With just over an hour left before the craziness of free agency starts for the NBA, I wanted to take a second or 1,000 and talk about my favorite sport, baseball. Now, before I go into my rant about deals that the Detroit Tigers need to make, let me say that I am going to go through the entire American League Central Division, and break down the positions, starters and needs that they need to sure up via trades before the trade deadline next month. I am going to start with the division leading Detroit Tigers tonight though.
Lets start out with the pitching.
SP - Justin Verlander
SP - Edwin Jackson
SP - Rick Porcello
SP - Armando Galarraga
SP - rotation (Luke French makes the next start, but Alfredo Figaro has made starts this season along with Jeremy Bonderman and Dontrelle Willis)
RP - Freddy Dolsi
RP - Brandon Lyon
RP - Zach Miner
RP - Fu-Te Ni
RP - Joel Zumaya
SU - Bobby Seay
CL - Fernando Rodney
----- All in all, the Tigers on paper have a solid staff in place, but it doesn't seem quite good enough to make it through the playoffs should they get there. Their top 3 starters are quality pitchers who can get you a win when you need it. Galarraga seems to be on the way back to the way Tigers fan's know him winning in his last start and off to a solid start in Oakland tonight. It probably wouldn't hurt to possibly get a solid starter in the trade market. They don't need an ace, but they do need someone in the minors to step it up or get a quality innings eater. Dolsi and Ni were recently called up from the minors. If Dolsi can do the same thing that he did during 2007, which was come in and stop the bleeding or hold a lead to get it to the late inning guys, he will be in the bullpen for the rest of the year. This is Ni's first call up to a big league club, so the verdict is out still. Lyon and Seay both have been the most consistent in the 'pen in recent weeks, but Joel Zumaya has been erratic to say the least. He either needs to dial down the speed and through it over the plate, or get sent down to work on his command at that speed. Miner is a strong middle to long reliever if your starter doesn't get you far in the game. And Rodney, though shaky in non-save situations, have been perfect this year in save opportunities for the Tigers. If Dolsi can do what he has shown in the past, and Seay, Lyon, and Rodney keep it going, the Tigers should be fine in the bullpen.
---Catcher---
Gerald Laird has been a very good battery mate for most of the Tigers pitchers this year, and he catches almost everyday. Manager Jim Leyland may want to get Laird some rest at some point though, because if he is going at the current rate, Laird may show signs of fatigue in September.
Dusty Ryan since coming up to the big club well, hasn't played much. But in the games he has gotten in, he has showed some promise calling pitches and at the plate he has showed some pop in his bat. The average isn't going to be where you would want it to be, but for catching once every 2 weeks, he will do fine.
---It seems like Detroit is fine with the catching tandem that they currently are running out there on a nightly basis. I don't see a need for a change or upgrade here.
---Infield---
Miguel Cabrera at first base has been hampered with a couple of minor injuries so far this season, but has been able to avoid the big one. His average numbers are great, and with Leyland moving him up to third in the batting order, he has responded with some power lately. You can pretty much count on him hitting .300, 30 homers and 100 RBI's in a season. And can I mention his defensive play at first is stellar this year. Really looking like a major league 1st baseman.
Placido Polanco again is one other the most consistent fielders at second base in the league this year, so no worries there. But the cause for concern is his plate appearances. Polanco has been striking out more this year, and his average well below his career average. The power numbers are up, but for someone batting in the second position in the lineup, stop trying to hit homers, and go with some base hits.
Brandon Inge is Brandon finally living up to his potential? I think he is. Look, everyone who watches baseball know that Inge has been one of the best defensive third baseman in the game today. The complaint is that his average at the plate has always been below .250. Now with Inge hitting for power, comfortably at third, and hitting above .250 on the year, he should be recognized with a gold glove at least. An injury may have crept up on him, so stay tuned.
Adam Everett has been hitting this season for more of an average than he ever has, but his defense has seemed to slip a little with the new found success at the plate. Never the less, with a backup that is just as a solid defender through his career, he should start to defend better.
Ramon Santiago I don't know what I can say about this guy. Throughout his career, he was never big enough, never hit well enough, made too many errors, but it seems like this year, he has turned everything around and is a great utility man for the Tigers this year.
---This year, defensively the Tigers have been one of the best in fielding percentage, third in the AL to be exact. A large improvement from last year when they were near the bottom of the AL in fielding.
---Outfield---
Curtis Granderson is possibly the most exciting player in baseball to watch on a nightly basis. He can lead a game off with a home run, make a diving catch to preserve a lead, or even pull a Ken Griffey Jr. and make an over the wall catch to save a Verlander win. The average is down this year, but the power is up, and the defense is a joy to watch on a nightly basis.
