Friday, July 31, 2009

Busy Baseball day

Today, at 4pm, a little over a hour ago, was the baseball non weaver trade deadline. Before I talk about that, I want to quickly touch on big papi and Manny's names both being linked to that now famous 2003 test, with 100 names on it. All I have to say about this is simple. Who gives a crap. It was 6 years ago. It is very clear now that many many people were using. If it was only a few, sure it is a big deal, records should be taking away, and things like that, but if almost everyone was doing something, then lets just move on. Announce the entire list at once, get it over with, and we can move on. Just release the rest of the names, and be done with it. One or two names coming out every few weeks or whatever is stupid. It really makes me upset. It is clear that the hall of fame should just have a special wing, for players from 1986 to 2006, just like they should have special signs on plaques of players that played before the league allowed black players, really every era should be in its own section, with a sign describing the era. This will never happen, but it is not fair for a guy like Bonds, Clemons, or even big mac not to be in the hall.

Anyway, the trade deadline, I will just talk quickly about a few moves that I care about.


-Washburn to my Tigers-This one I like a lot. I liked Luke French, so I am a little sad to see him go, especially since there is no reason to believe we will have Washburn for any more then the rest of this year, I hope we do resign him. We have a nice 3-5 year window here that the Tigers could be very good. They add one more bat, and some bullpen help and they are a legit title contender. A 3 man short series rotation of Verlander, Jackson and Washburn is sick, and makes me smile thinking about it. If only they picks up a bat, but still I like the move, and think the Tigers will be players in the AL central for at least the next 5 years

-Peavy to the White Sox- Well it happens a year later, and he hasn't pitched since June. Maybe they had to pull the trigger quick, after the Tigers got Washburn. I still like the Tigers move more

-O Cabera to the Twins- Nice piece for the Twins, they get a good SS, who has plenty of big game experience. This is one thing you can always count on, the Twins will be heard from, they just will not go away, they are always, always in the race.

-Martinez to the Bo Sox- A big move for the Red Sox, as the Indiana continue to unload. Picked by many, including me, to win the Al Central they have just had a terrible year. I think they basically told people, anyone but Grandy you can have. First Derosa, who they just signed this year, the Garko, then Betancourt,then Lee, and now Martinez. This should give Boston a spark, I just don't know what they are going to do with him. Does he catch, does he play first, they already have pretty good guys at those spots, and they have big papi, who is back to his old self DH. So I guess I will wait and see what they do. They also then traded Laroche, who they just got a few days ago, for C Kotchman of the Braves. He will be a bench player I assume for them, but just gives them another bat, and another threat. He also plays first, so I am interested to see what happens here.

Jerry Hariston Jr to the Yanks- After being dumbed by one of my fantasy teams, cause Howie Kendrick decided to hit again, and I picked him back up, Hariston Jr was traded from the Reds to the Yanks. The thing about him is he can play a lot of different spots, and has some speed, so he is a very nice piece to pick up, especially to have on your bench. I think this makes him a bench player, and not a everyday player, which makes me even happier I just dropped him.

Scott Rolen to the Reds- The Reds sent E Encarnacion to the Jays and two other players for Rolen. This gives the Reds a nice veteran player, and a good bat. Why are they buying when they are 9.5 games back at the deadline?.. not really sure. I will have to get back to you on that.

Fl got Nick Johnson from the Nats, that is a nice move for them, the Dodgers also picked up Sherrill to be their set up man, which helps their bullpen. Also, one quick question. Do the Pirates have any players that they had on opening day left on their team? My god. I mean I would feel really bad for all those fans, if it wasn't for the fact that they won the super bowl and Stanley cup this year.. and had those title town shirts made... see, this is what you get... your summer's suck. I think it's fair. I'm right, you're wrong

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Catching up on a few things

For a random Tuesday in late July there was a lot happening in the sports world yesterday. I will quickly look at some of them.


-Mark Buehrle set a ML record and retired 45 batters in a row, until his second straight perfect game was broken up with two outs in the 6th. He was on a roll that is for sure. He did end up coming back down to earth, and gave up 5 runs and lost the game, but it was a very impressive run.

-Brett Farve is staying retired... for now. God I hope it is for good. Just go away. No one player has done more in the last two years for me not to like him then Farve. I never had a problem with him, wasn't a big fan, but I liked him, but after all this, I'm staying, I'm going crap, for like 3 or 4 years, I just want him to stick with it. I will admit part of this isn't his fault, it wouldn't bug me as much if it wasn't for all the attention it gets, which really isn't his fault, it's ESPN's. But still. He is a great qb and he has the right to change his mind, and if he wants to play more power to him, but make up your mind, and stop coming back right before camp every year. Think it though. I just hope in later years I can forget this, and still give him the credit he deserves for being one of the best qb of all time.

