I admit it. I watched. In fact, I watched for three hours. Instead of following March Madness, I watched the dog and pony show that was the Congressional inquiry into Major League Baseball's steroid problem. While it made for compelling television, it accomplished nothing. Which is precisely what most everyone suggested it would do.
The problem I've had since the beginning of the whole steroid mess is that there is little that can be done about it. The proverbial ship has already set sail. MLB cannot retro-actively impose drug testing back to 1998. Or 1988. All we can do is make assumptions about the players and the records set. We may get some more admissions of guilt beyond Jose Canseco's, eventually, but we will never know the scope of the problem or have any concrete evidence about all the parties involved.
Sure Congress, fans and some media folks can scream about tougher, Olympic-styled testing, but is there any sport more awash in the controversy over performance enhancers than the Olympics? Their "gold standard" testing methods have caught a number of athletes attempting to violate it's drug policy. I guess that means we can rule out the premise of tougher standards acting as a deterrent.
In addition, these wildly successful tests employed by the IOC, have yet to quell rumors about a number of their athletes suspected of being steroid/growth hormone abusers. If the rumors are correct, these must-have methods have failed as often as they have succeeded. Even with cutting edge testing, Marion Jones hasn't failed an IOC test that I am aware of. Yet, Ms. Jones finds herself as knee deep in the BALCO mess as anyone in MLB.
The IOC is hardly alone in this. Lance Armstrong gets tested by the Tour de France organizers about once an hour and they cannot find a single illegal drug. Not one. Maybe Armstrong and Jones are clean. Maybe they are ahead of the testing. Either way, the rumors won't go away and their records remain. This is better than MLB's current situation how?
I hate to say this, but making the drug policy broader, enacting stronger punishment and using the Olympic testing methods will not clean up baseball. It won't. It may make some people feel better. It may allow some members of Congress to say they've addressed an issue, but it won't come close to eliminating the problem. The new age of science and medicine is here and it's not going to go away regardless of what public policy is.
That's not to say that imposing new standards is wrong. I'm all in favor of sweeping changes to MLB's drug policy to make it difficult on those who opt to use performance enhancers. However, what everyone, Congress included, needs to remember is that we already have laws against steroids on the books. Did that stop a single MLB player from using them? From obtaining them? From distributing them?
Did any of the U.S. government's law enforcement officials, whose job it is to investigate and stop this sort of stuff, drop the hammer on a single MLB player in all those years they claim Bud Selig and company turned their backs on the problem? Who exactly should get charged with the error on that one?
The problem with baseball's steroid controversy is that there is more than enough blame for just about everyone. The government certainly failed to enforce it's own laws. MLB failed to foresee a problem and failed to keep up it's public perception, by banning steroids, the way other sports had. The Players Association's leadership was more concerned about cashing checks than the health of their constituency. The media, once the public watchdog, took a collective nap during what forever will be called the Steroid Era.
Forgive me, if I just don't have much faith in all the same parties that failed their initial responsibilities to the game, themselves and us when they suggest they now have answers. It's fairly obvious after yesterday's public debacle that none of the parties are an ounce smarter than they were in 1988.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
OU Wins!
Yeah, it's only a stinking play-in game, but Oakland University beat Alabama A & M tonight, 79-69. I think it's pretty cool. The national media coverage has been fun, too. I just watched the post-game wrap on ESPNEWS. Amazing to think of an OU game being that big a story nationwide. What's better is that they won.
Now, my school plays my all-time favorite college basketball program, North Carolina. I have little doubt the 'Heels will win and probably by a very large number, but it's a bit unpleasant for me to root against UNC. However, this is what I suspect those at OU dreamed of when jumping to Division I.
Regardless of the outcome of their next game, those of us who care have to hope that the Golden Grizzlies can take advantage of this attention and become the best hoops program in the Mid-Con. There is really no reason not to.
Now, my school plays my all-time favorite college basketball program, North Carolina. I have little doubt the 'Heels will win and probably by a very large number, but it's a bit unpleasant for me to root against UNC. However, this is what I suspect those at OU dreamed of when jumping to Division I.
Regardless of the outcome of their next game, those of us who care have to hope that the Golden Grizzlies can take advantage of this attention and become the best hoops program in the Mid-Con. There is really no reason not to.
Sanchez Departs
The Detroit Tigers released Alex Sanchez today. This qualifies as a surprise. Most thought if an outfielder was going to get released it would have been Bobby Higginson. However, Sanchez finds himself unemployed as his inability to catch the ball or draw a walk probably did him in.
You have to believe that Craig Monroe will get plenty of early season at bats to see if he's an everyday player. I'm also sure Nook Logan, who is the better defensive player, will get an opportunity to become the Tigers centerfielder. However, Logan's ability to hit will determine just how often he gets regular playing time.
The X factor remains Curtis Granderson. He was sent to Toledo where he will get plenty of time to develop. All this guy does is hit. Granderson may be in the outfield at Comerica Park by the trade deadline, if not, he will definitely be in the Tigers outfield mix next year.
You have to believe that Craig Monroe will get plenty of early season at bats to see if he's an everyday player. I'm also sure Nook Logan, who is the better defensive player, will get an opportunity to become the Tigers centerfielder. However, Logan's ability to hit will determine just how often he gets regular playing time.
The X factor remains Curtis Granderson. He was sent to Toledo where he will get plenty of time to develop. All this guy does is hit. Granderson may be in the outfield at Comerica Park by the trade deadline, if not, he will definitely be in the Tigers outfield mix next year.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Lions Diary: It's Garcia
The big media boys are reporting the Lions have inked QB Jeff Garcia to a one year deal. Terms have not been released. The key to the whole signing, for me, will be the terms. Certainly, a one year deal is a good start. Let's hope Garcia is coming cheap.
I'm in the camp that says if the Lions need their second string quarterback for an extended period, things could be really bad. I also agree with the sentiment that the Lions simply have too many holes to pour large sums of money, on top of Joey Harrington's deal, into the quarterback position.
I'd much prefer the Lions sign a guard and a receiver via free agency than put large sums of money into a quarterback that: A) May not play or B) May play, but isn't really the long-term solution. Either way, it looks like wasted money. As such, the one year deal rumor is much more to my liking.
I'm also glad that the chase for another quarterback is over. The quarterback controversy can now revert to it's traditional state. One where Motown is divided over who the starter should be. Although, I guess you could argue that has been the question all along. Who should start? Joey or the free agent-yet-to-be-named?
Now, Mr. Millen, go sign an offensive lineman (or two) and get a receiver in here.
Oh, and one aside. I am starting to get fired up about drafting Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson. Move Teddy Lehman to the middle and have Boss Bailey and Johnson on the outside. Or switch to a 3-4 and have James Davis or Earl Holmes in the ILB slot with Lehman. Either way, it should give the Lions a fast, athletic linebacking unit.
I'm in the camp that says if the Lions need their second string quarterback for an extended period, things could be really bad. I also agree with the sentiment that the Lions simply have too many holes to pour large sums of money, on top of Joey Harrington's deal, into the quarterback position.
I'd much prefer the Lions sign a guard and a receiver via free agency than put large sums of money into a quarterback that: A) May not play or B) May play, but isn't really the long-term solution. Either way, it looks like wasted money. As such, the one year deal rumor is much more to my liking.
I'm also glad that the chase for another quarterback is over. The quarterback controversy can now revert to it's traditional state. One where Motown is divided over who the starter should be. Although, I guess you could argue that has been the question all along. Who should start? Joey or the free agent-yet-to-be-named?
Now, Mr. Millen, go sign an offensive lineman (or two) and get a receiver in here.
Oh, and one aside. I am starting to get fired up about drafting Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson. Move Teddy Lehman to the middle and have Boss Bailey and Johnson on the outside. Or switch to a 3-4 and have James Davis or Earl Holmes in the ILB slot with Lehman. Either way, it should give the Lions a fast, athletic linebacking unit.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Lions Diary: New Voices
As you all know by now, Mark Champion and Jim Brandstatter have been canned by Infinity Radio. Dan Miller, of FOX 2, has been given Champion's ex-job as play-by-play voice of the Leos. This, in short, stinks. I've got nothing against Miller, but I can't figure out why Champion was given the boot? It just doesn't make much sense.
Tom Lewand of the Lions praised Champion up and down during a radio interview this afternoon. If Champion is so wonderful, why did they get rid of him? Again, this is pretty much crap no matter how you serve it up.
Tom Lewand of the Lions praised Champion up and down during a radio interview this afternoon. If Champion is so wonderful, why did they get rid of him? Again, this is pretty much crap no matter how you serve it up.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Grizzlies Dance
(Disclaimer: I went to Oakland University. I am very happy to see them in the NCAA tournament. They should have been there last year, but that's another post. Go Grizzlies!)
Oakland University got plenty of media attention today. Fresh off their upset win over Oral Roberts, the Golden Grizzlies automatic berth into the NCAA tournament was the subject of nationwide coverage. As you probably guessed, it wasn't all positive.
Television, radio, internet and good old fashioned newsprint had Oakland's mini-miracle win plastered all over it. The win was cheered by some, but jeered by others. Making the tourney with a losing record, OU is 12-18, is going to cost a team from a stronger conference a berth in The Dance. It's unfair, but it happens nearly every year.
Yet the cries persist. Only teams with winning records should be in. Forget the conference tournaments. If a team like OU can get in, let every team into the field. The whining like this will last about a week. Then the tournament will begin and all will be forgotten.
Well, forgotten by all except fans of the school(s) left out. They will harbor ill will for Oakland, the NCAA selection committee and automatic berths to conference tournament winners forever or until their institution takes advanatage of the same system.
However, the rest of the nation, will move on quickly. We all realize that the schools left out of the field of 64 probably did not have a legitimate chance to win the tournament anyway. We also realize that Oakland will probably not make it past it's first encounter. That's assuming the Golden Grizzlies can get past the play-in game, which they appear destined for.
I really don't like conference tournament winners getting the automatic berths, but I have never been quite so pleased with the notion as I am today. My enjoyment may only last until Tuesday or possible next Friday at the latest, so complain if you must, but forgive me for embracing the moment. It's been a couple of pretty awful years for OU basketball and this day helps make up for quite a bit of that disappointment.
Oakland University got plenty of media attention today. Fresh off their upset win over Oral Roberts, the Golden Grizzlies automatic berth into the NCAA tournament was the subject of nationwide coverage. As you probably guessed, it wasn't all positive.
Television, radio, internet and good old fashioned newsprint had Oakland's mini-miracle win plastered all over it. The win was cheered by some, but jeered by others. Making the tourney with a losing record, OU is 12-18, is going to cost a team from a stronger conference a berth in The Dance. It's unfair, but it happens nearly every year.
Yet the cries persist. Only teams with winning records should be in. Forget the conference tournaments. If a team like OU can get in, let every team into the field. The whining like this will last about a week. Then the tournament will begin and all will be forgotten.
Well, forgotten by all except fans of the school(s) left out. They will harbor ill will for Oakland, the NCAA selection committee and automatic berths to conference tournament winners forever or until their institution takes advanatage of the same system.
However, the rest of the nation, will move on quickly. We all realize that the schools left out of the field of 64 probably did not have a legitimate chance to win the tournament anyway. We also realize that Oakland will probably not make it past it's first encounter. That's assuming the Golden Grizzlies can get past the play-in game, which they appear destined for.
I really don't like conference tournament winners getting the automatic berths, but I have never been quite so pleased with the notion as I am today. My enjoyment may only last until Tuesday or possible next Friday at the latest, so complain if you must, but forgive me for embracing the moment. It's been a couple of pretty awful years for OU basketball and this day helps make up for quite a bit of that disappointment.
Steroids and Subpoenas
My view on the U.S. House of Representatives having a congressional investigation into baseball's steroid problem? It would be completely laughable, if it weren't true. The fact they are issuing subpoenas is bordering on ridiculous. I might even agree with Ken Rosenthal, of The Sporting News, who claims it's un-American.
This whole thing is little more than a political dog and pony show. It's grandstanding at the highest level. It's also so far beyond anything the government should be concerned about that committee chair, Tom Davis, R-VA, should be either impeached, recalled or forced to spend an entire month with Barry Bonds.
Davis chairs the House Government Reform Committee, which as its title seems to imply, should probably be looking at reforming the House not looking for ways to get more face time on CNN. Rep. Davis would be far better served, as would we, if the committee focused on lowering the cost of prescription medication, not worrying about steroid use amongst millionaire athletes.
He and Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, have claimed, in addition to shedding some light on steroid use in MLB, that the committee is trying to send a positive message to children. In the end, it's always about the kids, isn't it? I'm sure the nation's little ones will be huddle around the tv all day long riveted to C-Span to watch Davis and the committee set them straight on steroids.
This is so wrong, in so many ways, I could write for days. I won't, as I have other things to do. (Please note this this concept, Rep. Davis.) However, suffice to say, it does re-kindle my desire for term limits.
This whole thing is little more than a political dog and pony show. It's grandstanding at the highest level. It's also so far beyond anything the government should be concerned about that committee chair, Tom Davis, R-VA, should be either impeached, recalled or forced to spend an entire month with Barry Bonds.
Davis chairs the House Government Reform Committee, which as its title seems to imply, should probably be looking at reforming the House not looking for ways to get more face time on CNN. Rep. Davis would be far better served, as would we, if the committee focused on lowering the cost of prescription medication, not worrying about steroid use amongst millionaire athletes.
He and Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, have claimed, in addition to shedding some light on steroid use in MLB, that the committee is trying to send a positive message to children. In the end, it's always about the kids, isn't it? I'm sure the nation's little ones will be huddle around the tv all day long riveted to C-Span to watch Davis and the committee set them straight on steroids.
This is so wrong, in so many ways, I could write for days. I won't, as I have other things to do. (Please note this this concept, Rep. Davis.) However, suffice to say, it does re-kindle my desire for term limits.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Lions Diary: Honolulu Black?
Tony Ortiz of AM1270, the sports station, reported today that the Lions will introduce a black jersey this coming fall. He said something along the lines of "the black will be where the blue is and the blue will go where the black is now". Black? Black? I don't think so.
First, the Lions have always been blue. Honolulu Blue and Silver, thank you. I can deal with the black accents, but black jerseys are not acceptable. I don't even care if they look good. (Ortiz said they did look good, but he also likes Mike McMahon as a NFL QB.)
Second, black alternate jerseys went out of style over a decade ago. As usual, the Lions are behind the trend.
Third, and finally, I know why black is creeping further and further into the Lions wardrobe. Yeah, to sell more souvenirs, but it's because of Matt Millen's obsession with the Raiders. Millen wants to model the Lions after the Raiders, sans the bad character guys. That's why training camp is now off-limits now. The Raiders never opened camp, why should the Lions?
Now, we see black going from accent color to primary color. Again, I don't care if its' a stinking alternate jersey. I don't like it. If Millen wants to be a Raider, go beg Al Davis for a job. Stop making this Raider Nation.
First, the Lions have always been blue. Honolulu Blue and Silver, thank you. I can deal with the black accents, but black jerseys are not acceptable. I don't even care if they look good. (Ortiz said they did look good, but he also likes Mike McMahon as a NFL QB.)
Second, black alternate jerseys went out of style over a decade ago. As usual, the Lions are behind the trend.
Third, and finally, I know why black is creeping further and further into the Lions wardrobe. Yeah, to sell more souvenirs, but it's because of Matt Millen's obsession with the Raiders. Millen wants to model the Lions after the Raiders, sans the bad character guys. That's why training camp is now off-limits now. The Raiders never opened camp, why should the Lions?
Now, we see black going from accent color to primary color. Again, I don't care if its' a stinking alternate jersey. I don't like it. If Millen wants to be a Raider, go beg Al Davis for a job. Stop making this Raider Nation.
Lions Diary
The Lions got busy in free agency today. Detroit signed TE Marcus Pollard and S Kenoy Kennedy to free agent deals this afternoon. Neither of these guys is headed for Canton, but both are upgrades at their respective positions. The contracts to both are also fairly cap friendly. It's hard not to like a cost-effective upgrade at two positions.
It's looking more and more like the Lions want Brad Johnson as their second team quarterback. If the Lions wanted Jeff Garcia, I think he would already have been here by now. Unless a deal with Johnson cannot get done, Garcia would appear to be out of the Lions' plans.
The guy I am most interested in right now is WR Corey Bradford. I would love to see the Lions ink Bradford as a slot receiver and release Az-Zahir Hakim. If the Lions can add Johnson and Bradford (please) to Kennedy and Pollard, they will have upgrade four positions in a week. It will also allow them to just grab the best player on the board when their pick, number ten overall, comes on Draft Day.
