Friday, October 30, 2009

Wings vs Oilers

During the 2nd half of Wings' game last night, they played like reigning Stanley Cup finalists. Unfortunately, during the 1st half, they were the '09 Detroit Red Wings.

With dreadful defense and even worse goaltending, the Wings allowed Edmonton to jump out to a 4-0 lead. Edmonton needed just 42 seconds to open the scoring. The Wings had 4 straight minutes of power play to try to equalize, but they could hardly earn a scoring chance. They did get one goal back to end the first period, but Edmonton came out in the 2nd and scored to take a commanding 5-1 lead.

Jimmy Howard did not look strong in net. In fact, he played like perhaps the worst starting goalie in the NHL. He's shown flashes of aptitude, but more often than not he's underperformed. A few more shaky starts like this, and the Wings should waive him. I can't totally blame the defense because Edmonton only managed 29 shots. Most teams would give average about 2-3 goals against on 29 shots. Not 5. Yet, that's what the Red Wings are right now - a very porous team.

To their credit, they battled back. In impressive fashion they erased the four-goal deficit. New signing Patrick Eaves scored the tying goal with about 7 minutes left. At times, they looked like a dominant, elite team. But it wasn't enough. They're just not good enough to battle back from four goals down - not many teams can.

With such a dramatic comeback, this game felt much like a win. Yet, it's difficult to pin this team down. Eleven games into the season, they've only won four. That's not the Red Wings standard. I was hoping this squad would compete for the Cup for one more season. Then Lidstrom can retire and the rebuilding can begin. It may still happen, but they've got to shore up the goaltending. And right quick.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Memphis Beatdown

It was the dream start for Joe D. In the 2nd quarter, with both Ben Gordon and Rip on the court, the Piston guards lit up the scoresheet going a combined 9-12, including Little Ben's long-range prayer that rattled in off the backboard as the shot clock expired. That shot (a 4pt play) signaled to Memphis that it might not be their night.

I could tell early on that this Piston team was vastly different than the '08-'09 version. The team came out of the gate with a defensive intensity not seen since Big Ben left. Folks, his impact on the game can't be overstated. George Blaha noted that his defensive play is infectious. In the 1st quarter, Memphis tried unsuccessfully to push the tempo and struggled in every possession. The Piston offense also struggled out of the gate, but, due to their aggressive play, they finished the quarter up four.

Then Little Ben and Rip took over in the 2nd. I could tell the game was close to turning into a rout, though the Memphis core of Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo hit some big threes to stay in shouting distance. As the Pistons left the court at halftime, leading by 12, I scanned the team to see if there were any smiles. Not a one. A few high fives (after Rip's buzzer beating jump shot), but otherwise they were all business.

Memphis lost a little ground in the 3rd quarter, and then Little Ben opened the 4th quarter with back-to-back threes. That was it for the Grizz. It was a night when everything seemed to work for the Pistons. Even Charlie V, who struggled early, found his stroke in the 2nd half. He missed most of training camp and was clearly not quite comfortable with his new teammates. But Rip and Stuckey kept feeding him the ball until he eventually hit a rhythm, finishing with 7pts. It was vintage LB-era Piston win, swarming defense and a controlled offense. Despite all the new faces, the Pistons had a shockingly low 2 turnovers in the 1st half. They had only 4 mid-way in the final quarter.

After such a dreary, no-fun season, it was truly refreshing to watch a blowout win. To be fair, Memphis is a bad team. They will not likely make the playoffs. They've got some young talent in Gay, Mayo, and Marc Gasol. And they've got Zach Randolph who's always good for 20pts. But they have no winning culture. So the win must be recognized in context. The old sports cliche "You're never as good as you think you are after a win" is likely true. The Pistons are not elite, but they showed their potential last night. That's a start. Keep up the defensive intensity and limit the turnovers and good things will happen.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Shots

For a few moments, I found myself making excuses for the Red Wings last night - "They try hard, but simply don't have the talent." That was after Ozzie got pulled for letting in a very weak 2nd goal in 4 shots.

Then I realized... this team was one win from the Stanley Cup just a few months ago. This team has the talent. They're just not putting together a full 60 minutes. The next thing I knew, the Wings scored a terrific goal to pull within 1. Datsyuk to Zetterberg to Homer for an easy tap in. The Wings kept pressuring and soon had a commanding 22-11 advantage in shots on goal.

The long-running Red Wing gameplan is to control the puck, pepper shots on goal, and maintain pressure in the offensive zone. More shots should equal more goals in the long run, but that hasn't been the case lately. Whether it's hot goaltenders, poor shooting, or simply bad luck, the Wings' strategy resulted in 3 straight losses and a dreadful 3-4-2 start to the season.

But last night, the dam finally broke. After scoring just 1 goal on 28 shots through the first two periods, the Wings netted four in the 3rd. It was just enough, as Vancouver also scored twice in 3rd, both on the powerplay. Jimmy Howard did well in relief of Osgood, stopping 20 shots and keeping the game within reach.

This win does not signal the turning of the corner of course. It just shows that the strategy sometimes works. Vancouver is a talented team with perhaps the best goalie in the league, and the Wings scored on him five times. Perhaps the only good news this season is that the Wings' four wins are against top-tier teams, but they have to find some consistency. The tough road trip continues against Edmonton and Calgary - extremely difficult places to get wins even during the best of times. If the defense (especially Ozzie) does not allow cheap goals, the team might just return home at .500.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Chemistry

We all know it's not about the names, the All-stars, or the talent. It's about chemistry - the elusive intangible. The Carlisle/LB-era Pistons had it, as did every Red Wing team this decade. Then it vanished. Why?

Team chemistry is like a chili recipe - the ingredients need to be in the right proportions, else it turns bitter. Two key ingredients are personality and leadership. The Pistons abandoned the leadership ingredient in three stages - the firing of Larry Brown, losing Big Ben to Chicago, and the Chauncey trade. It's difficult to fault the Pistons for the first two, but that trade turned into a disaster. Last year's team turned off many fans, and they may not return until the team lands another Grant Hill. Joe D addressed on-court issues, such as scoring, in the offseason, and he was wise to court Ben Wallace. After the bitter parting in '06, both Ben and Joe D put ego aside to resume a partnership. So far, it seems mutually beneficial. Ben's presence stabilized the leadership void. Ben also backs Coach Kuester, which lends the coach more credibility than Curry. Yet, the team remains in flux. Ben Gordon is a powerful personality, and it remains to be seen how he will fit with the old guard or Hamilton, Prince, and Stuckey.