-Jim Johnson sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 68. I am a Giants fan, so of course I do not like the Eagles, but Johnson was one of the best defensive minds in the history of the game, and due to the fact that I lost a grandfather of my own to cancer I feel very bad for the family, and his friends, as well as eagles fans. Cancer is such a terrible thing, and I admire anyone who has it, and keeps fighting. My prayers are with the Johnson family, may he RIP.

-Phelps-Yesterday it was his losing in the 200 free, by over a body length and by around 1.4 seconds. Which in swimming is a lot, but he did just win the 200 fly today and set a world record. What has gotten the most press about this is the suit that was worn by Germany’s Paul Biedermann, which will not be allowed in the Olympics and will be outlawed sometime in 2010. Here is the thing about this, there has already been 22 world records broken at the world championships. World records are becoming nothing in swimming. They are being broking all the time, you could beat the old world record and not even medal. The bodysuits are a huge advantage, you might as well give them flippers and a motor. That is the next step. What is wrong with everyone wearing the same suit, and make sure they keep it that way. Or each year times will get faster and faster, and how then are you suppose to compare any great swimmers of the past, if people that no one knows about are coming out of nowhere, and dropping 3 seconds off their personally best to set world records. I mean, come on. Good thing it's swimming, and it really doesn't matter, but still.

-Cliff Lee has just be traded to the Phillies for prospects. This is a big move, that should help the champs out. I don't know how much, I am not too high on Lee, but he should help. This also opens the door for someone else to go after Holliday, or even more so, closes the door on the Jays for getting max value for him, this was the time to trade him, because in the off season, and especially at next years deadline, they will have to ask for much less. I still think he may be moved, but I have gone from thinking it was about 70-30 he will be traded, to 60-40, he will not be.

-The Tigers have now lost 3 in a row, which has me worried, mainly because the offense has disappeared. Then last night, they score 3 in the second, and then don't score again, and lose 7-3. Biggest problem right now, they are leaving way too many man on base. They need to start getting those big clutch hits, or not only will the White Sox catch them, but the Twins are right there too. There need to do something before the deadline, to give the team a boost. Especially with Zumaya's injury, they need bullpen help. I feel they have plenty of pieces to move, lots of good young guys, they need to move on this now. I'm right, you're wrong.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Tuesday Top Ten (July 28)

This week I am doing my top ten RB in the NFL of all time. I came up with ten quick names, as I was thinking about this, and then, I started thinking, man I am leaving a lot of guys off. So I made some changes, but I will admit, there are many many guys you can make a case for, and I would love to hear it.


1) Jim Brown- All around best athlete ever at the position, could do it all, just didn't play very long.. by choice, but lead the league in rushing a record 8 times, no one else has done it more then 4. AVG a sick 5.22 ypc in his career

2) Barry Sanders- Had nothing to work with, and put on a show with every run. Would have broke the all time rushing record if he wanted to play longer, but like Brown he walked away on top, can't put him first because he wasn't a good blocker, didn't catch a lot out of the backfield, and was used very seldom by the end zone. In other words, he wasn't a complete, or as M Hodge would say, factor, back. Just the greatest pure runner of all time.

3) Walter Payton- Second all time still in total rushing yards, and just one of the great players and people the sport has ever seen. Goon way too soon, RIP sweetness

4) Emmitt Smith- Yeah he had a lot of help, but he still is the record holder for most rushing yards in a career, and rushing TD's, unless LDT can get 38 more before he is done, which doesn't look good. He also could catch passes, and though I am not a fan of his, or the Cowboys, I got to give him his love.

5) Gale Sayers- Here is where it gets fun. I don't think too many people could argue 1-4, they may argue the spots, but not them being the top 4, 5 though 10 it gets fun. I am personally going to put Gale Sayers here, because though he only played a few years, the years he played were amazing. So go ahead, argue with me.

6) Eric Dickerson- He is still 6th on the all time rushing list, and also a member of the 2,000 yard in a season club. He exploded on the scene and had some of the greatest single seasons in rushing history. There is no question in my mind he needs to be on this list.

7) Marshall Faulk- I think Faulk is actually underrated. People forget how good he was, and the numbers he had. Besides being 9th on the all time rushing yards list he also is on the TD list, and was the first back that really did it all. Caught a lot of passes as well. There were others, Roger Craig comes to mind, but he didn't do it to the level that Faulk did, once Marshall got in the league. His spot, again, could be argued for position, but I don't think too many people would say he isn't in the top ten

8) LDT- Is he better then some of these guys, yeah, should he be higher, yeah probably. But he isn't done playing yet, so I will just put him here for now, because even though I am a very big fan of his, I don't want to be bias. When his career his over, he may be closer to 5, then 10, but for right now, I will put him here at 8.

