For all the hype they get, the last three weeks or so have been somewhat telling for the Detroit Tigers.
Starting on July 18th, they lost 3 out of 4 to the Cleveland Indians.
Then won 2 out of 3 against the woeful Arizona Diamondbacks.
Lost 3 of 4 to a really good LA Angels team.
Lost 2 of 3 to the mediocre Chisox.
Swept 3 from the lowly Colorado Rockies.
By my count, they went 8-9 during that time. The Washington Generals would gladly take that record against the Harlem Globetrotters, but 8-9 isn't exactly dominant stuff against teams the Tigers are supposed to be far better than -- with the exception of the Halos.
But then came the showdown in the Big Apple versus the Yankees, though the Bronx Bombers have become a shell of their former selves for various reasons. The Tigers had their Cy Young winners lined up to mow them down.
After all, Max Scherzer, newly acquired David Price, and Justin Verlander were slated to start the first three games. Piece of cake, right?
Evidently not. Scherzer got beat in the opener. Price was long gone before the Tigers squeaked out a 12th inning win in game 2, and Verlander once again got rock and rolled in game 3. He gave up a couple home run shots reminiscent of Mickey Mantle. WAY outta here, and the Fastball Flakes man's season record now stands at 10-10. The very definition of mediocre.
So there it was. Three Cy Young award winners up, three Cy Young award winners down, with not a single win to show between them. And this is against a team that recently lost superstar Robinson Cano to free agency, has slugger Mark Teixeira on the DL, and A-Rod is still serving his drug related suspension. They've got guys in their line-up most people have never heard of -- and a pitching staff much the same -- but they stared down three Detroit Tiger Cy Young winners in a row, and allowed none of them to chalk up a "W".
As was stated earlier in this space (see Detroit Tigers. A snapshot), the Motowners appear fortunate indeed they play in the weak American League central division. They maintain a semi-comfortable lead over their division rivals because, frankly, none of them are very good. Were they in any other division, the Tigers would be fighting for their playoff lives.
We keep hearing about how good Detroit's starting pitching staff is and how Miguel Cabrera remains a beast with a bat. Throw in DH Victor Martinez, amongst the league leaders in hitting, new sensation J.D. Martinez, and recently acquired All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler.
Well OK. Their bullpen remains about as shaky as a mideast peace treaty, and they won't win any Olympic track meets on the basepaths. Yet all in all, the Tigers are supposed to be better than the modest .558 winning percentage they've put up so far this year. The team says so. Their local media continues to hype their greatness. And most of their fans continue to believe it. They keep pouring into Comerica field game after game.
You have to give the organization credit. Owner Mike Ilitch certainly hasn't shied away from forking out big bucks to get great players. And GM Dave Dombrowski has done a masterful job of procuring them through some slick dealings.
But for a team that supposedly has so much going in its favor, it seems odd they can be rather mediocre for such long stretches of time. Three Cy Young winners in a row failing to get a win against an average team is not a particularly good sign.
By most accounts the Tigers have talent here, talent there, talent everywhere. They're supposed to be amongst the best in all of baseball.
They only have one little job left to do.
Prove it when it matters in October. Let's not forget the Tigers haven't won a World Series since 1984. Before cell phones and the internet. In that year, Clara Peller wondered "where's the beef" on classic fast food commercials. J.R. Ewing got shot. Alex Trebek first hosted Jeopardy!. And the Cosby show was #1 on TV.
Let's just say it's been quite a while. In their two Fall Classic appearances in recent years, the Tigers have posted a woeful 1-8 record in the most important games of them all.
So enough with talking the talk about how great they are.
If they can't walk the walk in October -- then all the silly Sabermetrics and hype in the world won't have made the slightest difference.
Actually, they never have and never will. It's just numerical gibberish talking points for people that get paid to give their opinions on the Tigers, be it in print, online or on TV.
In the end, only one thing matters. Either the Tigers become champions or they don't.
Pretty simple. All the rest is just noise......
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Oscar Pistorius update
Well OK. We all know the basics. In March of 2013, Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius shot and fatally wounded his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a bathroom door.
Oscar says he feared an intruder in crime-ridden South Africa and mistakenly shot in self defense.
The prosecutor says he knew it was Reeva behind that door all along and killed her intentionally.
It would take a full year from the incident until the trial actually got started. Sure, the "crime scene" needed to be examined, which might take a couple days. Forensics had to be checked out. Maybe another few days. And any and all witnesses (there were none) thoroughly interviewed as to what they thought they might have heard from hundreds of yards away.
As it goes these days, anybody with the slightest connection to Oscar or Reeva had to be sought out and deposed. Were they getting along? Fighting? We he nuts? Was she? Of course, none of this is remotely relevant. Either he killed her on purpose or it was a tragic accident. Bottom line is -- only Oscar knows for sure.
They even brought in shrinks to examine Pistorius to see if he was mentally competent. He was and is, but it makes for a story amongst the tabloidish people.
Yet one is left to wonder -- what the hell kind of courts do they have in South Africa anyway? The actual trial started in March of this year. Both the prosecution and defense called multiple "witnesses" to the stand and grilled them for days. Oscar was a nice guy and loved Reeva, one would say. Another would claim Oscar was a loose cannon who wanted rid of Reeva. All of which basically established nothing factual. Just opinions.
Earlier in the trial, the judge, one Thokozile Masipa, in her infinite wisdom, put the whole works on hold for a month for reasons yet to be fully understood. Maybe she had vacation plans. Who knows?
