State of Sports

My apologies for the delayed absence. For us unpaid bloggers, the paid work occasionally intervenes. (How dare they?)

Yet, I admit it's more than just business from the day job. I found myself often uninspired to write about our Detroit-area teams the past few months. When I started this blog a few years ago, the Pistons on solid ground, just a move or two away from contention. Plus, they had cap-space thanks to the Iverson deal. The Red Wings were the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, making yet another run. The Tigers were in 1st place. And the Lions... well, they were 0-16.

Oh, so much has changed. While the Red Wings remain the flag-bearers for sporting excellence, the Pistons are the exact opposite. Since the death of Bill Davidson, the once-proud franchise has become everything that's wrong with modern professional athletics. Bickering millionaire players, corporate greed, inept management. It's a complete and utter mess. There's no joy in following this team. If I wasn't a complete addict, I'd have jettisoned them by now, like the Lions.

As for the Lions, they actually made slight progress since the 0-16 season. Though, it's mathematically impossible to do any worse. Millen's replacement and former employee, Martin Mayhew, continues to make correct, rational decisions, which makes one wonder how he tolerated his former boss. Jim Schwartz and Ndamukong Suh have the team pointed in the right direction, regardless of who's QB. Of course, with the team on the verge of mediocrity, the league is on the brink of canceling the season. Is there a bigger turn-off than two super-rich organizations suing each other? (Well, maybe her.) When ESPN is overrun by lawyers and suits, it's time for Pawn Stars.

Then there's the Tigers. Last year, during a Spring Training radio broadcast, I found myself cursing Brandon Inge's inability to hit a sacrifice fly. As my temper boiled-over, I realized I was in mid-season bitching form... in April! Why was I already so angry at this team? This season, the anger-sickness spread to Mrs. Nofrownmotown, who's still livid at Dombrowski's offseason moves. She's sick to her stomach that Dombrowski spent millions on yet another free agent Victor Martinez, yet opted to let Imperfecto Galarraga walk. In her mind, the team does not have the luxury to let any pitchers walk. I tend to agree. Due to injuries and general inconsistency, the Tigers staff is hanging by a thread. God forbid something happen to Justin Verlander. Porcello and Scherzer are the inked in #2 and #3 starters, but neither made it through last season without getting sent to Triple-A. (And Mrs. Nofrown is still bitter that DD let Polanco go without a fight.)

I'm a little more tolerant of DD than Mrs. Nofrown. Yet, the recent news of Miguel Cabrera has soured any positive Spring vibe. Everybody wanted to believe the feel-good reconstruction of his career. Last year, he was on the verge of an MVP. He was perhaps the most-feared hitter in the American League. Why would he throw that away? What's even more disturbing is his booze-filled "Do you know who I am" behavior. How can we root for such entitlement?

I suppose a contrite Cabrera will still win over fans. And when he hits that next walk-off, all will be forgiven. Yet, is there any joy in rooting for this team? On the surface, they seem to be nice guys. Magglio, Inge, Guillen, and Verlander say the right things. They usually do enough to play .500 baseball. They beat up the National League, lose to the Twins and Sox, and typically stay in contention for a few months. They provide entertainment. Perhaps this season, we'll focus on the positives. One thing is for sure... when the lead story is actually baseball-related (not a police report), it'll be a lot more fun.

It's mid-March, just a few weeks from Fox Sports Detroit's infamous "April in the D" - the supposed Glory Days of Detroit Sports. With the Pistons train-wreck team, there will be no playoffs. The Red Wings may provide some spark, but with a rough opening schedule my guess is the Tigers will begin the season in last place. Maybe it's time I give more love to the Wings - the only team that still puts a smile on our face.

Last weekend, they pulled out a miracle win over the Kings, scoring the game-tying goal with seconds left in regulation, then notching the game-winner in OT. The next day, the beat St. Louis on the road - 5-3. They're in contention for the Cup once again. What's not to love?