9) Marcus Allen- He is just behind Faulk in the rushing yard list, at 10 overall. He also was a back who played at a high level for a long time. Including winning some Super Bowls, which always helps your case.

10) Cutris Martin- This is where it gets fun, His numbers are very good. He is top 5 in rushing yards all time, and has more career TD's then many players on this list. So, why not, lets put him in the top ten.


Ok, there is lots of guys to fight over, the Bus, Dorrest, Harris, ect, ect, ect. SO let me know, who would you have in your top ten, and what is your order?

Also real quick, I have to mention I saw Phelps got second in the 200 free today at the World Championships his first major individual loss in over 4 years. I had to send the text to a few friends.. Phelps got blown away.. sorry, I just had to.
I'm right, you're wrong.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

I'm starting to get a feeling

I almost don't want to write this, and jinx it, but the way the Tigers came back tying the game in the 9th off Jenks and then wining in the 10th, 4-3, to take a 3 game lead now in the Central, it made me think back to the magically season of 2006. Where the Tigers won the AL, and got to the world series. These our the types of games you win, where everything is going your way. You find ways to win games even when the other teams starter is pinching very well, and Gavin Floyd did that today. They hung in, and kept it close, and even when the White Sox took a 3-2 lead, they battled back, and tied the game at 3 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Granderson is down 0-2 and gets a game tying rbi, those are the things that makes me believe that the Tigers will win the Central. Normally I would expect him to strike out on a breaking ball, but no, Thames has a broken Bat single, Clete goes from first to third on it. Just everything is going our way right now, and I love it. And I am really scared at the same time. In baseball it changes quickly. Look at what happened right before this big 4 game series started, the White sox just tied for the division lead by having a prefect game, and the Tigers lost 2 of 3 at home to Seattle. Things were not looking good at all. But two short days, and 3 wonderful games later, the lead is back to 3, and I am very excited, that things are looking up. Carlos has come back and giving the Tigers a nice spark, he may be the jolt they needed, getting him back, is basically making a big trade, without making one. You get a switch hitting outfielder back just in time. I don't know if he will be the long term answer, but for now, he has been a big help. I have no reason not to be upbeat right now, so upbeat is what I will be. Tomorrow's game, almost, noticed, I said almost, I still want to win, doesn't matter. If the Tigers do win, they are up 4 games, which is sweet, but even if they don't, they still take 3 out of 4 and are still up 2 games, so either way the White Sox are leaving town in second place. I just hope they stay there. They do scare me, and I also believe the Twins will not go away. But if you can be in a race, playing meaningful games in July and August, what more can you ask for as a sports fan... well besides wining the division and playing meaningful games in September and October, but there is a long way to go. I still would feel better if the Tigers got some bull pen help, but for now, today, I am happy. I'm right, you're wrong.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Why mess with a good thing

Dear NFL (and I know ESPN had A LOT to do with this too),
You know the saying if it's not broke don't fix it, that was the NFL draft. Key word, was. It was prefect. A wonderful weekend in April were we had baseball, NBA and NHL playoffs, and the NFL draft. You sit down at noon, order a pizza, get a cold one or two, and not move the entire day from the set. It is one of the best sports weekends of the year. This year they started their quest to ruin it, by pushing it back to 3:30pm. Well yesterday we learned next year, they are finishing what they started. The NFL draft will begin on Thursday night with the first round only on prime time. Then Friday night will have the second and third rounds, with the 4th though 7th being on Saturday. I can't tell you how upset this makes me. Why, why ruin a prefect sports weekend. Ratings, money, I hope the ratings go down, and they lose money. Of course this will not happen, because it's the NFL, they could have their draft on at 5am and they would still get millions to watch. We love our football. A while ago I joked around with my friends about this, having a prime time draft, and going as far as having the first 5 picks one night and then so on. It was a joke, we were being funny. Now the NFL is heading in that direction. Prime time Thursday night, 1st round only. Wow, I mean, I am so upset about this, words can not do it justice. I would love to say I am not going to watch it now, but I can't back that up, of course I will. I have to, it's the NFL draft, I just wish they kept it like it was. Why do all the good things end, if it's not broke, don't fix it. damn it
signed
steve schwanda