Also along the way, the head police investigator, who eventually admitted he had compromised the "crime scene", and wasn't sure about his testimony, had to be disqualified. Turns out, he was facing murder charges himself. If it wasn't so ludicrous, it would be funny.
But finally, mercifully, after all the accusations, innuendos, testimony, worthless opinions, and all-around theatrics from both sides had concluded after 4 1/2 months, the defense rested. The meat and potatoes of the trial was over.
For some incredible reason, Thoko Ma put everything on hold again for yet another month. How much vacation time do judges get in South Africa anyway?
Closing arguments are finally scheduled to be heard in the next few days. How long can they possibly take? The defense is going to say it was an accident. The prosecution is going to say it was on purpose. All the rest is nothing more than blathering on about stuff that doesn't matter, and certainly can't be proven -- either way.
And in the end, the Honorable Thokozile Masipa will have to make the call. No jury, just a judge. That's how it works in South Africa. If she believes Oscar, he walks. If she believes the prosecutor, he facing up to 25 years in prison.
Once the closing arguments are done, and the judge has to start deliberating her verdict -- here's hoping she doesn't find another reason to take another month or two off.
This has gone on way too long already. Good grief, Pistorius has already had to sell the house he and Reeva once shared to help pay his attorney fees as this thing drags on and on.
Personally, yours truly has no idea what was going through his head the night of the fateful shots. And if you're honest -- you'll admit you don't either.
But all the evidence, or lack thereof, has long been established -- or not.
Time for Thoko Ma to stop stalling and step up to make the call -- one way or the other.
Alas, regardless of her verdict, the losing side will find some reason to appeal.
And then we'll get to do this all over again.
Sigh......
Oscar says he feared an intruder in crime-ridden South Africa and mistakenly shot in self defense.
The prosecutor says he knew it was Reeva behind that door all along and killed her intentionally.
It would take a full year from the incident until the trial actually got started. Sure, the "crime scene" needed to be examined, which might take a couple days. Forensics had to be checked out. Maybe another few days. And any and all witnesses (there were none) thoroughly interviewed as to what they thought they might have heard from hundreds of yards away.
As it goes these days, anybody with the slightest connection to Oscar or Reeva had to be sought out and deposed. Were they getting along? Fighting? We he nuts? Was she? Of course, none of this is remotely relevant. Either he killed her on purpose or it was a tragic accident. Bottom line is -- only Oscar knows for sure.
They even brought in shrinks to examine Pistorius to see if he was mentally competent. He was and is, but it makes for a story amongst the tabloidish people.
Yet one is left to wonder -- what the hell kind of courts do they have in South Africa anyway? The actual trial started in March of this year. Both the prosecution and defense called multiple "witnesses" to the stand and grilled them for days. Oscar was a nice guy and loved Reeva, one would say. Another would claim Oscar was a loose cannon who wanted rid of Reeva. All of which basically established nothing factual. Just opinions.
Earlier in the trial, the judge, one Thokozile Masipa, in her infinite wisdom, put the whole works on hold for a month for reasons yet to be fully understood. Maybe she had vacation plans. Who knows?
Also along the way, the head police investigator, who eventually admitted he had compromised the "crime scene", and wasn't sure about his testimony, had to be disqualified. Turns out, he was facing murder charges himself. If it wasn't so ludicrous, it would be funny.
But finally, mercifully, after all the accusations, innuendos, testimony, worthless opinions, and all-around theatrics from both sides had concluded after 4 1/2 months, the defense rested. The meat and potatoes of the trial was over.
For some incredible reason, Thoko Ma put everything on hold again for yet another month. How much vacation time do judges get in South Africa anyway?
Closing arguments are finally scheduled to be heard in the next few days. How long can they possibly take? The defense is going to say it was an accident. The prosecution is going to say it was on purpose. All the rest is nothing more than blathering on about stuff that doesn't matter, and certainly can't be proven -- either way.
And in the end, the Honorable Thokozile Masipa will have to make the call. No jury, just a judge. That's how it works in South Africa. If she believes Oscar, he walks. If she believes the prosecutor, he facing up to 25 years in prison.
Once the closing arguments are done, and the judge has to start deliberating her verdict -- here's hoping she doesn't find another reason to take another month or two off.
This has gone on way too long already. Good grief, Pistorius has already had to sell the house he and Reeva once shared to help pay his attorney fees as this thing drags on and on.
Personally, yours truly has no idea what was going through his head the night of the fateful shots. And if you're honest -- you'll admit you don't either.
But all the evidence, or lack thereof, has long been established -- or not.
Time for Thoko Ma to stop stalling and step up to make the call -- one way or the other.
Alas, regardless of her verdict, the losing side will find some reason to appeal.
And then we'll get to do this all over again.
Sigh......
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Washington Redskins. What's in a name?
The NFL team that resides in our nation's capital is back in the news. It's the "name" thing again. Some claim the very moniker of "Redskins" is offensive, derogatory, and insulting to Native Americans.
They might have a point. After all, there have been several teams that have changed their names over the years in the spirit of political correctness so as not to offend others. Eastern Michigan University, long known as the Hurons, the tribe that once populated the area, became the Eagles. In the very same DC area itself, due to rising violent crime, they banned hand guns (a law since overturned). But at the time, calling their NBA team the Bullets just wouldn't do. They became the Washington Wizards. Across the country, from preps to pros, many other examples exist.
