motownsportsforever

2006-09-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

LIONS: WHO WAS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ON SUNDAY?

Interesting question...glad I asked it, frankly. Well, I've already blogged about how positive I thought the game was, particularly for the defense, and I see promise for the offense. But, to me, we've got a top flight player in Shaun Rogers, a top 3 d-lineman in the league in my opinion. When you combine everything, age, productivity, etc., of all the other DTs in the NFL I would take ahead of him would be Chicago's Tommie Harris...maybe.

So, Shaun gets the award, but some other guys need a shout out, too...Cory Redding and James Hall for starters. Particularly Hall...people can forget he was a Pro Bowler a couple of years back and played hurt all last year (Hey, you don't get all the love you deserve in the NFL when you're team goes 5-11 every year, its just that simple)...I also thought Cody looked solid and Tyroka Jackson gave us some good downs which bodes well for our depth...maybe we won't miss Big Daddy Wilkinson as much as I thought we would...

Fernando Bryant looked real good, I can see why the coaching staffs, past and present , wanted to wait out his injuries...got to keep him healthy, though. (Note to Fernando: Stay healthy, brother)

And, of course, big shout out to Ernie Sims. Some of you who were reading this blog during draft time know I liked Kiwanuka or Jimmy Allen for the Lions if Vernon Davis was gone at 9, but you've got to love Sims so far...we haven't had a guy who wants to hit like this since the days of Blades and Spielman. 10 tackles, looked great.

Also, I liked Mike Furrey, too...I feel good about that slot position for the first time in a while.

2006-09-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: THAT GUILLEN IS SOMETHING, HUH?

It would be hard to overstate his importance to the club, and last night just works as another example, though you can make a hell of an argument for Marcus Thames-in my opinion-as the team's MVP. Carlos will probably get some love, but not too much, when it comes to MVP voting, maybe he's got an outside shot to finish in the top 5, but I would not count on it.

Now, we've been here before, taking the first game of a series, and we really, really need to get one tonight and take this thing, we're going to get some help from other folks with the Twins and ChiSox, trust me. On the other hand, disregard that talk about how easy our schedule is compared to the other two contenders. The Royals, yes the Royals, have been playing good ball recently (ask Boston if you think I'm sh****** you)and probably have a better record in August than we do. We've got to bear down, because the Royals are going to break someone's heart. One team is going to finish with 90+ wins, miss the playoffs, then realize they dropped 3 of their last 5 games with K.C., the worst team in the league. Lets not let it be us, boys.

2006-09-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

Well, that series certainly didn't go like we thought it would after taking the first game, did it? To me, the series turned in the second game when we blew the lead...but you knew that, too. The question is, how do we feel now being only 2 games up on Minnesota and 3 1/2 on Chicago? Well, looking at it from a contemporary point of view, you probably feel shaky as hell.

Looking at it from a totally fair and realistic point of view, if someone asked you in April (I know you were busy watching the Pistons and Red Wings blow wonderful seasons in the playoffs) how you'd feel about having a 2 game lead in the toughest division in baseball coming into mid-September-even though the Tigers will have had a horrible month leading up to that, you would have been more giddy than Paris Hilton running into 5 sailors just beginning their leave after six months at sea.

Is this all just psycho-babble BS? Probably, doesn't mean it won't work, however. We'll be fine if we can just turn it around and win or series or two in a row...something we haven't done since the Boston series in the first week of August. Remember, its not like the Sox or the Twins are exactly streaking past us here, they have both played .500 ball down the stetch...better than us the last month, but its not a problem we can't fix.

That's what I'm telling myself, anyway. Do you think I will ever totally convince myself to really buy my own BS? Well, if I don't, it won't be because I didn't try.

2006-09-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

LIONS: THE BEST LOSS WE'VE HAD IN A WHILE...

I know the thing to do would be to moan and bitch about yet another loss, to decry the change in direction of the team, to essentially say "same Lions" and move on, but I just can't. Sure, it would have been nice to get the win, and it was tough to see our defense soften just enough after such an outstanding effort, but we've got to be realistic here.

Don't let those who would devalue this as Seattle being shaky or try to pretend that our D-line was very good only because Seattle lost Steve Hutchinson in free agency fool you. I was very impressed with our defensive tenacity, speed, and-most of all-hitting. We covered well and got to the QB. Folks, Hasselback is a good QB, he got out of some things with quick, accurate throws that a lot of other QB's wouldn't...or won't. Five sacks, holding last year's MVP to less than 100 yards, keeping the highest scoring offense from last year out of the end zone...really couldn't ask for more from the defense other than letting them go down the field on the last drive-and even that was really two big plays, the seventeen yard run being the real killer.

Offesively I was not as impressed, but I wasn't displeased, which might surprise you since we rolled up 6 points. First, that defense is real good and got better from last year-they didn't go to the Super Bowl by accident-by adding Peterson. Next, I was pleased to see our offense trying to go downfield instead of sideways, something I hadn't seen in a while. I like the way Kevin ran, even though the stats weren't great...he caught the ball well. For the first time, it makes total sense to me why a former DB from St. Louis was valued more by the coaches than two former 1st round picks at WR. Our O-line is obviously better, but not yet up to where it needs to be. If I'm not mistaken, we gave up only one sack. And, yes, I like our QB. Confident, not afraid to throw downfield and make no mistake, that incomplete pass on 3rd and 3 that led to the decision not to try a FG was Bryson's fault for not making the right read.

All in all, we did well, the real key will be to come out with the same intensity and better precision next week on the road in Chicago. We've seen surprising one game positives from this team before, making it a week in and week out thing is the key. You can make an argument, which some people have made, that we have already played the best team we will play this season.

Any loss sucks, but compared to 31-3 shellackings and overtimes losses where we win the toss but decide to kick, I'll take one like this every time.

2006-09-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

WHAT THE WOVERINES NEED TO DO TO BEAT THE IRISH

Its amazing the difference a year makes, isn't it? Last year the Wolves were a solid favorite over the Irish, this year, with largely the same personnel, you have football experts, like Mel Kiper, saying the Wolves aren't in Notre Dame's class.

Count me in as one who said the Irish as overrated, and I still say that. Now, does that mean I think they are not good? No, I take "overrated" literally. Are they a top 5 team in terms of talent. Not even close. There is not a single guy who scares you physically on this team, and I'm including Quinn. (understand what I mean by that...Tom Brady didn't scare people, either at UM...now he does) Notre Dame has next level offensive coaching, good play calling, and a defense that is much more athletic than last year. Here are the keys, as I see it, to UM winning on Saturday:

1) They must match the intensity of the Irish, if I'm not mistaken, this will be the first ND-UM game since '94 where the Irish will be favored (and that is the last time UM won in South Bend). For once, the Wolverines have to come out as if they are the ones with a bone to pick, so to speak, and get physical with Notre Dame

2) Avoid the early mistake. If you look at Penn State today, you realize that this is a young, fragile team with a lot of talent who is going to be really good later in the year and exspecially next year. You also realize that this game today would have been a lot more competitive if the Nittany Lions don't drop two sure interceptions, fumble, drop passes, and make horrible decisions on pitches. Notre Dame will give UM the chance to make big plays, the Wolves have to take it.

3) Expose the Irish secondary. Yes, the Irish have faced a great receiver in Calvin Johnson, and some good receivers today. But, this will be the first time they have faced some good receivers who also have a good QB and, hopefully, willnot be afraid to throw the ball downfield. Last year, I was beside myself watching the Wolves dink and dunk and do everything except force the ball downfiled to Breaston and Avant. Throw the ball downfield and make the Irish prove they can cover Manningham Breaston, and Arrington consistently. Hint: Trust me, they can't.

4) Stick with the running game. Look, Penn State was moving the ball fine until the game got away from them. UM, which clearly panicked last year whenever Hart was not in the game, needs to not worry about the occassions where they might be in 2nd and long...you've got a veteran offensive line, use it. The Irish haven't seen a line like this yet.

5) Bring it on defense. Georgia Tech showed the way to disrupt the short passing game, and its no big secret. The D-line needs to play big and English needs to bring people intermittently. The Wolves can't sit back in the soft "Hermann" zone and wait for them to make a mistake. You have a very athletic defense, and Ga. Tech showed that that will disrupt the Irish. The Wolves have more depth than Ga. Tech.

6) Henne needs to show up. Look, this kid is going to leave UM with all the records. He has only thrown about 9 less TD passes in his third season as glamour boy Quinn has in his fourth. But, you know what? He hasn't beaten ND or Ohio St. nor played particularly well in big games, the '05 Rose Bowl and the 4th quarter against Penn St. excepted. Good decisions. Strong throws. Can't be fumbling snaps, especially on the goal line like last year

7) Carr has to play this one to win, not to "not lose". Carr's vaunted record against top 10 teams, which isn't as good as it was a few years ago, includes a lot of wins where UM was not the favorite...he needs to approach this one like that, and play to win.

2006-09-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

READY OR NOT, HERE COME THE LIONS...

Well, there is no question that there is not the unbridled optimism that there was last year, and any optimism out there is guarded, to say the least. But, is it more realistic? Look, some of the things we're seeing might gives us some reason to question, and for those of us on the plus side of 10 years of being Lion's fans, we've seen it all before: new tough coach, new optimistic quarterback, new defensive scheme, new offesive scheme, etc...

But, maybe the thing to most be optimistic about is the attitude, which obviously did not go over real big with everyone. There is no way that, if it holds and is real, that a tougher and more disciplined team won't translate into more wins. Having said that, it does not mean we'll see more wins right away. Only the most insane optimist would predict the Lions to win either one of their first two games, against arguably the two best teams in the NFC, but a win over one would make starting 1-1 a hell of a lot more joyful than last year. But, to me, the big thing is how we compete and execute...I am excited, hell, I always am, but this is the first time in a long time-if ever-that I feel we're going in the right direction on both sides of the ball.

Still, the light at the end of the tunnel could very well be an oncoming train driven by some Seahawks, so we'll see. I have no idea how to predict this team, though I don't think a lot of us will really buy in until we finish a season north of .500. Having said that, did you get Peter King of SI predicting that we will be 10-6 and win the North? There is a reference to that in today's Free Press. Remember one thing as you are L.Y.A.O...last year, when most of the experts said the division would come down, as always, to the Packers and the Bears, with the Lions being a chic sleeper pick...Peter King picked the Bears.

2006-09-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

Big one yesterday, getting the first one in Minnesota in this crucial four game...remember when everyone was worrying that Verlander might wear down in September? Well, he is looking pretty good to me right now. How can you not love what Marcus Thames brings to the table? Leading the team in HRs? Amazing, and he might only be the third or fourth most valuable on this team...

Make no mistake, even just getting a split in this series is good right now, because the clock is starting to favor us, everyone is running out of tomorrows. A split and Minnesota cannot gain ground, personally, I think we have a chance to do better, but we'll see...

You know how everyone in the Detroit hating national media keeps chortling that we had a 10 game lead on August 7? Well, its all how you want to look at it, isn't it? The Tigers have had their worst stretch of the year and the lead is still 5 games...fortunately for us, wins in April count as much as wins in August.

2006-09-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: FOREVER YOUNG NO MORE...

O.k., count me as one of those Tigers fans who was simply shocked to hear that Dimitri Young had been released. Huh? Here's a solid left handed bat that has hit close to .300 since he's been back and his release is strictly performance based? Uh, sorry, not buying that. Unless I'm missing something, this team has not exactly been tearing it up at the plate for the last month collectively....Messrs. Ordonez, Inge, Perez, and a few others could have been released under the standard of not setting the world on fire...not to mention the guy was released , not benched or anything. And, they were so fed up with his "lack of performance" that he is slotted to hit third just last night in a game we have to have? What, he hits a homer last night and its all good? Please.

Look, I don't know how any sane mortal or Tigers fan (the two groups often being mutually exclusive) could complain loudly about anything that Leyland and Dombrowski have done so far this year, but this does not, as we used to say back in the Southern courts, does not pass the smell test.

I'm not saying this was not a good move...yet. But, to release your best run producer over the past five seasons and a guy hitting .292 with seven homers in the month or so he's been back when you are in a playoff race and in dire need of a left handed power bat in the lineup...you don't do that unless there is some major issue somewhere else. And, don't tell me its "performance based" when everyone can see that, if a nightmare of not making the playoffs does come true, it will likely be because of the lack of offense at key times, not due to the young pitching coming undone , as most had feared back in the late spring.

Do they owe it to us to tell us every detail, particularly when its a guy who has had significant personal problems? No, I don't think they do.
Do they owe it to us not to BS us? Yes, I think they do.
A simple statement saying it was for team chemistry reasons or off the field issues, or private reasons would have been fine.
At least, that's my take.

2006-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

DETROIT LIONS: THE FORGOTTEN COORDINATOR

With all of the hoopla surrounding Mike Martz and Head Coach Marinelli's defensive baqckground, its easy to forget about Donnie Henderson. Don't do that. Look, for all of the focus on offense the last few years, it was easy to forget that the defensive side of the ball was clearly the better unit. However, it was not an elite unit, but has the potential to be. I actually didn't mind Jauron as a coordinator, though I did think he was a tad conservative.

Henderson is known for blitizing a great deal, which is not one of the hall marks of the cover2 defense that the Lions-and it seems everyone else- is now running in the league. One thing that has also gone unnoticed-and justifiably so-is that as bad as Millen's drafts have been on offense (though you have to say that Backus, Jones, and R. Williams were good selections), his picks on defense, before this year always lower draft picks, have not been too bad. Shaun Rogers, Redding, Lehman, Bailey, Bailey, Lewis, Cody, and Holt all seem to be good players-to different degrees-and the biggest problem is keeping them all healthy. I hope that the two defensive guys we picked up this year will pan out. Remember, Ernie Sims will be the only guy that we have picked in the first round on defense.

Yes, like everyone else, I am more excited about seeing the offense develop after so many years of ineptitude and so much promise, but I am still confident, that at least for this year, the defense will again be the best unit for the team.

Whether that will turn out to be good or a disaster, only time will tell.

2006-09-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: THE NEXT WEEK IS CRUCIAL...

but, you already knew that. It hurts to give one away to Seattle, this was a series we need to sweep, 'yall. But, there is always tomorrow, or should I say today, and once again we need the Gambler Kenny Rogers to get us one. There is not a way to overemphazie the importance of the Twins series, we will need a repeat of the last time we went in there and took two of three, and should have swept...but we gave up a multi run lead with Bonderman on the mound. (Sound familiar?) And, of course, we will run into Santana, but that's part of it, folks. Lets get one today and go from there.

2006-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

LIONS: CAPTAIN BLY

When you are a life long Detroit Lions fan, you get used to seeing bizarre and ridiculous things: from the organization, players, coaches, local media and fans. One of the more puzzling I saw last year was the venom that Dre' Bly lot last year for stating that the QB had not been very good, a statement equivalent to saying it gets a little brisk in northern Canada during the winter.

Boy, you would have thought old Dre' did something really awful in some quarters, the media piled on and some knowledgeable fans called him a punk for piling on heroic Joey. I see a guy who is a two time Pro Bowler with the Lions, the rarest of birds: a big ticket free agent who comes in and plays up to his contract (remember Pat Swilling and Bill Schroeder?), who has obviously had a desire from day one that the Lions actually win, and has helped to try to woo free agents.

So, he said something he probably shouldn't have about St. Joey. So what? He was obviously emotional about Mooch getting fired, and the only reason why the JoLos (Joey Lovers) were so pissed is because they knew what he said was right. Now we can see that all the crap about a divided locker room and the inane comparisons of Bly to T.O. for what they were: a smokescreen for Joey Ballgame and his sympathizers to see their hero slink out of town with some excuse. I just can't believe a guy doesn't want to give it a whirl for a team that has a GM who might be the only guy in football who actually still thinks he can be an upper level QB, and brings in arguably the best offensive mind and quarterback maker in the league to be the coordinator. No, Joey Legend just doesn't think the "atmosphere" here in Detroit will allow him to succeed. Oh, o.k.

Its no accident that Jon Kitna is one of the captains voted on along with Bly.

2006-09-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Monday Morning Quarterbacking the Wolverines

Well, the opening game has come and gone and its time for reflections. I'm no genius (if I were I would be coaching Notre Dame), but here are my impressions of what I saw of the UM-Vandy game this weekend:

* There is definitely a long overdue change in the defensive philosphy, and this defense is loaded with talented guys, who seem to be more aggressive. Make no mistake, the sacks are huge, and the Vandy QB is mobile and they run a sophisticated passing attack, they did average 27 points per game last year, albeit with Cutler. But, I did see better tackling and some big hits which are solely needed. Not a bad debut.

* Mesko seems to be an above average punter, something the Wolves have not had since Don Bracken in the early '80s. If he is what he looks like right now, you will be amazed how much it helps not to have someone line driving 35 yarders in key situations.

*The depth at running back looks good, but I worry about Grady around the goal line holding onto the ball. Miner and Brown look like quality depth behind the two big guys, Hart looks wonderful, just keep him healthy.

* The receiving corps has some work to do, although you would rather have these athletes who need to learn how to catch the ball than vice-versa. Manningham is, obviously, on track to be the the next great UM receiver. Breaston never was as good a WR prosepct as KR, but he needs to get more consistent catching the ball. This guy is, potentially, every bit the playmaker that number 7 is in Columbus.