After the eight preseason games, one thing is clear - this team has little margin for error. When Prince or Wallace was out of the lineup, the opposing teams crushed them. Surprisingly, Coach Kuester may have unearthed a decent big man pairing with Big Ben and Kwame Brown. Kwame is eager to learn, and Ben is eager to teach. With Big Ben wrestling the starting PF spot from Charlie V, folks around the NBA are chuckling that Joe D blew his cap-space on two bench players. Piston fans know better. It's not about stars or egos. It's about wins. And the wins will come from chemistry.

This current incarnation will not challenge for any title, but they may lay the groundwork for something special down the road. Joe D locked up a solid 3-guard rotation for years to come (I still don't believe Rip is in the long-term plans). He drafted two serviceable small forwards with an upside, and he signed a high-scoring 4. It's a relatively young team that will hopefully learn how to win from the few remaining veterans. Is it the right mix? We really won't know for 82 games.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Hawai'i


Howdy, folks. Sorry for the long layoff. Mrs. Thatballdontlie and I are actually on vacation in Hawai'i. I suppose I should've said "Aloha" instead of "Howdy," but I gotta keep some semblance of self-identity.

In the meantime, I noticed that the Red Wings slide continues, as does the Pistons lack of defense. So, I haven't missed much. For your viewing pleasure (or dis-pleasure), check out the above picture of me and a mysterious Sea Monster who terrorized Lanikai beach while we were there. He (or she) kept popping up for air and then swimming away, only to return about every ten minutes. The crazed Sea Monster apparently had no idea that that little stretch of ocean was mine! You should be able to click on the pic for a larger image of the aforementioned monster.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Wing Troubles Continue

The Wings allowed zero goals through two periods, and then BOOM - three goals in the 3rd. That's troubling. How could the defense fail so badly in crunch time? The Avs are not the Blackhawks; they're not even the Capitals. Yet, they had enough to punch three into the net and skate away with a shootout victory.

According to mLive, the Red Wings lead the league in turnovers (95). Chatting briefly with John last night, he said that the transition game is killing the Wings (interestingly, that's the same thing killing the Pistons, but that's another story). We've seen it develop over the past 12 months. Other teams have figured out how to prevent the quick-strike outlet passes from the Red Wing defensemen. They jump on the outlet passes and keep the puck in the Red Wing zone. Against Colorado, I watched a frustrated Red Wing defense ice the puck three times in the 1st period. It was bizarre.

They did manage to control the game in the 2nd period, playing the dominant style we're used to seeing. It was the most dominant I had seen them play all season. Yet, it all crumbled in the 3rd. All season, Babcock has preached defense (also same with Kuester), but they remain 22nd in the league in goals-against (3.4/game). And they haven't had the offense to match (3.1/game). So, what's a coach to do?

My guess is that only part of the problem is strategy. Babcock will need to devise a game-plan to exploit the opposition's constant forechecking. If the Avs, Blues, and Blackhawks want to commit so many players to the forecheck, that should open up the ice in the neutral zone. I'm no coach, but that seems like common sense. Nevertheless, I think the main issue is focus and desire. The players that went through the grueling playoffs last year are just not clicking. It's got to be tough motivating for these early season games, while still emotionally spent from last June.

That's why it should be no surprise that folks like Bertuzzi, Williams, and Brad May are playing with a bit more drive. They've got something to prove. But Zetterberg? He seems a bit worn out. Same with Stuart, Kronwall, Rafalski, and Nick.

75 games left, so there's no reason to panic. The rest of the NHL is ready for them to falter, but Babcock won't let that happen. I expect a different Red Wing team to come back from the upcoming West Coast trip. Even during the best of times, they struggle out West. This current trip could force the team to gel and focus. They may not have a great record, but tough games in Calgary and Edmonton will get the blood flowing.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Down to Earth

No Tayshaun, no Charlie V, no Ben Wallace. That equaled no defense. The Mavericks clobbered the Pistons last night - 113-88. While the Pistons were missing three potential starters, the Mavs as well played without Shawn Marion and Josh Howard. So, it's a pretty dreadful loss all-around.

If I take the preseason wins with a grain of salt, I should do the same with the losses, right? I'll try. The Pistons actually started quite well, but the Mav veterans of Kidd, Jason Terry, Dirk, and Drew Gooden took control in the 2nd quarter. The Pistons, as usual, turned it over a ton, and that played right into Kidd's hands (literally). The Mavs shot 55% from the field, with Terry an astouding 8/10 (all long-range).

Not too many bright spots for the Pistons this time around, though I did see Austin Daye hit a few long-range 3s. The kid could prove to be a serviceable backtup to Prince. Wilcox had a few impressive put-back dunks, and Stuckey scored a ton early. Otherwise, there was little flow and shoddy defending. Way too many fouls as well. For both sides. These replacement refs are no fun at all. I watched at least 13 straight possessions with whistles - in a preseason game!

Bottom line is the Pistons have their work cut out for them. Charlie V will return this weekend from his hamstring injury. That should give the Pistons another offensive option.

In happier news, the Red Wings beat the Kings 5-2. The scoreline is a bit misleading. The Kings outplayed the Wings in the 1st period and much of the 3rd, but Osgood kept the Wings afloat. The Wings still had trouble stringing together passes and clearing their own zone (I know... I'm a broken record). YET, they did pressure the Kings in the decisive 2nd period, scoring twice. Ville Leino and Bertuzzi skated with a purpose. While neither scored, they were significantly more aggressive. The penalty kill was perfect, so there are signs of improvement.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

More Joy and Sadness

The news came out yesterday that Charlie Davies sustained massive leg injuries in the car crash that claimed the life of his friend. He broke his femur and tibia, and he's fortunate to still be breathing. The tragic news sent shockwaves throughout the soccer community. It's hard to believe that just four months ago, he was on the outskirts of the national team.

