tour de France. I've watched it for years. Like fifteen or twenty years. Not just since Lance Armstrong appeared. Do I get extra credit for being able to spit out Miguel Indurain's name?
I attempt to follow European soccer. I've developed an attachment to Premier League club, Everton. (Yes, I know. My readers are tired of hearing this. I talking to Mr. Deford, right now, okay?) My favorite Everton player is Tim Cahill. He's Australian, by the way.
I'm all geeked up about Germany 2006. When the World Cup came here, I went. I saw Brazil take on Holland. Not a single American on the pitch.
Wimbledon is one of my favorite sporting events. The French Open is pretty cool, too. Given my choice, I'll take open wheel racing over the stock car boys. I try to follow the Canadian Football League, but, of course, Americans do have the audacity to play there. (To make you feel better, Mr. Deford, they do have import rules, though. It's got to be a NAFTA thing.)
I enjoy watching golf overseas either late at night or early in the morning. The events from Australia, the ANZ Tour, I believe, are particularly fun. I'm usually plowing snow out of my drive and come in to see golfers struggling in ninety degree heat Down Under. Only an occasional fellow countryman appears, yet somehow I manage to watch.
Roland Garros is clay court. The courts at the All England Club are grass. I've got no idea what they play the Australian Open on, but I think it's safe to assume that it isn't something found in nature.
I know the difference between Boris Becker and Franz Beckenbauer. Michael Schumacher's brother is Ralf. I know what the R & A is. Not bad for one of those jingoistic Americans, huh? Imagine how much more I would know if the internet existed when I was young?
I'm sure Mr. Deford would counter that I am the exception to the rule. That may indeed be the case, but why are only Americans jingoistic for following their teams and their sports?
For instance, I know that Real Madrid has David Beckham, Michael Owen and Zinedine Zidane on their roster. I wonder how many on the streets of Madrid know three of my Detroit Lions? Hey, I know three of their footballers, shouldn't they be required to recognize three of mine?
Since Real Madrid may be international football's most noteworthy club, I'll forgive the citizens of Madrid for not knowing any of my historically crummy Lions. But, I'll bet they cannot name three New England Patriots, either. Doesn't that make them jingoistic, too?
Nope, what it makes them are products of their sports environment. We grew up in the U.S.A. with an entirely different set of sports at the forefront. I don't believe that Americans are any more or less jingoistic than the rest of the world simply because a majority of us aren't passionate about Formula One.
I believe that the overwhelming majority of sports fans worldwide root for their nation and their nation's athletes first. They know more about their local pro team than the team on the other end of the country or the other end of the world. That may be jingoism, but it's hardly an American phenomenon.
Instead of attempting to elevate the stature of some of the world's top sports stars with Americans, Mr. Deford chose to take the opportunity to ridicule the sophistication and intelligence of his reading audience. It makes Mr. Deford's commentary look elitist, at best. Anti-American, at worst.
After nearly 230 years as an independent nation, Americans still find themselves having to explain their interests, or lack their of, to the Old World. Or, at least, to old sports writers.
Deford opines that we Americans only like sporting events with Americans in it. Well, Mr. Deford, let me introduce myself. I'm an American sports fan living in metropolitan Detroit, right smack in the middle of cow country, as one of my fellow American internet friends out east called it. I've been known to root for the Red, White and Blue, as well. I'm suspecting I may well be the stereotype of the jingoist you have outlined.
Unfortunately, I've got some bad news. I love the Tour de France. I've watched it for years. Like fifteen or twenty years. Not just since Lance Armstrong appeared. Do I get extra credit for being able to spit out Miguel Indurain's name?
I attempt to follow European soccer. I've developed an attachment to Premier League club, Everton. (Yes, I know. My readers are tired of hearing this. I talking to Mr. Deford, right now, okay?) My favorite Everton player is Tim Cahill. He's Australian, by the way.
I'm all geeked up about Germany 2006. When the World Cup came here, I went. I saw Brazil take on Holland. Not a single American on the pitch.
