Earn your paycheck!!!

I know we all have the idea in our heads that professional athletes are overpaid, but I have never seen a team underachieve the way the 2008 Detroit Tigers did. To have a payroll of $139 million dollars, and to finish with a record of 74-88 is inexcusable. Jim Leyland has come out in recent days accepting some of the blame, but also pointing out that he's not the only one at fault. The Tigers have already gotten rid of one major problem in my opinion, and that was Chuck Hernandez. As a pitching coach he has not improved the staff at all. Actually the staff has regressed under his watch. However the players are the real culprits for this bad baseball. These guys for the most part all underperformed this year. It's not one or two guys, it was the whole team. Yes, Miguel Cabrera, Armando Galaragga, Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez, and Placido Polanco all had good years statistically, but as a team they failed.

Looking forward to 2009 Dave Dombrowski has already stated that they won't be major players in the free agent market, but he also has to understand that he can't go into next year with this same group of players. The real changes have to be made to the pitching staff. Verlander, Galaragga, and Bonderman are locks for the rotation, but between Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis, Zach Miner, and hopefully a mid level free agent such as Randy Wolf, Derek Lowe, or even Freddy Garcia, two of these guys have to step up and fill the back end of the rotation. Rick Porcello is also a pitcher to remember if the Tigers want to push him to the majors.

The bullpen was a disaster from the beginning of the season to the end. Joel Zumaya is unreliable for next year. Hopefully he will be a bonus to the bullpen, and stay healthy. Fernando Rodney is not a closer, please don't give him the job. Let him work the 8th, which is also important. Some of the guys this year like Lopez, Seay, Rapada, Glover, and Dolsi, let them fight for a spot next year with some new blood. I believe Dombrowski has to look outside the organization for a closer. K-Rod will be too expensive, but how about guys like Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, or Brandon Lyon. Spend any money you have on one of these three relievers. Ryan Perry the Tigers 1st round pick is at least a year away, but keep an eye on him also.

As far as the position players go the Tigers have said they are looking for a catcher and a shortstop. Good luck. The only catcher worth mentioning is Gregg Zaun, and he's 38 years old. Looks like Dusty Ryan will really have to step up and learn on the job. I know Dombrowksi is high on minor leaguer Cale Iorg, but he won't be playing shortstop for the Tigers next year. He needs a couple of more seasons in the minors. They could bring back Renteria with a reduced salary, or go after Rafael Furcal, Orlando Cabrera, or David Eckstein. My hopes are that they overpay to get Cabrera.

I'm going to sit back and watch closely this off season. Dombrowski is going to have to work some serious magic, to please the fans, and his owner. The Tigers cannot have another season like this, or all the momentum from the 2006 season will be lost.

Tough decisions

The Detroit Red Wings are in the middle of their preseason schedule trying to finalize their regular season roster. Ken Holland, Jim Nill, and Mike Babcock have some tough decisions to make. The fact is that they have to probably cut 4 or 5 players who could play, and more importantly, contribute on this team. In my opinion Holland has to make a trade or two, getting rid of a couple of players from the championship team. This might sound foolish, but the problem is he's done a great job drafting, and there are some young guys knocking on the door. Darren Helm and Johnathan Ericsson need to be on this team. Lets rephrase that they should be on this team. Both players are young and exciting. They also each bring elements to the ice that this team needs. Helm is a speedster who can really play both ends of the ice, and Ericsson is a large defenseman who has a 100mph slap shot.

So who goes? Like I said there are too many qualified guys already. If I were the general manager I would keep these forwards.

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Hossa, Franzen, Filppula, Holmstrom, Hudler, Draper, Cleary, Kopecky, Helm, and Downey.

That makes 12 forwards with a 13th going to either Kirk Maltby or Mikael Samuelsson. One of these 2 need to be traded. I would try to move Samuelsson. He is more attractive because of his offensive ability. Helm just adds too much speed and tenacity to have him back in Grand Rapids. Sure he might play more there, but I think his ice time would grow in Detroit.

Here are the defensemen I would keep.

Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Stuart, Lilia, Ericsson, Chelios, and Meech.

Brett Lebda has shown what he will be, and Kyle Quincey can't crack this lineup. Trade both of these guys for draft picks. Could you imagine a pairing like Lilia and Ericsson, pretty imposing. Ericsson needs the minutes, and the Wings might send him down to start the year, but they can't deny his talent anymore. He's good enough to make a Stanley Cup contender, and that's saying a lot.

