tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72924542024-03-12T22:49:56.860-04:00Beyond BoxscoresUninformed opinions and ridiculous assertions about sports and other things.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger582125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-76852232042113066352007-09-19T20:20:00.001-04:002010-12-07T21:16:22.579-05:00It's All OverHockey season unofficially began in Detroit today.<br />
<br />
The baseball season has, for all intents and purposes, ended with the Cleveland Indians three game sweep of the Tigers. Yes, there is still a possibility the Tigers could make it to the playoffs. There is also a possibility I could win the lottery. Alas, those odds are roughly the same.<br />
<br />
The Tigers will now play out the string and we can begin the hot stove league in earnest. Dave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dombrowski</span> will have no shortage of concerns that will need to be addressed this winter. Here are some that immediately come to mind.<br />
<br />
Do the Tigers give <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pudge</span> Rodriguez $3 million and say "Goodbye" or do they pay him $13 million to play another season in Detroit?<br />
<br />
If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pudge</span> is let go, then who is the everyday catcher?<br />
<br />
Do they re-sign Kenny Rogers? Injured and over forty, can the Tigers really count on Rogers playing a full season next year?<br />
<br />
We know that Justin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Verlander</span>, Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bonderman</span> and Nate Robertson appear to be in the 2008 rotation. Who gets the other two spots?<br />
<br />
Should Cameron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Maybin</span> and Andrew Miller begin next year wearing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Olde</span> English D or in Toledo?<br />
<br />
Does Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Guillen</span> move to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">firstbase</span>? If so, who becomes the shortstop?<br />
<br />
Do they re-sign Todd Jones? <br />
<br />
If not, is Joel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Zumaya</span> ready to be the closer? <br />
<br />
Yes, there's plenty of fodder for the old hot stove this winter. It's probably a good thing, though. Winter has arrived a bit earlier than anticipated this year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-55961532392916434402007-09-15T21:44:00.001-04:002007-09-15T22:31:12.992-04:00Week Two Lions PredictionDetroit Lions 24 Minnesota Vikings 21<br /><br />The key to tomorrow's game for Detroit? Stopping Adrian Peterson. I expect the Vikings offensive game plan to consist of A.P. running right, center and left. And, on occasion, they will throw to their prized rookie coming out of the backfield. That's it. Well, I suppose if Peterson can throw, we may see a halfback option pass, too.<br /><br />I have to believe that Peterson, behind a pretty good O-line, will get his yards. However, containing him will be the key. Keep the Oklahoma product out of the endzone and I like Detroit's chances.<br /><br />Jon Kitna will throw a pick or two, but if the Lions can keep the Vikings from taking the INT to the house, perhaps, they can weather the storm. Even with the turnovers, I think the Lions offense is good enough to score a few times.<br /><br />Minnesota has always been a thorn in the Lions' side. If Rod Marinelli expects me or anybody else to start believing in this team, his charges had best dispatch of the Vikings on home soil.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-1692812337938421142007-09-09T18:26:00.000-04:002007-09-09T18:30:27.791-04:00Bonderman Out?In his post-game press conference, Jim Leyland said that he may put Jeremy Bonderman on the shelf for the remainder of the season. The doctors say Bonderman's elbow is fine, but Leyland thought today's horrific outing suggested the contrary. <br /><br />I know Bonderman has pitched lousy for weeks, but if he sits the rest of September, the Tigers chances to make the post-season wouldn't appear to be better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-65398729379364158242007-09-08T23:36:00.000-04:002007-09-09T01:01:05.895-04:00Franchitti Jumps To NASCAR?<p>Et tu, Dario?</p><p>ESPN.com is reporting that Indianapolis 500 winner <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=1&id=3010197">Dario Franchitti will leave Indy Car for NASCAR in 2008</a>. Franchitti, who is leading the Indy Car season series point chase heading into tomorrow's final race, is said to be joining Chip Ganassi's NASCAR team in the number 40 car.</p><p>At first glance, this annoys me. Why? Because I like open wheel racing. I grew up in Indy's heyday. Andretti. Mears. Unsers -- Bobby and Al. Foyt. While many of those guys could drive anything -- Big Wheels to pick-up trucks to F1 cars -- and did, the pinnacle of racing was the Indianapolis 500. That perception will never change for me, so when I hear of another blow to open wheel racing, I get ticked off.</p><p>(Truth be told, I've softened some on NASCAR in recent years. I find it tolerable. I guess I'm just not as impressed with Chevys, Fords and Toyotas going 100 mph when I see that on my drive five days a week.)</p><p>If Franchitti makes the jump he will be following in the footsteps of Juan Pablo Montoya, another open wheel racing star who was lured by the big money and enormous popularity of stock car racing. Montoya has spent 2007 in NASCAR getting tons of media attention, winning a race and angering the sport's traditional fans and fellow drivers alike. (Seems Juan is just a bit too aggressive for some.) </p><p>In addition to Franchitti and Montoya, Sam Hornish, Jr. is already running in some Busch Series races and may make the move to NASCAR full-time next year. Hornish was the Indy 500 and IRL series champion a year ago. If Franchitti and Hornish both jump at season's end, it will cap one of the biggest falls in the long decline of open wheel racing in North America. </p><p>Champ Car is not only losing it's biggest name, Sebastian Bourdais, to F1, but the series continues to cancel races. The IRL shut down the long-running race at Michigan International Speedway this year and could lose the last two Indy 500 winners to NASCAR. Yet, in spite of cancelled events, mediocre attendance and driver departures, neither side of open wheel racing's split can set aside their egos long enough to put the health of the sport first. It's not difficult to understand why drivers would opt for the financial security and stability NASCAR has to offer. </p><p>Good luck, Dario. I hate to see you go, but who knows? I may even watch a few more minutes of NASCAR next year.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-87002515020830679252007-09-08T09:48:00.000-04:002007-09-08T10:07:44.195-04:00First Lions PredictionOakland Raiders 17 Detroit Lions 14<br /><br />Oh, how I hope I'm wrong. I also hope that this isn't the Lions first game in the Brian Brohm Bowl Championship Series. Although, come to think of it, Brohm has looked pretty good. Seriously, the difference between the Raiders and Middle Tennessee State isn't all that....ok, forget that.