Wimbledon is one of my favorite sporting events. The French Open is pretty cool, too. Given my choice, I'll take open wheel racing over the stock car boys. I try to follow the Canadian Football League, but, of course, Americans do have the audacity to play there. (To make you feel better, Mr. Deford, they do have import rules, though. It's got to be a NAFTA thing.)
I enjoy watching golf overseas either late at night or early in the morning. The events from Australia, the ANZ Tour, I believe, are particularly fun. I'm usually plowing snow out of my drive and come in to see golfers struggling in ninety degree heat Down Under. Only an occasional fellow countryman appears, yet somehow I manage to watch.
Roland Garros is clay court. The courts at the All England Club are grass. I've got no idea what they play the Australian Open on, but I think it's safe to assume that it isn't something found in nature.
I know the difference between Boris Becker and Franz Beckenbauer. Michael Schumacher's brother is Ralf. I know what the R & A is. Not bad for one of those jingoistic Americans, huh? Imagine how much more I would know if the internet existed when I was young?
I'm sure Mr. Deford would counter that I am the exception to the rule. That may indeed be the case, but why are only Americans jingoistic for following their teams and their sports?
For instance, I know that Real Madrid has David Beckham, Michael Owen and Zinedine Zidane on their roster. I wonder how many on the streets of Madrid know three of my Detroit Lions? Hey, I know three of their footballers, shouldn't they be required to recognize three of mine?
Since Real Madrid may be international football's most noteworthy club, I'll forgive the citizens of Madrid for not knowing any of my historically crummy Lions. But, I'll bet they cannot name three New England Patriots, either. Doesn't that make them jingoistic, too?
Nope, what it makes them are products of their sports environment. We grew up in the U.S.A. with an entirely different set of sports at the forefront. I don't believe that Americans are any more or less jingoistic than the rest of the world simply because a majority of us aren't passionate about Formula One.
I believe that the overwhelming majority of sports fans worldwide root for their nation and their nation's athletes first. They know more about their local pro team than the team on the other end of the country or the other end of the world. That may be jingoism, but it's hardly an American phenomenon.
Instead of attempting to elevate the stature of some of the world's top sports stars with Americans, Mr. Deford chose to take the opportunity to ridicule the sophistication and intelligence of his reading audience. It makes Mr. Deford's commentary look elitist, at best. Anti-American, at worst.
After nearly 230 years as an independent nation, Americans still find themselves having to explain their interests, or lack their of, to the Old World. Or, at least, to old sports writers.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Lambeau Field Gets Extra Game
Following in the footsteps of Michigan/Michigan State contest, Lambeau Field will host an outdoors college hockey game in February 2006. Wisconsin will play host to Ohio State. Here is the Yahoo! link.
College World Series Predictions
Yes, it's the post you all have been waiting for. It's time for me to make my College World Series predications. Remember, boys and girls, this is for entertainment purposes only. Put those nasty old bracket sheets and that money away.
I'll spare you the game by game, region by region analysis and skip to the Elite Eight. The eight teams I predict to play in Omaha are: Tulane, Long Beach State, Texas, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Fullerton and Nebraska.
Yeah, it's a pretty standard group. Nothing really screams underdog. At least, not to me anyway. Some college baseball experts might disagree, but these are all either elite baseball powers or schools from power conferences or both.
Let me say that of the eight, two I really couldn't decide on. I'm less sold on Clemson and Georgia Tech than my other six choices. At some point during my thought process, I had both TCU and Baylor beating Clemson.
As for Tech, well, there is this school from Ann Arbor in their region that I sort of hope wins. Michigan can win the region, but getting past a Super Regional series in light of the up and down year the Wolverines have had is simply asking for too much.
As usual, I'm rooting for the Northern schools to do well. Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami (OH), Maine and St. John's join Michigan in the NCAA's. Oregon State might even qualify for this group, but they are still from a power conference, so not quite the baseball underdog as the midwest and northeast institutions.
The finals should pit Tulane against.....against.....against Florida State. There I said it. FSU makes the finals. No, I have no foundation for that pick. I didn't have a clue about the other selections, either, but I didn't let that stop me.
