I thought this would be a great day. I thought that I would be ecstatic to finally see a team go 0-16. I thought that maybe, just maybe if the Lions went 0-16 that the entire thing would be blown up. The front office gone, coaching staff gone, and that we would get some people in here that have actually proven they know what they are doing.
Obviously this isn't going to happen since Ford already said Mayhew and Lewand are guaranteed jobs after this season. This means that anyone he hires is already handcuffed with hiring decisions. They are going to be a puppet, which is exactly what Millen was. Nothing will change if people that are put into the position to build the team don't have the people they want to do those jobs.
Today i am a little less happy about it all. After seeing them play yesterday, and still seeing them motivated to actually try to win after this horrible season, I started to regret my cheering for the 0-16 mark. IT started to hit me when the Green Bay fans were chanting "0 and 16! 0 and 16!". My Liedown pride as a Detroit sports fan kicked in and I wanted to punch Packer fans. It's OK if I say they suck. It's OK if I root for it, but Packer fans who went 6-10 to chant it? Just not going to cut it. You went 6-10 this year. Shut the hell up.
Now that it is reality I don't know what to think. I thought i wanted it, but now I find that it actually really bothers me when it comes down to it. Almost every player on the team will likely be retired after this season because they are terrible. Working at grocery stores, as auto mechanics who specialize in Ferrari parts, or drink themselves to death. I know these guys suck, but I can't feel good about this happening to anyone. I just can't. these guys have to live with it the rest of their lives. "Here is Joe Lion that played for the only team in NFL history to go 0-16!". Doesn't have a very nice ring to it I must say.
Do something Ford! This blood is on your hands. Get some help, pass the torch, do whatever, but change this BS!
Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Rasheed Wallace, Barry Bonds, and the world of sports.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Detroit Lions Looking to Go 0-16 First This Sunday!
I'm not sure even Detroit Lions die-hards can hope for anything but an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Green Bay Packers this Sunday to go 0-16. If they do they are better fans than I am. For some reason many of them believe that they don't want their team associated with the ridiculous 0-16 moniker, but realistically this franchise is so bad that 0-16 is just the logical next step. IF something is ever going to change 0-16 HAS to be what does it. Doesn't it? DOESN'T IT!?
The Lions are a running joke amongst all NFL fans, and it is no surprise that many are just looking for this record to be set. Hell...Jim Rome is very vocal about wanting to see it claiming that seeing a team go 0-16 is a "dream of his". Between giving away electronics, and talking to rednecks I find it hard that he even has time to watch sports, but I digress.
Also, if you haven't heard this joke yet you may as well add it to your Lions jokes list:
A teacher is asking her students what each of there fathers did for a living one day in class.
Little Mikey said his daddy was a lawyer. Little Suzie said that her dad was a doctor. Little Ricky said his daddy was a policeman.
When it was Little Johnny;s turn he said something that really troubled his teacher. Little Johnny said that his dad was a dancer at the all-male strip club and that sometimes to make extra cash his dad would pleasure other men in the alley behind the club to make extra money.
The teacher decided to let it go for the moment but to be sure to ask Little Johnny about it after class. After school,the teacher sees Little Johnny and asks him if his dad really did do that for a living. Little Johnny said "No, I'm just ashamed of my dad's real job." When asked by his teacher what his father does,Little Johnny put his head down and said "He plays for the Detroit Lions"
The Lions are a running joke amongst all NFL fans, and it is no surprise that many are just looking for this record to be set. Hell...Jim Rome is very vocal about wanting to see it claiming that seeing a team go 0-16 is a "dream of his". Between giving away electronics, and talking to rednecks I find it hard that he even has time to watch sports, but I digress.
Also, if you haven't heard this joke yet you may as well add it to your Lions jokes list:
A teacher is asking her students what each of there fathers did for a living one day in class.
Little Mikey said his daddy was a lawyer. Little Suzie said that her dad was a doctor. Little Ricky said his daddy was a policeman.
When it was Little Johnny;s turn he said something that really troubled his teacher. Little Johnny said that his dad was a dancer at the all-male strip club and that sometimes to make extra cash his dad would pleasure other men in the alley behind the club to make extra money.
The teacher decided to let it go for the moment but to be sure to ask Little Johnny about it after class. After school,the teacher sees Little Johnny and asks him if his dad really did do that for a living. Little Johnny said "No, I'm just ashamed of my dad's real job." When asked by his teacher what his father does,Little Johnny put his head down and said "He plays for the Detroit Lions"
Monday, December 15, 2008
So...What Do We Think of the Detroit Tigers Moves Thus Far?
The biggest concern, and goal of the fans this off season was to see Dombrowski go out and pick up as many above average pitchers as possible. The Detroit Tigers bullpen blew over 30 saves last year, and cost the team at least 40 games alone. Cut that in half and the tigers were winning the division.
Well...up to this point they have fanned on every attempt to get relief pitchers to date. They lost J.J. Putz (It is pronounced "pootz" so you don't sound stupid), the former Seattle closer to the NY Mets, who also landed the coveted K-Rod. They watched Kerry Wood end up on another team. The bullpen has not changed other than scrubs getting cut to this point.
So...what have they done? Many people may not like the moves, but I am happy with the SS and Catcher signings. Only reason is that it is clear the Tigers are trying to cut salary like the best diet pill to an NFL player's weight. They signed Adam Everett at SS for around $1 Million. A far cry from having to trade players to get Jack Wilson (why do we like this guy so much?) and take on that $7 Million deal for his mediocre services. Then they picked up Ger4ald Laird at catcher who makes around $1.5 Mil. Exactly what I wanted to see. OK players, at cheap prices. Saving probably $10 mil at those spots when we really didn't need hitting help anyways.
Then we traded Matt Joyce to Tampa Bay to pick up starter Edwin Jackson. If you look at the numbers for yearly totals you will think he is the next Nate Robertson. You may be right. Look at his game logs though. He had about 15 quality starts last year, and a stellar run that helped push the Rays into the division crown. Plus he is only 25 years old, and Joyce is never going to be more than a bench/journeyman player anyways. Total wash, or better for us I would say.
BUT...
We STILL haven't pulled any bullpen help. Fromt he sounds of it the Tigers may be interested in Colorado’s Brian Fuentes. He is the lefty closer they have used forever, and nothing sexy. They also seem to be in the running to landing lefty specialist Joe Beimel.
Fuentes is expected to command a high price. The $10 Mil range, and by all accounts is probably no better, or worse than Beimel, who the Tigers could get for much, much less. A staple of Dombrowski's approach to the bullpen is that he thinks relievers are hit or miss, and paying a ton for guys that could most certainly miss isn't a sound strategy. I agree to an extent, but ONE reliever isn't going to cut it. I'm sure we are all sick of the headcase Fernando Rodney coming tho the mound late in the game to "freak out". If more doesn't happen that is exactly what we are going to see, and with that a lot of late game losses. Get some damned relievers DD!
Well...up to this point they have fanned on every attempt to get relief pitchers to date. They lost J.J. Putz (It is pronounced "pootz" so you don't sound stupid), the former Seattle closer to the NY Mets, who also landed the coveted K-Rod. They watched Kerry Wood end up on another team. The bullpen has not changed other than scrubs getting cut to this point.
So...what have they done? Many people may not like the moves, but I am happy with the SS and Catcher signings. Only reason is that it is clear the Tigers are trying to cut salary like the best diet pill to an NFL player's weight. They signed Adam Everett at SS for around $1 Million. A far cry from having to trade players to get Jack Wilson (why do we like this guy so much?) and take on that $7 Million deal for his mediocre services. Then they picked up Ger4ald Laird at catcher who makes around $1.5 Mil. Exactly what I wanted to see. OK players, at cheap prices. Saving probably $10 mil at those spots when we really didn't need hitting help anyways.
Then we traded Matt Joyce to Tampa Bay to pick up starter Edwin Jackson. If you look at the numbers for yearly totals you will think he is the next Nate Robertson. You may be right. Look at his game logs though. He had about 15 quality starts last year, and a stellar run that helped push the Rays into the division crown. Plus he is only 25 years old, and Joyce is never going to be more than a bench/journeyman player anyways. Total wash, or better for us I would say.
BUT...
We STILL haven't pulled any bullpen help. Fromt he sounds of it the Tigers may be interested in Colorado’s Brian Fuentes. He is the lefty closer they have used forever, and nothing sexy. They also seem to be in the running to landing lefty specialist Joe Beimel.
Fuentes is expected to command a high price. The $10 Mil range, and by all accounts is probably no better, or worse than Beimel, who the Tigers could get for much, much less. A staple of Dombrowski's approach to the bullpen is that he thinks relievers are hit or miss, and paying a ton for guys that could most certainly miss isn't a sound strategy. I agree to an extent, but ONE reliever isn't going to cut it. I'm sure we are all sick of the headcase Fernando Rodney coming tho the mound late in the game to "freak out". If more doesn't happen that is exactly what we are going to see, and with that a lot of late game losses. Get some damned relievers DD!
Detroit Lions Go to 0-14, Bengals win 2nd game, #1 Pick Secure
2 more games to be the first to 0-16!
Looks like none of us will be looking for travel deals for the playoffs, although I am heading to Green Bay the last week to take in the record game. Bad feeling about New Orleans next week, but the Cincinnati Bengals win Sunday was the nail in the coffin for getting the worst record and the #1 pick.
Still...we want it all. The coveted 0-16 trophy. We could win the last 2 and be fighting it out with Oakland and Seattle for the #1 pick, but it is highly unlikely.
Wonder what sign I should bring to the Packer game this year. Can't go with the reliable "Fire Millen" anymore so I have to come up with something new. Any ideas?
Looks like none of us will be looking for travel deals for the playoffs, although I am heading to Green Bay the last week to take in the record game. Bad feeling about New Orleans next week, but the Cincinnati Bengals win Sunday was the nail in the coffin for getting the worst record and the #1 pick.
Still...we want it all. The coveted 0-16 trophy. We could win the last 2 and be fighting it out with Oakland and Seattle for the #1 pick, but it is highly unlikely.
Wonder what sign I should bring to the Packer game this year. Can't go with the reliable "Fire Millen" anymore so I have to come up with something new. Any ideas?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Michael Curry is Called a Coach?
Think his title may be wrong. More like a PR guy that gives interviews after the game, or a spokesperson for term life insurance would suit him. He sure doesn't do any actual coaching as far as I can tell.
Pistons run no offense. No plays. Guy who brings the ball up the court dribbles around for 15 seconds and then shoots, or gets it blocked. The rest chill out at the 3 point line and watch. Rip Hamilton used to run around the offensive end constantly. Every possession. Now? Maybe 4-5 times a game.
They have fast guards and they just stand around watching guys dribble. I wasn't aware we were watching the Atlanta Hawks now. Can't imagine anyone respects him as a coach. No wonder AI didn't give a crap about going to practice. Wasn't going to learn anything anyways.
Pistons run no offense. No plays. Guy who brings the ball up the court dribbles around for 15 seconds and then shoots, or gets it blocked. The rest chill out at the 3 point line and watch. Rip Hamilton used to run around the offensive end constantly. Every possession. Now? Maybe 4-5 times a game.
They have fast guards and they just stand around watching guys dribble. I wasn't aware we were watching the Atlanta Hawks now. Can't imagine anyone respects him as a coach. No wonder AI didn't give a crap about going to practice. Wasn't going to learn anything anyways.
Going to the Detroit Pistons Game Today
Got some pretty choice seats I guess too. Came with some promotional business gifts to one of my boys apparently. Not exactly sure where they are, but I hear we have some of the higher priced face value tickets in the arena. Hopefully I'm close enough to yell things that can be heard on TV. I'll try not to swear a lot I guess, although these guys can bring it out of you when you watch them play like they are great one night, and clueless the next.
Just had to go at least once this year to see A.I. in person. I have been to a least 20 Pistons games, and have yet to see Allen Iverson play live as long as he was in Philly. I never got to see Grant Hill play either. He was always friggin' hurt when we went. Big surprise, eh? He was even hurt when we went to see the Pistons play Orlando when he was on the Magic.
Hopefully I can find some gear with the OLD Pistons logeo on it. You can't even guess how hard it has been to find new gear with that logo on it. It just isn't around. I want that logo from the Bad Boys days. Not the horse, or the new "improved" one. I want old school.
Just had to go at least once this year to see A.I. in person. I have been to a least 20 Pistons games, and have yet to see Allen Iverson play live as long as he was in Philly. I never got to see Grant Hill play either. He was always friggin' hurt when we went. Big surprise, eh? He was even hurt when we went to see the Pistons play Orlando when he was on the Magic.
Hopefully I can find some gear with the OLD Pistons logeo on it. You can't even guess how hard it has been to find new gear with that logo on it. It just isn't around. I want that logo from the Bad Boys days. Not the horse, or the new "improved" one. I want old school.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Should the Lions Really Lose the Thanksgiving Day Game?
This has been talked about all week leading up to the annual Thanksgiving Day game for the Lions. People seem to really be in support of punishing this horrible franchise with the lack of competition they give their opponents every week. Most importantly in the nationally televised Turkey Day game. So the Lions had something to prove this year and they failed miserably.
From the opening drive of the game you knew they were in serious trouble. On just the 2nd play from scrimmage the Lions fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Titans inside the Lions own 25. It got worse from there. Much worse. By the end of the 1st quarter they were already down 21-3. Of course that is nothing new. They have gotten lambasted several times this year by giving up 21+ points with nothing to show for it. 21-3 is so common that you almost expect it at least once every 2 weeks. By halftime they were trailing 35-10. When the game was finally over they had lost 47-10. Their worst Turkey Day defeat ever.
An amazing game of statistical futility. If you actually watched the entire game, CBS displayed an array of record setting statistics for the abysmal Lions season. The best part about the Lions games is that the stations almost always display Rod Marinelli's win-loss record during the game several times. All I need to know is that the Lions are 1-19 since they started 6-2 last year. They were 1-7 after starting 6-2!. Now they are 0-12 and well on their way to the first ever 0-16 season.
So...do we really think the tradition should be broken and take the game away? I'm not so sure I can defend keeping the game anymore as a Lions fan. I'm to the point that I hope the NFL provides them with a nice moving services and gets this franchise out of here and gives us a new one. As long as William Clay Ford isn't allowed to own that new team and has to go wherever they do.
I think only Hitler can reasonably sum up how bad they are
From the opening drive of the game you knew they were in serious trouble. On just the 2nd play from scrimmage the Lions fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Titans inside the Lions own 25. It got worse from there. Much worse. By the end of the 1st quarter they were already down 21-3. Of course that is nothing new. They have gotten lambasted several times this year by giving up 21+ points with nothing to show for it. 21-3 is so common that you almost expect it at least once every 2 weeks. By halftime they were trailing 35-10. When the game was finally over they had lost 47-10. Their worst Turkey Day defeat ever.
An amazing game of statistical futility. If you actually watched the entire game, CBS displayed an array of record setting statistics for the abysmal Lions season. The best part about the Lions games is that the stations almost always display Rod Marinelli's win-loss record during the game several times. All I need to know is that the Lions are 1-19 since they started 6-2 last year. They were 1-7 after starting 6-2!. Now they are 0-12 and well on their way to the first ever 0-16 season.
So...do we really think the tradition should be broken and take the game away? I'm not so sure I can defend keeping the game anymore as a Lions fan. I'm to the point that I hope the NFL provides them with a nice moving services and gets this franchise out of here and gives us a new one. As long as William Clay Ford isn't allowed to own that new team and has to go wherever they do.
I think only Hitler can reasonably sum up how bad they are
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
5 More Losses to Go for Lions 0-16 Season
The Lions lost another game Sunday after taking a 17-0 lead in the 1st half against the Tampa Bay Bucs. They were then outscored 38-3 the rest of the way. They were even trailing at halftime after taking the 17-0 lead. It isn't a matter of thinking the Lions can be in games anymore. The fun is figuring out how they are going to lose.
