I am not really sure if I can add much perspective to this whole situation, but I will try.
Yesterday, the Tigers traded Pudge Rodriguez for a journeyman relief pitcher, Kyle Farnsworth. Most Tiger fans will remember Farnsworth and the hard throwing pitcher who likes to tackle people.
I found out about this trade on the golf course. My natural reaction was "Thats all we got for Pudge?" I also assumed that this move was a move of surrender and that the front office believed that the season was over. I was quite angry and pulled my next drive into the woods. Thanks Dave Dombrowski.
But, I have had some time to cool off and I have re-evaluated things and looked a bit more at the numbers. So here are my levelheaded reactions.
Firstly, the Tigers are not giving up on the season in any way. The Tigers traded from a position of strength, especially, given that catching is generally weak across the leage. A tandum of Inge and Pudge was a lot better than most teams. Most teams wish they could have one good catcher, the Tigers had 2 serviceable ones. And, Remember, the Tigers do not have a very strong farm system anymore. Trading a catcher was a reaction of the Tigers really having a surplus of catchers.
Secondly, while the Tigers did trade away a very popular player and a big name, they didn't trade away a great player. Pudge had a decent batting average of .295, but that is one of the most fraudulent averages of all time. He only has 32 RBI's and 5 home runs. The dude never gets hits in the clutch. Friday's game against the White Sox was a perfect example. 1 out, bases loaded and Pudge hits a ground ball double play. While Inge is hitting an awful .228 average, they both have similar on base percentages and Inge has a better slugging percentage. Also, Inge has just as many RBI's in like 120 less At Bats. In addition, that low batting average could be attributed to not playing every day. If Inge were to hit for the same amount of power but raise the average about .025 points; the Tigers would have a very solid backstop. Very solid, in addition to the solid defense he already has.
Third, the Tigers got in return for Pudge something they needed the most: a solid reliever. I was unaware of the decent year that Farnsworth is having. I though he just continued to have a rough year like last year. He has pitched over 44 innings in relief, 17 walks vs. 43 SO, and an ERA of 3.65. Those are pretty solid numbers, and better than most of our relievers. The 11 HR's scares me a bit, but Comerica is a bigger ball park than Yankee stadium, so those numbers could be inflated. The bottom line is that if Farnsworth can continue those numbers, he helps this team, a lot.
Fourth, and most importantly, I still think the Tigers could have gotten a little more. According to SI.com, the Marlins offered us a package of prospects for him. While Farnsworth looks like a good addition to this team, I still think they could have probably sucked out a decent prospect from the Yankees as well. Given the Yankee's strong need for a catcher, it seems that the Tigers would be able to get a little more than just a slightly above average reliever for him. Im not asking for Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy, but a mid level prospect in addition who may be useful in the future. I may be vastly overestimating the value of Pudge to other teams (especially given his lack of consistency in the clutch), but still on name alone he should be worth more.
Overall, I guess I like the trade. Farnsworth helps a team with a lot of recent question marks in the bullpen. Also, having Inge as the full time catcher helps him for the future and doesn't hurt us much for the present. However, had the Tigers gotten another young arm in the deal I would have loved it.
Goodbye Pudge, Hello Farnsworth
Throwing in the Towel
A few weeks ago I wrote about how maybe there is still hope for this Tigers season. Todd Jones sucked all that hope out of me.
1 strike away from the biggest win of the season. Yet another example of how the Tigers could not get a big win when they needed it the most, thereby screaming: "We are a .500 team."
Face it, the White Sox knew exactly what Jones was going to do when he did it. Dye knew that Jones was going to throw an outside fastball on a 2-0 count because that is what he does every time. While it is true that Jones should have pitched that ball down in the zone, Dye knew it was coming the whole time. His eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning when he saw exactly what he expected and spanked it out of the park.
Then what do the Tigers do? They throw out their ace against some nobody pitcher who is somehow having a decent season. He pitches like Nate Robertson, and does not give his team a chance to win. That is not what an Ace does. Verlander remains a very good pitcher, but not an ace.