*Note-The tournament started earlier today, but I have not yet seen a single result. I am confident that most of these schools have lost since I selected them to do otherwise.
I'll spare you the game by game, region by region analysis and skip to the Elite Eight. The eight teams I predict to play in Omaha are: Tulane, Long Beach State, Texas, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Fullerton and Nebraska.
Yeah, it's a pretty standard group. Nothing really screams underdog. At least, not to me anyway. Some college baseball experts might disagree, but these are all either elite baseball powers or schools from power conferences or both.
Let me say that of the eight, two I really couldn't decide on. I'm less sold on Clemson and Georgia Tech than my other six choices. At some point during my thought process, I had both TCU and Baylor beating Clemson.
As for Tech, well, there is this school from Ann Arbor in their region that I sort of hope wins. Michigan can win the region, but getting past a Super Regional series in light of the up and down year the Wolverines have had is simply asking for too much.
As usual, I'm rooting for the Northern schools to do well. Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami (OH), Maine and St. John's join Michigan in the NCAA's. Oregon State might even qualify for this group, but they are still from a power conference, so not quite the baseball underdog as the midwest and northeast institutions.
The finals should pit Tulane against.....against.....against Florida State. There I said it. FSU makes the finals. No, I have no foundation for that pick. I didn't have a clue about the other selections, either, but I didn't let that stop me.
*Note-The tournament started earlier today, but I have not yet seen a single result. I am confident that most of these schools have lost since I selected them to do otherwise.
Warming Up To Shaq
I've never been a Shaquille O'Neal fan. Not in college, where I thought his team underachieved. Not in the pros, where his game was more one of might than of skill, in my less than fuzzy opinion of his skills. Then there was his infamous "I have won at every level" statement issued at a time before he had won anything on any level. I was not on the Big Guy's bandwagon.
As the years have passed, O'Neal and I have matured. I've learned to respect his power game, even if not overly enamored with it. I have grown to enjoy his sense of humor. I like his banter with the media. He even seems like a pretty decent guy in spite of the millions. Yesterday, Shaq revealed that side by offering to pay for the funeral of basketball legend, George Mikan.
Like O'Neal, Mikan was the dominant big man of his era. Also, like Shaq, Mikan was an ex-Laker center. Apparently, some type of admiration developed between the two men and when O'Neal heard Mikan's family was having financial problems, he offered to pay for Mikan's funeral.
It was a class move. I stand impressed. Even if it was done in part for public relations, no one else made such a public offer to the family of pro basketball's original superstar. O'Neal may never be my all-time favorite player, but he certainly has changed my opinion about him.
As the years have passed, O'Neal and I have matured. I've learned to respect his power game, even if not overly enamored with it. I have grown to enjoy his sense of humor. I like his banter with the media. He even seems like a pretty decent guy in spite of the millions. Yesterday, Shaq revealed that side by offering to pay for the funeral of basketball legend, George Mikan.
Like O'Neal, Mikan was the dominant big man of his era. Also, like Shaq, Mikan was an ex-Laker center. Apparently, some type of admiration developed between the two men and when O'Neal heard Mikan's family was having financial problems, he offered to pay for Mikan's funeral.
It was a class move. I stand impressed. Even if it was done in part for public relations, no one else made such a public offer to the family of pro basketball's original superstar. O'Neal may never be my all-time favorite player, but he certainly has changed my opinion about him.
Saving Historic Detroit
Cruising the web the other day, I read this piece at CNN.com about Ernest Hemingway's home in Cuba. It seems that the National Trust has placed the author's home abroad on it's list of eleven most endangered places. I know. Big deal, right? Well, we can debate the merits of restoring Hemingway's home some other time, but what really caught my attention was the fact that Downtown Detroit's historical buildings made the list as well.
Now, as the "Historic Buildings of Downtown Detroit" title implies, the organization feels that a large number of buildings in our major urban area deserve to be restored, not just one or two. As a former history major, I can appreciate the desire of people to renovate these wonderful structures. Like all fragments of history, once they are gone, you simply cannot get them back.
I love the architecture of these old places. I love the link to the past. I love the thought of a city reborn with some of its history intact. I suspect no other major U.S. city would even allow these type of structures to fall into such a state of disrepair in the first place.
