By now, most of you have likely heard of the freep article regarding the University of Michigan's alleged NCAA violations. To quickly sum up, a handful of players (likely 5 or 6) told the Free Press, indepedently and anonymously, that Rich Rodriguez and his staff conducted mandatory practices that extended over the maximum number of hours permitted by the NCAA.
I imagine most people are not surprised by this story. The University of Michigan is the winningest football program in the nation. They obviously consider themselves the "leaders and best." Since 2000, they've lost 3 or more games every season but one. Living in Ann Arbor during this time, I regularly heard the complaints. The fans were not happy. They considered their team to be elite. Finishing out of the AP's top 5, not going to a BCS bowl, and routinely losing to Ohio State was not acceptable. Most fans were tired of Lloyd Carr's antiquated system and gruff-old-man personality. They wanted to compete with the Floridas and LSUs and USCs of the world.
So, in came Rich Rodriguez. I listened to his initial press conference. He was extremely likable. He talked about moving his family, bringing in most of his coaches, implementing the spread. But the dude's tenure at UM has been nothing short of a disaster. First, he had the massive controversy with his ex-employer, West Virginia, suing him for $4million. Then a handful of players transfered, and one player missed the family atmosphere of Lloyd Carr, saying RichRod was "more of a business." Then last season, RichRod kicked one of his players off the team for initiating a coke deal. Now, he has former players citing NCAA violations. And, worst of all (for UM fans), the team finished 3-9, missing a bowl game for the first time in my lifetime.
Yet, Michigan fans wanted change. They wanted a big time program. They got all that and more. Did RichRod break the rules? My guess is that he probably did. Yet, I imagine he's been doing the same thing for his entire coaching career. And he probably learned the system from his mentor, Tommy Bowden. Likely, all the big programs break the rules.
College football has reached a breaking point. So much is required of these players that they're not really students. Balancing football and academics is next-to-impossible for these 18, 19 year old kids. Something's gotta give, and it's almost always the studies. That's evidently not a big deal for most kids. But it was for a handful of UM players.
The University is now conducting an "investigation" into the NCAA violations. If they go public that the football program did in fact break the rules, RichRod will be fired. But the ramifications should go farther than that. College football needs to recede a bit. The teams need to let the student-athletes be students-athletes, not professionals. They need to play less games, less bowls. Unfortunately, there is so much money tied up in college football that change will only go in one direction - more, more, more! The UM scandal may open up some eyes and perhaps cause the Athletic Directors to rethink their priorities. That's my hope at least. But my brain tells me money always wins.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Streak
I suppose I should give credit where credit is due. As John rightfully pointed out after my last post, the Tigers did end their streak. They took 2 of 3 from the 1st place Angels and finally won a road series after 10 straight series losses.
The problem is that every time I praise the Tigers they tend to lay an egg the next game. It's the thatballdontlie curse. Or perhaps it's simply that the Tigers are incredibly inconsistent, which is why I always reference Inge. Depending on how the moons align, Brandon Inge either strikes out four times (on 12 pitches) or ends the game with a walk-off home run. Prior to this season, there was no more polarizing Detroit Tiger than Brandon Inge. His performance this year has further cemented that status. Hitting and fielding like an all-star in the 1st half and then plummeting to a .164 average in the 2nd? He's the 2009 Detroit Tigers! Impossible to pin down. Impossible to predict.
How do they lose 2 of 3 to the hapless A's (and Jack Cust) then put 10 up on the Angels the next night? I suppose that's the nature of sports and why we find it so fascinating.
So, yes, the streak is over, and the Tigers deserve credit for performing well in a road series. All the starters did pretty well, except Verlander who somehow lost focus after the offense scored the 10 runs. Maybe those long, half-inning layoffs really affect their arms? Now they're back home with a few against the Devil Rays, another decent team. With a good home stand, the Tigers could put a strangle-hold on their first place lead. The White Sox haven't helped themselves in recent weeks, but the Twins, to the surprise of no one, are inching back into contention (4.5 games back).
The problem is that every time I praise the Tigers they tend to lay an egg the next game. It's the thatballdontlie curse. Or perhaps it's simply that the Tigers are incredibly inconsistent, which is why I always reference Inge. Depending on how the moons align, Brandon Inge either strikes out four times (on 12 pitches) or ends the game with a walk-off home run. Prior to this season, there was no more polarizing Detroit Tiger than Brandon Inge. His performance this year has further cemented that status. Hitting and fielding like an all-star in the 1st half and then plummeting to a .164 average in the 2nd? He's the 2009 Detroit Tigers! Impossible to pin down. Impossible to predict.