Josh Anderson could be an everyday outfielder at some point in his career. But most likely he will be the fourth guy on a depth chart. The guy has legit speed, but his average and on base percentage aren't good enough to be a threat in the lead off spot. But the speed does help in the spacious outfield at Comerica Park.
Magglio Ordonez isnt what he used to be unfortunately for the Tigers this year. They were counting him to provide the same protection that he did last year for Miguel Cabrera, but the average is way down, the power is almost non existent, and he is slow in the outfield. Ordonez is probably at the end of a great major league career, and needs a little help deciding when it is time to hang 'em up.
Ryan Raburn has been a consistent backup for the Tigers in recent years providing adequate defense and some power off of the bench for Detroit. But, unless the average comes up, he is just going to be a backup.
Don Kelly seems to be handling the big leagues OK, but when Clete Thomas came up for Detroit, he was the same way, and cooled off. Time will tell with Kelly.
---I could see the Tigers going after an outfield before the trading deadline comes and goes. Magglio just isn't an everyday player in right field anymore. Until he figures it out at the plate he is just an out in the middle of the lineup. Could look for the White Sox to try to trade Jermaine Dye, but probably not to a central division foe in Detroit. Dye is attractive to trade though with one year left on his contract, and will probably command anywhere from $12 to $15 million a year this off season in free agency.
---Designated Hitter---
Marcus Thames came off the disabled list early in June, and provided a spark in the lineup. He has a dangerous bat in the middle of lineups, but inconsistent. A dead pull hitter, he shoots everything to left field and pitchers have found out how to deal with him.
---No extra explaining here, Detroit wont go out to find a DH, if they are going to make a move, it will be a position player and possibly rotate Ordonez and Thames in the DH spot.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Free Agency II
So, now that Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided to not test the water of free agency, it may seem that Utah doesn't have enough money to keep young PF Paul Millsap. But, since Millsap is a restricted free agent, any contract that Millsap is offered, the Jazz will have 7 days to match or beat the offer on the table, at which time Millsap would then sign back with the Jazz. But with one of the biggest potential free agents now off the table, Millsap could be a viable young option for any team in the league.
Marcin Gorat of Orlando now seems like a viable option for Detroit as well. Listed as a Center, he provides the rebounding ability but not the scoring dual threat that the Pistons are looking for. Also look for Shawn Marion to be picked up, but with a history of injuries and the sometimes awkward shot, if he gets in a funk, only he can really get himself out of it.
And don't forget Charlie Villanueva is would still be available if Detroit wanted to go in that way.
Marcin Gorat of Orlando now seems like a viable option for Detroit as well. Listed as a Center, he provides the rebounding ability but not the scoring dual threat that the Pistons are looking for. Also look for Shawn Marion to be picked up, but with a history of injuries and the sometimes awkward shot, if he gets in a funk, only he can really get himself out of it.
And don't forget Charlie Villanueva is would still be available if Detroit wanted to go in that way.
Free Agency
Starting tonight at 12:01 am, NBA free agency starts...and with what some are saying is the most money to spend this off season, the Detroit Pistons, are looking to make moves. Last that I had heard was the the Pistons were looking to add big men, e.g. Power Forward, or possibly center. But with the NBA evolving, the 4 and 5 spots are basically interchangeable, and now, it seems that PF's are taller, but Centers tend to be more athletic and stronger.
The trend with PF's is going towards big men who can shoot the ball from 12 to 15 ft and make it consistently, but at the same time having athletic ability to make a dunk or grab a last second rebound to preserve the win for a team. This trend started with Rasheed Wallace, Tim Duncan, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, etc.
With the Pistons not likely to make an offer to extend Rasheed Wallace's contract, the Pistons will be going after some talent this off season. Lets take a look at perspective big men that Joey D will likely go after:
Carlos Boozer - He can opt of from his contract from Utah, and if he will the Pistons will probably be the first team to call him. Joe seems very high on Boozer, a strong guy who can get a rebound and can also shoot. But the downside to Boozer is his durability or lack there of. Since joining the Jazz 5 seasons ago, Boozer has only played in 67% of the games that the Jazz have played in the regular season.
Hedo Turkoglu - Has already told Orlando management that he is going to test the waters for a new contract. Listed as a Small Forward, Hedo is 6'10". Making him a fit in Detroit's system. Rasheed Wallace, last year's PF for the Pistons, is 6'11". But Hedo can shoot the ball consistently from long range, but also has the power to finish at the basket. The downside of Hedo is his lack of rebounding, last year he averaged about 4.5 rebounds per game.