However, I also realize that the vast majority of these places have no renovation plan at all and even if they did, their owners' probably would be without the financial resources necessary to make renovation an option. (Of course, there's the notion that the owners of these buildings do have the money to renovate, but they just don't give a rodent's behind about the structures, but that's a subject for another day.)
Generally, I'm in the group of folks who believe the city is in desperate need of a bulldozing party in any numbers of parts of town. These buildings, once the heart of a thriving city, have turned into a part of the city's overall problem. They are nothing more today than part of the city's blight and safety hazards.
Only two things can turn that around- renovation or demolition. Unfortunately, renovation appears unlikely. Or, at least, unwanted by the powers-that-be.
That leaves demolition, but having watched Tiger Stadium make the transition from tourist attraction and fan favorite to neglected historical site, I'm in no mood to just randomly knock down everything in town.
The city unquestionably needs to start cleaning up, which has to include the destruction of some of these old sites, but I hope all parties are a bit more cautious before tossing history out the window. Hopefully, our old ballpark will serve as a reminder of opportunity wasted.
Now, as the "Historic Buildings of Downtown Detroit" title implies, the organization feels that a large number of buildings in our major urban area deserve to be restored, not just one or two. As a former history major, I can appreciate the desire of people to renovate these wonderful structures. Like all fragments of history, once they are gone, you simply cannot get them back.
I love the architecture of these old places. I love the link to the past. I love the thought of a city reborn with some of its history intact. I suspect no other major U.S. city would even allow these type of structures to fall into such a state of disrepair in the first place.
However, I also realize that the vast majority of these places have no renovation plan at all and even if they did, their owners' probably would be without the financial resources necessary to make renovation an option. (Of course, there's the notion that the owners of these buildings do have the money to renovate, but they just don't give a rodent's behind about the structures, but that's a subject for another day.)
Generally, I'm in the group of folks who believe the city is in desperate need of a bulldozing party in any numbers of parts of town. These buildings, once the heart of a thriving city, have turned into a part of the city's overall problem. They are nothing more today than part of the city's blight and safety hazards.
Only two things can turn that around- renovation or demolition. Unfortunately, renovation appears unlikely. Or, at least, unwanted by the powers-that-be.
That leaves demolition, but having watched Tiger Stadium make the transition from tourist attraction and fan favorite to neglected historical site, I'm in no mood to just randomly knock down everything in town.
The city unquestionably needs to start cleaning up, which has to include the destruction of some of these old sites, but I hope all parties are a bit more cautious before tossing history out the window. Hopefully, our old ballpark will serve as a reminder of opportunity wasted.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Doing My Work For Me
I was going to write about the most recent rumors surrounding Larry Brown, but I didn't have to. Rob at bleacherguy.com said everything I felt like saying. Thanks, Rob.
Then the Tigers demoted Carlos Pena and promoted Chris Shelton. That was followed by their demotion of Jason Smith and unexpected promotion of Tony Giarratano. This time Billfer at detroittigersweblog.com provided my work for me. Thanks, Billfer.
I guess everyone now knows how I got through high school.
Then the Tigers demoted Carlos Pena and promoted Chris Shelton. That was followed by their demotion of Jason Smith and unexpected promotion of Tony Giarratano. This time Billfer at detroittigersweblog.com provided my work for me. Thanks, Billfer.
I guess everyone now knows how I got through high school.
Draft Day Approaches
Less than a week until the draft that only true geeks pay attention to, the MLB Draft. The reasons why baseball's draft is far less popular are fairly obvious-high school and college players get drafted (that's a ton of kids), no one really follows baseball on the amateur level (this year had more college baseball on national tv than the previous ten years combined), draft picks are far less certain to be successful (it seems like it anyway) and the darn thing isn't even on cable television. It's a simple case of lots kids with almost no exposure in an event no one can watch. I cannot imagine why it's not popular?