<br /><br />As for the game itself, I tend to believe the Lions can pass the ball effectively, but can't run the rock. On the opposite side, Oakland's D is their strength. That match-up is a wash. <br /><br />The game then comes down to the Lions defense versus the Raiders O. I believe the Lions can stuff the run (to an extent) and the Black and Silver can run the ball (to an extent). That sounds like another push to me. That only leaves the Lions secondary against the Raiders passing game. I've got little hope for the Detroiters pass defense. Of course, I'm not sure any of the Raiders passers can live up to that moniker. <br /><br />That means the game is close, probably comes down to special teams, mistakes or intangibles. The latter is the reason for my three point spread favoring Oakland.<br /><br />The Raiders starting quarterback will either be ex-Lions signal caller Josh McCown or the free agent QB some in town wanted the Lions to sign as insurance for Jon Kitna, Dante Culepepper. Wouldn't it be just typical if the Honolulu Blue and Silver fell to last season's worst team with either a free agent QB they let go, or a free agent QB they never even considered, leading the way?<br /><br />Tigers' closer Todd Jones is going to hate me, but I'm taking the Raiders and hoping I'm very wrong.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-59906336070880452712007-09-07T19:03:00.001-04:002007-09-07T19:18:58.685-04:00Belated Detroit Grand Prix Pics<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHZMBGc20I/AAAAAAAAABY/EgDbnifXq0U/s1600-h/101_6908.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107602252892003138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHZMBGc20I/AAAAAAAAABY/EgDbnifXq0U/s320/101_6908.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves in Turn # 6. Castroneves captured the pole at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, but crashed during the race. Both of Grand Prix promoter Roger Penske's cars are having tough seasons. I think it's safe to say that both Castroneves and Hornish are having disappointing seasons. (I fully expect Hornish to make the NASCAR jump in 2008. Who that leaves to drive Penske's #6 Indy Car becomes the question.)</p><p>An aside, I wish there was some seating along the back stretch. One of the appeals of Indy Car racing is the speed these cars can obtain. When I went to Michigan International Speedway a couple of years ago, the average speed was over 200 mph. While the road course does bring the speeds down, I'd still love to be able to watch the straight away portion. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-1605840223871354882007-09-07T18:45:00.000-04:002007-09-07T19:22:25.426-04:00Belated Detroit Grand Prix Pics<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHU7xGc2yI/AAAAAAAAABI/YqqLetp4Av0/s1600-h/101_6898.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107597575672617762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHU7xGc2yI/AAAAAAAAABI/YqqLetp4Av0/s320/101_6898.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Here's Indy Car's biggest star, Danica Patrick, in Turn # 6. Remember, I'm a blogger, not a photographer. Also, keep in mind, that while this was a practice session, it's not like these cars stopped to give me a good photo op.</p><p>I admit that I've grown to like Danica. I'm nowhere near her biggest fan, however, I've grown to respect her performance. She's not the best driver in the circuit, but she can certainly hold her own in this series. I think she will win more than enough to placate the doubters.</p><p>As for Danica-mania? Well, it does bring people to the race and does give Indy Car some extra media attention. Although, I can't help but feel bad for the other drivers. Guys like Sam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hornish</span> and Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wheldon</span> have won the season series in Indy Car and the Indianapolis 500, but can't get 1/100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> the amount of media attention. It just seems <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Danica</span> gets a disproportionate amount of attention considering where Indy Car ranks in the American sports fan's priority list.</p><p>Basically, I wonder how can Danica be a big deal if Indy Car, isn't? And if Indy Car is a big deal, why can't guys who have won the season series or, more importantly, the sport's biggest race, get some love?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-56104399755342489212007-09-07T18:37:00.003-04:002007-09-07T18:45:32.939-04:00Belated Detroit Grand Prix Pics<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHS2xGc2xI/AAAAAAAAABA/-CuPwnocvBQ/s1600-h/101_6875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107595290750016274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHS2xGc2xI/AAAAAAAAABA/-CuPwnocvBQ/s320/101_6875.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p>A look at the flags in Grandstand # 2. While I consider myself an open wheel race fan, I came away from the Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Prix</span> with a great appreciation for the American Le Mans Series. While there were different classes of racing going on all at once, a factor I think hurts the series with non-race fans, I found the varying styles of cars to be a plus. </p><p>You had Corvettes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Audis</span> on the track at the same time as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Porsches</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Acuras</span>. I still couldn't tell you which car is in what class, but I thought the Belle Isle course might be even better suited for the ALMS field than the Indy Cars. (A more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">knowledgeable</span> racing fan can correct me, if that's way off base.)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-64620728098277859712007-09-07T18:02:00.001-04:002007-09-07T18:37:04.348-04:00Belated Detroit Grand Prix Pics<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHRyhGc2wI/AAAAAAAAAA4/FLqDVsdB8k0/s1600-h/101_6917.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107594118223944450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/RuHRyhGc2wI/AAAAAAAAAA4/FLqDVsdB8k0/s320/101_6917.JPG" border="0" /></a>Even though these are a week late, I did want to share some of the pictures I took from the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Keep in mind that I am not a photographer. This one is of pit lane.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-27099231644690313232007-07-01T22:57:00.000-04:002007-07-05T14:19:10.611-04:00Voting For Bonderman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/Rohr1Yd3rpI/AAAAAAAAAAg/gMVNvmxoQUg/s1600-h/bonderman_fv_pin.