* Henne still mystifies me. He is on track to literally obliterate all the numbers at a school with a pretty good track record at QB over the last fifteen years, but he still looks shaky to me at times. However, there is no question that he is the man the Wolves can least afford to lose. If Chad could play with the poise he showed in the fourth quarter of the PSU game, you are looking at a high draft pick in '08. Think about this, Brady Quinn is the all everything glamour boy for this year and, like Henne, he is a four year starter. Quinn has thrown 58 TD passes in three years and one game, Henne has 51 in two years plus one game. My point? Henne has All America talent and needs to smooth it out...I think he can...I just can't understan d why, so soon after making a play/throw that makes me think this might be the best UM QB I've seen in 30 years-Brady included-he will do something that makes me think "Scott Mitchell!" involuntarily. But, I still like him.

CMU showed me something against BC, the nations perenially most underrated team. This will be a good test for UM, particularly offensively. I would stay away from expecting them to cover the 27 1/2 point spread, but I will call it UM 31 CMU 7.

2006-09-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK:

While the Tiger's August swoon has made many in the Detroit hating national media lick their chops, I think the positive we should focus on is that the pitching has held up pretty well, even in most of the losses the pitching has been good, such as Ledezma last night against the Angels. We get the big win today against Seattle and, make no mistake, this is a big oppotunity for us with a team in town that we should sweep.

One of the things that has helped us, as it does all front running teams down the stretch, is that as the schedule toughens up in the division, it gets a little harder for those chasing the front team to make up ground quickly, just as I said it would be. We only had a 5 game lead going into September, not the 7 I would have preferred, but we are in good shape right now if we take care of Seattle in a sweep and head in strong to the Minnesota series.

I think we can and I'm still feeling good about things.

2006-09-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

LIONS' FINAL CUTS:

Well, there you have it, Charlie Rogers, Kelly Butler, Artose Pinner, and 2 picks from this year's draft class all gone. For those of you keeping score at home, that leaves 1 player from the eight picked in the dreadful '02 draft (Kalimba Edwards...who was taken with DeShaun Foster and Clinton Portis still on the board when we needed a running back, although we addressed those needs with the selection of Luke Staley in the seventh round). What else can you say about that? I remember telling my buddy (and Chiefs fan) that our draft grade then was an "F" and he, trying to make me feel better, said, "Its not that bad".

Of course, I know Charlie came out in '03, and all we have from that haul of studs is Cory Redding and Boss Bailey. Two quality players, but considering that we were picking 3rd in '02 and second in '03...well, I'm going to be like one of my favorite baseball players, Mark McGwire, and therefore I won't sit here and talk about the past.

As for the future? Well, for we Lions fans born after the Eisenhower administration, thats all we've ever really had...exciting moments from Billy and Barry aside, so its nothing new. The new regime seems to be serious about the work ethic thing...how quickly that translates to wins on Sunday, I don't know.

30+ years of being a fan, I'm tired of waiting, though.

Aren't you?

2006-09-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

LION'S PRESEASON: T.G.I.O THANK GOODNESS ITS OVER

Now, we can get to the serious business at hand. I still support this new staff, although I'm not sure I buy what they are doing, especially with the WRs, but you have got to like the OC and DC if nothing else. I said a few weeks ago that this was a key year for Lehman and Bailey, we already have bad news on Teddy, lets hope Boss can stay healthy.

I'm confused after last night, though I predicted that both Williams and Rogers would make the team, but now its hard to say that with Rogers only getting a couple of plays last night...who knows?

I think there is more talent on this team than most people realize, I'd like to see if Martz can make this thing work...it won't happen overnight, but it can happen. We're good at running back and receiver, better on the o-line, much,much better at QB...a lot depends on getting off to a good start. We should get one of the first three games, but if we can steal one more, who knows?

Let's see what happens.

2006-08-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

I am not one for hyperbole, but the win to get the split with the Yanks yesterday is the biggest win of the year in my mind. We don't lose any ground, we come back to win a game that was seen as lost, at least in most Tiger fan's minds, and it has to help the psyche as we have struggled in August.

I think that a win today would be even bigger, but if we don't, its huge to not get swept like that, especially when the ChiSox come back to win on the same day. And, thank you to the Twins for struggling right now with K.C., though I don't know if that is a good thing going into our series with them.

Way to go, Monroe.

2006-08-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

LIONS PREDICTION

I know this will not surprise some of you who have read this blog, but I don't care about the outcome of the Buffalo game tonight, though I suspect the Lions will win it, so this prediction is about the big cut day. I boldly forecast that both Messrs. Rogers and Williams will be on the final roster, it just does not make any sense, to me, to cut either one of them and to cut both borders on insanity. (Having said that, it is not completely out of the realm of possibility that it might happen, this is an organization that traded a fourth round pick for Ty Detmer.)

I do feel that the focus on the wideouts is missplaced, if I hear one more national sports type harp about the Lions' choosing three WRs in a row, I'll scream. What the hell does that have to do with anything? Does anyone think that the key to winning is picking different positions in the first round each year? If it is, why hasn't it worked for the Lions before? Its the players, guys, not where they were picked or what happened in previous drafts. I still think each of those picks were the right ones at the time-hell, I wanted the Lions to draft Roy Williams if we picked number 1-and it is way too early, particularly in the case of Mike Williams, to be talking bust. As a fan, I would rather have a top pick struggling with other issues (provided he comes around) than a great guy who doesn't have the talent (see , Ware, Long, Gibson, etc.)

Of all the criticism of these two guys-some justified, some ridiculous-no one who is knowledgeable about football has indicated that he/she doesn't think eithrer of these guys can play. And, at least neither one of these guys has thrown up his hands and proclaimed that it just won't work in Detroit, a la Harrington, so that's something.

And, its a good thing, I think.

2006-08-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

PRESEASON DEBACLE IN OAKLAND:

Well, that certainly was a disappointing waste, wasn't it? After having to suffer through the NFL's silly season with the premise that the third game is the one that "is most like a regular season game", aa 21-3 beatdown isn't what we hoped to see.

Look, I've always been one to say preseason means nothing aqnd I'm not going to change from that, just as I didn't afer the Denver win, but this team, with so many unknowns, you look for signs of progress (hope) and its just hard. I support the new coaching staff, particularly since we have two proven coordinators, but I do hope they know what they are doing. Things like flying to the Coast for the day of the game have to have a purpose other than the preseason game itself. Is it a smart tactic? Well, I don't know, obviously, its not done to help for that game, so who knows.

Two coaching regimes ago, we had a new coaching staff, most of whom had never been at the helm of anything, that did a lot of silly things, but were given the benefit of the doubt, largely because the head coach came from San Francisco, where he was incorrectly said to have worked with Bill Walsh. Well, we know how those things turned out, what about now?

I don't know, but its hard to peg, especially the deal with the receivers, which I just don't get as its almost like these two young men are the poster boys of everything that is wrong with the Lions...I don't get it.

I understand trying to send messages and all, but when Mike Williams doesn't get off the bench, huh? Are we actually supposed to believe that this team will be better off with two free agents than Williams and Rogers? Is the organization that willing to take such a huge cap hit? I hope not. But, that's just me.

2006-08-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK:YOU AND YOU PANIC, THE REST OF YOU STAY CALM...

Whew, that was close, we were looking at a sweep in Cleveland, but the Gambler Kenny Rogers came through along with some big knocks from Thames and Granderson...yeah, the lead is back up to 5, and that's not too bad. I was starting to worry because we had dropped 4 in a row, and an extended losing streak is, in my opinion, the only way we miss the playoffs. We've been playing .500 ball or less for almost a month and still have a nice cushion. On the other hand, if we can bang out a stretch of 10 games where we win 8, this puppy is over. The Tigers are also in position to have a 7 game lead going into September, which is also a key as I said at the beginning of the month, to wrapping up the division.

I still believe, do you?

2006-08-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

LIONS PRESEASON GAME

Unfortunately, I won't be able to see the Lions when they visit my old stomping grounds of Oakland tonight, but the big thing I hope for, more than anything, is for everyone to come out healthy, of course. Next to that, I think it would be good to really see something out of Corey Bradford and Brian Calhoun,two new players I'm excited about.

I'm also going to predict that this is the game where Mike Williams puts all of this silliness about not making the team to rest. He had his problems last year, but 29 catches as a rookie is, frankly, about on par with what many first year wideouts do. I'm not saying it wasn't diappointing, but anyone can see this kids potential and I still don't think there are many out there with the hands that this guy has. His speed has been unfairly criticized because of his size, he's got enough speed at 4.6. If you think that most receivers in the NFL, particularly the top ones, are all sub 4.5., you're reading too many of those pre draft rags that don't realize just how fast that is and how relatively few people can legitimately run that fast on a consistent basis.

Well, that's my take, we'll see how it plays out.

2006-08-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: THIS IS WHEN LEYLAND EARNS HIS MONEY...

O.k., I'm with you here, he's already earned, of course. But, as we sit here on the doorstep of September, best record in baseball, leading the toughest division in baseball by 5 1/2 games, and it is easy to be a little down about things. You can hear and feel the national media rubbing its hands for the anticipated Tiger collapse, and some of our own faithful are questioning things...getting a little nervous.

Its up to Leyland to keep the ship on an even keel, and keep the young ballplayers focused and not worrying about the talking heads or anything else. Look, its easier said than done, but this thing, like most things in life, is really a function of how you look at it. People talk about the brief 10 game lead we had a month ago like we were up by 10 games all year. Look, the ChiSox have picked up about 3 games in a month, if you go back to the first couple of weeks after the All Star break. Everyone knew they would be around to the end, hell, I picked them to win the division right off the bat and they are the defending World Series Champs, so this is no great shock or breathtaking run. The Tigers just have to take care of business, particularly in the series against teams other than the main contenders...the big thing is not to be dropping 2 out of 3 against teams like Cleveland or Kansas City, and that's where Leyland comes in. I would look for him to make a minor shakeup in the rotation here in the next week or two. But, the key thing is not to panic.

Nothing to panic about, folks. Leyland knows this as well as anybody.

2006-08-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: MINER WORRIES:

A double entendre, to be sure, as the loss yesterday to the Sox, in a game we could have won, is a minor worry, but we've aleady done the minimum we needed to in this series. The other part of that clever repartee is, of course, the shelling of Zach Miner as, of course, this is not the first time in recent starts. I don't know what the problem with Zach is, but we need to remember this is still a rookie pitcher who has done a wonderful job for us this year and more than makes what we looked at last year as the "dumping" of Kyle Farnsworth seem like a very good move by Dombrowski. Because it was.

Look, I've been blogging for about a month now about how important the return of Maroth would be down the stretch and into the playoffs, if he can come back healthy. It would be good to get him a couple of starts, if possible, before the playoffs. What I'm reading from Toledo makes me cautiously optimistic.

2006-08-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

THE NEW RED WING CAPTAIN

as you all know, is Nick Lidstrom, and it is impossible to argue with that choice. I did, however, think that it might go to one of the younger guns, namely Zetterberg, in terms of looking to have another long serving Captain and, lets be honest, maybe make us feel like this guy will never leave. On the other hand, Captains leave all the time, look at us picking up Greg Johnson this summer, and they length of captaincy you saw with Stevie Y just is not going to happen again, folks.

Despite the huge disappointment of last year's playoffs, you have to feel excited going into this year, I like the offseason moves and the biggest thing is that the goaltending is so much better come playoff time...if Dom is healthy. But, you can say that about anyone.

I know its way, way early, but look for Nick to win the Norris again and for the Wings to challenge for the President's Trophy...and then the real season starts.

2006-08-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

I told you that the pressure would be on the Sox in this game tonight, in addition to blogging about how I felt good about this series coming in. Look, I said the only way this series could really be a disaster for the Tigers would be a four game sweep, even three games won by the ChiSox wouldn't have been the end of the world, in my opinion.

And now, with the first two games in the bag, Chicago is teetering on the brink, people, because this lead should be no less than 7 1/2 games, and could be more when this is done. We're also getting some help from Baltimore with the Twins, who are now just as much a threat as the ChiSox are but, again, I just think playing .500 ball from here on will probably wrap the division.

As far as the Tigers themselves, can you imagine a better story than Marcus Thames? On a team full of great stories and solid performances, you have to really love this kid and what he's done. Also, how about an attaboy to Dave Dombrowski, again, for picking up Neifi Perez. Smart move. This guy has a glove and can play three of the four infield positions, no way this isn't a great move.

2006-08-22T03:04:00.000-07:00

DETROIT LIONS

I'm hearing-like you-all of this talk about how Artose Pinner is probably the odd man out in the backfield and, I guess it makes sense...if one accepts that Arlen Harris is a fave of the coaches-meaning Martz-really like him. My problem with that is that I really haven't seen what the coaches seem to see in practice, and 'Tose looks good to me, plus we know that he can be a solid backup RB. I think its obvious why they like Calhoun, and I say that based more on what I believe he can do as opposed to what some who didn't see him play in college might think. I just think his versatility is a key, especially with the type of offense Martz wants to run. I can also understand why they like Bryson, whom even the previous coaching staff was in love with. I don't know about cutting Pinner loose, however, I've always liked him and I think we know what we have with him.

I read one column that predicted that it would come down to Martz wanting Harris and Millen fighting for Pinner. It will be interesting to see how that one will shake out.

2006-08-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

Well, spanking the ChiSox in the first game of the series last night is just what the doctor ordered for us. Like I said earlier, I have a pretty good feeling about this series, especially since they swept us just a couple of weeks ago. The best thing is, like I said, the ChiSox really have to win 3 or sweep-which they now won't do-for this to really be a successful series for Chicago. Now, we only have to win one more for it to, at worst, be a 5 1/2 game lead coming out of the series, which wouldn't be too bad if you ask me. The Chisox are going through a tough stretch in which in will be tough to reel off one of those 8 out of 10 runs that can quickly help a team make up ground.

Actually, I think tonight's game is one of those rare everything to gain things for the Tigers. A win and Chicago is really in tough shape, as they can't gain any ground on us in the overall race. We lose and, its no big deal, we're right back at 5 1/2 with a chance to get out of the series either even or picking up a game by splitting the last two. Pyschologically, I think we are in a good position going into tonight. Hey, the Sox know they are not going to just keep beating us 75% of the time over the long haul.

Good work, guys.

2006-08-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

I think this series against the Chisox will show why it is so hard to overtake a team from a large deficit. As the national media waits with baited breath for the Tigers to implode so they can write all the negative Detroit stories, remember this: the only real way this series can be a disaster for the Tigers is if the Sox sweep or take three of four...you know what, it may sound strange, but I feel good about this series, I really do. Lets see what happens.

2006-08-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

UM FOOTBALL

You would hope that the boys in Maize and Blue would be grinding their teeth at the way they have been dismissed, relatively, in the meaningless preseason chatter. What should make it all the more galling is the fawning adulation that their two biggest rivals, the Buckeyes and the Irish, are getting, even if some of it is a little silly, in my opinion. To be sure, the Wolverines have to travel to both venues this fall, but they lost to both teams in Ann Arbor last year...and we all know they should have won both games. Sure, I'm a fan, but if you know football you know that when you have three possessions inside the 10 and only come away with a total of 3 points, you'be blown it boys.

It was actually the ultra conservative-bend but don't break (unless its third and long or the game is on the line)-blitz only from the same spot-poor tackling Wolverine defense that held the vaunted Irish juggernaut to their lowest output of the season, and, as great as the Irish undoubtedly are with best coach of all time Charlie Weis and unanimous Heisman Trophy winner second best college player of all time (second only to bro in law A.J. Hawk) Brady Quinn, you have to step back and realize that the amazing return to glory of the Irish last year did not include a win over a team that finished in the top 25.

As for the Buckeyes, when you are up by 8 points in the 4th quarter at home, you should win the game, period. Look the two most important things that happened since last year are two new coordinators...there is no question the Wolves have grown stale on both sides of the ball. I'm not saying that either of them is going to be great, although the o-coordinator does have some pedigree. Call it whatever you want, on offense the team has to be more willing to throw vertically and not so obviouslyh panic when Mike Hart is out. On defense, they have to be more aggressive, specifically on the front line, and tackle better. I think a different mindset will help that, because this is a talented team and, aside from the fact that this team has underachieved in big games for three years, the only glaring weakeness is depth at QB.

2006-08-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

LIONS PRESEASON WEEK 2

Some of you may know how much I despise preseason ball, seeing it as nothing more than an opportunity to get guys hurt...c'mon, you are really going to tell me that Marinelli, for example, needs 4 dadgum preseason games to decide if he's going to keep Rogers, Martinez,Bodiford, or Vines? If he goes by the best story, its Bodiford; best camp, its Martinez; best talent, its Rogers; most production per capita when the games count, its Vines.

No matter what happens next week in Oakland, or the week after that with the Bills in town, on the scoreboard, I just want to get out of this thing healthy. Guys, don't worry about the offense. Relying on the pedestrian performance in Cleveland in fretting about our lack of offense is as silly as looking at our win against Dever and thinking we are already among the league's elite.

The offense will be fine. You just can't improve at the most important-if overrated-position in football (QB) and not get significantly better on that side of the ball. Ditto for New Orleans, Miami, and Baltimore. Now, whether that necessarily translates into more wins is another matter, but I have no doubt it will.

2006-08-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

Our little slump here-dropping 8 out of 11- is a good example of how much padding a lead can really help down the stretch. Of course, this is obvious in logical terms of wins and losses, but also from a psychological standpoint of both the Tigers and the teams chasing us. We've only lost a couple of games off our lead in the loss column, and having the White Sox coming into town gives us the opportunity to get healthy real quick, by taking 2 out of 3.

I'm not feeling as good right now about taking 2 of 3 from the Red Sox in Beantown last week, since its clear that they are in a free fall, so far not able to keep the Yanks under two touchdowns...remember they had just been swept by K.C. before we came to town.

We need to salvage this split with Texas, don't panic, and start hitting again.