It's looking more and more like the Lions want Brad Johnson as their second team quarterback. If the Lions wanted Jeff Garcia, I think he would already have been here by now. Unless a deal with Johnson cannot get done, Garcia would appear to be out of the Lions' plans.
The guy I am most interested in right now is WR Corey Bradford. I would love to see the Lions ink Bradford as a slot receiver and release Az-Zahir Hakim. If the Lions can add Johnson and Bradford (please) to Kennedy and Pollard, they will have upgrade four positions in a week. It will also allow them to just grab the best player on the board when their pick, number ten overall, comes on Draft Day.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Is A Trade Brewing?
Detroit News writer Lynn Henning suggests that the Tigers may be on the verge of making a trade. Maybe a rather significant one at that. I have to agree. The Tigers have a surplus of pitchers and outfielders. For a change, some of the Tigers spare parts might actually be coveted by another organization.
I'll let you review Henning's observations, but I fully expect the Tigers to swing a deal before Opening Day. I concur with Henning that the deal could even be a pretty big one. That would make the 2005 Tigers very, very fun to follow.
As an aside, I saw Peter Gammons on ESPNEWS this afternoon. When asked what four teams improved the most this winter, Gammons listed the Tigers at number three. The others? Mets, Orioles and Cardinals.
I'll let you review Henning's observations, but I fully expect the Tigers to swing a deal before Opening Day. I concur with Henning that the deal could even be a pretty big one. That would make the 2005 Tigers very, very fun to follow.
As an aside, I saw Peter Gammons on ESPNEWS this afternoon. When asked what four teams improved the most this winter, Gammons listed the Tigers at number three. The others? Mets, Orioles and Cardinals.
Lions Diary
Back-to-back editions of my blog within a blog, Lions Diary?!?!? And it's the off-season. I need help. I must have some strange Honolulu Blue addiction. Anyway, I assume most of you have heard or seen that Kurt Warner has opted for Arizona. Did anyone else breath a sigh of relief or was that just me?
I could be wrong for the two millionth time, but Warner is a shell of his MVP self. So many bad things happen when Warner fades back in the pocket now, that if Don Coryell were his coach, he would have run on every down.
Warner seems to get sacked or fumble or both on about 40% of his pass plays. That doesn't count for his inability to throw accurately anymore, either. The thought of him with Detroit just didn't sit well with me. It was so bad, that I actually preferred Jeff Garcia over Warner.
One of the remaining mediocre free agent quarterbacks is probably going to be our starter sometime next year. We can now eliminate Warner's name from that list. That bumps Garcia and Brad Johnson to the top of the list. It's got to be Garcia, doesn't it?
I could be wrong for the two millionth time, but Warner is a shell of his MVP self. So many bad things happen when Warner fades back in the pocket now, that if Don Coryell were his coach, he would have run on every down.
Warner seems to get sacked or fumble or both on about 40% of his pass plays. That doesn't count for his inability to throw accurately anymore, either. The thought of him with Detroit just didn't sit well with me. It was so bad, that I actually preferred Jeff Garcia over Warner.
One of the remaining mediocre free agent quarterbacks is probably going to be our starter sometime next year. We can now eliminate Warner's name from that list. That bumps Garcia and Brad Johnson to the top of the list. It's got to be Garcia, doesn't it?
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Lions Diary
On the radio this morning, I heard one of my brethren, a fellow Lions fan, complain that the Lions will go nowhere as long as the Ford's own the team. This is a familiar refrain around town. The thought goes that the Lions are doomed because William Clay Ford: A) Has so much money he doesn't care if the Lions win. B) Makes so much money owning the Lions, he doesn't see any difference between winning and losing. C) Just plain doesn't care. D) Insert your reason the Lions have failed under Ford's tenure here. This thought is fine and good, but it's partly nonsense.
Ok, maybe it's not all nonsense. Maybe Mr. Ford really isn't all that concerned about the Lions on-field success. At least not in relation to people who paint their faces Honolulu Blue and Silver each Sunday. They care, perhaps, too much, but that's another topic altogether. However, in all fairness, the Lions parade of coaches, quarterbacks, mind-numbing personnel moves, shocking losses and missed opportunities are only partly Ford's fault.
He's hired some people who have made bad decisions. He's kept people he probably should have fired or, at least, fired sooner. In this day and age, loyalty is a lost treasure and Ford may have it, like wealth, to a fault. That's doesn't make Mr. Ford responsible for poor evaluation of talent or tossing the ball to the opposition in critical situations. No, that responsibility lies at the feet of his employees.
As such, I have trouble with the notion that the Lions simply will never win until the Ford's are no longer owning the franchise. I even reject the sentiment that Bill Ford, Jr. is the answer to the Lions woes. He may, indeed, be the Lions owner when they eventually win, but I refuse the believe that the Lions cannot win with William Clay Ford at the helm.
Why? You may ask. Why, would I think Ford can get past his own history and get handed the Vince Lombardi Trophy someday? I have one simple example-Art Rooney.
When Rooney bought the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1930's, the team wasn't exactly atop the NFL. Rooney's ownership didn't improve the situation one bit. For about the next forty years the black and gold were amongst the worst teams in pro football.
They stumbled through season after season. They had a string of unsuccessful coaches, some of whom weren't fired soon enough because Rooney liked them personally, and made some bad personnel decisions. Case in point-the Steelers cut a quarterback named Johnny Unitas in training camp. And you thought Matt Millen didn't know talent when he saw it.
Then came the Seventies. Rooney, looking for yet another coach, was given the name of a guy named Chuck Noll. The rest is history. Noll cleaned house. I mean he really cleaned house. When the Steelers captured their first of four Super Bowl titles, I believe only four players survived from Noll's first day on the job. The exact number of survivors doesn't matter, what matters is that Rooney got handed the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Art Rooney didn't suddenly care more about winning in the 1970's than he did in the 1950's or 1930's. No, Rooney just managed to find the right guy to run the operation and Noll managed to evaluate talent and obtain the right players. Now, pessimists will argue that Ford hasn't found the right man in either Millen or Steve Mariucci. That may be true, but it doesn't mean he hasn't, either.
It also doesn't mean it's impossible for Ford to one day be standing next to Paul Taglibue with the Lombardi Trophy in hand. I know. The Lions have mustered only one playoff win under Ford's watch. Believe me, I know. That doesn't mean that the trend won't someday end. Art Rooney's prolonged streak of horrible football teams came to a crashing end. An end that made the Steelers of the 70's the greatest team in NFL history. The Steelers have gone on to become one of the league's premier franchises.
In spite of what any or all of us may think about Mr. Ford and his ownership tenure, his continuing reign simply does not make it impossible for the Lions to be NFL champions. Might it be harder? Sure. But impossible? No way. If you or I actually believed this train of thought, why are we bothering to watch each Sunday, follow each potential free agent acquisition with such energy and get all fired up for another draft day? If the Lions are truly doomed to failure under Ford's leadership, why are we wasting so much of our time, energy and money?
I know it seems impossible to not to put all the blame on the only constant in the organization throughout this incredible dry spell. Ford does merit some of the blame, but don't cave in to the idea that the Lions have absolutely no chance to win because Mr. Ford, or Bill, Jr., is in charge.
The next time you find yourself lamenting Ford's ownership of Detroit's NFL entry, I want you to stop and think of Art Rooney. Think of those forty terrible years of football followed by the greatest success in NFL history. Picture the Steelers owner holding the Lombardi Trophy and remember his path. Therein lies our hope.
Ok, maybe it's not all nonsense. Maybe Mr. Ford really isn't all that concerned about the Lions on-field success. At least not in relation to people who paint their faces Honolulu Blue and Silver each Sunday. They care, perhaps, too much, but that's another topic altogether. However, in all fairness, the Lions parade of coaches, quarterbacks, mind-numbing personnel moves, shocking losses and missed opportunities are only partly Ford's fault.
He's hired some people who have made bad decisions. He's kept people he probably should have fired or, at least, fired sooner. In this day and age, loyalty is a lost treasure and Ford may have it, like wealth, to a fault. That's doesn't make Mr. Ford responsible for poor evaluation of talent or tossing the ball to the opposition in critical situations. No, that responsibility lies at the feet of his employees.
As such, I have trouble with the notion that the Lions simply will never win until the Ford's are no longer owning the franchise. I even reject the sentiment that Bill Ford, Jr. is the answer to the Lions woes. He may, indeed, be the Lions owner when they eventually win, but I refuse the believe that the Lions cannot win with William Clay Ford at the helm.
Why? You may ask. Why, would I think Ford can get past his own history and get handed the Vince Lombardi Trophy someday? I have one simple example-Art Rooney.
When Rooney bought the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1930's, the team wasn't exactly atop the NFL. Rooney's ownership didn't improve the situation one bit. For about the next forty years the black and gold were amongst the worst teams in pro football.
They stumbled through season after season. They had a string of unsuccessful coaches, some of whom weren't fired soon enough because Rooney liked them personally, and made some bad personnel decisions. Case in point-the Steelers cut a quarterback named Johnny Unitas in training camp. And you thought Matt Millen didn't know talent when he saw it.
Then came the Seventies. Rooney, looking for yet another coach, was given the name of a guy named Chuck Noll. The rest is history. Noll cleaned house. I mean he really cleaned house. When the Steelers captured their first of four Super Bowl titles, I believe only four players survived from Noll's first day on the job. The exact number of survivors doesn't matter, what matters is that Rooney got handed the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Art Rooney didn't suddenly care more about winning in the 1970's than he did in the 1950's or 1930's. No, Rooney just managed to find the right guy to run the operation and Noll managed to evaluate talent and obtain the right players. Now, pessimists will argue that Ford hasn't found the right man in either Millen or Steve Mariucci. That may be true, but it doesn't mean he hasn't, either.
It also doesn't mean it's impossible for Ford to one day be standing next to Paul Taglibue with the Lombardi Trophy in hand. I know. The Lions have mustered only one playoff win under Ford's watch. Believe me, I know. That doesn't mean that the trend won't someday end. Art Rooney's prolonged streak of horrible football teams came to a crashing end. An end that made the Steelers of the 70's the greatest team in NFL history. The Steelers have gone on to become one of the league's premier franchises.
In spite of what any or all of us may think about Mr. Ford and his ownership tenure, his continuing reign simply does not make it impossible for the Lions to be NFL champions. Might it be harder? Sure. But impossible? No way. If you or I actually believed this train of thought, why are we bothering to watch each Sunday, follow each potential free agent acquisition with such energy and get all fired up for another draft day? If the Lions are truly doomed to failure under Ford's leadership, why are we wasting so much of our time, energy and money?
I know it seems impossible to not to put all the blame on the only constant in the organization throughout this incredible dry spell. Ford does merit some of the blame, but don't cave in to the idea that the Lions have absolutely no chance to win because Mr. Ford, or Bill, Jr., is in charge.
The next time you find yourself lamenting Ford's ownership of Detroit's NFL entry, I want you to stop and think of Art Rooney. Think of those forty terrible years of football followed by the greatest success in NFL history. Picture the Steelers owner holding the Lombardi Trophy and remember his path. Therein lies our hope.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Random Observations
Time for a Tuesday look around the sports world.
I found this link over at NBA Fan Blog. I'll bet nearly every fan of the Boston Celtics hopes this scenario comes true. Danny Ainge's moves as Celtics big cheese have been puzzling at best. Although, I suspect the return of Antoine Walker will give the C's some success. Maybe even a first round playoff win? Hey, it's the East. If Ainge doesn't depart on his own, C's fans may remove him forceably at season's end.
I've got to make an admission. I never like Tayshaun Prince. Not at Kentucky. Not when the Pistons drafted him. Not during that first regular season. However, when Rick Carlisle was forced to take the reigns off, as Detroit was losing a playoff series to Orlando (as I recall), we all got to see a glimmer of what Tayshaun was capable of. I became impressed.
When Larry Brown gave him more encouragement last year, Prince showed more ability and he became my favorite Piston. He could knockdown a three, play D on just about anybody and could pass the rock. Now, Prince is becoming a scorer. His emergence has been a major reason for the Pistons success since January 1. Prince's development has led to a significant decrease in the Carmelo Anthony talk around Motown. It may also make the Pistons back-to-back champions.
If I were the Temple A.D., I would be trying to convince basketball coach John Chaney to retire. I worry about Chaney. He appears headed down a Woody Hayes/Bobby Knight-like path. His actions this time were not a fit of rage, but premediated. If Chaney can't see his way clear to stepping down, the university will probably have to fire him.
Thursday is Tigers vs. Phillies in the Grapefruit League opener. Yes, snow covered fans, baseball and spring are coming. It just doesn't look like it right now.
Not that you care one hoot, but my lads at Everton continue to excel. The Blues topped Aston Villa 3-1 Saturday. A tremendous road win. Everton maintains the fourth spot in the Premiership. I know little about soccer, but I know this run was unexpected.
I jumped on the Everton bandwagon mostly because I knew a little about Wayne Rooney. However, when Rooney bailed and headed for Manchester United, I felt obligated to support the Toffees. Someone should, right? Now, the boys are in the midst of a semi-magical campaign. I suppose this is how one becomes a fan of a club, isn't it?
I found this link over at NBA Fan Blog. I'll bet nearly every fan of the Boston Celtics hopes this scenario comes true. Danny Ainge's moves as Celtics big cheese have been puzzling at best. Although, I suspect the return of Antoine Walker will give the C's some success. Maybe even a first round playoff win? Hey, it's the East. If Ainge doesn't depart on his own, C's fans may remove him forceably at season's end.
I've got to make an admission. I never like Tayshaun Prince. Not at Kentucky. Not when the Pistons drafted him. Not during that first regular season. However, when Rick Carlisle was forced to take the reigns off, as Detroit was losing a playoff series to Orlando (as I recall), we all got to see a glimmer of what Tayshaun was capable of. I became impressed.
When Larry Brown gave him more encouragement last year, Prince showed more ability and he became my favorite Piston. He could knockdown a three, play D on just about anybody and could pass the rock. Now, Prince is becoming a scorer. His emergence has been a major reason for the Pistons success since January 1. Prince's development has led to a significant decrease in the Carmelo Anthony talk around Motown. It may also make the Pistons back-to-back champions.
If I were the Temple A.D., I would be trying to convince basketball coach John Chaney to retire. I worry about Chaney. He appears headed down a Woody Hayes/Bobby Knight-like path. His actions this time were not a fit of rage, but premediated. If Chaney can't see his way clear to stepping down, the university will probably have to fire him.
Thursday is Tigers vs. Phillies in the Grapefruit League opener. Yes, snow covered fans, baseball and spring are coming. It just doesn't look like it right now.
Not that you care one hoot, but my lads at Everton continue to excel. The Blues topped Aston Villa 3-1 Saturday. A tremendous road win. Everton maintains the fourth spot in the Premiership. I know little about soccer, but I know this run was unexpected.
I jumped on the Everton bandwagon mostly because I knew a little about Wayne Rooney. However, when Rooney bailed and headed for Manchester United, I felt obligated to support the Toffees. Someone should, right? Now, the boys are in the midst of a semi-magical campaign. I suppose this is how one becomes a fan of a club, isn't it?
Prepping For A New Season
Lang Whitaker of SI.com gives advice on how to prepare for the upcoming MLB campaign.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Garcia Gets Physical
The Detroit Lions are going to have free agent quarterback Jeff Garcia take a physical. I've stated in this space before that I'm not thrilled about Garcia, but I'm generally unimpressed by all the free agent QB's. Let's be honest, I'll take just about anyone that can lead the Lions to playoff success. If that's Garcia, sign him up.
New Kids On The Block
Here is Baseball America's list of the top twenty-five Rookie of the Year candidate in Major League Baseball.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Making Bridges Case
John Brattain of The Hardball Times makes his Hall of Fame case for a Detroit Tiger few consider when debating would-be enshrinees, Tommy Bridges. It's nice to see someone recognize a guy who many around Motown have overlooked. Click here to check out Brattain's column.
Mets/Tigers Swap?
I'm not sure I would classify this as breaking news, but Newsday ran this story about the Mets interest in Ugueth Urbina and the Tigers interest in Mike Cameron in today's edition. I have reservations about unloading Urbina, who could be a very good set-up man for Troy Percival. He would also be insurance should Percival suffer an injury or falter.
That said, the sight of Alex Sanchez in center is an "R" rated affair, at best. I doubt there are many in Tigertown comfortable watching Sanchez pursue flyballs. Cameron, by contrast, is a good defensive centerfielder. He runs hot and cold with the bat, though. Of course, Sanchez' OBP isn't much more than a point or two higher than his batting average, so we are definitely talking about two players with numerous flaws here.
