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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Detroit Tigers - Preseason Favorite?

"....Prince Fielder probably isn't a good fit"....words spoken by Dave "Sandbag" Dombrowski only a few days ago.  Spoken like a true big-market NY/Boston GM looking to do whatever it takes to drive the Tigers towards winning their first World Series title since 1984.  

It did not seem possible that we could land the 2nd most attractive off season free agent (next to a 33 year old Albert Pujols.) to even a short term deal...but a 9 year deal to a guy who is only 27 and is just now starting to peak?    I hate to go out on a limb, but I think we have locked up our 1st basemen/DH for quite a while.

Initial reaction from the Tigers players is positive.  My first take was "I wonder what Cabrera thinks?  Will he be packaged and shipped?", but it sounds like he knew about this and is planning to play 3rd this season.  I don't buy it.  I think he would need to drop about 60 pounds to play any other position besides 1st, and that isn't going to happen.  My guess is Prince and Miguel will alternate playing 1st base and DH, depending on whose pitching.  They tried Cabrera at 3rd a few years ago, and it did NOT go well.  I know I am restating the obvious, but I still can't believe it...with the addition of Prince to the roster, the Tigers gained a high production 40+HR/120+RBI left handed hitter in a lefty friendly ballpark.  His production will most certainly be high, given that he will probably hit after Cabrera.  They will certainly lead the league in RBI and  runs scored for the next couple of years if they stay healthy.

The right field grandstands and bleachers are going to be a "hot" higher priced ticket.  I looked at the Tigers website and no changes to the ticket prices have occurred yet.....but I am sure the addition of a $200M+ multi year contract will result in higher beer ($11?)and hot dog ($5?) prices.  Even the kids will feel the squeeze at the pump...the $3 merry-go-round will be bumped to $5.  Don't want to leave out what will happen with  parking prices.   As painful as it will be to pay for this "premium channel",  the on-the-field product will be well worth the price of admission, as long as they stay healthy.

Some suggest the Angels-Pujols signing was the best of the year...but I disagree. The Angels grossly overpaid for a guy that is 5 years older than Fielder and has missed significant playing time due to injury the past couple of years. This signing by the Tigers is better and it makes more sense than the Pujols signing, mostly due to his age and potential.

The AL Central collectively shat themselves when they heard the news.  Half of the Yankees roster is  reportedly contemplating retirement.  The Red Sox "Curse" has been reinstated.  The Cubs...er.........still suck.

The news today wiped away any lingering sadness left from the way the Lions pathetically exited their season.  This move confirms that Detroit is truly Tigertown.  It will continue to be Tigertown for a long time to come thanks to an aging owner and organization that truly cares about giving the fans something to get behind...a talented team capable of generating excitement and winning it all.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

3 in a Row!

January 17, 2012 - Michigan 60 - Michigan State 59 (photo from UMHoops.com)
John Beilein has Izzo's number...or perhaps a better game plan over their last three meetings. Michigan's win over the Spartans was a result of The Wolverines's momentum  control during most of the game, realized primarily by playing quality defense, especially during the last two minutes of the game.  

Michigan shot and played well in the first half, with the exception of Tim Hardaway, Jr.  Their 3-point shooting fizzled out in the second half, but they redeemed themselves by rebounding missed shots and forcing turnovers.  Zach Novak provided the senior leadership, and made two crucial baskets towards the end of the game.  

Trey Burke's play ignited in the 2nd half...he is definitely going to be a special player.  He looked great on the point, and outplayed the several MSU players that tried to check him throughout the game.  Hardaway had a nice second half, highlighted by his double-clutch dunk early in the 2nd half.  

Great to see Michigan resident Mike Tirico call this one.  He talked up the new Chrisler Center, made some nice references to the rivalry, mentioned the Michigan high schools where some of the players came from...another strong call from MT.  

The new Chrisler Center looks good.  Perhaps the new practice facility will be the shot in the arm the program needs to compete with the big boys .  They still need to do something to improve the lighting in the upper bowl in the arena.  The lower lighting looks great and the noise factor is better...it would be even better if they lighten up that upper level.

Beilein has quietly and modestly turned the college basketball tide in this state with 3 straight wins against Izzo's squad.  He will be the first to say that this is just "a conference win" and they need to repeat this effort against the likes of Purdue and that team from Ohio....but I am sure after Izzo's comments from a few days ago, he is quietly celebrating this victory a little more than he normally would.    

It is nice to see a competitive match up again between MSU and Michigan.  We have not seen anything like this between these two in this sport in years.  This match up is turning back into the rivalry this needs to be.   I anticipate their next meeting at Breslin will be just as exciting.   It certainly is fun to look forward to watching this rivalry again... especially if the games continue to be like the one they had tonight!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Playoffs?!?

11 years of professional football playoff drought and we get to see the debacle unfold on Saturday night. The Lions (most notably, the Defense) got their ass kicked by the New Orleans Saints 186-24. Ok...I know it wasn't the real score, but it sure seemed like it.

I don't know about you, but I am sick of hearing the Lions' name mentioned in other teams' records. 2 weeks ago, a quarterback that no one heard of passed for around 600 yards and 6 touchdowns against one of "the best defensive lines" in the NFL. Drew Brees looked like a kid in a candy store, slinging passes to receivers that were so wide open, it felt like the Lions did not deserve to be on the same field as the Saints. Our tackling sucked (both weeks) and our secondary was abysmal (both weeks).

I was thrilled that they made the playoffs, but I am tired of hearing the "Congratulations on a great year" posts on Twitter and Facebook, especially after the way they closed out the season. The Lions need to completely re-tool their secondary (again) and their linebacker corps (again).

I think they should take a long careful look at retread Gunther Cunningham and send him on his way...let's get a defensive coordinator who can build a defense that can handle the "new" NFL and get rid of the old crotchety-foul-mouthed-media -favorite has-been.

Oh...and can we get a running back that doesn't go on injured reserve when he gets a hang nail? (I know...concussions are dangerous...but some guys can take hits...the Lions backs can't). Stafford will get stronger, as will Charles Johnson and Titus Young.

Jim Swartz is a decent (not great) & entertaining coach. He has made his fair share of mistakes this year, especially during the last few games, both on the field and off. His handling of Lions-hired color analyst Jim Brandstater after the game was unacceptable and unprofessional. Had he kept his reactions and emotions in check this past season, perhaps we would be talking about a victory against the G-men instead of writing a eulogy on a disappointing exit.

Lastly, leading the NFC in penalties (and one of the most penalized in the NFL) is Swartz's fault and needs to be corrected. They will not make the playoffs next season if they continue to make stupid mental mistakes and continue to commit idiotic personal foul penalties every game.

I could stomach a noble loss...but this certainly was not. It had the "Same Old Lions" taste. Perhaps "they can build/learn/get-stronger-next-year/after this" (I know, I know...all familiar Lions cliches). I will await next season with baited breath.