2006-08-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

LIONS

Like any Lions fan, I felt pretty good about last week to the extent that one can feel good about the NFL's silly season of preseason games. Like any Lions fan with a memory, I know that the silly season means nothing in terms of wins and losses, everything in terms of staying healthy.
We're already down FitZsimons for a while, but I had a hard time believing he was going to replace Pollard anyway. It'll be good to have him back, but we need a pass catching weapon at that position, and Pollard gives us that.

What I really want to see is Bailey and Lehman healthy, and it is starting to worry me that we are this far into camp and neither has been completely healthy, although they say Boss is close. I think this is a big year for Boss, I think he can be a top level backer with his speed and nose for the ball, but he has to stay healthy. No knock on him, but it does take some luck to succeed in this game and, health wise, Boss hasn't had it since he was at Georgia. Boy, would I like to see him play a full 16. With Teddy, I don't perceive it to be a chronic problem, but this particular injury does seem to be a long lasting one. Heal up, Teddy, we need 'ya.

2006-08-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED.

Taking 2 of 3 against the Sox was perfect in all respects, stopping the slide, gaining a game on the Chisox when the unbelievably lost 2 of 3 to the Royals, and adding a little cushion for the wildcard, if it comes to that. Verlander didn't have his best stuff, but I'm not worried about a "tired arm", when the gun regularly hits 98. I also think Infante will fill in for Palanco just fine. Maggs finally got his dinger, Pudge looks like he's out of the slump, and you can't get too down about not getting that sweep, there is a reason no one has done that at Fenway for years.

Coming home is good, the big thing to me for this Texas series will be how Rogers does tonight. It wwould be good to get him back on track with a string of quality starts heeading into September. I'm also hopeful about what I'm hearing on Maroth. Hurry back, Mike, we need you.

2006-08-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

GOOD RED WING SIGNING...

In an offseason that featured the retirment of Mr. Red Wing and the defection of Shanny, you can't end up saying it was a good offseason, but you can say it was as good as possible if you have some quality signings. I think signing former Wing Greg Johnson, on top of the Markov signing, are two solid players who will fit in well...hell, Johnson wore the C in Nashville and he is one of the few former Wings that I wished we had held onto during the past decade or so.

As for resigning Hasek, its a wonderful deal, the guy is still no worse than a top 5 goalie when he's healthy and he had a hell of a year in Ottawa last year until he got hurt. Yeah, he's quirky, but its amazing how much more patience you have with that after a couple of straight first round exits, isn't it?

2006-08-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: NO REASON TO PANIC...

Yes, the ten game lead disappeare quickly, but unless the team was going to win 112 games, they were not going win this division by 10 games. The win last night was huge, not only to stop the losing streak, but to beat a quality team on the road while the ChiSox are going to take their turn this week sweeping the Royals.

Having a 4 or 5 game lead going into the next series against the ChiSox will be fine, and the bottom line is, if we are going to have max fun in October, we're going to have to start beating the Sox straight up anyway.

I said several months ago in this blog that I thought the Chisox would win the division and the Tigers would claim the wildcard. When it became apparent aftet the break that the Tigers were in good position to win the division, I said the key would be to avoid one of those long stretches of bad baseball, you know, losing 12 of 15 or something like that. The only way my earlier prediction will come true is if my second one does. Taking two of three in Beantown and coming home to take 2 of 3 from Texas will do just fine.

2006-08-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

THE LIONS' RECEIVERS...

are probably the hottest topic of conversation in camp, surprising when you consider our star crossed history at QB with yet another new man at the position, new coach-always big news in the NFL-, and an offensive coordinator who won a Super Bowl in that capacity recently and took a team to the Super Bowl as a head coach. You'd think that one or both of those things would be getting all of the buzz. But, no, its the receivers.

Look, I've been saying for years that Roy Williams is a superstar-in-waiting and I don't know how anyone can be disappointed in him, his first two years numbers are as good as almost anyone's. I know the easy drops but they are so magnified with this guy because he makes catches that make you question your religious beliefs. Frankly, I'd be reluctant to trade this guy for any other WR in the league...no, I haven't just gone crazy (had that covered out of the womb) but, think about it, the WR's who are unquestionably better are mostly older, and they won't be at the top of the league in 5 years...Roy will, health willing. The only younger WRs who, in my opinion, compare to Roy at a similar stage (check out Steve Smith's stats his first two years and you'll be shocked at how little is there compared to what he did last year) are Boldin and Fitzgerald. And, folks, I know their numbers are much better than Roy's but they had Kurt Warner throwing to them for a time. As overhyped as the QB position is these days-both ways- it seems to me that Warner has done the impossible: a 2 time MVP QB with a Super Bowl ring who is underappreciated.

Anyway, I feel good about having Corey Bradford in there with us, good receiver, nice speed, seems solid. You always need those guys. I also haven't given up on Rogers and Williams, personally feel there is as much chance the Lions will cut one or both of them and take the humongous scap hit as there is that Republicans won't bring up same-sex marriage in an election year. I'm not buying it. Now, I'm not saying that their a**** might not be on the bench if one of the other guys like Furrey, Vines, or Martinez earns the field, but you can't cut talent like this, especially Williams, who was not as much of a bust as people say. He's got next level hands.

And, why in the hell would we cut Rogers? He has absolutely zero trade value because of the potential year long suspension if there is another drug violation. Worst case scenario, if he messes up again-I'm not saying I think he will-he's gone anyway and not only do they not take the Cap hit, they have a stronger case to get money back from this guy. And, if he comes around, you get a guy who was turning some heads in the first four games of '03 as a rookie. Either way, it makes no sense to cut him, in my book.

This will be the best year for Lions' receivers since the glory days of Moore, Morton, and Perriman....

2006-08-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

Fret not losing the series 2-1 to the Twins, that is going to happen and I do feel the Yanks will help us with the Sox...which is way a 7+ game lead this time of year is so hard to overcome, all the teams chasing us, literally and figuratively, for the division and/or wildcard (should we lose the division) are going to be playing each other quite a bit down the stretch, which makes it even harder to leapfrog multiple teams, much less one, unless you are on top as we are.

The only way someone is going to catch us-unless we drop 9 of 10 or something like that, in which case we don't deserve it-is to go on a 14 out of 15 type run. I just don't see it, guys. This isn't the NL West. NY, Boston, Toronto will be beating up on each other in the East, we will tangle some with the East, plus the Twins and ChiSox, and don't count out the Indians, Orioles, anyone from the West, and, yes, even the Royals having a say in this thing by sweeping somebody or taking 3 of 4 in a series down the stretch (look at Tampa giving Boston a devil of a time this week...pun intended).

No, if we play .500 ball from here on in, I think we've got it.

2006-08-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

LIONS ROOKIES

I did an extensive look at the draft in this blog last spring, focusing on the first round, but one of the players I really liked coming out of school was Brian Calhoun from Wisconsin. I told friends he would be a steal for someone in the later rounds, but I did not forsee us taking him.

So, I was both pleased and surprised when we selected him, because I think this means the end of Artose Pinner, whom I really like. But, it seems like the coaches like him both as a backup and maybe in the slot a little bit. Remember, with Martz, the backs are going to have to catch the ball as well as run with it. Although this kid is not real big, he had a ton of carries at Wisconsin and I think he can run inside.

I think where we need to get on offense is to have one where we have several weapons that are used frequently, which will keep defenses off balance. This kid helps us do that, plus gives us depth.

I wouldn't be surprised if this guy is our best rookie.

2006-08-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...WHAT'S THE GOAL, NOW?

Well, obviously, its the postseason and winning the division, but, to me, I will be a little disappointed if the Tigers don't win 100 games. Yes, I know they are on pace for more wins than that, but with 52 games left and several more against the ChiSox, Bosox, and Yanks, I think going .500 from here on out is pretty good, and would get 100 wins. Now that both the Twins and ChiSox are double digits back of us, I don't think the division is in doubt unless there is a 1988-like September swoon. But, with all of those teams fighting in what could be a wild card race for the ages, the Tigers are going to be in some intense games come late August and September. I can't wait.

2006-08-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

THE TEAM TO WATCH IN THE BIG 10...

this year is-and no, I'm not drunk (yet)-Michigan State. Now, I'm not saying this just to rile people up or to be different. I really believe this, and in fact, with the same team anywhere but MSU, with its inexplicable aversion to continued success and inability to put it together for long stretches of time (meaning 3 weeks in a row), this would be my pick for conference champ.

Look, I've often thought that the biggest advantage a college team could have is a real good QB with experience. State has that and an offense that should be one of the best in the country, as they return all the key guys and have a coach who is not afraid to use his weapons. (Oh my, was that a subtle dig at another Big 10 coach? Just might have been)Now, before you get carried away, there is a reason John L. Smith coached teams always entertain...but in early September or late December, not late October or early January. I'm not sure that will change and I do know this team was 2-6 in the conference last year, going off the edge of the cliff after the annual SI (Spartan Implosion). But, look inside the numbers. State has beaten either UM or ND in each of the last 5 seasons. They could have beaten UM the last two years and should have beaten them once. Ditto for O State. In fact, O State, "America's Team" (as well as the team of federal and state law enforcement from Columbus to Miami), with all those ballyhooed defensive studs that will be lighting up your TV screen on Sunday, was getting hammered by State until a blocked field goal turned the tide.

And how, you might ask, could a blocked field goal and TD return so derail a team that was churning up 500+ yards on the road against the best defensive team of all time? Well, if you can answer that, you understand how a program like State, with talent commensurate with all but the very best programs, more fiestiness and attitude than anyone in the conference, and a proud tradition and great fan base manages to rack up one conference co-championhip every eighteen years or so.

Well, sarcasm aside, the Spartans will take O State this year. Its ridiculous to me to think O State's defense will be better this year with nine new starters, and it wasn't as dominant last year as everyone likes to pretend it was.

Penn State, who really had the best defense in the conference last year, (but didn't get any credit for it, or for kicking O State's a**....probably because they didn't have anyone dating Brady Quinn's sister)loses seven starters and State doubled up Penn State last year on first downs and almost did in yardage, too. Yet, they lost by double digits because...well, because they are State.

The Spartans don't have Iowa this year, another conference contender, and no one is going through this slate undefeated in the conference. Look for MSU to win 2 out of their big 3 (UM, ND, OState) and be in the conference race down to the last game against Penn State.

2006-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

THE DETROIT LIONS UNIT THAT MOST NEEDS TO IMPROVE...

is not what you may have been led to believe. Its not the receivers, guys. That unit needs to get better, but you are going to be amazed at the difference a solid QB and some aggressive play calling will make. No, the unit that most needs to improve is the O-line.

Like many of you, I watched the line get manhandled both on TV and in person on many occassions last year. I know there has been talk about the scheme, but it ultimately comes down to the horses you have. Damien Woody is, by far, the best lineman we have, but he didn't have a Damien Woody type season last year. I know he was dinged, but O-lineman usually are and, of all the positions, they generally are the most able to perform while banged up. He has to get back to the level he was a couple of years ago, and I think he will.

Backus is a good LT, overvalued in my opinion due to the position he plays, where it is so vital and there are relatively few guys who can really handle it, much less excel. I know he played hurt all last year, too, and I saw him get pushed back into the QB's face on many occassions. If his ankle is now "fresh" (to use an old Mariucci term) and now that he has his big (over)payday, I think he needs to take a step up into the next level, the one just a notch below the Paces, Ogdens, and Jones of the world. I think he can and will.

I like the additions of Verba and Tucker, both solid veterans who should really be able to step in and give us a lift (although that's what we heard about DeMulling)...I especially look for a solid season from Verba, who in addition to being nuts, has something to prove after a year away from the game. Butler is fine for a seventh round pick, and I like him as depth more than the starting RT right now.

I've never been crazy about Raiola, and I'm still not. I have long thought this was the weakest link in the line, and I hope that the obvious faith the coaching staff has in him will, for the thousandth time, prove me wrong in one of my sports prognostications.

I still think getting Jonoathan Scott later in the draft might have been the best value pick the Lions have had in years. We'll see.

We always do.

2006-08-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

LIONS TALK...

I both love and hate NFL preseason, love it because hope springs eternal that, this year, it might be the Lions who do the 5-11 to Super Bowl thing, just as many less suffering cities/teams such as St. Louis, Atlanta, New England, ect...have done in recent years...love it because the dog days of summer portend the majesty of Fall, my favorite time of year. Hate it because of the inevitable injuries to key guys, not only with the Lions but throughout the NFL (think about it, there is no preseason in college ball, how often do you hear of key guys going down in college? Sure, it happens, but not much) Hat it because of the mind numbing overemphasis on the same old stories we hear every year: so and so star is not reporting to camp on time, and coaches and some media acting like its the worst thing since the Nazi's invaded Poland; hate it because of the inevitable rookie holdouts, with the talking heads talking about the NFL's rookie "slotting" system, as if that was some hard and fast rule or as if nobody ever got more money up front than someone drafted higher (happens every year), although I know these phony important stories are out there due to the desperation to just kick it off.

As for what I'm hearing from Allen Park? Well, the next NFL team that puts out anything other than positive stuff in preseason will be the first, but if you read between the lines, you have to feel pretty good until the inevitable injury to a key guy(s). It shouldn't surprise anyone that Kitna has a lock on the starting QB job, this guy made a run for MVP in '03 and will be the best Lion's QB in thirty plus years. Don't be so quick to throw him under the bus because he's not Manning or McNabb, or when he throws that first pick. It should make you feel good that this staff seems to appreciate what we have in Kevin Jones, and there is no reason this guy should not have an All Pro type season. It should make you feel good that Roy Williams (who, you'll have to trust me, I wanted the Lions to draft in '04 at a time when I thought we'd be picking number ONE) is ready to claim his place among the elite receivers. Hell, he's there, if you look at the numbers of his first two years, the only three receivers-of active receivers- who have better numbers across the board in their first two years are Moss, Boldin, and Fitzgerald. Pretty good company. Notice the names that aren't there: Owens, Smith, Harrison, Ward, Bruce, Holt, etc. Don't fall into the trap of lumping him in with the "receiver busts" that the less knowledgeable chortle about when dissing the Lions. Believe me, with a real QB and an aggressive offensive approach, it will look like we have 5 receivers out there running around.

And, yes, Mike Williams will be one of them.

2006-08-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK; THIS TIME ITS PUDGE...

Well, it just seems that everyone kind of takes their turn with this club, doesn't it? What else can you say other than they are doing exactly what they have to do to maintain their lead, although you are nuts if you don't think the ChiSox are going to make a run. They will, bank on it. But, even more important last night was to see Kenny Rogers have a decent outing. His recent struggles, as well as his propensity to fade n the second half are well known to everyone. But, we need this guy down the stretch and into the postseason, make no mistake about it. I believe he will be there, giving us the quality start evey four nights. After the way this season is gone, how can I not believe?

2006-08-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLLS...

Well, this couldn't have been a surprise. You look at it, realizing it means nothing at this point, but you have to shake your head...being a media darling goes a long way...what would you say if I told you that a team that had not won a bowl game in a decade returned a bunch of starters from a defense that got lit up like a Christmas tree; did not beat a single team that finished in the top 25; and is on the road to both teams that that beat them at home last year was the popular pick as a national title contender?

What if I told you that a team known for its impregnable defense lost nine starters; has to go on the road to an experienced team that rolled up almost 500 yards of offense when they had a barrel full of NFL first round picks (including future Hall of Famer A.J. Hawk); goes on the road in week 2 to the defending National Champs (who beat them at home last year); has a QB who threw for fewer TD's than any returning starter in its conference, save one; has a Heisman hopeful who racked up 6 TDs last year (same as freshman Mario Manningham); and lost is premier receiving threat was the chic preseason pick for Number 1?

You'd probably say "C'mon".

Look, I'm a Wolverines fan. But, looking at it objectively, its ludicrous to think the Buckeyes or the Irish will be in Tempe. In fact, I don't expect either one to get out of September without a loss.

2006-08-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: MONROE AGAIN...

In special seasons it seems teams get special performances for players you wouldn't expect...not that Craig Monroe is not a good player, he showed promise last year...but he is, at least this year, just about as clutch as anyone in the majors...with as many homers in the late innings of tight games as anyone, including Ortiz, the popular pick for AL MVP.

You pair Monroe with Thames, and that's pretty good production out of that spot, not to mention the other two gems in the outfield. Another reason I never wanted Abreu.

2006-08-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

LIONS: IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN....

when hope springs eternal and those of us with Honolulu Blue and Silver in our veins start to get charged up...usually leading to diasappointment, none greater in my 33 years as a Lions fan than last season's debacle.

Will this year be different? I hope so. There are many reasons, of course, but I just don't think you can improve as much as we have at the QB position and not get a whole lot better offensively. Thrown an offensive coordinator like Martz into the mix-in my opinion the best coaching move the Lions have made in my lifetime-, and you have reason to be excited.

But, we are the Lions, so we have to expect catastrophe...usually, it comes in the form of an injury to a key guy in training camp, some meaningless preseaon game, or in the first quarter of the first game. I don't care what anyone says, I think Mooch planned to go with Garcia all the way last year, but planned-wrongly-in my view, to make th exchange early in the year when Harrington started his inevitable blow up. Garcia's broken leg in preseason changed all of that and he wasn't the same for the rest of the year. Even an old and hurt QB like Garcia, if healthy, would have been an upgrade last year, not to mention avoiding all that circus that went on last year, especially the pretend "I support Joey" crap that went on.

I'm glad reports coming out of camp are good, but as someone who has lived in seven NFL cities, that'sz normal, its only after a season goes to s***, that the beat writers and experts go back and say that they saw problems in camp. But, all I'm worried about is staying healthy during preseason. Do that, and I'll be happy.