Hopefully these two will start the year in Detroit, but either way the Wings are destined for another lengthy run for the Cup!

Game 2 improvements

Yesterday we had our 2nd game of flag football. The Steelers took on the Giants. Just as last week our opponents scored on their 1st play. The 1st half was the same as last week, we played good defense excluding a couple of long touchdown runs, and struggled on offense. We still had trouble with the snaps and hand offs. In the 2nd half we started to move the ball. I'm not saying it was pretty, but it was effective. The team continued our strong play on the defensive side of the ball. In the end we scored two touchdowns, and greatly improved from last week.



As far as Jack goes he had fun once again, and this time played the whole game. He carried the ball once, and was stopped in the backfield. The thing with all kindergartners on the team is that they are slow in their reaction time. So Jack is right in line with everyone else. We are looking forward to the next game. Go Steelers!!!

Starting from scratch

Did you ever think this day would come? I'll start off by giving Matt Millen credit. He has passion for the game, he's a fighter, but you have to know when enough is enough. Matt Millen was fired today, probably 3 years too late, but the deed is done. Now this team starts from scratch. Sure this year will be lost. The Lions will wait until the end of the year to hire a new general manager, but hopefully Rod Marinelli will receive the command to play the young guys to see what talent is actually on the roster. Marinelli is now put in a difficult situation, but if he's a team player, he'll listen, and get the young guys on the field.

Can you believe the last 24 hours for Detroit sports? What will the fans chant or complain about next? We've been told by new coach Michael Curry that Rasheed Wallace will play in the post more often. Check. We've heard the announcement today that the "roller coaster" Todd Jones is hanging up the spikes. Check. And now the fans of the Lions can no longer chant "fire Millen". Check. I guess the only thing the fans of Detroit can do now is clap. What a day!

Talent & Execution

If the Detroit Lions were on America's Got Talent, even David Hasselhoff would tell them to go home and find another career, you're not good enough! The Lions loss their 3rd straight game with a horrific 31-13 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Once again the team was down early, and had no chance for a comeback. On offense they made too many mistakes, dropping passes, missing targets, and taking bad penalties. Turning the ball over is also not going to keep you in the game. Jon Kitna played a bad game, got hurt, and now his job should be in question. Rudi Johnson came in for Kevin Smith, who was benched, and actually had a decent game. Probably the one bright spot for the offense. On defense the Lions could not stop the run, or rush the passer. Come on can you at least take care of one! If not you will continue to get the same results week after week.

So the Lions go into the bye week with many questions, and doubts about this team. Can anything be salvaged? When is it time to throw Marinelli off the boat? He didn't help himself by mismanaging the game clock at the end of the 1st half. Sure, I agree, he has changed some things around there for the better. I believe the players are more professional, and have the proper attitudes to succeed. However their execution, which falls on the coaching, is not there. I don't care what they do in practice, if they can't translate it into the games! Let's not fool ourselves, there isn't much talent on this team. Thanks Millen! How is this guy keeping his job? Let's look at the past 4 drafts. All that remains from the 2005, 2006, and 2007 drafts are Calvin Johnson, Dan Orlovsky, and Drew Stanton on offense, and Ernie Sims, Daniel Bullucks, Shaun Cody, Ilaika Alama-Francis, and Gerald Alexander on defense. 8 players, are you kidding me! That's not to mention that Orlovsky and Stanton don't see the field, and Alama-Francis has been a bust. So let's agree for arguments sake that really only Johnson, Sims, and Bullucks have truly contributed to this team. It's too early to judge the 2008 draft, but only Gosder Cherilus and Kevin Smith have gotten any significant playing time. Most of the guys from that draft were deactivated for the 49ers game. The fact is Millen hasn't produced the talent for any coach to succeed.

The Lions had better start scouting the college ranks because it looks like another top 3 pick is on the horizon. Of course their track record doesn't really lead me to believe that the player they pick will do anything different. You have to love Monday mornings if you're a Lions fan!

Was there a full moon last night?

Last night I was listening to the Tigers game on the radio. Dan Dickerson and Jim Price had an interesting conversation for a change. Finally Jim Price had a point that was worth while. He talked last night about how this team is too nice. Yes, it comes a night after Gary Sheffield was involved in a fight, but in general this team is soft. Everyone is diplomatic when talking to the media about other teams, other players, and even about their own team. Guys like Curtis Granderson, Justin Verlander, Brandon Inge, and Nate Robertson who all seem to be interviewed a lot are too nice. And I don't know if its the Latino aspect of this team, but Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen, and Magglio Ordonez don't say much because of their language barriers, making them seem "soft" or too nice. On the field these guys temperaments don't change, once again a bunch of "Mr. Niceguys".