The date was June 4th, 2009, and the US was getting drilled by Costa Rica. Down 3-0, Charlie Davies came on in the 80th minute (his 6th cap). Despite the scoreline, Charlie impressed both the fans and Bob Bradley. Alexi Lalas said on the post-game, "Only Charlie Davies helped himself today."

That performance confirmed his spot on the Confed Cup roster. Bradley was still tinkering with his lineup and did not realize Davies' potential. In the first two games, Bradley utilized one striker (Altidore), and the US was outscored 6-1. Davies got the nod in the 3rd game and proceeded to score the opening goal against Egypt. It was the type of ugly, "playoff" goal we'd normally see in hockey. Davies ran down a loose ball near the goal line, fending off two Egyptians and the goalie. He worked his way to get in a shooting position and somehow deflected it off the keeper into the net. The goal sparked a 3-0 US runaway that led all the way to the Confed Finals. Charlie never left the lineup after that game.

It was during the Confed Cup that Charlie also landed a new club team, Sochaux, in the French First division. It didn't take long for him to make an impact. He scored twice in his second game.

If his career skyrocketed after the first Costa Rica game, it's a bizarre and tragic karmic coincidence that the he was training for the second Costa Rica game just prior to his accident. Charlie's now looking at 6-12 months of recovery time, just to regain full motion for his legs. His fitness level will likely assist a speedy recovery, but a broken femur is serious business. I'm sure the resident bone doctor (we'll call him Dr. Rochester) could attest. The team hasn't publicly ruled him out for the World Cup, but they all know that's the likely scenario. It's a crushing blow for a young player, since his next chance won't come until 2014. Yet, he'd no doubt trade a thousand World Cups for the chance to re-do that fateful Monday night. He's got a tough road ahead of him, physically and, especially, emotionally. Though scenes like this will surely boost #9's spirits:


As for the game, it was another whirlwind of emotion. Jozy Altidore seemed determined to single-handily win the game for his former roommate. It was an inspired performance as he steamrolled the Costa Rican defenders throughout the match. Taking on three players, Jozy worked himself free on the right flank in the 9th minute. Since the entire Costa Rican team shifted toward Altidore, Conor Casey was alone in front of the net. Jozy fed him the ball, and Casey proceeded to send it over the crossbar. Dreadful.

Costa Rica were much more opportunistic. Oguchi Onyewu, showing why he's riding the AC Milan bench, was beaten easily by Bryan Ruiz inside the US box. Ruiz waltzed in alone on Tim Howard and easily shot it between his legs. Moments later, Ruiz struck again, though the build-up was a shade lucky. Costa Rica tried to pass to a midfielder who missed the ball, but it found an onrushing Ruiz perfectly in stride. He took one dribble and whipped a shot from about twenty yards out. The ball curled just inside the far post, no chance for Howard. A miracle 2 goal lead for Costa Rica.

The US really ramped up the pressure. The final twenty minutes of the 1st half were all USA. Donovan made a nifty move to go one on one with the keeper but shot over the goal. Jozy had a brilliant chance in front of net by couldn't convert. Casey had another opportunity with a glancing header that went wide. It was painful to watch. Downright depressing.

In the second half, Costa Rica seemed content to bunker. It was like watching the US/Brazil game in reverse. The US completely dominated possession and continued to send crosses into the penalty area. The US defense allowed a handful of counterattacks, but CR did not come close to scoring other than another wicked shot by Bryan Ruiz from 35 yards out. This time Howard was positioned perfectly. But the US could not score.

Finally, after a good cross from sub Robbie Rogers, Donovan worked himself free for another shot on goal. The goalie blocked the shot but the rebound found Michael Bradley who had enough space to score (deflecting the shot off the keeper). 2-1 Costa Rica. At this point, the Costa Rican stall tactics went into high gear. All game long (even in the first half), they made the most of their "injuries". But when Bryan Ruiz was subbed and he "jogged" off the field -- at a pace slower than an old man with a walker -- Mexican referee Armando Archundia had seen enough. He and the Costa Rican coach exchanged words, and, within moments, the coach got a red card. He had to be led off the field by police, along with his assistant coach. It was like a scene from WWF, as the coach yelled and flailed his arms as he left the field. Perhaps the tide had turned. Perhaps not.

Around the 80th minute, off a US corner kick, Onyewu collapsed in the Costa Rican box. Torn patella tendon. Out 3-4 months. By that time, the US had already used all their subs, so they were forced to play a man short.

Jose Francisco Torres, one of the US subs, did well in midfield. He and Donovan spearheaded most of the US attack, but they couldn't get the equalizer. With all the Costa Rican antics, the ref alloted 5 minutes of extra time. Costa Rica had a little bit of possession, and they held the ball deep in the US corner. Four minutes into stoppage time, Torres stripped the ball from the Costa Rican player and burst down the field. His ensuing cross resulted in a US corner. With time running out, Torres's corner kick found the unlikeliest of players, 5'9 Jonathan Bornstein (like the ring finding Bilbo). The rangy left fullback perfectly headed it home. That was it. End of game. A 2-2 draw.

That last goal was truly deadly for Costa Rica. News arrived late in the game that Honduras was leading El Salvador 1-0. If Honduras won, then Costa Rica would need to win. A Costa Rican tie would give Honduras third place in Concacaf. By conceding that second goal, Costa Rica slid to 4th place and now must face Uruguay in a home-and-home playoff for a spot in the World Cup.

After the game, the US players celebrated like they won a championship. I've never seen a team so happy after a draw. The emotions of the past few days were released in a cathartic party with the fans. The normally stoic Bob Bradley, noticeably upset after the first half, exhibited a rare display a true joy. The draw earned the US a first-place finish in Concacaf, besting Mexico by one point. I'm not totally convinced the team deserved it. They have massive, massive problems on defense. I've rarely seen a US backline so porous. That first goal by Ruiz was abominable. Yet, the team finds a way to score, and I gotta give them credit for that.