Few would doubt the wave of being politically correct has become a tsunami in this country. Pretty much everybody's afraid to say anything that might offend someone else -- at least publicly. And even privately it can get one in deep doo-doo. See Donald Sterling. The language police are out in force indeed.
Cripples became handicapped, and then physically impaired. There are no bald people anymore. They are follicly challenged. Nor are people fat. Such "victims" suffer from a nutritional imbalance. Retards, midgets, and spazzes have been replaced with learning disabilities, underdeveloped growth potential, and lack of superior coordination. That's not even to mention the various ethnic terms that were once tossed around, but I won't get into that. You know what they are -- or were.
But this is about the Washington Redskins. Is their name offensive and should they be forced to change it?
Depends on one's point of view. Currently, the only person that can change it is their majority owner, one Daniel Snyder. Snyder bought the team on mostly borrowed money back in 1999 for $800 million. But he's paid it off and then some. The Skins are currently amongst the highest valued franchises in all of professional sports.
Sure, others continue to weigh in objecting to the "Redskins" name, including our President. But what hasn't he screwed up in the last couple years? One would think he would have better things to devote his time and energies to besides the name of an historic NFL football franchise. Of course, "special interest" groups typically generate the most noise, and a few of them have loudly objected to the name "Redskins", including various factions of Native Americans. They don't like it and demand the name be changed. Most in the main stream media have jumped on the outrage bandwagon as well.
But not all is as it seems. Snyder himself has said he's recently visited over 20 Native American reservations to get their opinion on the name of his team. Taking him at his word, Snyder claims the vast majority of them not only remain unoffended, but root for the Redskins.
[Yes, how the noble and proud peoples that once had free range across this continent somehow became confined to reservations and running a few casinos is likely amongst the greatest injustices in the history of all mankind -- but that is a topic best left to others much wiser than yours truly.]
If one is inclined to believe the "polls", and there's a poll for everything these days -- one might be surprised at the results regarding the Redskins name.
Fully 90% of Native Americans are not offended by it.
Further, amongst the states in the USA as to whether the Skins should keep their name or change it -- all 50 states -- as in unanimous -- voted by an overwhelming majority (some 70% pro, 20% con, and the usual undecideds -- a landslide) that they should keep their name and not change it.
Though he's trying to be diplomatic about it, Daniel Snyder really owes no one any explanations. The team has been called the Redskins since 1933 -- one of the original NFL franchises.
Snyder maintains the name itself is not an insult, but rather an honor to Native Americans. Think of that as you will but, ironically enough, the very peoples that are supposed to be offended by this name apparently not only disagree, but root for his club.
Many in the media, especially the talking heads, continue to voice their outrage.
Tell ya what -- when they can get together and scrape up maybe $2 billion+ to buy the Washington NFL franchise -- they can call it whatever they want.
Until then, they need to shut up.
Hail to the Redskins indeed......
They might have a point. After all, there have been several teams that have changed their names over the years in the spirit of political correctness so as not to offend others. Eastern Michigan University, long known as the Hurons, the tribe that once populated the area, became the Eagles. In the very same DC area itself, due to rising violent crime, they banned hand guns (a law since overturned). But at the time, calling their NBA team the Bullets just wouldn't do. They became the Washington Wizards. Across the country, from preps to pros, many other examples exist.
Few would doubt the wave of being politically correct has become a tsunami in this country. Pretty much everybody's afraid to say anything that might offend someone else -- at least publicly. And even privately it can get one in deep doo-doo. See Donald Sterling. The language police are out in force indeed.
Cripples became handicapped, and then physically impaired. There are no bald people anymore. They are follicly challenged. Nor are people fat. Such "victims" suffer from a nutritional imbalance. Retards, midgets, and spazzes have been replaced with learning disabilities, underdeveloped growth potential, and lack of superior coordination. That's not even to mention the various ethnic terms that were once tossed around, but I won't get into that. You know what they are -- or were.
But this is about the Washington Redskins. Is their name offensive and should they be forced to change it?
Depends on one's point of view. Currently, the only person that can change it is their majority owner, one Daniel Snyder. Snyder bought the team on mostly borrowed money back in 1999 for $800 million. But he's paid it off and then some. The Skins are currently amongst the highest valued franchises in all of professional sports.
Sure, others continue to weigh in objecting to the "Redskins" name, including our President. But what hasn't he screwed up in the last couple years? One would think he would have better things to devote his time and energies to besides the name of an historic NFL football franchise. Of course, "special interest" groups typically generate the most noise, and a few of them have loudly objected to the name "Redskins", including various factions of Native Americans. They don't like it and demand the name be changed. Most in the main stream media have jumped on the outrage bandwagon as well.
But not all is as it seems. Snyder himself has said he's recently visited over 20 Native American reservations to get their opinion on the name of his team. Taking him at his word, Snyder claims the vast majority of them not only remain unoffended, but root for the Redskins.
[Yes, how the noble and proud peoples that once had free range across this continent somehow became confined to reservations and running a few casinos is likely amongst the greatest injustices in the history of all mankind -- but that is a topic best left to others much wiser than yours truly.]
If one is inclined to believe the "polls", and there's a poll for everything these days -- one might be surprised at the results regarding the Redskins name.
Fully 90% of Native Americans are not offended by it.