Somehow, Zach Miner salavages the season with another nice outing.
But instead of coming out and making a statement against a bad team, they play like they knew the season was over with one swing of Jermaine Dye's bat. A shut out when playing against Paul Byrd?!?!? 4 hits against a pitcher who is one notch above a slow pitch softball hurler?
While some of you may have scoreboard watched tonight and think there is hope, allow me to put it in stone
The White Sox, not the Tigers, will be representing the AL Central in the playoffs.
The White Sox have good pitching and a great bullpen. They are flat out better than the Tigers and they proved it by taking 2 out of 3 in Comerica Park.
The only hope the Tigers have now is to go out and sweep the White Sox in Chicago.
Look I know there is a lot of baseball left, but the fact is the Tigers just don't pounce on big opportunities. If they did they would have won that game on Friday (and dont just blame Todd Jones, Zumaya gave up that 2 run lead). If they were a playoff team they wouldn't lose 3 out of 4 against the Twins in Detroit; they wouldnt split with a bad Baltimore team; and they certainly wouldn't show up like they dont care and get 4 hit by Paul FRICKEN Byrd.
This Team screams mediocrity. And in baseball mediocre teams dont make the playoffs (unless you are in the NL West...)
A little catch up...
Sorry for the ten day absense Put it in Stone viewers. My football team took a lot out of me.
This post is brought to you by...Jennifer Granholms huge mole. The irony is that her husbands name is Mohlner...tricky huh?
So I realized today that I have been "writing" for this blog for approximately a month now and have yet to make mention of my absolute favorite team in all of sports. Michigan Wolverines football. Yes even more than the Lions, I know its hard to believe.
Given the RichRod hire and all the massive departures for the NFL/whining of Justin Boren, I have been anticipating this coming college football season for seven months now. I don't intend to preview their season and tell you which games are going to be won or lost, but I do wish to share what I think are keys to success and just exactly how I define "success."
First and foremost is EXECUTION. RichRod's offense and defense is all based so severely upon timing that as long as the players know where they have to be and when they have to be there, plays will be made. I have complete faith in RichRods coaching to select plays where this can easily be attained. Star QB or not, losing countless numbers of offensive linemen and almost every key offensive position, I firmly believe that if these players can excecute Michigan will put up a fight in every game this year.
Second has to be Steven Threet. In this new offense how can he spread the ball around? How will he handle the sudden pressure of being the starting QB on the first day RichRod actually coaches a game infront of all those fans sitting on the edge of their seats critiquing every last move the team makes? This is the time for Steven to live out his dream out on the field. We all know he has the arm strength, but how are his feet? RichRod is going to make him run a bit whether its running to the sideline to stretch the defense out and gain more time to throw or even just trying to stay on his feet knowing that the O line only returns ONE starter from last year. My hearts with ya Steve...good freakin' luck.
The third way to a successful season is the defense. They are stacked. RichRod has NEVER had a defense this good to work with so I am certain he is chomping at the bit to run his D with all the stud players who are returning. This D has to make up for the growing pains of the young offense. No one in the nation outside of Michigan will say it, but I really think we have the best secondary in the Big Ten, and one of the best front four in possibly the nation. These guys have to create turnovers and get sacks and give the young offense a short field as much as possible. Could a 3-4 be in our future???
Sam McGuffie...you finally are going to get a hand off in Michigan Stadium. I can't tell you how excited I am about that, probably even more excited than he is! Darryl Stonum, Michael Shaw, Roy Roundtree (snake oil), Terrance Robinson, and Boubacar Cissoko all look to have time out on the field as freshmen in key positions. Not to make light of the fact that possibly two true freshmen could be starting on the O line, Dann O'Neil is for sure!
Assuming people want me to make a prediction I will take the easy way out and say they will finish 8-4 and play in the Alamo Bowl. I have no idea which games they will win or lose but I may visit that in another post closer to the start of the season, but you can put 8-4 in stone. Maybe some sort of really soft stone haha!