No Onyewu for 3-4 months. No Davies for even longer. But for now, it doesn't matter. The US can party like it's 2002.

As for Honduras... well those folks are pretty happy too (feel free to skip to 2:08 of the clip for a truly surreal moment):

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Ugh-Ly

I had the misfortune of watching the Red Wings last night. They lost 6-2 to the Buffalo Sabres. To say the Wings were outplayed is a vast understatement. They were outworked in every facet of the game, by a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year.

It's more than a bit worrisome. The Wings normally reserve these pathetic outtings on the last game of a West Coast road trip. Not a quick jaunt over Lake Erie. In the 2nd period, the Sabres outshot the Wings 18-4. Osgood was pissed after the game:
"Everybody says just (sweep) it under the carpet, forget about it. We can't forget about it when you play like that. It's not what we're about."
The rest of the league is praying, hoping that the Wings return to mediocrity this year. So far, they've obliged. They truly look pedestrian. The problems from last year remain. They can't kill off a power-play (fifth worst in the NHL). They can't clear the puck from their zone. And, most shockingly, they also can't possess the puck. Part of the problem could be the reshuffling of the players. Yet, both Williams and Bertuzzi are former Wings. I thought the transition would be smoother. Apparently not. The team has no cohesion.

All is not lost, though. They did beat two of the better NHL teams recently - Chicago and Washington. So, they've still got juice in the tank. And it's a long season. Babcock has time to right the ship, but teams are really licking their chops.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Joy and Sadness

The US qualified for the World Cup over the weekend. Evidently, it was a thoroughly exiciting affair, with end-to-end action. Despite the significance of the match, few in the US watched it. Why? Because the Honduran Soccer Federation sold the rights to MediaNet, who broadcast the game exclusively on closed-circuit TV. It was very retro.

To see the game, you had to call your local pub and see if the owner decided a soccer game was worth forking over a closed-circuit fee. If you were lucky enough to get the game in your town, you'd still have to pay an exorbitant cover charge ($20 in my area). That's a little steep for my tastes, and I was certain the US would lose anyway. Honduras was undefeated at home, and their roster boasts more European pedigree than any other roster in the Hex. Wilson Palacios starts for Spurs; Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa start for Wigan; Edgar Alvarez starts for Bari in Serie A; and superstar David Suazo is at legendary Inter Milan.

When did Honduras become so international? Soccer is the only truly global sport. While the tiny Central American country would be considered a "minnow," those of us that see them regularly know better. In fact, few of the Central American squads are truly minnows. It may only be a country of 8 million people, but only 11 are required for a soccer team. With so much money available to top soccer talent, every Honduran kid plays the game, so it stands to reason that the national team would be as seasoned as any in the region. Yes, the US team has improved, but so has every other team. So a win on their home soil is quite an accomplishment.

For some odd reason, Bob Bradley sat Jozy Altidore in favor of Conor Casey. Casey is a lumbering striker in the mold of Carsten Jancker. I've never actually seen Casey score. But score he did. Twice!

Honduras scored first. Early in the second half, they beat Tim Howard off a restart, and the stadium erupted (according to reports, because, of course, the game wasn't on American TV). The US fought back. Onyewu sent a long ball into the box. Charlie Davies flicked the ball to Casey about six yards out. Casey outleapt the keeper and headed it home. 1-1. Then Donovan sprung Casey a few minutes later with a perfect thru-ball. Casey again beat the keeper. 2-1. To the utter frustration of the home crowd, Donovan put the US up 3-1 on a curling free kick about 24 yards out.

Honduras did have their chances, though. They scored another goal but could not get the equalizer. In the 87th minute, Stuart Holden was called for a handball in the US's box. Penalty kick - Honduras. But Carlos Pavon sent the kick sailing over the crossbar! Final score 3-2 US. I don't care that Honduras is the 449th ranked team in FIFA (actual ranking #42). They're good competition for the US, and it's damn hard to win in their stadium. Honduras desperately needed this game for their own World Cup berth. Now they need the US to beat Costa Rica on Wednesday, and I do hope that happens. Not just because I want the US to continue winning, but also because Honduras should advance. Their fans did not throw bags of nails, bricks, and urine at the Americans after the game. They did the unthinkable - they actually applauded the fine effort. That's the type of sportsmanship that's so rare in any country.

Now all the Bob Bradley haters are running for cover. He beat a quality Honduran side and secured a spot in the World Cup, with one game to spare. Not too shabby. The problem is that his team does not play pretty. They struggle for possession. They get beat regularly on defense. But, somehow, they score. Bob is blessed with perhaps the most offensively gifted squad in years. He's also without a true center midfielder. And the team is woefully thin at fullback. So what can we expect next summer in South Africa?

It all depends on the draw (December 4th). Eight teams will be seeded (including South Africa, the host country). Historically, the US fares poorly against European and African teams. The US should hope to be grouped with a South American and Asian team. Every group will have at least one European squad. An ideal group would feature something like Italy (the seeded squad), Paraguay, and Korea. More likely, the US will draw something like France, Netherlands, and Ivory Coast. Three ugly losses.

Monday, October 12, 2009

State of the Wings

The Red Wings are now 2-2, after dropping the first two to the Blues in Stockholm. Coming into the season, many experts predicted the Wings would take a step backward. We all know they lost some major firepower with no Hossa, Hudler, and Samuelsson. Yet, they kept their defense intact. So where do they stand?

On offense, they are still a bit out of sync. Hossa was the type of player who could fit in almost anywhere. His speed set him apart. He could jump on a loose puck and race toward the net, creating opportunities on his own. That aspect of the Wings' game is now gone forever. The absence of Hudler and Samuelsson is less noticeable. New signees like Bertuzzi and Williams offer a similar ability. Williams patrols the point on the power play, like Samuelsson, and may be an upgrade. His shot may not be as heavy as Samuelsson, but he gets it on net.

