Letting too many in

The Detroit Red Wings have lost 8-0 to the Predators and 8-2 to the Blue Jackets in the past week. These goals that they have let in have come way too easy. The goaltending has been average this year. Chris Osgood has let in some soft goals, and Ty Conklin is a career backup. And while this is a major factor to their recent play, the defense as a whole is really to blame.

Nicklas Lidstrom is reliable and dependable, but the rest of the defensemen this year have been playing up and down all year long. At times you think they are trustworthy in their own end, and won't give up the puck, but then there are times like this past week that guys like Brian Rafalski, Brad Stuart, and Brett Lebda have cost the Wings with their play. Rafalski and Stuart are getting too much money to be playing this poor. Mike Babcock has noticed, and has asked for Jonathan Ericcsson, their top prospect, to come up from Grand Rapids, and play on the blue line. Hopefully when the playoffs come around, Andreas Lilia, Nicklas Kronwall, and others mentioned can help out Lidstrom. Otherwise a repeat of winning the cup is unlikely.

Roster building on Friday

The Detroit Lions have a little money to spend if they want to on free agents starting Friday. If you've looked at the roster you can tell they are weak at the WR, OG, DT, LB, and CB positions. Some of the players will be added through the draft, but hopefully the Lions can land 1 and maybe even 2 starters in free agency.

The first guy I would look at is Mike Goff offensive guard from the San Diego Chargers. Now I don't know a lot about him but I've heard a good run blocker, and he's a veteran. He comes from a winning organization, but also know what it likes to play with a losing organization from his time with the Bengals. Adding him would give the Lions a Backus, Goff, Raiola, Peterman, and Cherilus offensive line, with the potential of adding a starting left tackle in the draft, moving Backus to guard, and letting Goff and Peterman battle it out for the other guard slot.

Detroit also needs some linebacking help. Really you only have 1 starter in Ernie Sims, and 2 other positions open. Hopefully another starting linebacker is added in the draft, but 3 free agents are intriguing. Mike Peterson from the Jaguars has been a solid player in the league for a few years now. He's had a couple of injuries, but would look nice as a middle linebacker on this team. Jonathan Vilma was a guy they looked at last year. He rebounded with a good year with the Saints, and though won't come cheap, would also solidify this unit. Finally Michael Boley was supposed to have a bright career in Atlanta, but after a poor year, the Lions could get him cheap, and still get a playmaker.

When was the last time you said the Lions needed a receiver? Charles Rogers, Mike Williams, Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, and Shaun McDonald were all receivers the Lions had over the past few years. However Calvin Johnson is the only one left, and outside of John Standelford, the Lions just don't have the bodies at the position. Veteran Bobby Engram had a rough year for the Seahawks, but is a veteran that could be paired with Johnson nicely. He's really the only proven receiver in the Lions price range, meaning they're out of the running for T.J. Housmandzadeh, Marvin Harrison, and Devery Henderson.

If the Lions shore up any of these positions in free agency it will take the pressure off of Martin Mayhew's 1st draft, even though it still is very important.

enough with the praise

I've always been a glass half full type of guy, but I'm even tired of the daily gushing coming from Lakeland. I like hearing about the pitchers who were hurt last year coming back healthy, and guys with bad mechanics now working with new pitching coach Rick Knapp, but until they face competition it doesn't mean anything. Spring Training is for new beginnings, and Jim Leyland and the Tigers disappointed the fans last year, so this year they have a huge hill to climb. The talent is there, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez, and Jeremy Bonderman are all guys who have it, they just have to come together as a team, like in 2006, and ignite the fans again. Like I said though, they haven't even played a Grapefruit League game yet, so beat reporters please don't go overboard.

What were you thinking?

When Joe Dumars made the big trade at the beginning of the season, I knew the main reason was to free up cap space for the next two free agent classes. I was intrigued by Allen Iverson, and his hunger to win a championship. I was ready for Rodney Stuckey to take a major step for this team. And I thought the Pistons were deeper than most teams in the Eastern Conference. However heading into the All Star break I never would have thought they were a .500 team, which they are playing like.