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082430744332578450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_oky4H2S3PsI/Rohr1Yd3rpI/AAAAAAAAAAg/gMVNvmxoQUg/s320/bonderman_fv_pin.gif" border="0" /></a><br />When the "Who's Your Tiger?" is posed, I give Curtis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Granderson</span> serious consideration. I've always been a Sean Casey fan, too. How can you not love Justin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Verlander</span>? However, the answer to that thought provoking query for me is Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bonderman</span>.<br /><br />As such, when I learned that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bonderman</span> was overlooked for the American League All-Star Team, I was disappointed. Not shocked, as a number of A.L. starters are having big seasons, but still disappointed for the guy.<br /><br />When I found out that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bonderman</span> could still land in San Francisco, via MLB's wonderfully contrived <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Final Vote</span>, I headed straight to the ballot box. Now, I will follow the Tigers lead and encourage you to send <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jeremy Bonderman</span> to S.F. Get out and <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp" 3bh="v8/3583/3/0/%2a/c%3B115141920%3B0-0%3B0%3B5683346%3B4307-300/250%3B21618278/21636168/1%3B%3B%7Eaopt%3D2/1/8e8d/0%3B%7Esscs%3D%3fhttp://www.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2007/fv/ballot.html','asgBallot','width=480px,height=640px,scrollbars=yes'));"">vote</a> for My Tiger.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-32769224301434074752007-03-01T21:13:00.000-05:002007-03-01T21:59:04.697-05:00Draft Day Just Got More InterestingDre' Bly got his wish. He's out of the Honolulu Blue and Silver. Detroit's Pro Bowl cornerback will now apply his craft for the Denver Broncos. In return for shipping the disgruntled Bly to the Rocky Mountains, the Lions received RB Tatum Bell, OL George Foster and a fifth round draft pick. Which, in all honesty, is about two players greater than what I thought Bly would command in the trade market. <br /><br />Now, I have concerns about Bell. He might be a product of that Denver running scheme which might make me a 1,000 yard rusher. And, if I recall correctly, Bell has a fumbling issue. Not exactly what you want from a guy you hand the rock to. As for Foster, I know only two things. 1) The standard information about his background that all of you have read today. 2) He's got to be better than the offensive linemen the Lions employed a season ago. Then again, had the Lions acquired a 300 lb. block of swiss cheese, I might be tempted to say the same thing. The fifth rounder, that's just a bonus. <br /><br />While this trade appears to fill two voids on the Lions roster, the truly interesting part of this deal is how it may alter the Lions draft strategy. (Insert joke about using the terms Lions and draft strategy here.) Before the deal, it seemed like Detroit was destined to take OT Joe Thomas. Now, having obtained a tackle via Denver, drafting Thomas seems less likely. Bell's arrival diminishes the chances of the Lions contemplating the selection of Adrian Peterson. Who does that leave? <br /><br />Well, boys and girls, that's the fun part. The Lions would appear to be more likely to select a quarterback, LSU's JeMarcus Russell, or wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Yes, another wideout. This deal just made the improbable become possible. Only the Lions.<br /><br />There are rumors about that the Lions may ship out the freshly acquired Bell and Foster to purchase more draft choices. That would seem kind of odd as both players fill pressing voids that the Lions would need to address in the draft anyway. However, we are talking about the Lions here so everything is in play. <br /><br />The scenario that makes the most sense is keeping both ex-Broncos and drafting the fill other spots. That's where drafting a quarterback, a year after signing both Josh McCown and Jon Kitna to big deals and only a few weeks after claiming they didn't need a quarterback, comes into light. I'm not sure the Lions have the courage to use their top pick in the draft to select a QB only to have him hold the clipboard for a season. When you need lots of immediate help, it's going to be difficult to select a player for the future with your top draft choice. Which brings us to Mr. Johnson.<br /><br />The Georgia Tech standout not only had a fine college career, but just dazzled scouts at the cattle call that is the NFL Combine. If he wasn't before, Johnson is now at the top of many team's draft boards. His size, speed and overall skills have nearly all the football geeks in an uproar. He's simply the best player in the draft. Only one problem, though. Matt Millen hasn't had much success in taking wide receivers high in the draft. And, oh, has he had experience with that.<br /><br />This is where Millen's shoddy draft record really comes back to bite him and the organization. If he had chosen anyone other than Charles Rogers, Roy Williams or Mike Williams in any of those drafts, we wouldn't have an ounce of controversy surrounding the possibility of landing Johnson in the draft. But, instead, three first round wideouts later -- one unemployed, another soon to be -- the Lions might be faced with having to take yet another pass catcher with their top pick. You have to love this team. They can't even take the best player in the draft because they've screwed up so many past drafts. <br /><br />There is even one more plot I haven't discussed. Regardless of whomever the Raiders select with the top choice, the Lions opt against Thomas (we have OT's), Johnson (not going the WR route, again), Russell (can't afford to draft a player to sit) and Peterson (we have our RB's, thank you). They go completely off the top four playmakers and pick someone I'm not discussing. Oh, what fun talk radio will be the Monday after that.<br /><br />I have no idea if today's trade makes the Lions a better football team in 2007, but I do know that it has opened some doors I thought were closed -- drafting either a QB or WR -- and, thus, makes their draft even a bit more compelling than it already was.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-32539776027185668302007-03-01T20:50:00.000-05:002007-03-01T21:09:17.775-05:00You Should Be ReadingIf you aren't already, you should be reading the <span style="font-style: italic;">Detroit Free Press</span>' Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monarrez</span>' <a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070301/SPORTS15/703010372/1063/SPORTS">weekly golf column</a>. Not only is his regular golf piece funny, insightful and often thought provoking, it's anything but your standard golf fare. His <a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070301/SPORTS15/703010389/1063/SPORTS">Quick 9</a> segment is one of the best list features in all of sports. Even if you don't follow the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PGA</span> Tour, I think you'd enjoy the quality of work <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Monarrez</span> provides each week. <br /><br />I know as a blogger there is an unwritten rule against praising traditional media guys, especially sports writers. Yet, I have to go against the grain on this one. While reading his column today, I was reminded just what a quality writer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Monarrez</span> is and that we should enjoy his work while it's right here in our own backyard.