How do they lose 2 of 3 to the hapless A's (and Jack Cust) then put 10 up on the Angels the next night? I suppose that's the nature of sports and why we find it so fascinating.
So, yes, the streak is over, and the Tigers deserve credit for performing well in a road series. All the starters did pretty well, except Verlander who somehow lost focus after the offense scored the 10 runs. Maybe those long, half-inning layoffs really affect their arms? Now they're back home with a few against the Devil Rays, another decent team. With a good home stand, the Tigers could put a strangle-hold on their first place lead. The White Sox haven't helped themselves in recent weeks, but the Twins, to the surprise of no one, are inching back into contention (4.5 games back).
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Nate's back
Very strange development. The Tigers called up Nate Robertson and sent Galarraga to the Mud Hens. The Tigers claim this is only a 10-day assignment for Galarraga, and that he's been suffering from an elbow inflammation for three months. This is a rather convenient explanation for Galarraga's troubles since May. The fact is that Galarraga has sprinkled in brilliant performances throughout his generally subpar year. In July, Galarraga posted a 3.29 ERA, and, in his last two starts, he gave up only four runs in 11.1 innings. So, why send him down now?
As for Nate, he's fared well at Toledo. After five starts, Nate's got a 1.89 ERA, but it's still just Toledo. Not since early 2007 has Nate exhibited the stuff that earned him a ticket to the majors. Watching Nate has been like watching the Lions - you know they're going to let you down; you just don't know when. My only guess is that this move is about money. Nate is earning $10million this season, and Dombrowski wants to get some return on that investment. Galarraga's netting less than $0.5million, so perhaps he's more expendable. I just feel this move is a major risk in the middle of the pennant race. Nate will be starting this Saturday against Tampa Bay on national TV. The last time Nate was on national TV was the '06 playoffs. Let's hope we get the '06 Robertson!
By the way, thought this pic was pretty telling of the Tigers' offense this season:
As for Nate, he's fared well at Toledo. After five starts, Nate's got a 1.89 ERA, but it's still just Toledo. Not since early 2007 has Nate exhibited the stuff that earned him a ticket to the majors. Watching Nate has been like watching the Lions - you know they're going to let you down; you just don't know when. My only guess is that this move is about money. Nate is earning $10million this season, and Dombrowski wants to get some return on that investment. Galarraga's netting less than $0.5million, so perhaps he's more expendable. I just feel this move is a major risk in the middle of the pennant race. Nate will be starting this Saturday against Tampa Bay on national TV. The last time Nate was on national TV was the '06 playoffs. Let's hope we get the '06 Robertson!
By the way, thought this pic was pretty telling of the Tigers' offense this season:
Monday, August 24, 2009
Perfect 10
It was the sort of game you'd expect from a team playing out the string, not a team battling for the playoffs. The Tigers were thoroughly outclassed - in every facet - by the last place team in the AL West. Facing Brett Tomko, who, two weeks ago, was a 36-year-old minor leaguer, the Tigers opened up with a blistering Granderson home run. Then Tomko easily set down 18 of the next 20 batters. It wasn't until the 7th inning that the Tigers pushed one more run across the plate, but by then it was too late. A's designated hitter, Jack Cust, became the latest to earn the title "Tiger killer". He was 6 for 9 during the week, with 5 RBIs and two home runs against Porcello.
The one Tiger shining moment was a 2-run home run by Cabrera in the 8th (his 200th). That cut the lead to 5-4, but the Tigers followed that momentum-turning knock with two straight strikeouts (courtesy of Inge and underwhelming Huff). Then the Tiger relievers let Oakland tack-on four more runs. Game over. 9-4. With the loss, the Tigers have now lost 10 consecutive road series. Wow.
People often wonder why Tiger fans are so cynical. This game is why. The Tigers had the perfect opportunity to gain another game on Chicago, win their first road series, and, in general, beat down a losing team with a journeyman pitcher on the mound. Instead, that journeyman needed just 87 pitches to strike out 8, and they had to take him out because his arm wasn't stretched out. He's been pitching in relief all season!
Now the Tigers must fly to Anaheim to face a much better team. I thought the Tigers may have turned a corner in the Bosox series, but this meager showing against the A's tells me otherwise. The bats are still dead, and the bullpen is still shaky. Only two hitters in the starting lineup were above the league average of .266 (Cabrera and Avila). While Inge remains the best option at 3rd base, his dropoff in production has killed the offense. He hit .182 in July and is now at .164 in August. Without Inge's power in the bottom half of the order, the Tigers have trouble scoring more than 1 run. He and Cabrera were clearly the catalysts in the 1st half of the season. And nobody has stepped up to carry the load.
