Kenny Rogers Returns

The Detroit Tigers signed SP Kenny Rogers to a one year deal today. Earlier in the month, Rogers fired agent Scott Boras and asked the Tigers for time while he got use to representing himself. Rogers fills one of the holes in the Tigers' pitching staff. He comes with questions of age and health, but personally I think he'll be fine.

So far the Tigers' rotation looks like it will contain Rogers, Verlander, Bonderman, Robertson, and Miller. Rumors of Carlos Silva are still swirling, and, if signed, he could snatch that final rotation spot from Miller.

Miller is a good young prospect. He pitched resonably well in most of his outings last year. He hurt his leg, and eventually had to be shut down, but he showed some future potential. Is he ready for the big leagues? I'm not so sure. A year in Toledo could help Miller refine his command, and find ways to pitch strikes.

Bonderman is another enigma among the pitching staff. As good as he's been, he's also been bad. He's still young, and has learned a lot of harsh lessons. Last year he started off the season by winning 10 games. From there, thanks to a hurting elbow secret, he lost several games, and eventually had to be shut down. I would look for Bonderman to rebound this season and return to form. Fans should not give up on him at this early stage in his career.

Could Robertson be on his way out if another starter is signed? Robertson has shown why he should be kept, and at the same time reminded everyone that he lacks longevity. Roberston, in my opinion, would be a good #4 or #5 pitcher in the rotation. Thanks to Rogers re-signing, that can be a possibility.

We all know what Verlander can bring to the table. He's a strong pitcher, with good stuff, and the ability to win. He should go 33-0 next season, but most likely we'll see his first 20 win season instead. He may even win the Cy Young.

Hot Wings Anyone?

The Detroit Red Wings are off to a strong start this season. They are 12-1-1 with Osgood in net, and 17-6-2 over all with a league best 36 points. They certainly look like a Stanley Cup team, but I have to wonder if Osgood can hold the net if Hasek can't get himself together.

Lions @ Minnesota Prediction

Its been told that Peterson could be back for Sunday's game. Roy Williams is upset, and Kitna's got a hurt knee. What does that say for the Lions? Not much. Until Martz realizes that they should run the ball more, and the offensive line learns how to open holes, the Lions are not going to win on the road against strong teams.

My Pick: Lions 17 Vikings 38

Tigers Hot Stove Finally Heating?

Reports from my oven say that Carlos Silva and LaTroy Hawkins are on the Tigers' radar. Silva is said to have four contestants in his sweepstakes, Hawkins could have up to five.

So Dombrowski apparently has been doing what we've all been asking of him the last week. Go out and find pitching, young man!

Silva is a right handed starting pitcher that boasted a 4.19 ERA over 33 games last season. He's been a starter since 2004 with the Minnesota Twins, and appears that he's going to continue to pitch at the 4.20ish range. Is he a good fit for the Tigers? Possibly. If the Tigers are serious about Miller being a starting pitcher next year, Silva would have to be plugged in as a number four pitcher or better. He's big and young, and could fill a sizable hole in the Tigers' rotation.

Hawkins is an interesting one of his own. He posted a 2-5 record, blew five saves, but managed to hold 18 and only inflate his ERA to 3.42 in the process. He doesn't walk a lot of guys. Only 16 in 55 innings last season, but he also only had 29 Ks. Truth be told, Hawkins could be a great fit for the Tigers bullpen. He could setup Todd Jones on a consistent basis with success, but I wouldn't count on him to relieve Jones for a night in the closing role. Perhaps Rodney could manage that. Or not.

Silva and Hawkins would each bring a key piece to the puzzle. The Tigers need a bullpen guy, and they need a starter guy. Go get 'em, Dombrowski.

Martz Is Human?

Wow. That's all I have to say. Mike Martz admitted he approached Roy Williams on his own and talked to him. Williams was very frustrated after only catching three balls on thanksgiving against the Packers. My question to the Lions coaching staff is: Who will want the ball more next week? Perhaps they could find a way to run 120 plays, rather than 60, per game, and get everyone 20-25 touches.

Les Miles

LSU Head Coach Les Miles will be sitting down with Bill Martin sometime after this weekend's SEC title game. Miles is considered the front runner to replace the retiring Lloyd Carr as head football coach for the University of Michigan. This job is Les' for the taking. On another twist, there is a scenario where Michigan could face LSU in a bowl game. Now wouldn't that be interesting!

Motor City Bowl

Michigan State should begin lobbying to play in the Motor City Bowl. Yes, the bowl is often considered the lesser bowl for a Big Ten team to go to, but its also a good step for Michigan State's rehabilitation into the winning football world. The positives would be playing near home in front of their fans. This would help get them some face with those who turned their back on them during the John L Smith era. How about CMU for the opponent? I'd buy tickets.