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-29028934674719856142007-02-25T15:04:00.000-05:002007-02-25T15:41:15.133-05:00Redding Move Seems Short SightedI don't like the Detroit Lions using the franchise player tag on Cory <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Redding</span>. I understand he's starting to look like a better than average player. Yet, I still can't justify the Detroit Lions giving him the franchise tag. To be more specific, I can't see giving him franchise tag player money. He's not an elite D-lineman. Could he be? Someday, I suppose. Could he also be a player who plays well when his contract expires? Yep.<br /><br />To commit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Redding</span> seems like another short-sighted move on the Lions part. They would argue to the contrary and I've read the thoughts of some who like the move, but the Lions have now tied up elite lineman money on a guy with one good season under his belt. It's the Jeff Backus move, Part II. <br /><br />Giving Backus top dollar because he was the best of a sorry lot is about to backfire. The Lions with the second overall pick in the draft appear unlikely to draft a quarterback, although we all know they need one, and can't possibly draft <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">WR</span> Calvin Johnson no matter how tremendous he will be because Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Millen</span> has already wasted three first round picks on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wideouts</span>. So, that leaves tackle Joe Thomas as Detroit's most likely choice.<br /><br />We all agree the Lions need O-lineman. That's not the issue. The problem is that Thomas is a left tackle -- the highest paid position on the offensive line. If they grab Thomas, the Lions will have to pay him top dollar. Then, they will have to move either Backus or Thomas to right tackle. In which case, the Lions will be paying LT money to two guys instead of one. In a salary cap league, on a team in need of help at so many spots, how can they justify paying two left tackles? <br /><br />Giving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Redding</span> top dollar, even if it's only for one season, inhibits the Lions ability to not only spend on other positions, but limits their choices. They might have to opt for the fourth best linebacker on the free agent market instead of the top two because they can't afford the elite level player. Maybe they can't afford a free agent running back at all because they've got too much money tied up in left tackles and defensive linemen.<br /><br />I realize the Lions are desperate to keep anyone that resembles a NFL quality player. I'm desperate for them to play like a NFL quality team. Yet, it seems unlikely for them to make much progress on that front when they continue to throw good money after bad.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-12403688132807962752007-02-24T22:55:00.000-05:002007-02-24T23:02:49.817-05:00OU Prevails<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=270552473">Oakland University beat Oral Roberts 85-84 in OT tonight</a>. Forgive my partisan view, but it's a huge win for the Golden Grizzlies. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ORU</span> is the dominant power in the conference and Oakland has struggled to hang with them. To pull off a win, even a tight, perhaps controversial, home win is a step in the right direction. <br /><br />Now, it's onto the Mid-Con tourney where the Golden Grizzlies will be the second seed. (Oh, those last two road losses hurt now.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-36791939625528351682007-02-02T18:42:00.000-05:002007-02-02T18:55:57.891-05:00We Have A RaceSince the announcement was made that the Detroit Grand <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Prix</span> was returning, I've been waiting for a website to pop-up. Earlier this week, I finally found it. <a href="http://www.detroitgp.com/default.asp">Detroit GP.com</a> lives. It's offers your standard options -- race map, ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, etc...<br /><br />Now, the question becomes do I volunteer to work this event or pay the money and attend? Obviously, I want the race to succeed, but is lending a helping hand the best way to do that? Or is providing the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">IRL</span> and the City of Detroit with ticket money the better option?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-88921795749756796322007-01-07T12:17:00.000-05:002007-01-07T12:18:20.873-05:00Why I Love The InternetHere is <a href="http://www.jonhs.net/freemovies/baseball_bugs.htm">today's reason </a>to love the internet. (You may have to hit the "play" button.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-17478413653831114372007-01-07T12:06:00.000-05:002007-01-07T12:12:55.292-05:00Chicago State?<em>(Editor's Note: I realize that most of you care as much about Oakland University basketball as you do soccer and curling. However, as I write about the other two, allow me this moment to type briefly about my school's basketball team</em>.)<br /><br />Let me see if I have this correct. <a href="http://www.ougrizzlies.com/story.asp?sportid=2&a=3141">Oakland is up 17, on their home floor and lose</a>? To mighty Chicago State no less? That, boys and girls, is one stinking bad loss. One so bad that I had to express my disappointment. <br /><br />Thank you for your patience. I now return you to your regularly scheduled, non-Golden Grizzlies related, three times a month posts.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-76267311103807340862006-12-18T21:01:00.000-05:002006-12-18T21:12:48.250-05:00Harbaugh On The FarmI just read that former Michigan star and ex-NFL QB <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-stanford-harbaugh&prov=ap&type=lgns">Jim Harbaugh is going to be named Stanford's head coach tomorrow</a>. I think selecting Harbaugh is an excellent move on the part of The Cardinal administration. Harbaugh is a younger coach with a solid background and ties to the program. I'm not a fan, in general, of hiring retreads and handing Harbaugh the keys is definitely a bold decision.<br /><br />The former Wolverine will have his hands full on The Farm, though. Stanford football has been mediocre historically and below that since Ty Willingham took the Notre Dame job.<br /><br />One does wonder if Harbaugh has success at Stanford, if his next head coaching gig might be in Ann Arbor?