All this being said I can't freakin' wait till kickoff in the Big House against Utah. Not because I think we are going to win the national championship (like I did last year...) but just so I can finally see exactly what we as Michigan fans are in for for the next (hopefully) ten to fifteen years.
P.S. I really hope Tim Jaimison or Terrance Taylor runs over to the OSU sideline during the game and bitch slaps Justin Boren. I am glad that bull shit is over. OSU is the perfect place for cry baby offensive linemen who love giving up sacks!
Vriesman's Team
QB
Tom Brady $14,626,720 *
Jay Cutler $2,325,000
WR
Lee Evans $3,130,334 *
Devin Hester $795,000
T.J. Houshmand.. $3,687,500 *
DJ Hackett $1,217,500
Marques Colston $458,960 *
Muhsin Muhammad $1,256,240
RB
Adrian Peterson $2,431,360 *
Maurice Jones-Drew $685,000
L. Tomlinson $7,822,786 *
OL
Jake Long $2,000,000 *
Tony Ugoh $786,666
Nick Kaczur $1,398,720 *
Ryan Cook $751,360
Steve Hutchinson $6,500,000 *
Marcus McNeill $757,120
Logan Mankins $1,406,720 *
Artis Hicks $981,360
Matt Birk $6,012,076 *
Jeromey Clary $376,120
TE
Alge Crumpler $2,056,720 *
DE
Jevon Kearse $2,600,000 *
LaMarr Woodley $726,720
Osi Umenyiora $4,987,500 *
James Hall $1,655,760
DT
Tommie Harris $1,645,470 *
Tank Johnson $825,000
Kevin Williams $4,209,249 *
Shaun Cody $1,120,000
LB
Shawne Merriman $2,643,620 *
Victor Hobson $491,720
Lance Briggs $5,471,666 *
Zach Thomas $1,250,000
AJ Hawk $4,827,970 *
Boss Bailey $1,565,000
CB
Antonio Cromarte $1,731,120 *
Chris Gamble $1,983,740
CB DeAngelo Hall $2,168,106 *
Leon Hall $1,562,500
FS
Ed Reed $3,411,720 *
Chris Crocker $1,090,000
SS
Darren Sharper $4,300,000 *
Terrence Holt $485,000
K
Mason Crosby $399,727 *
Nick Folk $397,000
P
Andy Lee $997,666 *
Ryan Plackemeier $455,500
Returner Joshua Cribbs $1,045,000 *
Total: $114,111,296
I looked long and hard at the NFL, the players, and the salary cap for this monumental occasion. And this is what I came up with after a few grueling hours of reflection and investigation.
Obviously this team is built around Tom Brady, not only because he is the best quarterback in the NFL, but because he makes his team better, expecially is wide receivers. This is why I could substitute Randy Moss and his 6 Mill contract for Lee Evans, who is a speedy receiver who will get downfield and had great numbers even when JP Losman was throwing him the ball. He would immediately become a fantasy god. I could then add Colston and Houshmanzedah to the list because they are amazing receivers who will make this offense move. Who remembers Wes Welker and company before last year? Add Houshmanzedah and Colston (who is vastly underpaid I found out) to the list and you have an amazing wide receiving corps alongside Evans.
This team is also loaded at the running back position. Peterson and Tomlinson in the same backfield will create havoc on the entire league. I would implement the wishbone offense with two running backs and three wide receivers in most circumstances, which would mean that the aformentioned receivers would be backed up with Tomlinson and Peterson running out of the backfield (or catching passes in the flat) and would create havoc with any play action set. Allowing the running back to hit a hole on the right or left side without warning is extremely dangerous, and the defense will not be able to load either side to compensate. And with Maurice Jones-Drew, who is another extremely underpaid player, coming in to make plays as well, this backfield is almost a dream. Allowing any of the three running backs to hit the holes on either side of the offensive line, and not allowing the defense to adjust one way or the other is devastating, along with the possiblity of this offense to turn into a 5 wide set with Tomlinson and Peterson running from either side into open field.