They have done it all this year. They have taken a beating and gone down 21-0, 0r 21-3 several times. They have been leading at halftime. they have come back from being down 21-3 to take the lead and still lose. Every QB on the team has Jon Kitna disease in the 4th quarter. When there is a slight chance to get a win you can guarantee an untimely interception. Daunte Culpepper is no exception.
The Lions even have swapped Drew Stanton into games since Culpepper has been here only to "embarrass" himself time and time again. They actually pulled Culpepper in the 4th quarter when the Lions were only down a couple scores and forcing a turnover inside the 30 yard line for a real scoring opportunity. Stanton went on to get a concussion to add to his laundry list of injuries since being drafted.
So...Stanton is the future, and Culpepper is the present, or is Stanton the present? Who the hell knows with this team. Neither of them are the answer, and don't even try to hype up Stanton you homers because he is just the latest version of McMike.
We will likely be stuck with the same front office and same coaching staff next year too for some incredible reason. Rod Marinelli is 1-18 in his last 19 games, but has not been fired. What makes anyone think that if he goes 1-23 he will be? We'll get him back, Culpepper back at $5 Mil+ next year in need of Leptovox, and Stanton waiting in the wings to come on in and get injured again. There is no hope.
They have done it all this year. They have taken a beating and gone down 21-0, 0r 21-3 several times. They have been leading at halftime. they have come back from being down 21-3 to take the lead and still lose. Every QB on the team has Jon Kitna disease in the 4th quarter. When there is a slight chance to get a win you can guarantee an untimely interception. Daunte Culpepper is no exception.
The Lions even have swapped Drew Stanton into games since Culpepper has been here only to "embarrass" himself time and time again. They actually pulled Culpepper in the 4th quarter when the Lions were only down a couple scores and forcing a turnover inside the 30 yard line for a real scoring opportunity. Stanton went on to get a concussion to add to his laundry list of injuries since being drafted.
So...Stanton is the future, and Culpepper is the present, or is Stanton the present? Who the hell knows with this team. Neither of them are the answer, and don't even try to hype up Stanton you homers because he is just the latest version of McMike.
We will likely be stuck with the same front office and same coaching staff next year too for some incredible reason. Rod Marinelli is 1-18 in his last 19 games, but has not been fired. What makes anyone think that if he goes 1-23 he will be? We'll get him back, Culpepper back at $5 Mil+ next year in need of Leptovox, and Stanton waiting in the wings to come on in and get injured again. There is no hope.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Pistons Starting to Look Better Since A.I. Trade
This team still ahs a long way to go, but last night they seemed to work together a bit more. Rip Hamilton got off his horrible slump since the trade and put in over 20 points for the first time since the deal went down. He still looks a bit lost out there at times with the new look, but he is adjusting, and hopefully be back to normal soon.
Tayshaun Prince has been playing like a beast the last 5 games. He has been asked to bring the ball up a lot when AI isn't in the game, and is even doing it a lot when Iverson is on the court. Although he holds the ball more his assists don't show it. He is rebounding and scoring like mad though. HE pulled down 16 rebounds last night, which is a career high. He has been averaging a double double over the last 5 games as well.
Tonight they begin a big test with the stretch of games they will play n the next week. They start off in LA against the Lakers, then have to play Phoenix, Cleveland, and Boston in the coming week. That's a tough schedule for anyone, but even worse with the way these guys seem to be still finding how they work together. Add to that Stuckey has been out a game and probably will be inserted back in soon after a heart condition scare.
If you are at a hotel las vegas it probably isn't wise to bet on the Pistons right now. It is hard to say what kind of team you are going to get on a nightly basis for a while. They are also struggling badly with their lack of size and beef. With out Antonio McDyess on the roster anymore the frontcourt is a bit thin. When they have to play against the likes of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Shaq, it may be a rough night for them on the boards, although it has been the last couple years since Big Ben left.
Whatever happens, at least we get to watch AI do crazy stuff every night. That is the one thing that makes it better. I have grtown tired of this team of underachievers and it is nice to see someone that can get to the rim on a regular basis every time they touch the ball.
Tayshaun Prince has been playing like a beast the last 5 games. He has been asked to bring the ball up a lot when AI isn't in the game, and is even doing it a lot when Iverson is on the court. Although he holds the ball more his assists don't show it. He is rebounding and scoring like mad though. HE pulled down 16 rebounds last night, which is a career high. He has been averaging a double double over the last 5 games as well.
Tonight they begin a big test with the stretch of games they will play n the next week. They start off in LA against the Lakers, then have to play Phoenix, Cleveland, and Boston in the coming week. That's a tough schedule for anyone, but even worse with the way these guys seem to be still finding how they work together. Add to that Stuckey has been out a game and probably will be inserted back in soon after a heart condition scare.
If you are at a hotel las vegas it probably isn't wise to bet on the Pistons right now. It is hard to say what kind of team you are going to get on a nightly basis for a while. They are also struggling badly with their lack of size and beef. With out Antonio McDyess on the roster anymore the frontcourt is a bit thin. When they have to play against the likes of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Shaq, it may be a rough night for them on the boards, although it has been the last couple years since Big Ben left.
Whatever happens, at least we get to watch AI do crazy stuff every night. That is the one thing that makes it better. I have grtown tired of this team of underachievers and it is nice to see someone that can get to the rim on a regular basis every time they touch the ball.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Culpepper to start Apparently
Everywhere I look it appears that newly signed (Monday) QB, Daunte Culpepper is going to get the start Sunday for the Lions. Dan Orlovsky is out due to injury, and the Lions coaching staff must still believe that Drew Stanton is going to "embarrass" himself if he steps onto the field.
Culpepeer was signed for a pittance for an NFL QB of about $350K to play this year, but if he is kept for next year he will be due about $5 Million.
So...the Lions will be playing the Jacksonville Jaguars who look to be in serious trouble this week. They are coming off a loss to the other winless team in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bungles. The Lions are 6.5 point underdogs going into the game. This may be their best chance to win a game the rest of the way.
Of course the coaching staff that makes decisions as if they have all been repeatedly hit on the head with a paella pan tend to think that a guy with a few days practice is the way to go to try and get that win. Culpepper has not gone through training camp this year, and has literally not played since last season.
On top of all this...center Dom Raiola has an injury that may force him to snap the ball with the OPPOSITE hand if he is to play.
Of course i would never bet on the Lions to win or lose because they are as brutal to your wallet when you bet for or against them as they are to watch when you are a fan. If I were going to bet I would likely still bet against them considering the new QB and the pathetic team that is the Lions no matter how bad off the Jags are. They will run the ball down our throats. Guaranteed.
Culpepeer was signed for a pittance for an NFL QB of about $350K to play this year, but if he is kept for next year he will be due about $5 Million.
So...the Lions will be playing the Jacksonville Jaguars who look to be in serious trouble this week. They are coming off a loss to the other winless team in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bungles. The Lions are 6.5 point underdogs going into the game. This may be their best chance to win a game the rest of the way.
Of course the coaching staff that makes decisions as if they have all been repeatedly hit on the head with a paella pan tend to think that a guy with a few days practice is the way to go to try and get that win. Culpepper has not gone through training camp this year, and has literally not played since last season.
On top of all this...center Dom Raiola has an injury that may force him to snap the ball with the OPPOSITE hand if he is to play.
Of course i would never bet on the Lions to win or lose because they are as brutal to your wallet when you bet for or against them as they are to watch when you are a fan. If I were going to bet I would likely still bet against them considering the new QB and the pathetic team that is the Lions no matter how bad off the Jags are. They will run the ball down our throats. Guaranteed.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tigers New Pitching Coach: Rick Knapp
Don't know how I missed this when it was announced. I guess I was done with baseball and fully into football by the time. It was announced about 2 weeks ago, but I dug up a little bit of info on the guy from a great article Yahoo! wrote about the Twins pitching staff a few month back.
That's right, Rick Knapp was one of the minor league pitching coaches responsible for the array of pitching talent that has come up through the Twins organization. He is replacing Chuck Hernandez, who was fired after his staff produced a 4.87 earned-run average, third-worst in the major leagues in 2008. Sent him packing with his replacing Chuck Hernandez, who was fired after his staff produced a 4.87 earned-run average, third-worst in the major leagues in 2008. Sent him packing with a passport and pronbably to Japan after his horrid season.
Knapp, 46, has been coaching in the Texas and Minnesota minor league systems since 1988.
Well...people were a bit miffed they didn't try to go out and get Mazzone. The guy that had 3 HOF pitchers going for him when he was part of the Atlanta Braves historic division winning romp. I guess there is something to it, but the guy hasn't exactly been lighting the world on fire since he left either.
Either way...if you are going to take someone to coach your pitchers, you are probably making a pretty good gamble taking a guy out of the Twins organization.
The best part about this guy is one quote from the Yahoo! article:
“If you buy into it and trust it and believe it, it’ll work for you,” Knapp said. “No question about it. You can latch on to different philosophies, but I can guarantee that if you throw the ball over the plate, you’re going to be successful. If velocity is third or fourth on the list for elements of success for a pitcher, you’ll be way better off.
“And if you’re walking more guys than the recommended daily allowance, you will hear from me.”
There you have it. Exactly the kind of mindset these guys need.
THE BEST thing about all of this is that we should no longer be subject to the moronic "hold the ball over the head" pick off move that seemed to come into play during the Chuck Hernandez era.
That's right, Rick Knapp was one of the minor league pitching coaches responsible for the array of pitching talent that has come up through the Twins organization. He is replacing Chuck Hernandez, who was fired after his staff produced a 4.87 earned-run average, third-worst in the major leagues in 2008. Sent him packing with his replacing Chuck Hernandez, who was fired after his staff produced a 4.87 earned-run average, third-worst in the major leagues in 2008. Sent him packing with a passport and pronbably to Japan after his horrid season.
Knapp, 46, has been coaching in the Texas and Minnesota minor league systems since 1988.
Well...people were a bit miffed they didn't try to go out and get Mazzone. The guy that had 3 HOF pitchers going for him when he was part of the Atlanta Braves historic division winning romp. I guess there is something to it, but the guy hasn't exactly been lighting the world on fire since he left either.
Either way...if you are going to take someone to coach your pitchers, you are probably making a pretty good gamble taking a guy out of the Twins organization.
The best part about this guy is one quote from the Yahoo! article:
“If you buy into it and trust it and believe it, it’ll work for you,” Knapp said. “No question about it. You can latch on to different philosophies, but I can guarantee that if you throw the ball over the plate, you’re going to be successful. If velocity is third or fourth on the list for elements of success for a pitcher, you’ll be way better off.
“And if you’re walking more guys than the recommended daily allowance, you will hear from me.”
There you have it. Exactly the kind of mindset these guys need.
THE BEST thing about all of this is that we should no longer be subject to the moronic "hold the ball over the head" pick off move that seemed to come into play during the Chuck Hernandez era.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Lions Fall to 0-6
The dream is still alive after another close call. 0-16 is still in our sights, and the odds are just a little bit better after losing to the only team on their schedule that they should even be able to compete with in the Houston Texans. We are all hoping we will get a cheap franchise opportunities if they can go 0-16. The Fords will never sell of course, but we all dream of a team owned by a bunch of fans.
The Lions made a strong effort to get back into it in the second half, but clearly they don't have what it takes to finish a game off. They came back from being down 21-0 and ended up close in the 4th quarter with around 6 minutes left at 28-21 after Calvin Johnson caught a franchise record 96-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion right after to put them down 28-18. Then a long FG after poor drive management and a defense that was too tired to get the ball back quick enough.
Only 10 more to go! You know for a fact that someone isn't going to show up against them one week though. It just always happens at least once.
The Lions made a strong effort to get back into it in the second half, but clearly they don't have what it takes to finish a game off. They came back from being down 21-0 and ended up close in the 4th quarter with around 6 minutes left at 28-21 after Calvin Johnson caught a franchise record 96-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion right after to put them down 28-18. Then a long FG after poor drive management and a defense that was too tired to get the ball back quick enough.
Only 10 more to go! You know for a fact that someone isn't going to show up against them one week though. It just always happens at least once.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
#1 Draft Pick Almost Guaranteed to Lions
They have done it again. They went down 21-0 for the 3rd, or is the 4th time this year already? They went into halftime down 21-3 for I believe the 3rd time this year. I know they have been down 17-0 at the half once already too this season.
This game was supposed to be "winnable". They didn't show up yet again and are getting smoked. The Rams picked up their 2nd win this week as well so that illustrious #1 pick is becoming more and more the claim of the lowly Lions.
While the Lions go into the locker room I'm sure they are all discussing very important things in regards to the game. Surely what the best diet pills are, their new cars, and various other things they will be worried about after they all get fired at the end of the season.
This game was supposed to be "winnable". They didn't show up yet again and are getting smoked. The Rams picked up their 2nd win this week as well so that illustrious #1 pick is becoming more and more the claim of the lowly Lions.
While the Lions go into the locker room I'm sure they are all discussing very important things in regards to the game. Surely what the best diet pills are, their new cars, and various other things they will be worried about after they all get fired at the end of the season.
Lions Best Chance to Get a Win Today
If you were hoping for an 0-16 season (I know I am), this is going to be a game that there is a slight chance they can win. The Houston Texans aren't exactly a great team. In fact, Houston is the franchise that is vying for the crown of the worst team in the NFL over the Millen era. Fortunately, Millen was able to keep the Lions as the worst team in the NFL over his tenure. The Texans as an expansion team do have a better record than the Lions since they have come into the league. Prompting some very funny t-shirts in the last several years. We need some new slogans to come up with I guess. Shouldn't be hard with the Fords still owning the team.
The Lions last week got robbed. You can't deny this, but we are still happy they got the loss. We are looking for a record season here if you hadn't noticed. The Lions looked very good defensively last week, however. This may be their best chance to pick up a win the rest of the way. Their schedule is not friendly. In fact it may be one of, if not the hardest schedules in the league.
Think we can win any of these games?
Sunday, October 19 at Houston Texans Reliant Stadium 4:05 p.m.
FOX
Sunday, October 26 WASHINGTON REDSKINS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.
FOX
Sunday, November 2 at Chicago Bears Soldier Field 1:00 p.m.
FOX
Sunday, November 9 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.
CBS
Sunday, November 16 at Carolina Panthers Bank of America Stadium 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, November 23 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Thursday, November 27 TENNESSEE TITANS Ford Field 12:30 p.m.
CBS#
Sunday, December 7 MINNESOTA VIKINGS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, December 14 at Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, December 21 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, December 28 at Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
--------------
We already lost our chances with home games vs. division foes. I find it hard to believe we win on the road against any of them. The rest of the non-division games are tough. 0-16 is really a possibility.
The Lions last week got robbed. You can't deny this, but we are still happy they got the loss. We are looking for a record season here if you hadn't noticed. The Lions looked very good defensively last week, however. This may be their best chance to pick up a win the rest of the way. Their schedule is not friendly. In fact it may be one of, if not the hardest schedules in the league.
Think we can win any of these games?
Sunday, October 19 at Houston Texans Reliant Stadium 4:05 p.m.
FOX
Sunday, October 26 WASHINGTON REDSKINS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.
FOX
Sunday, November 2 at Chicago Bears Soldier Field 1:00 p.m.
FOX
Sunday, November 9 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.
CBS
Sunday, November 16 at Carolina Panthers Bank of America Stadium 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, November 23 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Thursday, November 27 TENNESSEE TITANS Ford Field 12:30 p.m.
CBS#
Sunday, December 7 MINNESOTA VIKINGS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, December 14 at Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, December 21 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Ford Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
Sunday, December 28 at Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field 1:00 p.m.*
FOX
--------------
We already lost our chances with home games vs. division foes. I find it hard to believe we win on the road against any of them. The rest of the non-division games are tough. 0-16 is really a possibility.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Lions Trade Roy Williams to the Team that Already Has Roy Williams
The Millen Era is truly over this week. Just a couple weeks after being fired, the Lions actually pull off a deal that makes sense for them. No...I'm being serious.
Roy Williams (WR for the Lions) was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this week, a team that already has their own Roy Williams at Safety. The Lions could consider this not just a good trade, but an exceptional one. The Lions gave up Roy and a 7th round draft pick for 2010. In return, Dallas sent the Lions their 2009 1st, 3rd, and 6th rounders. Wow.
