Believe it or not, half of the Lions' 16-game NFL schedule has been played, so after a suggestion from Big Al Beaton, my co-host on the weekly gabfest "The Knee Jerks", we gathered around the campfire and had ourselves a mid-season review.
Our guests were Michael Schottey and Dean Holden, two of the premier Lions writers for Bleacher Report. Those two guys chimed in with analysis, mid-season letter grades, and a look ahead at the season's second half. It's not "feel good" radio, but these are the Lions, after all!
After burying the Lions for about an hour, Al and I delved into some juicy topics around Detroit sports.
We segued into the mess in Ann Arbor as it relates to the football program. Once again, we openly wondered how much time U-M officials will give coach Rich Rodriguez after yet another second half collapse, this time to Purdue at home. I went off a little bit (understatement) on the type of football being played at Michigan, and it was Al, believe it or not, who was the voice of reason!!
Next, it was time to, as Al put it, talk about something more uplifting: the Tigers' hiring of former third baseman Tom Brookens as the team's new first base coach. Al wondered if this was a set up to replace Jim Leyland down the line. Interesting thought. So we talked about Brookens and whether he'd make a good big league manager.
Then, more happy stuff: the induction of Steve Yzerman into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday. Yzerman went in with 2002 teammates Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille, which caused Al to ask where that '02 Red Wings Stanley Cup-winning squad ranks among the all-time best NHL teams. Then I rained on the parade and lamented the hiring of Dave Lewis as coach of that team after Scotty Bowman retired.
By that time, we were running out of clock and with no timeouts remaining, we had to go to our "Jerks of the Week."
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, for updates on scheduled guests, time changes, etc.
Upcoming guests/topics:
Nov. 16 Ansar Khan, Red Wings beat writer for MLive.com and Booth Newspapers
Nov. 23 U-M/MSU football post-mortem
Nov. 30 TBD (likely Pistons-related)
Dec. 7: NHL Central roundtable with Bleacher Report writers from Columbus, Chicago, Nashville, and St. Louis
Some highlights from Monday's show:
Big Al
On Michigan football: "If anything is going to happen with Rodriguez, it probably won't happen until after NEXT season. I wonder if AD Bill Martin timed his September retirement so that they can't shove Rodriguez and him out the door at the same time."
On Tom Brookens: "He was a blue collar player. That's why the fans in Detroit liked him so much. Maybe he was born to be a big league manager."
On Yzerman: "Words fail me as to how classy this guy was. The ovation they gave him in Toronto was deafening."
Eno
On Rich Rodriguez: "Something about this guy isn't right. It never felt right to me, from the moment of his first press conference when he admitted that he never had set foot in the state before."
On Tom Brookens: "Tommy's a smart guy. And he's a Tiger. I think he would make a terrific big league manager."
On the 2002 Red Wings: "If you were to corner GM Kenny Holland over a couple of beers, I bet he'd tell you that he should never have hired Dave Lewis to coach after Scotty Bowman retired. They could have won two more Stanley Cups with a more experienced coach."
You can listen to the episode by clicking below!
Showing posts with label Knee Jerks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knee Jerks. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Another Exciting Episode of "The Knee Jerks" Is Waiting For Download!
It was yet another jam-packed episode of "The Knee Jerks" last night on Blog Talk Radio!
My weekly gabfest with Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience went off without a hitch, as for the first 30 minutes we were joined by Paul Swaney of Bleacher Report, who will begin a quest in August 2010 to visit all 122 venues in the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA within a 12-month period!
Paul's website is www.stadiumjourney.com, and you can check out more of him and his mission there.
As for Al and me, we launched into a 35-minute discussion on the Tigers, talking about everything from their sorry offense to the team's financial state to Curtis Granderson's off-field distractions. Then we lit into the Pistons and their doughnut-like team (a big hole in the middle), despite the signing of free agent Chris Wilcox. We also pooh-poohed the notion of Big Ben Wallace returning to the Pistons, as has been rumored.
Some highlights....
Big Al: "I wouldn't be surprised if Magglio Ordonez was released when Carlos Guillen comes back."
"You're going to see a much different Tigers team next year. The payroll might drop below $100 million."
"The Pistons are going to have to score 100, 110 points a night to win anymore."
Eno: "Rick Porcello won't be going back to Toledo, EVER. He won't have to ride another bus the rest of his life. That's how good this kid is."
"If Curtis Granderson is going to be a leadoff hitter, then he's got to hit better than .255. He hits homers, but he's getting them quietly."
"I wish the Pistons would quit trying to fill their center position on the cheap."
We also named our respective Jerks of the Week!
You can listen to the show below:
My weekly gabfest with Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience went off without a hitch, as for the first 30 minutes we were joined by Paul Swaney of Bleacher Report, who will begin a quest in August 2010 to visit all 122 venues in the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA within a 12-month period!
Paul's website is www.stadiumjourney.com, and you can check out more of him and his mission there.
As for Al and me, we launched into a 35-minute discussion on the Tigers, talking about everything from their sorry offense to the team's financial state to Curtis Granderson's off-field distractions. Then we lit into the Pistons and their doughnut-like team (a big hole in the middle), despite the signing of free agent Chris Wilcox. We also pooh-poohed the notion of Big Ben Wallace returning to the Pistons, as has been rumored.
Some highlights....
Big Al: "I wouldn't be surprised if Magglio Ordonez was released when Carlos Guillen comes back."
"You're going to see a much different Tigers team next year. The payroll might drop below $100 million."
"The Pistons are going to have to score 100, 110 points a night to win anymore."
Eno: "Rick Porcello won't be going back to Toledo, EVER. He won't have to ride another bus the rest of his life. That's how good this kid is."
"If Curtis Granderson is going to be a leadoff hitter, then he's got to hit better than .255. He hits homers, but he's getting them quietly."
"I wish the Pistons would quit trying to fill their center position on the cheap."
We also named our respective Jerks of the Week!
You can listen to the show below:
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Weekly Jerkosity: A Fiercer Lion; A Scary Lyon; Meek Pistons; Smarmy NHL Commishes, And More!
Brace yourselves! It's Thursday, time for your weekly dose of "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno and Al."
Every Thursday I get my sports chat on with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al from The Wayne Fontes Experience.
This week, we weigh in on the Lions' new logo; play our hunches on the No. 1 draft pick; crab about the Pistons' lack of heart and laud the Red Wings' ability to stomp on the Jackets' tickers; cheer and jeer the Tigers; and the usuals show up: Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
As you will......
Eno: It's another Thursday, another week to suffer us Knee Jerks! It's "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno & Al." I'm Eno, aka The Journalist, and he's Big Al, aka Mr. Big Shot. Happy Thursday, your Al-ness!
Big Al: Yo, Eno! Hey, that rhymes! I'm a poet and didn't know it! Hey, that rhymes too! But this isn't a poetry slam, it's a chat about Detroit sports. Anyway, it's a sorta happy Thursday. Detroit had two playoff games Tuesday night, but only one team came through with flying colors, the Red Wings. The Pistons, on the other hand... Let’s just say the starting five is playing like they have tee times the day after Game 4.
Eno: Ha! Exactly what I wrote about the Pistons at OOB on Wednesday. But before we get to the playoffs, let's start with something REALLY important, like the Lions' new logo and unis!! Your thoughts?
Big Al: I like them. I really do. As I said on TWFE, they are an evolution, rather than a revolution. There's something to be said for keeping the Honolulu blue and silver, despite what some media hacks may say. *cough*doofs on 97.1*cough* In the end, as nice as the new logo looks (especially the updated typeface, as I HATED their former circus-like font), in the end it's just a money grab; an attempt to boost merchandising sales. All teams do it, so why not the Lions? I was more perturbed by the fan base uprising at the uniform introduction. [Aaron] Curry, [Matthew] Stafford, either one would look good in the new uni.
Eno: Yeah, I was there, and the first time the "Curry! Curry!" chants came, it was kind of funny and cute. But then it kept going, and there even was a "DON'T DRAFT STAFFORD!" chant. I guess I was also taken aback by the degree of pro-Curry, anti-Stafford sentiment out there among the fan base. And the folks showing up at a uniform unveiling are, to me, pretty representative. Because that's going above and beyond, to traipse out there on a Monday afternoon.
Big Al: I'll give them credit for showing up. The Lions, despite a near decade of trying to kill off interest, still have a dedicated fan base. That being said, the chanting for Curry was out of line. There's a time and place; this wasn't it. And speaking of Curry. many fans want the Lions to draft the MLB out of Wake Forest, but it's for ALL THE WRONG REASONS! They are scared of another skill player failure. But any Number One overall pick is a crapshoot! There is NO guarantee Curry will be worth the huge contract the top pick gets. I'm leery of playing $30 million-plus for a two-down defensive player who is not a pass rushing threat. The money would be better spent on a QB, Stafford, or an OT, Jason Smith. From all accounts, the Lions feel the same way, and are using Curry as leverage toward a more reasonable contract.
Eno: I totally agree. I think the chants happened because the unveiling was held the week of the draft. Anyhow, the new Lions logo is indeed fiercer and I like it. Not as crazy about the "Lions" font, which is a little too feminine for me, but whatever. As for Curry/Stafford, you're right that picking Curry would be like "trying not to lose." As you know, I was anti-Stafford for the same reason: the Lions' history of drafting QBs is rather inglorious. But I've been converted. Bring on Stafford! What the hell? Sadly, if there wasn't a $30 million bonus involved, I might still stick with Curry. But it's hard to justify that kind of jack for, like you said, a two-down guy.
Big Al: That's the thing, when given a choice between someone who handles the ball every snap, and another who will likely leave the field on passing downs, who's giving you more for the money? The last thing the Lions should do is draft scared. As you say, going with Curry is drafting "not to lose." He'll be good, but will he be GREAT? The jury is out, and will be for a long time. But if you are going to roll the dice, and the draft is nothing but a big gamble at every selection, I'm going for a home run with the first roll. The Lions still have two more picks in the first 33 choices to get a MLB. Would either Rey Malaluga or James Laurenaitis be that big of a drop in talent over Curry? I seriously doubt it.
Eno: I think Stafford's their guy, I really do. I think we may even find that out by Friday; it might be leaked. Speaking of QBs, I know you had a burr up your rear end about Daunte Culpepper, but I looked at some video of the mini-camp, and the guy really does look good. He's excited and re-invigorated. His teammates notice, too. I know it's just mini-camp, but at least DC's coming into the new season with the right attitude and he appears to be ready to be a leader.
Big Al: We can only hope. But it's awfully easy for Culpepper to look good when no one is wearing pads, and there's no pass rush. Meaning there's no pressure. Sure he lost weight, but it was because the Lions inserted a weight clause in his deal. You’re asking to suspend my belief in thinking a QB who hasn't had a good season in five years will suddenly recapture his youth. [New offensive coordinator] Scott Linehan may help, but only if he can lay hands upon Culpepper and miraculously make him 25 years old again. Attitude is great, but I like talent even more. That's where Culpepper is now lacking.
Eno: We'll see! OK, what's on your Big Al kind of brain today?
Big Al: I read your Twitter tweet (I'm Big_Al_TWFE and Eno is thegregger63. FOLLOW US!) stating you haven't watched a single minute of the Pistons-Cavs series. I was surprised, but then again, maybe not so much. We all knew going into this series the Pistons had two chances in this series, slim and none. After sleepwalking through two games, they now have one chance: none. The Pistons’ starting five was awful Tuesday night. I never want to say anything about a team's or player's heart, but in this case, I might be willing to make an exception. It's always sad to watch a once great team decline, but this is embarrassing. The Pistons, as we once knew them, are long gone. I'm ready for the off-season to begin. Apparently, so are the Pistons.
Eno: Yeah, I said as much at OOB. No pride. No self-respect. I expected a little piss and vinegar, but nothing. This can’t possibly help Michael Curry's status as an NBA coach. He may never get another crack at it after this. Do they STILL bring him back? This is awful, unless they turn things around in Deeeetroit in Games 3 and 4.
Big Al: If this team is Joe Dumars's vision, I think he needs glasses. Dumars made his bed with Curry, now he has to sleep in it. There's a lack of chemistry on the roster, and with the coaches. Obviously, the roster is going to change, big time. That's the only thing saving Curry—the hope that he can click with a new core. Plus, the Pistons are still paying Larry Brown and Flip Saunders. I doubt Pistons' ownership wants a third ex-coach on the payroll.
Eno: Wow. What a web Dumars has weaved, eh? How does he get himself out of it? The national scribes are beginning to look at Joe D cross-eyed, as if he's now one of the worst NBA execs, instead of one of the best. Is he making this up as he goes along, or is there a grand plan in there somewhere?
Big Al: I hope Joe D has a plan. What that is, other than signing a couple of high-priced free agents with all the cap room, I don't know. He best strike gold in free agency, be it with a big name or how he did by finding players ready to break out (as he did with Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups), or his team will sink DEEP into the lottery next season. I'm souring just a little on Dumars myself. He signed Amir Johnson to an extension, and he can't stay in the rotation. Jason Maxiell, another from whom Dumars expected big improvement, has hit his plateau. Rodney Stuckey, after setting the NBA on fire after Billups left, has regressed. He is looking more and more like a shooting guard, not a point guard. And of course, the Allen Iverson deal destroyed what chemistry the Pistons may have had left. What I'm saying is Dumars has been in a slump, and he needs to step up his game after the season.
Eno: Another interesting thing, before we move on: the death of Bill Davidson and its impact. Apparently his widow will run things, but with Mr. D gone, how does that impact Dumars's job security, if at all?
Big Al: I think he's safe for the time being. I really doubt the Davidson family wants to shake up anything at the Palace, in basketball operations or on the business side. They have a well oiled machine, run by men (Dumars and Tom Wilson) who have, for the most part, sterling track records. But time, as always, will tell.