2006-08-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: ITS NOT OVER...YET

I blogged a while back about the fact that the expectations for this team had changed, and I'm not backing away from that. In fact, if anything has changed since the All Star break, those expectations have increased, from getting to the postseason to advancing deep into the post season. I never thought that the Tigers would be in such good position, even two months ago, when they were playing well but still neck and neck with the Sox. Now, with an 8 game cushion, the goal should be to just continue to take series after series, 2 out of 3 here, 2 out of 3 there. I predicted that the Twins would make a run, although I didn't see 32 wins in 40 games, and I predicted that the Sox would prevail in the end. Well, I was wrong. The Tigers are close to closing out this division and, if they leave the month of August with a lead of 7 games or more, its over. I know crazy things can happen in September, and the talking heads in the national media say that the Tigers young guns will have to sweat it in Sept, but don't think for a minute that the Tigers will blow a lead like that. Mark it down, 7 game lead or more going into the stretch run of Sept. means the Tigers have the division locked. So, not quite yet...but soon.

2006-08-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

SAYONARA BEN AND SHANNY

One of the many bad things about being away from the blogging table for a while is the fact that you miss out on some timely stories. Well, hopefully, you are all over the departures of Ben Wallace and Brendan Shanahan.

You should be.

But, I understand if you're not, so take all the time you need.

Over it, now? Good.

Look, you can't have loved either or both of the Tigers/Red Wings and not loved both of these guys. But, times change. Who was your best, closeset friend in middle school? O.k., fine. Is he/she still your best friend? See my point? There are very few of you out there raising your hands or nodding yes.

Shanny was the one who put us over the top in '97, something that will endear him for the ages, and he has had a great career with the Wings. But, really, he wanted to go somewhere else for heartfelt reasons that I don't understand, but then I don't have to. Bottom line, we're giving up 30-40 goals during the regular season and 1 goal during the playoffs, based on the last three early exits. Not blaming it on Shanny, of course, but the regular season has not exactly been our problem, guys. Hell, we won the President's Trophy for the sixth time this year-if I'm not mistaken, no other franchise has won it more than twice-and how good does that make you feel? All this nonsense about the Wings being an also ran for the forseeable future-while familiar since we've been hearing it since 1999- should just be chucked into the waste basket with all the other Avalanche loving propaganda. We lost to a Stanley Cup finalist-again-who would have been the champs if they hadn't lost their goalie. With a little more grit, speed, and better goaltending, the Wings have as good chance to raise the Cup as anyone next year...even without Shanny.

And Ben? Well, when a guy is b****** in the first week in December when his team is 18-2, you know something is up. When he's still not happy in the Conference Finals and, despite his total offesive game repetoire of dunks and layups, coupled with that 27% free throw number, thinks that he needs to become more involved in the offense, well you know something is up. When you're holding a team full of offensive talent including two Future Hall of Famers to 90 points a game and you're still losing by 12, and the guy's solution is that "we have to get back to our defensive roots"-as if we are going to beat Miami 78-74 with Wade shooting 30 free throws a game-you know something is up.

What was up? Well, despite his Alabama roots, Afro, and all the other factors some might consciously or unconsciously factor in, I don't think Ben Wallace is dumb. In fact, I think he's fairly smart. He knew that he was going to get a good offer from the Pistons. He also knew that the Pistons were not likely to give him a max contract, hell, they hadn't done that for anyone else. So he does this simmering discontent routine all year, hoping it might entice someone to come in with the big bucks and, somewhat, explain his departure from a team/city that made him famous, offered to make him the highest paid Piston ever, has made four straight Conference Finals appearances and two Finals appearances with one championship in the last three seasons, to go to a team that was 41-41 last year because he wants to "win". Uh, o.k.

Are we worse off without Ben? A little, but not as much as you think or the Detroit hating national media would have you believe. Ben has peaked defensively and Nazr Mohammed is no stiff, he was good enough to be in the Spurs rotation that beat us in the Finals last year, remember. Also, it will be a surprising benefit to have 5 guys on the floor who all shoot over 60% from the line and who the other team will actually guard. This year, when we're off to a 15-5 type start-and we will be-it might just be a little boost that no one is grumbling about the direction of the team.

The Bulls? Well, they're a glamour team, so everyone is going to pretend they are a championship contender. They traded away their young big man who could give them some presence on both ends for P.J. Brown. O.k., when those jump shots aren't falling and the Bulls need some points in the post from P.J. and Ben....well, lets just put it this way. There are going to be a lot of 72-69 games involving the Bulls this year. And, unlike past years, the Bulls will win some of those games against the likes of the Pistons, Heat, Nets, and Cavs.

But, mostly they won't.

The Pistons will win the Central, again, next year. Bank it.

2006-08-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'M GLAD HASEK IS BACK

Now, some of you know that I was a Manny Legace supporter through the stretch and into the playoffs. No doubt about that. I was surprised at how wrong I was as he was inexplicably shaky during the Edmonton series. The Wings did not hesitate in making their decision not to bring him back, which you have to admire.

Of the goalies out there, I blogged earlier that my guy was Giguere. The others did not interest me. I know that Giguere's hip and contract were legit concerns. I wasn't into Eddie Belfour because, frankly, at this point in his career, I'm not convinced he is better than Ozzie, so why not just go with Ozzie and let one of the young guys back him up?

Now to Dominik. As former Avalanche/Thrasher coach Bob Hartley told me in the Atlanta airport in the summer of '03 (true story) "He's a great player, but he's a strange guy." You know what? That's true, but I still think he is the best goalie I have ever seen, if one of the more enigmatic. I always felt that if he was Canadian born, the hype on this guy would have been second only to Gretzky. Some of you probably still have a bad taste about the whole retirement thing. I feel you. But, so what?

Look, this guy was in the mix for his seventh Vezina this year before he got hurt. This year. And, there is no questioning that he can steal a Series, or two.
If he gets hurt, we still have Ozzie, who has won a Cup and is every bit as good (or better) as Gerber, Aebischer, Biron or any of the other guys out there who were realistic possibilities.

Worse case scenario? If they both get hurt, we've still got some room under the cap to make a move.
Nice work, Kenny Holland.

2006-08-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

Well, its been a while, but I assure you that I have been following this magical season just as closely as any of you have. Its good to be back from the road and to share a few thoughts:

NOT TRADING OUR YOUNG PITCHING

Ezcellent move. I never bought into the "we need one more big bat" theory, mainly because I thought that was borne more out of our lack of a "superstar" than anything else. (Think about it, you here anyone saying Oakland or Minnesota or Toronto needed that big bat?) Next, the two names of Soriano and Abreu didn't do much for me. Abreu, simply, is a good player who is overrated in my view. He will fit in well in New York since they don't need him to be the man. No way is he worth a front line young pitcher or a Sanchez from the farm.
Soriano? Ah, now there is a legitimate great player. He might have been worth either Sanchez or Maybrin...except for the fact that he would have only been in Tigertown until the end of the year. Look for Soriano to be back in NYC next year, playing second if he wants, particularly if the Yanks don't win the Series.

THE RETURN OF DIMITRI YOUNG

This is kind of related to the other topic, but I said all of the time that we had a good left handed bat on the team, and Dimitri has really showed well since he's been back. 5 homeers in 9 games isn't too bad, huh? Its easy to forget that this guy is a .300 career hitter. The addition of Casey helps in that it is two solid bats from the left side against righties.

THE RETURN OF MAROTH

In all the euphoria of the summer, and rightly so, this story may have flown under the headlines, so to speak. But its big. This guy, if he can get back in time to find his grove, helps us immensely. Taking nothing away from Zach Miner, but I feel better going into playoff time with Mike in the rotation...if he is healthy.

2006-07-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

Well, its been a few days, hope everyone is enjoying summer, vacations, cookouts, and our Tigers having a summer for the ages. I don't think it would have been possible to predict or expect that the young guns: Zumaya, Verlander, & Granderson would come through so solidly and with such consistency. I probably should include Roberston and, of course, Bonderman as young guns, though they have been around so long its easy to forget how young they still are.

I said on this blog a couple of months back that this was a key, along with staying healthy and some of the older players coming back into form. Again, what more could we ask of Pudge, Guillen, Rogers, Monroe, etc? Marcus Thames has to be one of the most pleasant surprises in all of baseball.

If I sound giddy, its because I am, and we all really need this, particularly with the bitter taste of the Wings and Pistons so fresh in our mouths. Make no mistake, though, the Chisox will be there all summer and I still think the smart money has to be on the them to win the division. Also, reports of the death of the Twins, as we have seen, were greatly exaggerated. I still think its a race to the wild card between the Yanks and our Tiges, but lets enjoy being on top for as long as it lasts. You know what, every day I'm begining to think it just might last into September.
A sweep of Seattle going into the break sure would be nice, wouldn't it?

2006-06-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

You have a team go through a tough stretch entering late spring were they lose 8 of 10 and get pasted by the team they will be fighting it out with for the division. So, how do they respond? By winning 11 of the next 13 and so, far, really cleaning up on the interleague portion of the schedule, sweeping the Cubs, 2 out of 3 in Milwaukee, good opening win over the Cardinals, who I still think might be the best team in baseball when all the pieces are healthy.

Sounds like an upper level club to me, how 'bout you? The next five against the Cards and Astros are important, of course, to keep this nice little run going. It seems to me that winning one more against St. Louis and taking two from Houston would do the trick. Look, there is no way around it, the Tigers are going to have to play at or near this level for the rest of the season because the White Sox are a 100 win team, guaranteed.

I've always liked the wildcard, this year, I think its a beautiful thing. The only better news for the Tigers right now is that Maroth's recovery seems to be on schedule, we will need him down the stretch.

2006-06-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

RED WINGS THINGS...

Well, Luongo is off the market and I can't say that I'm sorry that he isn't coming to Hockeytown, we just would have to have given up too much to get this guy and, no matter what, you have to look at the fact that he has not ever played in the playoffs, which is what this is all about.

Giguere is still my guy, as many of you know, I don't have concerns about his hip. He's still young, and I think people might be amazed at how much looser that hip might be when he has the kind of team in front of him that he would in Detroit. You can get this guy for a lot less than he would have commanded at any other time, the coach is familiar with him, there is no question he is an upgrade. And, we've got a quality backup who is a proven, Cup winning goalie who can give you 30-40 starts if you need them. Personally, I'm not convinced the Wings don't quietly think going into next year with Ozzie as number 1 is the worst option in the world. Guys like Biron, Gerber, Raycroft...what do they really bring to the table? Are eiher of them really bettert than Manny, or have more playoff success than Ozzie? What would the point be?

These next few days will be interesting.

2006-06-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAS OFFICIALLY...

started. How, you might ask? Well, the preseason publications are on the shelf, of course, even as we enter the dog days of summer, with the crisp, cool fall air seemingly a long ways away.

Not. Its on, people, and your beloved Wolverines are ranked around 14, depending on which publicaction you follow. Almost none have the Wolves winning the Big Eleven, but most forecast a better season than last year, though it would be hard to be worse. The darlings of the conference, as always, are the Buckeyes, who are picked almost consensusually to win the conference.

Only the Bucks could lose an entire side of the ball to the NFL, plus one of their biggest offensive playmakers to the NFL (well, assuming Santonio Holmes can stay out on bail long enough to play for the Steelers....on the other hand, he's only been arrested twice since the NFL draft, about par for the course for your average Buckeye stud)and have the whole world think they are actually going to achieve something they didn't the year before and haven't done in the last 22 seasons: win the conference outright.

As for me, I call it 9-3 for the Wolves. Most "experts" have them losing to ND, Penn State, and "America's school", tOSU (the Ohio State University). Me? I think they will one of those for sure, think they should win two, and wouldn't be surprised if they won all three, all on the road. Most likely win of the Big 3 road games? Notre Dame. Most likely loss of the Big 3 road games? Penn State.

Big Eleven champ? Penn State.

So, why am I not forecasting an 11-1 season? Mainly b/c its UM and the LCF (Lloyd Carr Factor). So, you know there are at least two losses out there to teams the Wolves should beat. Look for 2 losses out of this group: MSU, Iowa, Wisconsin.

9-3 and back to a New Year's Day bowl. Mark it down, you heard it here first.

2006-06-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

PISTONS' TOP FREE AGENT TARGET?

Well, that's a little bit of a trick question, b/c I'm not talking about a player here. Of course, if I was, then my answer would be Grant Hill, assuming Orlando buys him out and makes him a free agent, if not, then Bonzi Wells. No, who I'm talking about is our old pal Larry "I've Been Eveywhere, Man" Brown, who was just fired today by the New York Knicks. Yes, I predicted that in this blog a couple of months back, but that call was about as difficult as saying the sun will rise in the East tomorrow.

Now, I know all the baggage that Larry carries, slightly more than if the country of Swtizerland was to collectively pack for a two week trip. Yes, I know that our coach just won 64 games and took the team to the conference Finals, not exactly an embarassment. Yes, I know that it would mean firing Flip, which would be the fourth coaching change in six years for this franchise, and the third time a coach was sent packing right after having a season that 95% of the rest of the NBA would kill for. Yes, I know it would mean admitting a mitake (letting Brown force us to fire him), something that pro sports teams, like goverments, generally only do 80-110 years after the fact.

And, yes, I was one of those in the Pistons Nation who, while loving Lar, was echoing the words "Don't let the door hit you in the a** on the way out", one year ago today.
But, times change.

Ask yourself one question, do you really think-setting aside all of the BS and melodrama that surely would have been here-that we would be sitting here today, watching two teams who aren't as good as us play for the title and one whom we really don't like, celeabrate a championship if Larry was still here? You're dang right we wouldn't.

If you don't think that the biggest reason the Heat won isn't Pat Riley's restructuring of the team and his taking over on the bench, you're nuts. Sure, it shouldn't have happened, but it did. Things sometimes happen when you have a great coach. Don't believe me? Ask a Lakers fan if he/she really thinks the Pistons were the superior club in '04.(I know the Lakers had a top coach, too. But when two top guys meet, one has to lose, which is what we just saw this week. The key is, the best guys have a way of getting there)

I know there are 9,547 damn good reasons not to bring Brown back, but ask yourself one question: no matter how much you disliked the way Brown went out or how much you loved this season up until the middle of May, do you think the Pistons have a better shot at capturing a title next year with Brown or with Flip?

You're right. Its not even close. Phil, Kobe, & Jerry Buss kissed and made up, the Lakers had a better season than most expected and the baggage there was even more , and more public, than the baggage here.

Bring him back!

2006-06-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

THE NEXT RED WING GOALIE...

is the question on the minds of most in the Red Wing Nation, next to is Stevie Y coming back(?). (On that note, the feeling here is that, surprisingly, yes, I think we will see Mr. Red Wing for another year) There is no question that some of us, particularly me, were wrong about Manny. For whatever reason, he's not the guy and won't ever be the guy here. (Look for him to end up in Toronto) Ozzie is the backup, but we've got one or two more Cup runs to make before Jimmy Howard takes over, so whom to pursue in the open market?

Well, you all have heard the names kicked around, so there is no need to repeat that here, other than to say you can forget about Roloson being available. I'm not as high on Luongo as some seem to be, yes he is a great talent, but he hasn't done it in the playoffs and when you get right down to it, you can say the same thing about Manny. Gerber and Aeisbescher do nothing for me, either. Good goalies to be sure, not convinced they are any better than Manny...or Ozzie for that matter. Khabibulin (sic) has that nightmare contract and never was as good as people said, no way to trade for him, sign Niklas and Shanny, and pick up another winger.

J.S. Giguere is my guy. I know he hasn't been as unwordly since '03 when he single- handedly took the Ducks to the Finals, but he's been damn good and there is no question that he can steal a series...or two. Anaheim can't afford both him and the new kid, so he'll be available. He's the man. So, please Messrs. Illitch and Holland, bring the next Cup winning goalie to Hockeytown.

2006-06-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK....

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, we have a playoff race. Legit, and there is no looking back. Those of you have read Tiger posts on this blog before know that I have been cautiously optimistic, but the way the team has rebounded from that tough stretch has convinced me that this is, indeed, one of the best teams in the majors this year and I think its now safe for we Tiger fans to expect a playoff run into September. Yes, coming into the season, many of you, like me, would have been very satisfied with a better than .500 season in the tough AL, but things change folks and, for once, its seems that the little white ball is bouncing our way.

In a year when we have seen our two most reliable and championship level teams disappoint us bitterly after posting sublime regular seasons, it would be the perfect antidote to our collective blues to celebrate a Tiger playoff, something many of us were beginning to think we might never see again.

Perchance to dream? Maybe, but this is real, the Tigers are going to the playoffs. Look for them to be the wildcard team, edging out the Bosox for the final berth.

2006-06-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

REDWING THINGS...

Yes, I told you that I believed in Manny and, yes, I was wrong. This is only the third time in my life that I have been wrong about anything (the other two: Huckleby for the Heisman in '76 and saying 'I do" to my first marriage). The Wings have now cut ties with Manny and I do understand why they had to do it, I'm just sorry to see it happen. I can't help but think that, if he hadn't been second fiddle for so long so the playoff concerns didn't fester for years, maybe it would have turned out differently.

There is no doubt that Manny was not the goalie in the playoffs that he was in the regular season, when his numbers put him in there with the best of the best. We know he can do it, but he just didn't, and we can't really have him back there if there is a better alternative. Clearly, the team feels, in a worst case scenario, that Ozzie is a better playoff goalie than Manny. its funny, but I agree, even though I think Manny is a better goalie overall. Probably because Ozzie, while not an upper echelon goalie, has played some good goalie in the playoffs and has had success. So, we know he can do it, we just don't know that about Manny.