Further, amongst the states in the USA as to whether the Skins should keep their name or change it -- all 50 states -- as in unanimous -- voted by an overwhelming majority (some 70% pro, 20% con, and the usual undecideds -- a landslide) that they should keep their name and not change it.
Though he's trying to be diplomatic about it, Daniel Snyder really owes no one any explanations. The team has been called the Redskins since 1933 -- one of the original NFL franchises.
Snyder maintains the name itself is not an insult, but rather an honor to Native Americans. Think of that as you will but, ironically enough, the very peoples that are supposed to be offended by this name apparently not only disagree, but root for his club.
Many in the media, especially the talking heads, continue to voice their outrage.
Tell ya what -- when they can get together and scrape up maybe $2 billion+ to buy the Washington NFL franchise -- they can call it whatever they want.
Until then, they need to shut up.
Hail to the Redskins indeed......
Monday, August 4, 2014
Tiger Woods. Is it over?
Eldrick Tont Woods certainly accomplished some amazing feats in the world of golf. (Perhaps in the world of bimbos as well, but that's a story for others to tell).
The list of Tiger's records, or near-records, is long. Everybody knows he won 14 major championships, trailing only Jack Nicklaus' 18. But like Jack, he's the only other player to win a "career grand slam" three times. In other words, he won the Masters, US Open, British Open, and PGA championship at least three times each.
In total career wins, his 79 trails only the 82 of Sam Snead. He's the all-time leading career money winner, though given inflation and how the purses have soared since the "old days", this should come as no surprise.
Woods first became #1 in the world way back in 1997, when he was only 21 years old. A brief lapse in late 2004 -- early 2005 notwithstanding, he was the reigning #1 for over a decade -- an incredible feat.
Indeed, few would doubt that from the late 1990s until 2008 or so, Tiger dominated a sport for a decade like no other had ever done before -- or likely ever will again. Legends like Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan were phenomenal and certainly worthy of all the accolades they received, but they played a team game. Without a terrific supporting cast, neither would have won a single championship, let alone several.
Golf is different. In any given tournament, a player plays the same course four days in a row and hopes to finish 72 holes having taken the fewest number of strokes. There's typically 150 entrants to start the tournament, and maybe 60-70 after the "cut", aspiring to do the same thing. Despite their caddies giving them yardage and other advice here and there, every player is on his own when he swings his clubs and hits the golf ball.
And not that long ago, nobody did it better than Eldrick Tont Woods. During his hey-day, there were many times when "handicappers" would take Tiger over the entire field before the tournament even started. That in itself showed just how dominant he was.
But things haven't been well for Tiger in recent years. Yes, he got married to a gorgeous woman in 2004, who bore him a couple kids, and everything was hunky-dory. It should be noted that Woods won his last major title in 2008. But then his personal life came crashing down when his marital infidelity was exposed the following year in 2009. Their divorce would be final in 2010.
Since then, a variety of not-so-positive things have happened to Woods. He and his long time caddy parted ways. He changed equipment and tried to "reinvent" his swing. And of course, just a few months ago, he underwent back surgery to correct a pinched nerve.
Assuming Tiger had the finest doctors and medical care available, he was finally deemed healthy and fully cleared to play.
But guess what? He's stunk it up -- BAD -- since returning to the Tour. His best finish has been 69th, and oftentimes has found himself over 20 shots out of the lead when it was over, if he made the cut to begin with. That's a bunch. Such a travesty would have been unheard of a decade ago.
And just a couple days ago at the Bridgestone Open, sponsored by those loveable people that brought us the exploding tires a while back, Tiger appeared to injure himself again. Nevermind he was already some 15 strokes behind again, and also nevermind that since he came back out on tour his driving accuracy resembles that of Hamas missiles -- let er rip and hope it lands somewhere in play.
The media is all agog as to whether Tiger will be able to play in the up-coming PGA Championship. They miss the point. Even if he receives whatever treatment is necessary and is medically cleared to do so -- he has no -- repeat NADA chance of winning it. His game's too screwed up right now.
So starting next April with the Masters, it will have been 7 years since Tiger won a major. He will be 39 years old when they gather at Augusta National. Not a geezer, but not exactly in the prime of his career either. And the young studs from the world over with some serious game themselves don't give a rat's behind about Tiger. Though they say they love to have him participating, don't be fooled. They like nothing better than than beating him by huge margins, like Tiger once did to the others himself.
Yours truly thinks 2015 will be the make it or break it year for Eldrick Tont Woods. His chances of ever catching Jack's record of 18 majors are likely slim anymore. The competition is too tough, and the fearless young studs keep on coming. Father Time dictates the kids will get even better as they come into their "prime", while Tiger's game will start to erode -- even if he's perfectly healthy.
So here's a prediction. If Tiger Woods returns in 2015 and has gotten his game together, don't write him off. Lots of guys have won majors while well into their forties.
But if another year comes and goes -- and Tiger's still stinking it up -- then I think we can pretty well stick a fork in him.
It was glorious watching him cook for quite a while -- but he'll be done.
The list of Tiger's records, or near-records, is long. Everybody knows he won 14 major championships, trailing only Jack Nicklaus' 18. But like Jack, he's the only other player to win a "career grand slam" three times. In other words, he won the Masters, US Open, British Open, and PGA championship at least three times each.
In total career wins, his 79 trails only the 82 of Sam Snead. He's the all-time leading career money winner, though given inflation and how the purses have soared since the "old days", this should come as no surprise.