Eno: OK, some Tigers talk! Tough loss in L.A. Tuesday night (ed. note: but a big WIN Wednesday night), but Curtis Granderson got off the schneide and hit two homers. They're 7-6 as we do this chat. For the most part, the bullpen has been good. What bothers you, and what makes you happy about the Bengals, 2009?
Big Al: What bothers me is Jim Leyland's use of Brandon Lyon. He's Todd Jones redux. A one inning pitcher. Yet whenever Leyland has let Lyon go more than one inning, Tuesday night being the latest instance, bad things happen, man. Bad things. What's making me happy are a couple of things. Overall, the pitching staff, from the starters on down to the mop up men, looks much improved. All the Tigers need is league average pitching, and they'll contend in the Central deep into September. Also, Miguel Cabrera is the next coming, period. I'm thrilled Dave Dombrowski came out this week to nip in the bud (Channeling Barney Fife: NIP IT!) the asinine "Tigers will trade Cabrera” rumors. You NEVER trade a young talent like him. NEVER. It'll take a complete and utter economic collapse of unheard of impact for the Tigers to even consider a trade. Mike Ilitch has more money than, well, God. The Tigers will be fine, and keep Miggy. What makes you sad and happy, huh? Talk! Tell me! NOW!
Eno: Where the HELL did that rumor come from, anyway? Sheesh! I'm surprised DD even acknowledged it with a reply. Whatever. As for me, I'm with you on Lyon (Jones redux). Seems to me that managers are yanking their starters too early, consistently. I guess I come from the school of, "Let the starter get into some trouble before you pull him between innings." Are they SO wrapped up in pitch counts that they manage for that instead of the game situation? Texas's Ron Washington lifted Kevin Millwood against the Tigers when he was humming along. Why do your opponents a favor like that? When a guy is going good like that, your opponents will take their chances with ANYONE. In no other sport does this happen. It'd be like a hockey coach changing goalies in the third period while the guy is standing on his head. Why take your opponents off the hook??
Big Al: Hey, you didn't tell me what makes you happy! You holding out on me?
Eno: Ah....OK. Brandon Inge not striking out once every three at-bats. Ramon Santiago driving in runs. Cabrera, of course. Armando Galarraga. Rick Porcello. Fernando Rodney. Not a bad list, eh?
Big Al: Considering how many of those on the list were question marks going into the season, not bad at all. Though I continue to wonder what the Tigers have against Santiago. He's outplaying Adam Everett, who's been underwhelming in the field and THE SUCKAGE at the plate. Everett couldn't even get a bunt down against the Angels on Tuesday, helping to nip in the bud (NIP IT! NIP IT!) a possible ninth inning rally. Which does lead me to another concern—that Leyland will go overboard on the “small ball”. It's overrated, though some fans eat it up like so much candy. I HATE giving away outs, I HATE sacrifice bunts and I HATE going for only one run!
Eno: Conventional wisdom says get the runner into scoring position, but Josh Anderson also screwed things up by getting picked off. And he's the fastest guy on the team. But I see what you're saying. Keep the outs and see if you can get a bigger inning going. How about some WordAss?
Big Al: Fire away, dude!
WORD ASSOCIATION
Eno: The Red Wings in the playoffs, first round version.
Big Al: Curb stomping. That's what they've done to the Blue Jackets, crushed their hopes, dreams and souls. It's been a slaughter. A laugher. Sheer domination. I'm running out of words....
Eno: Then we'll move on! Goalie Chris Osgood.
Big Al: He was right, everyone else was wrong! Ozzie can flip the proverbial switch! He's been a brick wall against the BJs; the Red Wings’ MVP in the three wins.
Eno: Two more. First, John Madden, newly-retired broadcaster.
Big Al: Great broadcaster...till he got bored about 10 years ago, more or less. He's been going through the motions for quite some time. He set the bar, then lowered it as he aged. Great career as both a football coach and color man, but his time has passed.
Eno: Finally, I say the Red Wings will either play Vancouver or Anaheim in Round Two and you hope for......
Big Al: I'll say...The Canucks. The Ducks, for whatever reason, always scare me! Mallard, Daffy, Donald, Mighty, Howard the, Anaheim...
Big Al: OK, ready for a few?
Eno: Hit me, I’m open!
Big Al: Let’s start with the man the Pistons cannot stop, LeBron James.
Eno: The King, and he's making the Pistons look silly. A man among the boys. But this series shouldn't judge him, for the Pistons are no competition.
Big Al: No kidding. It's laughable how easy the Pistons are making it for him. Next, this is just being reported as we are chatting Wednesday afternoon, Lions are close to a deal with Stafford. First thing that comes to your mind is?
Eno: My suspicions confirmed. Good choice. I hope the kid does well. He wants to be here. Rock on.
Big Al: Hey, he did say he'd trade in his Chevy for a Ford! I think that closed the deal! Back to the Wings-BJs. [Columbus coach] Ken Hitchcock pulled a Michele Therion, claiming the Red Wings "cheat” on face-offs. You say?
Eno: Hitchcock is Scotty Bowman Lite! Whatever. And some Columbus writer wrote that Osgood looked "shaky" in Games 1 and 2. Again, whatever.
Big Al: Well said. The BJs are grasping at straws. Desperation city. One more, in honor of the draft this weekend. The king of the draft-niks, Mel Kiper.
Eno: Mel Kiper?? You mean the dude who comes out every year, like a groundhog? He means nothing to me. He's been as wrong as all the others in the past—maybe wronger.
Big Al: Agreed; Kiper is better at self-promotion than predicting the draft. But he does have an amazing head of hair! Anything else on your mind before we talk about our Jerks of the Week?
Eno: Well, just that with MLB recently honoring Jackie Robinson by having every player wear No. 42 on the same day, there are the usual calls for other numbers to be retired. I read at Bleacher Report where someone wants MLB to retire Roberto Clemente's No. 21, universally. I was afraid this would happen once the can of worms was opened. I agree with the Robinson retirement, but are there indeed other numbers that should be retired? Seems you can now make compelling cases for several players, now that we've done Jackie. Thoughts?
Big Al: Clemente died selflessly, as he was on a mission to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He deserves all the accolades he received posthumously. But to do the same thing MLB does for Robinson devalues it. Why not do the same for Hank Aaron, the true home run king, who battled racism in his struggle to top Babe Ruth? Why not honor Willie Horton, who was a peacekeeper in the Detroit riots? Why not Ted Williams, who served heroically in not one, but TWO wars? Isn't being honored by your own team enough? It should be.
Eno: That's what I mean. The can of worms has been opened. When does it end? You can make compelling cases for all those guys you mentioned. I think individual teams retiring numbers is a hell of an honor. The bottom line is, only one man could do what Robinson did (break a color barrier). Sometimes, though, I wish MLB had honored him differently, so we wouldn't have to contend with all these numbers that everyone wants retired.
Big Al: Let alone it gets confusing as all Hell when there are 50+ players running around a stadium, all wearing 42! The fact Robinson's number was retired throughout MLB is honor enough. As for retiring numbers, it's great, it should be the end all honor for an athlete, but it can be run into the ground if over done. See Pistons, Detroit.
Eno: Yeah! Vinnie Johnson? Hmmmm.....not so sure about that one! OK, who's your Jerk of the Week, sire?
JERK OF THE WEEK
Big Al: Time for the Jerk of...Uh, that came out wrong... My Jerk is a group of jerks. The Lions "fans" who felt the need to make a mockery of the new logo introduction by acting like a bunch of drunks in week 12 of the NFL season. Chanting for Curry, and against Stafford, is so shortsighted, so immature, so Lions-esque. If it wasn't so damn sad, it'd have been funny. I’m no fan of the mob mentality, and those chanting were nothing but blinded-by-fear sheep. SHEEP. You disagree with the draft? Great! Just being more than “Stafford sucks.” I hate to be put in the position to defend the Lions, but they do deserve at least a little benefit of the doubt.
Eno: Well said. My Jerk is NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who told the Fox Sports Detroit folks Tuesday night that he doesn't think fans disagree with how NHL games are called. Puh-leeeze!!
Big Al: As I said on Twitter Tuesday night, I wished Mickey Redmond would have given the smarmy SOB that is Bettman a BC two-hander across the chops after their interview. The Mick can still bring it, gang! Bettman is EVIL. End of story. Speaking of the end...
Eno: Yes...we must part ways for the week. Have a great one, my friend, and I'll see you next Thursday for another webisode!
Big Al: Same Jerk time, same Jerk channel, same Jerk attitude! Till next Thursday, and as Jack Lord always said, ALOHA!
Every Thursday I get my sports chat on with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al from The Wayne Fontes Experience.
This week, we weigh in on the Lions' new logo; play our hunches on the No. 1 draft pick; crab about the Pistons' lack of heart and laud the Red Wings' ability to stomp on the Jackets' tickers; cheer and jeer the Tigers; and the usuals show up: Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
As you will......
Eno: It's another Thursday, another week to suffer us Knee Jerks! It's "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno & Al." I'm Eno, aka The Journalist, and he's Big Al, aka Mr. Big Shot. Happy Thursday, your Al-ness!
Big Al: Yo, Eno! Hey, that rhymes! I'm a poet and didn't know it! Hey, that rhymes too! But this isn't a poetry slam, it's a chat about Detroit sports. Anyway, it's a sorta happy Thursday. Detroit had two playoff games Tuesday night, but only one team came through with flying colors, the Red Wings. The Pistons, on the other hand... Let’s just say the starting five is playing like they have tee times the day after Game 4.
Eno: Ha! Exactly what I wrote about the Pistons at OOB on Wednesday. But before we get to the playoffs, let's start with something REALLY important, like the Lions' new logo and unis!! Your thoughts?
Big Al: I like them. I really do. As I said on TWFE, they are an evolution, rather than a revolution. There's something to be said for keeping the Honolulu blue and silver, despite what some media hacks may say. *cough*doofs on 97.1*cough* In the end, as nice as the new logo looks (especially the updated typeface, as I HATED their former circus-like font), in the end it's just a money grab; an attempt to boost merchandising sales. All teams do it, so why not the Lions? I was more perturbed by the fan base uprising at the uniform introduction. [Aaron] Curry, [Matthew] Stafford, either one would look good in the new uni.
Eno: Yeah, I was there, and the first time the "Curry! Curry!" chants came, it was kind of funny and cute. But then it kept going, and there even was a "DON'T DRAFT STAFFORD!" chant. I guess I was also taken aback by the degree of pro-Curry, anti-Stafford sentiment out there among the fan base. And the folks showing up at a uniform unveiling are, to me, pretty representative. Because that's going above and beyond, to traipse out there on a Monday afternoon.
Big Al: I'll give them credit for showing up. The Lions, despite a near decade of trying to kill off interest, still have a dedicated fan base. That being said, the chanting for Curry was out of line. There's a time and place; this wasn't it. And speaking of Curry. many fans want the Lions to draft the MLB out of Wake Forest, but it's for ALL THE WRONG REASONS! They are scared of another skill player failure. But any Number One overall pick is a crapshoot! There is NO guarantee Curry will be worth the huge contract the top pick gets. I'm leery of playing $30 million-plus for a two-down defensive player who is not a pass rushing threat. The money would be better spent on a QB, Stafford, or an OT, Jason Smith. From all accounts, the Lions feel the same way, and are using Curry as leverage toward a more reasonable contract.
Eno: I totally agree. I think the chants happened because the unveiling was held the week of the draft. Anyhow, the new Lions logo is indeed fiercer and I like it. Not as crazy about the "Lions" font, which is a little too feminine for me, but whatever. As for Curry/Stafford, you're right that picking Curry would be like "trying not to lose." As you know, I was anti-Stafford for the same reason: the Lions' history of drafting QBs is rather inglorious. But I've been converted. Bring on Stafford! What the hell? Sadly, if there wasn't a $30 million bonus involved, I might still stick with Curry. But it's hard to justify that kind of jack for, like you said, a two-down guy.
Big Al: That's the thing, when given a choice between someone who handles the ball every snap, and another who will likely leave the field on passing downs, who's giving you more for the money? The last thing the Lions should do is draft scared. As you say, going with Curry is drafting "not to lose." He'll be good, but will he be GREAT? The jury is out, and will be for a long time. But if you are going to roll the dice, and the draft is nothing but a big gamble at every selection, I'm going for a home run with the first roll. The Lions still have two more picks in the first 33 choices to get a MLB. Would either Rey Malaluga or James Laurenaitis be that big of a drop in talent over Curry? I seriously doubt it.
Eno: I think Stafford's their guy, I really do. I think we may even find that out by Friday; it might be leaked. Speaking of QBs, I know you had a burr up your rear end about Daunte Culpepper, but I looked at some video of the mini-camp, and the guy really does look good. He's excited and re-invigorated. His teammates notice, too. I know it's just mini-camp, but at least DC's coming into the new season with the right attitude and he appears to be ready to be a leader.
Big Al: We can only hope. But it's awfully easy for Culpepper to look good when no one is wearing pads, and there's no pass rush. Meaning there's no pressure. Sure he lost weight, but it was because the Lions inserted a weight clause in his deal. You’re asking to suspend my belief in thinking a QB who hasn't had a good season in five years will suddenly recapture his youth. [New offensive coordinator] Scott Linehan may help, but only if he can lay hands upon Culpepper and miraculously make him 25 years old again. Attitude is great, but I like talent even more. That's where Culpepper is now lacking.
Eno: We'll see! OK, what's on your Big Al kind of brain today?
