Midweek Meanderings

Although he is way too low on this list, the Tigers' Jeremy Bonderman gets some love from SI.com.

Repeat after me fellow Detroit Lions fans "I am so glad Cleveland took Kellen Winslow, Jr.".

A Michigan legend passes from the scene.

Bellamy Road is your Kentucky Derby favorite at this moment. If you saw the Wood Memorial, you would agree.

I want the Celtics to beat the Pacers anyway, but knowing we can all relive the brawl and it's aftermath about 10,000 more times if Indiana advances to take on the Pistons, I am really pulling for the C's.

Is it just me or does Alan Trammell just seem to rest his big names way too much?

I was happy to see him let Bonderman toss more than 100 pitches the other night. I was equally happy to see Tram vary his pattern of Kyle Farnsworth in the seventh, Ugueth Urbina in the eighth and Troy Percival in the ninth.

I don't report as much on the Pistons as I should. Frankly, I'm not sure why I don't. I think I take them for granted. They are a solid team on both ends of the floor and I just expect them to win on most nights. They usually do, too.

Bud Selig wants harsher penalties for those players using steroids and a variety of other performance enhancers. Now, it's up to the MLBPA to agree. They won't, of course. Not without stipulations. Lots of them.

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Donald Fehr and the union failed the players. By refusing to ban these substances long before they became an issue, Fehr allowed the users to take a PR hit and potentially face a life threatening issues long-term. He also made his entire membership appear guilty by association. The MLBPA proved, once and for all, that their concern is not about the players, but about their paychecks.

By the way, this is another union failure. Although, I'm not exactly buying the story.

This is not an improvement.

Liverpool appears determined to ruin Everton's Champions League spot. The Toffees had best just take care of business in the Premiership and never mind what their backyard rivals accomplish in the CL Final.

Tigers Notes And Other Baseball Thoughts

After a hopeful beginning, a win on Friday night, the Tigers coughed up the last two games in Chicago and leave the Windy City below .500, again. It's darn frustrating. The Tigers just don't play very well versus division rivals. That absolutely has to change. Soon.

The Tigers bullpen scares me. All of them. What appeared to be a strength on paper, isn't in reality.

Aren't we all pleasantly surprised by Nook Logan? I don't know if his hitting can keep up at his current pace, but it would be fun if it did.

I know everyone wanted free agents pitchers this past winter, but I still look at Carl Pavano and Derek Lowe and think the Tigers would have paid too much to get them. Yeah, I know Lowe is off to a solid start, but it's a new league, a new ballpark and a different division. Let's wait and see how Lowe's record looks at season's end.

Not that I don't want the Dearborn native to do well. I hope he excels, but I couldn't see signing him to a deal that long for that kind of cash. Pitchers are just too frail and many of Lowe's numbers were in decline over the last several years.

Let me say this about the White Sox. In general, I am indifferent to Chicago's entry in the American League. No reason to really hate them. No reason to really like them, either. However, I have lost nearly all respect for White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. Guillen's ongoing verbal pounding of Maggio Ordonez, Frank Thomas and anyone else that has drawn Guillen's ire makes the Sox skipper look very small. I have no real qualms with the Sox players, but if Guillen can't close his pie-hole, I could see myself rooting against him all of the time.

The Red Sox and what's left of their starting rotation visit Detroit Monday through Thursday. Boston is trotting out Jeremi Gonzalez tomorrow night against Jeremy Bonderman. If Pudge, DY and Carlos don't pound Gonzalez, I'm going to be disappointed. This is a chance to grab the opener from the defending champs in your own yard. You have to win. Well, you have to win if you expect to play above .500 baseball this year.

Speaking of the Red Sox, I saw their now infamous games with the Devil Rays last weekend. When Eduardo Perez hit his walk-off homer, complete with his over-the-top bat tossing celebration, I said to myself "I'd plunk him tomorrow". Sure enough, both teams upped the showboating ante over the series and the beanballs followed. Contrary to Curt Schilling's opinion, Lou Piniella wasn't the problem. Players who show-up pitchers were the problem.

I know it's old school and some would suggest out of date thinking, but if you are going to admire your handywork a bit too long, I expect a pitcher to drill you. Not in the head, as the Sox-Rays hurlers opted for, but a message should be sent.