Woods first became #1 in the world way back in 1997, when he was only 21 years old. A brief lapse in late 2004 -- early 2005 notwithstanding, he was the reigning #1 for over a decade -- an incredible feat.
Indeed, few would doubt that from the late 1990s until 2008 or so, Tiger dominated a sport for a decade like no other had ever done before -- or likely ever will again. Legends like Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan were phenomenal and certainly worthy of all the accolades they received, but they played a team game. Without a terrific supporting cast, neither would have won a single championship, let alone several.
Golf is different. In any given tournament, a player plays the same course four days in a row and hopes to finish 72 holes having taken the fewest number of strokes. There's typically 150 entrants to start the tournament, and maybe 60-70 after the "cut", aspiring to do the same thing. Despite their caddies giving them yardage and other advice here and there, every player is on his own when he swings his clubs and hits the golf ball.
And not that long ago, nobody did it better than Eldrick Tont Woods. During his hey-day, there were many times when "handicappers" would take Tiger over the entire field before the tournament even started. That in itself showed just how dominant he was.
But things haven't been well for Tiger in recent years. Yes, he got married to a gorgeous woman in 2004, who bore him a couple kids, and everything was hunky-dory. It should be noted that Woods won his last major title in 2008. But then his personal life came crashing down when his marital infidelity was exposed the following year in 2009. Their divorce would be final in 2010.
Since then, a variety of not-so-positive things have happened to Woods. He and his long time caddy parted ways. He changed equipment and tried to "reinvent" his swing. And of course, just a few months ago, he underwent back surgery to correct a pinched nerve.
Assuming Tiger had the finest doctors and medical care available, he was finally deemed healthy and fully cleared to play.
But guess what? He's stunk it up -- BAD -- since returning to the Tour. His best finish has been 69th, and oftentimes has found himself over 20 shots out of the lead when it was over, if he made the cut to begin with. That's a bunch. Such a travesty would have been unheard of a decade ago.
And just a couple days ago at the Bridgestone Open, sponsored by those loveable people that brought us the exploding tires a while back, Tiger appeared to injure himself again. Nevermind he was already some 15 strokes behind again, and also nevermind that since he came back out on tour his driving accuracy resembles that of Hamas missiles -- let er rip and hope it lands somewhere in play.
The media is all agog as to whether Tiger will be able to play in the up-coming PGA Championship. They miss the point. Even if he receives whatever treatment is necessary and is medically cleared to do so -- he has no -- repeat NADA chance of winning it. His game's too screwed up right now.
So starting next April with the Masters, it will have been 7 years since Tiger won a major. He will be 39 years old when they gather at Augusta National. Not a geezer, but not exactly in the prime of his career either. And the young studs from the world over with some serious game themselves don't give a rat's behind about Tiger. Though they say they love to have him participating, don't be fooled. They like nothing better than than beating him by huge margins, like Tiger once did to the others himself.
Yours truly thinks 2015 will be the make it or break it year for Eldrick Tont Woods. His chances of ever catching Jack's record of 18 majors are likely slim anymore. The competition is too tough, and the fearless young studs keep on coming. Father Time dictates the kids will get even better as they come into their "prime", while Tiger's game will start to erode -- even if he's perfectly healthy.
So here's a prediction. If Tiger Woods returns in 2015 and has gotten his game together, don't write him off. Lots of guys have won majors while well into their forties.
But if another year comes and goes -- and Tiger's still stinking it up -- then I think we can pretty well stick a fork in him.
It was glorious watching him cook for quite a while -- but he'll be done.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Detroit Tigers. A snapshot
According to most, especially Motown baseball fans, things seem to be progressing quite well for the Detroit Tigers this year. After all, through Aug. 2, the Tigers maintained a semi-comfortable 4 1/2 game lead over the KC Royals in the American League central division, with the Cleveland Indians a couple games further behind.
The Tigers have a lot going for them. They, their local media, and even many "experts" claim their starting pitching rotation is the best in baseball. It could well be, especially with the recent addition of former Cy Younger David Price through a three-way trade. Throw in reigning Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, who remains dominant. Rick Porcello is near the top of both leagues in wins. Anabel Sanchez quietly keeps getting the job done -- most of the time. Ironically, Justin Verlander, another former Cy Younger and the Fastball Flakes man himself, seems to be the weakest link. Who would have believed that a couple years ago? But tis true.
And the Tigers certainly have their fair share of offensive firepower. Besides all-around hitting machine Miguel Cabrera, designated hitter Victor Martinez continues to pound the ball. Recent acquisition J. D. Martinez seems to have came out of nowhere with a potent bat, and the Tigers plucked All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler away from the Texas Rangers. Between aging veterans (see Torii Hunter) and a few young kids, the rest of their line-up seems to come through with a key hit more times than not. Yep, the Tigers can definitely score runs.
Alas, they remain woefully slow on the basepathes, and their bullpen is a little shakier than Barney Fife would have been if Al Capone had showed up in Mayberry -- but you can't have everything.
Nevertheless, most certainly expect the Tigers to cruise into the post-season. After all, besides being loaded with talent, they play in arguably the weakest division in all of baseball. If they DON'T win the AL central, they would have to be considered colossal under-achievers. But a 4 1/2 game lead with 50-some to go is certainly no "lock". A prolonged slump here (which the Tigers went through earlier this season), a hot streak there by somebody else, and who knows which victims the dreaded injury bug might infect? It's barely August, with two more months of the regular season left. The Tigers could win their division by 15 games, or not win it at all. Stranger things have happened -- lots of them -- in major league baseball over the years.