Paul Millsap - A young guy who at 24 years is turning out to be a durable player in the NBA is a restricted free agent and is unlikely that the Jazz will let him leave, especially if Boozer leaves. But if he does leave, looks to be a good fit as well, athletic, durable, and can score off the dribble.
There have been a lot of rumors about the Pistons looking at Charlie Villanueva, but I don't see him as a viable option for Detroit. Could be a last resort for them if they fail to sign the other's.
Draft picks Austin Daye, and DaJaun Summers could be rotational players in the NBA someday but right now are not game changers. Daye needs to bulk up, get into the gym and put on anywhere from 25 to 40 lbs of muscle on. Summers is a big kid, but being a later pick automatically means you have to prove yourself, so by that fact alone, he will take a while to progress.
Big men are not the only the position that the Pistons need to sure up going into the next year. They also need to put another backup behind Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey. There are options that they can go with, but all have bad sides to them.
The past year, Rodney Stuckey came into his own as the Pistons point guard. With career highs in minutes, points, rebounds, and assists, Stuckey seems to be the point guard of the future for Detroit.
Ageing shooting guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton saw his points per game go up this year after they dipped from last year, but being 31 years old, Detroit wants to find a solid player that can back both of these guys up and a possible starter in the future.
Ben Gordon - Seems to be the widely accepted option for the Pistons being 26 years old, still has time to develop his game over the next year while being a prolific scorer in the near future. The only question is how much he will command in the market. Kobe Bryant will most likely not opt out of his contract with Los Angeles, so that make Ben the number 1 shooting guard available. And with the Pistons wanting veteran help in the front court to bring along Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson, it will be interesting which is most important to the organization.
A couple of others that Detroit could be looking at as good solid backups for the duo they already have in place are Anthony Parker formally of Toronto, Jarrett Jack a restricted free agent from Indianapolis, or Rashad McCants from Sacramento.
Anthony Parker - He would be a good man for the Pistons to take some of the minutes from Stuckey and Hamilton, but at 34, he would not be a choice that the Pistons could turn to in the future.
Jarrett Jack - He is a restricted free agent from the Pacers, he had a break out year with the Pacers last year, and also could be a good backup at point to share some the minutes with Stuckey. Unfortunately though, Stuckey is seen as the future PG in Detroit, so there would be no room for Jack to grow.
Rashard McCants - A long shot for the Pistons to sign, but like Villanueva, he could be that option if Detroit cannot come to terms with any of the other players they covet in the free agent market.
Check back, for info when the Pistons make moves, and remember the madness starts at 12:01 am.
The trend with PF's is going towards big men who can shoot the ball from 12 to 15 ft and make it consistently, but at the same time having athletic ability to make a dunk or grab a last second rebound to preserve the win for a team. This trend started with Rasheed Wallace, Tim Duncan, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, etc.
With the Pistons not likely to make an offer to extend Rasheed Wallace's contract, the Pistons will be going after some talent this off season. Lets take a look at perspective big men that Joey D will likely go after:
Carlos Boozer - He can opt of from his contract from Utah, and if he will the Pistons will probably be the first team to call him. Joe seems very high on Boozer, a strong guy who can get a rebound and can also shoot. But the downside to Boozer is his durability or lack there of. Since joining the Jazz 5 seasons ago, Boozer has only played in 67% of the games that the Jazz have played in the regular season.
Hedo Turkoglu - Has already told Orlando management that he is going to test the waters for a new contract. Listed as a Small Forward, Hedo is 6'10". Making him a fit in Detroit's system. Rasheed Wallace, last year's PF for the Pistons, is 6'11". But Hedo can shoot the ball consistently from long range, but also has the power to finish at the basket. The downside of Hedo is his lack of rebounding, last year he averaged about 4.5 rebounds per game.
Paul Millsap - A young guy who at 24 years is turning out to be a durable player in the NBA is a restricted free agent and is unlikely that the Jazz will let him leave, especially if Boozer leaves. But if he does leave, looks to be a good fit as well, athletic, durable, and can score off the dribble.
There have been a lot of rumors about the Pistons looking at Charlie Villanueva, but I don't see him as a viable option for Detroit. Could be a last resort for them if they fail to sign the other's.
Draft picks Austin Daye, and DaJaun Summers could be rotational players in the NBA someday but right now are not game changers. Daye needs to bulk up, get into the gym and put on anywhere from 25 to 40 lbs of muscle on. Summers is a big kid, but being a later pick automatically means you have to prove yourself, so by that fact alone, he will take a while to progress.