I will go to the grave thinking that if we had given Manny the reigns in '03 rather than bringng in Cujo, things would have been different. But, we didn't and they aren't.

I don't see how anyone can wish Manny anything but the best no matter where he lands-someone will be licking their chops to get him- and, no, Datsyuk for Luongo would not make me happy. Not at all.

2006-06-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

Getting two out of three in Toronto and then coming home to face the D-Rays is just what the doctor ordered...when it was all said and done, the Tigers were 7-9 in their big stretch against some of the best of the AL and still retain the best record in baseball. Unbelievable when you really think about it, isn't it?

But, make no mistake, getting a healthy (mentally and physically) Dimitri Young back at some point will be key, though that looks less likely with every arrest warrant that is issued. I do think the bullpen will come around, and it really has to if this team is going to contend down the stretch. Look, the Tigers have proven that they can win games all kinds of ways, and every day that calendar flips with them near or at the top of the standings is another straw on the pennant race fire. True baseball fans know the adage of who is in first on July 4th, and the 4th is just around the corner.

Could it be, that in this most disappointing of all years to Motown fans, that the team that we expected the least from, is the one that makes it a special year?

2006-06-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: NOW ITS TIME TO WORRY

The two week swoon of the Detroit Tigers is, and has been, troubling, but we can no longer minimize the fact that it has coincided with the toughest stretch of schedule so far this year and what that means for this team that should contend in the Central.

Yes, its only June, and early June at that, but there is definitely an effect you cannot seem to beat your chief competitor for the division. Winless against the Sox for the year, after losing home series against the Yankees and Red Sox. The failure to hit with runners in scoring position and to close out games from the bullpen are the two most glaring weaknesses. But, it all comes down to finding a way to get the win and, recently, the Tigers have done that.

If there is such a thing as a must win in June, tonight's game against the White Sox would fit that bill. Its time to stop this slide.

2006-06-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

Well, the recent homestand did not go as well as we would have liked, plus the news on Maroth over the week is downer. But, this is exactly the type of thing that I was thinking of when I said at the beginnng of the season that the AL was so tough. On a long season, you are going to have some losing streaks, particularly after such a good stretch of winning and given the caliber of teams the Tigers are playing. No excuses, but these things are going to happen. The important thing, as I have said before, is that this thing not go off into a real tailspin. Fortunately, the Tigers losing 6 of 8 hasn't had the negative effect that it could have it the ChiSox had been tearing it up. Of course, what has happened only makes the upcoming series with Chicago even more important. The Tigers have to get their groove back and start hitting again in key situations...not that easy when you are facing quality pitching. But, don't despair, Leyland will get this thing righted quickly.

2006-06-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

TALKING ABOUT THE NBA FINALS...

This is going to be an interesting Finals for me, because I have strong reasons to both strongly want and strongly not want both of these teams to win. On the Heat side, I am a big fan of Pat Riley, and would love to see him win another title with the third team he has taken there in his career.Also, I don't see how anyone who has a heart and appreciates hoops could not want 'Zo to get a ring. On the Dallas side, I like Nowitzki, Stack, and Avery Johnson. I also admire Cuban, but I have a problem with some of his comments in '04 after the Pistons won it, talking about how "lucky" we were that everyone we played had people hurt. Funny, didn't hear a word out of big D about Duncan and Ginobli being less than 100% so they felt guilty about advancing. As for negatives for a Heat win, they are so obvious they don't need listing here. We will all be subjected to the "Shaq Daddy" nonsense and people will be trying to make Miami seem like its actually a serious basketball city thirsty for a champion, yada, yada, yada.

Look, its not just about who beat the Pistons, if the team had lost to the Nets or the Cavs, you can bet your bottom dollar thats who I would be pulling for in the Finals. In fact, if the Suns has gotten through, I might even be neutral with them against the Heat. (Nothing against the Suns, I just think when you look at MVP awards, GM of the Year, and Coach of the Year over the last few years, I think its fair to say that the Suns are slightly overrated, being the only organization over the last four years to have a member capture each of these awards, despite not having appeared in the Finals in a decade)

Looking at it as objectively as I can, I don't see a way for the Heat to win, unless Dallas pulls a Pistons and shoots 33% from the floor and 60% from the line in this series. Dallas has more depth, and the slight edge that Miami has in coaching won't be as near as pronounced as it was in the Detroit series. Both these teams have beaten recent champs to get here, the difference being Dallas beat a recent champ who was actually playing as well as it could.

The key players for Dallas are Dampier and Diop, any consistent contributions from them put the Mavs over the top. For the Heat, they need someone like Jason Williams or Antoine Walker to play well for the duration of the series. They are not going to win by scoring 90 points in this series, their defense will be exposed by the Mavs. If Riley can slow the game down enough to make it lower scoring and put the ball in Wade's hands at the end, the Heat could steal the series.

I don't see it happening.

Mavs in six.

2006-06-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

LIONS SIGN G ROSS VERBA...

and this is a very, very good signing for the Lions. There was definitely a hole at G opposite of Woody and this guy can fill it. The word on the street is that is not all there upstairs, in the crazy sense, not lack of mental ability. I heard that, during his workout with the Cowboys a few weeks back, Coach Parcells plain thought Verba was nuts.

Whats important is that the team realized that they could not go into the season with DeMulling or someone like that at G. The O-line was, aside from QB, the weakest part of the team and they have done some things to shore it up, both in the draft and with this signing.

Nice work, guys.

2006-06-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

PISTONS KISS OF DEATH?

Veteran Free Press sports columnnist and inveterate pessimistic naysayer Drew Sharp has conferred his kiss of death on the Pistons for tonight's game, effectively picking them to win tonight. Of course, in typical Drew fashion, he doesn't come right and say the Pistons will win, instead hiding behind the irrelevant premise that this current edition of the Pistons is 8-0 in Game 6s over the past few years. He writes the column in such a way as to leave plenty of room for one of his nasty, apocalyptic "heads should role because of this mess" rants for which he is so well known.

As for moi ? Well, anyone who knows me or has read this blog at all knows I love the Pistons and, if they have to lose, I would rather shinny over a barbed wire fence nude than have to see them lose to the Heat, since that means the inundating of Shaq worship/Kobe bashing- which was fine the first million times I heard it, but then came the second day after Shaq was traded- and glamour boy Dwayne Wade getting an even bigger platform to air his dislike of Detroit.

but, in all honesty, I just feel this is the Heat's game. They know this is their shot to go to the Finals, where they will lose to Dallas and be able to blame it on someone being gimpy, or possibly old reliable-Shaq didn't get the ball enough.

I expect the Pistons to come out with energy, but there is so much against them, and make no mistake, outside of we Pistons fans, no one wants to see the Pistons go to the Finals again. Read into that what you will.

This series was screwed up and lost by the blase approach in Game 1, and the failure to capture the necessary game in Miami in 3 or 4.

I sure hope I', wrong, but I don't think I am.

2006-06-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

NOW, THE HEAT IS REALLY ON....

for Friday's game in Miami. Lat night, the Pistons did just what they had to do, with a convincing, if offensively ugly, win over the Heat. There was some energy there, and a full 48 minutes, something we have not seen before in this series. Having said that, its still perplexing to look and see Rip and Chauncey shooting about 33% each, but the Prince of the Palace, McDyess, and Ben helped out a lot. Helped out? Tayshaun Prince has been our best player in the playoffs. Period.

The keys to Fridays game are pretty simple. For all the talk about how much the Heat would love to celebrate on the Palace floor, like the Pistons did last year, you have to think that they, and their fans, damn well feel that they need to win this thing in Game 6. Obviously, the crowd will be pumped, but this is not like playing in Indiana or Sacramento, someplace that, in and of itself, is even more difficult to win. The Heat have lost a game at home in each round of the playoffs so the veneer of home court invincibility, like that of the Pistons, should be gone.

Obviously, it will be key to start well. With all due respect to Mr. Wade, there is more pressure on the Heat, and they know it. Yes, the Pistons are the defending Eastern Conference champs, but lets not forget the fashionable preseason favorites for the past two seasons, the team built to "win it all this year". And, most importantly, when you are up 3-1, you become the favorite. Period. I would like to see us stay aggressive offensively and get to the basket. Of course, if either Chauncey or Rip, not to mention both, drain some shots, it will be a good thing. If 'Sheed can push through that ankle and come up big, we should be in decent shape.

look, if you are a betting person, you have to favor the Heat. The Pistons have just been too inconsistent and the chance to knock them off in an elimination game at home really should be more than enough for Miami, who has outplayed the Pistons in this series. This is the most important game for this organization since Game 6 in New Jersey in '04, a relatively forgotten win that, if it had gone the other way, would have changed the course of this franchise. There is not as much at stake here, because anyone can see that, no matter what, the roster as currently configured, including the coaching staff, is sure to change no matter how the season ends. But, its big.

2006-05-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

THE COMING HEAT DYNASTY...

is upon us, and gleefully so, for all those scribes who predicted it, after Game 5, and just hope that some of us will forget that some of these same guys (correctly) predicted that the Heat would struggle with the Bulls.

Yes, I foresee great things for the Heat, with their youth as embodied by spring chickens Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, and so forth, not to mention the ageless Shaq, wh looks like his old self. I predict that, after the Heat wrap up this series against the Pistons, the over/under for the "They would have won last year, too, if..." crap to start at 5 seconds. The inane columns about how its great for the league for the Finals not to be in barren, crime riddled, Detroit will spew forth, befitting authors whose literary skills have landed them a sports editorial column in the Bradenton Times after only 30 years in the business.

So, its probably just sour grapes on my part (I admitted it, Dwayne!!), but I think the Heat will continue this run for the ages to a champtionship this June and beyond.

Provided, of course, that they keep playing teams with no interior game and/or who shoot 35% from the floor and 60% from the line.

2006-05-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK: THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT...

when I said that one key for the season would be to stay away from prolonged losing streaks and, though I know it is just three games, after winning 8 in a row, the message is still the same. These next few games are very important, not just because the spotlight of the baseball world is on Detroit for the first time since Steven Seagal was still money at the box office, but to stay away from those dastardly 6, 7 game losing streaks that have a way of turning into 15 of 18, and so forth.

Those of you who are Tiger's fans know what I'm talking about, you have seen a lot of it over the last decade and,no, you are not going to see a similar meltdown that is fast becoming characteristic of all of our local teams, but in terms of a playoff race, which is what this team aspires to in September, the next few games are real important. Win 2 of the next three and, suddenly, you've won 10 of the last 16, nothing wrong with that.

2006-05-30T04:04:00.000-07:00

PISTONS FANS: SOMETIMES ITS HARDEST TO SEE...

things that are staring us closest in the face. What we are seeing is the collapse of the team that we thought we had, the implosion of all of that "chemistry", the "going to work" bunch being consistently outworked, and the legitimate reemergence of all of those questions about Flip Saunder's playoff coaching abilities.

Before we go off on talking about how good the Miami Heat are, realize that it was the Cavs who showed us everything we needed to know, but could not bare to accept. Frankly, a compelling argument can be made that a Cavs team with Larry Hughes all series might have beaten the Pistons. Further, sometimes things become clear only in hindsight. Go back to the Milwaukee series and the 20 point loss in Game 3. To lose one is no problem, but by 20? This should have told us that the intense focus that we've heard about all year was not there, or at least that the Pistons believe they can dial it up whenever they want to do so.

What makes this so hard to accept is the fact that it came so quickly. You'll hear all kinds of things about how the drive for the best record "tired" the team, but this isn't the NHL, where the best record gets to and wins the Cup about once in every five . Top records getting to and winning the Finals are the rule, not the exception.

I was just as fooled as most, thinking until very recently that the Pistons could snap out of this funk, although I must say that I did not expect them to recover from the Game 5 home loss to the Cavs.

Look, the problem is offense and has been for the last 9 games, over which the Pistons are 3-6 and averaging about 80 points a game. I think there is a major problem with confidence. Even the pretty good performance in Game 2 was minimnized by the fact that the Heat basically erased a double digit deficit in about 2 minutes.

A blind man can see that there is a big problem between the players and Flip, who has been outcoached, in my opinion, consistently since the Milwaukee series. In fairness to Flip, however, there is not a single Piston who has played well consistently in the playoffs. Not one.

Big Ben can chafe all he wants about the lack of defensive focus..and he's right, the D is not what it used to be, but is good enough to win these games. You're not going to hold teams under 70 unless they have only one legit consistent scoring threat, like the Cavs in game 7. The question then becomes, where was that defense for 6 games and, of course, the fact that the team could not crack 80 in a home court, "blowout" win over a team not known for its defense.

Go way, way, back in time...like, 3 and 1/2 weeks ago when the Pistons were still the best team in the league. Get the record sheet out before Game 3 of the Cavs series, when the Pistons combined regular season and playoff record was 70-19. Go back over all of those 70 wins, erase the Pistons point total, and put in "80", the number they have averaged since that time. What's the record now? I don't know, but I can tell you this, the Pistons are not a playoff team.

And don't give me anything that suggests that, overnight, the Cavs and Heat have become great defensive teams, the Heat will be exposed in the Finals against Dallas on the defensive end. Did both of those teams want it more than the Pistons? Absolutely.

Sometimes in sports, it doesn't get more complicated than that.

2006-05-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT, FLIP CAN EARN HIS MONEY...

Not that he hasn't up until now, but this is a game where Flip Saunders can really take that step (in the minds of the national media and fans) from being thought of as a nice coach to one of the real good ones. Look, this is tough for the Pistons and some of the guys are hurting. But, that is always the case in the playoffs (remeber, 'Sheed was gimpy all through the playoffs in '04), its just that it only seems to matter to the most fans and media if the team that has some dings has Shaq on it.

Its clear the Pistons have not played well for a while and, yes, any team can go on a streak, one way or another. Remember, the Heat that now look so formidable were, just three and a half weeks ago, in a tussle with Chicago that more than one prognosticator thought they might lose. This thing can be turned around, but the Pistons have to score more, and have to get everyone involved.

Flip has to figure out a way to either adjust or light a fire under the guys, preferably both.

I think he can do it. Now, lets see if he does.

2006-05-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

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Every once in a while, a team is going to run into a great pitcher, or, at least, a pitcher who pitches great against them and that is what happened to the Tigers today. When Randy Johnson has it, you are not going to beat him unless you're real lucky.

The law of averages dictates that the Tigers will slow down, the key will be to be able to stop the bleeding quickly, as they say. What I mean is to not let little two or three game skids become 6 or 7, or 9 losses out of 10. As long as the Tigers do that, they will be fine and remain in the Central race until the end.

2006-05-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

IF THE PISTONS MELTDOWN AND NEW HABIT OF...
only scoring 85 points while playing average defense-unless its an elimination game-continues, the team will be eliminated by the Heat and do not be surprised if Joe D shakes up the roster. There are already grumblings about Big Ben, and I can see Joe D not giving him a max contract, if that is what it comes down to.

I already predicted earlier in this blog that you will see (Grant Hill, anyone?) someone brought in to come off the bench and be able to score with some consistency. I wouldn't even say Flip would be entirely safe, but resist all temptation to even think that LB would be considered. But, I don't think Joe D would stand pat in the event of the Pistons not winning the title...in fact, I don't think he will stand pat even if they do win it, which seems a hell of a lot less likely to me today than it did just two short weeks ago. Its amazing how quickly things change.

To me, tomorrow's game is almost an elimination game for Detroit. Right now, its hard to see us beating anyone three games in a row. It will be interesting to see how the Pistons come out, and whether or not they can put together a sustained effort and get a decent game from all 5 of the starters for the first time in about 7 games. I don't know. The beautiful people that are South Florida will be out in force, back on that bandwagon, and the place will be so frenzied that even Santonio Holmes might seem a little subdued.

It was good to see Chauncey bounce back, but its just the way the Pistons have been going that they would get 5 points combined from their Center and Small Forward. We can't win this without Tay and, before you go giving the Heat all the credit for stopping him, look at the score sheet and realize he only took seven shots. Not going to get it done. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Pistons have to score in the mid 90's, at least, to win this series. Let's see what happens tomorrow.

2006-05-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

THE LIONS CUT BIG DADDY WILKINSON...
and what that means to you as a Lions fan is that, at least on the surface, Coach Marinelli seems to be serious about the hard work and competition theme that has been sounded since his hiring.

Not that Big Daddy was lazy, but as a 12 year vet, you can understand his not wanting to go through a hellacious preseason camp...well, to a point. I'm not sure I buy the retirement thing. I'm sure it has crossed his mind, but what I think of when I was following this story over the last few weeks was the old ploy of Lomas Brown when he was with the Lions. You know, he would hold out every year for a new contract, the Lions wouldn't budge and about a week before the season Lo would come in for the same money, and the team would waive the fines. After about three years of this, it occurred to me that the real issue was that Lo did not want to do camp. I think you will see Big Daddy playing somewhere this fall.

2006-05-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

PISTONS CHATTER...WHINING WADE

So the most tired wail in pro sports (having recently passed baseball's "its hard to compete in a small market" ) is the, "we don't get the credit/respect we deserve from the other team". The latest victim of this gross indignity is Dwayne Wade, who apparently thinks the Pistons should be going on and on about how wonderful the Heat are, having reached the unbelievable heights of being 1-1 in a playoff series. Poor Dwayne. Its just not fair. The Pistons never give his team any credit. And when you think about it, thats all that matters: forget the thousands of adoring fans in Florida, the 6 figure after taxes take home pay every month, the accolades from the national media, the recognition as one of the "beautiful" people by People magazine...throw all that tripe away. What Dwayne really wants-what he so desperately needs-is the unconditional admiration from the Detroit Pistons whenever the Heat vanguish them, a feat that the mighty Heat have already pulled off twice in six tries this year.

