Ajax is the Key

It seems the NL is the annual tonic for all that ails the Detroit Tigers.  Just when they looked to be in a downward spiral and out of contention, along came interleague play (and the woeful Pirates, Cubs, Rockies, and Cardinals).  The team finds themselves only 2 games out of 1st place in the AL Central after a stint where they have played at a 8/10 clip. And hey, they are scoring runs! It should be no surprise that the winning and run production began when Austin Jackson returned from the DL.

Since returning, Ajax is batting .333, has knocked in 13 runs, drawn 7 walks, and though he does not steal as much as we would all like, he, along with the surprise of Quintin Berry, has provided some much-needed speed to the top of the lineup.  He is getting on base.  He has been the table-setter.  Not to mention he is one of the better defensive CF in the AL.  It should be no surprise that having a stable bat at the lead off spot is directly resulting in more runs and more production from Miggy and Prince.  Logic tells you they have to have actual runners on base to knock in to maximize their production.

Not only does Jackson provide a consistent bat at the top of the order, he also provides extra base power.  Since his return he has hit 4 doubles and hit 2 long balls.  Last night this was on full display as he broke the game open with a 2-run double with the bases loaded.  Something the Tigers have been unable to do much of this year.

Also in these 10 games, Fister has returned, Scherzer has pitched very well, the pen has been a lot better (minus last Friday's debacle), Miggy and Fielder have been their consistent selves, Delmon Young and Boesch have shown improvement, and Quintin Berry has been a pleasant surprise by batting over .300 and providing a base-stealing threat every time he gets on base.  An element this team has lacked since, well, Tony Phillips.  Mr. Berry is daily making his case that he can be a key dynamic following Jackson at the top of the lineup and in the field each and every game.  Leyland is not exactly endorsing this sentiment (shocker) which is fueling more talk from his detractors that he is incapable of managing this team to a championship.  His apparent mancrush for Raburn is becoming borderline creepy.  However, this is a topic for another day.  I digress.

With all that seems to be making the turn for the better, I believe Jackson remains the main cog and the catalyst for a Tigers turnaround.  He started the season hot along with the team.  When he started missing games, the Tigers started plummeting.  He is now back and viola, the team looks like they possibly may be the team to beat in the AL Central after all.  Don't get me wrong, they will need the strong pitching, the pen, the supporting cast, etc. to ultimately play in October, but Jackson provides the stabilizing presence in the lead off spot and in CF that championship teams must have.  Here's to his health.  Cheers.

Stay Classy David Stern

After posting how the NBA is the worst league of all the pro sports, their commissioner, David Stern, has provided more evidence to this claim. 

On Wednesday, Stern was a guest on the Jim Rome Show.  Jim Rome is known for being one of the few media personalities that will actually refrain from asking the softball questions in favor of asking some of the tougher variety.  Rome had asked Stern if the fix was in for the NBA Draft Lottery in which New Orleans (currently owned by the NBA) was awarded the #1 pick.  Stern of course denied it and then got defensive calling the question "ridiculous."  When Rome countered that he did  not think it was Stern then let his anger get the best of him asking Rome: "Have you stopped beating your wife yet?"  Jim Rome does not have a history of domestic violence.  It was obvious the comment was to prove a point.  Nonetheless it was underhanded, bush league, and classless.  He also went on to accuse Rome of making a career out of "cheap tricks" amongst other verbal attacks before taking his ball and going home (hanging up).  Basically acted like a whiny child.  Similar to his players.

First, when looking at the lack of class in the NBA amongst its players, well it all starts at the top apparently.  How can you ask the subordinates to act one way when your boss acts another publicly?  In any business?  The inmates clearly run the asylum in "The Association" and the man at the top is not actively promoting classiness with acts such as these.  To some extent, how can you blame the players for acting like overpaid prima donnas?  Their boss promotes such behavior in public.

Second, you are the commissioner of one of the biggest sports leagues in the world.  Show some professionalism.  Jim Rome was doing just that by trying to do his job and do it well.  If you can't handle that then why go on the show?  Better yet, go find a new job working at The Gap where your actions are not publicly scrutinized if you are that thin-skinned.  It would be one thing if they were at a local watering hole tossing back a couple pops and got in a debate, but to act like that on national radio?  That's a bad look.  Especially for someone in a position such as his.