Lee Sinins at The Hardball Times suggests that the Newsday piece doesn't imply that Urbina and Cameron would be traded for each other. If the Tigers could land Cameron without parting with Urbina, I would feel better. Of course, this probably won't matter anyway, Cameron has a no-trade clause and Detroit is one of the destinations he wants to avoid.
That said, the sight of Alex Sanchez in center is an "R" rated affair, at best. I doubt there are many in Tigertown comfortable watching Sanchez pursue flyballs. Cameron, by contrast, is a good defensive centerfielder. He runs hot and cold with the bat, though. Of course, Sanchez' OBP isn't much more than a point or two higher than his batting average, so we are definitely talking about two players with numerous flaws here.
Lee Sinins at The Hardball Times suggests that the Newsday piece doesn't imply that Urbina and Cameron would be traded for each other. If the Tigers could land Cameron without parting with Urbina, I would feel better. Of course, this probably won't matter anyway, Cameron has a no-trade clause and Detroit is one of the destinations he wants to avoid.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Vikes Peddle Moss
Any other Lions' fans happy to see this? Randy Moss is apparently going to be traded from Minnesota to Oakland. More importantly, Moss will be out of the Lions division. Here is the ESPN.com story.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
That Was A Fast Quarter Century
Twenty-five years ago today, the US Olympic hockey team defeated the Russian team in what many consider one of the great upsets in sports history. It just doesn't seem that long ago. Like such big moments, I do remember where I was when the US won. However, unlike 99% of the population I have absolutely no connection with Al Michaels now famous "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" call.
By 1980, I was totally engulfed in sports. Because of that, I would try to pick-up games on television from distant broadcast signals. (This was an era pre-cable, boys and girls.) Toledo, Ohio's CBS affiliate was counted on to provide live NBA coverage, especially those late night playoff games. Our southern neighbors' NBC affiliate would kindly send up a signal for NFL coverage "blacked out" in metro Detroit.
When the Olympics of 1980 began, it was apparent that ABC was not going to be my first choice for coverage. The U.S. network was content to tape delay events for evening re-broadcast. (Some things just never change.) I had an option, though.
CTV, a Canadian television network, provided live coverage of many events, including the US-USSR hockey game. So 25 years ago, we turned our television antenna towards Ontario, so we could pick channel 42.
Now, this wasn't an HDTV quality picture. In fact, I'm sure many of today's kids would call the picture radio not television, but it was more than enough to clearly follow the action. Besides, what other option existed?
I got to see the USA beat the Russians live. It was very cool even if the broadcasters, none of whom I can recall, were Canadian. Who better to know all about hockey upsets, anyway? By the time ABC revealed the outcome to U.S. viewers, later than evening, Michaels' now legendary call was anti-climatic for me.
I may not get goose-bumps when Michaels' call is re-broadcast today, like I'm sure many do, but I do share one audio memory with the nation. "USA, USA, USA". It seems like yesterday.
By 1980, I was totally engulfed in sports. Because of that, I would try to pick-up games on television from distant broadcast signals. (This was an era pre-cable, boys and girls.) Toledo, Ohio's CBS affiliate was counted on to provide live NBA coverage, especially those late night playoff games. Our southern neighbors' NBC affiliate would kindly send up a signal for NFL coverage "blacked out" in metro Detroit.
When the Olympics of 1980 began, it was apparent that ABC was not going to be my first choice for coverage. The U.S. network was content to tape delay events for evening re-broadcast. (Some things just never change.) I had an option, though.
CTV, a Canadian television network, provided live coverage of many events, including the US-USSR hockey game. So 25 years ago, we turned our television antenna towards Ontario, so we could pick channel 42.
Now, this wasn't an HDTV quality picture. In fact, I'm sure many of today's kids would call the picture radio not television, but it was more than enough to clearly follow the action. Besides, what other option existed?
I got to see the USA beat the Russians live. It was very cool even if the broadcasters, none of whom I can recall, were Canadian. Who better to know all about hockey upsets, anyway? By the time ABC revealed the outcome to U.S. viewers, later than evening, Michaels' now legendary call was anti-climatic for me.
I may not get goose-bumps when Michaels' call is re-broadcast today, like I'm sure many do, but I do share one audio memory with the nation. "USA, USA, USA". It seems like yesterday.
Monday, February 21, 2005
News (and Free Press) From Camp
Finally, Spring Training has arrived. Amidst another six inches of snow around town, comes the first of many updates from Florida on the health of Magglio Ordonez. Gene Guidi of The Detroit Free Press gives us this upbeat view of Maggs' first day in Lakeland.
Not to be outdone, The Detroit News has it's Tigers Extra section in their sports section today. Stories included are on Kyle Farnsworth, Franklyn German and how the Tigers want to be like the Twins. Which makes me wonder if they want a cheap owner who doesn't care about his team or its history?
Honestly, I'm tired of the Tigers trying to be like another organization. We spent about eight years listening to how the Tigers were going to model themselves after the Indians. That didn't work out so well. I appreciate the desire to have a competitive ballclub and the Twins are a fine organization, but can't the Tigers just be themselves? (Yeah, I know. That hasn't worked out so well, either.)
The News also has a photo gallery. (You'll need to click over there to find the link.) There's little better than the sights of spring when surrounded by winter. This weather won't last forever.
Not to be outdone, The Detroit News has it's Tigers Extra section in their sports section today. Stories included are on Kyle Farnsworth, Franklyn German and how the Tigers want to be like the Twins. Which makes me wonder if they want a cheap owner who doesn't care about his team or its history?
Honestly, I'm tired of the Tigers trying to be like another organization. We spent about eight years listening to how the Tigers were going to model themselves after the Indians. That didn't work out so well. I appreciate the desire to have a competitive ballclub and the Twins are a fine organization, but can't the Tigers just be themselves? (Yeah, I know. That hasn't worked out so well, either.)
The News also has a photo gallery. (You'll need to click over there to find the link.) There's little better than the sights of spring when surrounded by winter. This weather won't last forever.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Lockouts, Steroids And This Past Week
For the both of you that continue to stop by, I have to apologize. There is little worse than a blog with no new posts and this past week was pretty pathetic around here. I could easily say that I was busy at my other blog, Big Ten Hardball, because I did post far more over there than here. That, however, would be more of a cop-out than a decent excuse.
The truth is I really didn't feel much like posting. Mostly because I'm still not really sure what to say about the two most dominant stories in sports this past week-the NHL lockout and MLB's steroid controversy. Frankly, both have thrown me for a loop.
It's not that the cancelled hockey season or the fact some knuckleheaded baseball players chose to inflate more than their egos is keeping me awake at night. No, it's a bit deeper than that. These two ongoing stories, and the fact there just doesn't appear to be any good way around or through these issues, has me in a mood I almost am never in. I have had enough of sports.
When I say I had enough of sports, I mean I was plain tired of it all. The leagues, the teams, the athletes, the controversies, the labor problems, the money, the egos, the greed, the media, the fans, everything. The continuous coverage of the blatant stupidity that is the lockout and the steroid problem were just to much for me to overcome. I just needed a break. So I took it away from this blog.
That really only hurt me. The two of you who stop by on a regular basis just lost out on some crummy writing for a few days. I, however, probably alienated more than a fewer people who stopped by here over the last week. They were looking for a timely blog, but instead found this place barren. I owe them an apology, too. In the long run, my annoyance with the sports world hurt this blog more than my break away from here helped me.
Honestly, I am only in a slightly better mood today. I have improved, in part, because time and rest do tend to rejuvenate. It also helps that the Mickey Mouse operation known as the National Hockey League is so laughable that I cannot help but snicker at their ability to shoot themselves in the foot at every available opportunity. (Fellow Detroiters should also think Detroit Lions here.)
When I heard last night the NHL might un-cancel their 2004-05 season, I actually laughed out loud. These guys cannot even cancel a season without screwing it up. Of course, the league does appear to be shut down for good after today's meeting solved nothing. This meeting, called by the NHL's ownership group, only served to make the league look like the dog and pony show most non-hockey people think it is anyway. At least they provided me with some much needed comic relief.
Although, I continue to be bemused at the NHL, the lockout itself is just ridiculous. Everyone who isn't a NHL player or owner knows that. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Unfortunately, neither party seems willing to admit they have a problem. They both openly admit that the other side of the table does have issues, though.
I learned something several baseball labor disputes ago. If they want to crush their own league, I now support that cause. If the owners and players cannot reach an agreement, I say let's start a new professional league. I don't even care what sport we are talking about anymore. Even my beloved baseball can blow itself up and a new league can form and I am going to watch the newbies play.
Apparently, common sense and history are the casualities of our own obsession with sports. Because of us, the fans, the leagues make billions of dollars. Ticket revenues, beer sales, advertising, broadcast fees, jersey sales and the like have generated so much money that everyone involved can't see straight.
The athletes and owners are now willing to toss logic, tradition and their checkbooks overboard in pursuit of securing even more of our money. They are also willing to cancel the World Series and the Stanley Cup Finals to "assure the future" of the sports they have ruined financially by over-expansion and over-spending.
Forget labor disputes for a moment. Does anyone think Jose Canseco or any of the others took 'roids for anything other than to make more money? They weren't even worried about the long-term health issues or the legal ramifications of using an illegal substance, do you think they care about the history of their sport? Do you think they care about what we fans think?
These steroid using players have not only thrown the national pastime for another public relations hit, but have further confused the Hall of Fame process. I admit the Hall of Fame is far from being perfect, but when it comes to voting for the steroid generation, I am equally confounded by the legitimacy of their candidancy and angry at their assualt on records I'm not sure they obtained legally. Thanks for ruining the sport-past, present and future-so you could cash in, guys.
Then, since I am clearly on a tirade now, comes the media. We have all of these "insiders" providing us with information on their respective sports. Did any one of these guys-in-the-know break the steroid story a decade ago? Only Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post gets a hall pass on this one. That's one guy out of how many? Hundreds? Thousands?
They can provide us with leads on trades that will never happen, but break the biggest story in baseball in a quarter century? No, they collectively turned their heads. Many of these media types now suggest that the fans didn't want to face up to the steroid story amidst the homerun chase. Hey, gang, it was your job to tell us the story. Or did I get our job descriptions confused?
Even the "insiders" that are former jocks laugh at each other's lack of knowledge about their respective sport. For years, we've heard that only the guys "who played the game" really know what's going on. Well, if we listen closely it appears the athletes cannot even agree on what's going on. At this point, we all know that these ex-jocks will lie through their teeth about what "really" happens anyway.
Let me not leave us, the fans, out of my wrath. During the last week, I've heard more nonsense out of the mouth of fans than I can stomach. From the lockout to steroids, fans have suggested some of the most self-serving, ignorant things I have heard from my fellow fanatics in quite a while. Maybe it's time we all get some perspective. Maybe we all need a break from our sports addiction. For others, it's time to seek professional help.
I'm guessing by this point, assuming either of you are still reading this, that you can see my frustration with the sports world and why I stayed away the last few days. You are no doubt thankful I didn't write daily in this mood.
I apologize for the poor quality of writing. This is a true rant, not something scripted so I can be "Caller of the Day". Hopefully, this prolonged cry into cyber-space will be beneficial for my mental health. I thank those of you who stop by here and hope any new visitors will give me a second chance. It will be much better in the days to come.
The truth is I really didn't feel much like posting. Mostly because I'm still not really sure what to say about the two most dominant stories in sports this past week-the NHL lockout and MLB's steroid controversy. Frankly, both have thrown me for a loop.
It's not that the cancelled hockey season or the fact some knuckleheaded baseball players chose to inflate more than their egos is keeping me awake at night. No, it's a bit deeper than that. These two ongoing stories, and the fact there just doesn't appear to be any good way around or through these issues, has me in a mood I almost am never in. I have had enough of sports.
When I say I had enough of sports, I mean I was plain tired of it all. The leagues, the teams, the athletes, the controversies, the labor problems, the money, the egos, the greed, the media, the fans, everything. The continuous coverage of the blatant stupidity that is the lockout and the steroid problem were just to much for me to overcome. I just needed a break. So I took it away from this blog.
That really only hurt me. The two of you who stop by on a regular basis just lost out on some crummy writing for a few days. I, however, probably alienated more than a fewer people who stopped by here over the last week. They were looking for a timely blog, but instead found this place barren. I owe them an apology, too. In the long run, my annoyance with the sports world hurt this blog more than my break away from here helped me.
Honestly, I am only in a slightly better mood today. I have improved, in part, because time and rest do tend to rejuvenate. It also helps that the Mickey Mouse operation known as the National Hockey League is so laughable that I cannot help but snicker at their ability to shoot themselves in the foot at every available opportunity. (Fellow Detroiters should also think Detroit Lions here.)
When I heard last night the NHL might un-cancel their 2004-05 season, I actually laughed out loud. These guys cannot even cancel a season without screwing it up. Of course, the league does appear to be shut down for good after today's meeting solved nothing. This meeting, called by the NHL's ownership group, only served to make the league look like the dog and pony show most non-hockey people think it is anyway. At least they provided me with some much needed comic relief.
Although, I continue to be bemused at the NHL, the lockout itself is just ridiculous. Everyone who isn't a NHL player or owner knows that. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Unfortunately, neither party seems willing to admit they have a problem. They both openly admit that the other side of the table does have issues, though.
I learned something several baseball labor disputes ago. If they want to crush their own league, I now support that cause. If the owners and players cannot reach an agreement, I say let's start a new professional league. I don't even care what sport we are talking about anymore. Even my beloved baseball can blow itself up and a new league can form and I am going to watch the newbies play.
Apparently, common sense and history are the casualities of our own obsession with sports. Because of us, the fans, the leagues make billions of dollars. Ticket revenues, beer sales, advertising, broadcast fees, jersey sales and the like have generated so much money that everyone involved can't see straight.
The athletes and owners are now willing to toss logic, tradition and their checkbooks overboard in pursuit of securing even more of our money. They are also willing to cancel the World Series and the Stanley Cup Finals to "assure the future" of the sports they have ruined financially by over-expansion and over-spending.
Forget labor disputes for a moment. Does anyone think Jose Canseco or any of the others took 'roids for anything other than to make more money? They weren't even worried about the long-term health issues or the legal ramifications of using an illegal substance, do you think they care about the history of their sport? Do you think they care about what we fans think?
These steroid using players have not only thrown the national pastime for another public relations hit, but have further confused the Hall of Fame process. I admit the Hall of Fame is far from being perfect, but when it comes to voting for the steroid generation, I am equally confounded by the legitimacy of their candidancy and angry at their assualt on records I'm not sure they obtained legally. Thanks for ruining the sport-past, present and future-so you could cash in, guys.
Then, since I am clearly on a tirade now, comes the media. We have all of these "insiders" providing us with information on their respective sports. Did any one of these guys-in-the-know break the steroid story a decade ago? Only Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post gets a hall pass on this one. That's one guy out of how many? Hundreds? Thousands?
They can provide us with leads on trades that will never happen, but break the biggest story in baseball in a quarter century? No, they collectively turned their heads. Many of these media types now suggest that the fans didn't want to face up to the steroid story amidst the homerun chase. Hey, gang, it was your job to tell us the story. Or did I get our job descriptions confused?
Even the "insiders" that are former jocks laugh at each other's lack of knowledge about their respective sport. For years, we've heard that only the guys "who played the game" really know what's going on. Well, if we listen closely it appears the athletes cannot even agree on what's going on. At this point, we all know that these ex-jocks will lie through their teeth about what "really" happens anyway.
Let me not leave us, the fans, out of my wrath. During the last week, I've heard more nonsense out of the mouth of fans than I can stomach. From the lockout to steroids, fans have suggested some of the most self-serving, ignorant things I have heard from my fellow fanatics in quite a while. Maybe it's time we all get some perspective. Maybe we all need a break from our sports addiction. For others, it's time to seek professional help.
I'm guessing by this point, assuming either of you are still reading this, that you can see my frustration with the sports world and why I stayed away the last few days. You are no doubt thankful I didn't write daily in this mood.
I apologize for the poor quality of writing. This is a true rant, not something scripted so I can be "Caller of the Day". Hopefully, this prolonged cry into cyber-space will be beneficial for my mental health. I thank those of you who stop by here and hope any new visitors will give me a second chance. It will be much better in the days to come.
MLB Power Rankings
Buster Olney at ESPN.com has his pre-season baseball power ratings out. The Detroit Tigers are in at a respectable #19. Check out the entire list here.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Random Observations
In the hours before the latest snow storm pays a visit, here are some odds and ends I'm thinking about.