The Red Sox-Rays series was one I watched courtesy of MLB Extra Innings. I've had the package in three of the last four years, but I think this will be the last. Why? There seems to be far less games available per week. I'm amazed at the number of games I don't get each night. Conversely, MLB.tv appears to make every game available. What is worse is that MLB.tv is much less expensive. The Extra Innings deal is about $150. The MLB.tv is $80.

The only good reason to keep Extra Innings is that I can watch the tv for hours without tying up my PC. Apparently, I need to consider hooking my old PC up prior to the 2006 season.

I'm not sure what night I it happened, but did you see Oakland's Eric Byrnes make that incredible diving catch? He left his feet and appeared to flying above the ground for quite a while before grabbing the ball and hitting the ground. It was one of the better catches we will see this year.

I've got to go back to baseball and television again. The Tigers next three games against the Red Sox will be on Fox Sports Detroit. Then, Detroit's next three games, including the first two games against the (insert your California city here) Angels, will not be seen locally. The Angels contests are both the typical 10pm EST starts. What on Earth is FSN-D showing at 10pm that is more important than the Tigers-Angels games? This lame excuse of a broadcast schedule is really annoying me.

I don't like voting for a designated hitter for the All-Star Game. I just don't.

More On Mike

When you make one of the most surprising picks in the NFL Draft you definitely draw the media attention. The Lions' selection of Mike Williams has certainly solicited a number of comments from far and wide. Here is a sampling of commentary on the Lions first round pick and other Lions Draft Day analysis plus the mandatory link to a Joey Harrington piece.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King doesn't think Mike Williams' addition was a good move and says so here, here and here. ESPN.com's Skip Bayless loves the move. Jay Glazer, Fox Sports, wonders why so many are bashing the Lions for taking Williams. John Clayton, another ESPN employee, thinks the Williams pick is part of an overall trend.

Paul Zimmerman, Sports Illustrated's Dr. Z., gives the Lions draft a B-/C+, which is probably an accurate reflection of my feelings. John Czarnecki, Fox Sports.com, lists the Lions amongst his Draft Day losers. The Sporting News' Dan Pompei gives the Lions' draft a B+, but also offers a caution. A caution that worries me, I should point out.

Jeffri Chadiha, another SI.com writer, points out what all of us in town already knew-Joey Harrington must step up.

Lions Diary: Draft Review

Um. Well. Um. I'm just not sure what to say about the Detroit Lions draft. Obviously, my first thought is "Typical Lions". What other franchise picks a receiver in the first round after taking one first in each of the previous two drafts and after signing a free agent wideout about twenty-four hours before? Only the Lions. Well, maybe Arizona, but the Cardinals would have opted for some kid projected to be a sixth rounder, not a first rounder.

Regardless, of what any one of us thinks, the Lions now have Mike Williams in the fold. Would I have taken LB Derrick Johnson even with the specter of a potential star wideout unexpectedly staring me in the face? Yeah, probably, but I can't completely blame the Lions for grabbing the ex-USC star, either.

Let's face it, Charles Rogers ain't exactly the picture of health. Sure, the injuries were more freaky than indicative of Rogers' overall health, but he has basically missed two seasons. That's one more than Williams has missed. On the other side, Roy Williams came up hurt for a prolonged stretch in 2004, too. Is that a good enough reason to take a wide receiver with the tenth overall selection? Not to me, but if Williams is the star about half the scouts believe he will be, than Williams is going to make the Lions offense dynamic and force one of the other WRs out of town.

Of course, if the other half of the scouts are right, Williams will be Keyshawn Johnson's twin. That's just too dang scary for me. When Williams slid down the board, I was worried. I feared this might happen. The Lions never really seemed sold to me on Johnson or the rush ends that were available. As the Williams pick showed, that apparently was the case.

Not only was the Williams selection questionable, I don't like what the Lions did in the other two rounds Saturday. Trading away your fourth round choice to move up a lousy four spots to grab Shaun Cody, a DT from most accounts, was not something I loved. Couldn't they have waited four picks and picked a DE instead?

Cody could end up a Hall of Fame tackle. Let's hope so, but in pure draft theory, tossing out a fourth rounder to move up to take Cody wasn't worth giving up the extra choice. Their final pick, third round DB Stanley Wilson was an odd pick, too. He only started one season and didn't seem like the best player on the board.