The receivers will have time to run their routes and Peterson and Tomlinson will have abundant holes to run through since Birk, Hutchinson, and Long anchor this offensive line. Not only will Brady have time to throw to his talented wideouts, the running backs (who finished 1-2 last year in yards mind you) will have ample holes to run through and gain yards from the left or right, or to catch passes on their respective sidelines. Not to mention bringing in Alge Crumpler in certain occasions when a tight end is called for.
The defense is anchored with the surprising Tommie Harris and big Kevin Williams clogging the middle. Supplementing this with the "Freak" Jevon Kearse and Umenyiora makes this defensive line something to be reckoned with, whether the offense wants to run or pass. Merriman, Briggs, and Hawk bring pass defense and shutting down the run to a whole new level, demolishing any who would get past this HOF defensive line. And the DBs and safetys, who picked off and extraordinary amount of passes last year, will have a field day with the many pressured and erratic throws coming from an unsuspecting and harried QB.
I also dare you to investigate the kind of years Mason Crosby, Nick Folk, Andy Lee, Ryan Plackemeier, and Joshua Cribbs had last year. The special teams is anchored by the best two placekickers in the NFL, and whenever this team doesn't get into field goal range, will place the opponent within their own 20 yard line in more regulatory fashion than any other team. Not to mention Cribbs, who led the league last year in return yards while fielding kickoffs and punt returns.
Not to mentino the backups could start for most other teams, consider most of them actually DO. And Hester being a backup wide receiver and also the backup returner is just a bonus.
My head coach would obviously be Bill Belichick, since he has coached Tom Brady and can make this offense the most feared in the NFL. Along with Tom Moore, the best offensive coordinator in the NFL of the Indianapolis Colts, who could make the offensive talent on this team unstoppable. And oh, let's not forget Dom Capers, the defensive coordinator who made the New England Patriots look tame. He would make this D into the best unit there is on the field. Hey, if Bill Parcells likes him...............
Sportel's Team
Offense
QB
T. Romo $8,416,666 *
T. Collins $1,500,000
B. Croyle $622,906
RB
A. Peterson $2,431,360 *
M. Jones-Drew $685,000
A. Bradshaw $383,501
L. Vickers $475,720
WR
M. Colston $458,960 *
G. Jennings $755,000 *
B. Marshall $556,480
D. Hester $795,000
D. Bowe $1,276,240
R. Moss $6,006,720 *
TE
H. Miller $1,726,720 *
J. King $492,242
C
J. Saturday $5,184,669 *
N. Mangold $1,450,500
G
A.Faneca $5,640,000 *
C. Snee $2,779,166 *
R. Garza $1,550,000
T
F. Adams $3,097,943 *
M. McNeill $757,120
R. Tauscher $6,271,010 *
J. Trueblood $752,500
Defense
DE
L. Castillo $1,601,620
L Woodley $726,720
O. Umenyiora $4,987,500 *
W. Smith $2,951,667 *
DT
J. Williams $2,906,120 *
T. Harris $1,645,470
V. Wilfork $2,040,054
H. Ngata $1,984,990
MLB
P. Willis $4,081,000 *
L. Tatupu $2,070,000
D. Harris $1,121,240 *
OLB
S. Merriman $2,643,620 *
D. Ware $2,157,000 *
D. Johnson $2,216,240
E. Sims $2,605,000
C. Greenway $1,958,860
CB
T. Newman $2,422,440
R. Mathis $3,804,000 *
A. Cromartie $1,731,120 *
D. Hall $2,168,106
D. Townsend $1,978,260
R. Barber $3,950,000
SS
L. Landry $2,645,833 *
A. Bigby $445,000
FS
E. Reed $3,411,320 *
A. Bethea $462,250
Special teams
K
S. Gostkowski $557,970 *
P
S. Douglas $300,760 *
Cap 116 mil
Total 115,934,583
Coach Mike Shanahan
OC Tom Moore
DC Dick Lebeau
Defensive Strategy: There are just too many good Middle line backers to not run a 3-4. I also like the versatility of having a lot of different blitz packages. Because I am running the 3-4 defense I needed a 3-4 philosophy coach. The Steelers have long run a good 3-4. So, I took the Steeler's coach Lebeau.