Lest anyone reading this think that I'm being sarcastic ( I wouldn't do that, Dwayne, I respect you, I swear I do!!!) I want to point out to all Pistons fans how Dwayne has a point (see, Dwayne, if I didn't agree with everything you say I wouldn't be giving you your props would I? I'd just be a free man in a free country expressing his desire to see your team get its a** kicked. Now that would be disrespectful, and everyone, except those evil Pistons, knows its all about giving you and the rest of graceful Heat all the credit/respect you want! er, I mean deserve), after all, we were all almost swamped last year with the Heat, led by magnanimous Dwayne and their head coach, giving non stop testament to the Pistons beating them on their home court in Game 7 simply because Detroit was better.

I mean, we never heard one word from South Beach about how things might have been different if only Dwayne and the "most dominating physical presence the league has ever seen" hadn't been gimpy, did we?

Dwayne, you've got a point here. I think you are changing the hearts of people everywhere. The Heat aren't getting the respect they deserve. Never in the history of the NBA has a team that has never once been to the Finals, finished a mere 12 games back in the conference they were almost unanimously picked to win, and won 1/3 of its games against its chief rival been so dismissed so many. How dare anyone, especially the Pistons themselves, think that Detroit can beat you, Dwayne! I'm as full of indignation as you are. I think your team will win tonight, but I still think you will lose in seven. And when you do, I will be right there with you complaining about the team that just beat your butt...again.

I feel you, Dwayne. I'm with you, 'bro.

*Note to blog readers: I have to confess. I was being sarcastic.

2006-05-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK...

There is no way to say it other than the fact that we are witnessing the best stretch of baseball that we have seen in this town for twenty years...and I fully expect the good things to continue. No,the Tigers will not continue at their current pace and win 111 games, or whatever they are currently "on pace" to do. Yes, they will be a factor and I do believe 90 wins is more than doable. I am still going to hang on to my prediction of the ChiSox in the Central, and I sill expect the Twins and Indians to make runs. But, I now think (or is it the fan in me talking?) that the Tigers have put enough of a cushion between those teams and have shown the necessary pitching to stave them off.

Folks, if the Tigers play .500 ball from here on out, they still win 91 games, which I don't think will be emough to win the Central, but, this year, might put someone in play for the wildcard because I don't see both New York and Boston winning more than 91 or 92 games (wildcard: Roger Clemens going to either team or, around July, the Yanks bringing in some stud whose team is out of it...Tori Hunter/Dontrelle Willis, anyone?)and the second place team in the West isn't going to win more than 90 after their collective slow starts.

Look for Dombrowski to make a move this summer, either for pitching help (as good as its been, our guys are either young, or in the case, of Kenny Rogers-whose been wonderful-but you know he's going to fade) or a left handed bat, particularly if the Dimitri Young situation doesn't come around.

Just keep doing what you're doing, guys.

2006-05-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

PISTON POINTS...

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Its good to be heading down to South Beach 1-1- instead of down 2-0, which I felt was a distinct possibility after Game 1. My biggest concern, as I have expressed here before, is the sudden disappearance of offense and our inability to hit shots. It seems funny to say it about the Pistons whose reputation and success was built on defense, but I think the key is scoring 90-100 points in this series. I think that the Pistons chances of winning go up exponentially with every point over 90 that they score. I think that the defense can hold a good offensive team like Miami to around 90, but there is no reason the Pistons should score less than that as the Heat feature two upper level defenders, Wade and Mourning, and a host of players who are no longer/never were interested in playing D.

The Pistons have to continue to move the ball and, here is a real point, play hard for four quarters. Its more than obvious that the Pistons plain think they are better than the Heat, and can turn it on and beat them when they really have to. I think the Pistons are better, but this sudden cockiness that almost cost us the Cleveland series is not a good thing. For the past few years, the Pistons have always seemed to play better when the underdogs or not getting the hype of some other team. Well, you know what? With the Spurs out, the Pistons can be argued to be the marquee team left, as few really thought Miami, with its struggles this season, would get by Detroit.

It could happen, but it does not have to. Undoubtedly, we need to get more from the bench in the way of points and keep Ben involved at the offensive end. They have no answer for Tay and Rasheed,but to me, the key is the guards. If Chauncey and Rip both score near 20 points, there really isn't a way for the Pistons to lose to this team.

Game 3 will be big, of course. I think a Pistons victory in either game puts Detroit in a good position, but to do it in the first one in Miami would be a huge nail in the coffin.

2006-05-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

TIGERS BEAT THE ROYALS...AGAIN, AND DO

you now what I think of first? No,not the fact that I said in this blog at the beginning of the year that it was paramount that the Tigers play very, very well against the doormats of the American League, such as K.C. And, its not the fact that the Tigers still have the best record in the majors. (Although that is very, very hard not to think about)

What I think about is how sad it is that a very proud franchise like the Royals has become such a joke. No, its not just because I spent a few years in the Kansas City area, although that is undoubtedly part of it. I realize that this organization, along with your own Detroit Tigers, were the two winningest, as well as among the classiest, organizations in baseball during the 1980's, not as long ago as you young pups think it is.

We all know what we Tigers fans have gone through for a decade, so no description is necessary. Like Detroit, Kansas City has excellent fans, and a proud baseball tradition that long predates the Royals. Now, imagine if the Detroit metro area were roughly one-fifth the size that it is and that there were no Pistons or Red Wings.

Wow. Kind of takes your breath away, doesn't it? Ten years of futile baseball just got even worse. The biggest thing is the fact that, not only are the Royals not a good team (again), but that there does not seem to be much of a prospect for them getting better or even competitive.

Now, I'm not going to degenerate into the "big market"/"small market" crap that has been tossed around so much in baseball for years. Minnesota, Oakland, and St. Louis ( a city that, 100 years ago, was one of the largest in the world and now isn't in the top 50 in this country alone) seem to be able to field competitive ball clubs. There is something to the market area, but its not everything, or even the most important thing.

What, did Detroit suddenly quadruple in size to be able to, at least this far, compete in baseball with Chicago and New York? Nonsense. Its about the organization and, for whatever reasons, the plight of the Kansas City Royals-an unbelievable 20+ games out in May-makes me a little sad for the sport.

2006-05-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

LARRY BROWN OUT IN THE BIG APPLE?

Readers of this blog will know that I stated weeks ago not to be surprised if Larry Brown ended up coaching the Warriors or Kings next year...and it looks like he is not going to be coaching the Knicks, his heretofore "dream job".

When the disaster that was the Knicks this year began to unfold, savvy Brown watchers could have read this one with their eyes closed. Look, there is no question Brown is a great coach, but the pattern is there. The job he wants is always the one he does not have. If there were any doubts about that, they should have been erased last year, when he basically forced himself out of a job with a relatively young team with no prima donnas who was trying to win a second consecutive title and is set up to at least challenge for the title for a few more years. In fact, he couldn't even wait for the playoffs to conclude before he started his act.

And, of course, you will hear the "I got fired" act from Brown and his people, just like you did last year. There is no doubt its a mess in NY and its not near all Brown's fault, but this is what he wanted, and he had to know what he was getting into.

Weep not for the man who, when it is all said and done, will pocket close to 50 million over the last two years not to coach two basketball teams for the duration of his contract.

2006-05-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

WHEW PISTONS! THAT WAS CLOSE...

and, yes, I predicted four days ago in this blog that the Cavs would win this series and I was wrong, and I'm glad I was wrong. But, I saw something in this series that I did not see before in the Pistons: an artificial swagger and overconfidence better suited for the Miami Heat and a propensity to not want to get "dirty", do to speak, better suited for the Phoenix Suns in playoff time.

To be sure, with the exception of Tayhsaun Prince and Rip Hamilton, there is not a single Piston, I'm including the coach, who can honestly be said to have had a good series, although I am not ignoring how huge Rasheed, 'Dice, and Lindsey came up at times. However, I think you need to recognize Cleveland here. Sure, the Pistons playing well all series would have made this the four or five game series it should have been, but the Cavs have a lot to say about that.

Resist all temptation to minimize what LeBron James did in this series or to fall into the mindless, Michael Jordan-worshipping blather that compares this to the Bulls early struggles in the playoffs against the Pistons. LBJ took this team on his back at an age that the God-like MJ was a rookie leading his Bulls to 30 wins. No matter what the "experts" and Jordan-worshippers try to tell you, you have just witnesses the greatest performance of a young player in NBA history, rivaled only by Magic Johnson's game performance in the '80 Finals. LeBron James will win an NBA championship one day, and I'm hoping that when he does, its with Cleveland. And, he just might not need the presence of another Hall of Famer and the aging and/or implosion of other top contenders to do so.

Now, the Heat. Ah yes, our friends in South Florida who get more hype for having accomplished less than any other team in the history of the NBA. Fret not the inevitable chatter that ESPN's favorite team is now the "favorite" in the clash with the Pistons, or that the Pistons will be "tired" from the struggle with the Cavs.

The key to the series for the Heat will be the perfomances of their big 3: Wade, Mourning, and Pat Riley. Yes, I left off you-know-who because he is, at best, the fourth factor Pistons fans have to worry about. 'Zo gives them energy and a defensive presence that they would not otherwise have and, if he gets involved offensively, it will spell trouble for the Pistons. Wade is, at worst, the fourth best player in the league (Lebron, Kobe, Garnett) and he has much more to work with than LeBron did in the last series. Riley is a great coach and, if we just watched Mike Brown outcoach Flip, do we really think it won't happen in this series? Nothing against Mike Brown, but it will.

As for the Pistons, the equation is simple: they have to shoot much, much better than they did in the last five games of this series. Both from the field and at the line. If they do, they win. If they don't, they won't, and the most overrated figure in pro sports will get even more hype as his team goes down to the Spurs in the Finals.

Prediction: Pistons in seven

2006-05-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

COACH CARR ON THE HOTSEAT?

Sporting News columnist Matt Hayes recently wrote an opinion column for MSNBC sports where he basically made fun of the notion that a coach as successful as Lloyd Carr could be on the hot seat, implying that those who think this way are foolish at best, or know nothing about football at worst.

I've read Mr. Hayes' columns somewhat over the years and,while I think he is an o.k. writer, he has never impressed me with his actual knowledge of college football. This shows in the column as he throws out some 5 loss teams of recent years who rebounded to win the National Championship the following year which, in his world, makes UM a strong contender for that title. (This would make more sense to me if there weren't dozens of 5 loss teams every year) One thing he does say that may be of interest to fans of the Maize & Blue is that UM returns more offensive skill talent than anyone in the nation. Arguable, but, as opposed to some of his other hypothesis, this is at least based on some form of logic.

Look, UM was young last year and the offense did not carry it nor was it as explosive as so many thought it would be. However, there is a lot of talent coming back and, the only skill player whose talent will be missed greatly, Jason Avant, was not used that much anyway, as UM focused on getting the ball to the backup tight end in crucial situations. Obviously, the big spotlight is on Henne, not only to rebound from an erratic year, but to stay healthy. Ditto for Mike Hart as far as the health issues go. Hart is a very good back and the heart (no pun intended) of the offense, although it is ridiculous that the UM offense so clearly lacks confidence (I'm speaking primarily of the coaches here) when Hart is not in top form. The line should be among the league's best, if it can stay healthy, and the WR corps is deep, as usual. As erratic as Henne was last year, he has the talent and there is no alternative but to let him have the ball and throw it downfield to the receivers. Mr. Manningham is going to be special, anyone can see that, and Steve Breaston is a better receiver than he is given credit for. With the ball in his hands, he is as exciting and good as anyone, including Mr. Ginn. I'm anxious to see Adrian Arrington as well.

Defense? Well, that's the key. Quick question: when is the last time you credited the defense with a win in a tight, low scoring game over another good team? Yeah, I'll have to get back to you on that one, too. I think the replacing Hermann, no matter what they called it, is one of the best moves UM has made in a while. The defense has speed and talent, it needs to be let loose. Hopefully, English will do that.

2006-05-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

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Now, those who know me personally might say that I never pass up a chance to toot my own horn, but I think they are wrong. I think I am extrememly magnanimous, possibly moreso than almost any other wise sage. I think they are just jealous.

What am I talking about?

Well, weeks ago in this blog I predicted that the Tigers has a real shot at finishing over .500 and, among other things, also said that the first 40 games were the first true barometer of a team's season (I know, I know, that's not mine, its Sparky Anderson's, but I am a Sparky disciple) and here we are, 40 into it and, the Boys have the best record in baseball. Whoa. Say that again...the best record in baseball.

Seems almost unreal, doesn't it? But, its manna from heaven in a year in which we have watched one reliable team from our city collapse in the playoffs after reaching regular season (translation: meaningless) greatness and are only hours away from watching another do the same.

Before the more paranoid among you think that this is some kind of otherworldly tease on Detroiters and their sports fans, and that the Tigers will fade away soon after the Pistons are eliminated in order to maximize the anguish we will feel as we look back on the 05-06 sports season, easily the most overall disappointing year in the history of Detroit Sports(Think of it, all of 'em: Lions, Wings, Pistons, UM, and State...disappointing-to various degrees-as hell). Well, to those of you so absurdly paranoid as to think that way, I only have three things to say:

1) you need to get real, sober up, and get a life
2) don't feel too bad however, because the same thought has crossed my mind
3) the Tigers are not going to waste away

Now, I'm not predicting that the Tigers will go to the Series, although that would be about the only thing that could save the overall sports year for Motown. But, I do think they will be in the thick of things. As we all knew, the everyday lineup is pretty solid and there is some balance there. But, the pitching has been wonderful, team ERA up near the top, and the Tigers have played well against other good teams, a must in the loaded AL. You may say the Twins' imposion makes the Central not as tough as we thought it would be. Good point, but the Tigers have had a lot to do with that, having won 8 of 9 from the Twins, if I'm not mistaken.

Tonight we start interleague, which I have always enjoyed. Murphy's law would be that the Tigers would get red hot Cincy, instead of Pitsburgh or someone like that. But, you know what? It doesn't matter. If the Tigers are go to where we all dare to dream they might go this year, they will have to play well against everyone, even the boys from the Senior Circuit.

2006-05-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

PISTONS TALK...WE SEEN THIS BEFORE IN MOTOWN...
though not with the Pistons, usually with the Detroit Red Wings and U-M football. What I'm talking about is the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of the edge, the grittiness, the seeming desire to win that categorized these teams up until their sudden eliminations/defeats.

And, make no mistake, that is what we are seeing here and now. Don't be fooled into thinking that this is, somehow, like the '04 series in which we came back against New Jersey after dropping three straight. In that series, the Pistons, although the better team, had not so dominated the Nets in the first two games, nor did the Pistons go from so over confident to so scared in the span of the three straight games they lost.

No, what you are witnessing is a meltdown of the Red Wing first round/ UM football Ohio State/bowl game variety, in that you are more flabbergasted than disappointed in a loss. To let, essentially, one great player-who is making the idea of Steve Nash as the MVP in this league a bigger joke by the game than it already was-and four journeyman, intimidate and outplay a supposed championship team is the height of meltdown, choke, or whatever. Now, this is not meant to take anything away from the Cavs. They have played tough, played hard, and have outhustled, outsmarted, and outcoached the Pistons in this series consistently since the 4th quarter of Game 2, which is why they will win this series. But, the idea, just two weeks ago, that any team, other than the Spurs, could shoot around 30%, yet come from double digit deficits twice in a row, and then win in the Palace because everyone from the coach on down, with the exception of Billups and McDyess, is suddenly scared, says all you need to know.

It is particularly cruel for motown sports fans, who annually have to watch, in recent years, the Red Wings not be able to drive the net and score more than two goals against a team that barely qualified for the playoffs, to see that the one team that would go down swinging, do a swan dive because, apparently, they are miffed that the Cavs are still fighting back. Get ready for your worst fears, the pounding that the Pistons are going to take in the national media is extreme, moreso than any other team. Also, the value of the last two years will be diminished, which is absurd, but you have to remember that this is Detroit, not L.A., Boston, or any other city. You will even hear some of Detroit's so called "own", who will state that this loss to the Cavs tarnishes the previous teams, idiotic ideas that are silent for any other city or team. But, its true for us, and we know it, and now its here.

My thought is, why worry about it? It makes no sense to care so much when the men that play and coach, evidently, do not care as much as you do.

2006-05-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

PISTONS DESERVED TO LOSE THIS ONE...

which is not meant to take anything away from the Cavs, but the Pistons' shooting and over-reliance on the long jump shot is inexcusable. LeBron took over in the fourth quarter, which is the only way the Cavs are going to beat the Pistons, since you know LeBron is going to get the calls, especially at home. Its 42-36 at halftime, and we had a chance to pull away in the third, I thought the clear turning point was the run Cleveland made when we had them 54-44, and about four minutes later its 56 all. The Pistons had 14 points in the third. Listen, when you hold another team to 86 points, especially when they have to catch fire in the fourth to get that many, you should win the game, unless the other team is also a great defensive team, such as the Spurs.

Anyway, I said earlier that the 3rd game was the one most likely to be stolen by the Cavs, so there is no reason to step out on the ledge...but I did expect the Pistons to play well for this Game 3. Make no mistake, Game 4 will be a humdinger. If the Pistons play well, i.e. shoot better, use the bench better, and don't settle for the long range jumper so easily, there should not be a problem. If we play like we did today, we're coming back to Auburn Hills 2-2.

2006-05-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

PISTONS GET READY FOR GAME 3

(Note: This blog may not display correctly if you are viewing it in Internet Explorer.I recommend Mozilla Firefox browser for viewing this blog and for all of your internet surfing)

Obviously, Game 3 of this series is key, although it is the JV game according to the national networks. I predicted Pistons in five, so don't be shocked if the Cavs take this one. Logically, it would seem that this is the game that the Cavs would win. But, Larry Hughes might not be ready to go due to a tragedy in his family, which would seem to be a negative for Cleveland. My experience in sports, however, would say that Cleveland would play a hell of a game Saturday, even without Hughes.