With Franzen out for four months, Babcock moved Zetterberg and Datsyuk onto the same line. Bertuzzi is the lucky winger who gets to join them. They were quite effective last Saturday. Bertuzzi is like another Homer on the ice and, despite his aging back, still has the hockey instincts to stay in step. Valterri Filpulla centers the 2nd line with Ville Leino and Cleary. Leino scored Saturday and has already shown the skill necessary for a top 6 forward. It's a testament to the Wings that they can land top 6 talent on such short notice. Leino was undrafted but became the top player in the Finnish league. He signed with the Wings as a free agent, likely due to their reputation. To Leino's credit, he accepted a full season in the minors to prepare for the NHL. Now he's on the 2nd line and the power play.

Williams, Bertuzzi, Leino, and recent grinder Patrick Eaves... lots of new faces. It's no surprise they're out of sync. They'll improve. The defense, though, is the bigger concern. They still have difficulty clearing the puck from their own zone. Anaheim, Chicago, and Pittsburgh terrorized the Wings last year in the playoffs by ramping up the offensive pressure. The Wings couldn't work their pinpoint outlet passes. That problem remains. With all the hoopla surrounding the Wings' loss of Hossa and others this offseason, perhaps the biggest loss was two years ago - when Drake retired. Drake never put up eye-popping numbers, but, partnered with Draper and Maltby, he dominated that 4th line. The 4th line used to be a huge advantage for the Wings, but last season and in four games this year, the Wings' 4th line can't keep up. Maltby and Draper are slower no doubt and perhaps they've lost some bite. The bite is what Drake brought to the table. Patrick Eaves may bring that back, but he's been a healthy scratch 3 of 4 games, so that doesn't bode well.

Holland signed enforcer Brad May last week, but he's only getting 6-7 minutes/game. The Wings need a grinder (or two) who can disrupt the attack, cause havoc, and maybe score a goal here or there. That is what's missing. They feel that loss on the penalty kill too.

Pistons win another exhibition
Perhaps the one thing to take from the exhibition season so far is that the team is having fun. That's a huge change from last year. One difference that I've noticed between Kuester and Michael Curry is that Curry's decisions were reactionary. He was always looking to match up his lineup with the oppositions. That's why Maxiell would play 20 minutes some nights and then earn a DNP-CD the next. Kuester is operating a bit more proactively. He realizes he's got four high-scoring guards on his team, so he's experimenting with 3-guard lineups. In the most recent exhibition, they used the 3-guard set for half the game. This will hopefully force some adjustments by the opposition. The downside is that the Pistons will turn the ball over like crazy. The only true point guard on the roster (Bynum) is still a ball-handling work-in-progress. Hamilton and Gordon will always lose the handle, and Stuckey... well, he'll be splitting time between the 1, 2, and 3 spots... I doubt he'll improve much as a true point guard.

So, we might as well accept it right now... this team might lead the league in TOs.

But they'll be fun to watch.

Another interesting note is that Charlie V is still out. The Patrick Hayes blog (link on the right sidebar) mentions that Kuester may stick with the Kwame Brown/Ben Wallace starting lineup. That would mean Charlie V comes off the bench. If Kwame and Ben bring the pain defensively, this experiment could work.

Friday, October 9, 2009

New Look Pistons

Yesterday I mentioned the Tigers will have little opportunity for roster overhaul. With no new faces and the bitter memory of the '09 season lingering, the '10 Tigers will be tough sell. Last year's Pistons had the same problem. They had the same faces, one year older. The team was coming off an ugly playoff series with the Celtics, and it looked like their window had closed. So Dumars traded Chauncey for Iverson and made the situation drastically worse. The '08-'09 season will go down in history as one of the absolute worst. Not so much because of their record (39-43) but because the lack of joy they exhibited on the court. The players could see it was the end-of-the-line and played like it.

The only benefit to the Billups trade was the extra money Dumars had in this offseason. He was busy. After the wheeling and dealing, only six players remained: Hamilton, Prince, Stuckey, Will Bynum, Kwame Brown, and Maxiell.

Somehow, Dumars pried Ben Gordon out of Chicago. It was shockingly easy. The Bulls believe their future is Derrick Rose. Yet, from an opponent's viewpoint, the Bulls best player was always Ben Gordon. Perhaps I overvalue him. Piston fans will get to see that Gordon is an elite talent. He could be an All-star this season.

Dumars also pulled in up-and-coming PF Charlie Villanueva, PF Chris Wilcox, and PF/C Ben Wallace. He drafted SF Austin Daye, SF DaJuan Summers, and SF Jonas Jerebko. See a trend here? The team is not balanced. Further complicating matters is the fact that the two best players (Hamilton and Gordon) play the same position. Add a rookie coach to the mix, and it could be a very long season.

Yet, with all the new faces, they've piqued my interest. These Pistons are much younger, faster, and play with an edge. Already, Jerebko and Daye got in fights, and this is only the exhibition season! Exhibitions in the NBA are somewhat more telling than other sports. The new guys will get the majority of minutes in the 2nd half, but the first half will be very similar to a regular season game. The effort is about the same.

From what I can tell so far, this team will turn the ball over. A lot. But they'll also hustle down rebounds. In two games, they've outrebounded their opponents 86-66. They've also got to find a spot for Will Bynum. With Hamilton, Stuckey, and Gordon as the key cogs in the guard rotation, where does Bynum fit in? He's the only true point guard on the roster, and he provides a Vinnie Johnson-esque burst of points off the bench. He's too good to not play. At one point, Coach Kuester used a 3-guard lineup with Bynum, Gordon, and Stuckey as SF. It worked. But it's still early.

With a team comprised mostly of 2s, 3s, and 4s, competition for minutes will be tight. My guess is the lineup will look like this:

PG: Stuckey, Bynum
SG: Hamilton, Gordon
SF: Tayshaun, Daye, Summers
PF: Villanueva, Wilcox, Maxiell
C: Big Ben, Kwame

Right now, Kwame is the starting center, but I'm betting that Ben will eventually win the job. He has enough in the tank to still impose his will defensively, and he's got the chemistry with Rip and Tay. Maxiell best be prepared to fill in at any of the 3, 4, or 5 spots. And Summers and Jerebko? You may be the odd men out.

Honestly, it was pretty sweet seeing Big Ben back in a Piston uniform.