Big Al: I read your Twitter tweet (I'm Big_Al_TWFE and Eno is thegregger63. FOLLOW US!) stating you haven't watched a single minute of the Pistons-Cavs series. I was surprised, but then again, maybe not so much. We all knew going into this series the Pistons had two chances in this series, slim and none. After sleepwalking through two games, they now have one chance: none. The Pistons’ starting five was awful Tuesday night. I never want to say anything about a team's or player's heart, but in this case, I might be willing to make an exception. It's always sad to watch a once great team decline, but this is embarrassing. The Pistons, as we once knew them, are long gone. I'm ready for the off-season to begin. Apparently, so are the Pistons.
Eno: Yeah, I said as much at OOB. No pride. No self-respect. I expected a little piss and vinegar, but nothing. This can’t possibly help Michael Curry's status as an NBA coach. He may never get another crack at it after this. Do they STILL bring him back? This is awful, unless they turn things around in Deeeetroit in Games 3 and 4.
Big Al: If this team is Joe Dumars's vision, I think he needs glasses. Dumars made his bed with Curry, now he has to sleep in it. There's a lack of chemistry on the roster, and with the coaches. Obviously, the roster is going to change, big time. That's the only thing saving Curry—the hope that he can click with a new core. Plus, the Pistons are still paying Larry Brown and Flip Saunders. I doubt Pistons' ownership wants a third ex-coach on the payroll.
Eno: Wow. What a web Dumars has weaved, eh? How does he get himself out of it? The national scribes are beginning to look at Joe D cross-eyed, as if he's now one of the worst NBA execs, instead of one of the best. Is he making this up as he goes along, or is there a grand plan in there somewhere?
Big Al: I hope Joe D has a plan. What that is, other than signing a couple of high-priced free agents with all the cap room, I don't know. He best strike gold in free agency, be it with a big name or how he did by finding players ready to break out (as he did with Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups), or his team will sink DEEP into the lottery next season. I'm souring just a little on Dumars myself. He signed Amir Johnson to an extension, and he can't stay in the rotation. Jason Maxiell, another from whom Dumars expected big improvement, has hit his plateau. Rodney Stuckey, after setting the NBA on fire after Billups left, has regressed. He is looking more and more like a shooting guard, not a point guard. And of course, the Allen Iverson deal destroyed what chemistry the Pistons may have had left. What I'm saying is Dumars has been in a slump, and he needs to step up his game after the season.
Eno: Another interesting thing, before we move on: the death of Bill Davidson and its impact. Apparently his widow will run things, but with Mr. D gone, how does that impact Dumars's job security, if at all?
Big Al: I think he's safe for the time being. I really doubt the Davidson family wants to shake up anything at the Palace, in basketball operations or on the business side. They have a well oiled machine, run by men (Dumars and Tom Wilson) who have, for the most part, sterling track records. But time, as always, will tell.
Eno: OK, some Tigers talk! Tough loss in L.A. Tuesday night (ed. note: but a big WIN Wednesday night), but Curtis Granderson got off the schneide and hit two homers. They're 7-6 as we do this chat. For the most part, the bullpen has been good. What bothers you, and what makes you happy about the Bengals, 2009?
Big Al: What bothers me is Jim Leyland's use of Brandon Lyon. He's Todd Jones redux. A one inning pitcher. Yet whenever Leyland has let Lyon go more than one inning, Tuesday night being the latest instance, bad things happen, man. Bad things. What's making me happy are a couple of things. Overall, the pitching staff, from the starters on down to the mop up men, looks much improved. All the Tigers need is league average pitching, and they'll contend in the Central deep into September. Also, Miguel Cabrera is the next coming, period. I'm thrilled Dave Dombrowski came out this week to nip in the bud (Channeling Barney Fife: NIP IT!) the asinine "Tigers will trade Cabrera” rumors. You NEVER trade a young talent like him. NEVER. It'll take a complete and utter economic collapse of unheard of impact for the Tigers to even consider a trade. Mike Ilitch has more money than, well, God. The Tigers will be fine, and keep Miggy. What makes you sad and happy, huh? Talk! Tell me! NOW!
Eno: Where the HELL did that rumor come from, anyway? Sheesh! I'm surprised DD even acknowledged it with a reply. Whatever. As for me, I'm with you on Lyon (Jones redux). Seems to me that managers are yanking their starters too early, consistently. I guess I come from the school of, "Let the starter get into some trouble before you pull him between innings." Are they SO wrapped up in pitch counts that they manage for that instead of the game situation? Texas's Ron Washington lifted Kevin Millwood against the Tigers when he was humming along. Why do your opponents a favor like that? When a guy is going good like that, your opponents will take their chances with ANYONE. In no other sport does this happen. It'd be like a hockey coach changing goalies in the third period while the guy is standing on his head. Why take your opponents off the hook??
Big Al: Hey, you didn't tell me what makes you happy! You holding out on me?
Eno: Ah....OK. Brandon Inge not striking out once every three at-bats. Ramon Santiago driving in runs. Cabrera, of course. Armando Galarraga. Rick Porcello. Fernando Rodney. Not a bad list, eh?
Big Al: Considering how many of those on the list were question marks going into the season, not bad at all. Though I continue to wonder what the Tigers have against Santiago. He's outplaying Adam Everett, who's been underwhelming in the field and THE SUCKAGE at the plate. Everett couldn't even get a bunt down against the Angels on Tuesday, helping to nip in the bud (NIP IT! NIP IT!) a possible ninth inning rally. Which does lead me to another concern—that Leyland will go overboard on the “small ball”. It's overrated, though some fans eat it up like so much candy. I HATE giving away outs, I HATE sacrifice bunts and I HATE going for only one run!
Eno: Conventional wisdom says get the runner into scoring position, but Josh Anderson also screwed things up by getting picked off. And he's the fastest guy on the team. But I see what you're saying. Keep the outs and see if you can get a bigger inning going. How about some WordAss?
Big Al: Fire away, dude!
WORD ASSOCIATION
Eno: The Red Wings in the playoffs, first round version.
Big Al: Curb stomping. That's what they've done to the Blue Jackets, crushed their hopes, dreams and souls. It's been a slaughter. A laugher. Sheer domination. I'm running out of words....
Eno: Then we'll move on! Goalie Chris Osgood.
Big Al: He was right, everyone else was wrong! Ozzie can flip the proverbial switch! He's been a brick wall against the BJs; the Red Wings’ MVP in the three wins.
Eno: Two more. First, John Madden, newly-retired broadcaster.
Big Al: Great broadcaster...till he got bored about 10 years ago, more or less. He's been going through the motions for quite some time. He set the bar, then lowered it as he aged. Great career as both a football coach and color man, but his time has passed.
Eno: Finally, I say the Red Wings will either play Vancouver or Anaheim in Round Two and you hope for......
Big Al: I'll say...The Canucks. The Ducks, for whatever reason, always scare me! Mallard, Daffy, Donald, Mighty, Howard the, Anaheim...
Big Al: OK, ready for a few?
Eno: Hit me, I’m open!
Big Al: Let’s start with the man the Pistons cannot stop, LeBron James.
Eno: The King, and he's making the Pistons look silly. A man among the boys. But this series shouldn't judge him, for the Pistons are no competition.
Big Al: No kidding. It's laughable how easy the Pistons are making it for him. Next, this is just being reported as we are chatting Wednesday afternoon, Lions are close to a deal with Stafford. First thing that comes to your mind is?
Eno: My suspicions confirmed. Good choice. I hope the kid does well. He wants to be here. Rock on.
Big Al: Hey, he did say he'd trade in his Chevy for a Ford! I think that closed the deal! Back to the Wings-BJs. [Columbus coach] Ken Hitchcock pulled a Michele Therion, claiming the Red Wings "cheat” on face-offs. You say?
Eno: Hitchcock is Scotty Bowman Lite! Whatever. And some Columbus writer wrote that Osgood looked "shaky" in Games 1 and 2. Again, whatever.
Big Al: Well said. The BJs are grasping at straws. Desperation city. One more, in honor of the draft this weekend. The king of the draft-niks, Mel Kiper.
Eno: Mel Kiper?? You mean the dude who comes out every year, like a groundhog? He means nothing to me. He's been as wrong as all the others in the past—maybe wronger.
Big Al: Agreed; Kiper is better at self-promotion than predicting the draft. But he does have an amazing head of hair! Anything else on your mind before we talk about our Jerks of the Week?
Eno: Well, just that with MLB recently honoring Jackie Robinson by having every player wear No. 42 on the same day, there are the usual calls for other numbers to be retired. I read at Bleacher Report where someone wants MLB to retire Roberto Clemente's No. 21, universally. I was afraid this would happen once the can of worms was opened. I agree with the Robinson retirement, but are there indeed other numbers that should be retired? Seems you can now make compelling cases for several players, now that we've done Jackie. Thoughts?
Big Al: Clemente died selflessly, as he was on a mission to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He deserves all the accolades he received posthumously. But to do the same thing MLB does for Robinson devalues it. Why not do the same for Hank Aaron, the true home run king, who battled racism in his struggle to top Babe Ruth? Why not honor Willie Horton, who was a peacekeeper in the Detroit riots? Why not Ted Williams, who served heroically in not one, but TWO wars? Isn't being honored by your own team enough? It should be.
Eno: That's what I mean. The can of worms has been opened. When does it end? You can make compelling cases for all those guys you mentioned. I think individual teams retiring numbers is a hell of an honor. The bottom line is, only one man could do what Robinson did (break a color barrier). Sometimes, though, I wish MLB had honored him differently, so we wouldn't have to contend with all these numbers that everyone wants retired.
Big Al: Let alone it gets confusing as all Hell when there are 50+ players running around a stadium, all wearing 42! The fact Robinson's number was retired throughout MLB is honor enough. As for retiring numbers, it's great, it should be the end all honor for an athlete, but it can be run into the ground if over done. See Pistons, Detroit.
Eno: Yeah! Vinnie Johnson? Hmmmm.....not so sure about that one! OK, who's your Jerk of the Week, sire?
JERK OF THE WEEK
Big Al: Time for the Jerk of...Uh, that came out wrong... My Jerk is a group of jerks. The Lions "fans" who felt the need to make a mockery of the new logo introduction by acting like a bunch of drunks in week 12 of the NFL season. Chanting for Curry, and against Stafford, is so shortsighted, so immature, so Lions-esque. If it wasn't so damn sad, it'd have been funny. I’m no fan of the mob mentality, and those chanting were nothing but blinded-by-fear sheep. SHEEP. You disagree with the draft? Great! Just being more than “Stafford sucks.” I hate to be put in the position to defend the Lions, but they do deserve at least a little benefit of the doubt.
Eno: Well said. My Jerk is NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who told the Fox Sports Detroit folks Tuesday night that he doesn't think fans disagree with how NHL games are called. Puh-leeeze!!
Big Al: As I said on Twitter Tuesday night, I wished Mickey Redmond would have given the smarmy SOB that is Bettman a BC two-hander across the chops after their interview. The Mick can still bring it, gang! Bettman is EVIL. End of story. Speaking of the end...
Eno: Yes...we must part ways for the week. Have a great one, my friend, and I'll see you next Thursday for another webisode!
Big Al: Same Jerk time, same Jerk channel, same Jerk attitude! Till next Thursday, and as Jack Lord always said, ALOHA!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
The Knee Jerks: Bullpen woes; Thanks, Sparty; Who's No. 1 In Lions Land?
Ah, THERE you are! We've been waiting for you here at The Knee Jerks.
Every Thursday I get my sports chat on with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience.
This week we crab about Jim Leyland and the Tigers' bullpen, reflect on MSU's glorious basketball run, handicap the Lions' choice for No. 1 overall draft pick, and the usual suspects show up: Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
As you will.....
*********************************************
Eno: Welcome to another Thursday and another week of being subjected to "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno & Al." I'm Eno, aka The Journalist, and he's Big Al, aka Mr. Big Shot. Al, as we do this, it's almost the witching hour thanks to some real life stuff for yours truly. You gonna stay awake long enough to finish, or will I need to go to the bullpen?
Big Al: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....Wha? Huh? Who? Oh, it's Eno. Awake? Depends if the Sudafed I've been mainlining for my sinus infection does its job. I've held off on the NyQuil in order to do this early Thursday morning version of The Knee Jerks! So what's on your mind, Mr. Night Owl?
Eno: Ahh, I love NyQuil. Almost good enough to make me want to be sick just so I can swallow that lovely green liquid! Anyhow, speaking of bullpens, it didn't take the Tigers long to show why theirs might be their downfall. Just the second game of the season, in fact. What's up with Brandon Lyon? And worse, what about manager Jim Leyland, who lifted starter Edwin Jackson on Tuesday night in favor of the gas can 'pen?
Big Al: I was so freaked out by the turn of events on Tuesday that I broke out the legendary TWFE panic button! It was a train wreck appearance by Lyon, who wasn't helped at all by the strange managerial decision by the Marlboro Man to run the very hittable Lyon out for another inning. It was BAFFLING! Leyland was managing like he wanted to be fired. It was only one appearance, but it doesn't bode well for Lyon, who hasn't gotten anyone out since last season's All Star break. If I were Lyon, I'd stay away from Jackson (who was brilliant) for a few days, and wear a uni without a name for Friday's home opener. He won't be greeted warmly.
Eno: Where was Fernando Rodney? And I thought I'd NEVER ask THAT question!!
Big Al: No kidding, as Rodney looked like the 2006 version of himself in pitching a 1-2-3 ninth Wednesday night. Same for uber-prospect Ryan Perry, who had a fairly uneventful eighth inning as well. You can't tell me Lyon is higher in Leyland's bullpen pecking order than Rodney and Perry after Tuesday's fiasco. Wednesday's win was much needed, if only to calm the fan base. We've gone from DEFCON 1, back to DEFCON 5. The bullpen was excellent (Bobby Seay was released from LOOGY-land to record four outs), and Zach Miner gave the Tigers a second consecutive excellent start. Everyone take a deep breath; the Tigers won't start the season 0-7 again!