Third, when do people get the most defensive?  When they are caught lying, cheating, etc.  Could it be that he acted so poorly because someone had the stones to call him out out on what everybody is thinking?  Did he feel like his "secret" is out?  David, if you are trying to make us believe your league is not entirely based on favoritism (on and off the court) and is not a complete circus, you may want to act a little more smooth when members of the media question you on some of the fishy events that seem to constantly occur on your watch.  At least act like a professional.

I give credit to Jim Rome for asking a question that needed to be asked.  Everybody was thinking it.  He had the guts to ask it.  As for David Stern, you stay classy along with your league.

Vomit at Wrigley

No geeky stats needed here.

Yes, there was the bad call at second in the 8th. Who cares? The Tigers played the worst team in MLB (statistically) and faced a pitcher with an ERA above 5. No excuses.

Eyeball test showed when push comes to shove, the Tigers are the worst team in the league. By eyeball test I mean I paid my $60 tickets and $7 beers and saw the worst team in baseball wearing the Old English D.

Tigers hitters until their 6th inning rally were lifeless looking like they were facing Roger Clemens with the HGH syringe still sticking in his right butt cheek. Batter after batter struck out or hit popcorn to the Cubs' fielders awarding them an extra day of practice. In an opportunity and matchup ripe for them to get on a roll they did what they have done all year. Fail.

Wrigley Field had a huge showing of Tigers fans whose cheers drowned out those of the Cubs most of the game. We may have even been the majority. After the 8th inning, the fan base with nothing to cheer for all season punked the majority. Thank you, Tigers, myself and the other Tigers' fans in attendance experienced a new low. We were laughed at...BY CUBS' FANS!!

Hoke Needs to Make MSU, Not OSU, Most Important Game

Let me just start off by saying that I am a big Brady Hoke supporter.  What he has done so far from the turnaround season to recruiting is truly remarkable.  I am a lifelong Wolverine fan who understands and appreciates the traditions of Michigan Football.  Heck, the traditions are what makes Michigan Football so great and unique and unlike any other program in America.  The traditions are what got me hooked since I was a young lad.  The biggest being the annual war with Ohio State or "Ohio" as it is being referred to.  It is the best rivalry in college football.  However, it can no longer be deemed the most important game on the schedule each and every year.  That title now must belong to the game vs. Michigan State.  Don't tell that to Hoke.  He recently stated that while they take the game vs. Sparty "very seriously," the OSU game remains the most important.  Sorry, I simply have to disagree with that.

Brady Hoke has made it clear that the Wolverines' goal every season will be to win the B1G and that will be how they are ultimately judged.  I could not agree more (though they also need to strive for national titles).  In the new B1G conference alignment, that means they will have to win the Legends Division and then win the B1G Championship Game to reach this goal.  Michigan State is in the same division with UM, "Ohio" is not.  I have some news that most of my UM brethren are not going to like to hear but it does not look like Sparty will be going away anytime soon.  With that said, it looks like most years whoever wins the in-state battle will win the Legends Division.  This alone makes this game the most important game on the schedule year in and year out.  In years past whoever won "The Game" would win the B1G most years and head to the Rose Bowl.  Times have changed, and now so must the thinking inside Schembechler Hall.

Also, inevitably the Buckeyes will win the Leaders Division thus earning a trip to the conference title game.  What happens in the years when the Wolverines win the Legends Division as well?  Doesn't that somewhat make the annual clash at the end of the year a meaningless game in the grand scheme of things?  Do both teams rest players to ensure their best chances to win the rematch that will be played shortly after?  Those are questions that will certainly be asked if and when this scenario plays out.

As for MSU, Mark Dantonio has probably the biggest Napoleon Complex in college football.  Especially when it comes to Michigan.  I am not so sure Coach Hoke needs to be making these types of comments to further fuel Dantonio's desire to beat the Wolverines and add to the Titanic-sized chip that is on the Spartans' green shoulders.  Bulletin board material only goes so far but why give them any more ammo?  No thank you.  I for one am sick and tired of losing to MSU and would like their streak to end at 4.  If the Wolverines lose for a 5th time to Sparty, it will be a lot bigger blow than if they lose to the Buckeyes both in perception, and in the standings.