In addition, the Lions still had not addressed their need at DE or LB. The Honolulu Blue and Silver and Black still only have two quarterbacks, as well. I guess they are hoping for more free agent arrivals this summer.

It is just a weird draft. I don't like the Lions draft in general, as they failed to address more pressing needs. I just don't think they need another WR or DT. Nor do I think they were the best players available when their were picked, although I know Mel Kiper would vehemently disagree with me about Williams vs. Johnson. Nor do I think the Lions should have given up a fourth round pick to move up four spots to take Cody. The Lions acted like they were picking as Super Bowl champs and didn't have any concerns at any positions.

In spite of all of this, I like Mike Williams and Shaun Cody. (I don't know enough about Stanley Wilson to make even a half way intelligent analysis.) They both may end up being very good players. Maybe Pro Bowlers. Obviously, we all hope so. However, I just don't like the way this draft feels or how the Lions' management handled it. Maybe my expectations were too high after last year's smashing success? Regardless, the Lions draft, sans a sixth rounder, is over. It's was interesting. It was typical Lions.

Everton 1 Manchester United 0

It's been quite a while since I've bored you with my updates on Everton football. That's English Premier League soccer for those newbies here. The team I adopted for no apparent reason last summer has had a miraculous campaign. Last night's 1-0 triumph over everyone's favorite club, Manchester United, has Evertonians thrilled.

A fourth place league finish would secure the Toffees a spot in the Champions League. Which, I realize means nothing to 99% of you, but means quite a bit to Everton fans. (Think Lions making the playoffs, but bigger.)

A tip of the cap, baseball as it may be, to the boys of Everton. Another fine effort amid this wonderful season.

Lions Diary: Three More Days

Just a few of quick thoughts on the upcoming NFL Draft. First, I still hope the Lions select Texas LB Derrick Johnson. There is some growing concern over him, like an inability to shed blockers, his avoiding contact, etc...., but I think that's more a product of over-analysis. Let's face it, the nine guys projected to be selected before the Lions choice, regardless of who they are, have question marks.

Johnson, if available when the Lions pick at number ten, would be the best player available. Also, with Boss Bailey's twice-injured knee, I wouldn't mind adding a linebacker of Johnson's quality as insurance. Worse case scenario you have both healthy. That's a ton of outside speed at LB.

Of course, there is a good chance Johnson may be gone by the time the Lions are on the clock. Who do I want if Johnson is playing for someone else? Well, that's not as clear. I guess I'd lean towards Georgia DE/OLB David Pollack. He does scare me more than a bit, but so do all the other names the Lions would be contemplating if Johnson is gone.

I view Pollack as more of a rush LB, not a true defensive end, which is what the Lions are really in need of. I get worried about tweeners and Pollack is a tweener. He will, however, rush the passer and I haven't heard anyone question his desire.

Two players I definitely would prefer the Lions not select: Erasmus James and Alex Barron. Both give me Aaron Gibson nightmares. James, like Gibson, is a Wisconsin product. James has a less than encouraging injury history, which will probably endear him to the Lions' brass, but leaves me wanting no part of the big guy.

Mention Barron's name and words like "soft" get whispered. A soft offensive lineman? No, thanks. Give me one of the handful of OLB/DEs first.

If the Lions end up with James or Barron at ten, that would be my draft nightmare come true. Well, to be more accurate, my draft nightmare would be for Johnson to be available at ten, then they take either James or Barron instead. I didn't even like typing that sentence. That scenario would just be unbelievably bad.

The best case scenario for me would be to see the Lions get Johnson at ten and grab the pass rusher they need with their second round choice. I'd like to see another wide receiver taken by the fourth round, as well. Another defensive back would seem necessary, too. Of course, what do I know?

Tigers TV

Last night I settled in for an evening of Detroit Tigers baseball only to find that the game is one of the fifty-two not being televised. No problem, right? It's only one game. That's when I found out that tonight's opening game with the division leading Chicago White Sox is not on tv, either. Nor is tomorrow afternoon's contest or Friday night's tilt versus Minnesota. The Tigers don't return to FSN-Detroit until Saturday. This lack of televised baseball led me to two thoughts.