To put this in perspective. Roy is considered maybe a Top 20 WR at this point in his career. His production certainly says that he is closer to top 10, but in Detroit he wasn't really reaching his potential. WRs get traded once in a while and the last major WR trade to happen other than Randy Moss (4th rounder only) was Chris Chambers last year to the San Diego Chargers before the deadline. What did they give up? Their 2nd rounder, which was going to probably end up as a bottom 5 pick in the 1st. People thought that was too much then, but considering Dallas is America's team the haircuts seem to tell you that this isn't that bad for them...lol
Anyways, you have to give Mayhew credit as interim GM for picking up the phone and accepting this ridiculous offer. I won't give him too much credit for this. Dallas was in sort of panic mode going into the deadline. With Tony Romo going down with a broken pinky for a month they were looking to make a move to help aging vet (He's still the best IMO) Terrell Owens. Mayhew happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Let's give him a bit of credit though. It has been rumored for years that Dallas owner, Jerry Jones has wanted Roy, and that he has tried to pry him from Millen several times. Millen was supposedly asking a bit too much, or was afraid to pull the trigger. None of this can be confirmed of course, but with Millen's record you can probably take it as a reliable assertion.
So...Mayhew made about the best move the Lions have pulled off in years. He showed he is trying to keep that job and probably some amazing health insurance. Let's hope that Ford Sr. isn't ready to give it to him though. We still want a real GM, President, and Coach. After all, this guy did spend a considerable amount of time working for Matt Millen. It had to rub off somehow.
Roy Williams (WR for the Lions) was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this week, a team that already has their own Roy Williams at Safety. The Lions could consider this not just a good trade, but an exceptional one. The Lions gave up Roy and a 7th round draft pick for 2010. In return, Dallas sent the Lions their 2009 1st, 3rd, and 6th rounders. Wow.
To put this in perspective. Roy is considered maybe a Top 20 WR at this point in his career. His production certainly says that he is closer to top 10, but in Detroit he wasn't really reaching his potential. WRs get traded once in a while and the last major WR trade to happen other than Randy Moss (4th rounder only) was Chris Chambers last year to the San Diego Chargers before the deadline. What did they give up? Their 2nd rounder, which was going to probably end up as a bottom 5 pick in the 1st. People thought that was too much then, but considering Dallas is America's team the haircuts seem to tell you that this isn't that bad for them...lol
Anyways, you have to give Mayhew credit as interim GM for picking up the phone and accepting this ridiculous offer. I won't give him too much credit for this. Dallas was in sort of panic mode going into the deadline. With Tony Romo going down with a broken pinky for a month they were looking to make a move to help aging vet (He's still the best IMO) Terrell Owens. Mayhew happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Let's give him a bit of credit though. It has been rumored for years that Dallas owner, Jerry Jones has wanted Roy, and that he has tried to pry him from Millen several times. Millen was supposedly asking a bit too much, or was afraid to pull the trigger. None of this can be confirmed of course, but with Millen's record you can probably take it as a reliable assertion.
So...Mayhew made about the best move the Lions have pulled off in years. He showed he is trying to keep that job and probably some amazing health insurance. Let's hope that Ford Sr. isn't ready to give it to him though. We still want a real GM, President, and Coach. After all, this guy did spend a considerable amount of time working for Matt Millen. It had to rub off somehow.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Detroit Lions Get Robbed by Referees Against Minnesota
For once Lions fans got to see a defense that actually cared about winning a game. They had more sacks than the rest of the season combined (4 through 4 games), and they caused more turnovers in all 4 of those games combined (1).
The week the Curse of Bobby Lane came to pass the Lions showed up for the first time this season, and the Lions got screwed instead of actually screwing themselves. Maybe a new curse has started?
So how did it happen? The Lions got hosed 3 times in the game. The first time was about a 50 yard pass to Calvin Johnson that they did not call pass interference on when it was a clear and easy call to make. Would have put the Lions on the 1 yard line with a chance to increase their lead. They had to punt and Minnesota scored their only TD on the following drive.
The next one was a ruled fumble on a Calvin Johnson catch that was clearly not a fumble. To make matters worse, they even reviewed the play and the zebras STILL ruled it was a fumble against all logic. The Lions were in FG range at the time.
The final straw was the final drive of the game with Minnesota losign 10-9. A long pass down the sidelines was overthrown, no contact whatsoever from Bodden on the coverage and what happens? You guessed it...a pass interference call that put the Vikings within FG range. All this happening when the Vikings should ahve been deep in their own territory with a 3rd and 20 coming.
I guess that you can take it as a moral victory because the Lions won that game every way except the scoreboard. They covered the Vegas lines at least if you happened to be out on one of your Vegas vacations, but that is a small consolation to Lions fans.
0-5 and still leading the way to the #1 pick. I guess that is what we want anyways, but if the defense keeps playing like that we may actually win a couple games.
The week the Curse of Bobby Lane came to pass the Lions showed up for the first time this season, and the Lions got screwed instead of actually screwing themselves. Maybe a new curse has started?
So how did it happen? The Lions got hosed 3 times in the game. The first time was about a 50 yard pass to Calvin Johnson that they did not call pass interference on when it was a clear and easy call to make. Would have put the Lions on the 1 yard line with a chance to increase their lead. They had to punt and Minnesota scored their only TD on the following drive.
The next one was a ruled fumble on a Calvin Johnson catch that was clearly not a fumble. To make matters worse, they even reviewed the play and the zebras STILL ruled it was a fumble against all logic. The Lions were in FG range at the time.
The final straw was the final drive of the game with Minnesota losign 10-9. A long pass down the sidelines was overthrown, no contact whatsoever from Bodden on the coverage and what happens? You guessed it...a pass interference call that put the Vikings within FG range. All this happening when the Vikings should ahve been deep in their own territory with a 3rd and 20 coming.
I guess that you can take it as a moral victory because the Lions won that game every way except the scoreboard. They covered the Vegas lines at least if you happened to be out on one of your Vegas vacations, but that is a small consolation to Lions fans.
0-5 and still leading the way to the #1 pick. I guess that is what we want anyways, but if the defense keeps playing like that we may actually win a couple games.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Millen Gone, Lions Still Get Destroyed
If you were expecting the Lions to come out with new passion after the firing of GM Matt Millen, and a whole bye week to prepare for the Chicago Bears you were treated with more of the same. The Lions continued to get pounded again Sunday as they took a 17-0 deficit into the locker room at halftime once again this week en route to an 0-4 season start.
While you are putting your patio furniture covers over your yard furniture and going toward fall, we are preparing for a long winter of terrible football a, and maybe one of the worst in Lions' history.
Besides another pounding to a division rival, the Lions coaches made the decision to pull starting QB John Kitna out of the game early in the 3rd quarter this week as well. So...what do we have to look forward to now? Is Kitna done? Dan Orlovsky certainly didn't fair any better once he was put into the game. It appears that Stanton is on his way to getting a shot in the near future however. Something Lions fans certainly would like to see as the old cliche goes "The back up QB is the most popular guy on the team". In Detroit it might be more aptly put as "The 3rd string QB is the most popular guy on the team".
Some positives. The Lions were able to keep their opponent under 21 points for the first time in the 1st half this year. I guess that is it...lol
They were able to raise their Points Against Average a little this week. After 4 games they are giving up an average of 36.75 PPG. Yup...they haven't given up less than 31 points in a game yet this year and took another drubbing this week 34-7. The Lions have given up 147 points this year and have only scored 66. An average of 16.5 per game. Just an amazing team. Literally the worst team in the NFL to this point in the season.
While you are putting your patio furniture covers over your yard furniture and going toward fall, we are preparing for a long winter of terrible football a, and maybe one of the worst in Lions' history.
Besides another pounding to a division rival, the Lions coaches made the decision to pull starting QB John Kitna out of the game early in the 3rd quarter this week as well. So...what do we have to look forward to now? Is Kitna done? Dan Orlovsky certainly didn't fair any better once he was put into the game. It appears that Stanton is on his way to getting a shot in the near future however. Something Lions fans certainly would like to see as the old cliche goes "The back up QB is the most popular guy on the team". In Detroit it might be more aptly put as "The 3rd string QB is the most popular guy on the team".
Some positives. The Lions were able to keep their opponent under 21 points for the first time in the 1st half this year. I guess that is it...lol
They were able to raise their Points Against Average a little this week. After 4 games they are giving up an average of 36.75 PPG. Yup...they haven't given up less than 31 points in a game yet this year and took another drubbing this week 34-7. The Lions have given up 147 points this year and have only scored 66. An average of 16.5 per game. Just an amazing team. Literally the worst team in the NFL to this point in the season.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Floyd Reese Interviewed by Huge
Floyd Reese, former GM of the Tennessee Titans was interviewed by Bill Simonson on the Huge Show today and still claims he wants the Lions GM job. I believe Audio for the interview will be up later tonight. Just nothing available to post now.
A brief synopsis of his interview was obviously that he sais he would sign on today if they called. He said that he is also avbailable to be a consultant for the team to help them make the decisions.
HE and Huge discussed the idea that the Lions need to get someone in place to evaluate the team now. Not wait until the end of the season when they are looking at so many other things and don't have the time they need to get it done. Ford initially said that the positions were sort of in a work holding and that they would evaluate the sitution at the end of the season.
Floyd went on to say that he believed there was never the opportunity like the Lions have now to actually evaluate the team WHILE the season was going on and that it was silly to hold off until the end of the year.
He pretty much sounded like he was interviewing for the job today by telling about all his experience at all levels of the NFL. From trainer all the way up to the GM. HE said that he had the ability to talk to players at any position because he has coached for every position. He knew how to deal with any player that needed to be dealt with.
Asked what his first move would be with the Lions? He skated around it a bit. He said that he would evaluate every single thing football realted to the team. He also said that he couldn't tell you one way or another whether the Lions had talent to win games. He would need to evaluate the culture of the team more and see what kinds of issue everyone was dealing with to make decisions.
Mooch was interviewed there last week and said something about how he had to battle Millen on who he could play, and didn't really get any input into players he wanted to go after. It was Millen's call. Reese said that on field things are for the coaches. Ultimately personnel com e down to him, but coaches are the coach and they make the gameday calls for who plays. He said that he was supposed to get the players to succeed and the coaches were supposed to use them how they are supposed to be used.
A brief synopsis of his interview was obviously that he sais he would sign on today if they called. He said that he is also avbailable to be a consultant for the team to help them make the decisions.
HE and Huge discussed the idea that the Lions need to get someone in place to evaluate the team now. Not wait until the end of the season when they are looking at so many other things and don't have the time they need to get it done. Ford initially said that the positions were sort of in a work holding and that they would evaluate the sitution at the end of the season.
Floyd went on to say that he believed there was never the opportunity like the Lions have now to actually evaluate the team WHILE the season was going on and that it was silly to hold off until the end of the year.
He pretty much sounded like he was interviewing for the job today by telling about all his experience at all levels of the NFL. From trainer all the way up to the GM. HE said that he had the ability to talk to players at any position because he has coached for every position. He knew how to deal with any player that needed to be dealt with.
Asked what his first move would be with the Lions? He skated around it a bit. He said that he would evaluate every single thing football realted to the team. He also said that he couldn't tell you one way or another whether the Lions had talent to win games. He would need to evaluate the culture of the team more and see what kinds of issue everyone was dealing with to make decisions.
Mooch was interviewed there last week and said something about how he had to battle Millen on who he could play, and didn't really get any input into players he wanted to go after. It was Millen's call. Reese said that on field things are for the coaches. Ultimately personnel com e down to him, but coaches are the coach and they make the gameday calls for who plays. He said that he was supposed to get the players to succeed and the coaches were supposed to use them how they are supposed to be used.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Lions Didn't Sign Cedric Benson, For Now
Yesterday it was reported that the Detroit Lions had signed ex-Bear running back Cedric Benson for some odd reason. While they should be bringing in QBs to replace Kitna the idea that they were looking at washed up, and never have been RBs this week was laughable. Especially since they just signed Rudi Johnson days before the season.
Apparently someone just had their head up their ass. Although it wouldn't surprise me that the Lions would sign a guy that never amounted to anything after being a 1st round draft pick, it made no sense. Benson was busted twice last year for alcohol related incidents. Once driving a boat while intoxicated, and a few months later driving a car intoxicated. I real class act. A guy you definitely want to make sure you have your Canon Powershot on hand for in case you run into him. Surely you want a picture with this man.
Apparently someone just had their head up their ass. Although it wouldn't surprise me that the Lions would sign a guy that never amounted to anything after being a 1st round draft pick, it made no sense. Benson was busted twice last year for alcohol related incidents. Once driving a boat while intoxicated, and a few months later driving a car intoxicated. I real class act. A guy you definitely want to make sure you have your Canon Powershot on hand for in case you run into him. Surely you want a picture with this man.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
First Time I Ever Agreed With Stephen A. Smith (Destroys Matt Millen)
Stephen A. Smith annoys the hell out of me. The guy is a joke. Someone who is willing to play the race card daily if there is even remotely a reason for him to do so. You could say that if he showed up in an article I was readign about anything I would immediately go somewhere else. I'd go read about Michael Jackson, Orovo reviews, or maybe even Pokemon just to not have to read something he had to say.
Yet...yesterday he finally jumped on the Fire Millen bandwagon with both feet and didn't hold anything back. It is rare you see a talking head in sports rip into a guy, or a franchise like this. They like to stir up controversy of course, but this is one of the best Millen rants I have yet to here anyone pull off.
Stephen A. Smith was asked this ESPN2's "First Take": After two weeks as a starter, is Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers the real deal?" Then after one sentence about Rodger's play he went into an epic rant that follows...
Well...Stephen A. Smith has finally said something I can agree with, and he said it the way it needed to be said.
Yet...yesterday he finally jumped on the Fire Millen bandwagon with both feet and didn't hold anything back. It is rare you see a talking head in sports rip into a guy, or a franchise like this. They like to stir up controversy of course, but this is one of the best Millen rants I have yet to here anyone pull off.
Stephen A. Smith was asked this ESPN2's "First Take": After two weeks as a starter, is Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers the real deal?" Then after one sentence about Rodger's play he went into an epic rant that follows...
"I like what I'm seeing from Aaron Rodgers," offered Stephen A. Smith. "Right now he's playing just as good as any quarterback in the NFL."
But?
Smith continued: "The key thing for me is, remember he was playing against the Lions. ...
"This team is just atrocious and Matt Millen is a walking football atrocity. He is the worst executive, in my opinion, in the history of team sports.
"He is flat-out garbage. The fact that he is allowed to have a job, the fact that he is allowed to walk though the streets of Detroit to enter Ford Field is an abomination in and of itself.
"There should be barricades keeping this man out of the city limits. He should not be allowed to be employed by the Detroit Lions. He is a disgrace of the highest order.
"And that's why you can't take anything Aaron Rodgers did yesterday seriously, because we are talking about the Detroit Lions, who are absolute garbage. ...
"(Millen) is clueless, he doesn't know what he's doing. Until they get rid of him, we're going to be saying that a whole bunch of people look good when they play the Detroit Lions."
Well...Stephen A. Smith has finally said something I can agree with, and he said it the way it needed to be said.
Another Year, Another Disaster for the Detroit Lions
IT doesn't take much for Detroit Lions fans to at least feel some sort of hope going into the NFL regular season every year. After all we typically have a top 10 draft pick that we can all get excited about. Unfortunately, the optimism this year was as high as I can ever remember.
After a 6-2 start last season the Lions went on to finish 7-9. Going 1-7 over the final 8 games to miss the playoffs for the 100th straight year. A fall off of epic proportions. AT 6-2 they had to win at the very least 2 more games out of the last 8 to make the playoffs in the NFC last year. At worst only 3 more games and they were a shoe in. That is 3-5 over the last 8 games and they couldn't pull it off.