First, I'm another Lions fan not thrilled about the potential addition of QB Jeff Garcia. Garcia, who thrived under Steve Mariucci in S.F., is apparently going to be released by Cleveland and Detroit is amongst the would-be suitors. Now, in fairness to Garcia, none of the free agent crop of quarterbacks does anything for me. However, I find Garcia underwhelming. I think he can be a servicable, but unspectacular back-up. For the right price, he's no worse than the other free agent signal callers. Of course, he's no better, either.
The Detroit Tigers released their Spring Training broadcast schedule. I'm somewhat disappointed that more weekday games aren't being carried by SportsRadio 1270, the Tigers' flagship, but it's good to know the boys will be back on the airwaves shortly.
When the NHL and the NHLPA get together again before tomorrow's 1pm deadline, I want them to remember one five letter word. P-O-K-E-R. That's right, poker. When Bob Goodenow and Gary Bettman are sitting around the table trying to prove who is the most arrogant, ignorant leader in pro sports, both men should remember poker. Why? Because both men need to forget the insane notion that hockey is remotely popular. Sorry, fellas, but when televised card games get better ratings than your sport, you aren't in charge of much of anything that anyone cares about.
Also keep in mind, that history is not going to portray either of you in a good light after this debacle. There is also a good chance both of you could end up losing your jobs over this, too. Why haggle over a few crummy million dollars? Cut to the chase, come to an agreement and get out of hockey, gentlemen.
I have to admit that if the NHL can get an agreement, I'm going to be in the group that is offended by a thirty game or less regular season. I heard Barry Melrose tell me on ESPNEWS tonight how exciting a short season like this could be. Barry, if it is such a great idea, why not do that every year? Even better, why not skip the regular season entirely and just play two months of playoffs every year? I'm sorry if I think missing 70% of the regular season and giving someone the Stanley Cup will make them champions with an asterisk.
Speaking of asterisks, here is an interesting suggestion for Barry Bonds.
Why am I just not enjoying college basketball this year? I just cannot stay interested. I use to watch hundreds of games on tv a year, but I just don't find it compelling now. I don't know why, though.
The snow is coming, but some pitchers and catchers reported today. For that, I am thankful.
First, I'm another Lions fan not thrilled about the potential addition of QB Jeff Garcia. Garcia, who thrived under Steve Mariucci in S.F., is apparently going to be released by Cleveland and Detroit is amongst the would-be suitors. Now, in fairness to Garcia, none of the free agent crop of quarterbacks does anything for me. However, I find Garcia underwhelming. I think he can be a servicable, but unspectacular back-up. For the right price, he's no worse than the other free agent signal callers. Of course, he's no better, either.
The Detroit Tigers released their Spring Training broadcast schedule. I'm somewhat disappointed that more weekday games aren't being carried by SportsRadio 1270, the Tigers' flagship, but it's good to know the boys will be back on the airwaves shortly.
When the NHL and the NHLPA get together again before tomorrow's 1pm deadline, I want them to remember one five letter word. P-O-K-E-R. That's right, poker. When Bob Goodenow and Gary Bettman are sitting around the table trying to prove who is the most arrogant, ignorant leader in pro sports, both men should remember poker. Why? Because both men need to forget the insane notion that hockey is remotely popular. Sorry, fellas, but when televised card games get better ratings than your sport, you aren't in charge of much of anything that anyone cares about.
Also keep in mind, that history is not going to portray either of you in a good light after this debacle. There is also a good chance both of you could end up losing your jobs over this, too. Why haggle over a few crummy million dollars? Cut to the chase, come to an agreement and get out of hockey, gentlemen.
I have to admit that if the NHL can get an agreement, I'm going to be in the group that is offended by a thirty game or less regular season. I heard Barry Melrose tell me on ESPNEWS tonight how exciting a short season like this could be. Barry, if it is such a great idea, why not do that every year? Even better, why not skip the regular season entirely and just play two months of playoffs every year? I'm sorry if I think missing 70% of the regular season and giving someone the Stanley Cup will make them champions with an asterisk.
Speaking of asterisks, here is an interesting suggestion for Barry Bonds.
Why am I just not enjoying college basketball this year? I just cannot stay interested. I use to watch hundreds of games on tv a year, but I just don't find it compelling now. I don't know why, though.
The snow is coming, but some pitchers and catchers reported today. For that, I am thankful.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Reviewing The Ordonez Deal
Tom Meagher of The Hardball Times is confounded by the Tigers contract with Magglio Ordonez. Meagher does understand that Detroit is not operating from a position of strength, though.
Sonics Soar
The Seattle SuperSonics are apparently super, again. Back-to-back wins over Sacramento and Phoenix make a rather big statement. No, it's not the playoffs, but Seattle is impressive.
Lions Diary
As we so often do as Lions fans, it's time to concentrate on the NFL Draft. Don Banks at SI.com suggests in this mock draft that the Lions could land Miami (FL) CB Antrel Rolle. Banks goes on to say that Rolle may be a safety in the NFL.
Don't take my word for it, though. Go check out Banks' work and see where Michigan WR Braylon Edwards goes on his board, too. If Banks is right, the Lions could see plenty of Edwards for years to come.
Don't take my word for it, though. Go check out Banks' work and see where Michigan WR Braylon Edwards goes on his board, too. If Banks is right, the Lions could see plenty of Edwards for years to come.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Media Loves Maggs Move
Magglio Ordonez' arrival in Detroit seems to have met with almost universal applause. Color me surprised. I really expected venom over a potential seven year deal to consume every newspaper column in Metro Detroit. Ordonez' health and the structure of the contract certainly dominanted the press conference. So much so, in fact, that I don't recall hearing Ordonez utter much more than a paragraph in total.
However, in spite of all the contract questions, most of the scribes opted for caution over negativity when offering their perspectives. I would go so far as to say that 90% were just plain positive in tone. Even some of our more cynical Detroit sport writing vets offered up some praise for the Tigers latest, boldest move. The Free Press' Drew Sharp and Oakland Press' Jim Hawkins, two of the more negative Tiger on-lookers (rightly negative, I should add), are examples of the far more upbeat message the media sent forth from the Ordonez press conference. (Even Peter Gammons threw the Tigers a curveball of love. Sort of. See link below.)
Again, I am very, very surprised. Maybe the Pudge Rodriguez signing, which seemed to draw far more ire as I remember it, has worked out so well that we've all taken a more cautiously optimistic approach to such deals? I just don't know. I do know that it nearly every writer suggested the risk was worth the reward. I completely agree with that premise, but I hope none of them beats up Tigers management should Ordonez fail to live up to expectations.
Here is more all-Magglio, all-the-time coverage:
Crystal Evola, Oakland Press
Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press
Gene Guidi, Detroit Free Press
Krista Latham, Detroit Free Press
Bob Wojnowski, Detroit News
Tom Gage, Detroit News
Gage, again
Lynn Henning, Detroit News
Peter Gammons, ESPN.com
However, in spite of all the contract questions, most of the scribes opted for caution over negativity when offering their perspectives. I would go so far as to say that 90% were just plain positive in tone. Even some of our more cynical Detroit sport writing vets offered up some praise for the Tigers latest, boldest move. The Free Press' Drew Sharp and Oakland Press' Jim Hawkins, two of the more negative Tiger on-lookers (rightly negative, I should add), are examples of the far more upbeat message the media sent forth from the Ordonez press conference. (Even Peter Gammons threw the Tigers a curveball of love. Sort of. See link below.)
Again, I am very, very surprised. Maybe the Pudge Rodriguez signing, which seemed to draw far more ire as I remember it, has worked out so well that we've all taken a more cautiously optimistic approach to such deals? I just don't know. I do know that it nearly every writer suggested the risk was worth the reward. I completely agree with that premise, but I hope none of them beats up Tigers management should Ordonez fail to live up to expectations.
Here is more all-Magglio, all-the-time coverage:
Crystal Evola, Oakland Press
Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press
Gene Guidi, Detroit Free Press
Krista Latham, Detroit Free Press
Bob Wojnowski, Detroit News
Tom Gage, Detroit News
Gage, again
Lynn Henning, Detroit News
Peter Gammons, ESPN.com
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Too Much For Too Long
As more details about Magglio Ordonez' deal are revealed, the less excited I become. I still hesitate to get too negative, but any contract that could potentially pay Ordonez for seven years is just too much. I have stated before that I would have reservations about a five year deal. Going to seven years, even with club options, seems ridiculous in light of the lack of competition the Tigers appeared to have in pursuing Ordonez.
The amount of money, too, is a concern. If the Tigers were contemplating spending that kind of cash, an amazing $105 million, couldn't they have gotten into the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes? How about upping the offer to Adrian Beltre? Both would have filled bigger holes than a corner outfielder. (Not that the Tigers are exactly strong at that position, either.)
Was it Bo Schembechler or Woody Hayes who said that "When you pass, three things can happen and two of them (incompletion and interception) are bad"? That appears to be exactly the situation the Tigers now find themselves in with Ordonez' contract.
The first thing that can happen is the one we are all hoping for. Ordonez stays healthy and hits like he has in the past. Frankly, if the Tigers can get even four .300/30/100 seasons out of Ordonez, they should dance down Woodward. Three seasons like that might still yield a party at the Comerica Park administrative offices.
The second and third scenarios seem, unfortunately, far more likely. If Ordonez hurts anything other than his bad knee, the Tigers can't void his deal. He could miss significant time due to other injury concerns and still get paid for five years minimum. If the thirty-one year old just steadily declines, but continues to play due to his enormous contract, a la Bobby Higginson, the Tigers could be paying Ordonez for seven years with little chance of moving him elsewhere.
I agree with Bill at the Detroit Tigers Weblog who believes this is a Mike Ilitch production. It's just difficult to imagine Dave Dombrowski proposing this kind of offer. I know some in Tigertown called the Ivan Rodriguez signing last year nothing more than a PR move. It was to a degree, but it was a far better baseball move than the Ordonez contract. This new deal, in it's length and financial terms, is not a smart baseball move. It's all about putting more behinds in the ballpark on gameday and trying to build on last year's warm fuzzy feeling.
I sincerely appreciate Ilitch's desire to build on last season's momentum. 2004 was the best season, public relations wise, in Ilitch's tenure. The increased ticket sales, the better on-field performance and positive buzz the team generated in town was inspiring. However, if Ilitch is going to cry poverty in two years with both Ordonez and Rodriguez in tow, and the team is still well below .500, then the PR benefits will be temporary and the spite many fans have quelled will re-emerge quickly and far more harshly than ever before.
I favored the addition of Ordonez. I even suggested that knowing the Tigers would have to overpay. Honestly, I thought overpaying was giving Ordonez about what he made last year, $14 million a season. Coming off a freak knee injury, giving him more than that just seemed beyond comprehension. Yet, that's exactly what it appears the Tigers have done. And they've done it over a longer time than I think any Tiger fan can embrace.
Update: The Tigers and Camp Ordonez remain quiet. Neither side willing to confirm or deny a deal. However, nearly every media source says it's a done deal, so I suspect they are working out the details as to when Ordonez can make it to a press conference here and, perhaps, still dotting some of the "I's".
I read Dan's view at Detroit Sports Blog and realized that my reaction to the contract probably gives everyone the impression I am not happy about Maggs arrival. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Remember, I am the guy who asking about Ordonez when everyone else was concerned about Beltran, Beltre, Pavano, et al. I'm very happy to have Magglio in an Old English D.
I'm leery of the terms of his contract, as they are being reported currently, but I am looking forward to having Ordonez in the heart of the Tigers lineup. A healthy Ordonez can do wonders for the Tigers. He gives them the opportunity to improve significantly again in 2005. Like your basic Tigers' slappy, I'll be glued to the radio tomorrow awaiting press conference news.
I'm happy to have Ordonez in Detroit, but just more than a bit concerned about the contract he signed.
The amount of money, too, is a concern. If the Tigers were contemplating spending that kind of cash, an amazing $105 million, couldn't they have gotten into the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes? How about upping the offer to Adrian Beltre? Both would have filled bigger holes than a corner outfielder. (Not that the Tigers are exactly strong at that position, either.)
Was it Bo Schembechler or Woody Hayes who said that "When you pass, three things can happen and two of them (incompletion and interception) are bad"? That appears to be exactly the situation the Tigers now find themselves in with Ordonez' contract.
The first thing that can happen is the one we are all hoping for. Ordonez stays healthy and hits like he has in the past. Frankly, if the Tigers can get even four .300/30/100 seasons out of Ordonez, they should dance down Woodward. Three seasons like that might still yield a party at the Comerica Park administrative offices.
The second and third scenarios seem, unfortunately, far more likely. If Ordonez hurts anything other than his bad knee, the Tigers can't void his deal. He could miss significant time due to other injury concerns and still get paid for five years minimum. If the thirty-one year old just steadily declines, but continues to play due to his enormous contract, a la Bobby Higginson, the Tigers could be paying Ordonez for seven years with little chance of moving him elsewhere.
I agree with Bill at the Detroit Tigers Weblog who believes this is a Mike Ilitch production. It's just difficult to imagine Dave Dombrowski proposing this kind of offer. I know some in Tigertown called the Ivan Rodriguez signing last year nothing more than a PR move. It was to a degree, but it was a far better baseball move than the Ordonez contract. This new deal, in it's length and financial terms, is not a smart baseball move. It's all about putting more behinds in the ballpark on gameday and trying to build on last year's warm fuzzy feeling.
I sincerely appreciate Ilitch's desire to build on last season's momentum. 2004 was the best season, public relations wise, in Ilitch's tenure. The increased ticket sales, the better on-field performance and positive buzz the team generated in town was inspiring. However, if Ilitch is going to cry poverty in two years with both Ordonez and Rodriguez in tow, and the team is still well below .500, then the PR benefits will be temporary and the spite many fans have quelled will re-emerge quickly and far more harshly than ever before.
I favored the addition of Ordonez. I even suggested that knowing the Tigers would have to overpay. Honestly, I thought overpaying was giving Ordonez about what he made last year, $14 million a season. Coming off a freak knee injury, giving him more than that just seemed beyond comprehension. Yet, that's exactly what it appears the Tigers have done. And they've done it over a longer time than I think any Tiger fan can embrace.
Update: The Tigers and Camp Ordonez remain quiet. Neither side willing to confirm or deny a deal. However, nearly every media source says it's a done deal, so I suspect they are working out the details as to when Ordonez can make it to a press conference here and, perhaps, still dotting some of the "I's".
I read Dan's view at Detroit Sports Blog and realized that my reaction to the contract probably gives everyone the impression I am not happy about Maggs arrival. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Remember, I am the guy who asking about Ordonez when everyone else was concerned about Beltran, Beltre, Pavano, et al. I'm very happy to have Magglio in an Old English D.
I'm leery of the terms of his contract, as they are being reported currently, but I am looking forward to having Ordonez in the heart of the Tigers lineup. A healthy Ordonez can do wonders for the Tigers. He gives them the opportunity to improve significantly again in 2005. Like your basic Tigers' slappy, I'll be glued to the radio tomorrow awaiting press conference news.
I'm happy to have Ordonez in Detroit, but just more than a bit concerned about the contract he signed.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Ordonez Is Coming To Detroit
There are reports that Magglio Ordonez and the Detroit Tigers have agreed in principle to a contract. Newsday and, locally, Danny Knobler of the Booth Newspapers are reporting the deal is for five years and seventy-five million dollars. Most are expecting a news conference sometime in the upcoming week.
The good and bad of this deal are fairly obvious to all. Ordonez, when healthy, is a productive middle-of-the-order hitter. However, his knee injury is unique and no one is quite sure how it's going to hold up.
Although, I am not thrilled about the size of this deal, I think the Tigers have made a good signing. If the deal does indeed include voidable years should Ordonez' knee flair up, then the Tigers have done all they can to protect themselves. We will have to wait and see just how the contract is structured before being too critical of the deal. Suffice to say that Ordonez would instantly become the best hitter amongst the outfielders and probably bat cleanup in 2005. It's hard not to view that type of addition as positive.
Update: ESPN.com has (finally) picked up on the New York Newsday story. They are reporting the deal could extend into the seven year length Ordonez and Scott Boras were looking for. They are also reporting that the Tigers can void the deal at anytime should the knee injury flare up. The story also indicates a Monday press conference.
I wonder if Chris Shelton is about to come into a little extra money? Shelton wore number 30, Ordonez' number in Chicago, last season. I think it's a safe guess to assume that Shelton is going to get a small amount of Ordonez' new found wealth.
Someone on the 40 man roster is going to have to go to make room for Ordonez. Bill at Detroit Tigers Weblog.com reviews the outfield options here. I'd probably cut Fernando Vina. Regardless, it appears the Tigers really need to make a trade or two before Opening Day.
The good and bad of this deal are fairly obvious to all. Ordonez, when healthy, is a productive middle-of-the-order hitter. However, his knee injury is unique and no one is quite sure how it's going to hold up.