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-80297255677639822052006-12-13T21:19:00.000-05:002006-12-13T22:19:38.558-05:00Part Of My Detroit Lions Makeover PlanJust in case someone from the Ford Family stops by, I want them to know that if I was named as Matt Millen's replacement with the Detroit Lions, I do have a plan heading into the 2007 season. For the sake of this discussion, I'll limit my thoughts to player acquistion via the draft. However, don't think for a moment that the coaching staff would automatically be safe. They wouldn't. (More on that later.)<br /><br />However, as we all know the Lions need better players and more of them. To that end, here's what I would look to do heading into the 2007 NFL Draft.<br /><br />Attempt to trade Shaun Rogers for a first round draft choice. Yes, Rogers is the Lions best defensive player. The problem is, of course, that's only on the days Mr. Rogers wishes to be a dominant interior lineman. Alas, that's not every Sunday. Rogers has also been around the losing for too long and a change of scenery would appear appropriate. If I can get a first rounder for him, even a low first rounder, he's bye-bye.<br /><br />Then, I peddle Dre Bly. Again, a decent defensive player, but not as good as many think. Nor am I too impressed with his willingness to point fingers and toss teammates under busses. He's another guy I want gone just to clear the air in the lockeroom. If another NFL team wants to give me a second round pick, Bly would be an ex-Lion, as well. I might be willing to settle for a third rounder, too.<br /><br />If the Lions land the first pick overall, as it appears they will, I'm looking to move down and trade the rights to Brady Quinn. I want a couple of first rounders, minimum. I'm not expecting a Herschel Walker deal, just one that gives me as many high draft picks as possible.<br /><br />Let's assume, I'm able to pull all this off. Presuming Millen hasn't already traded away some early Lions picks in 2007, Detroit should have, at minimum, three first round picks in this draft. The Lions should also have two seconds. Or a second and two third round picks. That's the kind of immediate overhaul that needs to take place on this roster.<br /><br />With those picks, and those that follow, I select only offensive lineman and defensive players. Nothing else. Not to the point of stupidity, of course. If there's a quality WR available in the third round and he grades out higher than any lineman, we take the WR. I just want to focus our attention on building the defense and a new offensive line. This strategy will hold true for the 2008 draft, as well.<br /><br />If Artose Pinner's three TD, 100 yard afternoon revealed nothing else, it showed that nearly anyone can look good behind solid offensive line. The Lions OL has to improve significantly. Detroit almost needs five entirely new lineman, but one step at a time. Let's see how many we can get in the '07 draft.<br /><br />You might say, "Brian, why trade away two of your better defensive guys and then draft all kinds of D?". Well, boys and girls, I still believe you win games on defense, even in this offensive-freindly league. Like everyone else, I'm underwhelmed with the Lions D. It's needs even more work than the less-than-impressive offense does. I also want players who haven't been around this debacle for years. The Lions need to bring in some desire and speed on the defensive side of the ball. I'm willing to trade off one or two good pieces for the opportunity to acquire several new faces and revamp the defense and the organziation in the process.<br /><br />"What if you can't unload Rogers, Bly and trade down?" A good question, Mr. Ford. Then, after a long discussion with the football people I bring in, I defer to their opinion. However, I'm not opposed to going against my overall draft strategy for one pick and selecting young Mr. Quinn with the first overall choice. (Again, my focus is the D and OL, it's not a blind committment.)<br /><br />At some point, the Lions need to stop this merry-go-round with their signal callers. I don't buy for one moment that Jon Kitna's the end-all, be-all. I don't care what Rod Marinelli or Mike Martz tell me about Kitna. Four turnovers a game from a thirty-something QB whose been mostly a back-up or temporary fill-in throughout his career, isn't going to be a consistent player. The mere fact both the head coach and the o-coordinator sing the praises of Kitna only makes me wonder about their collective sanity.<br /><br />Yet, once Mr. Quinn is in the fold, it's back to nothing but O-lineman and defensive guys, even if Rogers and Bly stay put. Barring an injury, Quinn sits the bench in '07 and Kitna does what he has always done -- hold down the fort until the kid is ready to play. Then, we try to find young men who will block and tackle with passion. It's the essence of the game and we all know the Lions fail on the most basic aspects of this game routinely.<br /><br />Mr. Ford, also be aware that I'm probably going to cut a few guys, as well. Josh McCown is one of them. If our back-up QB can't beat out our starter when the first team guy is coming off back-to-back four turnover games amidst a two win season, he's never going to play. With drafting Quinn a possibility and McCown seeing more time at wideout than QB, it's time to go. <br /><br />This is only a brief glimpse into my plan to re-vitalize the team. I'd probably change any number of things, from the kind of hotdogs sold to the scheme on the ticket design. Mr. Ford, if you are still reading this, I'd probably dismiss some people who have been with the Lions for years. That probably won't sit well with you, but maintaining the status quo is no longer an option. This organization needs to act like a classic, professional football team even when the results on the field don't reflect that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-67086185108318826012006-12-05T20:36:00.000-05:002006-12-06T20:46:14.800-05:00Tigers Need To Sign Bonderman NowDon't the Detroit Tigers need to sign Jeremy Bonderman, pronto? After seeing <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061204&content_id=1750675&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp">the Texas Rangers shell out $33 million over three years to Vincente Padilla</a> and <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061206&content_id=1752622&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp">amid rumors that Ted Lilly could command ten million a season</a>, I believe the Tigers can't get Bonderman to sign an extension quickly enough.<br /><br />I can't see allowing Bonderman to go either the arbitration or free agency route. Even with whatever perceived shortcomings he has, Bonderman has four big league seasons under his belt (45 career wins), a 1-0 record in the post-season, a ton of talent and hasn't reached his twenty-fifth birthday. If Padilla, who is 29 and has 66 career wins in eight years, can get $11 million on season on the open market, what is Bonderman worth? $12 million a season? $14 million? More?<br /><br />Ask yourself these questions: Who would you rather have in 2007, Padilla or Bonderman? How about in 2010? Or 2012? I'd take Bonderman. If my guess is right, so would every single general manager in Major League Baseball. That would make Bonderman very, very popular on the open market. The Tigers shouldn't even contemplate that thought long. They should sign the Bonderman as soon as is possible.