First, what a pile of crap. We don't see the final of the Tigers/Orioles series. We won't see any of the two game set against the White Sox, including tomorrow afternoon's duel between Jeremy Bonderman and Mark Buerhle. The Twins will walk into town and we are left with only radio coverage yet again. Why on Earth can't FSN-Detroit just pick up the remaining games?

Yeah, I know not everyone has cable, but it's not like those without cable will get to see a single game this year anyway. It's nonsense, especially for the Tigers' older fans who don't have cable, but I'd rather have all 162 games on cable than have fifty-two not on tv at all. The Red Wings are only available on cable. Why not let the Tigers follow suit?

Oh, before I forget, a note to Fox Sports Detroit. I know you have some aversion to showing those Thursday afternoon getaway games, but what outstanding daytime programming is going to get bumped if the Tigers are on?

"Is this really a baseball town?" was my second thought. What other supposed baseball town has fifty-two games not on any form of local tv? St. Louis? Boston? New York? Please. I doubt Tampa Bay has fifty-two games not televised. There are so many Tiger games not being televised in Detroit that I suspect a fan outside of Michigan can see more Tigers games on MLB.tv or via MLB Extra Innings than a fan inside Metro Detroit can.

I realize this may be the longest streak without television coverage this season, but that doesn't change the fact that the whole situation is ridiculous. I feel bad for the Tigers' older fans who don't have and can't afford cable, but the Tigers should have been prepared to put all 162 games on FSN-Detroit when a local broadcast deal fell through. Instead, we have nearly 1/3 of the schedule not broadcast to anyone.

Two Local Columns

Jim Hawkins of the Oakland Press poses a question that I have been considering here. (For the record, my answer is no.)

Michael Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press looks at the NFL Draft from a slightly different perspective.

Early Baseball Observations

I have the MLB Extra Innings package, so I see a fair amount of our national pastime. So far, these are some of the things I've taken note of.

I like the fact the Dodgers and Cubs have removed names from the back of their jerseys. It's just a more traditional, classic look. I wouldn't want every team to head in that direction, but both N.L. teams pull it off nicely.

Jamie Moyer is 2-0. Moyer is about fifty years old and his fastball is clocked with a sundial. He may be the exception to the rule, but it's nice to see someone display the art of pitching without being able to throw one hundred miles an hour.

I love listening to Vin Scully do the Dodgers games. I like the fact he refers to the teams he covers as "They" or "The Dodgers" as opposed to "Us" and "We".

Did you see Craig Biggio get hit by a Braden Looper pitch Wednesday night? I didn't see it live, but picked up coverage as he was sitting on the ground. When Biggio arose, he had about a golf ball sized lump on his arm. By the time he got to firstbase, it appeared to have doubled in size.

The next shot of him showed the bulge changing color. The end of the knot was now red. Within another minute or two, the area was turning purple. All the while, Biggio was forcing throws from Looper to keep him close. Biggio was diving back to the base each time. Each time hitting the spot again. The Astros lost, but Biggio displayed the toughness not often associated with modern baseball players. He gained even more of my respect.

Don't Biggio and Jeff Bagwell merit Hall of Fame induction?

I saw Adrian Gonzalez of Texas hit his second homerun of the year last night. The rookie appears to have a classic lefthanded swing. It's a thing of beauty. (Of course, someone already picked him up in my AL-only fantasy league. Darn baseball geeks.)

I like the fact Washington, D.C. has a baseball team. I'm not sure what I find appealing about it, but it just seems right. I also like their uniforms and love the old style caps. I may have to get the road version.

I'm not going to see Fever Pitch.

The renovation at Comerica Park looks good on tv. I'll make a final judgment once I get down there in person, but the new bullpens and new rightfield seats fit in perfectly.

I doubt youngsters today can appreciate this, but having television access to as many games as MLB Extra Innings provides would have been a dream come true for me about thirty years ago. It would also have been close to unimaginable. I'm still a bit amazed by the whole thing.

Worried Yet?

Carlos Guillen's knee is acting up just a bit. Magglio Ordonez has some type of intestinal disorder and abdominal pain that won't go away. Troy Percival and Ugeuth Urbina have been, well, lousy. Omar Infante does not look like a leadoff hitter. Jason Johnson and Jeremy Bonderman have each been drilled in one of their two starts. The Twins are on the verge of sweeping the Tigers right out of Minnesota. Anyone find this discomforting?