Bring us to 2008. Week 1 the Lions quickly found themselves down 21-0 in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons who not only had a rookie QB in his first NFL game, but were playing in a half-empty stadium, against a RB who had never actually been a feature back before. Suffice to say they got their asses handed to them in the opener and people were "shocked" with the result of the game. Silly Lions fans.
Even after the beating they took in Week 1, Lions fans still held out optimism as they could just say it was one week and they got it out of their systems. So when Green Bay came to town for a home game in Week 2, fans at least though that they would be as unpredictable as they were in the 1st game by beating down GB like they always seem to do when everyone picks them to lose.
Oh how wrong they were. At least they are consistent. The Lions defense spotted Green Bay 21 points early yet again. This time however, there was some hope. Late in the 4th quarter after the defense practically shut them out for the 2nd and 3rd quarters the Lions somehow miraculously took the lead. That's right. They actually made a comeback. Well...Calvin Johnson had a comeback. breaking two long TD receptions that were all him. The Lions go up 25-24 with less than half a quarter left to go and delirious Lion fans thought that maybe they were going to win. LOL @ them.
John Kitna decided that they were fools and proceeded to throw 3 INTs (2 returned for TDs) in the final 6 minutes of the game and fans watched the Lions go from leading to getting blown out in the final minutes. Lions fans would have ha a better time searching for a Mesothelioma lawyer than to watch this debacle.
It's just not even sad, or funny anymore. It is difficult to find it laughable for me at this point. It is just so bad, and has gone on so long that all the jokes have been used up. Hearing that we are drafting a WR int he 1st round of the draft again by hecklers isn't even worth a chuckle to me anymore. In fact it makes me want to punch someone.
Even saying "Fire Millen" is a lost cause. The guy will never get fired. Ever. I have just accepted it.
After a 6-2 start last season the Lions went on to finish 7-9. Going 1-7 over the final 8 games to miss the playoffs for the 100th straight year. A fall off of epic proportions. AT 6-2 they had to win at the very least 2 more games out of the last 8 to make the playoffs in the NFC last year. At worst only 3 more games and they were a shoe in. That is 3-5 over the last 8 games and they couldn't pull it off.
Bring us to 2008. Week 1 the Lions quickly found themselves down 21-0 in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons who not only had a rookie QB in his first NFL game, but were playing in a half-empty stadium, against a RB who had never actually been a feature back before. Suffice to say they got their asses handed to them in the opener and people were "shocked" with the result of the game. Silly Lions fans.
Even after the beating they took in Week 1, Lions fans still held out optimism as they could just say it was one week and they got it out of their systems. So when Green Bay came to town for a home game in Week 2, fans at least though that they would be as unpredictable as they were in the 1st game by beating down GB like they always seem to do when everyone picks them to lose.
Oh how wrong they were. At least they are consistent. The Lions defense spotted Green Bay 21 points early yet again. This time however, there was some hope. Late in the 4th quarter after the defense practically shut them out for the 2nd and 3rd quarters the Lions somehow miraculously took the lead. That's right. They actually made a comeback. Well...Calvin Johnson had a comeback. breaking two long TD receptions that were all him. The Lions go up 25-24 with less than half a quarter left to go and delirious Lion fans thought that maybe they were going to win. LOL @ them.
John Kitna decided that they were fools and proceeded to throw 3 INTs (2 returned for TDs) in the final 6 minutes of the game and fans watched the Lions go from leading to getting blown out in the final minutes. Lions fans would have ha a better time searching for a Mesothelioma lawyer than to watch this debacle.
It's just not even sad, or funny anymore. It is difficult to find it laughable for me at this point. It is just so bad, and has gone on so long that all the jokes have been used up. Hearing that we are drafting a WR int he 1st round of the draft again by hecklers isn't even worth a chuckle to me anymore. In fact it makes me want to punch someone.
Even saying "Fire Millen" is a lost cause. The guy will never get fired. Ever. I have just accepted it.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Tatum Bell Steals Rudi Johnson's Gym Bag
LOL...in a bizarre twist to the signing of Rudi Johnson, the man that was cut to make room for him on the Detroit Lions roster has been caught stealing Rudi's gym bag.
Detroit Lions running back Rudi Johnson said Wednesday that the player who was waived to make room for him on the roster -- Tatum Bell -- took his luggage from team headquarters.
"All this happened when he got released," Johnson said. "He came in to get some stuff out of his locker and that's when he scooped up the bags."
Bell sort of denies it now, but they have him on tape. Wonder if he will try to lure Rudi into his room with the Votive candle holders burning and soft music playing now.
Detroit Lions running back Rudi Johnson said Wednesday that the player who was waived to make room for him on the roster -- Tatum Bell -- took his luggage from team headquarters.
"All this happened when he got released," Johnson said. "He came in to get some stuff out of his locker and that's when he scooped up the bags."
Bell sort of denies it now, but they have him on tape. Wonder if he will try to lure Rudi into his room with the Votive candle holders burning and soft music playing now.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thank You For Football
After the most disappointing season in recent memory for the Detroit Tigers we at least have football to look forward to. Yeah...I consider the Tigers season over. You can turn out the sconce lights on these guys. Devastating losses by a terrible pitching staff has torn all their hearts out I'm sure.
The Michigan Wolverines get started Saturday as the Rich Rodriguez era gets underway. The Lions play their final pre-season game tonight and hope to go 4-0.
You notice I don't mention any other state schools. I hate them all except WMU, where I went. WMU football is high school ball to me though so I don't follow the MAC and their bottom feeder rosters. You don't get career criminals like Randy Moss to play for MAC schools every year.
Anyways, bring on the football!
The Michigan Wolverines get started Saturday as the Rich Rodriguez era gets underway. The Lions play their final pre-season game tonight and hope to go 4-0.
You notice I don't mention any other state schools. I hate them all except WMU, where I went. WMU football is high school ball to me though so I don't follow the MAC and their bottom feeder rosters. You don't get career criminals like Randy Moss to play for MAC schools every year.
Anyways, bring on the football!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Stages of Being a Detroit Lions Fan
It is that time of year again where Lions fans eat healthy portions of cornbread and go into the season as optimistic as they will be all year. Being a Lions fan my whole life I have observed the emotional roller coaster of being a fan like all the others. Especially in the Matt Millen era. A man that probably has less football knowledge than the acne on my butt, than he does in his head.
With the season a couple weeks away I thought that I would give you my thoughts on the stages of being a Lions fan for every season. These are tried and true stages felt by every Lions fan every single season from the end of the last, through the draft, free agent signings, pre-season, and on through the next season.
Off-season and Draft
1. Overjoyed-This may be the best Lions fans feel throughout the year other than after pre-season. The NFL Draft is the Lions Super Bowl. We always have a top 10-15 draft pick so we know that we are probably going to get a decent player in it. Of course this is typically when Millen isn't the GM. Although we have gotten tons of WRs under Millen, as well as several busts, the typical feeling among fans for the draft is excitement.
This is also the case for most FA signings in the off season. We get some guy who used to be sweet and pay him more than everyone else to join the leagues worst franchise. Lions fans believe that this player will get the same production here as they have the rest of their careers. We also like to sign over-hyped linemen who were only good because the guy next to him was a pro-bowler where he played before.
2. Excitement and Anticipation-After the draft many will either say we got some great talent, or the completely disgruntled fans will complain about reaching for a guy a round early. The majority of cornbread fans will start to absorb all the ridiculous articles put out by Tom Killer Kowalski and actually believe he has a clue as to what he is talking about. Reports about QBs looking incredible in camp, rookies looking like they will be superstars, and the lines looking like they are on the same page. The hype machine perpetrated by the team to reporters that are too spineless to form their own opinions begins to captivate fans for the preseason.
The Pre-Season
3. Blind Optimism-Although the starters only play a couple series in these game we typically see a good showing from the offense. Maybe a little from the defense, but the offense almost always looks good. Fans have been blessed with a different offense about every 2 years so the excitement about seeing what the new scheme will be like is always ready for fans to jump back on the bandwagon if they hadn't already in the off-season. Surely this is going to be the year it clicks with the players we have because our coach in this 2nd or 3rd year (usually the year they get fired) has finally got "his guys" for "his system".
4. Pre-hysteria-Typically the Lions do well in the pre-season. They like to win those pre-season games and get everyone hyped up. Although the starters rarely play, we get to see our draft picks take the field for most of the game and fans automatically give them complete immunity. Any offensive skill player that was drafted is going to be a complete superstar after a good game. RB, WR, etc. Break a 40 yard run? Beast. Make a TD catch or a spectacular catch? Beast. Get a sack, or light someone up with a big hit? Beast.
First half of season
5. Complete Hysteria-After a successful pre-season and a winning record after the first 4 games typically, Lions fans have gone out of their minds with blind hysteria. Playoff talk starts. Super Bowl posts begin to show up. Lions fans believe that this team is great. Their defense has gotten some lucky bounces, and the offense is tearing up teams that just aren't into regular season form yet. The coach is a god.
6. Still Optimistic-At the midway point of the season we start to see what teams are for real. Well sort of. The Lions probably have a winning record, or are .500 at this point. Fans aren't as convinced that they are an elite team, but they are certainly a playoffs team only having to win 3-4 more games the rest of the way to make the playoffs. This is a no-brainer.
The Second Half of the Season
7. Worried-After a decent first half the Lions decide that winning is no longer an option although they are still mathematically eligible to make the playoffs. Fans are starting to not like the team as much as they did earlier. The felling of "here we go again" sinks in. The switch is about to be flipped.
8. Rage-Now the Lions are clearly not a playoff team. The hysteria, blind optimism, etc. has worn off. Fans have begun to start talking crazy in the complete opposite direction. Ford needs to sell the team. Fire the coach. We need a new QB. The defense is the worst in the league. We have no pass rush. We have no running game. The dream is over.
End of Season
9. Apathy-After watching the Liedowns suck it up over the last half most fans get to this point. After the fury of the lost season has worn off about Week 13, fans begin to just not care anymore. The adage "Same shit, different year" begins to be the primary focus. Many fans actually just watch the games to laugh at the horrible team. Since we no longer care, at least we can get a good chuckle every week watching them get destroyed by real teams. Capped off recently by a complete beat down at Lambeau Field to end the misery.
-----------------
After all of that the emotional roller coaster start again as fans circle back around to stage 1. What a great thing it is being a Lions fan.
With the season a couple weeks away I thought that I would give you my thoughts on the stages of being a Lions fan for every season. These are tried and true stages felt by every Lions fan every single season from the end of the last, through the draft, free agent signings, pre-season, and on through the next season.
Off-season and Draft
1. Overjoyed-This may be the best Lions fans feel throughout the year other than after pre-season. The NFL Draft is the Lions Super Bowl. We always have a top 10-15 draft pick so we know that we are probably going to get a decent player in it. Of course this is typically when Millen isn't the GM. Although we have gotten tons of WRs under Millen, as well as several busts, the typical feeling among fans for the draft is excitement.
This is also the case for most FA signings in the off season. We get some guy who used to be sweet and pay him more than everyone else to join the leagues worst franchise. Lions fans believe that this player will get the same production here as they have the rest of their careers. We also like to sign over-hyped linemen who were only good because the guy next to him was a pro-bowler where he played before.
2. Excitement and Anticipation-After the draft many will either say we got some great talent, or the completely disgruntled fans will complain about reaching for a guy a round early. The majority of cornbread fans will start to absorb all the ridiculous articles put out by Tom Killer Kowalski and actually believe he has a clue as to what he is talking about. Reports about QBs looking incredible in camp, rookies looking like they will be superstars, and the lines looking like they are on the same page. The hype machine perpetrated by the team to reporters that are too spineless to form their own opinions begins to captivate fans for the preseason.
The Pre-Season
3. Blind Optimism-Although the starters only play a couple series in these game we typically see a good showing from the offense. Maybe a little from the defense, but the offense almost always looks good. Fans have been blessed with a different offense about every 2 years so the excitement about seeing what the new scheme will be like is always ready for fans to jump back on the bandwagon if they hadn't already in the off-season. Surely this is going to be the year it clicks with the players we have because our coach in this 2nd or 3rd year (usually the year they get fired) has finally got "his guys" for "his system".
4. Pre-hysteria-Typically the Lions do well in the pre-season. They like to win those pre-season games and get everyone hyped up. Although the starters rarely play, we get to see our draft picks take the field for most of the game and fans automatically give them complete immunity. Any offensive skill player that was drafted is going to be a complete superstar after a good game. RB, WR, etc. Break a 40 yard run? Beast. Make a TD catch or a spectacular catch? Beast. Get a sack, or light someone up with a big hit? Beast.
First half of season
5. Complete Hysteria-After a successful pre-season and a winning record after the first 4 games typically, Lions fans have gone out of their minds with blind hysteria. Playoff talk starts. Super Bowl posts begin to show up. Lions fans believe that this team is great. Their defense has gotten some lucky bounces, and the offense is tearing up teams that just aren't into regular season form yet. The coach is a god.
6. Still Optimistic-At the midway point of the season we start to see what teams are for real. Well sort of. The Lions probably have a winning record, or are .500 at this point. Fans aren't as convinced that they are an elite team, but they are certainly a playoffs team only having to win 3-4 more games the rest of the way to make the playoffs. This is a no-brainer.
The Second Half of the Season
7. Worried-After a decent first half the Lions decide that winning is no longer an option although they are still mathematically eligible to make the playoffs. Fans are starting to not like the team as much as they did earlier. The felling of "here we go again" sinks in. The switch is about to be flipped.
8. Rage-Now the Lions are clearly not a playoff team. The hysteria, blind optimism, etc. has worn off. Fans have begun to start talking crazy in the complete opposite direction. Ford needs to sell the team. Fire the coach. We need a new QB. The defense is the worst in the league. We have no pass rush. We have no running game. The dream is over.
End of Season
9. Apathy-After watching the Liedowns suck it up over the last half most fans get to this point. After the fury of the lost season has worn off about Week 13, fans begin to just not care anymore. The adage "Same shit, different year" begins to be the primary focus. Many fans actually just watch the games to laugh at the horrible team. Since we no longer care, at least we can get a good chuckle every week watching them get destroyed by real teams. Capped off recently by a complete beat down at Lambeau Field to end the misery.
-----------------
After all of that the emotional roller coaster start again as fans circle back around to stage 1. What a great thing it is being a Lions fan.
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Olympics are a Bore, to me.
I understand why SOME people enjoy the Olympics. Particularly people that root for athletes of countries not the United States. On the other hand, I find the Olympics to be quite boring, and the events to be something I have no desire to even watch.
Sure I like to exercise and all that, but that is when I jog along behind a Bob stroller or something. I have never desired to watch people run, nor participate in a sport where I run.
Yeah...I like to swim. I have never wanted to watch other people swim really fast.
Sure...I like PING PONG, but why the hell is this an event in the Olympics? Why not darts, Pool, Poker, Beer Pong?
HAve any of you watched Equestrian? What is the point of this crap? Wow...a horse trots around in straight lines and circles. Amazing event.
And finally on to Michael Phelps. The most amazing thing about this guy isn't that he won however many medals it is that he won, it is the fact that 2 weeks from now, nobody will even care about what he did. Yes...he will get mentioned a few times every 4 years went eh next Olympics comes, but let's be real. Nobody is going to follow swimming now because of this. Swimming is a stupid sport to follow.
Olympic sports are garbage. The best part about all these events is that the announcers try to sound like it is exciting to watch some dudes kayak. Like there are all kinds of strategic and physical attributes to the sport. It's flippin' KAYAKING.
There are 3, maybe 4 sports that anyone follows after the Olympics that are events in the Olympics. Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, and Baseball. Only soccer has National Teams that are followed after this. All the rest are professionals, with huge contracts, TV deals, and actual fans. These are the only real sports in the Olympics and I can watch them anytime I want.
If I want to hear sob stories that are overblown then I will watch the news. Did anyone realize that Russia has been giving Georgia (You wouldn't know it was a country if it wasn't for the Olympics) a hard time? Nah...Michael Phelps was swimming really good.
Sure I like to exercise and all that, but that is when I jog along behind a Bob stroller or something. I have never desired to watch people run, nor participate in a sport where I run.