Whether Hoke or the players will admit it, the game vs. Michigan State has become the most important game on the schedule.  Starting this year, both teams will annually be contenders to win the Legends Division.  The game whether it be in The Big House or Spartan Stadium will be paramount to both team's pride, perception, and above all, their chances to win the B1G Championship.

NBA = Worst Professional Sports League

Dribble...Dribble..Dribble...Clear out for star player...Dribble...Dunk/layup...Lather...Rinse...Repeat.  That describes the game play in any given NBA game game regardless of teams or whether it is regular season or playoffs.  Add in whiny players/lack of heart, constant off-the-court drama, coaches who have zero power, obviously biased refereeing, incredibly top heavy in terms of teams, and a puppet for a commissioner and what do you have?  The worst professional sports league among them all.  I am not talking ratings, merchandise, etc. (this to be discussed later).  I am simply talking face value.

First let's talk about the players.  Most teams have 1-2 star players and the rest over payed fillers.  This leads to what I described above as an incredibly slow game that consists of these star players dribbling until they get a clear out or a screen and they drive to the hoop.  The end.  This then leads to a very individualistic mind set as opposed to a team concept.  I truly believe that most players could care less about winning as long as their stats are up and they end up on Sportscenter.  It's hard to find players diving for loose balls, playing truly physical, or playing defense for that matter.  You don't have to look much further than Andrew Bynum.  The man gets benched for heaving up threes (he is a center) instead of helping his team do what he is paid handsomely to do which is play down low.  What does he do?  Is seen laughing on the bench, goofing around, and playing grab ass.  Then in interviews he acts like he could care less and he didn't do anything wrong.  Dude, you play for the Lakers, an organization who strives to win championships, not develop your 3-point game.  Do your job.  He is only one of the countless examples of this carefree and uninspired behaviour on the court.  It is hard pressed to find the games being played with any heart.  Isiah, Bird, Magic, Barkley, and Jordan are laughing inside at the softness and lack of competitive spirit of these players.  If you want to see athletes who give a damn watch football, the NCAA Basketball Tournament, or the Stanley Cup Playoffs (more on that later).

NBA players also may be the biggest whiners in all of sports.  Just watch any game and watch a player who gets called for a foul or a player who didn't get a foul call for a defender breathing on him.  It turns into the male version of The View.  The tears can fill reservoirs.  It's pathetic.  Shut your mouth, take your medicine, and move on to the next play.  You are an embarrassment.  Some players do have a point as there is an obvious favoritism by the refs towards star players.  Just take a look at the Heat and Celtics series where in one game the Heat had around 50 FTs and the Celtics had around 10 as the Celtics' players were being suplexed when driving to the hole.  Come on guys at least make it somewhat less obvious.

The antics off of the court are even worse.  The most famous example was "King James" and "The Decision."  Yes, he is a rare talent.  But do you mean to tell me that his free agency and his decision as to where he would sign next warrants an hour long special on ESPN?  It just further exemplifies the strong individualism and lack of team mentality this league promotes.  Another shining example is the Dwight Howard saga.  First he wants to be traded.  Then he wants to stay.  Then he wants to be traded again.  Then he wants the coach fired (which ultimately happened).  Then he never said that.  Hey Dwight, you play for the Magic.  Your contract says so.  Earn your inflated paycheck, play hard, play for Mickey Mouse if he is your coach, and shut your mouth.  If you are truly "Superman" you will win and succeed wherever you play.  You are becoming a side show.  Enough.

This leads me to the coaches.  I feel bad, in a sense, for these men as they have been reduced to glorified babysitters.  Van Gundy showed that.  Howard wanted him gone so he is now gone.  Bynum gets benched by Mike Brown to send a message and Bynum either didn't get it or just didn't care.  And who really thinks they use that white board to draw up plays?  Here is a gem from the Miami Heat  "playbook."  Give the ball to James or Wade, clear out and let them drive to the hoop.  This is why you see these stars with 30-40 points per night because nobody else touches the ball.  Again, it is the antithesis of a team game.  Coaches are there to babysit.  And paid well to do it.  In turn, they are normally the sacrificial lamb for the team's failures (see Orlando Magic or the Pistons of the last 5-6 years).