For a less enthusiastic Piston preview, check out SI's article.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

RIP 2009 Detroit Tigers

I feel much better today. Most of the time, the sting after a bad loss is gone by the next morning. The loss to the Twins left me feeling ill much longer. It lingered through the night and into the next day. I didn't really care about the "epic collapse" or "choke" aspect of it either. As I mentioned before, I don't think the Tigers did choke. They played to their ability. Minnesota just had another gear, while the Tigers did not. What bothered me was the missed opportunities.

The game was a microcosm of the entire season. The Tigers had so many chances to push across runs and seal the deal. Yet, they just couldn't jump that final hurdle. They teased the fans all season long, and, while we tried to dismiss their chances of making the playoffs, the Tigers forced us believe. How can you deny a team in first place for so long? Damn that impending sense of doom!

And so, after the Great Tease of '09, the fans and Dave Dombrowski are left to pick up the pieces. After such a horrific ending, there's a palpable stench surrounding this team (not unlike the Pistons in '08 and '09). The fans will associate the current players with failure, disappointment, or worse. Unfortunately, we're stuck with 'em. Thanks to some hefty contracts, the Tigers are stuck with much the same roster. In fact, the team could get significantly worse, since key players (that we want to stick around) are free agents.

Let's start with Polanco. While he didn't deliver in the final game, he was the most clutch hitter all season. He's a free agent and may get a lucrative deal with a better club. Polanco is respected around the league, and, with such a hefty payroll, the Tigers may not have financial flexibility to match another offer. Rodney and Lyon are also free agents, and Rodney will be in line for a significant raise ($2.7M this year). Closers of his ilk could command $8-$9M. How much is the walking ulcer worth? Most fans would definitely want to keep Lyon, but he may not want to stay. If he gets an offer to be the closer somewhere else, he may take it. Lyon proved to me he has potential to be the closer, so why not give him the job (and a raise)?

Verlander, Jackson, and Laird are arbitration-eligible. Dombrowski will do whatever it takes to keep all three. Verlander and Jackson will be due massive raises. Verlander will command Cy Young-level money ($15M+), but it may only start at $10M next year and increase incrementally as other salaries come off the books. Jackson should earn about $10M. As for Laird, folks want to run him out of town. He left something like 10 runners on base that final game, and just could not hit worth a damn all season. It's true he was a nightmare at the plate, but he was also a Gold Glove catcher. Alex Avila, for all his late season heroics, is only two years removed from college. There's no harm in keeping both next year. The team will need two catchers anyway. Let Avila earn the job over time. This season, Laird earned $2.8M. If he wins the Gold Glove, he'll get a little raise, but that batting average will keep him honest.

The only other significant free agents are Everett and Galarraga. Dombrowski will want to keep both. Everett was cheap ($1M) and an effective shortstop, and Galarraga still has potential as a starter. The Tigers are in no position to let a starting pitcher walk. Miner and Seay are arbitration-eligible, and, unless there's some hidden rift, I expect they'll be back.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2010 Detroit Tigers:

Catcher: Laird, Avila
1st: Cabrera
2nd: ???, Santiago
SS: Everett
3rd: Inge
LF: Guillen, Raburn
CF: Granderson
RF: Maggs, Clete

Starters: Verlander, Porcello, Jackson, Bonine, Robertson
Middle relief: Miner, Galarraga, Seay, Ni, Bonderman
Late relief: Lyon, Perry, Zumaya

Bonderman is on the hook for a startling $12.5M next season. His offseason should prove interesting. For that type of money, the Tigers will try to get him back in starter mode. Nevertheless, I'm not sure if he'll ever regain that '06 form. Robertson exhibited just enough to warrant a look as a starter next year, and he's still due a whopping $10M.

Thankfully, Gary Sheffield's $13M comes off the books, but Dontrelle remains as $12M. Yikes.

So, the only question mark is 2nd base. Don't expect an overhaul. Not for another year at least.

Remedy
And, now, the cure for your Tiger depression. Nothing like good 'ol Christopher Cross, backed by the Roots:

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Best text of the night

My good friend, Bryan, who lived for 7 years in Minneapolis, sent me what I think was the best text message I received (of the 143 that came in). He sent this sometime in the 9th inning:

"According to the TV schedule, the Tigers and the Twins are playing the gay Yankees tomorrow. Maybe that way they could actually beat them."

Not a bad idea.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Completely Believable

Well, this is a new one for me. I don't know how to explain the feeling I have when faced with an historical achievement, for futility in the face of success. The 2009 Detroit Tigers are the first team in Major League Baseball history to remain in first place from May 10 till the final week of the season -- and not win their Division. They're the first team to ever blow a three game lead with 4 games left. They were too bad to be that good. Or something.

I can't believe there were many Detroit fans that actually believed this team would win game 163, in Minnesota. But, to be honest, that prospect was more likely than actually winning two of three from the White Sox. The only reason I held out a thread of hope, was the fact that the Tigers were finally the underdogs. It seemed like that would be the only way they could win a game. Turns out, that wasn't even enough. Those magically, lovable, everyman's team, heart of America, super kids, those scrappy Twins pulled off the impossible (yet totally plausible) come back.

Mr. Thatballdontlie has a large amount of vitriol for the Twins, and that's completely understandable. However, as much as I really want to hate them, and have hated them in the past (trust me, I had Dan Gladden nightmares for years), they are not a team that is easy to hate. They're the team of Kirby Puckett. They play in an outdated piece of stool that they embrace. I have hated hearing about the "Metrodome Magic" and "Miracles" and "Mystique," but when it comes down to it, they're not the Yankees. Or the Red Sox. Or the White Sox. Their fans talk funny and know more about hockey than any other "baseball" city in America. (Well, tie them with Detroit -- we have great hockey fans, but take a look at youth hockey in this country and you'll realize that them Minnesotans are pretty dern knowledgeable, eh.) As far as I know they haven't stolen a ball from a player, or run on to the field to assault an opposing team's coach, or refer to themselves as "the nation."