Eno: No, and today is the much-anticipated debut of rookie phenom Rick Porcello. How do you think it'll go?
Big Al: Uh...deep breaths, Al, deep breaths...This is no time to panic! Porcello obviously has the talent, but can he bring it to the big leagues at age 20? As I said on The Detroit Tigers Podcast, when I was 20, I was looking for my next beer! Porcello, on the other hand, is making his way to the mound in the Skydome (or whatever they are calling that abortion of a stadium these days). I'm not expecting much in his first start. If he can get though five innings, and keep the Tigers in the game, I'll call his first start a smashing success. But I wouldn't bet on it...
Eno: Rogers Centre actually. I can't keep track of all these stadium and arena names, either. Well, as far as Porcello goes, he'll either get smacked around and be lifted before the end of the third inning, or go those five (or more innings). Seems like it's feast or famine with these kids making their MLB debuts on the mound. I'm pulling for him, though. What a huge lift he could be to the Tigers' rotation, and for the team's image. A kid like that, if he's all he's supposed to be, could own Detroit.
Big Al: Indeed he could. The Tigers best handle Porcello carefully, though. I don't want to see Leyland, who's is managing for his next contract, pull a Dusty Baker and continually have the kid throw more than 100 pitches. In many ways, the Tigers really lucked out during Justin Verlander's rookie season, in that his heavy workload didn't ruin his arm. Speaking of such, Verlander, who looked like his ‘06-‘07 self in spring training, was shelled on opening day. The Tigers claimed he had excellent stuff against the Jays, but the stats don't lie. (3.2 IP, 80 P, 8 ER) Think opening day was an aberration for Verlander?
Eno: Yeah, I'm not worried. Happens to the best of them on OD. How about Brandon Inge? Three homers in three games!! And Miggy Cabrera is already looking like the MVP I predicted for him over at Grubber.
Big Al: Cabrera is going to be worth every penny of his huge contract. When he connects, as he did twice Wednesday night, the ball coming off the bat sounds different than it would from mere mortals. I'm with you on winning an MVP. I ranted at the end of (another plug for) The Detroit Tigers Podcast that we spent over an hour talking Tigers, and barely even mentioned the reigning AL home run champ! He's their X-factor, the sort of player who can carry a team for weeks at a time. You can book it; Cabrera will have a legitimate shot at the Triple Crown. As for Inge, his new batting stance has worked wonders, but I'm afraid this power jag (3 HR in 3 G) will end up hurting him overall. Much as it did with Chris Shelton back in '06. Big Red’s fast start that season ruined his career, in his thinking he had become a power hitter. Let's hope to Jebus Inge doesn't fall into that trap.
Eno: I doubt it. Shelton (where IS he, anyway?) worked with hitting coach Don Slaught, who'd never had that job, and Inge is under the tutelage of the more experienced Lloyd McClendon. OK, enough Tigers. Wanna talk Sparty?
Big Al: I believe Shelton is in the Mariners' system. I know he didn't make the team out of spring training. But he'll always have April 2006.... Sparty? I'd rather not remember Monday's trouncing/beat down/back street mugging inflicted by the Tarheels. The Spartans were embarrassed by UNC, unfortunately. But it was still one Hell of a run, and the Final Four win over UConn Satruday night was electrifying! I've never seen Ford Field look so good, and the fans so into a game! That's what I'll want to remember.
Eno: Yeah. It's almost as if it's no big deal that MSU lost the title game (easy for me to say). Just making it there, in Detroit, is something the school will always treasure. Coach Tom Izzo deserves mega-kudos for taking a team that suffered a beat-down in the Big Ten tourney all the way to second place in the country. Or is it, "first runner up"?
Big Al: Well, no one remembers who finishes second, right? So does it make a difference what we call it? But this latest Final Four run for Tom Izzo only cemented his status as the best coach in college basketball. He does get good players, but mostly out of Flint and Detroit, compared to, let's say, Roy Williams, who has coached at two schools who basically recruit themselves: Kansas and UNC. Izzo's five Final Fours and one NCAA title at a school like MSU, which doesn't have the cachet or hoops history of a Dook, UNC, UCLA, Kansas, Kentucky, UConn, trumps anything the so-called coaching elite (Such as Williams, Pitino, Kzituefhjgs6*#ski, Calhoun) have ever done. Izzo is in a class by himself. He's that damn good, and we should realize he's done something remarkable in East Lansing!
Eno: Oh, Izzo is so underrated it's pathetic. Though I think this run might put the brakes on that a little bit. OK, Al, what's on that Night Owl brain of yours?
Big Al: Hmm, other than the ringing in my plugged era or the congestion in my head? Let's touch on the Lions, and something that is, to be blunt, pissing me off. The idea has been floating around that the Lions should pull a Mike Tice circa Vikings 2003, and pass on the first overall pick. Some bozos are claiming the Lions would be better off, as they could still get an impact player, but not have to shell out so much cash. What complete and utter BULLSH*T. Could you see the unmitigated mess such a MORONIC action would turn into? It's laughable to even consider it. The Lions need to decide on their pick, and have him under contract by draft day. Period. No ifs, ands or buts. Fans can be such dunces at times. Passing on the pick can't be considered a legitimate strategy, could it?
Eno: No. I don't see how passing on taking the No. 1 overall pick in the draft makes you better. I know there are $$ concerns, but tough. That's what you get for finishing dead last. Besides, if you play it right, that No. 1 pick will make you all that money back, and then some!
Big Al: No kidding. This is just another reason why the NFL Draft needs to be held earlier. Because it leads to tripe like articles promoting the passing on the first pick, endless mock drafts, the leaking of the Wonderlic scores, rumors of failed drug and steroids tests; the sort of crap that keeps bottom feeding rumor mongers like Pro Football Talk in business. I'm a huge NFL fan, but I despise all the crap being slung before the draft.
Eno: AMEN!! I wrote it at OOB: have the draft in mid-March, just before the college madness. That still gives teams plenty of time to decide, and more time to negotiate with and sign their higher profile picks. No league has such a gap between its championship and its draft as the NFL has. It's ridiculous.
Big Al: Ridonkulous, even! Staying with the Lions, after having the personal workout with Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, and raves from scouts that were reported, it seems Stafford has become the Lions main target with the first overall selection. Stafford going Number One I think is going to happen. We can only cross our fingers it's the right selection. Concur?
Eno: Yeah, it's Stafford. No question. And after some soul-searching, I think I'm OK with the pick now. I guess this is where the time between the Super Bowl and the draft is long enough for me to make peace with the decision to snatch Stafford off the board. The Lions shouldn't, after all, be held hostage to their past. Damn the torpedoes and if Stafford's the franchise QB the Lions haven't had for eons, great. If he isn't, then they wouldn't have been alone in being fooled. I'll tell you this: the Lions are doing their homework on this kid. They know him up, down, and around. So you certainly can't say they didn't do their due diligence—something something unheard of by Matt Millen!
Big Al: I think another reason it's Stafford is the Lions already are paying an insane amount of money to a pair of offensive tackles, Jeff Backus and last season's Number One, Gosder Cherilus. I can't see the Lions drafting another left tackle, at least not at Number One. You also want the player you are giving that sort of money to, to be on the field on every snap. LB Aaron Curry would be drafted as a middle linebacker. MLBs are two-down players. They are also not paid $35 million. So when you do the math: Talent + Contract + Impact on the field + Need = Stafford.
Eno: Agreed. How about some WordArse?
Big Al: Let 'er rip, Eno my man. Fire away.
WORD ASSOCIATION
Eno: OK. Our favorite goalie, Mr. Chris Osgood.
Big Al: The favorite of puck bunnies everywhere, and he locks up going into the Hockey Hall of Fame if he can win one more Cup. The stats, as always, don't lie.
Eno: Wow. Cool. Next up, Tigers manager Jimmy Leyland.
Big Al: The nicotine is screwing with his mind! Two packs a day has to affect one's decision making, doesn't it? It's the only explanation for Tuesday's fiasco.
Eno: Too funny. OK, I say “The next NBA champ will be....”, and you say??
Big Al: Lebron James gets his first title. The Cavaliers finally put to rest the days of Ted Stepien and the Cadaverliers. But between you and me, I really don't care who wins the title. I really think I'm more of a Pistons fan, than an NBA fan. I really don't like the direction the league is going. How does Lebron James only get called for little more than one foul a game? The man creates more contact in the lane than Shaquille O’Neal in his prime. Ever since Dwyane Wade won the NBA Title for the Heat by falling down and getting to the line, it's been all downhill for the NBA, in my eyes, anyway. Didn't mean to go off on a rant....
Eno: Hey, no problem! We'll just rename this WORDS Association. One more: same question, but about the NHL....
Big Al: What the Hell, it'll be the Red Wings! OK, let's throw a few your way. Let’s go with the man that rocked the nation, along with UConn's Stanley Robinson, on Saturday night, Durrell Summers.
Eno: Imagine: he and Kalin Lucas were both sophomores! Izzo has himself a basketball factory!
Big Al: Let alone his monster dunk posterized Robinson for future generations. I literally leap out of my seat when Summers threw down the dunk of the tournament. Next, I say "One Shining Moment", you say...
Eno: Makes me think of Jerry Lewis and him singing that sappy "You'll never walk alone" song at the end of every Labor Day telethon!
Big Al: Nice comparison! "YOUUUU"LLLLL NEEEEVVVVER WAAAALK ALOOOONE..." Cheese at its finest, though I think "One Shining Moment" is of the limburger type... Next, I say “Detroit Pistons ‘08-09 MVP”, you say....
Eno: HA!! Oh, sorry. Umm, gosh, I think I might go with Antonio McDyess. If it wasn't for Dice's rebounding and scoring, the Pistons would be lottery-bound.
Big Al: Works for me, though you could make a case for Walter Herrmann! Wait, that would be Most Valuable Hair...my bad. One more, while we're talking MVPs, who is the MVP of the men who wear the winged wheel?
Eno: Wow. I'm tempted to say Marian Hossa. He has "puck luck" as they say, and his goals always seem to be big ones. They're always tying games or breaking ties. Know what I mean, Vern?
Big Al: Sure do, Ernest P Worrell! Anything else on your mind before we wrap up another very late night version of TKJ?
JERK OF THE WEEK
Eno: No, I think we'd better go right to Jerk of the Week, as it's 2:00 a.m. as we do this!! I'll start: mine is Allen Iverson. He undid everything he said when he came to town with his talk about doing anything to win a championship. And in the process, I think he blackballed himself around the NBA.
Big Al: The only way The Answer can get himself back in the good graces of the NBA is if he'll agree to come off the bench. As they say, pride comes before the fall. It's a quite fitting quote in Iverson's case. My Jerk of the Week goes to all of the national media members who acted so condescending to the state of Michigan, the city of Detroit and us citizens, with the belief that Michigan State winning the NCAA title would SAVE THE CITY/STATE! It was a nice story, one that would allow us to forget our problems for an evening, nothing more. If you really want to "save" us, then buy a G**damn car from Ford, GM, or Chrysler! That would go one Hell of a lot farther than any momentary glory a title would have brought. Just reason number 27,086 why I detest the mainstream media.
Eno: Ah, so true, Al! It's amazing how often we're patronized by the national media. Now, there are those who say that the 1968 Tigers helped heal Detroit in the wake of the '67 riots, but that rings true to me. This MSU saving Detroit/Michigan is a bunch of hooey. You like that word, hooey?
Big Al: Not as much as "Sleep!" Meaning it's time to end the latest meeting of the minds, the minds of The Knee Jerks!
Eno: Remember "The minds of Minolta"?? OK, pal—till next week. I hope it's not in the wee hours. Thanks for indulging me!
Big Al: My pleasure, Eno-sabi! See you at the same jerk channel, but not the same jerk time!
Eno: Amen, brother!
Every Thursday I get my sports chat on with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience.
This week we crab about Jim Leyland and the Tigers' bullpen, reflect on MSU's glorious basketball run, handicap the Lions' choice for No. 1 overall draft pick, and the usual suspects show up: Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
As you will.....
*********************************************
Eno: Welcome to another Thursday and another week of being subjected to "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno & Al." I'm Eno, aka The Journalist, and he's Big Al, aka Mr. Big Shot. Al, as we do this, it's almost the witching hour thanks to some real life stuff for yours truly. You gonna stay awake long enough to finish, or will I need to go to the bullpen?
Big Al: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....Wha? Huh? Who? Oh, it's Eno. Awake? Depends if the Sudafed I've been mainlining for my sinus infection does its job. I've held off on the NyQuil in order to do this early Thursday morning version of The Knee Jerks! So what's on your mind, Mr. Night Owl?
Eno: Ahh, I love NyQuil. Almost good enough to make me want to be sick just so I can swallow that lovely green liquid! Anyhow, speaking of bullpens, it didn't take the Tigers long to show why theirs might be their downfall. Just the second game of the season, in fact. What's up with Brandon Lyon? And worse, what about manager Jim Leyland, who lifted starter Edwin Jackson on Tuesday night in favor of the gas can 'pen?
Big Al: I was so freaked out by the turn of events on Tuesday that I broke out the legendary TWFE panic button! It was a train wreck appearance by Lyon, who wasn't helped at all by the strange managerial decision by the Marlboro Man to run the very hittable Lyon out for another inning. It was BAFFLING! Leyland was managing like he wanted to be fired. It was only one appearance, but it doesn't bode well for Lyon, who hasn't gotten anyone out since last season's All Star break. If I were Lyon, I'd stay away from Jackson (who was brilliant) for a few days, and wear a uni without a name for Friday's home opener. He won't be greeted warmly.
Eno: Where was Fernando Rodney? And I thought I'd NEVER ask THAT question!!