I can take losses against the good teams. When the Pistons play teams like the Celtics, Cavs, Magic, Lakers, and Spurs, they are going up against really good teams. But the Pistons have lost to some lousy teams this year. They are not developing the chemistry that they should have by now. Who's to blame? Michael Curry deserves a ton, the players are letting this happen on the court, but I am finally going to call Joe Dumars out. This is just a bad mix here. Iverson is what he is, and always has been, a ball hog. He over dribbles. Rasheed might as well just stay by the 3 point line, he's so attached to it. What was Dumars' plan this year? What did he think the players would do? Some of these young guys can't develop, like Amir Johnson and Aaron Afflalo, if you never play them consistently. Dumars needs to take over the reins. Find out what you have, and get ready for next year. If you're going to bank on some free agents, you better be sure, they fit.

changing my mind

Okay I thought I had the lines figured out that I wanted for the playoffs for the Red Wings. But after watching Ville Leino's 1st NHL goal, I have to tell you, I want to see more. They say he's a step slow, but he has skill. The thing when the playoffs come around is that you have to have enough grit, mixed in with skill to make a run for the cup. Some reports say Leino has been trying to add some grit to his game in Grand Rapids, I'll have to see for myself if it's enough to make a difference in the playoffs.

The problem the Wings have is that there are a few players on this team who haven't played good this season. Kris Draper, Kirk Maltby, Dan Cleary, Valterri Fillpula, Nicklas Kronwall, and Chris Osgood all have had sub par seasons. When deciding on playoff lines Draper is a must because of his faceoff percentage. The rest of those listed also need to be in the lineup with the hope that they pick up their play, everyone except Maltby. He just doesn't bring enough on the ice anymore.

Because the changes I'd like to see probably won't happen for the playoffs, I'll just repost the lines this team has to have next year, including some tough free agent decisions.

Fillpula Datsyuk Holmstrom

Franzen Zetterberg Hudler

Leino Helm Cleary

Kopecky Draper Abdelkader

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Stuart

Ericcson Lilia

Osgood

Howard

more red wing stablility

Henrik Zetterberg's contract for 12 years and 73 million dollars is another sign that Mike Illitch and Ken Holland form the best owner/general manager combo in all of sports. Now that Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Rafalski, Filppula, Cleary, Stuart and Kronwall all have long term deals, the Wings can just keep filling in the pieces around them, while still developing young players.

Zetterberg is a team leader, one of the top players in the league, and along with Datsyuk make players around them better. By splitting them up, Babcock gets to put other players with them so these players can hone their skills, but not have all the pressure on them. This year Babcock has mixed Marion Hossa at times with both of these guys. Now Hossa is a star in his own right, so you could put him with about anyone and he would shine. But other guys like Dan Cleary, Tomas Holmstrom, Johan Franzen, and Valterri Fillpula all see their games pick up when playing wing next to Zetterberg and Datsyuk. In my opinion I wish Fillpula could play with them all the time. He needs the experience, help, and confidence to take his game to another level. But for right now, he seems like the odd man out most of the time.

As the playoffs get near the Wings will have to finalize all 4 lines, so they will be able to roll them in the playoffs. The game changes during the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Wings need the right mix.

Here are the lines I'd like to see.

Cleary Datsyuk Holmstrom

Hudler Zetterberg Hossa

Franzen Fillpula Samuelsson

Helm Draper Maltby

Franzen has now proved himself to be a star player in the league. Putting him on the 3rd line gives that line more confidence and since Fillpula is still a little gun shy shooting the puck, it makes sense to give him a true goal scorer like Franzen to put the puck in the net. Cleary can chase the puck in the corners on the top line, and the 2nd line are all dangerous snipers. Finally the 4th line will be used for energy. (How quick can Abdelkader replace Malty in the lineup?)

Tough decisions, but the strategy will hopefully give the Wings another cup.

my favorite local player

People might laugh when they read who my favorite local player is. This kid isn't the best on the floor, and he's not going to be an NBA player someday, but Zack Novak is fun to watch. He brings so many different things to the game, shooting, rebounding, passing, but his best skill is his hustle. If you watch a Michigan basketball game, I'm going to guarantee that you're going to see Zovak on the floor at some point of the game. At 6"4 Novak is undersized when he matches up against other teams small forwards, but he battles down low. He goes for rebounds like he's supposed to get the ball. He doesn't just try, he's determined. Novak's hustle and intensity keeps plays alive, and he is a major reason that Michigan has started out so good this season. Now at 14-6 I'm not sure with their remaining schedule if they can make the NCAA tournament, but if they do, the rest of the country will see what Michigan fans already know, this freshman can play!

4 weeks away!!!

The Detroit Tigers will have their pitchers and catchers report in 4 weeks. On February 14th, those players will start working with new pitching coach Rick Knapp. Knapp comes from the Minnesota Twins, where he was the minor league pitching coordinator. He's helped some of the Twins prospects reach the big leagues. Knapp has his work cut out for him because some major pieces of the pitching staff have serious issues.