Yeah...I like to swim. I have never wanted to watch other people swim really fast.
Sure...I like PING PONG, but why the hell is this an event in the Olympics? Why not darts, Pool, Poker, Beer Pong?
HAve any of you watched Equestrian? What is the point of this crap? Wow...a horse trots around in straight lines and circles. Amazing event.
And finally on to Michael Phelps. The most amazing thing about this guy isn't that he won however many medals it is that he won, it is the fact that 2 weeks from now, nobody will even care about what he did. Yes...he will get mentioned a few times every 4 years went eh next Olympics comes, but let's be real. Nobody is going to follow swimming now because of this. Swimming is a stupid sport to follow.
Olympic sports are garbage. The best part about all these events is that the announcers try to sound like it is exciting to watch some dudes kayak. Like there are all kinds of strategic and physical attributes to the sport. It's flippin' KAYAKING.
There are 3, maybe 4 sports that anyone follows after the Olympics that are events in the Olympics. Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, and Baseball. Only soccer has National Teams that are followed after this. All the rest are professionals, with huge contracts, TV deals, and actual fans. These are the only real sports in the Olympics and I can watch them anytime I want.
If I want to hear sob stories that are overblown then I will watch the news. Did anyone realize that Russia has been giving Georgia (You wouldn't know it was a country if it wasn't for the Olympics) a hard time? Nah...Michael Phelps was swimming really good.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
2009 MLB Free Agent List
With the Tigers basically out of it I figured I'd put up the list of the free agents to be for next year. The Tigers have needs that don't involve getting suspended for steroiids or some stupid rule that makes diet pills that work some sort of banned substance. Big ones To me they need a revamp of almost the entire pitching staff. Other than Justin Verlander, and maybe Armando Glaraga, who has had an outstanding rookie season filling in for injured, and busted pitchers we have a lot of needs.
Not to mention we could probably say goodbye to Renteria at SS, although I doubt it happens. Left Field can be improved as well, but the pitching staff should be top priority.
Many major pitching names are out there. Francisco Rodriguez, the closer for the Angels, who will probably break the single season saves record this year. CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, and a few other stud starting pitchers are also going to be free agents.
Catchers
Rod Barajas (33)- $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Michael Barrett (32)
Johnny Estrada (33)
Jason Kendall (35) - club option for '09; vests with 110 games played in '08
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM club option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)
First basemen
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $16MM mutual option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
Second basemen
Ray Durham (37)
Mark Ellis (32)
Mark Grudzielanek (39)
Orlando Hudson (31)
Tadahito Iguchi (34)
Jeff Kent (41)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Mark Loretta (37)
Aaron Miles (32)
Jose Valentin (39)
Shortstops
Orlando Cabrera (34)
David Eckstein (34)
Adam Everett (32)
Rafael Furcal (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Cesar Izturis (29)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Edgar Renteria (33) - $12MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Juan Uribe (30)
Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Third basemen
Casey Blake (35)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Joe Crede (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Wes Helms (33) - $3.75MM club option for '09
Chipper Jones (37) - $8-11MM vesting option for '09
Dallas McPherson (27)
Outfielders
Moises Alou (42)
Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Milton Bradley (31)
Emil Brown (34)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Luis Gonzalez (41)
Raul Ibanez (37)
Kevin Mench (31)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Craig Monroe (32)
Jay Payton (36)
Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for '09
Manny Ramirez (37) - $20MM club option for '09
Juan Rivera (30)
Rocco Baldelli (27)
Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for '09 with a $750K buyout
Jim Edmonds (39)
Mark Kotsay (33)
Corey Patterson (29)
Bobby Abreu (35)
Casey Blake (35)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Bobby Kielty (32)
Brad Wilkerson (32)
DHs
Milton Bradley (31)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with $5MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Raul Ibanez (37)
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Mike Sweeney (35)
Frank Thomas (41)
Jim Thome (38) - $13MM club option for '09 with $3MM buyout; vests with 564 PAs in '08
Jose Vidro (34) - vesting option for '09
Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (31)
Kris Benson (33)
A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season
Paul Byrd (38)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Ryan Dempster (32)
Josh Fogg (32)
Jon Garland (29)
Tom Glavine (43)
Mike Hampton (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Livan Hernandez (34)
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Jason Jennings (30)
Randy Johnson (45)
John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Jon Lieber (39)
Esteban Loaiza (37)
Braden Looper (34)
Derek Lowe (36)
Greg Maddux (43)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Jamie Moyer (46)
Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout
Mike Mussina (40)
Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout
Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout
Odalis Perez (32)
Oliver Perez (27)
Andy Pettitte (37)
Mark Prior (27)
Kenny Rogers (44)
C.C. Sabathia (28)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30)
John Smoltz (42) - $12MM club option for '09
Brett Tomko (36)
Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
Kip Wells (32)
Randy Wolf (32)
Closers
Joe Borowski (38)
Brian Fuentes (33)
Eric Gagne (33)
Trevor Hoffman (41)
Jason Isringhausen (36)
Todd Jones (41)
Brandon Lyon (29)
Francisco Rodriguez (27)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Kerry Wood (32)
Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (30)
Doug Brocail (42) - club option for '09
Shawn Chacon (31)
Juan Cruz (28)
Chad Durbin (31)
Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for '09
Scott Eyre (37)
Kyle Farnsworth (33)
Keith Foulke (35)
Aaron Fultz (35)
Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for '09 with a $1MM buyout
Eddie Guardado (38)
LaTroy Hawkins (36)
Matt Herges (39) - club option for '09
Bob Howry (35)
Steve Kline (36)
Jon Lieber (39)
Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for '09 with a $0.4MM buyout
Guillermo Mota (35)
Will Ohman (31)
Darren Oliver (38)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32)
Juan Rincon (30)
Russ Springer (40)
Mike Timlin (43)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
David Weathers (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Dan Wheeler (31)
Matt Wise (33)
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html
Not to mention we could probably say goodbye to Renteria at SS, although I doubt it happens. Left Field can be improved as well, but the pitching staff should be top priority.
Many major pitching names are out there. Francisco Rodriguez, the closer for the Angels, who will probably break the single season saves record this year. CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, and a few other stud starting pitchers are also going to be free agents.
Catchers
Rod Barajas (33)- $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Michael Barrett (32)
Johnny Estrada (33)
Jason Kendall (35) - club option for '09; vests with 110 games played in '08
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM club option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)
First basemen
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $16MM mutual option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
Second basemen
Ray Durham (37)
Mark Ellis (32)
Mark Grudzielanek (39)
Orlando Hudson (31)
Tadahito Iguchi (34)
Jeff Kent (41)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Mark Loretta (37)
Aaron Miles (32)
Jose Valentin (39)
Shortstops
Orlando Cabrera (34)
David Eckstein (34)
Adam Everett (32)
Rafael Furcal (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Cesar Izturis (29)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Edgar Renteria (33) - $12MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Juan Uribe (30)
Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Third basemen
Casey Blake (35)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Joe Crede (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Wes Helms (33) - $3.75MM club option for '09
Chipper Jones (37) - $8-11MM vesting option for '09
Dallas McPherson (27)
Outfielders
Moises Alou (42)
Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Milton Bradley (31)
Emil Brown (34)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Luis Gonzalez (41)
Raul Ibanez (37)
Kevin Mench (31)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Craig Monroe (32)
Jay Payton (36)
Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for '09
Manny Ramirez (37) - $20MM club option for '09
Juan Rivera (30)
Rocco Baldelli (27)
Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for '09 with a $750K buyout
Jim Edmonds (39)
Mark Kotsay (33)
Corey Patterson (29)
Bobby Abreu (35)
Casey Blake (35)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Bobby Kielty (32)
Brad Wilkerson (32)
DHs
Milton Bradley (31)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with $5MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Raul Ibanez (37)
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Mike Sweeney (35)
Frank Thomas (41)
Jim Thome (38) - $13MM club option for '09 with $3MM buyout; vests with 564 PAs in '08
Jose Vidro (34) - vesting option for '09
Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (31)
Kris Benson (33)
A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season
Paul Byrd (38)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Ryan Dempster (32)
Josh Fogg (32)
Jon Garland (29)
Tom Glavine (43)
Mike Hampton (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Livan Hernandez (34)
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Jason Jennings (30)
Randy Johnson (45)
John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Jon Lieber (39)
Esteban Loaiza (37)
Braden Looper (34)
Derek Lowe (36)
Greg Maddux (43)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Jamie Moyer (46)
Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout
Mike Mussina (40)
Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout
Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout
Odalis Perez (32)
Oliver Perez (27)
Andy Pettitte (37)
Mark Prior (27)
Kenny Rogers (44)
C.C. Sabathia (28)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30)
John Smoltz (42) - $12MM club option for '09
Brett Tomko (36)
Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
Kip Wells (32)
Randy Wolf (32)
Closers
Joe Borowski (38)
Brian Fuentes (33)
Eric Gagne (33)
Trevor Hoffman (41)
Jason Isringhausen (36)
Todd Jones (41)
Brandon Lyon (29)
Francisco Rodriguez (27)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Kerry Wood (32)
Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (30)
Doug Brocail (42) - club option for '09
Shawn Chacon (31)
Juan Cruz (28)
Chad Durbin (31)
Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for '09
Scott Eyre (37)
Kyle Farnsworth (33)
Keith Foulke (35)
Aaron Fultz (35)
Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for '09 with a $1MM buyout
Eddie Guardado (38)
LaTroy Hawkins (36)
Matt Herges (39) - club option for '09
Bob Howry (35)
Steve Kline (36)
Jon Lieber (39)
Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for '09 with a $0.4MM buyout
Guillermo Mota (35)
Will Ohman (31)
Darren Oliver (38)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32)
Juan Rincon (30)
Russ Springer (40)
Mike Timlin (43)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
David Weathers (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Dan Wheeler (31)
Matt Wise (33)
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html
Detroit Tigers are Surely Finished Now
Losing 6 straight and at the hands of teams they need to beat to contend for a spot, the Detroit Tigers have been pathetic. The trade of Pudge to the Yankees for RP Kyle Farnsworth-less has come and gone, but Farnz has been a huge disappointments thus far. HE has blown 2 games straight out of the gate. Coming in wwith a lead and giving up detrimental HRs to give up the lead late in the game. Yes...he has been no better than the rest of our crappy late inning fireballers.
The Tigers can't beat anyone. The bullpen is costing a game every single night. Leyland has given Rodney, Fransworth, and Zumaya too long of a leash and they continue to disappoint. These guys can just chill out in their hammock chair and not worry a bit about losing their jobs.
Who misses Todd Jones? I do.
It is to the point where I am calling for Bobby seay to get a shot at closing duties. Only he, Lopez, and Dolsi have any confidence from me in the late innings with any sort of pressure.
Yes...the season is pretty much over. We have too many holes, and too many losers on this team to come out of this funk now.
The Tigers can't beat anyone. The bullpen is costing a game every single night. Leyland has given Rodney, Fransworth, and Zumaya too long of a leash and they continue to disappoint. These guys can just chill out in their hammock chair and not worry a bit about losing their jobs.
Who misses Todd Jones? I do.
It is to the point where I am calling for Bobby seay to get a shot at closing duties. Only he, Lopez, and Dolsi have any confidence from me in the late innings with any sort of pressure.
Yes...the season is pretty much over. We have too many holes, and too many losers on this team to come out of this funk now.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Todd Jones Loses Closer's Job, Tigers Lose Crucial Series
The Tigers have been hot. Their hitting has started to come around, and they have been winning. After a sweep of division foe Kansas City, the Tigers were set for a huge series with division leading Chicago.
Game 1 was a game they had in the bag. Taking a lead late, only to get caught from behind late. Not just caught from behind, but Todd Jones, under the outdoor lighting, blew the game with a 1 run lead, and 2 outs in the 9th. With Quentin down 0-2 int he count he got a seeing eye single. Then getting Jermaine Dye down 0-2 next he slots one over the plate for a 2 run bomb to lose the lead.
Game 2 was no different. Tigers were in the game the whole time. Verlander got rocked, but Detroit was right there all the way until the end. No clutch hitting came and the game was lost.
Finally they were able to stop the bleeding Sunday to win and take one out of 3.
Game 3 was a bit different. Fernando Rodney was used to finish the game off. HE came in to pitch in the 8th and gave up 2 runs to make the score 6-4, but was sent back out in the 9th to close it out rather than Todd Jones. So...it appears that Rodney is now the closer. At least for the time being. I predict Jones will be closing again with in a week.
Game 1 was a game they had in the bag. Taking a lead late, only to get caught from behind late. Not just caught from behind, but Todd Jones, under the outdoor lighting, blew the game with a 1 run lead, and 2 outs in the 9th. With Quentin down 0-2 int he count he got a seeing eye single. Then getting Jermaine Dye down 0-2 next he slots one over the plate for a 2 run bomb to lose the lead.
Game 2 was no different. Tigers were in the game the whole time. Verlander got rocked, but Detroit was right there all the way until the end. No clutch hitting came and the game was lost.
Finally they were able to stop the bleeding Sunday to win and take one out of 3.
Game 3 was a bit different. Fernando Rodney was used to finish the game off. HE came in to pitch in the 8th and gave up 2 runs to make the score 6-4, but was sent back out in the 9th to close it out rather than Todd Jones. So...it appears that Rodney is now the closer. At least for the time being. I predict Jones will be closing again with in a week.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tigers Sweep Royals, Best Record in Baseball Last 41 Games
After finishing the 3 game sweep of the Royals, the Tigers continue to hold the best record in baseball over the last 40+ games going 28-13. Coming back from the dead they have picked up quite a few games over the last couple month and only train in the division by 5.5 games behind the White Sox.
Now it is time to decide if they are actually going to be buyers in the trade market. Many speculate that Edgar Renteria will be hiring moving services in the coming weeks as he has been horrid since joining the team at the beginning of the year.
Most believe that we could use another reliable starting pitcher. Armando Galaraga has filled in nicely for the Tigers this season, although he was not expected to be a big help. HE jsut finished off a perfect game bid that lasted into the 7th inning.
Zach Miner has been given the nod as the 5th starter for the time being. Miner has had his ups and downs this year in the bullpen. In fact he was probably responsible for more than half the bullpens runs allowed in the first month or two. He looked at home in this first start of the year by shutting down the Royals on Monday, however.
We can just wait and see. Dombrowski never shows his hand so we can only speculate at this point, and there really isn't a whole lot out there to grab onto. Jack Wilson's name popped up again, although there is no way we trade for that scrub. Can't believe his name is ever brought up actually. the guy is trash. Other than that there isn't a whole lot of news on the subject.
Now it is time to decide if they are actually going to be buyers in the trade market. Many speculate that Edgar Renteria will be hiring moving services in the coming weeks as he has been horrid since joining the team at the beginning of the year.
Most believe that we could use another reliable starting pitcher. Armando Galaraga has filled in nicely for the Tigers this season, although he was not expected to be a big help. HE jsut finished off a perfect game bid that lasted into the 7th inning.
Zach Miner has been given the nod as the 5th starter for the time being. Miner has had his ups and downs this year in the bullpen. In fact he was probably responsible for more than half the bullpens runs allowed in the first month or two. He looked at home in this first start of the year by shutting down the Royals on Monday, however.
We can just wait and see. Dombrowski never shows his hand so we can only speculate at this point, and there really isn't a whole lot out there to grab onto. Jack Wilson's name popped up again, although there is no way we trade for that scrub. Can't believe his name is ever brought up actually. the guy is trash. Other than that there isn't a whole lot of news on the subject.
Monday, July 21, 2008
CBS Screwed our Fantasy Baseball Keeper LEague
We have been at CBS for 3 years now for our fantasy baseball keeper league and have had very small problems with things in the past, but the one we have this week is beyond forgiveness. Besides having to wait for car insurance ads to load and what not when you go to the site, it is clearly the best keeper format on the net.
Anyways, during the AS Break they decided to do some sort of maintenance project on the program. No warning of course, which Yahoo! DID give everyone. Not a huge deal, but what they did to our league is unforgivable, and it has yet to be fixed several days later.