Big Al: No kidding, as Rodney looked like the 2006 version of himself in pitching a 1-2-3 ninth Wednesday night. Same for uber-prospect Ryan Perry, who had a fairly uneventful eighth inning as well. You can't tell me Lyon is higher in Leyland's bullpen pecking order than Rodney and Perry after Tuesday's fiasco. Wednesday's win was much needed, if only to calm the fan base. We've gone from DEFCON 1, back to DEFCON 5. The bullpen was excellent (Bobby Seay was released from LOOGY-land to record four outs), and Zach Miner gave the Tigers a second consecutive excellent start. Everyone take a deep breath; the Tigers won't start the season 0-7 again!
Eno: No, and today is the much-anticipated debut of rookie phenom Rick Porcello. How do you think it'll go?
Big Al: Uh...deep breaths, Al, deep breaths...This is no time to panic! Porcello obviously has the talent, but can he bring it to the big leagues at age 20? As I said on The Detroit Tigers Podcast, when I was 20, I was looking for my next beer! Porcello, on the other hand, is making his way to the mound in the Skydome (or whatever they are calling that abortion of a stadium these days). I'm not expecting much in his first start. If he can get though five innings, and keep the Tigers in the game, I'll call his first start a smashing success. But I wouldn't bet on it...
Eno: Rogers Centre actually. I can't keep track of all these stadium and arena names, either. Well, as far as Porcello goes, he'll either get smacked around and be lifted before the end of the third inning, or go those five (or more innings). Seems like it's feast or famine with these kids making their MLB debuts on the mound. I'm pulling for him, though. What a huge lift he could be to the Tigers' rotation, and for the team's image. A kid like that, if he's all he's supposed to be, could own Detroit.
Big Al: Indeed he could. The Tigers best handle Porcello carefully, though. I don't want to see Leyland, who's is managing for his next contract, pull a Dusty Baker and continually have the kid throw more than 100 pitches. In many ways, the Tigers really lucked out during Justin Verlander's rookie season, in that his heavy workload didn't ruin his arm. Speaking of such, Verlander, who looked like his ‘06-‘07 self in spring training, was shelled on opening day. The Tigers claimed he had excellent stuff against the Jays, but the stats don't lie. (3.2 IP, 80 P, 8 ER) Think opening day was an aberration for Verlander?
Eno: Yeah, I'm not worried. Happens to the best of them on OD. How about Brandon Inge? Three homers in three games!! And Miggy Cabrera is already looking like the MVP I predicted for him over at Grubber.
Big Al: Cabrera is going to be worth every penny of his huge contract. When he connects, as he did twice Wednesday night, the ball coming off the bat sounds different than it would from mere mortals. I'm with you on winning an MVP. I ranted at the end of (another plug for) The Detroit Tigers Podcast that we spent over an hour talking Tigers, and barely even mentioned the reigning AL home run champ! He's their X-factor, the sort of player who can carry a team for weeks at a time. You can book it; Cabrera will have a legitimate shot at the Triple Crown. As for Inge, his new batting stance has worked wonders, but I'm afraid this power jag (3 HR in 3 G) will end up hurting him overall. Much as it did with Chris Shelton back in '06. Big Red’s fast start that season ruined his career, in his thinking he had become a power hitter. Let's hope to Jebus Inge doesn't fall into that trap.
Eno: I doubt it. Shelton (where IS he, anyway?) worked with hitting coach Don Slaught, who'd never had that job, and Inge is under the tutelage of the more experienced Lloyd McClendon. OK, enough Tigers. Wanna talk Sparty?
Big Al: I believe Shelton is in the Mariners' system. I know he didn't make the team out of spring training. But he'll always have April 2006.... Sparty? I'd rather not remember Monday's trouncing/beat down/back street mugging inflicted by the Tarheels. The Spartans were embarrassed by UNC, unfortunately. But it was still one Hell of a run, and the Final Four win over UConn Satruday night was electrifying! I've never seen Ford Field look so good, and the fans so into a game! That's what I'll want to remember.
Eno: Yeah. It's almost as if it's no big deal that MSU lost the title game (easy for me to say). Just making it there, in Detroit, is something the school will always treasure. Coach Tom Izzo deserves mega-kudos for taking a team that suffered a beat-down in the Big Ten tourney all the way to second place in the country. Or is it, "first runner up"?
Big Al: Well, no one remembers who finishes second, right? So does it make a difference what we call it? But this latest Final Four run for Tom Izzo only cemented his status as the best coach in college basketball. He does get good players, but mostly out of Flint and Detroit, compared to, let's say, Roy Williams, who has coached at two schools who basically recruit themselves: Kansas and UNC. Izzo's five Final Fours and one NCAA title at a school like MSU, which doesn't have the cachet or hoops history of a Dook, UNC, UCLA, Kansas, Kentucky, UConn, trumps anything the so-called coaching elite (Such as Williams, Pitino, Kzituefhjgs6*#ski, Calhoun) have ever done. Izzo is in a class by himself. He's that damn good, and we should realize he's done something remarkable in East Lansing!
Eno: Oh, Izzo is so underrated it's pathetic. Though I think this run might put the brakes on that a little bit. OK, Al, what's on that Night Owl brain of yours?
Big Al: Hmm, other than the ringing in my plugged era or the congestion in my head? Let's touch on the Lions, and something that is, to be blunt, pissing me off. The idea has been floating around that the Lions should pull a Mike Tice circa Vikings 2003, and pass on the first overall pick. Some bozos are claiming the Lions would be better off, as they could still get an impact player, but not have to shell out so much cash. What complete and utter BULLSH*T. Could you see the unmitigated mess such a MORONIC action would turn into? It's laughable to even consider it. The Lions need to decide on their pick, and have him under contract by draft day. Period. No ifs, ands or buts. Fans can be such dunces at times. Passing on the pick can't be considered a legitimate strategy, could it?
Eno: No. I don't see how passing on taking the No. 1 overall pick in the draft makes you better. I know there are $$ concerns, but tough. That's what you get for finishing dead last. Besides, if you play it right, that No. 1 pick will make you all that money back, and then some!
Big Al: No kidding. This is just another reason why the NFL Draft needs to be held earlier. Because it leads to tripe like articles promoting the passing on the first pick, endless mock drafts, the leaking of the Wonderlic scores, rumors of failed drug and steroids tests; the sort of crap that keeps bottom feeding rumor mongers like Pro Football Talk in business. I'm a huge NFL fan, but I despise all the crap being slung before the draft.
Eno: AMEN!! I wrote it at OOB: have the draft in mid-March, just before the college madness. That still gives teams plenty of time to decide, and more time to negotiate with and sign their higher profile picks. No league has such a gap between its championship and its draft as the NFL has. It's ridiculous.
Big Al: Ridonkulous, even! Staying with the Lions, after having the personal workout with Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, and raves from scouts that were reported, it seems Stafford has become the Lions main target with the first overall selection. Stafford going Number One I think is going to happen. We can only cross our fingers it's the right selection. Concur?
Eno: Yeah, it's Stafford. No question. And after some soul-searching, I think I'm OK with the pick now. I guess this is where the time between the Super Bowl and the draft is long enough for me to make peace with the decision to snatch Stafford off the board. The Lions shouldn't, after all, be held hostage to their past. Damn the torpedoes and if Stafford's the franchise QB the Lions haven't had for eons, great. If he isn't, then they wouldn't have been alone in being fooled. I'll tell you this: the Lions are doing their homework on this kid. They know him up, down, and around. So you certainly can't say they didn't do their due diligence—something something unheard of by Matt Millen!
Big Al: I think another reason it's Stafford is the Lions already are paying an insane amount of money to a pair of offensive tackles, Jeff Backus and last season's Number One, Gosder Cherilus. I can't see the Lions drafting another left tackle, at least not at Number One. You also want the player you are giving that sort of money to, to be on the field on every snap. LB Aaron Curry would be drafted as a middle linebacker. MLBs are two-down players. They are also not paid $35 million. So when you do the math: Talent + Contract + Impact on the field + Need = Stafford.
Eno: Agreed. How about some WordArse?
Big Al: Let 'er rip, Eno my man. Fire away.
WORD ASSOCIATION
Eno: OK. Our favorite goalie, Mr. Chris Osgood.
Big Al: The favorite of puck bunnies everywhere, and he locks up going into the Hockey Hall of Fame if he can win one more Cup. The stats, as always, don't lie.
Eno: Wow. Cool. Next up, Tigers manager Jimmy Leyland.
Big Al: The nicotine is screwing with his mind! Two packs a day has to affect one's decision making, doesn't it? It's the only explanation for Tuesday's fiasco.
Eno: Too funny. OK, I say “The next NBA champ will be....”, and you say??
Big Al: Lebron James gets his first title. The Cavaliers finally put to rest the days of Ted Stepien and the Cadaverliers. But between you and me, I really don't care who wins the title. I really think I'm more of a Pistons fan, than an NBA fan. I really don't like the direction the league is going. How does Lebron James only get called for little more than one foul a game? The man creates more contact in the lane than Shaquille O’Neal in his prime. Ever since Dwyane Wade won the NBA Title for the Heat by falling down and getting to the line, it's been all downhill for the NBA, in my eyes, anyway. Didn't mean to go off on a rant....
Eno: Hey, no problem! We'll just rename this WORDS Association. One more: same question, but about the NHL....
Big Al: What the Hell, it'll be the Red Wings! OK, let's throw a few your way. Let’s go with the man that rocked the nation, along with UConn's Stanley Robinson, on Saturday night, Durrell Summers.
Eno: Imagine: he and Kalin Lucas were both sophomores! Izzo has himself a basketball factory!
Big Al: Let alone his monster dunk posterized Robinson for future generations. I literally leap out of my seat when Summers threw down the dunk of the tournament. Next, I say "One Shining Moment", you say...
Eno: Makes me think of Jerry Lewis and him singing that sappy "You'll never walk alone" song at the end of every Labor Day telethon!
Big Al: Nice comparison! "YOUUUU"LLLLL NEEEEVVVVER WAAAALK ALOOOONE..." Cheese at its finest, though I think "One Shining Moment" is of the limburger type... Next, I say “Detroit Pistons ‘08-09 MVP”, you say....
Eno: HA!! Oh, sorry. Umm, gosh, I think I might go with Antonio McDyess. If it wasn't for Dice's rebounding and scoring, the Pistons would be lottery-bound.
Big Al: Works for me, though you could make a case for Walter Herrmann! Wait, that would be Most Valuable Hair...my bad. One more, while we're talking MVPs, who is the MVP of the men who wear the winged wheel?
Eno: Wow. I'm tempted to say Marian Hossa. He has "puck luck" as they say, and his goals always seem to be big ones. They're always tying games or breaking ties. Know what I mean, Vern?
Big Al: Sure do, Ernest P Worrell! Anything else on your mind before we wrap up another very late night version of TKJ?
JERK OF THE WEEK
Eno: No, I think we'd better go right to Jerk of the Week, as it's 2:00 a.m. as we do this!! I'll start: mine is Allen Iverson. He undid everything he said when he came to town with his talk about doing anything to win a championship. And in the process, I think he blackballed himself around the NBA.
Big Al: The only way The Answer can get himself back in the good graces of the NBA is if he'll agree to come off the bench. As they say, pride comes before the fall. It's a quite fitting quote in Iverson's case. My Jerk of the Week goes to all of the national media members who acted so condescending to the state of Michigan, the city of Detroit and us citizens, with the belief that Michigan State winning the NCAA title would SAVE THE CITY/STATE! It was a nice story, one that would allow us to forget our problems for an evening, nothing more. If you really want to "save" us, then buy a G**damn car from Ford, GM, or Chrysler! That would go one Hell of a lot farther than any momentary glory a title would have brought. Just reason number 27,086 why I detest the mainstream media.
Eno: Ah, so true, Al! It's amazing how often we're patronized by the national media. Now, there are those who say that the 1968 Tigers helped heal Detroit in the wake of the '67 riots, but that rings true to me. This MSU saving Detroit/Michigan is a bunch of hooey. You like that word, hooey?
Big Al: Not as much as "Sleep!" Meaning it's time to end the latest meeting of the minds, the minds of The Knee Jerks!
Eno: Remember "The minds of Minolta"?? OK, pal—till next week. I hope it's not in the wee hours. Thanks for indulging me!
Big Al: My pleasure, Eno-sabi! See you at the same jerk channel, but not the same jerk time!
Eno: Amen, brother!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Weekly Jerkosity: Bye, Bye Sheff; Hello Jay? ; Bye Bye MSU? Hello National Title?
Thank God It's Thursday -- because that means another riveting webisode of "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno & Al."
Every Thursday I get my sports chat on with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience. As Al has described us, we're just two Chatty Cathies talking about sports.
This week, we ruminate about the Tigers' release of Gary Sheffield and his $14 million contract; get excited about the rookie pitchers coming north; handicap MSU's chances in the Final Four; debate whether the Lions will acquire QB Jay Cutler; and the usual suspects return -- Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
Let the gabbing commence!
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Eno: It's time for your weekly dose of Jerkosity! It's "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno and Al." I'm Eno, aka The Journalist, and he's Big Al, aka Mr. Big Shot. Al, welcome back. Always good to see that you keep coming back for more abuse every week.
Big Al: Abuse? I tend to think of it as attitude adjustment. It's our own little Internet boot camp. Speaking of camp, the Tigers are on the verge of breaking camp (how's that for a segue?) as the season opens in Toronto on Monday. Lots of news coming out of Lakeland, so let's start with the Tigers eating the rest of Gary Sheffield's $14 million contract, and cutting him loose. What says Eno about this stunning development?
Eno: Didn't see it coming. My "knee jerk" reaction – pun intended – was that something bad happened behind the scenes. Reminded me of the Tigers cutting Dimitri Young during a rain delay in 2006. But the team says it's a baseball move. I would imagine they would have needed Mike Ilitch's approval to chow on that kind of a contract. And to do it at the tail end of spring training is rather rude, frankly. Your thoughts?