If this team is going to change, and improve next year, it's not just talent that we need more of. We need more guys like Gary Sheffield and Kenny Rogers. Guys with attitude, who are willing to challenge other players. Maybe it's on the field, or maybe in their own clubhouse. Now I don't think fighting is the solution, but the Tigers have to have players who will speak their minds if something isn't right. And trust me there were plenty of situations this year where it seemed no one spoke up.

Let the flags fly!!!!

Get your terrible towel out, cheer on the Steelers! No not the team in Pittsburgh, the flag football team in Jackson, Michigan. My son Jack is part of an 11 man squad featuring 5 1st graders, and 6 kindergartners, including Jack. Their first game is this Saturday at J.C.M.S. The league is full of Catholic kids from Jackson. Now I haven't mentioned that I'm his coach. This is where it gets complicated. Have you ever tried teaching football to kids this young? I've coached soccer, and it's nothing like it. Coaching soccer is about teaching a few fundamentals, and then letting them go, and get the ball. Football is about discipline, and these kids don't have it. The first practice was brutal. My assistant coach and myself were pulling out our hair trying to teach them some basic concepts of football. Kids don't like standing around, because if they do, they'll start horsing around. So for our second practice we decided to play a few games with the kids, basically slipping in fundamentals around this. So here comes our first game tomorrow, and we haven't learned any plays, and don't know where to lineup. Can I give Bill Cowher a call? He knows how to lead the Steelers! Anyways wish us luck, and God willing, we'll score a touchdown.

What were you thinking?

What were you thinking Jon Kitna? Did you think that you were a quality starting quarterback in the NFL? Mr. Kitna you are sadly mistaken. I can't believe that after that great comeback by the Lions, Kitna could blow a game like that. The Lions were down 21-0 and turned it on in the second half. A couple of stalled drives cut the league from 21-0 to 21-9. A safety, and 2 great plays by Calvin Johnson gave the Lions a 25-24 lead with 6 minutes left in the game. Ford Field went from a stadium of disgust, to a stadium of joy after watching the comeback. Fans were going crazy, people were starting to believe. Then Kitna took over. One throw for a pick and return, then another interception, then another pick for a touchdown. The air deflated at Ford Field. People left the stadium bitter, asking why us? You know why? Because we continue to be fooled into believing that we could be that team that makes a run. We could be that team that upsets the powerhouses in the NFL. We could be the team that other teams fear. Then players like Jon Kitna, Brian Kelly, and Leigh Bodden take over. Yeah, I didn't have enough energy to mention how bad the Lion's secondary played. Rod Marinelli will tell us he'll study the tape. Save your time Rod, this team can't put it together for 60 minutes. I don't know if they ever will.

Heisman hopeful

Going into this year Javon Ringer's name was mentioned when talking about the top running backs in the country. So far Ringer hasn't let anyone down. This year Ringer was told he would get the majority of the carries and he's lived up to the challenge. 216 yards and 7 touchdowns after just 2 games is a good start. He will have to keep it up to keep his name up there with some of the other top backs in college football. Knowshon Moreno and Beanie Wells are the other 2 backs everyone is talking about. However with Wells trying to come back from an injury, not to mention facing a tough USC team this week, Ringer could vault himself to the top. Now when mentioning him for the Heisman, you have to remember the other candidates out there. Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel, Sam Bradford, and Mark Sanchez are all quarterbacking top teams this year so they will definitely get some consideration. I believe though, that during the year, with the Spartans relying so much on Ringer, that he will at least get his name mentioned. And when the season is over we'll see if his stats enable him to get an invitation to New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Lions frustration after week 1

Okay my predictions didn't turn out to be too accurate. Matt Ryan looked prepared for the NFL, and the Lions defense did not. I said the game would be a 24-13 Lions victory. I was wrong. The offense did pretty much what I thought they would. Struggle with the run a little, but make some plays in the passing game. It was the defense that shocked me. I know in the preseason they shut down their opponents, but I wasn't expecting the 1985 Bears defense to be out there. I was expecting them to tackle better though. Way too many missed tackles. They've practiced too much for this to be an issue. After a couple of days of regrouping my Lions thoughts, I've realized that they just don't have the talent on defense. Sure everyone will say they knew this before the season started, but I was hoping a couple of guys would play above their heads. Guys like Corey Redding, Dewayne White, Leigh Bodden, Brian Kelly, and Paris Lenon I thought would be leaders on this team. Showing the youngsters the right way to play. Once again I was wrong. The only player on defense that other teams wish they had is Ernie Sims.