I needed that, now, forgetting about that terrible news, I am very happy that the Tigers won both games of the double dip today against the White Sox, and are again up 2 games in the AL central. I just hope they keep this going for the rest of the weekend. Carlos was back and went 2-3 with a home run, that is a great sign, but I still don't know if we can relay on him being the differences maker. They need to make a move, and they are running out of time, and guys, to get. Matt Holliday went to the Cards today, which is just sick. Talk about protection for Albert. I hope my Cubs can find a way to win the central, but I don't see how they can now. I'm right, you're wrong.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Tuesday Top ten (July 21).. done a day late

I missed it yesterday, but I really want to do a top ten list every Tuesday, so lets pretend. This week, Top ten best basketball players of the 80's. keep in mind, this is just from the 80's decade, nothing before or after;


1) Magic Johnson- Won 5 NBA titles, and was the best player of the decade

2) Larry Bird- Won 3 NBA titles, and was the second best player of the decade

3) Michael Jordan- Didn't win a ring in the 80's, but did win a national title, plus he is the best player ever, so I had to put him in the top 3

4) I. Thomas- Won two titles and got to a 3rd, personally he maybe number 3, but it is so hard to forget everything he has done since, like ruin the CBA, ruin the Knicks, ect.

5) Bernard King- if you don't know how good he is, you should. The guy could score, scored over 19,600 points in his career and avg over 20 a game. Lead the league in scoring in 84-85 with over 32 a game. 4 time all star, basically, the guy was good.

6) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- was a member of all 5 of the Lakers championships and though he wasn't the Kareem who dominated in the 70s he was still a force, think of Shaq today, still going to get you 20 and 10, just not the factor he once was.

7) Moses Malone- He is one of the best players of all time. Played a long time, and was very successful, was on the 76ers 83 title team, one of 4 teams to win a title in the 80s, lakers 5, celtics 3, pistons and 76ers 1. Avg 20 and 12 for his career, a career that lasted over 1,300 games.

8) Dominique Wilkins- The Human Highlight film is one of my favorite players of all time, who doesn't nearly get the love he deserves, mainly he never really won, and two, lets be honest, wasn't known for his defense. But if you wanted someone to score, and you wanted a great drunk, he was way ahead of his time. Avg over 24 a game for his career, the 85-86 season being his best when he avg 30.3. If you never saw any of the classic Hawks-Celtics game in the playoffs in the mid to late 80's with Nique and Larry going back and forth, you should.

9) Malone/Stocken- I refuse to put these two separate, they belong together, the 90s were better for them, but they still both started in the 80's

10) Sir Charles- Again came in with that great class with Jordan, Malone, the Dream, and friends, again great in the 90s but he was dominating enough to be in the top ten in the 80s as well, at least in my list.

Tons of guys I left off, Dr J was on it, but I took him off, because his number were not good enough during the decade, and he was gone too soon, though of course he is sick. The Ice man also put up great numbers to start the decade, but didn't last long in it as well. A few other guys fall in to that category, that could be argued if you want. I'm right, you're wrong.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Back home.. thank god

I was in Texas since Wednesday and got back home last night, here are a few random thoughts for no reason at all.


-It is really really hot in Texas

-Austin is a really cool city

-Whataburger may be the greatest thing ever

-the UT campus is very nice

-I really wish I visited Austin a few years ago, when I was single and childless, so I could have some real fun on 6th street

-It is way too damn hot in Texas

-People in Texas do not know the Love Shack dance.... so I taught it to them

-My wife loves breakfast burritos

-If our hotel didn't have a pool, I may have died

-It is so hot in Texas even with 5 days of eating lots of foods that are bad for you, I still lost a couple of pounds

-My daughter loves the water, and did great being in the pool with me and my wife

-Did I mention it is hot in Texas



Second half of the baseball season started, a few bad things, Tigers got swept by the Yanks, the white sox are charging hard, and you know the Twins will not go away. it will come down to the end. With Zum Zum now hurt, for who knows how long, now we really need some bullpen help... also, one of my fantasy teams is doing well, and the other isn't. I really need to get it going, because the one that isn't is the one with money on the line. Lets go boys. I'm right, you're wrong.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Top ten Tuesday (July 14th)

With the All Star game today, the top ten list today was a easy pick.

Top Ten Baseball players in the game today:

1) Albert Pujols- no question, this is the easy one

2) Joe Mauer- maybe a little high, but he is one of the best hitters in the AL, and a catcher, he is amazing

3) Tim Lincecum- young, and has some great stuff

4) Roy Holladay- Best pitcher right now in the AL IMO

5) Hanley Ramirez- Besides the fact that I love him, because he is on both of my fantasy teams for the second year in a row, but he is a great player, and still very young, that is why I have him here at 5

6) A-Rod- Still feared and can get the job done, until October.