Apparently they deleted EVERY single transaction we have made through out the year. By this I mean, everyone that is on your team now is the team they consider you having in Week 1. In fact it was even worse than that. Only the people you actually had in your starting line up last Monday was considered to be on your team all year. For me, I had benched my entire pitching staff on Sunday because in the head to head match up it made no sense to lay anyone. So...every single week of the season, and every head to head match up I had, my pitching stas are zeros all the way down.
Our standing are completely screwed up now. Take me for instance. I had no pitching stats for the year, so as you can imagine I am in last place by a very large margin. We have 20 categories in this league so you can guess that it shows me about 100 games out of 1st.
The biggest problem is that we are getting very close to our trade deadline. People who were on the cusp of the playoffs, and those out of it don't really know where they stand. Do you throw in the towel and play for next year, or do you try to push for a playoff run? Impossible to know with out knowing where you stand overall. IT isn't like I paid attention to my record overall week to week. All I cared about was if I was in the playoffs, or not.
Suffice to say, this pisses me off to no end. This happened to us in a football keeper league on there too a couple years ago. That situation wasn't as bad because it was early in the season, and football rosters are much easier to do than baseball as they are only done weekly.
It has been a week and no change. A few days I think we could ahve lived with, but at this point it is going on a week. Probably stopped about 10 people from making any trades as well, and basically screwed everyone out of a week of dealing before the trade deadline.
Anyways, during the AS Break they decided to do some sort of maintenance project on the program. No warning of course, which Yahoo! DID give everyone. Not a huge deal, but what they did to our league is unforgivable, and it has yet to be fixed several days later.
Apparently they deleted EVERY single transaction we have made through out the year. By this I mean, everyone that is on your team now is the team they consider you having in Week 1. In fact it was even worse than that. Only the people you actually had in your starting line up last Monday was considered to be on your team all year. For me, I had benched my entire pitching staff on Sunday because in the head to head match up it made no sense to lay anyone. So...every single week of the season, and every head to head match up I had, my pitching stas are zeros all the way down.
Our standing are completely screwed up now. Take me for instance. I had no pitching stats for the year, so as you can imagine I am in last place by a very large margin. We have 20 categories in this league so you can guess that it shows me about 100 games out of 1st.
The biggest problem is that we are getting very close to our trade deadline. People who were on the cusp of the playoffs, and those out of it don't really know where they stand. Do you throw in the towel and play for next year, or do you try to push for a playoff run? Impossible to know with out knowing where you stand overall. IT isn't like I paid attention to my record overall week to week. All I cared about was if I was in the playoffs, or not.
Suffice to say, this pisses me off to no end. This happened to us in a football keeper league on there too a couple years ago. That situation wasn't as bad because it was early in the season, and football rosters are much easier to do than baseball as they are only done weekly.
It has been a week and no change. A few days I think we could ahve lived with, but at this point it is going on a week. Probably stopped about 10 people from making any trades as well, and basically screwed everyone out of a week of dealing before the trade deadline.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Joe Dumars May Have Lied
After elimination from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference Finals by eventual champs the Boston Celtics, Joe D told us all that MAJOR changes were coming. Well...at this point we are sitting here scratching our heads as to what possible changes there are left to make that would constitute "major".
Rumors are floating aroudn that we may be interested in T-Mac from the Houston Rockets that would send either Billups and Tay, or Sheed and Tay to them in exchange for the perennial all-star and one man scoring machine.
The Clippers actually stole Marcus Camby this week by giving the Nuggets nothing. A 2nd round draft pick that may, or may not ever be given due to the arrangement.
Elton Brand has signed with the Sixers.
So what exactly do we have to look forward to? It may be time to get out your crib bedding and curl into the fetal position to cry if something doesn't happen soon.
What we could have had:
Marcus Camby and T-MAc for a 2nd rounder, Tayshoun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace.
What we have so far:
Re-signed Theo Ratliff.
Rumors are floating aroudn that we may be interested in T-Mac from the Houston Rockets that would send either Billups and Tay, or Sheed and Tay to them in exchange for the perennial all-star and one man scoring machine.
The Clippers actually stole Marcus Camby this week by giving the Nuggets nothing. A 2nd round draft pick that may, or may not ever be given due to the arrangement.
Elton Brand has signed with the Sixers.
So what exactly do we have to look forward to? It may be time to get out your crib bedding and curl into the fetal position to cry if something doesn't happen soon.
What we could have had:
Marcus Camby and T-MAc for a 2nd rounder, Tayshoun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace.
What we have so far:
Re-signed Theo Ratliff.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Tigers Lose Must Win Due to Bad Fundamentals
The Detroit Tigers started a 4 game series with the Minnesota Twins to day in which they really needed to win. Trailing behind the Twins in the division a strong showing is needed in the series to try and gain some ground before the AS break.
After their private jet charter home from a 2 game sweep of the division rival Indians, the Tigers took a 6-4 lead into the 9th. Todd Jones came in to close the door, but a very costly 2 base error by Matt Joyce in right field opened the door for a 2 run 9th to tie the game.
The Tigers loaded the bases in the bottom of the 9th with 1 out an failed to score for the win. Joyce failed to lay down a bunt with men on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Larish failed to drive a run in with the bases loaded and 1 out. The Twins eventually won in extra innings on a go ahead HR by Morneau.
A brutal loss for the Tigers that was lost solely because they couldn't play small ball and fundamental errors in the field. The game ended on a Clete Thomas strike out looking. A perfect end to a poorly played game by the Tigers.
After their private jet charter home from a 2 game sweep of the division rival Indians, the Tigers took a 6-4 lead into the 9th. Todd Jones came in to close the door, but a very costly 2 base error by Matt Joyce in right field opened the door for a 2 run 9th to tie the game.
The Tigers loaded the bases in the bottom of the 9th with 1 out an failed to score for the win. Joyce failed to lay down a bunt with men on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Larish failed to drive a run in with the bases loaded and 1 out. The Twins eventually won in extra innings on a go ahead HR by Morneau.
A brutal loss for the Tigers that was lost solely because they couldn't play small ball and fundamental errors in the field. The game ended on a Clete Thomas strike out looking. A perfect end to a poorly played game by the Tigers.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Verlander is Back
After what looked like a complete bust of a year for Verlander early on, the young Ace has been mowing opponents down of late. Questions about his velocity in the early weeks of the season had many thinking that he would burn out and be looking at Hilton Head rentals rather than trying to lead the Tigers into the playoffs.
Verlander has allowed 2 runs or less in 6 of his last 7, and 5 have been Quality starts. He has won his last three decisions and hasn't given up more than two runs in any start since giving up three to Cleveland back on June 6.
Shame on any of you that were talking about the death of Verlander in April...*whistles innocently*
Verlander has allowed 2 runs or less in 6 of his last 7, and 5 have been Quality starts. He has won his last three decisions and hasn't given up more than two runs in any start since giving up three to Cleveland back on June 6.
Shame on any of you that were talking about the death of Verlander in April...*whistles innocently*
Monday, July 07, 2008
See ya, C.C. Sabathia...Good Riddance
Nothing better than when a team from your division trades away a CY Young winner to a completely different league. Although the Detroit Tigers seem to be one of the few teams that enjoyed some success against Sabathia, it still is great news that he has been traded out of the division, and away from a perennial Central Division contender, Cleveland Indians.
His shipping boxes will be addressed to Milwaukee, where he is joining the upstart Brewers in hopes that he will be the final piece to their playoff run. After Ben Sheets gets hurt again, JJ HArdy gets off his yearly one month streak, and the rest of the yahoos that strike out ever 2 ABs settle in I doubt we see much fromt he club. Then at the end of the year Sabathia is gone because they won't even pay guys like Fielder $1 Million after hitting 150 HRs the year before.
His shipping boxes will be addressed to Milwaukee, where he is joining the upstart Brewers in hopes that he will be the final piece to their playoff run. After Ben Sheets gets hurt again, JJ HArdy gets off his yearly one month streak, and the rest of the yahoos that strike out ever 2 ABs settle in I doubt we see much fromt he club. Then at the end of the year Sabathia is gone because they won't even pay guys like Fielder $1 Million after hitting 150 HRs the year before.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Huge Series: Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins
Two of the hottest teams in baseball will face off today to start a 3 game series and maybe the crown of Hottest Team. Over the last 10 games the Minnesota Twins are 9-1, while the Detroit Tigers are 8-2. The twins have won 11 of their last 12, and the Tigers have won 17 of their last 21. The Tigers finally broke through yesterday to get over .500 after a long struggle early on. Certainly gift baskets would be nice, but things aren't going to get any easier this week.
The Twins are currently 1.5 games back of the White Sox for the AL Central division lead, while the Tigers linger at 5 games back. This series certainly has positive implications for Chicago, but the Twins and Tigers are certainly much hotter right now. Someone is going to lose this series. Tigers have won 6 straight series, while Minnesota has won their last 5.
the central division race is heating up, and the 2 hottest of those teams will find out just who is really the hottest this week. They also go head to head next weekend so things could really start to show themselves over the next couple weeks.
The Twins are currently 1.5 games back of the White Sox for the AL Central division lead, while the Tigers linger at 5 games back. This series certainly has positive implications for Chicago, but the Twins and Tigers are certainly much hotter right now. Someone is going to lose this series. Tigers have won 6 straight series, while Minnesota has won their last 5.
the central division race is heating up, and the 2 hottest of those teams will find out just who is really the hottest this week. They also go head to head next weekend so things could really start to show themselves over the next couple weeks.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tigers Finally Over .500!
After a disastrous start to the season, which had as much hype as any we have ever seen in Detroit, the Tigers have finally broken through and gotten above .500 on the year. Winning 17 of the last 21 games the Tigers are absolutely ON FIRE.
Finishing off a 3 game sweep of the Colorado Rockies the Tigers are looking like the team we all hoped we would see before the season when we crowned them the MLB Paper Champs. Release the theater rope and get ready for a finish that would make Hollywood proud.
Finishing off a 3 game sweep of the Colorado Rockies the Tigers are looking like the team we all hoped we would see before the season when we crowned them the MLB Paper Champs. Release the theater rope and get ready for a finish that would make Hollywood proud.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Todd Jones Fan Club
Since the majority of bandwagon Tigers fans tend to want Todd Jones to get a passport and move out of the country, I figured I'd see if I could find out if there was actually a Todd Jones Fan Club out there of any significance. Various searches have turned up just garbage sites that are nothing more than junk.
So...even though I tend to hear on a daily basis idiot talk show hosts say that Todd Jones is one of the Tigers' biggest problems even though he is 14 out of 14 in save opportunities on the year I am going to give him his props. I find it hard to believe these guys can call themselves fans.
3 Things you should know about Todd Jones if you are a fair-weather Tigers fan:
1. He is not Papelbon. He will rarely come in and strike out the side, or anyone for that matter most of the time. He throws strikes and gets ground balls, or forces a bad fly ball swing. HE gets the job done.
2. He always throws strikes. Even if you were to get the worst possible case for guys hitting against you, as long as you are throwing strikes you aren't likely to get lit up more than 1/3 of the time. With a 2-3 run lead do you really care if a guy gets a hit on you? Todd Jones doesn't and that brings us to point 3.
3. Todd Jones does not panic. Unlike many of the young fireball closers out there, who believe that they aren't supposed to ever see someone come into contact with their 100 MPH heater, Todd Jones does not panic when someone hits his low 90s fastball into the gap. It's just one base runner. He still throws strikes and gets the outs to finish the game. Balls of steel.
Todd Jones is known as the Roller Coaster. I'm sure most of you are all familiar with this. Of course when he does get a couple guys on you tend to panic. Todd Jones is right in his element with guys on base. He does not. He makes them put it into play and get themselves out. He isn't going to walk the winning run in.
I have heard quotes from Todd Jones that are classic. This is not word for word, but this tells you exactly how it is:
"When I come in to finish a game, just go into the kitchen and make yourself a sandwich. When you get back the game will be over one way or the other."
Again, it isn't pretty, but he gets the job done.
At this point I would rather have him than everyone's savior Joel Zumaya out there to close games. A guy who couldn't throw an off speed pitch for a strike to save his life. 100 MPH, or not, big league hitters can hit those a hell of a long way if they know that is the only pitch that is going to cross the plate.
So...Join the Todd Jones Fan Club. It doesn't have a website, or anything, but it does have this one post :).
So...even though I tend to hear on a daily basis idiot talk show hosts say that Todd Jones is one of the Tigers' biggest problems even though he is 14 out of 14 in save opportunities on the year I am going to give him his props. I find it hard to believe these guys can call themselves fans.
3 Things you should know about Todd Jones if you are a fair-weather Tigers fan:
1. He is not Papelbon. He will rarely come in and strike out the side, or anyone for that matter most of the time. He throws strikes and gets ground balls, or forces a bad fly ball swing. HE gets the job done.
2. He always throws strikes. Even if you were to get the worst possible case for guys hitting against you, as long as you are throwing strikes you aren't likely to get lit up more than 1/3 of the time. With a 2-3 run lead do you really care if a guy gets a hit on you? Todd Jones doesn't and that brings us to point 3.
3. Todd Jones does not panic. Unlike many of the young fireball closers out there, who believe that they aren't supposed to ever see someone come into contact with their 100 MPH heater, Todd Jones does not panic when someone hits his low 90s fastball into the gap. It's just one base runner. He still throws strikes and gets the outs to finish the game. Balls of steel.
Todd Jones is known as the Roller Coaster. I'm sure most of you are all familiar with this. Of course when he does get a couple guys on you tend to panic. Todd Jones is right in his element with guys on base. He does not. He makes them put it into play and get themselves out. He isn't going to walk the winning run in.
I have heard quotes from Todd Jones that are classic. This is not word for word, but this tells you exactly how it is:
"When I come in to finish a game, just go into the kitchen and make yourself a sandwich. When you get back the game will be over one way or the other."
Again, it isn't pretty, but he gets the job done.
At this point I would rather have him than everyone's savior Joel Zumaya out there to close games. A guy who couldn't throw an off speed pitch for a strike to save his life. 100 MPH, or not, big league hitters can hit those a hell of a long way if they know that is the only pitch that is going to cross the plate.
So...Join the Todd Jones Fan Club. It doesn't have a website, or anything, but it does have this one post :).
Well...Zoom and Rodney Are Back
Being used in games at least. They aren't back by any means. Neither of them has had a whole lot of success since they have gotten back from their respective injuries. Rodney has been much worse of the two, but Zoom hasn't exactly been scaring anyone either.
Leyland to his word...er...nevermind. He said he wouldn't throw them right into the fire for their first appearances, yet both were thrown to the wolves in their initial appearances and failed miserably.
Rodney is walking guys like he never saw a strike zone before. Zoom does seem to have kept a lot of his velocity though. The couple times I have seen him out there he has hit the upper 90s, which is pretty encouraging considering that he hurt is pitching shoulder and there were doubts he could ever come close to triple digits again.
At least we are done with the west coast and the California wines for a bit. Hopefully these guys get some form back because if they are anything like they were in 2006, this team just got a whole lot better.
Leyland to his word...er...nevermind. He said he wouldn't throw them right into the fire for their first appearances, yet both were thrown to the wolves in their initial appearances and failed miserably.
Rodney is walking guys like he never saw a strike zone before. Zoom does seem to have kept a lot of his velocity though. The couple times I have seen him out there he has hit the upper 90s, which is pretty encouraging considering that he hurt is pitching shoulder and there were doubts he could ever come close to triple digits again.
At least we are done with the west coast and the California wines for a bit. Hopefully these guys get some form back because if they are anything like they were in 2006, this team just got a whole lot better.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Crazy NBA Trade Rumors
After the Detroit Pistons washed out of the ECF and failed to make it to the Finals again for the 4th straight year, Joe Dumars has stated that everyone is on the block, except for Rodney Stuckey. A kid that probably still needs acne treatments is the only safe bet to stay with the team for next year and become a fixture.
So...what kind of crazy rumors are going around. I only wrote this post because I heard one that was ridunculous.