I'm not going to panic, it's only the second week of the season. However, the array of problems the Tigers are having is taking my pre-season optimism away. Ordonez' health leads my list of concerns. Intestinal disorders can flair up at anytime. Trust me on this one. Also, the medication can take a while to adjust to and a diet change might be necessary. None of which is going to help Mags get back to his usual health quickly.

I think the other issues may resolve themselves more easily. Guillen's knee will have to be watched closely, but keeping him off of artificial turf will help. The bullpen arms should rebound. Infante will never be a classic top-of-the-order hitter, but he can hit. And, I think he will. Johnson is simply not real good and we should just get used to that.

There are positives on the ballclub, too. Bonderman had a great first outing and battled back in his second start. Carlos Pena has been a selective, productive hitter. Kyle Farnsworth has been terrific. The offense overall looks solid even on days when a Pudge Rodriguez, Guillen or Ordonez sits out. Of course, the Tigers are still in the American League Central and that helps, too.

At times, it seems like the season has been much longer than two weeks. Thankfully, the Tigers have plenty of time to get healthy both physically and in the standings.

Lions Diary: 2005 Schedule

The Detroit Lions 2005 schedule has been released. It's neither a cake-walk or overwhelming. Of course, this is the National Parity League, so I guess that's not an unexpected assessment. Like everyone else, allow me to predict the Lions record based on their shiny new schedule.

Week 1: Green Bay at Detroit
Green Bay is perceived as taking a step back. Detroit is perceived as moving slightly forward. The Lions are at home. It's got Bret Favre miracle written all over it, doesn't it? However, I will go against all common sense, a normal reaction from a Lions fan, and pick Detroit. Lions, 1-0.

Week 2: Detroit @ Chicago
The Lions ended their record road losing streak at Chicago a year ago. I suspect the Bears to be a bit annoyed by that. I also expect the Bears to a bit better team than in 2004. Bears win. Lions, 1-1.

Week 3: Bye
Already? Two weeks and they need a break? This seems ridiculous. I'm sure the majority of the week will be spent debating on whether Joey Harrington or Jeff Garcia should start next week.

Week 4: Detroit @ Tampa Bay
It seems to me that the Lions always lose in warm weather sites. I'll admit to knowing little about the Bucs, but if the Lions are truly improved this is the type of game they need to win. It's a toss-up contest, but I'll take the Honolulu Blue and Silver. Lions, 2-1.

Week 5: Baltimore @ Detroit
Geez, just what Joey was hoping for: the best D in the league visits Ford Field. If Harrington makes it through the entire game without getting benched for Garcia, it may be a sign Joey is improving. Still, I'll take the Ravens in a close, low scoring game. Lions, 2-2.

Week 6: Carolina @ Detroit
If they both wore their black uniforms would we be able to tell the teams apart? The Lions are at home and I'm not crazy about the Panthers offense. Lions win, 3-2.

Week 7: Detroit @ Cleveland
The Jeff Garcia Revenge game. However, for the Lions sake, we have to hope Harrington is still playing well enough to keep Mooch's favorite QB on the bench. I'll take the Lions, but I'm not sure why. Lions, 4-2.

Week 8: Chicago @ Detroit
I took the Bears at home. I'll take the Lions at home. Lions, 5-2.

Week 9: Detroit @ Minnesota
Yeah, Randy Moss is in California. It won't matter, Vikes prevail in a big way. Lions, 5-3.

Week 10: Arizona @ Detroit
You just know Cardinals fans are looking at this game thinking the same thing Lions fans are "The closest thing we have to an easy win". Of course, only one group of fans is going to be right. It better be us. Lions, 6-3.

Week 11: Detroit @ Dallas
I have no idea. I cannot figure out which Cowboys team to expect: the '03 or '04 model? The Tuna may have the 'Boys playing darn well by this point in the year. It's a home game for them, too. I want to take Detroit, but I'm going to say Dallas. Lions, 6-4.