But for all that has been expected of the Tigers this year, especially having up-graded their roster so much -- let's look at a snapshot of right now.
The Tigers are indeed fortunate to be playing in the AL Central. If they were in the West, they would be in third place, far behind both the Oakland A's and LA Angels. In the East, they would trail the Baltimore Orioles and be nip and tuck with the Toronto Blue Jays for second place.
In other words, in either case, instead of having a "comfortable" lead, the Tigers would be fighting for their playoff lives just to qualify as a wildcard. And then there's that one game knock-out thing amongst the wildcards once the playoffs start -- if they even qualified in the first place -- no given.
So here's the real deal. The Tigers supposedly have the best starting pitching staff, a regular murderer's row of hitters, and play in the woefully weak AL Central division.
They better win it, because if they don't and somehow don't even qualify for the playoffs -- entirely possible -- as Ricky used to say to Lucie, rookie manager Brad Ausmus will have a whole lotta 'splainin to do. Somewhere Jim Leyland will shake his head and fire up another Marlboro, and poor Brad will get a few more gray hairs in a hurry.
Maybe Ausmus should take a cue from the late Desi Arnaz just in case. Learn how to beat the bongos and sing BABALU at the top of his lungs when being interviewed by the media.
If things don't work out, having a Plan B is usually a good idea.
Couldn't hurt -- and how much fun would that be?
The Tigers have a lot going for them. They, their local media, and even many "experts" claim their starting pitching rotation is the best in baseball. It could well be, especially with the recent addition of former Cy Younger David Price through a three-way trade. Throw in reigning Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, who remains dominant. Rick Porcello is near the top of both leagues in wins. Anabel Sanchez quietly keeps getting the job done -- most of the time. Ironically, Justin Verlander, another former Cy Younger and the Fastball Flakes man himself, seems to be the weakest link. Who would have believed that a couple years ago? But tis true.
And the Tigers certainly have their fair share of offensive firepower. Besides all-around hitting machine Miguel Cabrera, designated hitter Victor Martinez continues to pound the ball. Recent acquisition J. D. Martinez seems to have came out of nowhere with a potent bat, and the Tigers plucked All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler away from the Texas Rangers. Between aging veterans (see Torii Hunter) and a few young kids, the rest of their line-up seems to come through with a key hit more times than not. Yep, the Tigers can definitely score runs.
Alas, they remain woefully slow on the basepathes, and their bullpen is a little shakier than Barney Fife would have been if Al Capone had showed up in Mayberry -- but you can't have everything.
Nevertheless, most certainly expect the Tigers to cruise into the post-season. After all, besides being loaded with talent, they play in arguably the weakest division in all of baseball. If they DON'T win the AL central, they would have to be considered colossal under-achievers. But a 4 1/2 game lead with 50-some to go is certainly no "lock". A prolonged slump here (which the Tigers went through earlier this season), a hot streak there by somebody else, and who knows which victims the dreaded injury bug might infect? It's barely August, with two more months of the regular season left. The Tigers could win their division by 15 games, or not win it at all. Stranger things have happened -- lots of them -- in major league baseball over the years.
But for all that has been expected of the Tigers this year, especially having up-graded their roster so much -- let's look at a snapshot of right now.
The Tigers are indeed fortunate to be playing in the AL Central. If they were in the West, they would be in third place, far behind both the Oakland A's and LA Angels. In the East, they would trail the Baltimore Orioles and be nip and tuck with the Toronto Blue Jays for second place.
In other words, in either case, instead of having a "comfortable" lead, the Tigers would be fighting for their playoff lives just to qualify as a wildcard. And then there's that one game knock-out thing amongst the wildcards once the playoffs start -- if they even qualified in the first place -- no given.
So here's the real deal. The Tigers supposedly have the best starting pitching staff, a regular murderer's row of hitters, and play in the woefully weak AL Central division.
They better win it, because if they don't and somehow don't even qualify for the playoffs -- entirely possible -- as Ricky used to say to Lucie, rookie manager Brad Ausmus will have a whole lotta 'splainin to do. Somewhere Jim Leyland will shake his head and fire up another Marlboro, and poor Brad will get a few more gray hairs in a hurry.
Maybe Ausmus should take a cue from the late Desi Arnaz just in case. Learn how to beat the bongos and sing BABALU at the top of his lungs when being interviewed by the media.
If things don't work out, having a Plan B is usually a good idea.
Couldn't hurt -- and how much fun would that be?
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Paul George breaks his leg
In a scrimmage game for the USA basketball team in Las Vegas, Indiana Pacers' forward Paul George suffered a broken leg. Early reports say he somehow snapped his right fibula as he came into contact with the base of the basket support. A compound fracture.
It was gruesome, they said. Well OK, compound fractures aren't the prettiest sights in the world. Yours truly has seen a few where the bone is sticking outside of the skin, and I wouldn't recommend gathering the kids around to have a peek. Ugly stuff indeed.
But for various reasons, sometimes such injuries unfortunately happen. Car accidents, falls, skydiving when your ex-mother-in-law packed the chute, and trying to out-legwhip a 5th degree black belt are common causes. Definitely not recommended. And, of course, once in a while in sports.
And so it came to pass for Paul George. On an innocent enough looking play, George snapped his non-weight bearing shin bone, is likely quickly headed to surgery, and will be out of action for roughly a year. Again, it's a shame -- but stuff happens.