My cornerbacks are awesome. Its hard to sit Ronde Barber, but I cannot sleep at night unless Cromarti is intercepting everything. Ed Reed is a great hitter and pass coverage guy. Laron Landry is fast, and great at both run support and pass support.
My Defensive line could probably play 3 normally and still get pressure on the passer. Osi is arguably the best defensive ends in the game and Will Smith (not the actor) is also very good and quite cheap. Jamal Williams is so big that he will demand 2 blockers which will allow Osi and Smith to get 1-1 battles and open holes for my team's well managed blitz packages.
Offensive Strategy: 3 Wide receiver base set, with a tight end. Basically, we are going to be a pass first offense, much like the Colts. I think Peterson will be a monster behind this line. Jones-Drew will remain the change of pace back, mostly because he is a great bargain. Vickers is the best full back in the game, and can provide a great block or be a good goal line back. Because my line is so good, and Heath Miller is such a good blocker, I wont need a full back. Therefore, I am starting my fastest Wide Reciever in the slot (Jennings). Colston and Moss will hold it down and scare everyone on the outside.
I picked Tony Romo to be my quarterback. My team will not be allowing him any "guest" tickets for his girlfriends, and he will definitely not be our kick holder. Todd Collins makes my team to be the vetran leadership guy for Romo to look up to. He is basically a second quarterback coach.
My line is amazing. The best center in the game: Jeff Saturday. He will run this line flawlessly. Faneca and Snee are both great, and Adams and Tauscher are also great. Tony will get plenty of time. Hopefully none of the wide receivers will be crying when they lose.
Special Teams. Didn't feel the need to spend any money on a kicker or punter and both of these are servicable.
Devin Hester will be my full time kick returner, and will likely never see a pass his way, unless my better receivers are injured.
Lastly, I picked Mike Shanahan as the coach. I really respect him and he should add a lot to my running game. I think Belichick is vastly overrated considering he got out coached by Tom Coughlin. Plus I don't really like a coach who cheats. I thought really hard about possibly taking Marinelli... oh wait. No I didnt.
Since I am running the pass first offense, Tom Moore of the Colts just made sense. Plus he has the same last name of my favorite Lions Wide Receiver of all time: HERMAN MOORE!!!
Lastly, as explained above, I needed a 3-4 philosophy coach and I really respect the Steeler's defense. Their defensive coodinator, Dick Lebeau, was an easy pick for me.
Demoray's Team
Offense:
QB:
*Brees, Drew $9,000,000
Quinn, Brady $1,440,470
Henne, Chad $1,000,000
RB:
*Peterson, Adrian $2,431,360
Addai, Joseph $1,561,750
Smith, Kevin $500,000
McKie, Jason $855,000 (FB when needed)
WR:
*Burress, Plaxico $4,860,000
*Houshmand, T.J. $3,687,500
*Jennings, Greg $755,000
Bowe, Dwayne $1,276,240
Jackson, Chad $1,097,686
Cribbs, Joshua $1,045,000
McDonald, Shaun $1,675,000
TE:
*Clark, Dallas $2,483,333
Davis, Fred $1,000,000
Baker, Chris $1,033,500
OL:
*Hutchinson, Steve $6,500,000
*Saturday, Jeff $5,184,669
*Mawae, Kevin $3,491,720
*Otah, Jeff $2,000,000
*Hardwick, Nick $2,006,120
Mangold, Nick $1,450,500
Zuttah, Jeremy $500,000
Hicks, Artis $981,360
Stapleton, Darnell $379,386
Spitz, Jason $636,802
Defense:
CB:
*Vasher, Nathan $5,216,666
*Cromartie, Antonio $1,731,120
Jackson, Marlin $1,575,000
Babineaux, Jordan $1,125,000
Cox, Torrie $969,342
S:
*Reed, Ed $3,411,720
*Lynch, John $2,523,148
Weddle, Eric $828,620
Bullocks, Daniel $942,970
LB:
*Urlacher, Brian $5,850,510
*Harris, David $1,121,240
*Sims, Ernie $2,605,000
*Merriman, Shawne $2,643,620
Connor, Dan $500,000
Crable, Shawn $500,000
Thomas, Zach $1,250,000
DE:
*Umenyiora, 'Osi' $4,987,500