Playoffs? How About 8 Wins First?

I realize the modern day NFL is structured in a way that a team could turn the entire thing around in just one season. Going from 3-13 to the playoffs wouldn't normally seem unprecidented. But are we getting carried away to think the Lions have done just that?

Yes.

What really has changed with the lions? They have the same running game. They have the same undefended QB. They have mostly the same receiving game. They have the same caliber of defense. And they still have no offensive line.

So what makes this year different?

They're learning to win more. They've added a few pieces that seem to have helped. They're sitting at 6 wins, twice that of last year. They just don't seem to have what it takes to beat the real teams.

The Lions aren't ready for the playoffs. Regardless of what Kitna said they should win, 10 games is out of reach. Is that a bad thing? No, not really. If they win 8 games, they'll have won almost 50% more games than they have in a single season since Matt Millen took charge of the team.

So I find myself wondering why people are so outraged. I try and tell myself its because they've had a string of 2-5 win seasons in recent years. I even think maybe we're finally just sick of them losing. But I think its more than that. I think we're use to championships in Detroit, and the Lions haven't been part of that since 1957.

So I bring myself back to the thought of an 8 win Lions team. I don't think that's so bad. Sure, its only 2-4 in the next 6 weeks, but c'mon, look at who they play, and where they play. Even Minnesota will prove to be a challenge this time around.

So enjoy the 8 win season that the Lions will most likely get you. Its not that bad. They've given you good wins this season. They've moved the ball, and, at times, they've even appeared great. Remember Denver? 8 wins this season could lead to the playoffs next season. But that's a topic for another day.

More...

Redskins Safety Sean Taylor died today after being shot in his Miami home yesterday. Taylor was 24 years old and leaves behind a kid, family, and friends who are devastated. A moment of silence and stickers bearing his number will be on hand at all NFL games this Sunday.

Miami Dolphins Runningback Ricky Williams, in his bid for a return to the NFL after an 18 month suspension for drug use, is out for the season after injuring his chest in Monday's 3-0 loss to the Steelers. Ricky is staying positive for the future.

Dr. Robert Cade, the man who brought us Gatorade, has died at the age of 80. Dr. Cade originally created the drink so the Florida football team would have something to keep them hydrated during the game. Gatorade, now owned by PepsiCo Inc, is now distributed in 80 countries.

Case For Miles?

In another typical weekend of 2007 College Football, another top team lost. LSU, who needed only win its last two games against lesser opponents, lost.

But what does this have to do with anything around here?

Everything.

Les Miles is the number one name being talked about to replace Lloyd Carr. He's a former player, and coach, with a dream of taking control in Ann Arbor. But with the BCS National Championship in his sights, many felt that prying Miles away from LSU would be impossible.

Apparently nothing is impossible anymore.

Les Miles knows how to win. He knows how to contend for a championship. He knows how to get the most out of his players. He's in the toughest conference in college football, and he was able to elevate his team to number one.

Michigan needs someone from outside the program. The biggest problem is Michigan as a University seems to have a phobia of getting away from its own. Les Miles is may be the only person who fits both the bill for a high caliber coach outside Michigan, but also having ties to Michigan. He's a Michigan man. Its time to bring him home.

Other mindless thoughts...

Brian Kelly is out there. He coached CMU to a championship season last year before taking over and elevating Cincinncati to a new level. He's a winner, and personally I think he'd make a great candidate if Les Miles isn't available.

Chris Osgood isn't the answer. And I don't mean that disrespectfully. Yes, he has logged a lot of shutouts, and yes he has a solid record this season. He also has a low shots on goal count. Hasek is going to have to step up and play one more season as the Dominator if the Red Wings want to hoist the Stanley Cup next Summer.

The Tigers are baffling me. I see rumors of Dotel, Hernandez, and Silva. I see free agent closers out there such as Francisco Cordero. Yet they ink Todd Jones for $7 million, and go silent. Yes, Jones will get 35-38 saves next season. Yes, he will also be involved in 5-8 losses. Yes, he's a known. Does this mean they are confident that Zumaya will recover and start his grooming process for the closing job? Do they still think Rodney can help in that area? Please, Mr. Dombrowski, sign a couple more pitchers for that bullpen.

The Pistons look pretty good. Rasheed is hurt, and before that McDyess and Billups were hurt. Yet they found ways to win some of those games. They are in first place in a surprisingly weak central division. If they play their cards right, and get healthy, they could use that strong new bench to win the central, and then the east.