This game played directly into the story line about those gritty, never-say-die Twins who just don't know that they're supposed to be done playing. Come to think of it, if Disney didn't already own the Angels, there'd be a story line there. The Tigers played about as well as I could have expected. They played great defense got some clutch hits (albeit not in the 11th inning, but they did load the bases...), and their pitching was, with the exception of Miner who had been pretty solid since August, as good as you could have hoped for -- especially given the tear that the Twins have been on. All that said, I was left feeling completely dejected.

Have you ever tried to explain that feeling of deflation to a child? My 8 year old daughter wanted to know why I was so upset about the Tigers losing, and why I barely get upset at all when her soccer team loses -- and she's "way more important than those guys!" It's a very daunting task. Why is it that a) we care about these teams we support, b) allow their success or failure to impact our emotions, and c) we maintain ties to teams that are in cities we don't even live in? I'll leave the answering of that question to someone smarter than me, I just know that it's tough to explain to your daughter that even though she needs to change her attitude and just be happy when she's feeling down, it's harder when you're a dad and the Tigers just blew a 7 game lead over the final 3 weeks of the season.

It came down to a sacrifice fly

After 162 games, should I be surprised? Of course not. They couldn't hit a sacrifice fly all season, so why would they hit one in game 163?

Thank you, Tigers, for the least enjoyable winning season ever. And, Minnesota...
I hate you forever and ever and ever and ever and ever.


It's been a tough year for Detroit sports fans.

Calm before the storm

Yes, folks in Detroit are angered over the Cabrera situation. I would bet most of the angered fans would be just as irresponsible in Cabrera's shoes. You're 26, a multi-millionaire, and your friends are in from out-of-town. Who wouldn't have a few drinks? The unfortunate thing is that Cabrera didn't stop at just a few drinks.

Cabrera is also the main component in the Tigers' offense. He's a highly visible young man, and the organization has not just invested $150million in his bat but also the man. So people are angry. But he's got a chance at redemption today. If he goes hitless and the Tigers lose, the anti-Cabrera rage will rain down on Detroit. Even Ilitch will be livid, if not already.

Like I said yesterday, these things don't usually end well. I wouldn't be surprised to hear Cabrera trade rumors in the offseason. I hope, though, the Tigers don't fall prey to a knee-jerk reaction. Other than this one incident, Cabrera appears to be a good guy and teammate too. He's also the greatest hitter I've ever seen in a Tiger uniform. This most recent distraction is cause for alarm, yes, but it's not as alarming as, say, a racist rant, organizing dog fights, or drunk driving. It was an awful decision, but it shouldn't define his career. This is assuming it was an isolated incident. One can hope.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera showed up to the game Saturday with scratches on his face. He did not answer any questions about it. News reports trickled out over the weekend that Cabrera got into an altercation with his wife.

Now, we also know that he was out late Friday night with some Chicago White Sox players. He and his wife had at the very least a verbal exchange. The wife called the cops. Miguel went to the station, blew a .26 on the breathalyzer, and then left with Dave Dombrowski after the cops decided he didn't break any laws.

Oh, and Cabrera was hitless over the weekend.

I'm a pretty forgiving guy, but this one is tough to swallow. He's a relatively young individual, and he's human. So, yes, he makes mistakes. Yet, on the eve of the most important game of the season? To be out partying? With the opposition? That's just bad. These things rarely end well.

Impending Sense of Doom

Throughout this entire season, there's been this impending sense of doom surrounding the Tigers. Tiger fans have zero confidence in their team. It's made for entertaining radio over the summer, as the sports talk personalities remind the callers that the Tigers are (or were) a first place team. Not many first place teams were treated with such disrespect. Nobody felt the team had a chance of finishing in first place, let alone make a dent in the playoffs. Why?

It may have nothing to do with the Tigers at all. It may just be the culture of the city. Or, it may be the lingering bitter aftertaste of the Lions' 0-16 season. Either way, the fans were angry. I was no exception. Back in March, my wife and I were driving home one day listening to a spring training game on the radio. The Tigers were losing, and I recall actually yelling at the radio. I caught myself and said, "Wow, I'm already in midseason form!" It was a friggin' spring training game, but the team still drove me bonkers.

From a baseball standpoint, the Tigers statistically were dreadful on offense. Just last Saturday, in a must-win game, only three hitters in the entire lineup were over .250. Contrast that with the Twins: seven of the nine hitters on Saturday were over .250. In fact, those seven were all hitting above .275. The pitching was not much better. Somehow, the Tigers went the entire season with only three legitimate starting pitchers. Yet, Verlander, Jackson, and Porcello were just good enough to keep the Tigers in contention. And, to be fair, the bullpen was suprisingly effective. When the Tigers trailed, the bullpen usually caved in, allowing numerous tack-on runs. But, when the Tigers had the lead, the 'pen was shockingly stingy.

Despite the impressive, workmanlike bullpen, it was still difficult to enjoy the Tigers late in games. It was that impending sense of doom, within each game. In the 9th, Rodney would trot on. He'd walk the bases loaded and then strike the next three out. He would do just enough to get the job done. It drove all of us crazy! But the Tigers won.

Rodney would give up homeruns... he'd hit batters... he'd throw the ball into the backstop (and sometimes into the stands), but he miraculously saved 37 games in 38 chances. He was a walking contrast, and he personified the team. I regularly complained about the total lack of clutch hitting. But, right now, as I sit typing this Monday morning, I can rattle off dramatic walk off home runs by Inge, Clete Thomas, and Ryan Raburn. And then there was that astounding three-run home run by Aubrey Huff just a few weeks ago. In many ways, the Tigers were tremendously clutch. But they would also load the bases with no outs and fail to score a single run. Perhaps that's just baseball. Perhaps that's just the 2009 Detroit Tigers.

Sixteen games ago, I felt the impending sense of doom. I wrote that the Twins would overtake the Tigers on the last day. I was wrong. The Tigers bested my prediction by one game and managed to finish in a tie for first. The Tigers were up 2 games with only 3 to play. From an outsider's perspective, that's a massive choke. I beg to differ. Teams choke when they have an opportunity to win and then play far below their ability. The Tigers finished the final three games the same exact way they played the previous 159. It's more of an indictment on the rest of the Central that the Tigers were in first place for so long. The Tigers played to their ability, but the Twins and White Sox clearly underachieved.