7) Zach Greinke- Has cooled off a little after his hot start, but he is still the second best pitcher in the AL

8)Ichiro- can do it all, 200 hits a year is a given, not too much power, but best lead off hitter and one of the best outfielders in the game

9) Dustin Pedroia- He was the MVP last year, so maybe this is a little low, but I am still not a big fan of his.

10) The Phils 3- I'm cheating, I can't pick one, so I will put Howard, Utley and Rollins here. The 3 of them together is scary. I guess overall I would pick Utley if I had to pick just one, because Ryan doesn't really hit for avg, but it's my blog, so I am keeping all 3.


Let me know what you think of the list. I'm right, you're wrong

Sunday, July 12, 2009

How you can win 10-1 and be mad

Maybe it is just me, but the Tigers won 10-1 today vs the Indians, and I am upset about it. Why, no not because Granderson didn't have any RBI's that would have helped my fantasy team, 1-4 with a walk is fine, but because up 10-0 in the 9th Zach Minor, who is quickly becoming my least favorite player ever, comes in only to walk 3 and give up a double. Way to ruin the shout out Zach. Plus, here is the thing, I don't pretend to know a lot about baseball, since I didn't even start watching it until I got to college, fall of 2001, but if you have a big lead like that, it seems pretty simple what you should do. Throw strikes. Make your defense work, and make them hit the ball, instead Minor throws 7 balls in a row at one point, and 8 of 9. He walked in a run, yes, walked in a run up ten. This had me going crazy. I almost forgot about how great the game was, Cleeeeeeeeeeet Thomas went off, was a double away from the cycle. Inge hit two HR, Verlander pitched 7 shout out innings, it was a great way to go to the all star break, and then Minor tried to ruin it for me. Luckily Ni came in and got the final two outs, and ended the game. The only problem that I could see, is the break coming at a bad time. The Tigers are playing well right now, and there is a half empty way of looking at things that would tell you, you want to keep playing, you don't want to take a few days off and break the streak and kill the big Mo. I personally think they will be fine. They are now 3 and a half up at the break, and looking good. Rayburn, Thomas and Don Kelly have all played well, as Mags has sucked. If he actually becomes the Mags of old, wow, look out. Also if Carlos comes back and can give us anything, that is just another switch hitting outfielder. Both Verlander and Jackson have had great 1st half's, but getting another starter for a push this year wouldn't hurt. There is also the question of a lot of money tied up in guys that are hurt, and/or not playing well, or at all right now, Bondermen, Nate, D train, Mags, and Carlos is more then a third of our team salary. Lucky for me, and other Tiger fans, guys who are not getting paid a lot, and stepping in and playing great. Plus the free agent pick ups, Evertt and Laird, are both playing well. They don't give you a lot of offense, but they play good defense and at the bottom of your order gives you some timely hitting. All in all, I feel good about where the Tigers are at the break. I just hope they can keep it rolling. One thing I know, the Twins and the White Sox are not going away, and they have a lot of games left vs the Central which normally have been their down fall, this year has been a lot better... so far. Lets hope it continues. I'm right, you're wrong.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Pistons new coach

The Pistons have reportedly hired a new coach. John Kuester who is a Cavs assistant coach. At first I was shocked, I couldn't believe it. Thought it was terrible. Wondered what the hell is Joe D doing, and how many more dumb moves his he allowed before us Pistons fans stop giving him the benefit of the doubt, and start getting tired of him. But then, as I learned more about it, it isn't too bad. He played at UNC under coach Smith, he was here for our title in 2004 as a assistant for Larry Brown, so maybe he knows what he is doing. If that is his line, he must preach defense, which is great. I would rather have someone with more NBA head coaching experience, but I really don't like Avery Johnson, I think he is very overrated as a coach, though underrated as a interview, because his voice makes me laugh so much, but I will be ok with it, for now. I will wait, and see how it works. As of now, I like it. I still am waiting for a trade, they better not be done, if the Pistons roster stays as is right now for the season, they will be lucky to get the 8th seed again. I'm right, you're wrong.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Top ten Tuesday (July 7th)

I am going to do a top ten list every Tuesday, usually it will be about sports, of course, but some, like this first one, will not. Today there is only one top ten list I can think of to do.


Top ten M. Jackson solo songs: (Jackson 5 has a lot of great ones too)

1) Billy Jean- Personally I like it better, but you could go either way with....