Week 12: Atlanta @ Detroit (Thanksgiving Day)
The Leos walked into the South and beat the Falcons last year. I fear the reverse will happen this year. I, however, am not a big fan of this Atlanta team. That may change, but right now I'm sticking with Mariucci's squad. Lions, 7-4.

Week 13: Minnesota @ Detroit
The Lions absolutely, positively must win this game. As their history would indicate, they probably won't. I hate to think of the Vikings sweeping the Lions, but...... Lions, 7-5.

Week 14: Detroit @ Green Bay
Hard to figure where the Pack will be by this point in the season. It doesn't matter, though. I cannot expect the Lions to win in Green Bay. Lions, 7-6.

Week 15: Cincinnati @ Detroit
These are not your daddy's Bengals. Cincy could be a strong playoff team by this time. I hate to say it, but the Bengals win this toss-up game. Lions, 7-7.

Week 16: Detroit @ New Orleans
I'm not enamored with the Saints, either. I suspect the Lions can pull out this road toss-up game. Lions, 8-7.

Week 17: Detroit @ Pittsburgh
I can't imagine the Steelers playing much better than a year ago. They may also have playoff spot secured, so that helps the Lions. However, playing yet another cold weather opponent on the road this late doesn't help. Steelers win. Lions, 8-8.

Hopefully, the Lions can pull out an extra game or two beyond what I project here. I think ten wins gets them into the playoffs, nine puts them right on the edge. I'm tired of waiting for Mariucci's team to show a big improvement. This had better be the year.

Lack Of Posts, Lame Excuses and Opening Day

I noticed that I had not posted anything here since late March. That's pretty pathetic. Now, like so many others, I could provide the usual list of lame excuses. I was busy. I had technical problems (actually, that was my other site). I was bored. I lacked creativity. The ever-popular "It's my blog and I'll type when I want to". As always, those excuses are all valid and none sufficient.

So, allow me to pull a Mark McGwire and not talk about the past. Let me start my April blogging with Opening Day. I loved it. For a change, we here in the midwest and most in the Northeast had outstanding weather. Sunny and darn near 70? In April? Perfect.

I prepared some Italian sausage with peppers and onion plus hot dogs for my guests and we settle in for a day of MLB Extra Innings. The Tigers were the main event and the hometown boys lived up to all our expectations. Jeremy Bonderman showed signs of becoming an elite pitcher. Dmitri Young went yard not once. Not twice. But three times. The Tigers rolled over Kansas City.

The Tigers will go as far as their starters take them. The Tigs have a good bullpen and a solid lineup. If their young arms can take the next step, the Tigers could be playing meaningful games in September. I'll guess about 83 wins.

As for the Royals, and the Pirates and Brewers (who were game two of our tv slate), we all felt badly for where these teams now find themselves. They appear without direction. They have fallen and cannot seem to get up. As an example, Tike Redman hit third for the Bucs. Tike Redman!?!?!

The Royals have probably fallen the farthest, now that the Tigers have rebounded some. KC was once amongst the most consistent teams in the Majors. They still are, but only they are now consistently at the bottom and not the top.

At least the Brew Crew appear to have some young players about to emerge (Carlos Lee, Lyle Overbay, Ben Sheets, J.J. Hardy) or about to make the jump to The Show (Rickie Weeks and Price Fielder, son of Cecil).

The Mets blown save on Opening Day must have some begging for Ugeuth Urbina. For now, I hope the Tigers keep him.

A Sunday night sidelight, I don't think either the Yankees or Red Sox will win the American League. I just don't trust their starting pitching. Maybe by August I will. Right now, I have faith in Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. That's it.

We did end up watching part of the A's/O's game, too. Oakland just doesn't impress me offensively. Baltimore could surprise if they get some pitching. Like Detroit, they should be able to hit.

It's was a fine Opening Day all-in-all. Great weather. Good food. The return of baseball. What more could I want?

Vent Time

As it appeared more and more likely that Bobby Higginson's last day as a Detroit Tiger was drawing near, I was thinking of how he would be remembered here. After all, the guy has suffered with a terrible baseball team for a long time. Why should we only remember his last several years of poor production? The expectations put on him were more hope on the part of Tigers' fans and, maybe, Mike Ilitch, but were not his doing, right? Basically, I was trying to take the high road. Then along comes today's article in The Oakland Press.