Although, I am not thrilled about the size of this deal, I think the Tigers have made a good signing. If the deal does indeed include voidable years should Ordonez' knee flair up, then the Tigers have done all they can to protect themselves. We will have to wait and see just how the contract is structured before being too critical of the deal. Suffice to say that Ordonez would instantly become the best hitter amongst the outfielders and probably bat cleanup in 2005. It's hard not to view that type of addition as positive.
Update: ESPN.com has (finally) picked up on the New York Newsday story. They are reporting the deal could extend into the seven year length Ordonez and Scott Boras were looking for. They are also reporting that the Tigers can void the deal at anytime should the knee injury flare up. The story also indicates a Monday press conference.
I wonder if Chris Shelton is about to come into a little extra money? Shelton wore number 30, Ordonez' number in Chicago, last season. I think it's a safe guess to assume that Shelton is going to get a small amount of Ordonez' new found wealth.
Someone on the 40 man roster is going to have to go to make room for Ordonez. Bill at Detroit Tigers Weblog.com reviews the outfield options here. I'd probably cut Fernando Vina. Regardless, it appears the Tigers really need to make a trade or two before Opening Day.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Recruiting Experts
I really enjoyed this piece in today Detroit Free Press by Michael Rosenberg. It pokes some fun at all of the recruiting experts one day after national signing day.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Random Observations
I haven't posted anything in the last few days, however that doesn't mean I haven't been paying attention. Here are some of the things I have been thinking about.
The Chicago Cubs have opted to sign Jeromy Burnitz to a short-term deal over offering Magglio Ordonez a long term deal. This is both good and bad news. The bad news? Add the Cubs to the list of teams scared off by Camp Ordonez' contract demands and wobbly knee. I think that brings the total number of teams afraid to 31.
Oh, there is good news. The Tigers are looking like front runners to sign Ordonez. Since they haven't counter Scott Boras' last proposal maybe Ordonez will accept whatever overpayment the Tigers offered originally. Complete with plenty of out clauses and incentives, I hope.
Even if the Tigers do sign Maggs to a reasonable deal, they still need to make a trade before Opening Day. There has to be a player or two available that would improve the Tigers in 2005. As an example, if the Mets ever decide to move Mike Cameron's contract, I'd like to think Dave Dombrowski would make an offer. Cameron's ability to cover ground in center could make up for the weak fielding corner outfielders the Tigers intend to trot out onto the Comerica Park grass this year.
Will the NHLPA just fire Bob Goodenow already? It's over boys. You lost. Your leader sold out you and your sport in the process. Just take the stinking salary cap and play hockey. Next season.
I assume most Detroiters have seen where Chris Chelios, Derian Hatcher and Kris Draper are playing in the UHL. This is just an example of how the NHLPA lost. You cannot have three visible players off an elite NHL franchise suit up in a low level minor league, a league with a salary cap, plus have another 200 or so of your players making less money playing in Europe only to turn around and tell us how you can't accept the concept of potentially making less money. You already are.
Chelios, Hatcher and Draper all signed on with the Motor City Mechanics. Does anyone else think that if the lockout extends into 2006 there may be a number of NHL players who become real life mechanics instead of hockey players?
I was impressed with Serena Williams at the Australian Open. When she got hurt, I thought for sure she would just let Lindsey Davenport walk right onto to the title. Wow, was I wrong! Williams just cruised right past Davenport in the last two sets. I'm still a bit surprised.
Apparently, Pro Football Weekly passed out a NFL Draft preview to the media during Super Bowl Week. Braylon Edwards, Michigan's wideout, was tabbed as San Francisco's choice at the top of the board. The publication had our Lions taking, I hope you are sitting, quarterback Aaron Rodgers of California. That would really quiet the quarterback controversy, wouldn't it?
I agree with many NBA beat writers, Steve Nash is the league's Most Valuable Player to this point in the season.
Hopefully, I will be able to crank out a few more posts this week. Thanks for bearing with me during the slow times.
The Chicago Cubs have opted to sign Jeromy Burnitz to a short-term deal over offering Magglio Ordonez a long term deal. This is both good and bad news. The bad news? Add the Cubs to the list of teams scared off by Camp Ordonez' contract demands and wobbly knee. I think that brings the total number of teams afraid to 31.
Oh, there is good news. The Tigers are looking like front runners to sign Ordonez. Since they haven't counter Scott Boras' last proposal maybe Ordonez will accept whatever overpayment the Tigers offered originally. Complete with plenty of out clauses and incentives, I hope.
Even if the Tigers do sign Maggs to a reasonable deal, they still need to make a trade before Opening Day. There has to be a player or two available that would improve the Tigers in 2005. As an example, if the Mets ever decide to move Mike Cameron's contract, I'd like to think Dave Dombrowski would make an offer. Cameron's ability to cover ground in center could make up for the weak fielding corner outfielders the Tigers intend to trot out onto the Comerica Park grass this year.
Will the NHLPA just fire Bob Goodenow already? It's over boys. You lost. Your leader sold out you and your sport in the process. Just take the stinking salary cap and play hockey. Next season.
I assume most Detroiters have seen where Chris Chelios, Derian Hatcher and Kris Draper are playing in the UHL. This is just an example of how the NHLPA lost. You cannot have three visible players off an elite NHL franchise suit up in a low level minor league, a league with a salary cap, plus have another 200 or so of your players making less money playing in Europe only to turn around and tell us how you can't accept the concept of potentially making less money. You already are.
Chelios, Hatcher and Draper all signed on with the Motor City Mechanics. Does anyone else think that if the lockout extends into 2006 there may be a number of NHL players who become real life mechanics instead of hockey players?
I was impressed with Serena Williams at the Australian Open. When she got hurt, I thought for sure she would just let Lindsey Davenport walk right onto to the title. Wow, was I wrong! Williams just cruised right past Davenport in the last two sets. I'm still a bit surprised.
Apparently, Pro Football Weekly passed out a NFL Draft preview to the media during Super Bowl Week. Braylon Edwards, Michigan's wideout, was tabbed as San Francisco's choice at the top of the board. The publication had our Lions taking, I hope you are sitting, quarterback Aaron Rodgers of California. That would really quiet the quarterback controversy, wouldn't it?
I agree with many NBA beat writers, Steve Nash is the league's Most Valuable Player to this point in the season.
Hopefully, I will be able to crank out a few more posts this week. Thanks for bearing with me during the slow times.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Read This Now
I'm serious. You should read this article by John Brattain at The Hardball Times immediately. It's about MLB's economic structure. More importantly, it's exceptional writing.
Time To Fire Brown?
Is it just me or does anyone else think it's time to start to consider firing Larry Brown? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. Joe Dumars is the guy who is going to make that decision not me, but I'm growing increasing tired of Brown's antics.
There is his perpetual whining. I realize that's not uncommon for a coach, but Brown's post Palace brawl "the sky is falling" attitude is already becoming the stuff of legend. And spoofs. Then, and far more appallingly, there is the rumored move to the New York Knicks.
When some NYC media types starting thinking out loud about the next head coach of the Knicks, they made a logic connection to Brown. Brown is in a continual state of moving on to the next job, is a New York native and is a fan of Knicks' boss Isiah Thomas (some around Detroit may recognize that name). It's not exactly out-of-the-box thinking to put two and two together and envision Brown in Madison Square Garden full-time.
What irritates me is that Brown simply refuses to take the high road. Not only does he not deny the speculation, but he does nothing but reinforce the idea he's ready for the Knicks' job every time he opens his mouth. Here is another story, courtesy of ESPN.com, where Brown does everything but resign.
Why couldn't he offer the usual "no comment" line? Or how about the equal standard "I'm working with a championship team right now. What more could you ask for?". It doesn't say "I'm staying" or "I'm gone", but it does imply "Can we talk about this later?". In fact, "I won't be ready to discuss my future until season's end" would be a fine response.
I'm not asking the guy to say "I love Detroit. I love coaching this team. I love Joe. I love Mr. Davidson." Although, hearing some combination of that would seem appropriate. However, all we hear is how Brown "never thought he would have to coach effort" and how much he loves Isiah.
Maybe I'm just way off base here. Maybe I'm taking a page out of the Bo Schembechler management book, but if I was Joe Dumars, I'd save Larry Brown the effort of loitering at The Palace of Auburn Hills one hour longer. I'd can him right this second.
I generally oppose calling for the firing of someone, especially someone coming off a championship. That kind of nonsense is, well, nonsense. This is a unique situation, though. Brown's carpet-bagger history combined with his post-fight trauma, his inability to say anything good about his current position, all while drooling over the move to MSG make me think his head and heart are not with the Pistons.
In the end, I would prefer a guy who wants to be the coach of the Pistons to have the job. Is that asking too much? I realize that firing a Hall of Fame coach coming of a NBA championship sounds plain crazy. That's because it is. It's also crazy for the same coach to act burdened by his job at the top of the NBA heap.
Brown is clearly unhappy coaching the Pistons. It's gotten so bad, he can no longer disguise his disdain for the situation. Neither can I. If Brown wants out, Dumars should open the door. Right now.
There is his perpetual whining. I realize that's not uncommon for a coach, but Brown's post Palace brawl "the sky is falling" attitude is already becoming the stuff of legend. And spoofs. Then, and far more appallingly, there is the rumored move to the New York Knicks.
When some NYC media types starting thinking out loud about the next head coach of the Knicks, they made a logic connection to Brown. Brown is in a continual state of moving on to the next job, is a New York native and is a fan of Knicks' boss Isiah Thomas (some around Detroit may recognize that name). It's not exactly out-of-the-box thinking to put two and two together and envision Brown in Madison Square Garden full-time.
What irritates me is that Brown simply refuses to take the high road. Not only does he not deny the speculation, but he does nothing but reinforce the idea he's ready for the Knicks' job every time he opens his mouth. Here is another story, courtesy of ESPN.com, where Brown does everything but resign.
Why couldn't he offer the usual "no comment" line? Or how about the equal standard "I'm working with a championship team right now. What more could you ask for?". It doesn't say "I'm staying" or "I'm gone", but it does imply "Can we talk about this later?". In fact, "I won't be ready to discuss my future until season's end" would be a fine response.
I'm not asking the guy to say "I love Detroit. I love coaching this team. I love Joe. I love Mr. Davidson." Although, hearing some combination of that would seem appropriate. However, all we hear is how Brown "never thought he would have to coach effort" and how much he loves Isiah.
Maybe I'm just way off base here. Maybe I'm taking a page out of the Bo Schembechler management book, but if I was Joe Dumars, I'd save Larry Brown the effort of loitering at The Palace of Auburn Hills one hour longer. I'd can him right this second.
I generally oppose calling for the firing of someone, especially someone coming off a championship. That kind of nonsense is, well, nonsense. This is a unique situation, though. Brown's carpet-bagger history combined with his post-fight trauma, his inability to say anything good about his current position, all while drooling over the move to MSG make me think his head and heart are not with the Pistons.
In the end, I would prefer a guy who wants to be the coach of the Pistons to have the job. Is that asking too much? I realize that firing a Hall of Fame coach coming of a NBA championship sounds plain crazy. That's because it is. It's also crazy for the same coach to act burdened by his job at the top of the NBA heap.
Brown is clearly unhappy coaching the Pistons. It's gotten so bad, he can no longer disguise his disdain for the situation. Neither can I. If Brown wants out, Dumars should open the door. Right now.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Old School Super Bowl
I'm getting old. I admit that. That means I spend far too long fondly remembering the good old days. You may remember my recent post about This Week In Baseball. Today, I got the NFL equivalent.
ESPN classic was showing Super Bowl highlight shows. I was watching some of the early Super Bowls. I'm talking about those in the single digits. Or, in Super Bowl terms, games below X in Roman numerals. The voice of John Facenda romanticizing the story of the games when the Super Bowl was all about football.
That's my biggest problem with football, in general, and the Super Bowl, specifically. It's equal parts game and hype. Hype translated not only in terms of over analysis, but in terms of pre-game show, halftime show, post-game show, commercials, gambling, drinking, counter-programming on other networks and mass marketing campaigns involving nearly every product known to man.
Anyone remember when we just cared about the game? At one time, the Super Bowl was all football and little of anything else. They had college bands perform, in part, because halftime was just, well, it was just halftime for crying out loud. No need for Janet Jackson or Paul McCartney, for that matter. We were watching to see who would be crowned champions not who sang during the time reserved for sandwich assembly and bathroom breaks.
Now, the Super Bowl has become a holiday. It's been watered down to make itself interesting to everyone. Some watch the game just to see the commercials. This is the same train of promotional thought that brought us Ferris Wheels and merry-go-rounds at Comerica Park. It's no longer enough for sports to be about sports. These events have to supply entertainment to all. The Super Bowl has led that transition from sport to entertainment.
I cannot say that the change has been all bad, if the Lions could actually make the Super Bowl I would be eating up all this ancillary nonsense, but I miss the way pro football used to be. I think lots of others, even those who still follow the sport with great passion, miss the old school days in the NFL, too. Thankfully, NFL Films has kept that part of history alive. It's all we have left.
ESPN classic was showing Super Bowl highlight shows. I was watching some of the early Super Bowls. I'm talking about those in the single digits. Or, in Super Bowl terms, games below X in Roman numerals. The voice of John Facenda romanticizing the story of the games when the Super Bowl was all about football.
That's my biggest problem with football, in general, and the Super Bowl, specifically. It's equal parts game and hype. Hype translated not only in terms of over analysis, but in terms of pre-game show, halftime show, post-game show, commercials, gambling, drinking, counter-programming on other networks and mass marketing campaigns involving nearly every product known to man.
Anyone remember when we just cared about the game? At one time, the Super Bowl was all football and little of anything else. They had college bands perform, in part, because halftime was just, well, it was just halftime for crying out loud. No need for Janet Jackson or Paul McCartney, for that matter. We were watching to see who would be crowned champions not who sang during the time reserved for sandwich assembly and bathroom breaks.
Now, the Super Bowl has become a holiday. It's been watered down to make itself interesting to everyone. Some watch the game just to see the commercials. This is the same train of promotional thought that brought us Ferris Wheels and merry-go-rounds at Comerica Park. It's no longer enough for sports to be about sports. These events have to supply entertainment to all. The Super Bowl has led that transition from sport to entertainment.
I cannot say that the change has been all bad, if the Lions could actually make the Super Bowl I would be eating up all this ancillary nonsense, but I miss the way pro football used to be. I think lots of others, even those who still follow the sport with great passion, miss the old school days in the NFL, too. Thankfully, NFL Films has kept that part of history alive. It's all we have left.
Sorensen May Face Prison Time
Ex-Tigers broadcaster Lary Sorensen appears to be headed to prison. Sorensen, a former big league pitcher and University of Michigan player, was arrested on his sixth DUI charge. Here is The Detroit News story.
More On Maggs
Here are today's stories on Magglio Ordonez. Detroit Free Press, Detroit News and Daily Oakland Press. If today's rumors are true, speculation indicating that Scott Boras is looking for a deal of five years or longer, the Tigers should pass.
There is no way that Detroit should saddle themselves with a 31 year old (by the way, Happy Birthday, Magglio) with a horrible knee for five years or more. It's a deal that's got Dean Palmer or Bobby Higginson written all over it.
There is also a rumor that Ordonez is looking for around $11 million or more a season. One wild piece of speculation has Ordonez' counter proposal at seven years, seventy-seven million dollars. The Tigers should not provide Ordonez with more money, or the same amount, than the White Sox offered him when they thought he was healthy.
Ordonez, for all of his potential upside, is just too big an injury risk. Three years at $11 million a season, heavily incentive based, with several out clauses for the Tigers, plus a club option for a fourth season. That's the max. In fact, I would prefer a two year deal with a club option for a third season. Anything more than that and I can't call it a good signing.
There is no way that Detroit should saddle themselves with a 31 year old (by the way, Happy Birthday, Magglio) with a horrible knee for five years or more. It's a deal that's got Dean Palmer or Bobby Higginson written all over it.
There is also a rumor that Ordonez is looking for around $11 million or more a season. One wild piece of speculation has Ordonez' counter proposal at seven years, seventy-seven million dollars. The Tigers should not provide Ordonez with more money, or the same amount, than the White Sox offered him when they thought he was healthy.
Ordonez, for all of his potential upside, is just too big an injury risk. Three years at $11 million a season, heavily incentive based, with several out clauses for the Tigers, plus a club option for a fourth season. That's the max. In fact, I would prefer a two year deal with a club option for a third season. Anything more than that and I can't call it a good signing.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Ordonez Counters
The Magglio Ordonez saga continues. Today's news is that Ordonez has told agent Scott Boras to offer Detroit a counter-proposal. It appears that if the Tigers agree to Ordonez' counter, the ex-Chicago outfielder will become a Tiger.