<br /><br />Here's another way of looking at it. If Bonderman were on another team, wouldn't you want him on the Tigers? Wouldn't he be the kind of young, yet big league tested, power arm the Tigers and every other team are in constant search of?<br /><br />Certainly, a big money, long term deal is a risk. Any number of things can derail a pitcher's career. However, in light of the market on pitchers, signing Bonderman long term is a risk well worth taking.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-34579353504549234292006-11-28T19:30:00.000-05:002006-11-28T20:08:28.947-05:00Head(band) Case?Let's see, Ben Wallace's minutes are declining, as is his performance, <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/chris_mannix/11/27/bulls.notes/index.html">he and his coach can't agree on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">headwear</span></a> and the Bulls, once thought to be one of the up-and-comers in the NBA, are heading straight downward. While Wallace's former employer, the Detroit Pistons, look utterly beatable every night and might not be able to stop me from driving the middle. Yeah, that decision seems to be working out well. <br /><br />It's hard to view this one as anything but greed over intelligence. Wallace could have stayed here, playing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">primarily</span> defense and rebounding, boosting his Hall of Fame status and keeping the Pistons closer to the NBA elite. Of course, he would have had to settle for millions of dollars over millions and millions of dollars. Instead, Wallace opted for Chicago's ridiculous cash offer and has been a complete disaster thus far. Combined with his last few seasons in Auburn Hills, where he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">feuded</span> with Larry Brown and Flip Saunders, Wallace is quickly painting himself as a coach hating headcase whose career is in rapid decline. So much for that "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Goin</span>' To Work", team-first attitude Wallace became so closely attached with. <br /><br />Do I think the entire headband-gate thing is stupid? Yeah, it is. I don't see what Skiles gains from such a policy. In a league where they worry about players showing up every night (and taking firearms on the road), should coaches really concern themselves over headbands? Probably not. However, is it asking Wallace, or anyone else, too much to give up the headband? Does it help him play better? (I thought we were told that it was the shoes?) In giving Wallace fourteen million this year, perhaps his employer has a right to enforce a dress code. It's not like it's breaking a constitutional amendment or anything. Just don't wear the thing. Consider it a professional courtesy.<br /><br />In watching the Pistons this year, I keep thinking, "If Ben were here that guy would not be getting a lay-up right now". I also think "Maybe the Pistons wouldn't look so average, had Wallace stayed". Then, I see what is going on in Chicago and think that Joe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Dumars</span> made the right decision regardless of what happens down the road. Wallace's pouting appears to be more consistent than his play and that's just not worth the headache. Or the money.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-21842736291217977522006-11-28T18:52:00.000-05:002006-11-28T19:09:35.040-05:00Full Disclosure: DIBS AwardI'm going to come clean about my voting in the annual DIBS Tigers Awards. I know all of you were waiting for this revelation. My Tiger of the Year was Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Guillen</span>. Second place went to Justin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Verlander</span>, third was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Magglio</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Ordonez</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Guillen</span> won the DIBS Award.<br /><br />My Tiger Pitcher of the Year went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Verlander</span>. Kenny Rogers was second and third place went to Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Bonderman</span> (which I attributed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Bonderman</span> being my current answer to the "Who's Your Tiger?" question) . I debated swapping Rogers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Verlander</span>, as I could have for the Tiger of the Year. Both were terrific and if you feel Rogers was more deserving than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Verlander</span>, I wouldn't argue. Obviously, my DIBS-mates thought Rogers was the choice, as he claimed the most votes.<br /><br />My breakout player? I'm thinking you've followed my train of logic here and guessed correctly that I picked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Verlander</span>. Joel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Zumaya</span> came in third and Marcus Thames was my third place choice. I never imagined Thames jacking out over 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">HRs</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Verlander</span> won the DIBS award.<br /><br />Now, my Playoff Performers would have been, in order, Rogers, Sean Casey and Craig Monroe. Unfortunately, I failed to read the part of the email that said to vote for the Playoff Performer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Geez</span>, I'm just clueless. Anyway, Rogers won the award, so my vote would not have swayed a thing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-31160396681358929092006-11-24T22:07:00.000-05:002006-11-26T18:24:47.073-05:00It's TimeFire <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span>.<br /><br />It's been a chant. A desperate plea. A rallying cry. It's even become a bit of a cultural phenomenon -- having arisen at sporting events not only in Detroit, but throughout the country.<br /><br />Now, it's taken the next step. It's the only logical course of action.<br /><br />I cannot give you a single reason to retain Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span> in the Detroit Lions front office. I don't think you can, either. My guess is that even Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span> himself would struggle to find a solid reason for him to remain in his current position. Conversely, the list of reasons for the Lions and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span> to part ways is longer than the one Santa Claus finds himself faced with this time of the year.