Dombrowski tried to help by bringing in Huff and Avila. Now it's up to the players. Can they turn it around? Starts tonight with Verlander against Jered Weaver.
The one Tiger shining moment was a 2-run home run by Cabrera in the 8th (his 200th). That cut the lead to 5-4, but the Tigers followed that momentum-turning knock with two straight strikeouts (courtesy of Inge and underwhelming Huff). Then the Tiger relievers let Oakland tack-on four more runs. Game over. 9-4. With the loss, the Tigers have now lost 10 consecutive road series. Wow.
People often wonder why Tiger fans are so cynical. This game is why. The Tigers had the perfect opportunity to gain another game on Chicago, win their first road series, and, in general, beat down a losing team with a journeyman pitcher on the mound. Instead, that journeyman needed just 87 pitches to strike out 8, and they had to take him out because his arm wasn't stretched out. He's been pitching in relief all season!
Now the Tigers must fly to Anaheim to face a much better team. I thought the Tigers may have turned a corner in the Bosox series, but this meager showing against the A's tells me otherwise. The bats are still dead, and the bullpen is still shaky. Only two hitters in the starting lineup were above the league average of .266 (Cabrera and Avila). While Inge remains the best option at 3rd base, his dropoff in production has killed the offense. He hit .182 in July and is now at .164 in August. Without Inge's power in the bottom half of the order, the Tigers have trouble scoring more than 1 run. He and Cabrera were clearly the catalysts in the 1st half of the season. And nobody has stepped up to carry the load.
Dombrowski tried to help by bringing in Huff and Avila. Now it's up to the players. Can they turn it around? Starts tonight with Verlander against Jered Weaver.
Friday, August 21, 2009
My stars! A sacrifice fly!
Just a friggin' great game yesterday. Jarrod Washburn, facing his former team, got lit up once again. In his four starts with the Tigers, Washburn fared poorly in three. Is it time to panic? Not yet. Let's wait until he gets eight starts under his belt. Yesterday, the Mariners jumped on him early... and dramatically. Courtesy of three home runs, the Mariner's enjoyed a 4-0 lead in the 4th. The Tigers clawed back to 4-2, but then the Mariners homered again to make it 6-2.
It was not looking good, but a rain delay changed the Tigers' fortunes. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th, the rain began to pour down. 58minutes later, the game resumed. Aubrey Huff grounded out to score one run. Then, with two outs, Alex Avila singled home two more to make it 6-5.
Failing to capitalize on even more baserunners in the 7th and 8th, the Tigers' relievers (Miner and Seay) at least kept Seattle off the board. Still a run down in the bottom of the 9th, Carlos Guillen led off with a walk. Raburn, with 3 hits on the day, popped out. Then Cabrera doubled down the right-field line. Guillen advanced to third. The Mariners decided to load the bases by walking Maggs.
Up stepped Brandon Inge - perhaps the most clutch Tiger during the first half of the season - though more of a strike-out candidate in the 2nd half. Ol' Brandon looped a pop fly into left-center. It was deep enough for Carlos to try to tag-up. Every Mariner outfielder has a rocket-arm, and this play was destined to be close. The throw to the catcher was directly on line. Carlos, no doubt sensing the close play at the plate, opted not to slide. Instead, he ran directly into the catcher, who was blocking home plate. The ball arrived slightly ahead of Carlos, but the impact of the collision jarred the ball loose. Safe! Great play by Guillen, and it tied the game. Cabrera advanced to third.
The next batter was Clete Thomas. Quickly falling behind 0-2, Clete slowly worked the count full. Then, he turned on a fastball and whipped it over the first baseman's head into right field. Cabrera bounded home and made a B-line to Clete. It was soon a mob scene, with Clete's 2nd walk-off hit in a month. Just a great win by the Tigers and so uncharacteristic. They won the game with a sacrifice fly and super-clutch hitting. And it was against a good team and a good pitcher - David Aardsma (2.43 ERA), who'd been lights-out until recently.
Now, it's a six-game road trip to Oakland and Anaheim. The Tigers know they must improve on the road. Said Leyland, "It'll have to change, or we won't win anything." Oakland beat up the Tigers during their last visit, and Anaheim is simply one of the elite. It's now late August - crunch time. It will be interesting to see how the Tigers respond. They definitely raised their level of play against Boston (despite winning just one). Let's hope it continues.