I know some view this would-be signing as a potential disaster, The Daily Oakland Press' Pat Caputo offers these words of caution, but even the most negative observer has to admit that a healthy Ordonez is a major upgrade. The question is whether or not Ordonez is indeed healthy.
We all know I favor this move, but I would really have preferred that Ordonez participated in some kind of workout before the Tigers' management. If the Tigers accept this new proposal from Camp Ordonez, without seeing if the guy can even take the field, we are all going to have to hope it's filled with out clauses. More importantly, we are going to have to hope that Ordonez can give the Tigers several strong, productive seasons.
I think it's safe to say that everyone in Tigertown remains cautiously optimistic, myself included.
Update: MLB.com has this story on Ordonez' counter proposal. I just can't see the Tigers topping the five year, seventy million dollar deal the White Sox offered last year. Nor do I think they should.
I know some view this would-be signing as a potential disaster, The Daily Oakland Press' Pat Caputo offers these words of caution, but even the most negative observer has to admit that a healthy Ordonez is a major upgrade. The question is whether or not Ordonez is indeed healthy.
We all know I favor this move, but I would really have preferred that Ordonez participated in some kind of workout before the Tigers' management. If the Tigers accept this new proposal from Camp Ordonez, without seeing if the guy can even take the field, we are all going to have to hope it's filled with out clauses. More importantly, we are going to have to hope that Ordonez can give the Tigers several strong, productive seasons.
I think it's safe to say that everyone in Tigertown remains cautiously optimistic, myself included.
Update: MLB.com has this story on Ordonez' counter proposal. I just can't see the Tigers topping the five year, seventy million dollar deal the White Sox offered last year. Nor do I think they should.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
When Is Help Arriving?
Everyone in Tigertown is debating the addition of Magglio Ordonez. Will he work out? Can he work out? Just how bad is his knee? How much is it going to take for the Tigers to sign him? How long a deal should it be? The questions just keep coming. However, the question I ask is when do we think the Tigers farm system is going to produce productive everyday players?
In signing any free agent, that has to be the question. How long before a Tiger farmhand can fill that spot and produce at an all-star, or close to all-star, level? The Tigers have some starting pitchers that could make themselves viable candidates for the rotation in 2006 or 2007. That's why I was hesitant to see them sign guys like Derek Lowe. The long term answers may already be in the organization.
Conversely, it looks to me like the only Tiger minor outfielder close to The Show is Curtis Granderson. Granderson appears to be a hitter, but does anyone project him to be the hitter Ordonez is capable of being?
Even if he eventually comes close to Ordonez-like productivity, the emphasis is on eventually. It could take several seasons at the Major League level before Granderson reaches his full ability. With Bobby Higginson and Rondell White playing on the last year of their contracts and Dave Dombrowski spending quite a bit of time looking for an upgrade to Alex Sanchez, it appears the Tigers will need a minimum of three outfielders soon. Very soon.
How long will it take for the Tigers' farm system to provide more help than just Granderson? Two years? Three? More? It's an inexact science. A Tiger prospect could get hot, shoot through the system and become a big star in less than a year. It's unlikely, but possible.
It's equally possible that the Tigers are at least three years away from anyone other than Granderson contributing to their outfield. Again, unlikely, but possible.
That's, in part, why I am in favor of inking Ordonez. I suspect help from the farm system is somewhere between one and three years away. By the time the Tigers farm clubs have a number of outfield prospects on the verge of making the big league team, Ordonez' deal will be done.
I also like signing the ex-White Sox star because I believe the Tigers can sign Ordonez without changing the long term direction of the ballclub. They can continue to focus on stocking their farm system with prospects, but also try to be competitive at the same time. By the time a new wave of Tigers are ready to take over the contracts of Ordonez and Ivan Rodriguez should be expiring.
If the Tigers' farm system doesn't supply the big league club with a corps of solid Major Leaguers in three seasons, we will have much more to worry about than Ordonez' knees.
In signing any free agent, that has to be the question. How long before a Tiger farmhand can fill that spot and produce at an all-star, or close to all-star, level? The Tigers have some starting pitchers that could make themselves viable candidates for the rotation in 2006 or 2007. That's why I was hesitant to see them sign guys like Derek Lowe. The long term answers may already be in the organization.
Conversely, it looks to me like the only Tiger minor outfielder close to The Show is Curtis Granderson. Granderson appears to be a hitter, but does anyone project him to be the hitter Ordonez is capable of being?
Even if he eventually comes close to Ordonez-like productivity, the emphasis is on eventually. It could take several seasons at the Major League level before Granderson reaches his full ability. With Bobby Higginson and Rondell White playing on the last year of their contracts and Dave Dombrowski spending quite a bit of time looking for an upgrade to Alex Sanchez, it appears the Tigers will need a minimum of three outfielders soon. Very soon.
How long will it take for the Tigers' farm system to provide more help than just Granderson? Two years? Three? More? It's an inexact science. A Tiger prospect could get hot, shoot through the system and become a big star in less than a year. It's unlikely, but possible.
It's equally possible that the Tigers are at least three years away from anyone other than Granderson contributing to their outfield. Again, unlikely, but possible.
That's, in part, why I am in favor of inking Ordonez. I suspect help from the farm system is somewhere between one and three years away. By the time the Tigers farm clubs have a number of outfield prospects on the verge of making the big league team, Ordonez' deal will be done.
I also like signing the ex-White Sox star because I believe the Tigers can sign Ordonez without changing the long term direction of the ballclub. They can continue to focus on stocking their farm system with prospects, but also try to be competitive at the same time. By the time a new wave of Tigers are ready to take over the contracts of Ordonez and Ivan Rodriguez should be expiring.
If the Tigers' farm system doesn't supply the big league club with a corps of solid Major Leaguers in three seasons, we will have much more to worry about than Ordonez' knees.
Horse Of The Year
Here is part of the reason horse racing continues to stay out of the mainstream. Ghostzapper won the Horse of the Year. Why do I view this as a problem? Well, the distant second place finisher was a horse named Smarty Jones. I have little doubt that none of you have heard of Ghostzapper. I am equally confident that quite of few of you heard about Smarty Jones. There lies the problem.
Horse racing has four big events. The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, The Belmont Stakes and the Breeders Cup. Amongst casual fans, those are the folks the NTRA and other in the industry are trying to lure in, there is one race-The Kentucky Derby. There is one other racing event that even merits their attention-The Triple Crown.
Smarty Jones won The Derby. He won The Preakness. Smarty came within a length and a half of winning The Triple Crown. Along the way, Smarty became a national phenomenon. Yet, when the racing industry picked it's Horse of the Year, Smarty got left in the dust. How do you explain that a horse that won only one of racing's big four events, the Breeders Cup, beat the horse that won The Derby, Preakness and finished second in The Belmont?
I can't. Now, if Smarty had only won The Derby and fell into the mix in the remaining two Triple Crown races, I could see giving the Horse of the Year title to Ghostzapper. A strong year capped with a Breeders Cup Classic victory would be Horse of the Year material, if you don't have a horse win multiple Triple Crown races. However, we had just that.
A three year old nearly captured the increasing elusive Triple Crown and, for reasons beyond me, captured the attention of casual sports fans. Two wins and a place in The Triple Crown chase isn't chopped liver. In fact, isn't pursuing The Triple Crown what almost every trainer, jockey, owner and diehard fan dreams about?
Horse racing needs to clarify what events are important. If you can win two-thirds of The Triple Crown and not be Horse of the Year, just how big are The Derby and Preakness? When you name a four year old, even an undefeated one, Horse of the Year over a near Triple Crown winner you've basically diminished the sport's three biggest races.
Does anyone in the industry think that the Tom Fool, Iselin Handicap and the Woodward are on par with the Derby, Preakness and Belmont? How on Earth are you going to explain to casual sports fans that the races they didn't see on television matter just as much as the races they did see?
This isn't just another tirade from some Smarty Jones bandwagon jumpin' fan, either. No, I dispelled any notion of being a Smarty fan back in this August post. As I pointed out then, I don't think Smarty is a great horse. I think the hype over him is ridiculous. I also think that winning the first two legs of The Triple Crown and finishing a close second in the last race does make you Horse of the Year.
Regrettably, the Eclipse Award voters disagreed. In the process, they further diminished the allure of their sport by minimizing the significance of their three biggest events.
Horse racing has four big events. The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, The Belmont Stakes and the Breeders Cup. Amongst casual fans, those are the folks the NTRA and other in the industry are trying to lure in, there is one race-The Kentucky Derby. There is one other racing event that even merits their attention-The Triple Crown.
Smarty Jones won The Derby. He won The Preakness. Smarty came within a length and a half of winning The Triple Crown. Along the way, Smarty became a national phenomenon. Yet, when the racing industry picked it's Horse of the Year, Smarty got left in the dust. How do you explain that a horse that won only one of racing's big four events, the Breeders Cup, beat the horse that won The Derby, Preakness and finished second in The Belmont?
I can't. Now, if Smarty had only won The Derby and fell into the mix in the remaining two Triple Crown races, I could see giving the Horse of the Year title to Ghostzapper. A strong year capped with a Breeders Cup Classic victory would be Horse of the Year material, if you don't have a horse win multiple Triple Crown races. However, we had just that.
A three year old nearly captured the increasing elusive Triple Crown and, for reasons beyond me, captured the attention of casual sports fans. Two wins and a place in The Triple Crown chase isn't chopped liver. In fact, isn't pursuing The Triple Crown what almost every trainer, jockey, owner and diehard fan dreams about?
Horse racing needs to clarify what events are important. If you can win two-thirds of The Triple Crown and not be Horse of the Year, just how big are The Derby and Preakness? When you name a four year old, even an undefeated one, Horse of the Year over a near Triple Crown winner you've basically diminished the sport's three biggest races.
Does anyone in the industry think that the Tom Fool, Iselin Handicap and the Woodward are on par with the Derby, Preakness and Belmont? How on Earth are you going to explain to casual sports fans that the races they didn't see on television matter just as much as the races they did see?
This isn't just another tirade from some Smarty Jones bandwagon jumpin' fan, either. No, I dispelled any notion of being a Smarty fan back in this August post. As I pointed out then, I don't think Smarty is a great horse. I think the hype over him is ridiculous. I also think that winning the first two legs of The Triple Crown and finishing a close second in the last race does make you Horse of the Year.
Regrettably, the Eclipse Award voters disagreed. In the process, they further diminished the allure of their sport by minimizing the significance of their three biggest events.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Tigers Make Move On Maggs
My pleas have been addressed. The Detroit Tigers have had an initial meeting with free agent Magglio Ordonez. Reports indicate that owner Mike Ilitch, President/G.M. Dave Dombrowski and manager Alan Trammell all met with Ordonez yesterday.
Both regular readers of this blog know that I have campaigned for Ordonez all winter long. The Tigers are in desperate need of outfield help, with Bobby Higginson and Rondell White aging and in the last year of their contracts, and could use a middle-of-the-order type bat. A healthy Ordonez fills both those voids instantly.
Of course, I am very concerned about the health of Ordonez' knees (when was the last time someone went to Austria to have knee surgery?), but what other options for improvement remain? I won't go so far as to say it's Ordonez or bust, as Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press suggested today, but adding only Troy Percival won't significantly improve the Tigers chances in 2005.
With Carlos Delgado now in Florida, Scott Boras will turn all the spurned Delgado suitors towards Ordonez. Clearly, the Tigers will have some competition for Maggs' services, but Ilitch and company should be willing to do something close to the Ivan Rodriguez deal to land Ordonez. I might not offer four years, but I'd definitely pay (or overpay) Ordonez should he produce his pre-injury numbers.
There are risks with signing Ordonez, but my thought has always been that the Tigers can offset some of the risk by agreeing to an incentive driven, relatively short-term contract. Besides, weren't the risks nearly as big with Steve Finley (age) and Troy Glaus (injuries)?
Free agency is a risky business, but the Tigers appear like they are back in the business of fielding a competitive team. Adding Magglio Ordonez would be another step in that direction.
Both regular readers of this blog know that I have campaigned for Ordonez all winter long. The Tigers are in desperate need of outfield help, with Bobby Higginson and Rondell White aging and in the last year of their contracts, and could use a middle-of-the-order type bat. A healthy Ordonez fills both those voids instantly.
Of course, I am very concerned about the health of Ordonez' knees (when was the last time someone went to Austria to have knee surgery?), but what other options for improvement remain? I won't go so far as to say it's Ordonez or bust, as Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press suggested today, but adding only Troy Percival won't significantly improve the Tigers chances in 2005.
With Carlos Delgado now in Florida, Scott Boras will turn all the spurned Delgado suitors towards Ordonez. Clearly, the Tigers will have some competition for Maggs' services, but Ilitch and company should be willing to do something close to the Ivan Rodriguez deal to land Ordonez. I might not offer four years, but I'd definitely pay (or overpay) Ordonez should he produce his pre-injury numbers.
There are risks with signing Ordonez, but my thought has always been that the Tigers can offset some of the risk by agreeing to an incentive driven, relatively short-term contract. Besides, weren't the risks nearly as big with Steve Finley (age) and Troy Glaus (injuries)?
Free agency is a risky business, but the Tigers appear like they are back in the business of fielding a competitive team. Adding Magglio Ordonez would be another step in that direction.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Horton Arraigned
Michigan guard Daniel Horton was arraigned today on a domestic battery charge. Here is the Detroit Free Press story. Coach Tommy Amaker has a press conference scheduled for tomorrow.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Pudgy Auction
Ivan Rodriguez' road jacket is available via auction at MLB.com. If you've got, at least, $609.60 lying around, you can own Pudge's jacket from 2004. Of course, I still think it's a stinking ugly jacket in gray, but I'm not bidding.
Friday, January 21, 2005
One Labor Problem Resolved
Well, for the rest of this year, anyway. The US Soccer Federation and the players union have reached a settlement. This will allow the players to participate in next month's World Cup qualifier. Playing a group of strike-breakers in a WC qualifier would have been a horrible mess. Thankfully, this issue is settled for now.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Pena Pounded
I'm guessing The Daily Oakland Press' Pat Caputo isn't impressed with Detroit Tigers firstbaseman Carlos Pena. If he is, he's hiding it well. Regardles, Caputo does raise some interesting opinions about Pena and the Tigers off-season.
First Person-Hines Ward
An SI.com Q & A session with one of my favorite players, Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rosenberg On Darko
Detroit Free Press columnist Michael Rosenberg offers this piece on the Motor City's most talked about, highest paid bench player, Darko Milicic.
Turn Out The Lights
In spite of Trevor Linden's attempt to save the hockey season, it doesn't appear a deal will get done in time to save this season. Both sides still cannot overcome ownership's insistence on a salary cap. At this point, I think it's best to just forget this year.
As much as I hate to think the Stanley Cup will not get awarded, it's ridiculous to come to a resolution and force down a thirty-six game (or less) regular season then head straight to the playoffs. I'm sorry, I just can't call a thirty-six game schedule acceptable.
As much as I hate to think the Stanley Cup will not get awarded, it's ridiculous to come to a resolution and force down a thirty-six game (or less) regular season then head straight to the playoffs. I'm sorry, I just can't call a thirty-six game schedule acceptable.
Monday, January 17, 2005
New Adventures In Blogging
A few years back, I ran a website focusing on Big Ten Conference baseball. It met with some critical acclaim, if you consider a few emails of support I received from some national media types as critical acclaim.
As I still love the sport and really miss the old site, I have established a new blog called Big Ten Hardball. I hope you will stop in and check it out.
As I still love the sport and really miss the old site, I have established a new blog called Big Ten Hardball. I hope you will stop in and check it out.
Weekend Wrap
I haven't done a Weekend Wrap in quite a while, so as I was able to watch everything from luge to golf to football to tennis this weekend, it seems like a good time to review.
Roger Federer has a chance to become one of the stories of 2005. He was dominant in '04, but some think he has a great opportunity to capture tennis' grand slam. (Jon Wertheim of SI.com agrees.) All eyes will be on him this year beginning with the Australian Open. Federer rolled through his first match Down Under.
What else can be said about the NFL playoffs? It appears the best four teams have advanced. I love the Pittsburgh Steelers, a childhood favorite of mine, but I cannot and will not pick against New England. I can't. The Pats are two wins short of dynasty talk. Two wins from football immortality.
In the NFC, my head says Philadelphia has to win. They've been here far too often to fail, again. However, I just see Michael Vick running, throwing, kicking, selling hot dogs and keeping the Eagles D busy enough that they forget to watch someone else from Atlanta long enough to lose the stinking game.