Big men are not the only the position that the Pistons need to sure up going into the next year. They also need to put another backup behind Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey. There are options that they can go with, but all have bad sides to them.
The past year, Rodney Stuckey came into his own as the Pistons point guard. With career highs in minutes, points, rebounds, and assists, Stuckey seems to be the point guard of the future for Detroit.
Ageing shooting guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton saw his points per game go up this year after they dipped from last year, but being 31 years old, Detroit wants to find a solid player that can back both of these guys up and a possible starter in the future.
Ben Gordon - Seems to be the widely accepted option for the Pistons being 26 years old, still has time to develop his game over the next year while being a prolific scorer in the near future. The only question is how much he will command in the market. Kobe Bryant will most likely not opt out of his contract with Los Angeles, so that make Ben the number 1 shooting guard available. And with the Pistons wanting veteran help in the front court to bring along Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson, it will be interesting which is most important to the organization.
A couple of others that Detroit could be looking at as good solid backups for the duo they already have in place are Anthony Parker formally of Toronto, Jarrett Jack a restricted free agent from Indianapolis, or Rashad McCants from Sacramento.
Anthony Parker - He would be a good man for the Pistons to take some of the minutes from Stuckey and Hamilton, but at 34, he would not be a choice that the Pistons could turn to in the future.
Jarrett Jack - He is a restricted free agent from the Pacers, he had a break out year with the Pacers last year, and also could be a good backup at point to share some the minutes with Stuckey. Unfortunately though, Stuckey is seen as the future PG in Detroit, so there would be no room for Jack to grow.
Rashard McCants - A long shot for the Pistons to sign, but like Villanueva, he could be that option if Detroit cannot come to terms with any of the other players they covet in the free agent market.
Check back, for info when the Pistons make moves, and remember the madness starts at 12:01 am.
POLITICS
Sitting here thinking about what the first entry on my new blog would be about, I found myself thinking about the current Governor Mark Sanford's predicament that his in with more infidelity. Is anyone else tired about hearing politicians beg to their constituents, not to mention their families about their problems? See the problem I have with all the groveling is that it seems like at least one politician a year makes their name this way. First you had the "King of the Ladies" Bill Clinton (Hilary is still by his side...or vice versa now), John Edwards (last time I checked Elizabeth was still there with him), and now Mark Sanford. (We have yet to see what his current wife will do)
Pro's and Con's of these relationships not falling apart as most relationships do when one party admits to messing around with another person...
Pro - Not contributing to the already staggering number of relationships that fail in our society.
Con - Not contributing to the already staggering number of relationships that fail in our society.
Look at the situation from both sides, these women are keeping their families together. They should be getting a lot of respect from people because they are able to stay with the person who was supposed to respect them and the marriage that they entered into.
But, there is a part of me that has a problem with the situation if they are doing it for the wrong reason...such as if they will be looked down upon by people because they were the first who couldn't make it work with someone who was cheating on them. If that is the case, then why are these women so afraid to be judged?
As Americans, we are judged everyday, by people we don't even know. If we are walking in the mall, I guarantee that the girl or guy that you tried to slyly look at noticed you doing it, and is either thinking "cool, or what the hell is he/she looking at?" You judged someone on their looks, cause if you look at a person, you have a reaction to them.
I just hope that if Mark Sanford's wife realizes that he has done her and the family to much hurt rather than trying to make amends, that she will leave him and not look back on the mistake that he made.
Pro's and Con's of these relationships not falling apart as most relationships do when one party admits to messing around with another person...
Pro - Not contributing to the already staggering number of relationships that fail in our society.
Con - Not contributing to the already staggering number of relationships that fail in our society.
Look at the situation from both sides, these women are keeping their families together. They should be getting a lot of respect from people because they are able to stay with the person who was supposed to respect them and the marriage that they entered into.
But, there is a part of me that has a problem with the situation if they are doing it for the wrong reason...such as if they will be looked down upon by people because they were the first who couldn't make it work with someone who was cheating on them. If that is the case, then why are these women so afraid to be judged?
As Americans, we are judged everyday, by people we don't even know. If we are walking in the mall, I guarantee that the girl or guy that you tried to slyly look at noticed you doing it, and is either thinking "cool, or what the hell is he/she looking at?" You judged someone on their looks, cause if you look at a person, you have a reaction to them.
I just hope that if Mark Sanford's wife realizes that he has done her and the family to much hurt rather than trying to make amends, that she will leave him and not look back on the mistake that he made.
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