<br /><br />You don't need me to rehash history here. You know what the Lions record is since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span> took charge. You all know about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen's</span> failings in personnel decisions -- both in terms of players and coaches. You are well versed in the off-field issues, ranging from players with substance abuse problems to coaches with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">DUIs</span>. It's time the Ford Family stopped ignoring the obvious. It's impossible to categorize the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span> regime as anything other than a failure.<br /><br />The Lions will head into 2007, the 50<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">th</span> anniversary of their last NFL Championship, with yet another high draft pick. Quite possibly, the first pick overall. With history as our guide, I can't expect Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span> to make the right decision with that choice. Of course, with history as our guide, I can't expect the Ford Family to make the right decision regarding Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Millen</span>, either.<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Update</span></strong></em>: The local media have joined the parade. <a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061126/SPORTS08/611260340/1126/SPORTS0101">Terry Foster </a>is saying Millen has to go, but suggests the Lions GM might not be the only one shown the door. Long-time <em>Detroit News</em> scribe <a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061126/SPORTS08/611260302/1126">Jerry Green </a>thinks the writing is on the wall, too.<br /><br />If, as Foster suggests, the entire Lions front office is sacked, could anyone blame the Ford's for making such a radical move?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-37285711326345142672006-11-21T21:43:00.000-05:002006-11-21T23:10:33.030-05:00Bring On Round TwoI understand that when presented with the possibility of an Ohio State versus Michigan rematch in the national championship game, Florida head coach Urban Meyer suggested that if such a game took place the NCAA should immediately institute a playoff format for this year. I hate to rain on Meyer's pity parade, but does he really think a playoff system is going to eliminate rematches? I've got some bad news Coach, a playoff format will only increase the odds of second encounters.<br /><br />To provide an example, let's Meyer's idea into action. We will assemble the top ten teams in the land for a playoff. For the sake of this discussion, I'll use the Associated Press poll, but use any poll that makes you feel better. You've got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">OSU</span>, Michigan, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">USC</span>, Florida, Arkansas, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Notre</span> Dame, West Virginia, Louisville, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">LSU</span> and Wisconsin. Now, we know the Buckeyes and Wolverines have seen each other once. Michigan has also played the Irish and Badgers. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Notre</span> Dame is about to face <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">USC</span> and the Trojans beat up Arkansas months ago. The Razorbacks are going to run into Meyer's Gators in two weeks. The Gators and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">LSU</span> have already met and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">WVU</span> and Louisville butted heads weeks ago. <br /><br />Do you see a (very literal) repeating theme here? There are eight potential rematches in this proposed playoff system. It doesn't help if you include a few more teams, either. If you sneak down the polls a bit further, you also open the door for schools like Auburn (who has seen Florida, Arkansas and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">LSU</span> in person), Oklahoma and Texas (who play in a pretty big game annually themselves). A playoff format doesn't diminish the odds of a Round Two. In fact, it would seem to increase the odds of second chance encounters all over the place -- including, by default, the title game.<br /><br />In addition to Coach Meyer, I'm surprised so many in the media are against this possible rematch in the championship game. If this were college basketball's greatest rivalry going to a second meeting, would anyone really be complaining? Again, just for the sake of my post, let's say Duke/North Carolina is the hoops version of Ohio State/Michigan. The Blue Devils and Tar Heels collide twice a year in the regular season, right? That's no problem. They often meet in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">ACC</span> Tournament. If they were the top two ranked teams in the land and played Volume III in the conference tournament final, would anyone be lamenting it? <br /><br />Then, just to finish the thought, if Duke and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">UNC</span> advanced to the National Championship Game, having gone through the regular season ranked 1-2 and having faced each other three times, would anyone mind seeing a fourth encounter? Okay, the folks at NC State, maybe not so much, but wouldn't the mainstream media be cranking the hype machine up full blast for Round Four of Duke and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">UNC</span>? <br /><br />The media big boys love the Yankees and Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Sox</span> match-ups, no matter how often they run into one another. Same with the NFL. Teams like the Patriots and Colts can run head long into one another two or three times a year, sometimes for several years in a row, and it's <em>the</em> story of the weekend, but Michigan and Ohio State twice in the same year? Oh, no, can't have that.<br /><br />In the end, I suspect neither the wide spread complaining or my confusion over their objections will be worthy the energy. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">USC</span> will probably drop <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Notre</span> Dame and UCLA and surge past Michigan in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">BCS</span> standings giving them the opportunity to play the Buckeyes for the national championship. Hey, wait a minute. Hasn't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">USC</span> played in the championship game the last three years in a row? Didn't they lose to Texas last year? Do we really want to see them, again? Why should they get four shots at the title?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7292454.post-39250456761284022222006-11-11T20:04:00.000-05:002006-11-11T21:38:41.719-05:00The Sheff DealIt's hard not to like the Detroit Tigers acquisition of Gary Sheffield. While, Sheffield has never been one of my favorites, he's a great hitter. Not a good hitter. A great hitter. When your career average is .298 and you are only forty-five homers short of 500, you qualify as a Hall of Fame caliber slugger. Yes, the Tigers did relinquish three prospects. However, let's consider two things.