It was not looking good, but a rain delay changed the Tigers' fortunes. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th, the rain began to pour down. 58minutes later, the game resumed. Aubrey Huff grounded out to score one run. Then, with two outs, Alex Avila singled home two more to make it 6-5.
Failing to capitalize on even more baserunners in the 7th and 8th, the Tigers' relievers (Miner and Seay) at least kept Seattle off the board. Still a run down in the bottom of the 9th, Carlos Guillen led off with a walk. Raburn, with 3 hits on the day, popped out. Then Cabrera doubled down the right-field line. Guillen advanced to third. The Mariners decided to load the bases by walking Maggs.
Up stepped Brandon Inge - perhaps the most clutch Tiger during the first half of the season - though more of a strike-out candidate in the 2nd half. Ol' Brandon looped a pop fly into left-center. It was deep enough for Carlos to try to tag-up. Every Mariner outfielder has a rocket-arm, and this play was destined to be close. The throw to the catcher was directly on line. Carlos, no doubt sensing the close play at the plate, opted not to slide. Instead, he ran directly into the catcher, who was blocking home plate. The ball arrived slightly ahead of Carlos, but the impact of the collision jarred the ball loose. Safe! Great play by Guillen, and it tied the game. Cabrera advanced to third.
The next batter was Clete Thomas. Quickly falling behind 0-2, Clete slowly worked the count full. Then, he turned on a fastball and whipped it over the first baseman's head into right field. Cabrera bounded home and made a B-line to Clete. It was soon a mob scene, with Clete's 2nd walk-off hit in a month. Just a great win by the Tigers and so uncharacteristic. They won the game with a sacrifice fly and super-clutch hitting. And it was against a good team and a good pitcher - David Aardsma (2.43 ERA), who'd been lights-out until recently.
Now, it's a six-game road trip to Oakland and Anaheim. The Tigers know they must improve on the road. Said Leyland, "It'll have to change, or we won't win anything." Oakland beat up the Tigers during their last visit, and Anaheim is simply one of the elite. It's now late August - crunch time. It will be interesting to see how the Tigers respond. They definitely raised their level of play against Boston (despite winning just one). Let's hope it continues.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Magglio Dilemma
By now, everybody knows that Magglio will be due $18million next season if he reaches 1080 plate appearances ('08 and '09 seasons combined). To date, he's at 1004. With 43 games remaining, Magglio should have no trouble getting reaching that goal. For a guy who was a crowd favorite a few months ago, some fans can't send him packing soon enough.
The Tigers were an awful team when they signed Magglio back in '04, so they had to overpay. The marriage benefited both parties. Magglio made a ton of cash, and the Tigers ascended from bottom-feeder to occasional contender. Now that Magglio has slowed down, the fans don't think he's worth the cash. But baseball ain't like the NFL. You can't just cut a player. Well, I suppose you could, but you'd get sued. For instance, if the Tigers cut Magglio today, his agent (Steve Boras) would file a grievance. The arbiter would see that Magglio is hitting a respectable .277, and a decent .281 with RISP (better than everyone but Cabrera and Polanco). The Tigers would have to prove that his release was strictly baseball-related, and the stats don't back that up. So, they're stuck with each other.
I also believe it would kill morale if the Tigers cut Maggs. He's a pretty popular guy in the clubhouse, and Cabrera, especially, looks up to him as a trail-blazing Venezuelan. Now that Maggs is swinging a better bat, Leyland should suck it up and play him as the regular right fielder. The $18million guaranteed next season is a way better investment than Bonderman's $12.5M, D-train's $12M, and Nate's $10M. Those dudes aren't even on the friggin' roster! Those awful contracts will likely kill the Tigers chances of pursuing any free agent. And Verlander and Edwin Jackson will likely get massive pay increases next season too, so the payroll will be going up. For poor Mike Ilitch, the end is nowhere in sight.
But all will be forgiven if they keep winning.
More Tigers
Granderson's troubles continue. In the month of August, Curtis is hitting .246 with 1 HR and 4 RBIs. He's hitless in the last three games. Inge is no better. Since July 1, Inge is a dreadful .181, with 5 HR and 13 RBIs. In the last ten games, ol' Brandon notched a meager 3 hits. And then there's Laird. Gerald has 7 hits in the entire month of August, good for a .184 average. No homers and 1 measly RBI. Only 25 RBIs for the season. Folks, that's some awful hitting.
How the heck are they in first? Not only are they in first, but they've maintained first place for over 3 months! Crazy.