As a public service, and because I am one of the aforementioned geeks, I thought I would take a peek at what my fellow baseball draftniks are saying about the Tigers would-be top choice. Well, boys and girls, the Tigers are drafting tenth in the first round. A bit lower than normal, thanks to Pudge, Guillen and the '04 Tigers, but still high enough to get an impact player. Well, in theory anyway.
Let's be honest. Very, very few teams have so utterly failed the draft process more than our beloved Tigers. I refuse to list all of their draft day disasters here, however know this. It's a long list of really bad players chosen over an extended period of time. That's how you lose 119 games in a season.
As to this year's choice, the name floating around is Wichita State pitcher Mike Pelfrey. As this may be the first or second time you have ever heard the young man's name, I figured I would do a little research for you.
A chat with Pelfrey in 2004 at The Hardball Times.
Brewerfan.net provides this profile.
A look at Pelfrey, including a Team USA photo, courtesy of Baseball Digest Daily. The site is one of those new MLBlogs.
A Baseball America review of Pelfrey's ability.
What else do you need to know? It seems Mr. Pelfrey is generally considered no worse than the second best pitcher in the draft. Many think he is the best pitcher in the draft and a top five pick. So, you are now asking yourself, how can the Tigers get Pelfrey with the tenth overall pick if he's arguably the top pitcher in the whole draft? I'm glad you asked.
Guess who the young hurler's agent is? That's right, Scott Boras. Yes, him, again. Sounds like Mr. Boras has done his usual good job of scaring the you-know-what out of the teams picking ahead of the Tigers. So, based on Boras' recent history with our Bengals, many are assuming that Pelfrey will fall all the way down to number ten.
I'm not going to ponder this much. Quite a bit can happen between now and when the Tigers get to make their first pick. Let's just consider this an introduction to a potential future Tiger. If Pelfrey ends up with the Tigers, you can impress all of the casual fans in your neighborhood with your vast knowledge about the WSU righthander.
If Pelfrey lands elsewhere on draft day, all you've done is wasted a few moments reading this. Oh, and you've learned how a baseball geek spends some of his evening-researching college players you have never heard of.
As a public service, and because I am one of the aforementioned geeks, I thought I would take a peek at what my fellow baseball draftniks are saying about the Tigers would-be top choice. Well, boys and girls, the Tigers are drafting tenth in the first round. A bit lower than normal, thanks to Pudge, Guillen and the '04 Tigers, but still high enough to get an impact player. Well, in theory anyway.
Let's be honest. Very, very few teams have so utterly failed the draft process more than our beloved Tigers. I refuse to list all of their draft day disasters here, however know this. It's a long list of really bad players chosen over an extended period of time. That's how you lose 119 games in a season.
As to this year's choice, the name floating around is Wichita State pitcher Mike Pelfrey. As this may be the first or second time you have ever heard the young man's name, I figured I would do a little research for you.
A chat with Pelfrey in 2004 at The Hardball Times.
Brewerfan.net provides this profile.
A look at Pelfrey, including a Team USA photo, courtesy of Baseball Digest Daily. The site is one of those new MLBlogs.
A Baseball America review of Pelfrey's ability.
What else do you need to know? It seems Mr. Pelfrey is generally considered no worse than the second best pitcher in the draft. Many think he is the best pitcher in the draft and a top five pick. So, you are now asking yourself, how can the Tigers get Pelfrey with the tenth overall pick if he's arguably the top pitcher in the whole draft? I'm glad you asked.
Guess who the young hurler's agent is? That's right, Scott Boras. Yes, him, again. Sounds like Mr. Boras has done his usual good job of scaring the you-know-what out of the teams picking ahead of the Tigers. So, based on Boras' recent history with our Bengals, many are assuming that Pelfrey will fall all the way down to number ten.
I'm not going to ponder this much. Quite a bit can happen between now and when the Tigers get to make their first pick. Let's just consider this an introduction to a potential future Tiger. If Pelfrey ends up with the Tigers, you can impress all of the casual fans in your neighborhood with your vast knowledge about the WSU righthander.
If Pelfrey lands elsewhere on draft day, all you've done is wasted a few moments reading this. Oh, and you've learned how a baseball geek spends some of his evening-researching college players you have never heard of.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)