Ummm...so what it boils down to is the Pistons trade Sheed, Max, and Tay for Gerald Wallace, Zach Randolph, and the #9 overall pick in a trade that features every team in the NBA. Riiiiiiight.
So...what kind of crazy rumors are going around. I only wrote this post because I heard one that was ridunculous.
The Suns and a number of other teams are talking to the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and Nets about trading up in (or out of) the draft... The Wolves seem especially ready to make a deal if Michael Beasley isn't on the board at No. 3. This is all preceded by rumors that Chad Ford has heard saying that the Suns want to find a starting small forward and bring Grant Hill off the bench, and then lists several players that are available, Tayshaun Prince being one of those players.
But with the Suns dangling Barbosa, Diaw and the 15th overall pick, there would not be much interest from Dumars. Other players listed are Josh Howard, Richard Jefferson and Gerald Wallace. Mr. Ford goes through the reasons why there are problems with the Suns ability to acquire any of those players. But let's take the column as a whole and see if there is something that can be worked out to the benefit of everyone.
With the Wolves looking to trade down from the third overall pick, the Knicks wanting to trade Zach Randolph for cap relief, the Suns putting Diaw, Barbosa, and the 15th overall pick as trade bait, Joe Dumars saying his whole roster is in play(sans Rodney Stuckey), the Bobcats holding the 9th overall pick and Gerald Wallace as tradable assets and the Mavericks putting Josh Howard on the block, there seems to be the making of a massive trade that could work out for all of those teams.
In a scenario that works, the Timber Wolves could end up with the 6th overall pick from New York, a future first from the Mavericks and their second round pick from the Pistons returned(Ronald Dupree trade), the Knicks get Jason Maxiell, Rasheed Wallace and the 29th overall pick from the Pistons, the Suns get Tayshaun Prince, the Bobcats get Josh Howard and the 15th overall pick, the Mavericks get Diaw, Barbosa and the 3rd overall pick and the Pistons get Gerald Wallace, Zach Randolph and the 9th overall pick.
There would have to be additional players involved as cap fillers, but it's a deal that works for everyone involved. Based on the information that Chad Ford gives in his Insider piece, there could be some big trades during the draft, and finalized in July. This is just one of the many possible scenarios that could occur.
Ummm...so what it boils down to is the Pistons trade Sheed, Max, and Tay for Gerald Wallace, Zach Randolph, and the #9 overall pick in a trade that features every team in the NBA. Riiiiiiight.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Detroit Tigers Are Better Than Your Team
Tigers are finally showing that they are a team to be reckoned with. They have won 8 of their last 9 and 6 in a row. Starting pitching has been solid and the hitting has been,well at least formidable. This is a comeback story that children's book are about. Yup...the Tigers are going to win the next 50 games in a row. Miguel Cabrera will average 2 HRs and 4 RBI in each of those games.
Justin Verlander will now pitch a no hitter for the next 10 starts. He may give up a hit in the 10th game, but I would be shocked. His K/9 will be 15 with an ERA and WHIP of 0.00.
Magglio will hit .450 for the remainder of the season and produce at minimum 140 more RBIs. You heard it here first.
Tigers will win the division by 41 games.
Justin Verlander will now pitch a no hitter for the next 10 starts. He may give up a hit in the 10th game, but I would be shocked. His K/9 will be 15 with an ERA and WHIP of 0.00.
Magglio will hit .450 for the remainder of the season and produce at minimum 140 more RBIs. You heard it here first.
Tigers will win the division by 41 games.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Just When You Want to Give Leyland a Break He Does This
First of all, I have to mention this stat so you know why Leyland has pissed me off so much today. Placido Polanco is 11 for his last 18 at bats. That is a .611 BA over that stretch. Certainly not the generic Phentermine plan these guys have been on all year.
Now I will show you the line up he put out there today:
C. Granderson cf
M. Hollimon ss
C. Guillen 3b
M. Ordonez rf
M. Cabrera 1b
J. Larish dh
M. Thames lf
B. Inge c
R. Raburn 2b
No Polanco. Some dude named Hollimon that I bet none of you have ever heard of hitting SECOND in the line up where PP usually hits. Raburn playing 2nd.
So we just sweep the Whitsox and Leyland decides to give half the starters the day off. Tremendous. Are we to assume that the guys decided that they were going to go out and get blasted last night and don't feel like playing today, or that Leyland is just a moron? I will go with the latter.
Update: Tigers leading 3-0 in the 7th. Although they are winning. I still think Leyland is an idiot.
Now I will show you the line up he put out there today:
C. Granderson cf
M. Hollimon ss
C. Guillen 3b
M. Ordonez rf
M. Cabrera 1b
J. Larish dh
M. Thames lf
B. Inge c
R. Raburn 2b
No Polanco. Some dude named Hollimon that I bet none of you have ever heard of hitting SECOND in the line up where PP usually hits. Raburn playing 2nd.
So we just sweep the Whitsox and Leyland decides to give half the starters the day off. Tremendous. Are we to assume that the guys decided that they were going to go out and get blasted last night and don't feel like playing today, or that Leyland is just a moron? I will go with the latter.
Update: Tigers leading 3-0 in the 7th. Although they are winning. I still think Leyland is an idiot.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tigers sweep the Whitesux
Been a while since I actually cared about this team. Certainly they have disappointed nearly everyone up until this point. Finally they take it to a team they NEEDED to beat. The Tigers finished up a sweep of the division leading White Sox tonight in clutch fashion when Miguel Cabrera hit a walkoff home run. Another stellar outing from Kenny Rogers went unrewarded with a win, however, but nobody can complain about a win.
Speaking of Kenny Rogers... He has been stellar over his last 4 starts. Going at least 7 innings in all 4, and allowing only 4 ERs over the stretch. He has not gotten a decision in any of those games.
Considering the loss of Bondo, the demotion of Dontrelle Willis to Single A ball, the starters have really been pulling their weight lately. Even though you thought the books would be out on Armando by now, he has still held his own in the rotation. The hitters on the other hand? Same old crap. Explode for a day and go back to minor league talent the next. Placido Polanco though is on a real tear with about 4512414 hits in the last couple weeks.
Can they please turn this around now?
Speaking of Kenny Rogers... He has been stellar over his last 4 starts. Going at least 7 innings in all 4, and allowing only 4 ERs over the stretch. He has not gotten a decision in any of those games.
Considering the loss of Bondo, the demotion of Dontrelle Willis to Single A ball, the starters have really been pulling their weight lately. Even though you thought the books would be out on Armando by now, he has still held his own in the rotation. The hitters on the other hand? Same old crap. Explode for a day and go back to minor league talent the next. Placido Polanco though is on a real tear with about 4512414 hits in the last couple weeks.
Can they please turn this around now?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Play Money Sports Betting to Win Real Money at CentSports
If you are sweating bets and have a dehumidifiers trying to suck the moisture out of the air have no fear. You can now bet on the same games you are haphazardly betting real money on for free, and still win REAL money for doing so.
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Sign Up and Win!
CentSports.com is a place that let's you bet Vegas lines, but instead of you actually having to deposit your own money they actually give you a bit to play with and you never can actually lose your own.
Here's how it works:
It's simple ... when you first sign up for CentSports, we give you ten cents ($0.10) play money to bet with. You can use this to bet on almost any major college or professional sporting event (MLB, NBA and NFL games, etc.). Anything you win you keep and can use to place more bets, accumulating money as you go.
You can cash out whenever you want (as soon as you have a balance of over $20.00 play money) ... we're actually gracious enough to send you a check for your play-money account balance ... just straight up, dollar for dollar.
We've tried to replicate what you can do at real sports betting sites ... i.e., you can make standard line-type bets such as over/under, point-spread, and moneyline bets. In fact, we get our lines straight from Vegas ... any bet you make on CentSports could be made with any sports bookie in Vegas for the same odds if you were betting for real money.
Overall, the site makes more from advertising than people cash out ... though one of our goals in creating the site was to make sure that as much of the site's advertising revenue goes back to CentSports user as possible (after all, they're the ones who earned it by viewing ads in the first place!).
Sign Up and Win!
Detroit Sports Teams Are Killing Me
It is bad enough that while we are int he playoffs the Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings all seem to play at the same time, every time, that they play their games. While I don't worry so much about the Red Wings pulling this off, the Tigers continue their piss poor play, and the Pistons make me want to pull my hair out.
The Pistons are certainly on their way to some Orlando vacations after losing Game 5 Wednesday. What was worse than a blowout? Watching that game and realizing that after getting behind by 17 they almost pulled it out in the end. It was pure torture. They had so many chances to steal that game after a dubious start and it was just brutal watching them let it slip away with some questionable late game play.
Chauncey Billups makes me want to punch people. Hey dumbass, it is the playoffs and your stupid put the shoulder into a guy and chuck up a wild shot crap isn't going to work anymore. 5 years of that garbage is enough. Actually try and make a basket please instead of trying to draw a foul every single time you get the ball and ignoring every other player on the floor.
Where are you Tayshaun? You played like a legend the first 2 rounds and now Paul Pierce has taken you to the cleaners.
This team can win, but I have no hope left. They should be up 3-2 instead of down 3-2 right now. Sheed has 1 Tech to go before he is suspended. Rip has a hyper-extended elbow on his shooting arm, and on and on. The only thing that helps is that Boston is a bunhc of guys who have never won a damn thing and you can get into their heads.
Can the Pistons actually play 3 games with that much defensive intensity in a row? 4? I doubt it. They didn't even bring it in Game 5 until late int he 3rd quarter.
I'll give Flip Saunders some credit though. His adjustments have been spot on this year in the playoffs. Compared to last year it is night and day. The 3 guard line up has been quite nice.
The Pistons are certainly on their way to some Orlando vacations after losing Game 5 Wednesday. What was worse than a blowout? Watching that game and realizing that after getting behind by 17 they almost pulled it out in the end. It was pure torture. They had so many chances to steal that game after a dubious start and it was just brutal watching them let it slip away with some questionable late game play.
Chauncey Billups makes me want to punch people. Hey dumbass, it is the playoffs and your stupid put the shoulder into a guy and chuck up a wild shot crap isn't going to work anymore. 5 years of that garbage is enough. Actually try and make a basket please instead of trying to draw a foul every single time you get the ball and ignoring every other player on the floor.
Where are you Tayshaun? You played like a legend the first 2 rounds and now Paul Pierce has taken you to the cleaners.
This team can win, but I have no hope left. They should be up 3-2 instead of down 3-2 right now. Sheed has 1 Tech to go before he is suspended. Rip has a hyper-extended elbow on his shooting arm, and on and on. The only thing that helps is that Boston is a bunhc of guys who have never won a damn thing and you can get into their heads.
Can the Pistons actually play 3 games with that much defensive intensity in a row? 4? I doubt it. They didn't even bring it in Game 5 until late int he 3rd quarter.
I'll give Flip Saunders some credit though. His adjustments have been spot on this year in the playoffs. Compared to last year it is night and day. The 3 guard line up has been quite nice.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Red Wings Trying to Make History
Yes. The Detroit Red Wings are trying to make some history this year int he Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not good history. I guess according to Gatorade commercials they are trying to become history.
Starting out the series against the Dallas Stars with a 3-0 series lead, the Red Wings have lost 2 straight and are struggling to put the puck in the net despite the shot discrepancy. Just like every year in the playoffs the Wings out shoot every team they play and they happen to find the hot goalie at the right time. Of course they shoot a lot of garbage shots that get counted into the totals trying to pick up some nice rebound goals, but nobody really notices that and tend to think they had the goalie of the year in net against them. They do hit tough goalies every year, but don't let the shot totals fool you all the time.
The bathroom lighting may be going out on the team again this year as they try not to be the team to lose a 3-0 lead and become their MLB counterpart the New York Yankees. The Evil Empire.
Starting out the series against the Dallas Stars with a 3-0 series lead, the Red Wings have lost 2 straight and are struggling to put the puck in the net despite the shot discrepancy. Just like every year in the playoffs the Wings out shoot every team they play and they happen to find the hot goalie at the right time. Of course they shoot a lot of garbage shots that get counted into the totals trying to pick up some nice rebound goals, but nobody really notices that and tend to think they had the goalie of the year in net against them. They do hit tough goalies every year, but don't let the shot totals fool you all the time.
The bathroom lighting may be going out on the team again this year as they try not to be the team to lose a 3-0 lead and become their MLB counterpart the New York Yankees. The Evil Empire.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Jason Maxiell Eats Babies
This may be my favorite video of all-time that relates to the Detroit Pistons. Jason Maxiell is our next generation of Big Ben Wallace. A guy that goes balls out every game and every chance he gets to play. Max logged over 1000 minutes this year for the first time and has just been a monster in spurts like Big Ben used to be when he was here. He shoots better from the field and the line, but that is besides the point :).
This video is an instant classic the first time you see it. Max probably needs plenty of lipovox if he is eating babies :(. The song is absolutely PERFECT.
This video is an instant classic the first time you see it. Max probably needs plenty of lipovox if he is eating babies :(. The song is absolutely PERFECT.
Detroit Tigers Officially Suck
At least we still have the Pistons and Red Wings.
The Tigers today got swept for the second time this year by the perennial AL Central punching bag, the Kansas City Royals. A team that the Tigers should never lose a series to.
So the Tigers are sitting with a team ERA over 5 on the year. They also are the worst in the league in quality starts at 10. 6 innings allowing less than 3 ERs by a starter.
IT is starting to look like the MLB forcing these guys to go to drug rehab to kick their HGH and steroid problems is starting to show this year. Runs are down almost a half a run for the league. The Tigers in particular are hitting like a tee ball team that has never seen live pitch before. This with probably 6-7 former all-stars int he line up, not to mention a couple of Hall of Famers.
This team couldn't hit a breaking ball if their lives depended on it, and every team they play knows it. Boston showed them all with their gameplan, and KC had the same success with guys like Greinke throwing their magic balls at the hitters.
They had a players-only meeting today before the game and came out to get bounced again by the Royals. Nothing really to even comprehend about this tema anymore. These guys are playing for paychecks.
The Tigers today got swept for the second time this year by the perennial AL Central punching bag, the Kansas City Royals. A team that the Tigers should never lose a series to.
So the Tigers are sitting with a team ERA over 5 on the year. They also are the worst in the league in quality starts at 10. 6 innings allowing less than 3 ERs by a starter.
IT is starting to look like the MLB forcing these guys to go to drug rehab to kick their HGH and steroid problems is starting to show this year. Runs are down almost a half a run for the league. The Tigers in particular are hitting like a tee ball team that has never seen live pitch before. This with probably 6-7 former all-stars int he line up, not to mention a couple of Hall of Famers.
This team couldn't hit a breaking ball if their lives depended on it, and every team they play knows it. Boston showed them all with their gameplan, and KC had the same success with guys like Greinke throwing their magic balls at the hitters.
They had a players-only meeting today before the game and came out to get bounced again by the Royals. Nothing really to even comprehend about this tema anymore. These guys are playing for paychecks.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pistons Own Dwight Howard and Orlando
Once thing that is for certain is that the NBA, and the haircuts that talk about it love to pump up "Superstars" that probably don't deserve it. Dwight Howard is just one of those "superstars". A guy that became a huge name after his superman dunk at the all-star game was another of the "Next" guys. Don't even get me started about that perfect score 6 inch shot not even being a dunk...
Well...tDwight and his Orlando counter-parts are now packing their Zero Halliburton bags and heading to sunny shores, in well..I guess Florida. At least they live in a sun-shiney place. They have that going for them.
Howard got abused by the Pistons and showed that he just isn't the go to guy everyone made him out to be. Another "superstar" that choked in the clutch. Another one from Orlando.
Orlando likes to talk a lot of smack it seems in the playoffs over the Pistons. Go all the way back to 2004 when T-Mac and the MAgic had the Pistons on the ropes in the first round of the playoffs going up 3-1 in the series. McGrady decided to pipe up and say that "It is nive to be int eh second round..."...DOH! Pistons went on to win 3 straight and eliminate that team on their way to crushing the Lakers int he Finals for the franchise's 3rd title.