But OMG, the furor this created. The TV talking heads were acting like another President just got popped in Dallas, or maybe the current Pope had been unmasked as being Roseanne Barr in disguise all along. I always wondered what happened to her.
And holy brotherhood, the outpouring of tweeted support that came flooding in from George's comrades in arms -- or is that legs?
Besides his own teammates, there was a Lebron, a couple Kevins, a Shaq, a rookie NBA commissioner, and even a Magic that chimed in, amongst others. They were all praying for "poor" George, though he's going to make about $16 million next season while not playing. A pretty decent rehab gig if one can get it.
No word yet from Kobe. Perhaps he remains busy trying to figure out how the Lakers became bottom-feeders. Nor Tiger. He's still trying to be competitive in a golf tournament somewhere -- anywhere. Superstars like this don't have time to worry about somebody else's broken leg. They have enough problems of their own. After all, I'd wager Paul George never sent Tiger any sympathy/supportive tweets, much less prayed for him when his ex-wife Elin cleaned him out to the tune of $100 million. What goes around comes around. The brotherhood thing can be a dog eat dog world sometimes.
Nevertheless, here's wishing the best for Paul George. May he make a quick recovery and return to the terrific hoopster he was.
But let's not get carried away with this thing. People elsewhere are dying by the thousands every day from wars, diseases, starvation, and other things that are a lot uglier than a compound fracture.
George broke his leg. He'll be back in a year while getting top-notch medical care and making $16M for doing nothing in the meantime.
Sometime a little perspective of the real world is in order as to what is truly a disaster.....
It was gruesome, they said. Well OK, compound fractures aren't the prettiest sights in the world. Yours truly has seen a few where the bone is sticking outside of the skin, and I wouldn't recommend gathering the kids around to have a peek. Ugly stuff indeed.
But for various reasons, sometimes such injuries unfortunately happen. Car accidents, falls, skydiving when your ex-mother-in-law packed the chute, and trying to out-legwhip a 5th degree black belt are common causes. Definitely not recommended. And, of course, once in a while in sports.
And so it came to pass for Paul George. On an innocent enough looking play, George snapped his non-weight bearing shin bone, is likely quickly headed to surgery, and will be out of action for roughly a year. Again, it's a shame -- but stuff happens.
But OMG, the furor this created. The TV talking heads were acting like another President just got popped in Dallas, or maybe the current Pope had been unmasked as being Roseanne Barr in disguise all along. I always wondered what happened to her.
And holy brotherhood, the outpouring of tweeted support that came flooding in from George's comrades in arms -- or is that legs?
Besides his own teammates, there was a Lebron, a couple Kevins, a Shaq, a rookie NBA commissioner, and even a Magic that chimed in, amongst others. They were all praying for "poor" George, though he's going to make about $16 million next season while not playing. A pretty decent rehab gig if one can get it.
No word yet from Kobe. Perhaps he remains busy trying to figure out how the Lakers became bottom-feeders. Nor Tiger. He's still trying to be competitive in a golf tournament somewhere -- anywhere. Superstars like this don't have time to worry about somebody else's broken leg. They have enough problems of their own. After all, I'd wager Paul George never sent Tiger any sympathy/supportive tweets, much less prayed for him when his ex-wife Elin cleaned him out to the tune of $100 million. What goes around comes around. The brotherhood thing can be a dog eat dog world sometimes.
Nevertheless, here's wishing the best for Paul George. May he make a quick recovery and return to the terrific hoopster he was.
But let's not get carried away with this thing. People elsewhere are dying by the thousands every day from wars, diseases, starvation, and other things that are a lot uglier than a compound fracture.
George broke his leg. He'll be back in a year while getting top-notch medical care and making $16M for doing nothing in the meantime.
Sometime a little perspective of the real world is in order as to what is truly a disaster.....
Friday, August 1, 2014
Ray Rice. The crime and the time
Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has been front and center in the news lately, and not for anything he did on the football field. As most everyone not in a coma knows, Rice had a physical altercation with his then girlfriend, now wife, which resulted in a misdemeanor assault charge.
Obviously, the couple patched things up between them, because they indeed went on to be married shortly thereafter. Further, Rice has been cycled through the jurisprudence system as well as his own employer's (NFL) idea of justice.
Whether or not Rice's punishment(s) for his misdeed is appropriate is currently the subject of much debate. I won't get into that here, because opinions will always differ on such matters, and to each their own. Too lenient? Too harsh? Not my call. It is what it is and life goes on.
Or at least it should. But that's not the way it works these days, is it? There are many that can never seem to let go of an unfortunate incident. They want more from the "defendant".
Doing the handed down time for the crime isn't good enough anymore. A defendant must show remorse. And even that isn't sufficient. Others with their own agendas will jump in and expect the defendant to become a spokesperson for their various causes, attending seminars, giving speeches to kids, etc., and , of course, making a healthy donation. In the end, especially amongst high-profile rich defendants, money always seems to come into play. Imagine that.
Like most other big-time athletes, Rice has seemingly done all the right things within his control in the aftermath of his malfeasance. At his press conference, Rice said his action was totally inexcusible and he took full responsibility for it.
Further, he would have accepted whatever punishment the NFL deemed fit, be it a 2,4,6,8 whatever game suspension. He owned his own actions and was going to be a man about it.