2) Thriller- Best music video of all time, and a great song

3) Man in the Minor- another personal favorite

3) Bad- Great song

4) Beat it- seriously, it is so hard to pick just ten

5) Black or White- One of my favorites for sure, great song

6) You are not alone- Kind of slow, and different for him, but I liked it

7) Smooth Criminal- maybe should be higher

8) The way you make me feel- Really, try picking just ten, it's hard

9) Jam- Just a fun song

10) Remember the time- I think it should be on this list, I always liked this song.


Again, this is really hard, I know I forgot a lot, and maybe songs could make a case.. so what do you think... remember just solo, no Jackson 5, cause when you throw in ABC, rocking robin, and I'll be there, it's where to hard to just get ten. I'm right, you're wrong.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Weekend Wrap up

First I hope everyone had a fun July 4th weekend. I didn't do the diary like I did last year, so you are all speared from having to read that. I did go back to Shelly's cottage however, without my wife and daughter, who went to Higgins Lake, so I even got to stay the night Saturday, so I did drank way too much, but had a great time seeing lots of old friends.. mike, potter and chaz were the fun ones, they stayed up later then I did, but I at least made it to 3:30am. Anyway, it is a busy sports weekend, so lets talk about some of the bigger sports stories, or just the ones that I remember at the time.


-Andy was close, but just couldn't gee the job done. Roger is a beast, I don't know enough about tennis to make a educated choose on where he ranks all time, but I know he is damn good. That was a very exciting match to watch. I didn't see the entire thing, but I watched the last two sets, and was very entertained. I feel bad for Andy, but Roger is just better, that is all there is too it.

-Sheed is going to the Celtics, and Kidd is staying with the Mavs. If Kidd is actually getting a 3 year 25 Million dollar deal, that replaces trading Harris for him, as the dumbest thing the Mavs have ever done. Why in the world would you give him a 3 year deal right now, and 25 Million, yeah he is worth over 8 million a year.. come on. What a bad move. As for my boy Sheed, this is going to be tough for me. I love Sheed, and have for so long, I have 6 Sheed jerseys, and though I knew it wasn't going to be a Piston anymore, I didn't plain my self for this, basically i was hoping he would go to the west, and then it would be easier for me. But of course he had to go to the Celtics, I think the only thing that would have been worse is if he went to the Cavs or the Bulls. For the Celtics now, I don't know what this does, if he wants to play hard and fit in, and in the 4th you can play sheed, kg, pp, Allen and rondo, that is damn good, and there is talks that Grant Hill is going to meet with them too. Again it isn't 1999 but Hill could still help a team. If Sheed wants to buy in, they may be the new favorite in the east, because Shaq on the Cavs now doesn't hurt them, because either Sheed or KG, would step out, and take him away from the basket, and if he stayed in the lane, they would hit open jump shots. I don't know how the Vince deal will help the Magic, loosing Hedo will be big for them, I think, but they can still have a lineup with Nelson, Vince, Lewis, Dwight, and who ever else, Piteros maybe, so that isn't too bad. Those 3 are the top 3 in the east for sure, that we do know. I don't know how I am going to take it the first time I see Sheed in the Celtic Green, I need time.

-My day was going really well on Saturday, until we got back to the cottage from the lake, and turned on sports center. I was shocked. Steve Mcnair was dead. This took me totally by surprise. It is always sad when you lose someone too soon, but the timing of it makes it tough. I of course don't know him personally, and I was not a Oiler/Titan, or Raven fan, but I liked him, and watching him play in college, on TV, was sick. It is sad that now all this stuff has to come out about him. How he was dating this 20 year old, despite being married for 12 years and having 4 sons. I have always taking a step back from peoples personally life's and enjoyed what they do on a field, or entertainment area... thus why I only choose to remember Michael Jackson from the Dangerous album and before. I don't choose to think about anything else about him. I will do the same with McNair. What ever happens to come out, if it was a 3rd party who shoot them, though it doesn't appear to be, there is no forced entry, and him being shot 4 times and her once, in the head, with the gun below her, my guess would be. They had a fight, she expected him to get a divorce and leave his family and marry her, and he didn't want to do that, he was just getting a little on the side, and she snapped and shot him, and then herself. Such a sad story, and my prayers do go all to all of his family, friends, and fans. Especially his 4 boys, who now do not have a father. RIP Steve.