The Twins at least caught fire at the end. They finished by winning 16 of the final 20 games, destroying a KC Royal team that manhandled the Tigers a few weeks before. And the Twins did it without their best power hitter (and former AL MVP) Justin Morneau.

So now, after playing 162 games, the Tigers and Twins must play one more. With the game at the Metrodome, the advantage is clearly with Minnesota. If their form holds, Minnesota will win with relative ease. The Curse of Senor Smoke will live on. Yet, we know the Tigers are a team of contrasts. They may rise to the challenge, or they may rise at 7am for a Wednesday morning tee-time.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Are you kidding me?

With a chance to actually clinch the division, the Tigers lose to the Twins 8-3. The following day, they fall behind 8-0, garnering an astounding 1 hit through 8 innings. I'm writing this prior to the actual end of the game, but the loss is inevitable. So, with the playoffs on the line, the Tigers respond by getting outscored 16-3.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009 Detroit Tigers!

In the third inning, the Twins lead the Royals 7-0. Apparently, one team has the goods, and the other is a complete sham.

As I watch the Tigers unravel, I feel like a battered housewife. Each game, I hope and pray it'll be a different outcome. And each game, I'm bruised.

Oh, and the Red Wings lost their season opener despite leading 3-1. Osgood looked pedestrian, to say the least. Helluva day.

More on Los Tigres

I just read a superb recap from David Mayo on MLive. The headline says it all.


Yes, the Tigers could still blow it. They face Peavy tonight. He shut the Tigers out last time. It was another one of those pathetic showings where the Tigers could get runners on base but couldn't connect on that clutch hit. Saturday the Tigers trot out Alfredo Figaro for his 3rd career MLB start. Yes, perfect timing for that one. And then Verlander takes the mound on Sunday.

IF (and that's a huge "if") the Tigers win tonight and Saturday, I imagine Leyland will save Verlander for the first game of the playoffs. Perhaps Bonine would take his place Sunday. Or, heck, throw Galarraga out there. It's safe to assume the Twins will take at least two of their final three against KC. The only potential loss is against Grienke, but the Twins will be playing at home. If they hold to form, the Twins will continue their torrid streak (the only team to beat the Twins the past 17 games is Detroit... and Grienke). The pressure is on. For both teams. The edge definitely goes to Minnesota playing the inferior opponent, but they're also two games behind. That puts the odds slightly in the Tigers' favor, but, if the Tiger bats don't come through, Mauer and friends may find themselves in New York next week.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

TBDL curse?

Perhaps it's the thatballdontlie curse? I thought I was being rather fair to the Tigers prior to this game. Either way, it's the 8th inning, and Bobby Seay just gave up a bases-clearing double. Welcome back from injury, Seay. Now go sit down.

What an awful performance from the Tigers. The Twins tried to help them out by commiting three errors. And I can't completely blame Robertson. He ultimately pitched 6 innings with 3 ER. Yet, the clutch hits from the past two games were completely absent. It was the Twins coming through with two outs. The Twins moved runners into scoring position and sacrificed them home. It was all Twins. The Tigers did things like hit into non-standard double plays. Well done. This tells me that, when faced with the opportunity to crush an opponent, the Tigers simply don't have the players.

The magic number remains two. And I thought it would be easy...

And then there were two...

games, that is.

For the first time on this blog, I'll mention the "magic number," which, of course, is 2. I've neglected bringing it up because what good is it talking about the magic number when it's 18? 13? When the team can whittle it down to "2," that's manageable.

I hoped Leyland would manage last night's game as if it were Game 7 of the Series, and he did just that. Somehow Bonine escaped a rough first inning and didn't allow a run the rest of the way. Leyland replaced Bonine with his doppelganger, Zach Miner. Now, Miner is one of those Jeckyll-and-Hyde pitchers. He's either lights-out or a powder keg. In September, Miner has had twelve appearances. In ten of those, he's pitched 15 total innings, allowing an astouding ZERO earned runs. In the other two, he gave up 4 runs and 6 hits in 2 innings of work. Last night, we got the good Miner, as he plowed through the Twins in the 6th and 7th innings. Miner gave up two hits in the 8th, but trusty Lyon pitched out of the jam with two straight Ks.

As for the bats, well they came through. Despite falling behind 2-0, the Tigers rallied in the 2nd inning off crafty Carl Pavano. Inge hit a two-run double, and then Ramon Santiago scored two more off a single. In the 5th, with two outs and the bases loaded, Magglio notched the most clutch hit of his season by clearing the bases with a double. That was it for Pavano. He left the game with 7 earned runs. Coming into the game, he had only allowed 7 earned runs against Detroit for the entire season!

Rodney pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, and the Tigers now stand on the brink of the division title. If they win today, they clinch it. If they lose, they'll have to take 2 of 3 against the White Sox to guarantee a post-season berth. Is it too much to ask to have the Tigers win today? With Robertson lining up against the Twins' ace, Scott Baker, it just may be. Robertson did beat Baker a mere eleven days ago in the Metrodome, but Robertson wasn't nearly as sharp in his last start - a shellacking at the hands of the White Sox. Robertson should aim for a Bonine-like performance. Just try to keep the score close. Normally, relying on the Tiger bats is a recipe for disaster. Perhaps with the division title within their reach, the bats will continue the hot streak.

Game within the game
Heard about this gem on the radio this morning. A Minnesota fan put up a video on youtube, showing Mauer tipping Verlander's pitches to the batter, Kubel. Mauer is on second base and can see the signs from Laird. When it's a curveball, Mauer taps his ear. When it's a fastball, Mauer taps his face. The Minnesota fan held his camcorder in front of his TV screen, so the quality is poor, but he added running commentary on the youtube clip.

While I often complain about Laird's bat, he has truly excelled this season at catcher. He should win the Gold Glove for the sheer number of runners he's thrown out trying to steal. This video is another example of the intangibles Laird brings to the table:



For the record, I have no problem with this level of gamesmanship. The video title says the word "cheating." I don't necessarily agree with that. If Mauer and Kubel are savvy enough to tip the pitches, then more power to 'em. It's all part of the game within the game.