Higginson, who has gone from fan favorite to poster boy of today's overpaid, underproductive, whining ballplayer, managed to live up to the latter definition in the article by Jim Hawkins. In addition to making all too clear that he doesn't "have to go where I don't want to go", Higgy said:

"People don't understand, they say, 'You're making $8 million a year,' " Higginson said. "But I just want to play baseball and be treated with a little bit of respect."

I about fell out of my chair. No, Mr. Higginson, you do not just want to play baseball. If you just wanted to play baseball, you would void your no-trade clause to play elsewhere. Especially, in light of your potential imminent release from the Tigers. If you just wanted to play baseball, you would have re-negotiated your contract years ago to help the Tigers financially. Which, oh by the way, might have helped the team land you some more talented co-workers. Nope, you wanted the money and to play baseball, not just play baseball.

And the respect comment? Please. Did Higginson respect the front office when Jeff Weaver got dealt? Did he respect Juan Gonzalez, whose mere presence helped Higginson to his best year ever? Did he respect all the managers he had? Now, he wants respect?

When Hawkins suggests the Tigers, while unlikely, could designate Higginson for assignment while waiting to ship him out, the veteran Tiger outfielder said:

"If that was to happen, that would be very disappointing," said Higginson, a Tiger since 1995. "They've had plenty of time to possibly trade me. That would definitely not be the right thing to do."

This last statement may be more laughable than the first. We all know the ballclub has been trying to peddle Higgy for years. His combination of salary and diminishing production have made that impossible. He lowered those odds even further by refusing to waive his no trade clause and not taking a pay cut. Higginson now expects or thinks the team should do what he has been unwilling to do throughout the majority of his career-the right thing?

After all he has put the Tigers through in the public, why would they even consider doing the right thing by him?

So much for me taking the high road. After this article, it's safe to say I probably won't be able to remember Higginson's career quite so fondly.

Random Observations

First, a warning. As you can probably tell by now, I have changed the font. I've gone to Times New Roman. It's just a test. I have not yet made a commitment to it. As to other commitments, I haven't posted as much as I should lately as I've been busy at my other blog, Big Ten Hardball.

The college baseball season is well underway and keeping up over there is taking up quite a bit of time. Trying to keep up two blogs is tough, as I thought it would be, but I cannot find a way to incorporate that stuff over here.

That's more than enough of the "housekeeping"-type chores, let's move on to matters of sport.

Well, this is more sports related than actual sport. I had my first live fantasy baseball draft of the year last night. It's an AL only league with ten teams. I drafted fifth. Oh, by the way, I hate drafting right in the middle. I'm not sure why, but I just don't like it. As with 99% percent of my drafts, my first reaction is that my team stinks. However, my reaction generally changes after reviewing everyone else's club. Last night was no different.

A review of the other teams reveals that my twenty-three guys are not a whole lot worse than anyone else's. I ended up with Manny Ramirez, Mark Kotsay and Laynce Nix in the outfield. Aubrey Huff, Jorge Posada, Aaron Boone, Omar Infante and Bobby Crosby are my starting infielders. My DH is Justin Morneau.

My staff is Rich Harden, Jeremy Bonderman, Bronson Arroyo, Erik Bedard, Francisco Rodriguez, J.J. Putz, Tom Gordon, Alan Embree, Dewon Brazelton and another starter that I cannot recall. Needless to say, it isn't Randy Johnson.

The bench is heavy on prospects and Detroit Tigers. Nick Swisher, Grady Sizemore, Ruben Gotay, Carlos Pena and Kyle Farnsworth are all on my bench. I may have missed a bench player, as well, but you get the idea. My team is probably not the favorite to win the league, but unless all the wheels come off, I shouldn't finish in the cellar, either.

I intend to make a change or two before Opening Day, but I cannot reveal what those moves may be, as my fellow participants can all access this. I have several more drafts to go and I promise not to bore you with the results of all of those.

In my mailbox today, I got a friendly piece of spam offering me fantasy sports information for a low monthly fee. I plunk down far too much money on sports and sports related items as it is now, I hate to think just how far off the deep end I'll be if I start to pay a monthly fee for fantasy sports information.

If I was a Hall of Fame voter would I vote for Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire? It's just too early to tell. I expect more information to become available as the days and months pass.