-The all star rosters were out yesterday, and usually the talk isn't who made it, it is who didn't. This is always going to happen, take 30 guys, there will be arguments about 31 and 32. Much like the big dance, they can add all the teams they want, but even with 65, every year there is still lots of arguments on who got in who shouldn't have and who didn't who should. The all star game in baseball is a lot like that. First you have the starters voted in, so the teams like the Red Sox and Yankees are usually well represented. Now sure, most of those guys are also good players and maybe they would get there anyway, but if you have a few guys that you know are making the team no matter what kind of a year they are having, then all of a sudden a guy like Cabera, manny jr as we call him, doesn't get in, cause you have a 1st basemen from the yanks and the sox, and there is your team. I feel he is by far the best player, well at lease hitter, and he has been getting better defensively, on our team, yet Granderson, Jackson and Verlander, are on the team, and Inge is in the final vote. Ask any pitcher would they rather face Inge or Cabera with the game on the line and I promise you they would all rather face Inge. Cabera is better, and he is having a very good season. Inge has hit a lot of HR, but he is still Brandon Inge, he will strike out more often then not, when you need him most. I love Granderson, and he is also having a nice year, avg is down a little, because all of a sudden he is acting like a power hitter, instead of a lead off hitter, but I don't mind him being there, and both Jackson and Verlander are having very good years, but no Cabera doesn't seem right to me. Each fan of a team I am sure could make a case for one of their players as well. So I guess that is the fun of it, there are arguments you can make for a lot of guys.

-Tiger won his own tournament, that wasn't very nice. I actually didn't watch one shot from this tournament, so I will not talk about it. Just to be safe though, I will mention this.... he is really really good.

-Real quick, I saw Candace Parker came back last night and played 20 minutes off the bench for the spark. The only reason why I mention this, she gave birth on May 13, that is like 7 weeks ago, and she was back playing professional basketball. That is unreal. Good for her. She makes it worth watching the WNBA, at least a little. Also the WNBA took a step in the right direction becoming more main stream, with Tarusi (sp?) getting a DUI the other day. I have liked her since her Uconn days, so it is nice to see her making it big time... it is really say that is where we are at in the world today, that you get far more attention when you do something wrong, then when you do something right.


I am sure I missed some things, so let me know if there is something you think is big enough to talk about. I'm right, you're wrong

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

first thought

It has been announced that the Pistons have reached a deal with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villeueva both for 5 year deals. Ben worth 55 million and Charlie worth 35. Being positive I like both moves. Ben plays a lot like RIP, he is just smaller, and Charlie has some of the same skills has Sheed does, minus the baggage. He can step out and shoot the 3, and also has some post moves. He also, it would seem, has never come close to reaching his full potential. At 6'10, you should avg more then 6 or 7 rebounds a game. But last year he did avg over 16ppg, so if he could improve a bit and be a 18 and 10 guy, or maybe even a 18 and 8 guy, that would be great. Cause you know Ben is going to score. Of course the problem is, will he defend anyone, and now what use to be our strong point, taller guards posting smaller defenders is now a weak point, a starting back court of Stuck and Gordon gives us two guys who can be post up on easily, and neither are good defenders. Stuck is going to get better, and showed some signs, and he is at least strong, but defensively you have to think it will be a step back. Of course it will be a step up from AI. It is also a nice young back court for the next 5 years to grow together. And Charlie is also young, and that is what the Pistons needed to do, get younger and regroup, while still being a playoff team. This also opens up the talks about RIP. I think now he almost needs to be traded. I have nothing against him, he did a great job for my team for many years, but now is the time. Really once you trade Billups you should have blown it up then, but you can make it right now by doing a few things. You could trade him to the Clippers for Kaman, what I want to have happen.. or to the Hornets for Chandler, also good.. or if we really want to hit a home run, the Raptors are not going to resign Bosh, they know that, so why not trade him, and at least get something for him. So either RIP could go there, or maybe even Prince and a pick could go their for Bosh. The problem if both of those things happened.. prince for bosh and rip for ck, then all of a sudden, you have Charlie making 7 million a year as your 6th man, but a 3 man rotation at the 4 and 5 spot of bosh, kaman and Villeueva would be nice. Of course, you still have Jason M, so something would have to be done there. Also if Prince was traded, basically Daye would have to start at the 3, from day one, which, even though I like him, may not be the best move. Basically a lot of things could, and still will, happen, and I am staying very positive as I wait and watch for what will happen next in the Pistons off season. I'm right, you're wrong

CMU camp wrap up

I already wrote about the best players at the CMU position camp. Two other camps happened last week, ending on Saturday night, the individual skill camp and the Varsity shootout. Here is a list of some of the top players at those two events.

Deitrich Lever-Canton 2011 PG. He is a good athlete, and can get to the basket and will, very good passer, but needs to get stronger and adding a few inches wouldn't hurt either, but he just finished his soph year of hs so he has some time. His jump shot also needs a lot of work

Jake Plie 6'7 Sparta- WM Lakers- 2010- Jake can do it all well, he can shoot, handle, post, rebound, pass, and is a good leader. He needs to get a little stronger and add some lateral quickness but he is a very very good basketball player.