*Ogunleye, Adewale $6,365,575
James, Erasmus $1,815,000
Kiwanuka, Mathias $1,358,750
NT:
*Bunkley, Brodrick $4,014,720
Harris, Tommie $1,645,470
Branch, Alan $876,240
Special Teams:
KR/PR:
Hester, Devin $795,000
K:
Nugent, Mike $934,574
P:
Sepulveda, Daniel $491,720
LS:
Warren, Greg $792,906
Total Salary: $115,703,807
Coach: Bill Belichick OC: Tom Moore DC: Ted Cottrell
(*indicates starter)
Offensive Strategy:
Base set of 3 wide with indicated starters. I think the Colts run an awesome offense right now and with these players that type of offense could absolutely flourish. Alternate sets would include a 4 wide in which case Shaun McDonald would be the most likely candidate for the fourth receiver for possession/slot. Also a 2 wide/2 rb set would be used to be able to give time to Joeseph Addai. Lining up TJ Houshmandzadeh, Plaxico Burress, Dallas Clark, Joeseph Addai and Adrian Peterson would be quite the power 2 back set. Drew Brees is capable of making all the needed throws on the field and has some limited escapability.
Defensive Strategy:
I really enjoy watching the Chargers defense and all the turnovers they are able to force because of the personnel they have and the scheme they run. This scheme asks a lot out of your front 3 but I believe the caliber of players that start on the line can more than make up for how much harder their job is without another DT. An explosive and hard hitting linebacking core and secondary should be able to disrupt the run and pass game of the opposing team efficiently as well as consistently cause turnovers. Look out for young Eric Weddle, little known but extremely talented, I think he could be a real sleeper who could come into a starting spot once John Lynch gets to old and retires.
Hopeful Spin on the Tigers
Alright, here we are, the "midway" point of the season, 7 games back, .500, and disappointing. But, hey, the season isn't over yet, right? .... RIGHT??!?!??!
So, here it is. My hopeful Tigers post.
2006 - you all remember it well. Especially about right now. The Tigers were enjoying the best record in baseball. They were sending 3 players to the All Star game, 2 of which were starters. Then came the awful month of August, where the Tigers slumped. Then came the even worse month of September, where we couldn't win a single game against the dreadful Royals, AT HOME. The Tigers barely backed into the playoffs. We all remember the final result, but the regular season, second half was nothing to write home about.
2007 - you might not remember it as well, but again the Tigers had the best record in the American League. They just finished off a 3 game sweep on the Red Sox, completely dominating them. This year the Tigers sent 5 All Stars with 3 starting! The Tigers had another disappointing second half, and unfortunately could not hold off the Indians and did not make the post season.
2008 - 47-47, losing 3 of their last 4 games to the Twins, at home. With a chance to gain 1 or 2 games back from the white sox, the Tigers could do nothing but remain at status quo. A disappointing end to a very disappointing season.
So, why am I giving you this history lesson. So you can compare and contrast the last 3 relevant seasons. 2 years in a row the Tigers went into the break with momentum and confidence. They came out of the break flat. This year, by contrast, the Tigers go in to the break looking pathetic and like nothing more than a .500 team.
Could the opposite result after the break happen? Maybe, here's my argument.
Now, a lot of this argument has to do with what I think could possibly be in their heads. But, heck, its a blog.
Alright, both years the Tigers were on top of the world and sending a great representation of players to the All Star Game. Maybe patting themselves on the back for how well their first half was. And as for the All Stars, probably got a nice ego proliferation.