The NBA also lacks in the department of parity/competitiveness.  In any given season, you pretty much can peg 3 teams from each conference that could realistically make it to the conference finals.  It's almost like the other 5 teams in the conference are just there for glorified scrimmages for the 1st 2 rounds of the playoffs.  Tuneups if you will.  You may get a surprise team here and there, or in the case of the Chicago Bulls, your star player's leg falls off and you get upset in the 1st round.  Again, 1-man team.  Other than that, there is really no shocking upsets or surprises.  Where is the fun in that?  People laugh at the NHL because small market teams make the finals or maybe even win the Stanley Cup.  Well, maybe that is why the players play so hard because they know if they give maximum effort, they may actually win.  Right now you have the Los Angeles Kings, an 8 seed, about to hoist the best trophy in all of sports.  Why?  Because they bonded together as a team, have had every player on the team chip in in big spots, and played very inspired and effort-filled hockey.  What a concept.  The Devils, who will be the runner up, are a 5 seed.  Same formula.  How is that not more intriguing and/or respectable?

Speaking of trophies, do you think 50% of the NBA fans (or the players for that matter) know the name of the trophy that is awarded to the eventual champs is the Larry O'Brien Trophy?  That would be an interesting poll someday.

NBA fans and media will be the first to scream "look at the ratings compared to the NHL!!" as if that is an indication of anything.  Let's put things in perspective.  Do you know what else gets some of the highest ratings on TV?  Jersey Shore. My explanation as to why people watch the NBA and mindless trash like Jersey Shore is simple.  We are a society of brainwashed zombies who are easily amused by slap-stick entertainment and wish to be spoon fed with instant gratification.  Just look at the other forms of popular entertainment in this country.  Spiderman is about to be remade AGAIN within 10 years, all the horror franchises are being remade, there are 5 trillion reality shows, and we get force fed 12 gazillion singing and dancing competition shows.  Why?  Because they know we'll eat it up like dogs do table scraps.  Don't even get me started on the same 5 pop songs in constant radio rotation or what is being sold to us as "hip-hop" nowadays. This canned entertainment and the need for instant stimulation is why hockey will never be the mainstream in America and why soccer will never be fully embraced.  Both are amazing sports but they do not appeal to the masses by presenting constant scoring.  It is sad really.  I will take an overtime goal in the Stanley Cup Finals over a tomahawk dunk on token defense I have seen 50 times before that makes the Sportcenter Top 10 any day.  That's just me though.

In conclusion, the proof is on display.  The NBA is a poor product if you truly care about athletic competition.  It is slow, boring, and seriously lacks any evidence of heart or desire by the players to win.  The players are no better than the Real Housewives of Orange County or the drama kings/queens on Jersey Shore.  From a competitive and integrity standpoint, it is the worst league among all of the professional sports.  But like the mindless dribble that is on network TV and on the radio, it caters to the masses with constant drama and provides instant gratification (scoring).  It is trash reality TV that disguises itself as athletic competition.  It is almost the WWE.  My opinion is that it has become nothing more than a platform for athletically gifted INDIVIDUALS (stress that word 100x) to score a shoe or apparel endorsement.  Keep buying those Kobe jerseys people.

Dombrowski Deserves Blame...A LOT OF IT

The finger has been pointed in many directions this season as to who deserves the blame for the Tigers' woeful play.  Players such as Brandon Inge and Ryan Raburn have received plenty of scolding from the fans and deservedly so.  Hitting coach Lloyd McClendon and Jim Leyland are the latest scapegoats.  All of the above do indeed deserve blame among others.  However, who is the architect of this Tiger team?  Dave Dombrowski.  When do fans realize that the root of the problem is the man who put these role players in starting roles?  Now seems as good of a time as ever.

Fans have been going crazy regarding the revolving door that is 2B.  We have seen Inge, Raburn, Worth, and Santiago.  What do they all have in common?  None of them are good enough to start every game at the position.  As much as I have been opposed to Leyland's decisions regarding the batting order,  he really has zero options at 2B.  He has tried everything.  The only thing he really can do is play Santiago everyday and bat him 9th.  That's it.  Who is responsible for there being a lack of quality options at the position?  Dave Dombrowski.  He could have had Orlando Hudson for can of jock itch spray a few weeks ago but he passed.  Now he's not the best but at least he is a legit  Major League starter at a position where you have zero.  The Tigers had arguably the best number 2 hitter and 2B in the AL a few years back in Placido Polanco but decided to let him walk in favor of the up-and-coming Scott Sizemore.  Where is this Sizemore?  Not in the organization anymore.  Not Leyland's fault.  That was Dave's call.  How much would he help in that 2-hole right now?