Big Al: I agree this had to have the Pizza Man's approval, and I bet he gagged a little, as it was a serious amount of coin for anyone, even a gazillionaire, to let walk. For the most part, Sheffield was a good citizen the last couple of seasons, so I'm not sure it's anything other than a baseball move. He just isn't a huge threat at the plate anymore, and hasn't been since he blew up his shoulder in July '07. Up to that point, Sheff was an impact player, and looked to be worth every penny of that three-year, $14 million-a-season deal. Then Jim Leyland put Sheff in the outfield, he collides with Placido Polanco, and he was never the same player. That it was at the end of spring training doesn't bother me too much, as there is still time for Sheff to hook up with another team.
Eno: Well of course it doesn't bother YOU!! But what of Sheff? If the Tigers were contemplating this, don't you think they were thinking of it sooner than now? Sheff was, by all accounts, feeling as healthy as ever. He had three spring homers, albeit a .178 BA. I don't know. I've always liked Sheffield, and he and I had some great conversations. Hard for me to believe a lot of the crap spewed about him, but whatever. More big news: kiddies Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry make the team. Is this Verlander/Zumaya/2006, redux? Oh, and please comment about Dave Dombrowski's status, since he keeps spending his owner's pizza dough unwisely.
Big Al: Let's start with Dombrowski. Not to defend him (then again, maybe I am), but many of these signings were thought, at the time, to be quite good. Dombrowski was locking up what was thought to be core players. Some got hurt (Sheffield, Jeremy Bonderman), some aged quicker than anticipated (Carlos Guillen), some just plain lost what they once had (Robertson), some were admittedly gambles (Dontrelle Willis), some are still very, very productive (Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera). There’s going to be quite a bit of revisionist history going on as a few of these players fail to live up to their deals. As for the rookie pitchers making the team, GOOD. It follows Leyland's assertion that the best 25 players would make the team, no matter who they are, or what they are owed. Porcello and Perry were two of the best pitchers in camp, period. They earned a trip north. I think it also means the Tigers may be eating another deal, Nate Robertson's. Is he the odd man out, as he was outpitched by both Porcello and Zach Miner this spring? As for Sheffield, the Tigers don’t owe him a thing...save for $14 million dollars. Actually, they did him a favor, as it might have been tougher to latch on to a new team if the Tigers had cut him during the season.
Eno: I don't know that I'd call it a favor, since most rosters are set by now. But of course, the Phillies have already reached out to Sheffield, reportedly. I'm very excited about Porcello and Perry. Any other impressions on the Opening Day roster?
Big Al: A couple if things... It appears that Marcus Thames will get the majority of DH at-bats. Maybe we'll finally find out if Thames will hit 40 bombs if given more than 300 plate appearances. I think he can. Even if he only hits .220, Thames's power is a game changer. As for the 25th man, it's down to Brent Clevlen and Jeff Larish. All Larish has done this spring is hit the sh*t out of the ball, but Clevlen is out of options, and would have to clear waivers if sent down. Personally, I'm always partial to power, so I think Larish gets the spot. Anything to add or dispute, Eno-sabi?
Eno: I agree with the Larish thing. Thames is the strongest baseball player I've seen in Detroit since Cecil Fielder. They keep trading Marcus every off-season, the hot stove people, and he keeps making the team. I'm glad he's sticking – for now. What do you think about Porcello, specifically? What can/should we expect from the kid?
Big Al: Porcello? You know there's going to be all kinds of comparisons to 2006 and Justin Verlander. I think that is a bit much to expect from a 20-year-old. Remember, Porcello signed out of high school, while Verlander had already built up some arm strength pitching at Old Dominion for a few seasons. But if the Tigers can get 10-12 wins and a 4.something ERA, they will be plenty happy with Porcello. He has HUGE upside, but we may not get to see the true Porcello for another year or 2. But if he's ready now, then use him in Detroit; don't waste pitches playing him in Erie.
Eno: Can't wait to see Porcello! I think 10-12 wins would be fantabulous! OK, OK...I guess we should start talking about something else. MSU makes the Final Four in Detroit. Your knee jerk?
Big Al: Told you so.
Eno: Anything else?
Big Al: Oh, you want more? I think Tom Izzo has cemented his status as one of the best coaches of his generation. Five Final Fours in 11 years? That's magnificent! Let alone the fact that every kid who has spent four years at MSU under Izzo has made a Final Four? Talk about a recruiting edge over Michigan! To be honest, I was relieved Kentucky went after John Calipari instead of Izzo. Izzo never seems to get his due nationally, even though he has put together a program that rivals the best of the ACC.
Eno: A second title for him would REALLY cement it. You're right that Izzo doesn't seem to get the same face time as some of the others, although the Chicago Bulls were rumored to show interest in him [last year], as well as Kentucky [this year]. I hope to GOD that if he moves on, it's within the college ranks. Just say no the NBA, Tommy!!
Big Al: Agreed. Izzo is NOT an NBA guy. His football-esque style of coaching would not fly in a league full of divas and head cases. As for the Final Four, who do you see coming out on top? Sparty , who has the home court advantage? Maybe UNC, a literal juggernaut in the tournament so far? UConn, even though there are cheating allegations hovering over them and Jim Calhoun? Or Villanova? (well, I got nuttin' on 'Nova!) I'm sticking with my Spartans prediction. You, sir?
Eno: Hey, why not pick the local boys? I wasn't quite so sure until I saw Sparty DISMANTLE Louisville, a No. 1 seed. I'm happy for the local economy, which gets a boost by virtue of MSU being in the Final Four. I imagine some folks who would not normally go downtown will do so on Friday, for example, to watch MSU practice. Then they'll hit the bars and restaurants. As for basketball itself, I think Travis Walton has to reappear. If he does, then MSU's chances improve greatly.
Big Al: I think their big man, Goran Suton, has been the difference maker. He's been playing like a young Bill Laimbeer, popping in jumpers from the outside, while patrolling the paint for 10 or so boards a game. But you do have to like the Spartans' chances. Their win over a heavily favored Louisville squad may have been the best played and coached game of the tournament. Izzo made [Cardinals coach] Rick Pitino look silly, as the Cardinals had no answer for Sparty, and all but quit in the final 10 minutes.
Eno: Go Green! OK, what else you got on your plate, figuratively, Albert? Allen? Alan? Aloisus? Alfred?
Big Al: YES! I'm named after the butler on Batman. Let's move on to the Lions. Word broke Tuesday night that the Denver Broncos are placing their young Pro Bowl QB, Jay Cutler, on the trading block. The Lions are one of 6-10 teams with serious interest in Cutler. Yea or nay, does Cutler end up wearing the Honolulu blue and silver?
Eno: Wow. It's easy to say no, simply because the odds are still long. I truly think Matthew Stafford's their guy in the draft. Now, how that impacts the Lions' interest in Cutler, I'm not so sure. What would become of Daunte Culpepper? This may make me nuts, but a healthy, interested Culpepper might not be all that much of a drop off from Cutler. So, bottom line: Cutler doesn't come here, I don't think. You , Alfred?
Big Al: As you know, I've been on the Cutler-to-the-D bandwagon since word broke a month ago about the three-way deal with Denver and New England that fell through at the last minute. Cutler would automatically become the best QB we've seen in Detroit since Bob Gagliano. Or Bobby Layne. The Lions have the ammo to get Cutler, if – and it’s a BIG if – Denver is willing to draft Cutler's replacement with one of the Lions' first round picks. Otherwise, the Lions have to find a third trading partner who will give the Broncos a QB. I'll go out on a limb, and say we'll see Cutler in Detroit by draft day. Then again, I thought Allen Iverson would fit in with the Pistons, and we all know how well that worked out...
Eno: Well! We'll just have to wait and see, I guess. I wouldn't compare a Cutler acquisition to that of Iverson, but I see where you're going. It's clear that one team Cutler won't be with is Denver. That situation seems irreparable. Do you agree with me that Stafford is the Lions' guy at No. 1 overall?
Big Al: If the reports of Stafford's having a kick ass private workout with Detroit is any indication, then yes, he is the number 1. But...is it just a smokescreen? Maybe the Lions are playing up Stafford is their guy to make another team panic, and offer up a kings' ransom in trade? Or to interest the Broncos in taking the first pick overall in return for Cutler? Subterfuge abounds in NFL circles. But if taken at face value, Stafford is the Lions' man...for now, anyway.
Eno: Heard Tom Lewand on the radio yesterday and he says that it's hard to trade the No. 1 overall. OK, how about some WordAss, Alfred?
Big Al: Works for me; let's lock and load for some WordAss!
WORD ASSOCIATION
Eno: OK, here we go....first up: a guy I trashed at OOB Wednesday – Red Wings d-man Niklas Kronwall.
Big Al: Time to STEP UP YOUR GAME! Kronwall looked to be ready to take the next step, so to speak, after his performance in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs. Instead, he's taken a step back. The Wings need all their D-men playing well to defend the Cup. I'm not confident they will.
Eno: Next: the OTHER kid Tigers pitcher we alluded to: reliever Ryan Perry.
Big Al: Zumaya redux, but not with the same baggage. Perry apparently has a million dollar arm, like Zumaya, but not the same 10 cent head, unlike Zumaya. I can't wait to see Perry pitch in a setup role. Perry needs to come through if the Tigers plan on contending, as we all witnessed the implosion of the '08 bullpen.
Eno: One more: I say, ‘Will the Pistons make noise in the playoffs?’ and you say.....
Big Al: Only if they face Orlando in the first round. Otherwise, it's one and done for the Pistons. OK, I’m up. Let's start with the Tigers' likely near full-time DH, Marcus Thames. I ask, how may home runs and RBI we see frm Thames, you say...
Eno: If he gets 400 AB, 25/75. If he gets 500 AB, 35/90. Thames can hit home runs with one arm tied behind his back. It's great to have such a weapon, especially in the late innings when only a home run will do.
Big Al: That actually sounds about right. Next, the man who's brave enough to step into one of the most pressure-filled gigs in sports, thanks to their loony fanbase, the Kentucky head basketball job, John Calipari.
Eno: I think that after his failed NBA experience, nothing can really faze Calipari, clearly. I would say to him, "Good luck to you, sir."
Big Al: Indeed. He's going to need it. One plus though: he'll now be on a first-name basis with known hottie and Wildcat fan, Ashley Judd. Next, let's go with the newest member of the Tigers' bullpen, Nate Robertson.
Eno: Nate, Nate, Nate. Tsk, tsk. Actually, this may not be bad, although he's likely to be a long reliever, i.e. he'll only pitch during garbage time, most likely. Got any more?
Big Al: One more, actually. Yes or no, the Pistons' new secret weapon, and current member of the rotation, Will Bynum.
Eno: Yes or no, in terms of do I like him? YES! Yes or no, in terms of his getting playing time? YES! Yes or no in terms of, is he the real deal? Y---not sure.
Big Al: Well, he's under contract for next year, so if Michael Curry could keep a rotation intact for more than a week, we'll soon see if Bynum is the real deal. Before we name our Jerk of the Week, anything else you'd like get off your chest?
Eno: Hmmm....well, I suppose we should touch on Rich Rodriguez's U-M team, which just had some spring drills. QB Nick Sheridan fractured his leg. Any U-M football musings?
Big Al: If anyone though Sheridan's injury affects the Wolverines very much, then they didn't watch him struggle to throw a spiral, let alone complete a pass last season. From all accounts, Sheridan is a hard worker, and a nice kid, but he isn't a Big Ten talent. Freshman Tate Forcier is going to be the starter in '09. You can book it. He's the dual threat QB RichRod's offense needs to run at 100%, though we may not see it for another season. There's going to be a ton of pressure on Forcier to lead the Wolverines to a winning season. I hope he's up to it.
Eno: I knew I could rely on you for some introspective U-M football stuff! OK, my friend, it's that time.....Jerk of the Week!! Tag, you're it!
JERK OF THE WEEK
Big Al: My Jerk of the Week is all of the national media who all but wrote off the Big Ten, and specifically the Spartans, in the NCAA Tournament. I don't think a single "expert" thought MSU could even stay within twenty points of Louisville, expecting the Spartans to get steamrolled. Yeah, right. If there is one thing I've learned over the years, it's to never, I repeat, NEVER, bet against a Tom Izzo-coached team in the NCAA Tournament. I guess the media will never learn. Who's your Jerk, my fellow Jerk?
Eno: I agree with that choice, by the way. Even Izzo got steamed Tuesday when talking about the lack of respect for the Big Ten. My jerk? None other than Jay Cutler, believe it or not. It occurred to me that had Cutler not acted like a petulant child with skin as thick as an onion, then none of this trade talk would be happening. New coach Josh McDaniels didn't play it right, either, upon his arrival to Denver, but this is professional sports, Jay! It's a business! Like Bob Sugar said in Jerry Maguire: "It's not show FRIENDS, it's show BUSINESS."
Big Al: You had me at hello, Eno. Which means we've come to the end of another meeting of the Knee Jerks. As Alfred the Butler would say...Well, I don't know what he'd say, other than, "It's Commissioner Gordon on the phone, sir." And that has nothing to do with sports, or the Knee Jerks!
Eno: No, but I liked it! Take care, pal! See you as we celebrate MSU's national championship next week!
Big Al: Your mouth to the Basketball Gods ears... See you at the same Jerk time, same Jerk channel! Now that IS something Alfred the Butler might say!
Eno: You're right!! See ya!
Every Thursday I get my sports chat on with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience. As Al has described us, we're just two Chatty Cathies talking about sports.
This week, we ruminate about the Tigers' release of Gary Sheffield and his $14 million contract; get excited about the rookie pitchers coming north; handicap MSU's chances in the Final Four; debate whether the Lions will acquire QB Jay Cutler; and the usual suspects return -- Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
Let the gabbing commence!