Vijay Singh won, again. Shocking, I know. The guy is just in a groove. One of the ESPN broadcasters made mention the runs of guys like Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Nick Faldo and other top players and opined that Singh was now in that type of streak. Who could argue?
In case you had not noticed, and don't feel badly if you haven't, the NHL lockout continues. The league's puck manufacturer has been forced to lay people off and the NHLPA is suggesting it's players look for other work. Anyone else remembering the air traffic controllers strike of the 80's? I think it may be time for the rank and file to consider a new strategy-firing it's union leaders or becoming strike breakers. Unless, they like playing overseas, of course.
Where is the outcry? A sixteen year old was the first draft pick in the MLS draft. No screaming about missing college? No worries about too much, too soon? No, it's American soccer. No one really cares about those kids.
I know the Phoenix Suns have hit the skids since Steve Nash's injury, but even with the Suns rolling, it's time to notice Seattle. The Sonics dispatched LeBron James and Cleveland last night. While Nash deserves MVP consideration, so, too, does Seattle's Ray Allen. Allen has been the focus of the SuperSonics attack and has been doing it all, as their record indicates.
Roger Federer has a chance to become one of the stories of 2005. He was dominant in '04, but some think he has a great opportunity to capture tennis' grand slam. (Jon Wertheim of SI.com agrees.) All eyes will be on him this year beginning with the Australian Open. Federer rolled through his first match Down Under.
What else can be said about the NFL playoffs? It appears the best four teams have advanced. I love the Pittsburgh Steelers, a childhood favorite of mine, but I cannot and will not pick against New England. I can't. The Pats are two wins short of dynasty talk. Two wins from football immortality.
In the NFC, my head says Philadelphia has to win. They've been here far too often to fail, again. However, I just see Michael Vick running, throwing, kicking, selling hot dogs and keeping the Eagles D busy enough that they forget to watch someone else from Atlanta long enough to lose the stinking game.
Vijay Singh won, again. Shocking, I know. The guy is just in a groove. One of the ESPN broadcasters made mention the runs of guys like Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Nick Faldo and other top players and opined that Singh was now in that type of streak. Who could argue?
In case you had not noticed, and don't feel badly if you haven't, the NHL lockout continues. The league's puck manufacturer has been forced to lay people off and the NHLPA is suggesting it's players look for other work. Anyone else remembering the air traffic controllers strike of the 80's? I think it may be time for the rank and file to consider a new strategy-firing it's union leaders or becoming strike breakers. Unless, they like playing overseas, of course.
Where is the outcry? A sixteen year old was the first draft pick in the MLS draft. No screaming about missing college? No worries about too much, too soon? No, it's American soccer. No one really cares about those kids.
I know the Phoenix Suns have hit the skids since Steve Nash's injury, but even with the Suns rolling, it's time to notice Seattle. The Sonics dispatched LeBron James and Cleveland last night. While Nash deserves MVP consideration, so, too, does Seattle's Ray Allen. Allen has been the focus of the SuperSonics attack and has been doing it all, as their record indicates.
My Euro Football News
I see, courtesy of Sportsfrog.com, that Fox Sports World is about to become Fox Soccer Channel. I have to think this is good news for fans of international football here in the U.S.
As an aside, I noticed this week my sneaky cable provider added Fox Sports World to it's digital television package. Comcast seems unable to inform it's subscribers about their new products/channels. This is the latest example.
Back to news from the pitch. My semi-adopted English Premier League squad, Everton, unloaded Thomas Gravesen to Real Madrid. As the Toffees continue their remarkable season, fourth in the Premiership currently, it's seems like a horribly bad sign for Everton to move one of it's best players.
Yes, Gravesen may have wanted out. Yes, the club is probably not clear of it's financial woes. Yet, this is why they remain semi-adopted on my part. I'm already rooting for a top ten market franchise pawning itself off as a cellar-dwellar (the Detroit Tigers) and an American football squad keeping it's champion-less streak of almost fifty years alive (Detroit Lions), I don't think I can handle one more team struggling to perform at a high level for an extended period.
Of course, Everton is on the bubble of qualifying for Champions League play. Which, should it happen, would border on a miracle. If they can finish as well as they have started, or close to that, I am probably on board for the long haul. They do kind of wear Honolulu Blue, after all.
As an aside, I noticed this week my sneaky cable provider added Fox Sports World to it's digital television package. Comcast seems unable to inform it's subscribers about their new products/channels. This is the latest example.
Back to news from the pitch. My semi-adopted English Premier League squad, Everton, unloaded Thomas Gravesen to Real Madrid. As the Toffees continue their remarkable season, fourth in the Premiership currently, it's seems like a horribly bad sign for Everton to move one of it's best players.
Yes, Gravesen may have wanted out. Yes, the club is probably not clear of it's financial woes. Yet, this is why they remain semi-adopted on my part. I'm already rooting for a top ten market franchise pawning itself off as a cellar-dwellar (the Detroit Tigers) and an American football squad keeping it's champion-less streak of almost fifty years alive (Detroit Lions), I don't think I can handle one more team struggling to perform at a high level for an extended period.
Of course, Everton is on the bubble of qualifying for Champions League play. Which, should it happen, would border on a miracle. If they can finish as well as they have started, or close to that, I am probably on board for the long haul. They do kind of wear Honolulu Blue, after all.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
MLB's New Drug Policy
Major League Baseball and it's Players Association have a new drug policy. Some have called it too little. Some have called it too late. Some have called it a first step. In the end, what it really amounts to is window dressing. It's all just an attempt at public relations. In fact, that's what almost all such drug policies are. Just an attempt to keep the appearance of tradition and fair play alive.
Honestly, does anyone believe that any league's drug testing policy is effective? If you do, I have two words for you. Marion. Jones. Does any sports organization have a more complete drug testing policy than the IOC? Does anyone hand out stiffer penalties for violating said policy? The answer to both questions is no.
Yet, in spite of years of testing, the IOC couldn't pin a single thing on Jones. The organization that stands at the forefront of illegal doping issues in sport can't catch it's best cheaters. Why? Because the tests aren't as advanced as the drugs are.
If Jones, who competed in countless international events, got away with using a designer steroid for years, why would you think MLB is suddenly going to catch it's abusers?
Forget Jones, whose drug use may still be called "rumored", let's focus on those athletes getting caught for a second. Were any of them deter by the possibility of a lifetime suspension? Apparently, not. So much for the "stiff penalties will stop them" theory.
Do we think that one NFL player (the league with the most over-hyped drug policy) or a single baseball player, both of whom stand to make far more money than an Olympic athlete, would be tempted to bypass the use of performance enhancing drugs because they might get caught? What if they don't?
In the NFL or MLB, where income potential far exceeds anything 99% of Olympic athletes could dream of making, to what ends would an athlete go to cover up their violation? If a MLB player making eight million dollars season wanted to buy a masking agent, couldn't he afford the stuff on the cutting edge?
I give MLB and the MLBPA credit for trying to put out a P.R. fire. The average fan demanded a stricter policy and the parties came to an agreement. (If only all of their problems were solved as quickly.) However, I'm not going to be naive. A percentage of athletes in every sport are using banned performance enhancing drugs. If they are not worried about long term side effects, the athletes will not be scared off by a possible suspensions.
I applaud all involved for trying to right a wrong. MLB's revamped drug policy is a positive move. The fans just need to remember that even if the tests come back clean, the possibility of steroid use isn't gone.
Extra Coverage: Check out David Pinto's piece on the dilemma over false positive readings.
Honestly, does anyone believe that any league's drug testing policy is effective? If you do, I have two words for you. Marion. Jones. Does any sports organization have a more complete drug testing policy than the IOC? Does anyone hand out stiffer penalties for violating said policy? The answer to both questions is no.
Yet, in spite of years of testing, the IOC couldn't pin a single thing on Jones. The organization that stands at the forefront of illegal doping issues in sport can't catch it's best cheaters. Why? Because the tests aren't as advanced as the drugs are.
If Jones, who competed in countless international events, got away with using a designer steroid for years, why would you think MLB is suddenly going to catch it's abusers?
Forget Jones, whose drug use may still be called "rumored", let's focus on those athletes getting caught for a second. Were any of them deter by the possibility of a lifetime suspension? Apparently, not. So much for the "stiff penalties will stop them" theory.
Do we think that one NFL player (the league with the most over-hyped drug policy) or a single baseball player, both of whom stand to make far more money than an Olympic athlete, would be tempted to bypass the use of performance enhancing drugs because they might get caught? What if they don't?
In the NFL or MLB, where income potential far exceeds anything 99% of Olympic athletes could dream of making, to what ends would an athlete go to cover up their violation? If a MLB player making eight million dollars season wanted to buy a masking agent, couldn't he afford the stuff on the cutting edge?
I give MLB and the MLBPA credit for trying to put out a P.R. fire. The average fan demanded a stricter policy and the parties came to an agreement. (If only all of their problems were solved as quickly.) However, I'm not going to be naive. A percentage of athletes in every sport are using banned performance enhancing drugs. If they are not worried about long term side effects, the athletes will not be scared off by a possible suspensions.
I applaud all involved for trying to right a wrong. MLB's revamped drug policy is a positive move. The fans just need to remember that even if the tests come back clean, the possibility of steroid use isn't gone.
Extra Coverage: Check out David Pinto's piece on the dilemma over false positive readings.
Montoya's Season Reviewed
Inside College Hockey reviews Michigan goalkeeper Al Montoya's season thus far. Warning to the Blue faithful: the article isn't going to make you happy.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
TWIB Notes
Unfortunately, I found myself home sick today. It's an ongoing problem that seems to be getting worse, so I headed over to the doctor's office. While on the phone scheduling my appointment, I noticed that ESPN Classic was broadcasting an old edition of This Week In Baseball.
I think today's first edition, there were two episodes back-to-back, was from 1979. It was classic in every sense of the word. That unforgettable theme song. Mel Allen. The retro uniforms that weren't actually retro at all. Tons of Astro turf and multi-purpose stadiums to go around. It was as close to pure television bliss as one could find.
Of course, I grew up with TWIB. It was Must See TV, long before an ad exec every came up with the slogan. First, you watched TWIB, then the NBC Game of the Week, then played baseball until the sun went down. On many Saturday afternoons, the Game of the Week wasn't watched for very long. Or at all. It was TWIB, then out to the school yard for a full day of baseball.
As I watched this episode, I could recall so much of my childhood fascination with the game. Parker, Winfield, Lynn, Rice, Rose, Yaz, Ryan, Reggie, Seaver. The new teams in Toronto and Seattle. Comiskey. Fenway. Tiger Stadium. The Big A in Anaheim. The Yankees versus the Red Sox. TWIB was more than the premier highlight show, it was our link to the game nationwide and a weekly history lesson in the game.
The show brought back to me the sights, sounds, emotions and, yes, even the smells of an era long gone. I had thoughts of our games in a school yard. Clear summer days, diving catches and no one allowed to hit to rightfield.
I remembered that first trip to Cooperstown. I remembered our old dog who, on occasion, would wander over to our makeshift ballfield when he escaped our backyard. I remembered the three games a day: The one before lunch. The one between lunch and dinner. The one we played until we couldn't see the ball in the dark. Then beginning the process anew the next day.
Clearly, Allen's voice resonated with me far past the confines of my living room. I did, however, begin to feel sorry for the youngsters of today. Not only do they not get to enjoy This Week In Baseball the way my generation did, they'll never enjoy baseball as I know it. As the generations before me knew it.
Baseball was the game. We knew all the players. There were scheduled doubleheaders. NBC was the only national baseball network. On a clear night, you were excited to find a game on the radio from a town far away. We played it wherever there was open space. We played it without umps or parents. Our gloves were part of our wardrobe and we treasured a good bat. We played and watched baseball because we loved it.
I know there are some young people today who still love baseball. In fact, I have been pleasantly surprised by those twenty-somethings that love the game. Apparently, the contracts that look more like Powerball lottery winnings, labor strife and police reports have alienated as many kids as some pundits have led everyone to believe. Yet, I cannot help but feel they, and those that follow behind them, have missed out on a unique era. That's because they did.
For an hour this morning, I got to relive that era. I only wish I could share that feeling with everyone.
I think today's first edition, there were two episodes back-to-back, was from 1979. It was classic in every sense of the word. That unforgettable theme song. Mel Allen. The retro uniforms that weren't actually retro at all. Tons of Astro turf and multi-purpose stadiums to go around. It was as close to pure television bliss as one could find.
Of course, I grew up with TWIB. It was Must See TV, long before an ad exec every came up with the slogan. First, you watched TWIB, then the NBC Game of the Week, then played baseball until the sun went down. On many Saturday afternoons, the Game of the Week wasn't watched for very long. Or at all. It was TWIB, then out to the school yard for a full day of baseball.
As I watched this episode, I could recall so much of my childhood fascination with the game. Parker, Winfield, Lynn, Rice, Rose, Yaz, Ryan, Reggie, Seaver. The new teams in Toronto and Seattle. Comiskey. Fenway. Tiger Stadium. The Big A in Anaheim. The Yankees versus the Red Sox. TWIB was more than the premier highlight show, it was our link to the game nationwide and a weekly history lesson in the game.
The show brought back to me the sights, sounds, emotions and, yes, even the smells of an era long gone. I had thoughts of our games in a school yard. Clear summer days, diving catches and no one allowed to hit to rightfield.
I remembered that first trip to Cooperstown. I remembered our old dog who, on occasion, would wander over to our makeshift ballfield when he escaped our backyard. I remembered the three games a day: The one before lunch. The one between lunch and dinner. The one we played until we couldn't see the ball in the dark. Then beginning the process anew the next day.
Clearly, Allen's voice resonated with me far past the confines of my living room. I did, however, begin to feel sorry for the youngsters of today. Not only do they not get to enjoy This Week In Baseball the way my generation did, they'll never enjoy baseball as I know it. As the generations before me knew it.
Baseball was the game. We knew all the players. There were scheduled doubleheaders. NBC was the only national baseball network. On a clear night, you were excited to find a game on the radio from a town far away. We played it wherever there was open space. We played it without umps or parents. Our gloves were part of our wardrobe and we treasured a good bat. We played and watched baseball because we loved it.
I know there are some young people today who still love baseball. In fact, I have been pleasantly surprised by those twenty-somethings that love the game. Apparently, the contracts that look more like Powerball lottery winnings, labor strife and police reports have alienated as many kids as some pundits have led everyone to believe. Yet, I cannot help but feel they, and those that follow behind them, have missed out on a unique era. That's because they did.
For an hour this morning, I got to relive that era. I only wish I could share that feeling with everyone.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Mythical Champions
While Auburn fans still want a piece of the mythical national championship USC claimed last week, another make believe football title was recently captured. For the first time I can ever recall, my fantasy football league team won the league championship. Yes, the Honolulu Blues (I wonder where I got that name from?) finally won a championship.
While my streak of near-misses and lousy seasons doesn't quite match the Boston Red Sox recent snapped string, it does pre-date things like internet stat services. Sure, I've finished first in the regular season on an occasion or two, but never won a championship.
In typical Detroit Lions fashion, the Blues finished the regular season at a less than amazing 7-7, but unlike the home team, went on to win a title.
The Blues were powered by a potent backfield featuring Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber and Kevin Jones. Chris Brown, early, and Larry Johnson, late, also provided punch from the RB slot.
Dante Culpepper was my primary quarterback, but Brett Favre also got his share of points in a league that allowed for two active QBs each week. Byron Leftwich was my clipboard holder.
My receivers were Randy "Drop Your Drawers" Moss, Hines Ward and Andre Johnson. They got help from rookies Roy Williams and Larry Fitzgerald, plus Kerry Colbert. Marcus Pollard and Randy McMichael were my TEs.
David Akers handled my kicking chores and the Detroit Lions' defense helped out. I think they did, anyway. My thanks to all for leading the Honolulu Blues to my first ever fantasy football title, not that a single one of you cares.
While my streak of near-misses and lousy seasons doesn't quite match the Boston Red Sox recent snapped string, it does pre-date things like internet stat services. Sure, I've finished first in the regular season on an occasion or two, but never won a championship.
In typical Detroit Lions fashion, the Blues finished the regular season at a less than amazing 7-7, but unlike the home team, went on to win a title.
The Blues were powered by a potent backfield featuring Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber and Kevin Jones. Chris Brown, early, and Larry Johnson, late, also provided punch from the RB slot.
Dante Culpepper was my primary quarterback, but Brett Favre also got his share of points in a league that allowed for two active QBs each week. Byron Leftwich was my clipboard holder.