As far as starting pitching goes these guys are a good bet to be in the rotation, Justin Verlander, Armando Galaragga, Jeremy Bonderman, and Edwin Jackson. The fifth spot will likely be filled by either Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson. Verlander needs a big year. Knapp has discovered some minor flaws in his delivery and hopes to correct it. Bonderman is coming back from a serious injury. If Knapp can get him back healthy and finally give him a 3rd pitch to go along with his fastball and slider, watch out. Galaragga was a rock last year. As consistent as they come. Edwin Jackson comes over from the Rays will a strong arm. He had a breakout season last year, and hopefully he keeps it up. Finally Robertson and Willis are trying to rediscover how to pitch. For both of those guys getting in better shape was key. They've done that, now working on their mechanics will be their only issue.

If any of these guys fail or get injured the Tigers could move Zach Miner into the rotation. Chris Lambert and Eddie Bonine will be in Toledo if a spot start is needed. And if he's ready, top prospect Rick Porcello could push his way to Detroit. I think he needs another year in the minors, but cream rises to the top.

The bullpen was a mess last year, and the Tigers have yet to address the problems. If they sign a closer like Brandon Lyon or Jason Isringhaussen the bullpen will look different, but for arguments sake let's say they don't sign anyone. Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya, Zach Miner, and Bobby Seay would be the only locks going into spring training. If Rodney can keep his head straight and throw strikes he will be the closer, with a hopefully healthy Zumaya and Seay as set up men. Miner would be your long relief guy, but his sinker can get hitters out late in the game also. Veteran Juan Rincon was brought in for a tryout this spring. If he has the stuff, I would think they would want his veteran presence in the pen. Freddy Dolsi was okay at times last year, but I'd like to see him close in Toledo. He has to get ready for pressure situations, and closing games there would give him that. Whoever loses out between Robertson and Willis would give Jim Leyland another lefty in the bullpen, but Clay Rapada, Macay McBride, Rule V pickup Kyle Bloom, and Fu-Te Ni from Tawain are also options. Lastly, the Tigers have some young arms who are ready to break into the big leagues. Ryan Perry, Casey Fien, and Rudy Darrow all have talented arms, but might also need more time in the minors. Fien would probably be the most ready, and could actually have a chance this spring to make the team.

So here's what the pitching staff would look like if I had the final say.

Starters

1. Verlander

2. Galaragga

3. Bonderman

4. Jackson

5. Willis

Relievers

Rodney

Zumaya

Seay

Miner

Robertson

Rincon

Fien

This staff is middle of the pack at best in the American League, but Knapp could push it towards the front with proper management and key adjustments.

a new direction

Yesterday, the Detroit Lions hired their latest head coach Jim Schwartz. Schwartz comes from the Tennessee Titans, where he has been the Defensive Coordinator for the past 8 years. Head coach Jeff Fisher of the Titans gave a strong recommendation for Schwartz calling him extremely smart and ready to be a head coach. Schwartz also has the recommendation of another successful coach, Bill Belichick. Schwartz worked for Belichick for 2 years as a college and pro scout. He labeled him as one of the smartest people he's worked with.

Being a scout and able to evaluate players is what this team needs. Schwartz has to turn around the defense, ranking last in the NFL last year. It sounds like he looks at tendencies, reviews tape, and makes sure his players are in the right position. Rod Marinelli was a lot like that, but I believe Marinelli was too stubborn to adjust to his players strengths.

Schwartz has his work cut out for him, but at 42 years old, he is at the right age to relate to the players, and also to commit to turning this organization around. Other guys were out there, some bigger names with more accomplishments, but fans have to realize that the situation here is bleak, and most coaches would shy away from it. Schwartz accepts it, and is motivated to correct it. Good luck, it's not going to happen overnight!

most important position player????

As a Detroit Tigers fan, you have faith in that Miquel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez, Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco, and Carlos Guillen are going to continue to put up big numbers in the batters box. These guys have done it in the past and there is no reason to believe it won't happen again. There is one player however, at the bottom of the batting order that has to decide what type of player he's going to be, and that is Brandon Inge.

Listening to Jim Leyland tonight on the radio, he is going to sit down with Brandon and let him know that you are not going to be able to hit .210 or .215, and be a regular in the major leagues. In 2006 he hit .250 and had 27 home runs and 80 rbi. That's what he should be shooting for. Those numbers will carry the Tigers into the playoff hunt. Not to many teams have that kind of power at the bottom of the order. On the other hand if he hits .205 with 15 home runs and 40 rbi, than he is underachieving. Inge is at the position that he wants to play, 3rd base, so now is the time that he clears his head, and puts the bat on the ball.