But, the reason the Cavs are down 2 games in not just because they have not played well, but because they are not nearly as good as the Pistons, and that will not change.I think the key will be the start of the first quarter, if the Pistons can take Cleveland out of their game early, its a huge psychological advantage because neither the Cavs or their fans really think they can beat Detroit.

Also, I think the Pistons recent problems with Game 3's in the early rounds is in their minds, I don't think you will see a repeat of Gsme 3 in Milwaukee. I know I'm a fan, but I just don't see Cleveland getting it done if Detroit plays well. I'll call it Pistons 100 Cavs 93.

2006-05-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

LIONS FINALLY RID OF HARRINGTON...

So we can put this part of the most overrated story to bed. I don't think that there has ever been more hand wringing over a guy who has produced less. Frankly, I hope it works out in Miami because I am a Saban fan and a Culpepper fan. I hope that the Dolphins don't have to go with Harrington for more than one game, or else their dreams will be sadly dashed. Maybe, if Daunte is hurt and they have to go with Harrington, the inane blaming of Detroit fans for all of his failures will go away (but probably not). The story on mlive.com says it is a "conditional sixth round pick", so lets not get too excited about this one-sided deal, we may not get that sixth rounder, yet.

Also, what do you think about the word that Orlovsky may be pushing McCown for the number 2 job? First, it would surprise me because I think McCown has some potential, on the other hand, I did like what I saw of Orlovsky at UConn, and the unique approach of actually developing a quarterback might just work with him. However, its way early and I believe the coaches when they say there is nothing set as of yet, but I have to believe that Kitna will be our starter when the season kicks off.

AZ RETURNS?

Word is that Az Hakim might be coming back to Detroit. Listen, I didn't think Az was such a bust for the Lions, he was signed to be a number 1 receiver, which he never was and never claimed to be. What was he supposed to do when the Lions offered him too much money? Turn it down? Az's injury problems affected him more than anything, playing with a subpar QB and no other receiver opposite him (please, do not say Bill Schroeder was playing opposite him) hurt as well. It is hard for me to see Az making this roster unless the team is going to go with six wideouts not including Eddie Drummond and they don't intend to use Calhoun in the slot, but if that is the case, why draft him? Unless, of course, its just to back up Kevin.

So many possibilities. It will be interesting to see what happens. But, if anyone can figure out how to use Az the best, its Martz.

2006-05-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:ITS NEVER TOO EARLY...

to start talking about the upcoming season. Every day that goes by means we are one step closer to the season and all will be right with the world. Anyway, had the pleasure of hearing Mel Kiper interview Beano Cook on ESPN radio a few days ago and Beano, a knowledgeable college football historian who is hideously overrated as an analyst, was his usual entertaining-if infuriating-self as he weighed in (slowly) on several topics of interest to Wolverine and all college football fans.

Beano, after being hyped by Mel as having correctly predicted that Texas would make the BCS championship game for the '05 season (where the prescient Beano forecast that they would lose to Michigan) was asked who he forecast for the Big Game after the upcoming '06 season. Beano, taking a pause, then said (slowly) "Notre Dame" (pronounced "NO TRA DAAAAAMMMMEEE") and "Ohio State".

Now, the thing you need to understand is that I don't hate Notre Dame. Almost went to school there, I acutally like them. They're (well) behind the schools I attended and the one I grew up following (UM). Having said that, it never ceases to amaze me how overstated the Irish are, both positively and negatively. Look, they had a nice year last year, but this is still a team that did not defeat a team that finished in the top 25. Think about that. They had a very good class of upperclassmen who had been starting since they were freshmen, played some teams that were way below expectations (UM and Tennessee) and played well in the big game (USC) This year, they start out on the road against Georgia Tech, no walk in the park, then play Penn St., Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue in succession. They also play UCLA and USC. I know they will be good, but running the table is, in my view, unrealistic.

As for Ohio State, well, what can you say? They lose 6 defensive starters to the NFL, play Texas on the road, and everyone will be picking them because of Smith and Ginn and the fact that they play Penn State and UM at home. Tressel will still be Tressel, which means it will be defense first, and the only good team they play who will sit back and allow Smith to beat them through the air will be UM. People also should not forget that the stout Buckeye defense held MSU to 450 yards of total offense and was on track to lose at home until the Spartans had the field goal fiasco and the enevitable Spartan melt down. OSU comes to East Lansing this year. Look, I'm not predicting the Spartans will win the conference because they won't, MSU is strictly a September/early October team and have been for years. However, any fair minded person knows that, in addition to beating the Irish each of the last two years, the Spartans could/should have beaten the Wolverines and the Buckeyes in each of the last two years. You know the Spartans are going to get at least one of the big three. Its ludicrous to think Ohio State will run the table after losing all that talent.

As for me, my early BCS teams are West Virginia and Oklahoma. That's based solely on what teams have coming back, schedules, and assuming good players stay good or get better. Which never happens everywhere. But, look at the film of West Virginia smacking a pretty good Georgia team in Atlanta, realize that all of their key guys are underclassmen, factor in that their only loss was to Va. Tech last year, look at their schedule for this year, and answer me one question. Who is going to beat them? Marshall? Nope. UConn? Nope. Syracuse? Nah. Buffalo? Nyet. Louisville? Well, possibly. But, right now, looks like 12-0 to me.

As for Oklahoma, last year was an abberation, there defense is still fine, they have more confidence in their QB play and they still have Adrian Peterson. I predict that, without Vince Young, the Red River shootout will revert to recent form.

That's my take right now. But, I may change later. Especially if these two teams lose in September.

2006-05-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

THE BEST LIONS NEWS I'VE HEARD IN A WHILE...

is, without question, the fact that at least one unnamed player(s) filed a grievance regarding Coach Marinelli's mini-camp, the Lions were penalized by losing two days of workouts, and some players reacted negatively towards the news of the grievance.

It shows me a couple of things: one, the new staff is serious about competing and working harder. Two, there is no question that there really is a culture of cushy feelings and entitlement on this team. Think about it, the losingest team in football over the last five years-populated primarily by veterans that have played most or all of their careers here during that time-and someone is complaining about the level of intensity and work in a offseason minicamp five months before we kick it off for real. Think about that. It tells you all you need to know.

Look, we all have had our suspicions, since publicly confirmed in large part, that all of the boys did not have their noses to the grindstone, and the two young receivers have become the "face", so to speak, of Lion underachievement and apathy. (Deserved in the case of Mr. Rogers, not deserved in the case of Mr. Mike Williams, in my opinion) But, if you think that is the only area of apathy, you are kidding yourselves to the point where you also believe Joey Harrington will start in Miami even if about three guys aren't hurt.

I think its clear that some familiar and surprising names are not going to be here next year, and it goes deeeper than "the young receivers". True, OC Martz is not going to put up with anything less than what he wants out of the offensive players, which is exactly what we need, in addition to the desire to throw the ball downfield instead of sideways and to actually hand the ball of to Kevin Jones.

I'm not close to the Lions or anyone on the team and I really don't know what is going on there, but that doesn't make me any different from most media types and not knowing never stopped them, so its not going to stop me. I predict that Mike Williams will be on the roster next season, Charles Rogers won't. And, with the addition of the offense of Mike Martz and a QB that can consistently make throws, you will see the receiving corps you have been waiting for for two years...just not with all of the names you expected.

2006-05-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

TIGER TALK

The Tigers are doing just what they have to do to remain in contention throughout the year. I said from the beginning that the key to a successful, above .500 year would be to stay away from the long losing streaks, hold our own against the powerful teams, and have the vets play like we know they can and have the younger guys keep developing.

As of now, I don't know what else you could ask for from Magglio Ordonez, he has been giving us the consistent pop in the lineup that we expected, its a far cry from the injury riddled '05 season. As for Kenny Rogers, he is showing why many of us, me included, thought his signing was one of the best FA moves of the offseason and the best for the Tigers since Pudge. I talked before about a 40 game benchmark and we are about there, so I feel comfortable that the Tigers can and will stay competitive for the remainder of the season. As far as competing for the division/wildcard, I still think it is a little out of reach, but not out of the question. The key will be to stay within 4-5 games of the White Sox through July. You know that the Indians and the Twins are going to play better and make runs at some point. So, I still think 85 wins is realistic, but it will leave us out of the prize money.

'07 is the year the Tigers win the division.

2006-05-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

MOTOWN SPORTS MUSINGS...

PISTONS SHELLACK THE CAVALIERS

I know the Cavs were coming off of a tough playoff series with the Wizards and had some dead legs, but this 30 point woodshed beating tells you everything you need to know about this series. The series should end in a real sense on Tuesday, as you can expect the fiesty Cavs to come back strong, but they don't think they can win this series now, and another double digit win on Tuesday will mean that they know they can't win it. The Cavs just don't have the manpower to beat us....but it might not always be that way, so enjoy it while it lasts.

YZERMAN: IS THE CAPTAIN FINALLY DONE?

I would think so. He's basically played on one leg since the '02 season and thats not the limit of his physical problems. His play is phenomenal, in my opinion, when you consider everything and realize you're talking about a 41 year old. On the other hand, I would love to see him notch 700 and he's only a few goals short. Although Stevie would never go for this, I'd like to see him play just the amount of regular season games it takes to get the 7 or 8 goals he needs for 700, then lay low until the last month or so of the regular season and into the playoffs. There are only so many more games on that knee. The next Red Wing captain? I don't know, it won't be right to see anyone else with the C out there...I would think it has to be Draper...or maybe Lidstrom?

NFL RECOGNIZES WOLVERINE SLIDE ON DRAFT DAY

What do Abiliene Christian, Western Michigan, Boise State, Tuskeegee and UTEP all have in common (among other schools)? If you said, "They all had players drafted before any Wolverine" you are right! Now, I know stats like that can happen in a vacuum, but one need only look down south to Columbus and see every damn Buckeye on the 2 deep chart getting drafted on Day One, and as good as Ohio State has been for the past five years, they've only been the best team in the conference twice in the last fifteen years and are still looking for that first outright Big 10 title since '84. My point? There is simply no excuse for them to have leapfrogged the Wolverines so completely in the acquisition of talent...and, in fact, I don't think they have. Now, development of talent? That, as they say, is another kettle of fish.

2006-05-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

PISTONS NEXT STEP

Today we start the next hurdle in the sprint for the Finals. I have to admit I'm a little surprised the Cavs are here, I thought the Wizards would come out of that series even though the Cavs had home court. Be that as it may, this will be a little tougher matchup for the Pistons because Cleveland is a little more physical, although not as offensively talented across the board, as Washington. And, Cleveland at least tries to play some defense every once in a while.

Like the last series, the only way the Pistons don't win is some extreme, major, castatrophe. This is the sexy matchup that the TV people wanted and, solely because of Lebron, the Pistons (two-time consecutive NBA Finalists and '04 champs) have the privilege of playing in the marquee series! Everyone will say its Lebron against the Pistons, because that is the story the national media wants to sell and no one on the Pistons is a superstar. Well, the starting five is good, but they are all only good because the other four are so good, but none is a star. Get it? Hope so, because I sure as hell don't.

The Cavs have some guys who can hurt us over the course of a game: Gooden, Marshall, Ilgauskas. I'm not sure any of them can step up and be that X factor for the entire series. To me, the key Pistons in this series will be Hamilton and the Bench. I know everyone wants to say Tay Prince, but we know he will do a great job on LBJ and Bron will still get his 22. Rip is key because they have no answer for him at all. I'm not saying that they have an answer for the other three-they don't-but we need Rip to continue his torrid pace. As for the bench, this supposed area of weakness should, and needs, to flourish in this series since the Cavs have no depth and the second series is the one in a playoff run where any attrition will start to form. Looking at this globally, the Nets and Heat seem destined to go 7 games, and Dallas and San Antonio almost assuredly will, hopefully with about three overtimes thrown in there. That's who the Pistons are really playing against, the other title contenders who have already put more mileage on the tires than Detroit. We have to keep it that way and the only way this series gets drawn out past five games is if the Cavs steal one of the first two at home. They won't.

Pistons in five.

Other series:

N.J./Miami: Nets in six

Phoenix/L.A. Clippers: Suns in seven

San Antonion/DALLAS: Spurs in seven

2006-05-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

CRITIQUING THE LION'S DRAFT ROUNDS 5-7

As you know, no fourth round pick this year, much to my chagrin as Day One ended with talented players such as Giles and Gabe Watson on the board, guys who I thought would be nice "value" picks in the fourth round.

5th round, Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas. Loved the pick. Along with Calhoun, my favorite selection in the draft. This guy, at one point, was considered a first round talent (I think a real early MSNBC mock had him going to the Lions at 9), and even as his "stock" seemed to drop getting closer to the draft, you still saw him projected in the first three rounds. What's the knock on him? I don't know, some say strength, but at 6'7 315, there is some room to grow and get stronger. Also plays left tackle, which is indicative of his athleticism and long frame. I primarily wanted an OG, but we also needed an OT, as I see that as a position of relative weakness. You would think he would be in the mix for the RT spot, not sure about the logic of moving him to OG. Plus, to be honest, I'm not in love with Backus at LT. Good player, a real warrior, but you don't have to be too astute about offensive line play to notice him getting pushed back into the QB's face about once or twice a game. Don't know about paying him Pace or Jones money for the long term. If someone would have told you three months ago that the Lions would get Jonathan Scott-assuming you had any idea who the hell that was- in the draft to help the o-line without using a 1st or a 2nd, you would have been happy. To get him at 5 is a real break, in my opinion.

7th round, Fred Matua, OG USC. Hard to imagine that a three year starter for the Trojans would be around in the last round. Once you consider his injury history and relative lack of size, its more understandable. But, when you get a guy like this-especially at a position where All Pros routinely come from the later rounds-you can't complain. I immediately asked my buddy and self proclaimed "offensive line expert" about this pick and he gave it the thumbs up (I've consistently tried to get this guy to guest blog here...frankly, I just don't think he has the "stones"), particularly that late in the draft. I see this guy battling Demulling for a starting job...we know he should be able to run block a little.

6th and 7th round picks Alton McCann and Anthony Cannon. Sound like good players, but so does everyone who gets drafted. I make it a habit not to comment on prospects I haven't seen play.(unless of course I just feel like it)Remember the old adage from Twain, "Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt".

2006-05-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

CRITIQUING THE LION'S DRAFT ROUND 2 & 3

Round 2 Daniel Bullochs, FS Nebraska. Have to admit, wasn't real crazy about this pick, not so much as a negative on Bullochs, but looking at some other players on the board who I thought we might grab there, particularly Max Jean-Giles. The Lions have been working on the safety position(s) for about seven years now, and one hopes this is something that helps them finally get it right. Kenoy Kennedy did not have the impact last year that was hoped for on the strong side, but the guy can hit so I think we're decent there, if not outstanding. As for the free that they want Bullochs to play, it is clear that the Terry Holt thing is not going to cut the mustard with the new staff. I've always liked Holt, and could not figure out why he didn't start sooner than he actually did. Apparently, they don't like him enough to have, evidently, considered Jon McGraw as their best option there. Which means that Bullochs is going to start from day one.

Again, its seems that this kid is a high character football guy, and I liked what I saw of him at Nebraska, although I wasn't beside myself with excitement or anything. Remember, high quality hard nosed football guys across the board win in the NFL, no matter how much some people want to tell you its all about the QB. Just ask Pittsburgh. So, if this kid is that kind of player, maybe a long standing weak spot on the club will be strengthened.

One last note, this kid has a twin brother (Josh?) who had a pretty good rookie year last year for someone (Texans, maybe?) So, the kid has good genes.

Round 3 Brian Calhoun, RB Wisconsin. Loved this pick although I was initially a little mystified. What, does that sound too Clintonian for you? Well, sorry, but there is no other way to put it. I have been telling folks that this kid could be the sleeper RB pick in the draft, and that some team that picked him up in the later rounds would be way happy. I never thought in a million years it would be us.

Good speed, elusivity, tough kid who picked up 1200 plus on the ground for the Badgers. Forget any concerns about his speed with the slow (4.6) time at the combines. Pretend he is A.J. Hawk and only focus on his pro day (4.38) Anyone who saw him play knows this kid has some quick, plus the Lions obviously think he can catch the ball, something he did not have to do a lot with the aerial show that is Wisconsin offensive football (sarcasm). Also, I've been reading a little over the last couple of days about how the coaches are not enamored with Eddie Drummond as the fifth receiver, plus Artose Pinner is apparently not a happy camper.

Look, I love Kevin Jones, he's our second best offensive player (Roy Williams)
and I think he is a 1300 yard back for the next few years. But, he hasn't gone stem to stern healthy in two years, and you need quality backups, plus its good that this kid is a different kind of back. Additionally, he can return also and Eddie D., while still the man, did not set the world on fire last year after his injury/new contract. More insurance and more competition. I don't know, maybe I'm dumb, but I don't know how a team that is 21-59 over the previous 5 years and last won a championship when George W. Bush was in sixth grade (before his glory days as a cheerleader) can have any sacred cows.
Its picks like this that can make a GM look like he knows what he's doing.

On the other hand, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while.

2006-05-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

CRITIQUING THE LION'S DRAFT ROUND 1

Well now, we've had one week to bask in the afterglow of the most overhyped non-"event" in professional sports, the NFL draft, as well as to lick our Red Wing wounds. So, its time to start really thinking football as we now hope our hoop heroes won't let us down and also hope no one wakes us from the pleasant dream that is the Tigers any time soon.

Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State. Well, those of you who read my draft projections know that I had him going in the top half of the first round, so I'm not at all unhapy with the pick. Its obvious that the Lions feel that the linebacking corps is/was the primary area of need (after fixing the horrid QB situation, of course). I would have thought, and still think, that the O-line was the biggest hole in the armor, but Coach Marinelli did not feel that way, maybe due to the implementation of the Tampa 2 defense. The chorus in some parts of the national media saying that the Lions should have taken Lineart is ridiculous, of course. Those who have actually seen the Lions play once or twice and follow the team might be vaguely aware that this team has three set QB's, two free agents and a second year player, and needs another hot shot college QB to soak up the cap space like it needs a hole in the head.

Watching Sims in college, its obvious he's a playmaker, which fits the mold of LBs that have been brought in under Millen, but the primary problem has been keeping them healthy, and Sims' problems with concussions might give some pause there. (don't you just love the national media "experts" who say that the Lions drafted Sims to get some "speed" on the defense-as if its a track meet- and our obviously unaware that the Lions have a quick corps of LBs, and that Sims is actually slower than Bailey and Lehman?)

He does not have ideal height, but so what? He's 5'11, so just list him at 6'1 like they do all the other 5'11 guys in the league. So, when you get a good player in a key position, that's good, especially when the coach thinks he could be a Derrick Brooks type.

As for me, the only other player(s) on the board that I would have seriously considered where Winston Justice, Broderick Buntley, and Jimmy Williams, though not necessarily in that order. They are all the top or the second guy at their positions, all positions of need for the Lions. But, you can say the same thing about Sims, although its a little more arguable, in my opinion.

Also, I like what I've heard from this kid and read about as to the type of person he is. No, I'm not going to turn into one of those phony fans who pretends that he really cares if a star athlete is a nice guy, pays his bills on time, calls his auntie, etc. What I'm talking about his football persona, wanting to play and not worried about being a celebrity, rap star, franchise, or something like that. This kid seems to have that and he seems to come from a grounded family. Might be nice to have a first round selection come in focused more on football than anything else, huh?
I like this pick. Maybe we get good results from a 1st round "Sims" for the second time?

2006-05-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

PISTONS "R.I.P" BUCKS"

From the ridiculous to the sublime, you have to like how the Pistons finished off the Bucks in five, and if you are ticked it lasted past four, your expectations are just a little too high: no one wins all the time.

Rip Hamilton had a wonderful series, especially a supberb performance in Game 5. Although I thought we settled for jump shots a little too often, you can not be too critical when you are knocking them down. Plus, when you play a team like the Bucks, nice talent but nothing to write home about defensively, you are going to get open looks after swinging the ball around the perimeter every time.

Rip, though, put a lot of fears to rest with his game in regards to his ankle, not the least of which was my qualms. You can't do without his energy and his ability to hit the mid range jump shot.

Speaking of jump shots, not to waste any time, but was I the only one who was sort of impressed with Toni Kucoc's long range sharpshooting? Listen, the guy was always way overrated and, even though I hate the Bulls, I trace the beginning of the end of their dynasty to the way they went overboard in their praise and efforts to bring in this guy, as if he would be a breath of fresh air for them instead of stodgy old Jordan and Pippen. But, like a lot of Euro players, the man can shoot.

Without question, I want the Wizards over the Cavs in the next round. True, neither of these teams has a chance against Detroit barring major catastrophe, and I know the marketing people want LBJ, but the Wizards are an easier matchup, despite the fact that they beat us three times during the regular season. I'll call it now, Pistons in 5. Either way.

2006-05-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

RED WING MOURNING...

Well friends and fellow inhabitants of Hockeytown, the unthinkable has happened...again. Who would have really believed that the Wings would take yet another early playoff exist, especially after the infusion of youth, a new coach, and the reenergization of a couple of old veterans?

I feel like, to quote some famous literature, a "thrice double a**" for blogging earlier about preferred opponents and saying that I thought the Oilers would be the one. I knew they were fiesty and a tough matchup for the Wings, I never thought they would actually win.

As have many of you, I have been tottering around in a daze for the past four days, unable to blog, think clearly, or even fully enjoy a good draft by the Lions, the continued excellence of the Pistons, or the sublimely surprising start by the Tigers.

I gave wholehearted support and confidence in Manny Legace, and I stick by that. I think Manny is a good goalie, and I understand why coach Babcock went with him most of the year and in the playoffs, notwithstanding the injuries to Osgood. Having said that, there is no way an 88% save percentage is going to win in the playoffs, much less the Cup. In this series, Roloson gave up only one more goal than Manny, but faced approximately eighty more shots. That's a key factor there.

Having said that, there is no way to lay this all in the lap of Manny Legace. I know its the playoffs, but with a team this good, how is it that it has been years since we've simply outscored a team for a win in the playoffs, even if we didn't outskate and outhit them? What is with these silly penalties and giveaways in the defensive zone? Where were Shannahan and Datsyuk when I looked at the box scores? Would any of you have not bet your inheritance that the Wings would not lose a game-particularly a must win game-with a two goal lead in the third period?

Someone once said, "doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the defintion of insanity". Or words to that effect. The somebering thing here is, everyone thought the Wings had made the necessary changes...infusion of youth,hard driving coach, not to mention rules emphasizing skating and stickhandling over mauling people in the neutral zone. Yet, the same result, best during the regular season, one of the first out in the playoffs.

I'm at a loss right now, but rest assured there need to be some changes in Hockeytown. I'm in no rush to throw the baby out with the bathwater, but like you, its sickening to think that a team like Anaheim is still playing, and the Wings are not.

A darker day (figurative) has not dawned on Hockeytown since the loss in game six to the hated Avalanche and the repugnant Claude Lemieux. Vengeance was ultimately served then, and must be so again.

Boy, I'd feel a lot better about that happening real soon if our coach was still Scotty Bowman.

2006-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

NFL DRAFT...

With Williams going to Houston, most everyone's projected first round has been blown to smithereens, although I was right on Young to Houston...as I post, the Jets have taken Ferguson, which is the smart pick at this point...boy, I'm hoping that Vernon Davis will slip, although I don't think he will...If I'm Green Bay, I take Davis and don't think twice...

On the trade front, I would love to have Millen call the Jets and see if they might want to swap their other first round pick and their second round for our ninth, since the Jets will probably take a QB and they liked Cutler anyway. This could get interesting, folks. I'm off to the watering hole, but we'll talk more real soon.

2006-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

NFL DRAFT SHOCKER....

Like everyone else, I was shocked to hear that Houston selected Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out, whether it was a contract issue or if they really preferred Williams. Williams is a great talent, and you can't fault them for wanting him. Personally, I would not have done it in a million years, but the last time I felt this strongly about a running back selection on draft day was when the Colts took Edgerrin James over Ricky Williams, after trading Marshall Faulk. But, it worked out pretty well for the Colts in my view.

If I'm New Orleans, I take Bush and don't think twice. In fact, as I post this, I hear that is what they are going to do. They already have McAllister, but the last time I looked, there is nothing against having two good backs, especially when they can do different things and, at least on the surface, durability is the big question with both of them, although for different reasons. Bush is so versatile, it makes the Saints so much better, not to mention they know have a top shelf quarterback.

I don't look for our beloved Lions to make a move up, and I think if we come up with either Huff, Sims, or Justice, and then the all important second round pick which, in my oinion, makes the draft along with the other later round picks.

I think a real good player will be there at 40 for us, and we should target O-line, assumiong we don't take Justice in the first. I think a good tackle like Winston or McNeil might slip, plus I predict both of the stud guards, Darvin Joseph and Max Jean Giles.

We'll see what unfolds....

2006-04-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

STEVE NASH IS THE MVP? WE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN...

As I said in an earlier post about the MVP, there are two main theories as to who should be the MVP, and my big problem is that the theories are applied differently, depending on who is the player in question. I see no way that anyone who voted for Nash last year did not vote for Chauncey Billups this year.

Chauncey's numbers are better across the board, particularly the assist to turnover ratio, and defense is no comparison. The old "Chauncey has a lot of guys around him and Nash doesn't..." line is crap, unless the person spouting it voted for Kobe Bryant. A lot of guys around him? Last year the Pistons only had one All Star, how many did the Phoenix Suns have? I know that Phoenix had a great year without a great player in Stoudemire, but if you think that next year if, Heaven forbid, Rasheed Wallance misses most of the year, and Chauncey does it again that he will win the MVP, you're kidding yourself. Flip said it best, having Amare Stoudemire last year helped Nash win it, not having him this year helped him win it. Kind of looks like the award is Nash's to keep for the forseeable future, unless everyone can justify voting for Shaq with a straight face.

Listen, Phoenix is a sexy team, and we're not. They score a ton of points, which is what the voters are looking for, apparently. When we meet the Spurs in the Finals again this year, we'll all hear the same old crap about how these teams don't excite people. Hell, the casual, watch-five-games-a-year fan probably is under the impression that the only people in the league are Shaq, LeBron, and Kobe.

Also, you've got to say that Flip might have deserved a little better, although I don't have a problem with the two guys who finished ahead of him. This is based on the fact that, unlike MVP, Coach of the Year generally has a defined criteria: the coach who takes his team further than people thought or makes them most noticeably better. Of course, this excludes coaches of perenially good teams (unless they're named Phil Jackson), which is why guys like Don Nelson and George Karl have awards and Greg Popovich has yet to get on the board.

2006-04-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

A RARE TIGER SPRING OF CONTENT?

In case you missed it, the Tigers have ensured their best April in 12 years with Bonderman's victory yesterday. Any Tiger fan knows not to get too excited too early, but it is impoosible not to be happy with the pitching thus far, both the starters and the bull pen. I think the key to assessing most teams out the gate is the first forty games. If the Tigers are at 22 or 23 wins at that point, expect them to stick around for a while. There will be no '05 Houston Astros turn around in mid season for this team in this division. But, you know what, its looking more and more like there won't have to be.

2006-04-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER RED WING SPRING OF DISCONTENT?

Well, I sure hope not. And, I still don't think so. Despite my confident post of last week, there is no doubt that Manny has to tighten up. We all know he can do it, and this team has been up against if before. I gotta' feel good about the third period comeback, but the deal has to be closed, and we can't take so many penalties early. And, finally, as you have no doubt heard before, our big guys have to put it in the net. Game 4 is huge, of course. I predicted that Edmonton would be a tough matchup, and it was a very easy prediciton. If the Wings are going to march to the Cup, this jut might be the toughest series of them all. It will be interesting to see what adjustments Coach Babcock will make, but it is hard to imagine he won't match the suddenly smug Craig McTavish. Look for a victory in Game 4 folks.

2006-04-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

ONLY WORRY: RIP'S TENDER ANKLE

Now, its a fact that there is more worry about, in theory, because the second game is always the one most likely to be "stolen" in a playoff series, as the Bucks did in '04. But, this group is too focused and this Buck's team, while it has some nice things, is simply not constructed to beat the Pistons unless their is a major let down among multiple individuals.

Also, we were nothing to write home a out offensively on Sunday, but that will come. You know Chauncey is going to drain his shots and Rip did a wonderful job on Redd, who simply has to be in the 25-30 point range for the Bucks to have any chance to take the game. Rip's ankle is tender and, in this case, the NBA's maddening scheduling of two off days between games in the first round is a blessing disguise. Rip, of course, says he's fine and I'm sure that is true, however I'd like Flip to not take any chances. Often times, on an ankle, it will actually feel a little better right after its tweaked than it will a day or two later. Time, and only time, heals it completely. And, this is the only series, maybe one of two, where we legitimately can say we don't need Rip (or any other one starter) to get through. The benefit of having so many options on offense.

If Rip is fine, then do what you're doing. Can't see the logic in messing with anything after 64 wins and an eighteen point spread in Game 1. But, if there is any question about Rip's ankle at all, give him a day off, plug Dice in and move Tay to the 2 spot, or start Delk there and let Dice continue to work his stuff from the bench. Visions of Chauncey playing the first two series on a gimpy ankle (which he had to do to get us through) and then basically having to play Jason and the Nets in the Finals on one leg are dancing through my mind.

Although five would be fine, no matter how you slice it, we should get out of this in four, lets do it as healthily as we can.

2006-04-24T19:43:00.002-07:00

NFL DRAFT PROJECTIONS: MORE QUARTERBACK INSANITY...

I know they are just mock drafts, but I'll never understand it. Whether the mock is predicting what the teams will do or what the mock drafter thinks the teams should do, it just doesn't make sense. This is the second mock draft I've posted that has one of the so called Big Three QB's being taken by the Lions. Its amazing, the sexiness of the position. The funny thing is, if it happened, there would probably be a lot of experts hailing the pick. The Lions pick a receiver, and they're (an even bigger) laughingstock of the NFL. Yet, at times you need three wideouts on the field together and no less than five on the roster who will each play in the average game. You can only play one QB at a time. So, after investing good money in two QB's, plus still developing the quarterback you drafted last year (it wasn't in the first round, which makes it "not count" for some), the thing a team with a hole at corner, no consistent sack threat, and one of the weakest O-lines in the conference needs to do is to draft a guy who is so good he lead his team to 14 wins in four years. BTW, this projection is from MSNBC Draft Insider. Having said that, there is only one thing that could make me revoke my citizenship in Lions Nation (I did come close after the '02 draft) is if Taglibue steps to the mike and says "With the 9th pick, the Detroit Lions select Chad Gr..." CLICK! TV off, citizenship revoked and I'm a Packers fan.

1. Texans 2-14 Reggie Bush RB USC
Texans looking to sign Reggie, but recent smoke screen for Super Mario is mainly for contract posturing. Bush will be an impact performer.
2. Saints 3-13 Mario Williams DE N.C. State
In a perfect world, the Saints want to move back in the top 5 picks and still have a chance at D’Brickashaw Ferguson.
3. Titans 4-12 Vince Young QB Texas
Titans offense looking for a future starter, and the talented Young may have the biggest ceiling of any player in the draft.
4. Jets 4-12 D’Brickashaw Ferguson T Virginia
Jets are debating between Ferguson, Super Mario or one of the top three QBs here.
5. Packers 4-12 A.J. Hawk LB Ohio State
Packers defense needs playmakers and leadership, and Hawk gives them both.
6. 49ers 4-12 Michael Huff S Texas
49ers looking for impact defender and they need a playmaker in the secondary.
7. Raiders 4-12 Matt Leinart QB USC
Al Davis has had great success with lefty passers.
8. Bills 5-11 Haloti Ngata DT Oregon
Bills front four is looking to get an anchor in the middle.
9. Lions 5-11 Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt
Lions added two veteran passers in the offseason but will not hesitate to select a top-flight quarterback here.
10. Cardinals 5-11 Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida State
Cards hope this explosive defender can team with former college teammate Darnell Dockett on the inside.
11. Rams 6-10 Vernon Davis TE Maryland
Rams will show a new offense, and the tight end position will play a bigger role in their passing game.
12. Browns 6-10 Winston Justice T USC
Browns offensive line has never reached playoff levels, and young quarterback Charlie Frye needs better protection.
13. Ravens 6-10 Chad Greenway LB Iowa
Ravens looking to add an impact defender, and this versatile linebacker give them flexibility in their front seven.
14. Eagles 6-10 Santonio Holmes WR Ohio State
Eagles will attempt to address this position early and have the top two prospects earmarked at this spot.
15. Broncos 13-3 Chad Jackson WR Florida
Broncos looking for a big play receiver, and Jackson has the package to deliver.
16. Dolphins 9-7 Antonio Cromartie CB Florida State
Nick Saban wants a shutdown corner, and Cromartie is flying up the charts.
17. Vikings 9-7 Ashton Youboty CB Ohio State
Vikings secondary lost some players and may make further changes.
18. Cowboys 9-7 DeMeco Ryans LB Alabama
Cowboys defense is looking for another playmaker on their front seven.
19. Chargers 9-7 Manny Lawson LB N.C. State
Chargers looking for an edge pass rusher opposite Shawnae Merriman.
20. Chiefs 10-6 Tye Hill CB Clemson
Chiefs will focus on defense early in this draft, and Hill is a stud cover man.
21. Patriots 10-6 Kamerion Wimbley LB Florida State
Pats looking for the edge pass rusher to replace veteran Willie McGinest.
22. 49ers 4-12 Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston College
49ers could use both No. 1 picks on defense.
23. Buccaneers 11-5 Eric Winston T Miami (Fla.)
Bucs offensive line will be addressed on the first day of the draft.
24. Bengals 11-5 Jimmy Williams CB Virginia Tech
Bengals need to add a well-developed cover man, and Williams also can play safety.
25. Giants 11-5 Ernie Sims LB Florida State
Giants should make this pick even with the signing of LaVar Arrington.
26. Bears 11-5 Johnathan Joseph CB South Carolina
Bears may jump on secondary problems early and often.
27. Panthers 11-5 Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota
Panthers will add a runner early with playmaking ability and Maroney is a home run hitter.
28. Jaguars 12-4 Bobby Carpenter LB Ohio State
Jaguars have this guy on their short list; he's an ideal rushing linebacker with outside pass pressure ability.
29. Jets Tamba Hali DE Penn State
Jets will replace John Abraham with the selection they received for him.
30. Colts 14-2 DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
Colts would love to add this playmaker after losing Edgerrin James this offseason.
31. Seahawks 13-3 Donte Whitner S Ohio State
Seahawks must improve their secondary and safety could be a bigger problem if Ken Hamlin is not ready to return after a head injury.
32. Steelers 11-5 Nick Mangold C Ohio State
Steelers have a history of great centers and Mangold is well developed and ready to start now.