This Time, nobody is going who really deserves it. Guillen is going, but probably doesn't feel all that honored, given the 1 player per team rule.
Magglio is playing for the White Caps, that has to be a nice reality check.
Plus, the team who was supposed to run away with the American League and score 1000 runs looks like an average team who will be playing Golf come October.
There certainly will be no patting themselves on the back this time.
Now, while I know the players will enjoy the rest and the days off, I think there will be a bit of a yearning to get back on the field and win some ball games. I think 3 days of nothing but thinking about a disappointing first half is exactly what these players need to get refocused on the task at hand: Be 7 games better than the White Sox.
I think to some degree this team has suffered from "Fat Cats" syndrome. Losing doesn't feel so bad when you see all those zero's at the end of that check. But, please, these are professional baseball players. They didn't work this hard at this crazy sport because all they wanted was money. They have pride too. Being a .500 baseball team and being an utter disappointment should drive them.
Should...
Can I prove that watching other players at the All Star game and thinking they should be there really lead to a complete turn around? No. Do I expect them to go on a 16-4 tear or something? Not really. But, all I am saying is that this time off and knowing how disappointing seven games back is SHOULD inspire them to win. It should especially motivate players like Edgar Rentaria and Gary Sheffield and even maybe Miguel Cabrera who are shell's of their former selves so far. Because lets be honest, all of them could be at this All Star game, if they played up to their expectations.
Lets be honest, the White Sox and the Twins aren't great teams, they are just good teams. The Tigers are a good team too, they just haven't shown how good they could be so far.
It really all depends on if they want it enough.
And sitting at home in third place during the all star game better make them want it real bad.
P.S.
In honor of the Put it in Stone Tradition, my picks for the All Star game are:
Home Run Derby Champ: Lance Berkman. Lefties should have an advantage at Yankee Stadium, and he has experience.
All Star Game winner: AL. Is there really a reason not to pick against them?
MVP: Ian Kinsler - I think it might be a nice breaking out party for this guy. He has been awesome this year and I wouldn't be surprised if he had 3 RBIs to help win this game for the AL.
Tigers frustration...
Brought to you by...the never ending string of political comercials that are going to run from now until election day. They will grow exponentially till you wont even want to turn on your TV.
Short post today guys but I just wanted to complain about the Tigers in-ability to hit a freakin' sac fly! Bottom of the 9th and the bases are loaded and 2 major league players can't hit the ball in play and out of the infield??? Or....even to the right side of the infield?!? I understand Joe Nathan is good and all but he had little to no control at the time and all we can do is pop out on a bunt attempt and then promplty strike out? Painful. Complain all you want about Todd Jones and his crazy good strikeout prowless but if your offense can't even hit a routine sac fly to win a key game against a division rival we seriously have problems. This is like the fifth time this year where only a sac fly was needed to win a game.
Congrats on getting back into AL Central relevance but until we can beat a formidable opponent two out of three times and look good doing it my hopes are still somewhat squandered.
Any NL team up for a trade involving Edgar Renteria for an average starting pitcher???
Since it is a pretty dull time for sports right now I think it might be fun to play a little fantasy football-esqe game. Based on the following salaries for the 2008 year I think it would be fun to play the old "salary cap game" where you pretend all NFL players are available and make the best team possible. The rules are as follows: Your team must have 53 players. It should follow somewhat the format of a normal roster, although there is some leeway on that. You must have a starter at all positions however. The positions will depend on what scheme you decide to run (3-4, 4-3, 3 wide receiver set, Power I, etc.). And you must have at least one backup at each position. But remember that you are going for best overall team, not just best starters. Rookies are allowed. For the rookies who have not signed we will assume the following: The cap is 116 Million dollars. In addition, you must suggest a coach, a defensive coordinator, and an offensive coordinator to help explain your scheme and team plan.
18 Hole Playoffs in Majors
Welcome Put it in Stone viewers.