The Tigers were an awful team when they signed Magglio back in '04, so they had to overpay. The marriage benefited both parties. Magglio made a ton of cash, and the Tigers ascended from bottom-feeder to occasional contender. Now that Magglio has slowed down, the fans don't think he's worth the cash. But baseball ain't like the NFL. You can't just cut a player. Well, I suppose you could, but you'd get sued. For instance, if the Tigers cut Magglio today, his agent (Steve Boras) would file a grievance. The arbiter would see that Magglio is hitting a respectable .277, and a decent .281 with RISP (better than everyone but Cabrera and Polanco). The Tigers would have to prove that his release was strictly baseball-related, and the stats don't back that up. So, they're stuck with each other.
I also believe it would kill morale if the Tigers cut Maggs. He's a pretty popular guy in the clubhouse, and Cabrera, especially, looks up to him as a trail-blazing Venezuelan. Now that Maggs is swinging a better bat, Leyland should suck it up and play him as the regular right fielder. The $18million guaranteed next season is a way better investment than Bonderman's $12.5M, D-train's $12M, and Nate's $10M. Those dudes aren't even on the friggin' roster! Those awful contracts will likely kill the Tigers chances of pursuing any free agent. And Verlander and Edwin Jackson will likely get massive pay increases next season too, so the payroll will be going up. For poor Mike Ilitch, the end is nowhere in sight.
But all will be forgiven if they keep winning.
More Tigers
Granderson's troubles continue. In the month of August, Curtis is hitting .246 with 1 HR and 4 RBIs. He's hitless in the last three games. Inge is no better. Since July 1, Inge is a dreadful .181, with 5 HR and 13 RBIs. In the last ten games, ol' Brandon notched a meager 3 hits. And then there's Laird. Gerald has 7 hits in the entire month of August, good for a .184 average. No homers and 1 measly RBI. Only 25 RBIs for the season. Folks, that's some awful hitting.
How the heck are they in first? Not only are they in first, but they've maintained first place for over 3 months! Crazy.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
More Tiger Notes
He's been catching flak around Detroit for not hitting when it counts. Yet, last night, in a super-clutch situation, Miguel Cabrera rose to the occasion. Despite a sterling start from Rick Porcello, Bobby Seay came on in relief and gave up two runs to give Seattle a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the 8th.
Alex Avila started the 8th with a home run. Then Santiago got a single. Eventually, the Tigers loaded the bases with one out. Down 1 run, Cabrera stepped up to the plate. After missing badly at a curve, he lined the next pitch up the middle. Two runs scored! It was a great, unexpected comeback.
In the 9th, Rodney gave up a seeing-eye ground ball, then another single by Ichiro. The runners advanced on another ground ball. Then, with the fans chanting "Rodney! Rodney!", he slammed the door. Two straight strike outs. The last strikeout was a major battle - 12 pitches! Well done by Rodney and the Tigers.
Huff
Huff made his debut last night going 1-4. He had a chance to score a runner from second at his first at-bat. Pop out. Nevertheless, he hit a long fly ball to deep center that illustrated his potential. He should work out quite well.
Bertuzzi
I never really dug the guy, and I know Mrs. Thatballdontlie absolutely loathes him... but he must've meshed well with the Red Wing players. Otherwise, would Holland have pursued him? From a hockey standpoint, the team can use his skill-set. Despite his age, Bertuzzi can still put the puck in the net. He won't score 40 goals, but he could get 15-20. He's also a physical presence that could take some of the heat of Holmstrom. And he's a fighter. That always comes in handy.
Alex Avila started the 8th with a home run. Then Santiago got a single. Eventually, the Tigers loaded the bases with one out. Down 1 run, Cabrera stepped up to the plate. After missing badly at a curve, he lined the next pitch up the middle. Two runs scored! It was a great, unexpected comeback.
In the 9th, Rodney gave up a seeing-eye ground ball, then another single by Ichiro. The runners advanced on another ground ball. Then, with the fans chanting "Rodney! Rodney!", he slammed the door. Two straight strike outs. The last strikeout was a major battle - 12 pitches! Well done by Rodney and the Tigers.
Huff
Huff made his debut last night going 1-4. He had a chance to score a runner from second at his first at-bat. Pop out. Nevertheless, he hit a long fly ball to deep center that illustrated his potential. He should work out quite well.
Bertuzzi
I never really dug the guy, and I know Mrs. Thatballdontlie absolutely loathes him... but he must've meshed well with the Red Wing players. Otherwise, would Holland have pursued him? From a hockey standpoint, the team can use his skill-set. Despite his age, Bertuzzi can still put the puck in the net. He won't score 40 goals, but he could get 15-20. He's also a physical presence that could take some of the heat of Holmstrom. And he's a fighter. That always comes in handy.
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