I don't understand those who say that steroids were "legal" because MLB didn't ban them. MLB doesn't ban murder, either, but it's still illegal. If Bonds and McGwire were caught using steroids, it would have been a crime. You may not care about them using steroids, but you have to admit it's illegal no matter how you slice it.

NCAA hockey is having it's own March Madness. Complete your brackets and check out Inside College Hockey here.

That's all for now. I want to post this and see if I like the new font.

Lions Diary: Black Jerseys and Bubbles

The rumor has become fact. The Detroit Lions are going to wear black jerseys for two games in 2005. As I stated before, this idea is ridiculous. Why? First, because black, contrary to Matt Millen's opinion, is not one of the Lions' colors. Second, the Lions aren't some expansion club. They are one of the oldest teams in the NFL. They shouldn't even be forced into accepting an alternate jersey. If they must, then just wear the Throwback model which now seems to be standard attire on Thanksgiving.

Instead, the Lions are going to look like the Carolina Panthers. Or a USFL franchise. I realize fewer and fewer of us can remember a time when the Lions were an elite NFL franchise, but there is simply no reason to toss out a rich history because the recent past has been mediocre at best. A third (or fourth) jersey option won't make the Lions better nor does it embrace the franchise's tradition. I actually think it kind of detracts from the club's much more successful past.

While the city is somewhat divided on the black jersey, I'd guess it's about 70-30 against, it's the reaction to the Lions helmet logo that I am confounded about. It seems over 50% of Lions' fans don't like the logo we affectionately refer to as "Bubbles". The complaints range from the fact Bubbles either doesn't look much like a Lion or that he's simply not tough enough.

I'll admit the logo isn't the best rendering of the king of beasts, but it could be worse. Do you really want Millen and company selecting a new logo? If he did, I'll bet we would get a lion wearing an eye patch.

As for Bubbles not being tough enough, that's plain laughable. Is that cute little Dolphin on the side of Miami's helmet striking fear into anyone? How about that nasty Raven on Baltimore's helmet? Ugly? Without a doubt. Scary? Please. How about the lovely corporate logo for US Steel that Pittsburgh uses? Has the fear generated by the logo earned them four Super Bowl titles? Somehow, in spite of their less than intimidating logos, these three franchise have won a combined seven Super Bowls and appeared in ten NFL championship games.

Bubbles' perceived lack of toughness is hardly the reason the Lions haven't made the big game. Nor would a more ferocious lion design keep Charles Rogers in one piece or get Joey Harrington to increase his completion percentage, two things far more likely to lead to on-field success. Trust me, if the Lions became even a mini-dynasty Bubbles would be plenty tough enough for everyone.

In the end, what sells jerseys, hats and the like is winning. If the Lions win more, they will sell more merchandise. If they could go on a run like San Francisco of the 1980s, the Steelers of the 1970s, or our own Lions of the 1950s, Honolulu Blue and Silver (with or without black accented) jerseys would fly off store shelves in Detroit and around the nation. And Bubbles would be one of the most popular logos in all of sports.

Alomar Retires

Roberto Alomar's retirement today deserves some mention. While his last several seasons were far below his standard, Alomar leaves the game as one of the greatest secondbasemen ever. Alomar's name can rightly be tossed around with players like Joe Morgan and Rogers Hornsby as the elite at the position.

There were few things in baseball Alomar did not do well. The Alomar I will always remember was a middle infielder who could run, throw, hit for average, hit for power and oh, how he could field. I doubt anyone has ever played secondbase with the same flair and grace.

It may be a long time before we see another secondbaseman as good as Roberto Alomar.

Done Dancin'

We knew it was probably going to end up like this, didn't we? Oakland University got crushed by North Carolina, 96-68. It's hard not to be a tad disappointed, but it's even more difficult to not enjoy OU's first ever NCAA tournament appearance. The Dance may be over for the Golden Grizzlies, but the last week or so have been fun. Hopefully, there will be more dancing in OU's future.

Must See TV

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

Prepping For A New Season

Lang Whitaker of SI.com gives advice on how to prepare for the upcoming MLB campaign.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A New Original Six

Tom Benjamin offers this very interesting solution to the NHL lockout.

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.

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.

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.