Todays post is brought to you by....The Pontiac Aztec. I can't express to you enough how much I want every one of these god forsaken automobiles off the road. Some cars are just better off conceptually.
As a person who has been involved in golf playoffs and sudden death situations I feel as though I can speak freely about which format is the best and most fair for all players involved. The Masters uses the sudden death format, US Open uses an 18 hole playoff the following day, The PGA Championship and British Open use a 3 and 4 hole playoff respectively.
Personally speaking, I think the Masters format is far and away the worst way to go about breaking a tie at the end of a 4 day tournament. For the purpose of example lets just say Tiger and Rocco were in the same situation at the Masters. Both players went through dramatic ups and downs only to end up tied at the end of 4 days only to put it all at risk on potentially one hole, or even one shot given the level of golf these guys are at. This scenario is great for TV because people watching at home are on sitting on pins and needles waiting for one player to make a mistake. This is also is the best case scenario for the underdog. Rocco v. Tiger, one wrong move by Tiger and without a miraculous escape shot the whole tourney is there for the taking for Rocco. Built on suspense and drama this format is awesome for TV but terrible for a game which takes 4 grueling days to determine a winner.
The US Open goes a drastically different direction with an 18 hole playoff the following day (monday during the day.) Great for the game of golf and by far the most fair to all players involved, this severely lacks TV made suspense and drama. 18 holes on the following day completely levels the competition for everyone and gives all parties involved an opportunity to be the best golfer at that tournament. From a players perspective this is probably the best format. But...TV ratings and fans drive the sport and their paychecks at the end of the day. A live televised 18 hole playoff the next day while everyone is at work just doesn't cut it from a fans perspective.
So that leaves us with what I regretfully say is the best format, the 3/4 hole playoff on the same day as the tournament. One bad shot doesn't necessarily determine a players outcome, there is still a sudden death type of pressure, and it is on the same day as the tournament so the fans can enjoy watching the best of the best. I personally don't think this really keeps the history and tact of the game together but for the players, fans and the PGA I think this is the best way to determine a Champion.
On another note...it is truely sad that Tiger had lost the Masters and ended up having to have season ending knee surgery. Had he won the Masters and his knee was capable of holding out, I truely believe he could have made a serious run at winning all 4 majors in 1 calendar year.
CC
As I'm sure we are all aware of by now, CC Sabathia has been traded to the Brew Crew for spare parts. This begs the question on whether or not Milwaukee should have done it. Milwaukee is to small market what AROD is to infidelity. There is no way that Milwaukee can now re-sign both Ben Sheets and CC Sabathia. Basically CC will be a gun for hire this year to try and get the Brewers over the hump and allow all of the crazy fans across the pond to drink all the Milwaukee's Best they can find after a World Series victory.
I still happen to like this trade from the Brewers perspective. They haven't made the playoffs since I've been born. In fact, I could owe my life to their organization. My parents just might have christened their last playoff appearance. . . the timing is about right. . . Were my parents Brewer fans? Anyway, their fans deserve a chance to win the Series after a long drought, and this is about the best opportunity for them to do it. Sheets is a free agent that has made it clear he will test the waters in the offseason. AKA, I'm outta here.
Adding Sabathia to the mix gives the Brewers as good of a shot as any NL team to make the World Series. They now have a one - two punch unrivaled in the NL, and we all know what wins playoff series. Adding a respectable offense to the mix including Fielder, Braun, and Hart makes this club a force through the second half of the season. Mark my words, this club will make the playoffs.
In my mind, neither Sheets or Sabathia will be a Brewer next year. The brass is taking their shot right now, before either of these players ask for a 15 mill a year deal for 6 years. The Crew just won't be able to match the dollars and glamour of other big league teams in the offseason. They are taking their shot now, and even though they gave up some good young players, they are going for it all right now and you have to love an owner who is willing to take his shot. We all know the window of opportunity in MLB can be very short, and at least they are playing the game on their own terms. Next year Yovanni Gallardo will be their ace, and they will sink back into mediocrity, ala the Florida Marlins after their 2003 Series win.