<br /><br />First, how often can you get a middle of the lineup hitter with Sheffield's numbers? Teams that have them are usually not willing to give them up. The second thing to remember is that the Tigers made this deal and their starting rotation hasn't been altered. Do you think the Tigers could have landed a Manny Ramirez or even Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Teixeira</span> without sending Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Bonderman</span> or Nate Robertson the other way? The first thing I thought when I heard Sheffield was a Tiger? "Who's gone? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Bonderman</span> or Robertson?" Much to my continuing happiness, the answer was neither.<br /><br />Now, the Tigers new clean-up hitter does come with baggage. His ego will arrive in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Lakeland</span> a full week ahead of his body. We all have reasons to be wary of Sheffield's ongoing unhappiness. However, I often believe these things get blown out of proportion. Let me give you an in-house example.<br /><br />Last year, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Pudge</span> Rodriguez and Dmitri Young tossed Alan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Trammell</span> and, in turn, their teammates under the bus. They were clubhouse problems all season long and it probably cost Tram his job. This year, Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Leyland</span> arrives and keeps <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Pudge</span> happy. Young runs into problems off-the-field and the Tigers finally see enough and ship him out. The two problem children of 2005 are no longer an issue in '06.<br /><br />Want another Detroit example? Need I point out our very own, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Rasheed</span> Wallace? Arguably the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">NBA's</span> poster child for bad <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">behavior</span> prior to his Detroit trade, Wallace has become a fan favorite here and his image has improved during his tenure in Auburn Hills. While his technical fouls continue at an astronomical pace, he's hardly the league's most hated player anymore. He isn't loved around the league, but his once famous antics haven't really materialized here.<br /><br />Now, this isn't to say that Sheffield won't whine. The odds are overwhelming that he will. It's just that some of Sheff's attitude could be minimized in the right situation. Perhaps, reuniting with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Leyland</span> and Dave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Dombrowski</span> will help that. Perhaps, getting out of the Big Apple will diminish the amount of time Sheffield spends talking to the media, thus decreasing the odds of him saying something publicly the Tigers will cringe at. Maybe, just maybe, Sheffield can pull a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Rasheed</span> Wallace and find Detroit to his liking.<br /><br />Let's also keep in mind the great panacea for all clubhouse problems -- winning. If the Tigers can continue to contend, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Pudge</span>, Sheffield and everyone else will find a way to make nice. That or we will downplay Sheffield's tantrums (think of Boston's "Manny being Manny" mantra) as long as the wins keep piling up. If Sheff is hitting .295 with 35 homers and 110 RBI on a Tigers team that is in first place, it's going to be hard to criticize the trade even if the three prospects are doing well.<br /><br />And what of those three prospects, you might ask? What if one of them is the next John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Smoltz</span>? Well, let me start with some advice. STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE NEXT JOHN SMOLTZ. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Geez</span>, must we dwell on that one move forever? Do you want to trade in the 1987 A.L. East title? It's not like Doyle Alexander came to town and stunk the place up.<br /><br />Just remember that everyone was worried about the Juan Gonzalez trade, too. The Tigers gave up too much. Justin Thompson could be great. Oh, Francisco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Cordero</span> is a star in the making. Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Catalanotto</span> can really hit. Thompson's arm blew out, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Cordero</span> had a few nice seasons in Texas but didn't tear up the league and Cat can still hit, but he's not a difference maker. (A side note. I wouldn't be overly surprised if Cat returned here this winter. Sheff's arrival might diminish the odds of Cat's second tour of Detroit, but for the right money, his lefty bat could help.)<br /><br />I remember when Jeff Weaver got shipped out, too. Oh, the cries from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Tigertown</span>. While Weaver got his revenge on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Dombrowski</span> and company in Game Five, his career hasn't exactly lived up to our expectations. He's on team number five, at least. The Cardinals grabbed him this summer after the Angels decided it was back to the minors for the former Tigers pitcher of the future. I'll take Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Bonderman</span>, thank you. (And this if from a guy who's Tiger was Weaver, back in the day.)<br /><br />For every one John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Smoltz</span> prospect there are countless hundreds of prospects that don't amount to more than a line in the Baseball Encyclopedia. The honest to goodness truth about prospects, from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">uber</span>-variety to the bargain bin models, is that they rarely pan out. Most never even make The Show. Sure the really hyped ones, especially those making good coin, do usually appear, but success is far from assured. Any number of factors -- injuries, roster logjams, not learning another pitch or inability to hit off-speed stuff, reaching the ceiling of their potential before reaching the majors -- can deter a player's career <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">permanently</span>.<br /><br />The Tigers sent the Yankees a pitcher with a spotty minor league record prior to 2006 with a history of injuries. They also sent two Class A pitchers. The distance between Class A and Major League Baseball is quite a bit longer than the drive from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Lakeland</span> to Detroit. While the three prospects the Tigers sent to NY all have potential, you do have to give up something to make a trade. Yet, the success of all three young players is far from guaranteed. Their big league careers are hope. Conversely, Sheffield's is fact.<br /><br />Without harming a World Series roster or giving up your number one prospect (Andrew Miller) the Tigers obtained a player who instantly becomes their most dangerous offensive threat. I may not be a Sheffield fan, but even I can appreciate how fortunate the Tigers are to pull of such a deal -- attitudes, risks and all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1