This time Jameer Nelson guaranteed a Game 5 win. DOH! Pistons outplayed them the entire night, and if it weren't for atrocious shooting by Detroit int he first half they would have won by 30.
Now that it is over the Magic are still talking smack. THEY were the ones that lost the game because of their own mistakes. NO credit to the Pistons for winning Games 4 and 5 with out their starting PG Chauncey Billups. When you lose 4 out of 5 games in a series there is no room for saying you are a better team. Logic is failing you at that point.
Please bring on the Celtics.
Sheed is gonna make KG look like SVG (Stan Van Gundy).
Well...tDwight and his Orlando counter-parts are now packing their Zero Halliburton bags and heading to sunny shores, in well..I guess Florida. At least they live in a sun-shiney place. They have that going for them.
Howard got abused by the Pistons and showed that he just isn't the go to guy everyone made him out to be. Another "superstar" that choked in the clutch. Another one from Orlando.
Orlando likes to talk a lot of smack it seems in the playoffs over the Pistons. Go all the way back to 2004 when T-Mac and the MAgic had the Pistons on the ropes in the first round of the playoffs going up 3-1 in the series. McGrady decided to pipe up and say that "It is nive to be int eh second round..."...DOH! Pistons went on to win 3 straight and eliminate that team on their way to crushing the Lakers int he Finals for the franchise's 3rd title.
This time Jameer Nelson guaranteed a Game 5 win. DOH! Pistons outplayed them the entire night, and if it weren't for atrocious shooting by Detroit int he first half they would have won by 30.
Now that it is over the Magic are still talking smack. THEY were the ones that lost the game because of their own mistakes. NO credit to the Pistons for winning Games 4 and 5 with out their starting PG Chauncey Billups. When you lose 4 out of 5 games in a series there is no room for saying you are a better team. Logic is failing you at that point.
Please bring on the Celtics.
Sheed is gonna make KG look like SVG (Stan Van Gundy).
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings...How Can I Watch Them All?
Long story short, I can't.
Main reason being is that with my Dish Network service in this area I don't even get half the stations that these games appear on. Vs., whatever the hell the local station from Detroit is that shows half the Pistons and Tigers games is, and well...I'm sure as hell not paying for NBA TV.
The television schedule for some of these games baffles me. Some nights none of these teams play, but during the playoffs it seems that they ALL play on the same day at the SAME time. Wake up TV execs. Michigan sports fans are die hards, and watch every damn sporting event for the major pro sports when they are on. Especially the playoffs. I'm not trekking to Detroit every other day so that I can watch these games. I'm also not going to go to the bar and risk getting liqoured up since I already pay out the ass for auto insurance although I could probably doing better with that link there.
Main reason being is that with my Dish Network service in this area I don't even get half the stations that these games appear on. Vs., whatever the hell the local station from Detroit is that shows half the Pistons and Tigers games is, and well...I'm sure as hell not paying for NBA TV.
The television schedule for some of these games baffles me. Some nights none of these teams play, but during the playoffs it seems that they ALL play on the same day at the SAME time. Wake up TV execs. Michigan sports fans are die hards, and watch every damn sporting event for the major pro sports when they are on. Especially the playoffs. I'm not trekking to Detroit every other day so that I can watch these games. I'm also not going to go to the bar and risk getting liqoured up since I already pay out the ass for auto insurance although I could probably doing better with that link there.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
After Awful Start, Tigers Only 2 Games Out of First
Well bandwagoners, you can jump back on board I suppose. the Detroit Tigers after starting out more like the worst hitting team in the league rather than the potential record breaking team we all expected, have crawled back to within 2 games of the division lead. They are 7-3 in the last 10 games, and have taken it to the Yankees in the first 2 games of this series. A win tonight will give them a series sweep for the second time in 3 series'.
The Tigers have tested your computer memory over the last 8 games with the statistical output theyhave displayed. Scoring 60 runs int he last 8 games they have finally started showing what we all knew going into the year. They can hit, and hit a ton.
The Tigers have tested your computer memory over the last 8 games with the statistical output theyhave displayed. Scoring 60 runs int he last 8 games they have finally started showing what we all knew going into the year. They can hit, and hit a ton.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Jason Grilli Traded! WHOO HOO!
By far the most hated Tiger to me outside of Brandon Inge. Jason Grilli may have been pitching well after a horrid start, but this guy has been pure rotten cabbage for the last couple years here in Detroit. He's a middle reliver who comes in after someone else gets lit up typically, but unless he has a big lead he probably turns it into a laugher with his timely entrance and terrible pitching.
The Tigers took some Orovo to the roster as they had to make room for the ferner Cruceta who is supposed to be called up to the squad soon and make his long awaited debut. Don't know why people are so excited about this guy either really because he has never done jack either. Oh well...at least Grilli is gone.
Oh yeah...we traded Grilli to Colorado for 22-year-old minor-league right-hander Zach Simons, who will report to Class A Lakeland. Look him up yourself. I could care less about him, and trying to verify what we got for Grilli will probably only make me laugh even harder than I already am right now.
The Tigers took some Orovo to the roster as they had to make room for the ferner Cruceta who is supposed to be called up to the squad soon and make his long awaited debut. Don't know why people are so excited about this guy either really because he has never done jack either. Oh well...at least Grilli is gone.
Oh yeah...we traded Grilli to Colorado for 22-year-old minor-league right-hander Zach Simons, who will report to Class A Lakeland. Look him up yourself. I could care less about him, and trying to verify what we got for Grilli will probably only make me laugh even harder than I already am right now.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Lions Draft for Need, For Once
The detroit Lions have made a lot of high draft picks in the last decade. They have taken a lot of wide receivers in the top 10 of these drafts. One thing was certain, they were going to take a skill position in almost every 1st round they had a chance to. Drafting 4 WRs in the top 15 in the past 6 years in the likes of Charles Rogers (#2 Overall 2003), Roy Williams (#7 Overall 2004) Mike Williams (#10 Overall 2005), and Calvin Johnson (#2 Overall 2007. Only roy Williams has shown he was worth the pick, and Calvin still has a long ways to go before anyone can say he was worth a #2 pick. Throw in Joey Harrington at #3 overall in 2002 and you have a laundry list of 1st round busts.
This year they actually decided to stay away from skill position guys for the most part and while we all laid in our massage chair watching the draft this year we saw something a little different. They took guys that you could actually say were positions of need and passed on guys like Mendenhall that we were all expecting them to take in the 1st round.
Although Lions fans were still quite pissed off that we took one offensive tackle at 17 by drafting Gosder Cherilus instead of just taking Albert at 15, there isn't much to complain about in my opinion. These guys are all rated relatively the same and they were able to move up 10 spots in the 3rd round to still get a tackle that was rated around where Albert was by trading back to 17.
The big thing that everyone was pissed off about this year however, was the 2nd round pick of Jordon Dizon of Colorado. Since Lions fans treat mock drafts like gospel, they all believed that the Lions reached way too far to get the guy. According to some mock drafts he was projected to go in the 4th round. Many others showed him in the early 3rd, so really it wasn't that huge of a reach. Most of these fans wanted Connor of Penn State. IN THE 2nd ROUND AT THAT PICK. Connor ended up getting drafted with the 11th pick in Round 3! To think these guys can complain about a perceived reach after calling to get this guy. Dizon lead the nation in tackles last year and was the Big 12 Player of the Year.
These same fans tend to think that our 3rd round Pick (#1 traded up from #3 with Dolphins)Kevin Smith is going to be all that. Like we got a steal. The guy is a dancer, and he is slow. Lions RBs are always like this guy and they always suck ass. HE will be no different. NEWSFLASH: This guy was the 8th best ranked RB coming out so anyone thinking we got a steal there is a moron.
As for the rest of the draf tthey picked positions of need all day. Look at the breakdonw with out even knowing the names and you may have to say that Millen had his most sensible draft since he has been here.
Round/Pick:
1/OT
2/LB
3/RB
3/DT
3/DE
5/WR (He's more of a kick returner, which we need desperately)
5/FB
7/DT
7/S (Dude from the Army)
Actual Picks
RB was a need so skill position there isn't a big deal. The WR is going to be used as a KR so it wasn';t really a bad pick. Everyone else? Straight need.
I am excited about Dizon for sure no matter where he was drafted. Nobody knows anyways how much he was moving up. I've seen quotes from other teams that said they were going to take him in the 2nd anyways so it really doesn't matter. Marinelli took him because he loves to play and he isn't a prima donna. Fine with me. Let him and Ernie Sims crack some skulls on Sundays is what I say.
This year they actually decided to stay away from skill position guys for the most part and while we all laid in our massage chair watching the draft this year we saw something a little different. They took guys that you could actually say were positions of need and passed on guys like Mendenhall that we were all expecting them to take in the 1st round.
Although Lions fans were still quite pissed off that we took one offensive tackle at 17 by drafting Gosder Cherilus instead of just taking Albert at 15, there isn't much to complain about in my opinion. These guys are all rated relatively the same and they were able to move up 10 spots in the 3rd round to still get a tackle that was rated around where Albert was by trading back to 17.
The big thing that everyone was pissed off about this year however, was the 2nd round pick of Jordon Dizon of Colorado. Since Lions fans treat mock drafts like gospel, they all believed that the Lions reached way too far to get the guy. According to some mock drafts he was projected to go in the 4th round. Many others showed him in the early 3rd, so really it wasn't that huge of a reach. Most of these fans wanted Connor of Penn State. IN THE 2nd ROUND AT THAT PICK. Connor ended up getting drafted with the 11th pick in Round 3! To think these guys can complain about a perceived reach after calling to get this guy. Dizon lead the nation in tackles last year and was the Big 12 Player of the Year.
These same fans tend to think that our 3rd round Pick (#1 traded up from #3 with Dolphins)Kevin Smith is going to be all that. Like we got a steal. The guy is a dancer, and he is slow. Lions RBs are always like this guy and they always suck ass. HE will be no different. NEWSFLASH: This guy was the 8th best ranked RB coming out so anyone thinking we got a steal there is a moron.
As for the rest of the draf tthey picked positions of need all day. Look at the breakdonw with out even knowing the names and you may have to say that Millen had his most sensible draft since he has been here.
Round/Pick:
1/OT
2/LB
3/RB
3/DT
3/DE
5/WR (He's more of a kick returner, which we need desperately)
5/FB
7/DT
7/S (Dude from the Army)
Actual Picks
RB was a need so skill position there isn't a big deal. The WR is going to be used as a KR so it wasn';t really a bad pick. Everyone else? Straight need.
I am excited about Dizon for sure no matter where he was drafted. Nobody knows anyways how much he was moving up. I've seen quotes from other teams that said they were going to take him in the 2nd anyways so it really doesn't matter. Marinelli took him because he loves to play and he isn't a prima donna. Fine with me. Let him and Ernie Sims crack some skulls on Sundays is what I say.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Pistons Playoffs Begin Sunday
Long gone are the seasons where I watch every single game. I used to watch every last game of the Pistons, but over the years the NBA has become a bit unwatchable to me. Especially the quality of basketball the Eastern Conference puts out. A couple of years ago I probably should have had look at life insurance rates the way I watched e3very game like it was life or death, but I guess I have grown out of the obsession.
Now I tend to only watch about 30-40 games a year, if that. Then when the playoffs come I watch them all. It certainly saves me a lot of frustration as the Pistons team is very high on providing it. With their whiny players and their half-assed efforts on many nights it becomes rather difficult to watch these guys. Especially the idea that you are so sick of them under-performing every year.
This year, however we got to watch quite a bit of bench play. Stuckey, Maxiel, Amir Johnson, Afflalo, and Jarvis Hayes got significant minutes. It was a breath of fresh air to see these guys play considering the starting 5 have been putting in close to 40 minutes a game for the last half decade. It also takes away their excuse from previous years as well. That they were too tired to keep playing after logging so many minutes the last several years. The bench put in mega minutes this year so all excuses are out the window. It is time to go back to the Finals and win, or break this thing up.
Now I tend to only watch about 30-40 games a year, if that. Then when the playoffs come I watch them all. It certainly saves me a lot of frustration as the Pistons team is very high on providing it. With their whiny players and their half-assed efforts on many nights it becomes rather difficult to watch these guys. Especially the idea that you are so sick of them under-performing every year.
This year, however we got to watch quite a bit of bench play. Stuckey, Maxiel, Amir Johnson, Afflalo, and Jarvis Hayes got significant minutes. It was a breath of fresh air to see these guys play considering the starting 5 have been putting in close to 40 minutes a game for the last half decade. It also takes away their excuse from previous years as well. That they were too tired to keep playing after logging so many minutes the last several years. The bench put in mega minutes this year so all excuses are out the window. It is time to go back to the Finals and win, or break this thing up.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tigers Win 3 in a Row!
Now this is the offense we have all been waiting for! These guys are just destroying pitchers the last 3 games. It all started on Monday when the Tigers had a mega-comeback to win just their 3rd game of the year, but it was a BIG one.
The Tigers trailed almost the entire game. Getting behind 5-0 early and looking like the same team that has sucked all the way so far. Then they got 4 runs back in the 6th to make it 5-4. Of course our hopes were dashed as they got behind again 8-4. Pudge got a clown shoes HR in the 7th and then they were down again 9-5 going into the bottom of the 8th. Then it all started to go right. The breakout had begun. After we saw Miggy get on base on a routine ground ball because of an error you could feel the team ready to roll. They went on to add 6 runs in the bottom of the 8th to take an 11-9 lead that they never relinquished.
Then they fell behind again the next day, but came back once again to score a bunch more runs. Then tonight they pulled out a laugher. Putting up 13 runs in a 13-2 victory. Baker pitched alright for a while, but gave up 3 solo shots that fans with car insurance were glad they had in the parking lot. After he came out the Tigers destroyed the bullpen. Miggy had 5 RBIs and Renteria added 5 more to finish off the laugher. Let's hope this continues. Only being 5-10 they need to win a lot more games!
The Tigers trailed almost the entire game. Getting behind 5-0 early and looking like the same team that has sucked all the way so far. Then they got 4 runs back in the 6th to make it 5-4. Of course our hopes were dashed as they got behind again 8-4. Pudge got a clown shoes HR in the 7th and then they were down again 9-5 going into the bottom of the 8th. Then it all started to go right. The breakout had begun. After we saw Miggy get on base on a routine ground ball because of an error you could feel the team ready to roll. They went on to add 6 runs in the bottom of the 8th to take an 11-9 lead that they never relinquished.
Then they fell behind again the next day, but came back once again to score a bunch more runs. Then tonight they pulled out a laugher. Putting up 13 runs in a 13-2 victory. Baker pitched alright for a while, but gave up 3 solo shots that fans with car insurance were glad they had in the parking lot. After he came out the Tigers destroyed the bullpen. Miggy had 5 RBIs and Renteria added 5 more to finish off the laugher. Let's hope this continues. Only being 5-10 they need to win a lot more games!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tigers Back to Losing Ways
Lose 7, win 1, lose another one. This time the Tigers brought their bats, but didn't bring the arms. Well...they haven't really brought the arms yet anyways, but at least they brought the bats.
Maggs hit his first dinger of the year, and incredibly it was his first RBI of the season as well. Sheff continued to suck by grounding into a bases loaded double play with no outs in an inning that the Tigers were destroying Red Sox pitching. They had just score 2 runs on 2 straight singles after loading the bases when Sheff GIDP to all but kill the momentum.
Then the natural acne treatment cream had to come out as we all sweat the crap bullpen. They didn't disappoint and go shelled every inning thereafter to keep increasing the Red Sox lead.
Oye...when will it end?
Maggs hit his first dinger of the year, and incredibly it was his first RBI of the season as well. Sheff continued to suck by grounding into a bases loaded double play with no outs in an inning that the Tigers were destroying Red Sox pitching. They had just score 2 runs on 2 straight singles after loading the bases when Sheff GIDP to all but kill the momentum.
Then the natural acne treatment cream had to come out as we all sweat the crap bullpen. They didn't disappoint and go shelled every inning thereafter to keep increasing the Red Sox lead.
Oye...when will it end?
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