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Eno: It's time for your weekly dose of Jerkosity! It's "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno and Al." I'm Eno, aka The Journalist, and he's Big Al, aka Mr. Big Shot. Al, welcome back. Always good to see that you keep coming back for more abuse every week.
Big Al: Abuse? I tend to think of it as attitude adjustment. It's our own little Internet boot camp. Speaking of camp, the Tigers are on the verge of breaking camp (how's that for a segue?) as the season opens in Toronto on Monday. Lots of news coming out of Lakeland, so let's start with the Tigers eating the rest of Gary Sheffield's $14 million contract, and cutting him loose. What says Eno about this stunning development?
Eno: Didn't see it coming. My "knee jerk" reaction – pun intended – was that something bad happened behind the scenes. Reminded me of the Tigers cutting Dimitri Young during a rain delay in 2006. But the team says it's a baseball move. I would imagine they would have needed Mike Ilitch's approval to chow on that kind of a contract. And to do it at the tail end of spring training is rather rude, frankly. Your thoughts?
Big Al: I agree this had to have the Pizza Man's approval, and I bet he gagged a little, as it was a serious amount of coin for anyone, even a gazillionaire, to let walk. For the most part, Sheffield was a good citizen the last couple of seasons, so I'm not sure it's anything other than a baseball move. He just isn't a huge threat at the plate anymore, and hasn't been since he blew up his shoulder in July '07. Up to that point, Sheff was an impact player, and looked to be worth every penny of that three-year, $14 million-a-season deal. Then Jim Leyland put Sheff in the outfield, he collides with Placido Polanco, and he was never the same player. That it was at the end of spring training doesn't bother me too much, as there is still time for Sheff to hook up with another team.
Eno: Well of course it doesn't bother YOU!! But what of Sheff? If the Tigers were contemplating this, don't you think they were thinking of it sooner than now? Sheff was, by all accounts, feeling as healthy as ever. He had three spring homers, albeit a .178 BA. I don't know. I've always liked Sheffield, and he and I had some great conversations. Hard for me to believe a lot of the crap spewed about him, but whatever. More big news: kiddies Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry make the team. Is this Verlander/Zumaya/2006, redux? Oh, and please comment about Dave Dombrowski's status, since he keeps spending his owner's pizza dough unwisely.
Big Al: Let's start with Dombrowski. Not to defend him (then again, maybe I am), but many of these signings were thought, at the time, to be quite good. Dombrowski was locking up what was thought to be core players. Some got hurt (Sheffield, Jeremy Bonderman), some aged quicker than anticipated (Carlos Guillen), some just plain lost what they once had (Robertson), some were admittedly gambles (Dontrelle Willis), some are still very, very productive (Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera). There’s going to be quite a bit of revisionist history going on as a few of these players fail to live up to their deals. As for the rookie pitchers making the team, GOOD. It follows Leyland's assertion that the best 25 players would make the team, no matter who they are, or what they are owed. Porcello and Perry were two of the best pitchers in camp, period. They earned a trip north. I think it also means the Tigers may be eating another deal, Nate Robertson's. Is he the odd man out, as he was outpitched by both Porcello and Zach Miner this spring? As for Sheffield, the Tigers don’t owe him a thing...save for $14 million dollars. Actually, they did him a favor, as it might have been tougher to latch on to a new team if the Tigers had cut him during the season.
Eno: I don't know that I'd call it a favor, since most rosters are set by now. But of course, the Phillies have already reached out to Sheffield, reportedly. I'm very excited about Porcello and Perry. Any other impressions on the Opening Day roster?
Big Al: A couple if things... It appears that Marcus Thames will get the majority of DH at-bats. Maybe we'll finally find out if Thames will hit 40 bombs if given more than 300 plate appearances. I think he can. Even if he only hits .220, Thames's power is a game changer. As for the 25th man, it's down to Brent Clevlen and Jeff Larish. All Larish has done this spring is hit the sh*t out of the ball, but Clevlen is out of options, and would have to clear waivers if sent down. Personally, I'm always partial to power, so I think Larish gets the spot. Anything to add or dispute, Eno-sabi?
Eno: I agree with the Larish thing. Thames is the strongest baseball player I've seen in Detroit since Cecil Fielder. They keep trading Marcus every off-season, the hot stove people, and he keeps making the team. I'm glad he's sticking – for now. What do you think about Porcello, specifically? What can/should we expect from the kid?
Big Al: Porcello? You know there's going to be all kinds of comparisons to 2006 and Justin Verlander. I think that is a bit much to expect from a 20-year-old. Remember, Porcello signed out of high school, while Verlander had already built up some arm strength pitching at Old Dominion for a few seasons. But if the Tigers can get 10-12 wins and a 4.something ERA, they will be plenty happy with Porcello. He has HUGE upside, but we may not get to see the true Porcello for another year or 2. But if he's ready now, then use him in Detroit; don't waste pitches playing him in Erie.
Eno: Can't wait to see Porcello! I think 10-12 wins would be fantabulous! OK, OK...I guess we should start talking about something else. MSU makes the Final Four in Detroit. Your knee jerk?
Big Al: Told you so.
Eno: Anything else?
Big Al: Oh, you want more? I think Tom Izzo has cemented his status as one of the best coaches of his generation. Five Final Fours in 11 years? That's magnificent! Let alone the fact that every kid who has spent four years at MSU under Izzo has made a Final Four? Talk about a recruiting edge over Michigan! To be honest, I was relieved Kentucky went after John Calipari instead of Izzo. Izzo never seems to get his due nationally, even though he has put together a program that rivals the best of the ACC.
Eno: A second title for him would REALLY cement it. You're right that Izzo doesn't seem to get the same face time as some of the others, although the Chicago Bulls were rumored to show interest in him [last year], as well as Kentucky [this year]. I hope to GOD that if he moves on, it's within the college ranks. Just say no the NBA, Tommy!!
Big Al: Agreed. Izzo is NOT an NBA guy. His football-esque style of coaching would not fly in a league full of divas and head cases. As for the Final Four, who do you see coming out on top? Sparty , who has the home court advantage? Maybe UNC, a literal juggernaut in the tournament so far? UConn, even though there are cheating allegations hovering over them and Jim Calhoun? Or Villanova? (well, I got nuttin' on 'Nova!) I'm sticking with my Spartans prediction. You, sir?
Eno: Hey, why not pick the local boys? I wasn't quite so sure until I saw Sparty DISMANTLE Louisville, a No. 1 seed. I'm happy for the local economy, which gets a boost by virtue of MSU being in the Final Four. I imagine some folks who would not normally go downtown will do so on Friday, for example, to watch MSU practice. Then they'll hit the bars and restaurants. As for basketball itself, I think Travis Walton has to reappear. If he does, then MSU's chances improve greatly.
Big Al: I think their big man, Goran Suton, has been the difference maker. He's been playing like a young Bill Laimbeer, popping in jumpers from the outside, while patrolling the paint for 10 or so boards a game. But you do have to like the Spartans' chances. Their win over a heavily favored Louisville squad may have been the best played and coached game of the tournament. Izzo made [Cardinals coach] Rick Pitino look silly, as the Cardinals had no answer for Sparty, and all but quit in the final 10 minutes.
Eno: Go Green! OK, what else you got on your plate, figuratively, Albert? Allen? Alan? Aloisus? Alfred?
Big Al: YES! I'm named after the butler on Batman. Let's move on to the Lions. Word broke Tuesday night that the Denver Broncos are placing their young Pro Bowl QB, Jay Cutler, on the trading block. The Lions are one of 6-10 teams with serious interest in Cutler. Yea or nay, does Cutler end up wearing the Honolulu blue and silver?
Eno: Wow. It's easy to say no, simply because the odds are still long. I truly think Matthew Stafford's their guy in the draft. Now, how that impacts the Lions' interest in Cutler, I'm not so sure. What would become of Daunte Culpepper? This may make me nuts, but a healthy, interested Culpepper might not be all that much of a drop off from Cutler. So, bottom line: Cutler doesn't come here, I don't think. You , Alfred?
Big Al: As you know, I've been on the Cutler-to-the-D bandwagon since word broke a month ago about the three-way deal with Denver and New England that fell through at the last minute. Cutler would automatically become the best QB we've seen in Detroit since Bob Gagliano. Or Bobby Layne. The Lions have the ammo to get Cutler, if – and it’s a BIG if – Denver is willing to draft Cutler's replacement with one of the Lions' first round picks. Otherwise, the Lions have to find a third trading partner who will give the Broncos a QB. I'll go out on a limb, and say we'll see Cutler in Detroit by draft day. Then again, I thought Allen Iverson would fit in with the Pistons, and we all know how well that worked out...
Eno: Well! We'll just have to wait and see, I guess. I wouldn't compare a Cutler acquisition to that of Iverson, but I see where you're going. It's clear that one team Cutler won't be with is Denver. That situation seems irreparable. Do you agree with me that Stafford is the Lions' guy at No. 1 overall?
Big Al: If the reports of Stafford's having a kick ass private workout with Detroit is any indication, then yes, he is the number 1. But...is it just a smokescreen? Maybe the Lions are playing up Stafford is their guy to make another team panic, and offer up a kings' ransom in trade? Or to interest the Broncos in taking the first pick overall in return for Cutler? Subterfuge abounds in NFL circles. But if taken at face value, Stafford is the Lions' man...for now, anyway.
Eno: Heard Tom Lewand on the radio yesterday and he says that it's hard to trade the No. 1 overall. OK, how about some WordAss, Alfred?
Big Al: Works for me; let's lock and load for some WordAss!
WORD ASSOCIATION
Eno: OK, here we go....first up: a guy I trashed at OOB Wednesday – Red Wings d-man Niklas Kronwall.
Big Al: Time to STEP UP YOUR GAME! Kronwall looked to be ready to take the next step, so to speak, after his performance in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs. Instead, he's taken a step back. The Wings need all their D-men playing well to defend the Cup. I'm not confident they will.
Eno: Next: the OTHER kid Tigers pitcher we alluded to: reliever Ryan Perry.
Big Al: Zumaya redux, but not with the same baggage. Perry apparently has a million dollar arm, like Zumaya, but not the same 10 cent head, unlike Zumaya. I can't wait to see Perry pitch in a setup role. Perry needs to come through if the Tigers plan on contending, as we all witnessed the implosion of the '08 bullpen.
Eno: One more: I say, ‘Will the Pistons make noise in the playoffs?’ and you say.....
Big Al: Only if they face Orlando in the first round. Otherwise, it's one and done for the Pistons. OK, I’m up. Let's start with the Tigers' likely near full-time DH, Marcus Thames. I ask, how may home runs and RBI we see frm Thames, you say...
Eno: If he gets 400 AB, 25/75. If he gets 500 AB, 35/90. Thames can hit home runs with one arm tied behind his back. It's great to have such a weapon, especially in the late innings when only a home run will do.
Big Al: That actually sounds about right. Next, the man who's brave enough to step into one of the most pressure-filled gigs in sports, thanks to their loony fanbase, the Kentucky head basketball job, John Calipari.
Eno: I think that after his failed NBA experience, nothing can really faze Calipari, clearly. I would say to him, "Good luck to you, sir."
Big Al: Indeed. He's going to need it. One plus though: he'll now be on a first-name basis with known hottie and Wildcat fan, Ashley Judd. Next, let's go with the newest member of the Tigers' bullpen, Nate Robertson.
Eno: Nate, Nate, Nate. Tsk, tsk. Actually, this may not be bad, although he's likely to be a long reliever, i.e. he'll only pitch during garbage time, most likely. Got any more?
Big Al: One more, actually. Yes or no, the Pistons' new secret weapon, and current member of the rotation, Will Bynum.
Eno: Yes or no, in terms of do I like him? YES! Yes or no, in terms of his getting playing time? YES! Yes or no in terms of, is he the real deal? Y---not sure.
Big Al: Well, he's under contract for next year, so if Michael Curry could keep a rotation intact for more than a week, we'll soon see if Bynum is the real deal. Before we name our Jerk of the Week, anything else you'd like get off your chest?
Eno: Hmmm....well, I suppose we should touch on Rich Rodriguez's U-M team, which just had some spring drills. QB Nick Sheridan fractured his leg. Any U-M football musings?
Big Al: If anyone though Sheridan's injury affects the Wolverines very much, then they didn't watch him struggle to throw a spiral, let alone complete a pass last season. From all accounts, Sheridan is a hard worker, and a nice kid, but he isn't a Big Ten talent. Freshman Tate Forcier is going to be the starter in '09. You can book it. He's the dual threat QB RichRod's offense needs to run at 100%, though we may not see it for another season. There's going to be a ton of pressure on Forcier to lead the Wolverines to a winning season. I hope he's up to it.
Eno: I knew I could rely on you for some introspective U-M football stuff! OK, my friend, it's that time.....Jerk of the Week!! Tag, you're it!
JERK OF THE WEEK
Big Al: My Jerk of the Week is all of the national media who all but wrote off the Big Ten, and specifically the Spartans, in the NCAA Tournament. I don't think a single "expert" thought MSU could even stay within twenty points of Louisville, expecting the Spartans to get steamrolled. Yeah, right. If there is one thing I've learned over the years, it's to never, I repeat, NEVER, bet against a Tom Izzo-coached team in the NCAA Tournament. I guess the media will never learn. Who's your Jerk, my fellow Jerk?
Eno: I agree with that choice, by the way. Even Izzo got steamed Tuesday when talking about the lack of respect for the Big Ten. My jerk? None other than Jay Cutler, believe it or not. It occurred to me that had Cutler not acted like a petulant child with skin as thick as an onion, then none of this trade talk would be happening. New coach Josh McDaniels didn't play it right, either, upon his arrival to Denver, but this is professional sports, Jay! It's a business! Like Bob Sugar said in Jerry Maguire: "It's not show FRIENDS, it's show BUSINESS."