Jared Ritz-6'8-Iona-GR Storm-2010-Jared is a big strong lefty, who also showed some shooting touch wining the corner knockout (lighting) tournament at camp. Not a great shooter, but very good with his dominate left hand, and can step out a bit. He worked very hard all week, and improved. Great kid, and a very hard worker.

Luke Sorenson-6'9 Clio-Michigan Road Runners-Luke could only make it to camp for one day, but he did make a impact. He is long, and does need to put on some muscle, but he is skilled and has a nice touch. I like the way he plays, and, he has a chance to be a very good post player.

Alex William-6'4 Benton Harbor-2011- Long, athletic, and can shoot, needs to work on getting more consistent with it, but when it is on watch out, has a nice pull up game, and can get to the basket almost at will. Great rebounder for a guard, because of his long arms, and has a lot of up side. Need to get a little stronger but he has what it takes to be a very very good player.

Adam Gorski- 5'10- Brother rice- 2011- Not a d1 player, but he is strong uses his body well, loves to spin move and finish in the line, great passer, and is a very good pg. Not a bad shooter. If he improved his quickness could be a very good d2/d3 player IMO

H'Ian Hale- 5'9-K-zoo Central-Amped- 2012-quick, great handles and can get to the basket at will. not a great shooter yet, but he can knock it down, no question about it. Plays hard and can really defend and stay in front. Only going to be a soph, so the sky is the limit for him. Very fun to watch play.

Byron Zeigler-6'5-Detroit Community-The Family- 2013- Yes he is Trey's cousin. He is about to be a freshmen and he is going to be a flat out stud. Needs to improve his shooting and get a little stronger, but he can get to the rim, he is a good rebounder, and has some handles. Has always had to play down low because of his size, but he will continue to work on his shot and guard skills, and he will become even a better player then he is now. I can't wait to watch him play in two or three years.

Dewrell Tisdale-6'2/6'3-Flint Northern-Flint Affiliation- 2013-Also about to be a freshmen, and he has all the makings. Athletic enough to play good defense and get to the basket on offense, needs to work on his shooting a little, but he isn't a bad shooter. he needs to get stronger but again, what freshmen in high school doesn't. I think he will become a very good player. He works hard, and the Vally better be ready for him.

Trey Zeigler Mt P 2010- Only played on Friday, because of baseball, the oilers only could get 4 for Saturday and had to back out, after going 4-0 on Friday, with wins over Waverly and a beat down of Bridgeport btw, though for some reason, I saw him hanging out Saturday afternoon a little, this was the first time I got to see him play, and he didn't do too great Waverly , he has been sick, and this was the first he has played in a week or so, but he did play much better in the other games. He has improved his shooting, and he is wonderful passer, gets to the lane at will, and it is a joy to watch, the kid has a chance.... ok, who's laughing.. I coach Trey and see him everyday, and I love him.

Derrick Davis-Bridgeport-2010- Great athlete, and he is a tough kid. Needs to work a lot on his jump shot, but the release of it is good, it just doesn't go in a lot. Can handle, and with how athletic he is, he could be a nice combo guard in college. Another great thing about him, he is a smart kid, 31 on the ACT's, and will be no trouble off the court.

Jeff Hoskins-Loy Norrix-2010- I have seen Jeff play a lot the last 8 weeks or so, between AAU and this team camp, and I do like his game a lot. He is a great pg, and leader of the team, he looks to push, and get the ball ahead to teammates, can get to the basket, and is a great shooter, when he is on, it is lights out, he doesn't make one three, he makes 5 or 6, I have seen him just blend in before, but he is a very good player, and will be playing in college for sure.

Colin Voss-EGR-2010- I can't really say any more about him. He did get hurt at the OSU, so this was his first time playing in a few weeks as well, he said his leg felt fine after the first game, but his longs didn't, he was tired, and it showed. But he was still the same, he is a and one waiting to happen in the post, and he can knock down the 3.

Dwuan Anderson-Sutton's Bay-2011- Does it all, he doesn't have a lot to work with, but he is a stud. Reaches a little too much on defense, but he is athletic enough to make up for it, almost all of the time. Had a nice game wining drive in OT vs Arthur Hill in the tournament

Ke'Sean Harris-Toledo Waite-2011-I really like his game, he is a long guard, who can get to the hole, shoot the 3, and also has a nice mid range game, he could get a little stronger, but what soon to be jr in high school couldn't

Waverly- had a lot of young kids play well, I don't want to mention some and forget others, so I will not mention any names. They have a good number of sophomores and jr, that are already good players.

I'm right, you're wrong.