He would go on to say he let down his wife, her parents, his own daughter, and the Baltimore community for 30 seconds of his life that he wished he could take back -- but he can't. And c'mon, it's not like he's a terrorist or serial killer.
In my opinion, none of this was necessary. If you do the crime, you do the time -- and then it's supposed to be over. Remorse and apologies are optional (and likely oftentimes only offered to get lenience, but not heartfelt). And where along the line did "victim impact" statements become allowed? It's irrelevant -- always has been. A guilty verdict on whatever charges will result in a judge handing down an appropriate sentence. All the whiny stuff belongs in the purview of the media or social networking, not the courtroom.
Still, there are those that continue to hammer on Ray Rice. Late night talking sports head Keith Olbermann is one of them. The KO man did a whole segment on how Rice owned up to his actions, but never said exactly what those actions were. Evidently, he didn't bother to watch the widely publicized video of the actual incident or have his staff get him a copy of the police report and/or court transcript -- both matters of public record.
No, Olbermann has joined the long and growing list of public whiners that want to kick someone when they're down. Justice isn't enough. Make them grovel, beg, and be totally humiliated in front of the world. And that's as wrong as whatever Ray Rice did on that elevator.
Rice did the crime and he's received and accepted his punishment like a man. I used to like Olbermann for his irreverant ways (which likely explains why he's been fired so often) but his latest Rice rant gives me pause. KO wants details. Blood, guts, gore, all the good stuff that makes a sensational story, while not showing a modicum of respect for what Ray Rice has already done.
Maybe in a perfect world, Olbermann, like most other reporters, will find himself on the other side of the equation someday being publicly dissected and put on show by someone else for one of their own misdeeds. Only then can these people get a full appreciation of what it feels like.
One can only hope.
In the meantime, enough with Ray Rice already. He's a good dude that made a mistake, and he's owned up to it like the man he is.
Time to move on and let the man get back into training camp with the rest of his Ravens teammates. His wife is fine, his daughter's fine, his teammates and coaches are solidly behind him, and he got a standing ovation when he took the practice field from the Baltimore fans.
'Nuff said.
Obviously, the couple patched things up between them, because they indeed went on to be married shortly thereafter. Further, Rice has been cycled through the jurisprudence system as well as his own employer's (NFL) idea of justice.
Whether or not Rice's punishment(s) for his misdeed is appropriate is currently the subject of much debate. I won't get into that here, because opinions will always differ on such matters, and to each their own. Too lenient? Too harsh? Not my call. It is what it is and life goes on.
Or at least it should. But that's not the way it works these days, is it? There are many that can never seem to let go of an unfortunate incident. They want more from the "defendant".
Doing the handed down time for the crime isn't good enough anymore. A defendant must show remorse. And even that isn't sufficient. Others with their own agendas will jump in and expect the defendant to become a spokesperson for their various causes, attending seminars, giving speeches to kids, etc., and , of course, making a healthy donation. In the end, especially amongst high-profile rich defendants, money always seems to come into play. Imagine that.
Like most other big-time athletes, Rice has seemingly done all the right things within his control in the aftermath of his malfeasance. At his press conference, Rice said his action was totally inexcusible and he took full responsibility for it.
Further, he would have accepted whatever punishment the NFL deemed fit, be it a 2,4,6,8 whatever game suspension. He owned his own actions and was going to be a man about it.
He would go on to say he let down his wife, her parents, his own daughter, and the Baltimore community for 30 seconds of his life that he wished he could take back -- but he can't. And c'mon, it's not like he's a terrorist or serial killer.
In my opinion, none of this was necessary. If you do the crime, you do the time -- and then it's supposed to be over. Remorse and apologies are optional (and likely oftentimes only offered to get lenience, but not heartfelt). And where along the line did "victim impact" statements become allowed? It's irrelevant -- always has been. A guilty verdict on whatever charges will result in a judge handing down an appropriate sentence. All the whiny stuff belongs in the purview of the media or social networking, not the courtroom.
Still, there are those that continue to hammer on Ray Rice. Late night talking sports head Keith Olbermann is one of them. The KO man did a whole segment on how Rice owned up to his actions, but never said exactly what those actions were. Evidently, he didn't bother to watch the widely publicized video of the actual incident or have his staff get him a copy of the police report and/or court transcript -- both matters of public record.
No, Olbermann has joined the long and growing list of public whiners that want to kick someone when they're down. Justice isn't enough. Make them grovel, beg, and be totally humiliated in front of the world. And that's as wrong as whatever Ray Rice did on that elevator.
Rice did the crime and he's received and accepted his punishment like a man. I used to like Olbermann for his irreverant ways (which likely explains why he's been fired so often) but his latest Rice rant gives me pause. KO wants details. Blood, guts, gore, all the good stuff that makes a sensational story, while not showing a modicum of respect for what Ray Rice has already done.
Maybe in a perfect world, Olbermann, like most other reporters, will find himself on the other side of the equation someday being publicly dissected and put on show by someone else for one of their own misdeeds. Only then can these people get a full appreciation of what it feels like.
One can only hope.
In the meantime, enough with Ray Rice already. He's a good dude that made a mistake, and he's owned up to it like the man he is.
Time to move on and let the man get back into training camp with the rest of his Ravens teammates. His wife is fine, his daughter's fine, his teammates and coaches are solidly behind him, and he got a standing ovation when he took the practice field from the Baltimore fans.
'Nuff said.
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