Now I'm not as down on the Lions as my friend Empty Coconuts. He's given up on the season, which he probably should do. As a season ticket holder, I want to find something positive in this mess to justify my purchase. If the Lions are going to win any games this year it looks like they will have to put a lot of points on the board, especially early in games. We can't count on the defense to win any games for us. So my positive spin is that after the 1st quarter down 21-0, the Lions won the next 3 quarters, outscoring the Falcons 21-13. It's weak yes, I know, but those tickets are expensive, and I have to have some kind of faith, or the next 3 months will be brutal.

Lions vs. Falcons week 1

The Lions start the season in Atlanta today with hopes of starting the season on the right note. The Falcons are a young team, who is rebuilding, and has lots of holes in their lineup. Their defense is starting two young corners, and Jon Kitna should be able to move the ball down field, throwing to Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams. The Falcons also are starting a rookie middle linebacker, so Kevin Smith might be able to get the ground game moving. All of this sets up the Lions to have a pretty good day on offense.

On defense today the Lions will be facing a rookie quarterback in Matt Ryan. He has some talent around him in Roddy White and Michael Turner. Those two guys could make the game interesting if Ryan has time, and makes the right reads to get the ball to White, and Turner can gain some yardage on the ground. The defensive line, especially Dewayne White will have a good opportunity to get to Ryan. Today's game will be a great introduction to the NFL for Matt Ryan. Things are dumbed down, and slower in the preseason. He's never seen anything like this before. My prediction is that the Lions win 24-13.

Repeat???

The Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings will start their training camp in 3 weeks. While the team has stayed mainly intact. I thought the time was right to go over 5 pressing questions going into the upcoming year.

Question 1 - How does Marion Hossa fit in?

With Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Tomas Holmstrom keeping their line and chemistry intact, I would think that Hossa joins Valterri Filpulla, and Johan Franzen on the 2nd line. Hossa will play the right wing. If Franzen can build on to what was a fantastic playoff run, this line could actually be as deadly as the Datsyuk group.

Question 2 - Who will be the backup goaltender?

Chris Osgood is once again the talk of the town. He has cemented himself as the number one goalie on the Wings. However the number two job is up for grabs. For years now the Wings have been grooming Jimmy Howard to take over in net. He will finally get a serious shot at making the team. Ty Conklin will be standing in his way though. Conklin comes over from the Penguins with an opportunity to back up Osgood. My guess is that Howard wins the job, and gets in 15 to 20 games this year.

Question 3 - Who emerges from the 4th line competition?

Can a team have 5 lines? If they did the Red Wings would show their depth. There are a lot of guys trying to crack that starting lineup. Veterans like Kirk Maltby, Darren McCarty, Aaron Downey, and even Jiri Hudler will try to hold off the youngsters, such as, Tomas Kopecky, Darren Helm, Ville Leino, and Justin Abdelkader. Downey and Abdelkader are likely destined for Grand Rapids. I see McCarty and Kopecky as extra forwards wearing suits most nights. Hudler deserves to be on the line, but a trade could be in his future. Leino is the wild card. He comes from Finland with a ton of talent, but will have to adjust to the game in North America. I think the 4th line will consist of Hulder, Helm, and Maltby. Leino while talented, should start in Grand Rapids. After one month if they can't fit him in Detroit, he will probably go back to Finland.

Question 4 - How easy does new assistant coach Brad McCrimmon fit in?

McCrimmon has played here before so he knows the culture of the Wings. Being a player and a coach in this league will help his transition on this team. Losing Todd McLellan hurts because he was a very good coach, who Babcock relied on, however Babcock still is the man in charge and there shouldn't be any bumps in the road.

Question 5 - Is there any let down from winning the Cup?

No. Not with veterans like Nicklas Lidstrom, Kris Draper, Chris Chelios, and others who know what its like to win and also how hard it is to get back. They will be mentally strong this year, and another run at the Cup is very likely.