The Tigers' 1-4 hitters have been producing for the most part.  After that, the 5-9 hitters might as well step into the batter's box without bats.  They are essentially automatic outs that are completely incapable of moving base runners.  I think it's becoming obvious Peralta, Avila, and Young had their career years last year.  Yet, it was assumed they would replicate that production.  Who's call was that?  David Dombrowski's.  They could have had Bobby Abreu last month for bag of Bettermade Potato Chips and a bottle of Faygo Cola.  Nah, we'll just hope Raburn busts out of his slump because he can do damage.  Abreu isn't the same guy who was winning the Home Run Derby at the Copa years back but still a professional hitter and better than anybody you trot out there not named Cabrera or Fielder.  That's on Dombrowski.

When your MLB roster is not producing you can always go to your AAA for one of your young studs to supplement the lineup.  Well, too bad the Tigers' farm system at the AAA level is bone dry.  With the exception of Berry, the journeymen career minor leaguers we keep seeing are the best Dombrowski has to offer.  Who is responsible to draft quality positional players (not pitchers)?  You guessed it.  Dave Dombrowski.  He likes to draft "power arms" it seems every year in the draft.  Well, Perry, Zumaya, Sanchez, Miller etc. are no longer here (many of them are not anywhere) and Porcello looks to be another possible bust.  Just today the Tigers used their first pick to draft a high school pitcher.  Dombrowski's call.

As far as Leyland goes, he is not without blame.  His lineups that he makes off of his "hunches" and his righty/lefty match ups are enough to make fans scream.  His apparent Raburn man crush was maddening.  However, at some point you have to see that he is also working with what he has been given.  What he has been given is a team with 3 superstars in Verlander, Cabrera, and Fielder and the rest are simply role players forced to play in big spots every game.  Not to mention the team is a strictly power hitting team with zero speed in one of the biggest parks in the league.  Who has given him these tools to work with?  Dave Dombrowski.  Heck, if you are a Leyland hater, Dombrowski is the one who gave him a contract extension!  Ultimately, this is the team Dombrowski has built and thus the blame has to rest on his shoulders.

Verdict: Tigers Are a Bad Team

It took 54 games but my verdict is in. The Detroit Tigers are not a good baseball team. They just aren't. I would say they are mediocre at best. I finally have come to grips with the harsh reality. I am not planning on watching fall ball in Detroit unless I decide to take in a beer league softball championship game. The Tigers are not good enough to play that long into the season.

This club has many flaws. Inconsistent hitting, poor defense, up and down pitching, and a shaky bullpen are the worst of them. Most of these do not seem fixable. If there are solutions they are not on the current roster nor are they on their very sub par farm system. Let's face it, they are a team with a few superstars surrounded by bench/minor league players who are forced to play everyday. That sort of team will not win consistently enough to win championships. Maybe not even enough to stay in a division race.

The fact that they are in a God-awful division (AL Central) and are 6 games out of first should tell you all you need to know. If they were halfway decent they would run away with the title or at least be in a dogfight with the Sox for the top spot.

Most fans, myself included, have been waiting for the big turnaround to happen. We have been waiting to see the "Real Tigers.". Unfortunately, I think we are seeing that now. I am facing reality and no longer anticipating said turnaround because I no longer truly believe it will happen. Especially with the injuries piling up. And if it does, the hole may be too deep to dig out of when it finally happens. The only things I am anticipating are the sure-to-be interesting off season for the Red Wings and football season. I can no longer waste my time worrying about when the Tigers will wake up and start playing well. It's unnecessary stress during the summer season.

I am now finally going to say what I have been afraid to say for 2 months. The Tigers are not a championship team. They are not a great team. They are not a good team. They may not even be a mediocre team. I am afraid they may be a bad team. If they prove me wrong I will gladly eat feasts of crow. However, I am afraid at the end of the summer I will be left with nothing but an empty stomach.