Big Al: You had me at hello, Eno. Which means we've come to the end of another meeting of the Knee Jerks. As Alfred the Butler would say...Well, I don't know what he'd say, other than, "It's Commissioner Gordon on the phone, sir." And that has nothing to do with sports, or the Knee Jerks!
Eno: No, but I liked it! Take care, pal! See you as we celebrate MSU's national championship next week!
Big Al: Your mouth to the Basketball Gods ears... See you at the same Jerk time, same Jerk channel! Now that IS something Alfred the Butler might say!
Eno: You're right!! See ya!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Knee Jerks: Curry's A Dead Man Walking? Sharks Are Toothless? The End Of Talk Radio As We Knew It?
OK, time to strap on your seatbelts and place your trays in the upright position. It's Thursday, and that means Jerkosity reigns!
It's "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno and Al", my weekly gabfest with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience.
This week's episode contains more hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing about the Pistons; bouquets for the Red Wings (although Al squirms re: the goaltending); some Lions chit-chat; the mourning of the loss of WDFN; and the usual suspects: Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
Remember, the oxygen masks will drop down if this chat gets too turbulent....
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It's "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno and Al", my weekly gabfest with the MVP of the MVN, Big Al of The Wayne Fontes Experience.
This week's episode contains more hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing about the Pistons; bouquets for the Red Wings (although Al squirms re: the goaltending); some Lions chit-chat; the mourning of the loss of WDFN; and the usual suspects: Word Association and Jerk of the Week.
Remember, the oxygen masks will drop down if this chat gets too turbulent....
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Eno: Welcome to Thursday and another Jerk Adventure! It's "The Knee Jerks: WTF? With Eno and Al." I'm Eno, aka The Journalist, and he's Big Al, aka Mr. Big Shot. I should note that we are chatting around the witching hour (we usually do this chat during the lunch hour). How are you under this pale moonlight, Big Al?
Big Al: Recovering from my misadventures at
Eno: Allen Iverson happened. Yes, I pretty much blamed everything on A.I. over at OOB, just a few weeks after I blamed everything on Joe Dumars. But the gist of my rant was this: you can't win with Iverson; it's proven. He'll never win a 'ship, as Rasheed Wallace calls them. There are many culpable folks, but Iverson takes the cake, in my opinion. Oh, that and this Swiss cheese defense that has NEVER been attached to the Pistons during the Dumars Era. Your take, Mr. Big Shot?
Big Al: You're right; it turns out Iverson blended with the Pistons like oil does with water: not at all. In the long run, trading for Iverson will turn out to be the right thing for Dumars to do, as he can turn his Pistons around quickly with the cap space he'll have available. But when you also factor in an inexperienced head coach who is in over his head, a rapidly aging Rasheed Wallace (who was T'd up twice more Wednesday night, leaving him suspended for Friday's game), and the growing pains of Rodney Stuckey, who has hit the proverbial wall, you’re left as a lottery team. But it all hinges on Iverson, who can't get out of
Eno: Geez, we talk about these guys every week, Al, and every week the talk gets more and more depressing. They gave it a good shot in
Big Al: Well, Iverson supposedly had "back spasms" in
Eno: Joe D missed with this dart, big time. He didn't even hit the dart board. This might be placed next to the pick of Darko Milicic in Dumars's Hall of Shame. I liked the fact that Curry was a no-name player when he played, but I also expressed reservations. I didn't think a rookie coach was good for this bunch. I think the Pistons players like him, but don't really have confidence in him. Rip
Big Al: That's been Dumars's saving grace; he realizes when he has made a mistake, and quickly corrects it, not compounding it by refusing to admit his mistake in judgment. He's done it with players, but will he do it with a coach? It seems to me Dumars has fired coaches mostly because owner Bill Davidson didn't like them. Mr. D thought Rick Carlisle wasn't personable enough; Larry Brown wasn’t respectful enough toward the franchise thanks to his constantly wandering eye; and Flip Saunders just plain didn't win a title with a talented, yet headstrong and filled-with-head cases roster. So you have to wonder what Davidson is thinking about with Curry leading his prized team into the lottery. Who ultimately makes the call, Joe D or Davidson?
Eno: Wow. Good question. You're right that Mr. Davidson had no respect for Larry Brown at the end, and didn't have all that much good to say about Flip Saunders, either. You don't get a second chance, it seems, to impress Davidson. I think that Dumars clearly has the owner's ear, though, and unless Curry does something heinous, I'd say that Davidson would let Dumars make that call. Regardless, looks like the Pistons' coaching carousel will soon be spinning again. I've said it before – just last week at OOB – and I'll ask you: what do you think of COACH Joe Dumars? And I'm not joking around here.
Big Al: I know you've been calling for Dumars’s leaving the owner's suite and heading down to the sidelines for quite some time now. It does make sense, as who better to run the team than the man who built it? But as good as a GM that Dumars has been (even with the occasional mistake in drafting, Dumars has been one the best GMs in the NBA), he's never been a coach at any level. Dumars took the time to learn the general manager's job before taking over the Pistons. He wouldn't have that luxury if he took over the reins of the Pistons. Coaching from afar is much easier than being in the locker room day in, day out, and riding herd over twelve millionaires on a nightly basis. Let's also not forget coaches are hired to be fired. If Joe D did take over the team, I'd have to believe it'd be an interim thing, not long-term. But stranger things have happened, right?
Eno: Indeed. OK, now that I'm totally depressed, let's lift my spirits some and talk Red Wings. They slapped the San Jose Sharks Wednesday night. What, if anything, can you cull from that game, as it's still only February?
Big Al: That the Red Wings are still the team to beat in the Western Conference. Period. No, exclamation point! I think the Sharks know it too. They should after Wednesday night.
Eno: If those two teams meet in the playoffs – probably in the Conference Finals – it will be a potentially legendary series. One of those series where home ice might not mean much, but oh, don't you want Game 7 in your own building? Henrik Zetterberg has seemed to up his play since signing that 12-year contract. What do you make of Z's play this season, and who do you think is the best candidate, right now, to be the guy who puts the team on his back, a la Johan Franzen last spring?
Big Al: I'd love to see a Wings-Sharks series as well. It'd be EPIC. As for who'll be THE GUY? If I were a betting man (well, if I were STILL a betting man, that is) I'd say Pavel Datsyuk. He's become a stellar playoff performer over the past few seasons, and it could be argued that he's been the Wings' best overall player this season. He's definitely their best two-way player. In a Game 7, with everything on the line, I want Datsyuk on the ice as much as humanly possible. What say the Eno-meister?
Eno: I think Marian Hossa, I really do. The man has what they like to call "puck luck"; everything he touches seems to go into the net. OK, [defenseman] Brad Stuart returned, which is a big boon. Do the overall defense and the penalty killing worry you, or no?
Big Al: Some, but not enough to lose sleep over. Could the overall team D and the PK be better? Sure. But their track record says it shouldn't be an issue when the Stanley Cup playoffs come 'round. One of these days, Nick Lidstrom is going to lose a step, and his smarts won't be able to make up for it. But that day isn't here, and I'm not going to get too worked up over a somewhat looser defense, and an inconsistent kill. I'm much more worried about the goaltending. Yes, I'm aware that worrying about goaltending is in every Red Wings fan’s blood, but Mike Babcock sitting Chris Osgood for several days to get his head together has to be a concern, no? It's not as if Jimmy Howard stood out as a replacement.
Eno: Well, yes, but this could be one of those things we look back at in June and say, "Why were we so worried? Silly bloggers, we!" But I still think Ozzie will turn it up in the post-season. He, as he says, "Knows how to win playoff games." And he does. The guy has been like a
Big Al: Are you really kidding? It's beginning to look as if this may be Ty Conklin's team. He's 9-3 in his last 12 starts, and has won his last five [including his last twelve at home]. It's definitely not Howard's team, as he is no longer the heir apparent in goal if this past week's audition is any indication. Osgood is one bad playoff game away from being pulled (I agree the Wings start with Osgood in goal, unless he totally goes in the tank over the final weeks of the regular season). I'm going to pound this like you pound Dumars coaching the Pistons. Conklin is the man to take the Wings deep into the playoffs.
Eno: Hey, you might be right, Mr. Big Shot! OK, what's on that Teflon brain of yours?
Big Al: This week [quarterback] Dan Orlovsky announced he would not return to the Lions next season, even though the team wanted him back. Dan-O mentioned one of the reasons he was leaving was that the coaching staff has already determined Daunte Culpepper will be the starter in 2009. Mike Furrey also said as much when he was released: Culpepper is the Number One. The Lions deny any such thing, claiming training camp will be an open competition. But all signs point to Culpepper. The reworked contract; the near certainty that Jon Kitna will be cut; the lack of a true standout QB in the upcoming draft. Is Culpepper the solution under center, or a Band-Aid on a gaping wound?
Eno: The latter. Orlovsky is not – repeat, NOT – going to be a star in the NFL, so good riddance, I say. Culpepper is a good stopgap until the next QB is groomed. I think with an entire off-season and a training camp and with new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan on board, you'll see improvement in Cully's play. Now, having said that, Daunte's lost a lot of mobility so you gotta block for the guy. The O-line must be repaired. Where is that on the shopping list? Right behind milk and eggs, or down further, near the M&Ms and Fritos?
Big Al: So it sounds as if you are on the "draft a left tackle" bandwagon. In the end, I have a feeling that's the direction the Lions go. There's no clear-cut Number One, and taking a highly rated tackle is the safest play for [coach] Jim Schwartz and [GM] Martin Mayhew. Though Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks, in his latest mock draft (which I'm already sick to death of; everyone and their sister does a mock draft anymore) has the Lions drafting a LB, Aaron Curry of Wake Forrest, with the first overall pick. As bad as the
WORD ASSOCIATION
Eno: Poor Drew. OK, how about some WordAss?
Big Al: Works for me. Time, and WORDASS, waits for no man. Let's start with the pitcher the Tigers are pinning many of their hopes for contending upon, who also got the win in Wednesday's spring training opener, Justin Verlander.
Eno: You know my take: the Tigers' super ball. BIG bounce back season in '09. Come on, that was a fat pitch! Give me some of your breaking stuff.
Big Al: Hey, I was just warming up! OK, let's go with the man who won the primary round in the special mayoral election in Detroit, who thinks he can save city from itself, who also saved the Pistons (again with the Pistons!) from total irrelevancy in the 1960s and ‘70s in his Hall of Fame career, Dave Bing.
Eno: If Bing had run eight years ago he'd have been a lock. His armor has been a little tarnished since then, but I think he'll be the new
Big Al: I agree, and the city couldn't ask for a more upstanding citizen. After the latest city council debacle, turning down the state's proposal to expand and renovate Cobo Hall,
Eno: The NBA's Tragic Figure. You could pen his biography and folks would say it was a work of fiction. Talk about a tortured, tormented career. He also has this fetish for coming off the bench, which just adds to his legend.
Big Al: Some of the NBA's elite teams badly wanted Dice, but he had what turned out to be a misplaced sense of loyalty to
Eno: The Walking Soap Opera. OK, here's one for you to start: Tiger Woods.
Big Al: No kidding about Marbury: he needs his own reality show. Tiger Woods? The PGA, and televised golf, is relevant again! Tiger Woods can even make match play interesting.
Eno: Hear, hear! OK, next: I say Joel Zumaya and YOU say...
Big Al: Look out for falling boxes! No...Let's play Guitar Hero! Seriously, I say...a difference maker, when healthy, of course.
Eno: Of course. One more: Free agent DT Albert Haynesworth.
Big Al: He's a pipe dream. Not even The Schwartz can convince one of the NFL's top defenders to come to
Eno: You're right, oh sage one. What else do you have in the hopper before we do Jerk of the Week?
Big Al: A couple of things, but something's really been bothering me, big time. I used to listen to
Eno: Bring back Ron Cameron!! Yeah, I know what you mean; competition is always good for the consumer. Have WE hurt that? I mean, us bloggers? Did we cut into that pie at all?
Big Al: I'd much rather read the blogs and listen to the podcasts of passionate sports bloggers than what's become rote, by the numbers, local radio. Big media is changing, maybe even dying, thanks to folks like us. And that's a good thing. Are you ready to name your Jerk of the Week?
JERK OF THE WEEK
Eno: I am. It's a guy named Wayne Burdick, a Chicago Bears fan who got hit with a $28,000 wireless bill after watching the Bears beat the Lions, 27-23, from his cruise ship. He used Slingbox and then the fun began. Turns out he was overcharged, but to put yourself at risk – watching Bears/Lions?
Big Al: I think he should play the temporarily insane card! My JotW is the head coach of the Michigan Basketball Wolverines, John Beilein. Yes, I have often sung his praises, but he may have shot himself in the foot, and cost his team an NCAA tournament berth, by benching Manny Harris for the entire OT in a bad loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes. Harris was having an off game, but to keep your best player off the floor in OT, saying he "didn't look fresh", was not a smart move. Harris could have been the difference in the game, if given the chance. I have a bad feeling the
Eno: It's a fine line, at the college level, between coaching and teaching, if you know what I mean. Hey, even the greats have appeared on JOTW – haven’t they? OK, my friend, it was great fun. I can tell by the wee hour of the morning that it's time to shut it down. Thanks to this unusual hour of chat, this week's TKJ will arrive later in the day than usual. Think there'll be a revolt?
Big Al: Our readers are already revolting... Sorry, I couldn't resist. Thanks for staying up late into the night with me, Eno, and I'll see you at a much earlier Jerk time, but same Jerk channel, next week!
Eno: Nice zinger! You bet!!
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