My receivers were Randy "Drop Your Drawers" Moss, Hines Ward and Andre Johnson. They got help from rookies Roy Williams and Larry Fitzgerald, plus Kerry Colbert. Marcus Pollard and Randy McMichael were my TEs.
David Akers handled my kicking chores and the Detroit Lions' defense helped out. I think they did, anyway. My thanks to all for leading the Honolulu Blues to my first ever fantasy football title, not that a single one of you cares.
Is The Honeymoon Over Already?
I guess Randy Johnson's first day in the Big Apple went well. He took a physical, pushed a cameraman, went on Letterman. Sounds like the Big Unit may be in for big trouble if just one cameraman in January can draw his ire. What on Earth does he think is going happen come June or July?
I Can't Be Right, Can I?
It appears that the Detroit Tigers are, at very least, curious about signing Magglio Ordonez. Even some other Tiger sites have joined my plea to land the ex-White Sox outfielder. To which I say "Welcome to the party, fellas". As I have said here probably far too many times, an incentive based deal to Ordonez is exactly what the Tigers should pursue. However, before I pat myself on the back, let me clear up a few things.
First, it sounds like Ordonez' knee is pudding. That's not promising. The extent to which Ordonez' is able to play is questionable. Second, let's not fool ourselves. Ordonez would prefer to play elsewhere. I think Ordonez would like to play for the Cubs, first. Texas may even be second. Detroit is only on the radar because they have both interest and cash. Third, and finally, let's remember who Ordonez' agent is: Scott Boras. Boras is a master of "creating" interest in his clients, even the ones barely able to walk.
None of these obstacles is overwhelming, though. If Ordonez can only hit, which may be all his knee allows him to do, he could still DH in the American League. Last I checked, the Cubs were still in the National League. Having one more option to collect incentive money does help the Tigers' chances.
As for the Cubs interest, they were not willing to chase Carlos Beltran this year or Ivan Rodriguez last season. Have they found a closer, yet? The Cubs may be close to the end of their financial rope. They are certainly making it appear that way. Regardless, other teams, including the Cubbies, will make Camp Ordonez an offer. However, I'm not sure I can see his agent walking away from the highest bidder.
As for Mr. Boras, he did get Pudge Rodriguez the money he was looking for, so I'll remain optimistic that the same thing can be done to bring Maggs' bat to Comerica Park in 2005. The Tigers just need to make the contract big enough to get Ordonez' attention, but tie the money to production. (Just as an example, I would offer Ordonez up to $11 million a season, assuming he hit all of his goals-at bats, hits, homers, runs batted in, etc....)
If Ordonez' knee is able to carry him successfully through the majority of 2005, he would be a spectacular addition to the Tigers' lineup. While it took the Tigers a while to publicly inquire about Ordonez, I'm glad to see them finally make the effort.
First, it sounds like Ordonez' knee is pudding. That's not promising. The extent to which Ordonez' is able to play is questionable. Second, let's not fool ourselves. Ordonez would prefer to play elsewhere. I think Ordonez would like to play for the Cubs, first. Texas may even be second. Detroit is only on the radar because they have both interest and cash. Third, and finally, let's remember who Ordonez' agent is: Scott Boras. Boras is a master of "creating" interest in his clients, even the ones barely able to walk.
None of these obstacles is overwhelming, though. If Ordonez can only hit, which may be all his knee allows him to do, he could still DH in the American League. Last I checked, the Cubs were still in the National League. Having one more option to collect incentive money does help the Tigers' chances.
As for the Cubs interest, they were not willing to chase Carlos Beltran this year or Ivan Rodriguez last season. Have they found a closer, yet? The Cubs may be close to the end of their financial rope. They are certainly making it appear that way. Regardless, other teams, including the Cubbies, will make Camp Ordonez an offer. However, I'm not sure I can see his agent walking away from the highest bidder.
As for Mr. Boras, he did get Pudge Rodriguez the money he was looking for, so I'll remain optimistic that the same thing can be done to bring Maggs' bat to Comerica Park in 2005. The Tigers just need to make the contract big enough to get Ordonez' attention, but tie the money to production. (Just as an example, I would offer Ordonez up to $11 million a season, assuming he hit all of his goals-at bats, hits, homers, runs batted in, etc....)
If Ordonez' knee is able to carry him successfully through the majority of 2005, he would be a spectacular addition to the Tigers' lineup. While it took the Tigers a while to publicly inquire about Ordonez, I'm glad to see them finally make the effort.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Teeing It Up
Today, I was forced to plow though about six inches of ice covered snow. That must mean it's golf season! The 2005 PGA Tour gets underway in primetime beginning tonight with the Mercedes Championship. For a preview, click here.
The older I get, the more I dislike winter and snowfall. However, being a sports junkie I must admit that I love watching golf this time of the year. It's comforting to know it's sunny and warm somewhere.
The older I get, the more I dislike winter and snowfall. However, being a sports junkie I must admit that I love watching golf this time of the year. It's comforting to know it's sunny and warm somewhere.
Lions Diary
Another season in Detroit Lions history is complete. I am not even going to dwell on it. Well, I am not going to dwell on it right now. No, I will save that for another day. Right now, I am going to make two predictions for the 2005 Lions.
The Detroit Lions will make the playoffs in '05. They will also (please sit down immediately) win a playoff game. Yes, you read that correctly. I am predicting the second playoff victory in Lions history since 1957 next season.
You could argue that my prediction is just me being a homer. In part, you are probably right. I do, however, believe they will make the playoffs for more solid reasons than that. Three reasons should be self-evident.
Reasons one and two are the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. I'm not overly impressed by either. Both certainly have talent, especially on offense. That just doesn't bother me all that much.
Am I impressed by Dante Culpepper? Of course. Is Bret Favre a certain Hall of Fame choice? Yes. Do I think the Vikes are much better than the Lions? No. Are the Packers light years ahead of the Honolulu Blue and Silver? No way. Realizing that neither the Vikes or Pack are super-powers helps the Lions chances in 2005.
Which leads me to the third obvious reason I think the Lions will get into the post-season next year. The whole NFC is down. Only Philadelphia has played consistently above average football. If the Lions can have a solid, not spectacular, just solid, off-season, they should be as good as just about anyone in the conference.
There are some other reasons I predict a post-season appearance. Like the number tenth overall pick in the 2005 draft. A guy who should start and improve a position somewhere on the field. A safety would be nice, but I'll take an upgrade anywhere.
There are the kids. Roy Williams. Kevin Jones. Teddy Lehman. Boss Bailey. Charles Rogers. The Lions have a nice nucleus of young talent. (I'll also predict that Rogers plays in 10 games minimum next year.)
Steve Mariucci appears to finally understand that Joey Harrington is better suited throwing the ball down field, not laterally. If the Lions' head coach allows Harrington to wing it like he did at Oregon, the Lions' signal caller should make more noticeable improvement in 2005. (Note that a change in strategy late in the season, allowing Harrington to throw downfield, led Champagne Joey to toss for over three hundred yards in two of his last three games.)
I expect all of this to lead up to the Leos making the playoffs and actually winning a game next year. If this young and seemingly improving team cannot make the playoffs in a pitiful NFC in 2005, things will not be pretty in the Motor City for Mariucci.
The Detroit Lions will make the playoffs in '05. They will also (please sit down immediately) win a playoff game. Yes, you read that correctly. I am predicting the second playoff victory in Lions history since 1957 next season.
You could argue that my prediction is just me being a homer. In part, you are probably right. I do, however, believe they will make the playoffs for more solid reasons than that. Three reasons should be self-evident.
Reasons one and two are the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. I'm not overly impressed by either. Both certainly have talent, especially on offense. That just doesn't bother me all that much.
Am I impressed by Dante Culpepper? Of course. Is Bret Favre a certain Hall of Fame choice? Yes. Do I think the Vikes are much better than the Lions? No. Are the Packers light years ahead of the Honolulu Blue and Silver? No way. Realizing that neither the Vikes or Pack are super-powers helps the Lions chances in 2005.
Which leads me to the third obvious reason I think the Lions will get into the post-season next year. The whole NFC is down. Only Philadelphia has played consistently above average football. If the Lions can have a solid, not spectacular, just solid, off-season, they should be as good as just about anyone in the conference.
There are some other reasons I predict a post-season appearance. Like the number tenth overall pick in the 2005 draft. A guy who should start and improve a position somewhere on the field. A safety would be nice, but I'll take an upgrade anywhere.
There are the kids. Roy Williams. Kevin Jones. Teddy Lehman. Boss Bailey. Charles Rogers. The Lions have a nice nucleus of young talent. (I'll also predict that Rogers plays in 10 games minimum next year.)
Steve Mariucci appears to finally understand that Joey Harrington is better suited throwing the ball down field, not laterally. If the Lions' head coach allows Harrington to wing it like he did at Oregon, the Lions' signal caller should make more noticeable improvement in 2005. (Note that a change in strategy late in the season, allowing Harrington to throw downfield, led Champagne Joey to toss for over three hundred yards in two of his last three games.)
I expect all of this to lead up to the Leos making the playoffs and actually winning a game next year. If this young and seemingly improving team cannot make the playoffs in a pitiful NFC in 2005, things will not be pretty in the Motor City for Mariucci.
Tigers Make Minor Moves
The Detroit Tigers have made two additions in recent days. First, utility infielder Ramon Martinez signed. That was followed a trade for veteran backstop Vance Wilson. On the surface, these are pretty mundane moves. No one is going to get overly excited about adding a utility guy and back-up catcher. However, I wonder if these additions are leading towards something else?
The Tigers are saying that Wilson's addition, in particular, is evidence that Brandon Inge will be their starting thirdbaseman. In theory, that's sounds about right. Wilson frees up Inge from his back-up duties behind Ivan Rodriguez. With Alex Sanchez re-signed, everyday centerfielder would also be an unlikely position for the versatile Inge. That leaves Inge starting at third, right? Perhaps.
It also seems plausible that the additions of a utility infielder and back-up catcher make Inge a more likely trade possibility. With Wilson behind Pudge and Martinez backing-up all the infielders, Inge's loss would be less painful. In theory, Inge and a pitcher could be dealt in an attempt to find an everyday thirdbaseman. Or a corner outfielder. Or a centerfielder.
Contrary to what the Tigers' front office is saying about Inge's new found status, I'm not convinced they are satisfied with Inge as their everyday man at the hot corner. They spent the off-season talking to Adrian Beltre and Corey Koskie. When Jeff Kent stopped by to chat with Dave Dombrowski many thought a Kent signing would push promising Omar Infante to third.
These are not signs that the Tigers are confident about Inge at third. I think everyone knows he can field the position. He could easily be one of the best in the league if left to play there everyday. However, with only one good offensive season on his record, after a number of sub-par seasons with the lumber, the Tigers have a good reason to be looking for an upgrade.
These may end up just your typical nondescript winter moves. Or they may open the door to a trade.
The Tigers are saying that Wilson's addition, in particular, is evidence that Brandon Inge will be their starting thirdbaseman. In theory, that's sounds about right. Wilson frees up Inge from his back-up duties behind Ivan Rodriguez. With Alex Sanchez re-signed, everyday centerfielder would also be an unlikely position for the versatile Inge. That leaves Inge starting at third, right? Perhaps.
It also seems plausible that the additions of a utility infielder and back-up catcher make Inge a more likely trade possibility. With Wilson behind Pudge and Martinez backing-up all the infielders, Inge's loss would be less painful. In theory, Inge and a pitcher could be dealt in an attempt to find an everyday thirdbaseman. Or a corner outfielder. Or a centerfielder.
Contrary to what the Tigers' front office is saying about Inge's new found status, I'm not convinced they are satisfied with Inge as their everyday man at the hot corner. They spent the off-season talking to Adrian Beltre and Corey Koskie. When Jeff Kent stopped by to chat with Dave Dombrowski many thought a Kent signing would push promising Omar Infante to third.
These are not signs that the Tigers are confident about Inge at third. I think everyone knows he can field the position. He could easily be one of the best in the league if left to play there everyday. However, with only one good offensive season on his record, after a number of sub-par seasons with the lumber, the Tigers have a good reason to be looking for an upgrade.
These may end up just your typical nondescript winter moves. Or they may open the door to a trade.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Random Thoughts From Bowl Day
I know many still long for a college football playoff system, but I still enjoy the one day bowl bonanza that is January 1. If I had my way, all the big BCS games would be on the first of the year. Forget this January 3rd, January 4th silliness. Give me the Orange Bowl where it should be. Right after the Rose Bowl on January 1.
Regardless, here are some of my unconnected thoughts on college football's biggest day.
I wish the Cotton Bowl was part of the BCS. Really, I just wish it was still a big, big bowl game. No offense to the nice folks in Arizona, but the Cotton Bowl will always be bigger than the Fiesta Bowl to me.
It's not good for college football to have Notre Dame and Alabama be mediocre or worse. Same thing applies to Penn State. Almost every traditional power has taken a hit at some point, but it's time for the Irish, Tide and Nittany Lions to re-join the party.
I really like quarterback Drew Tate of Iowa. I was impressed with him nearly every time I saw him play. That last second touchdown pass to beat LSU didn't surprise me a bit. Okay, it surprised me some, but not much.
A great Rose Bowl. A classic. So much for needing a Pac-10 opponent. Texas proved they belonged in the BCS.
Conversely, what in the world happened to California? Texas Tech just smashed the Bears. Did Cal just get too darn depressed over not being in the Rose Bowl? Their performance won't help them with voters next year.
With Texas beating Michigan and the Red Raiders dropping the Bears, who still thinks the Big XII was weak? (Yeah, I know. Lots of you.)
That Louisville-Boise State match-up turned out to be a great game, although not on January 1. The Cardinals may actually be building a nice, believable program. Their next task, the Big East.
Speaking of believable (okay, so some of the thoughts are connected), Utah looked good again. Pittsburgh ain't Auburn, I'll spot you that. However, the Utes came, saw and beat everyone thrown at them. What more can you ask for?
Vincent Young looked like mini-Michael Vick, didn't he? I hated to say it, but we all thought it. I'm not sure Young is going to be that good all the time, as Michigan just couldn't handle the running QB all year, but with him at the helm Texas is going to be tough again in '05.
Two bowl games remain. I really think the Orange Bowl could be a great game. Lets hope all the players can play up to their potential come Tuesday night. If they come close, it could be every bit as good as the Rose Bowl. Probably better. (For the record, I'm hoping for an Oklahoma win. I'm not expecting it, but I am hopeful.)
Adrian Peterson. Reggie Bush. Ted Ginn. Steve Breaston. Drew Tate. Vincent Young. Anyone else ready for next season, yet?
Regardless, here are some of my unconnected thoughts on college football's biggest day.
I wish the Cotton Bowl was part of the BCS. Really, I just wish it was still a big, big bowl game. No offense to the nice folks in Arizona, but the Cotton Bowl will always be bigger than the Fiesta Bowl to me.
It's not good for college football to have Notre Dame and Alabama be mediocre or worse. Same thing applies to Penn State. Almost every traditional power has taken a hit at some point, but it's time for the Irish, Tide and Nittany Lions to re-join the party.
I really like quarterback Drew Tate of Iowa. I was impressed with him nearly every time I saw him play. That last second touchdown pass to beat LSU didn't surprise me a bit. Okay, it surprised me some, but not much.
A great Rose Bowl. A classic. So much for needing a Pac-10 opponent. Texas proved they belonged in the BCS.
Conversely, what in the world happened to California? Texas Tech just smashed the Bears. Did Cal just get too darn depressed over not being in the Rose Bowl? Their performance won't help them with voters next year.
With Texas beating Michigan and the Red Raiders dropping the Bears, who still thinks the Big XII was weak? (Yeah, I know. Lots of you.)
That Louisville-Boise State match-up turned out to be a great game, although not on January 1. The Cardinals may actually be building a nice, believable program. Their next task, the Big East.
Speaking of believable (okay, so some of the thoughts are connected), Utah looked good again. Pittsburgh ain't Auburn, I'll spot you that. However, the Utes came, saw and beat everyone thrown at them. What more can you ask for?
Vincent Young looked like mini-Michael Vick, didn't he? I hated to say it, but we all thought it. I'm not sure Young is going to be that good all the time, as Michigan just couldn't handle the running QB all year, but with him at the helm Texas is going to be tough again in '05.
Two bowl games remain. I really think the Orange Bowl could be a great game. Lets hope all the players can play up to their potential come Tuesday night. If they come close, it could be every bit as good as the Rose Bowl. Probably better. (For the record, I'm hoping for an Oklahoma win. I'm not expecting it, but I am hopeful.)
Adrian Peterson. Reggie Bush. Ted Ginn. Steve Breaston. Drew Tate. Vincent Young. Anyone else ready for next season, yet?
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