Friday, December 14, 2007

Roids & Senators

You would think that a steroids investigation led by a former Senator of the United States would involve more talking to people who are accused, rather than having to go solely on the word of an ex-trainer. Sure it helped that he had access to a lot of canceled checks from players, but when you look at the whole thing, you see a lot of hearsay.

Senator Mitchell's 20 month long investigation finally produced a report yesterday. At a 2 PM press conference, Mitchell said its time to forgive and forget, then presented us with a 400 page report detailing much of what we already knew -- many MLB players took HGH.

What a revalation!

Mitchell's report was good. Detailed -- the best he could anyway -- with pictures of shipping labels, checks, money orders, and other payment slips. The only real problem I had with it was he wasn't able to force the players to talk to him, and it seemed to be missing a few names we all thought would be on the list.

Still the fact remains that its a start. Bud Selig promised action, and one can only hope that fair "action" comes. You can be sure that there will be main more players other than Roger Clemens that will come out screaming foul play with the report. Many denials, and many harsh admissions.

I wasn't sure what to think when I first saw the report. I was both shocked, and sad at the same time. I was disappointed as much as the first time I saw stories breaking about players being on steroids. I asked people "how can I possibly root for people on the Tigers, but how can I not be a fan of the Tigers." In truth, to get past everything, we're all going to have to have to continue to support the team, and look past the players who are dirty.

Which brings me to Gary Sheffield. Sheffield signed on as DH last season. He had an immediate positive impact on the the line up. Sure, he had his usually interviews with the media that made people cringe, but hey, that's Sheffield right?

But he took roids!!!

Sure, but he also has maintained that he was given the cream for his knee while in rehab after surgey when he was with the Yankees. He said he even went to Bug Selig, and he did tell it to the media. Even so, Selig denies that Sheffield ever said anything to him.

Personally I've chosen to believe Sheffield all these years.

Bud Selig is as guilty as all the players who ever took HGH. He knew what was going on and he turned the away from it. He let it go on so that players could hit their way back into the hearts of many fans. Now here we are a decade later and we're regretting rooting for the likes of Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. Sadly, the greatest homerun race of this generation was juiced.

Now there's a report out that confirms what we already knew. What does that do for us? Not much. But with any luck, Selig and the boys will finally put in place an effective testing program, an effective discipline program, and force Fehr's hand with the collective bargaining agreement. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of the steroid era.

Michigan Interviews Rodriguez

U of M AD Bill Martin met with West Virginia Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez today. Word is "no comment" from both sides. Rodriguez has a $4 million buyout in his contract at WV that could present itself as a problem if the Wolverines want him. Still, if he's worth it, they should pay it. He's a winner, and he's proven.

Mohammed Traded

Nazr Mohammed was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats for C Primoz Brezec and F Walter Herrmann. The trade is good for both sides. Charlotte gains a big man they've been after, and the Pistons free up salary. Both players contracts are set to expire after this season. I don't expect either player will make much of an impact.

Dupree Waived

The Pistons requested waivers on Ronald Dupree. Dupree showed promise at times, but with more recent additions, he appeared to be the odd man out. Like the Mohammed deal, salary cap relief is wrapped around this move. Totalling $20 million between the two deals, the Pistons can breath a little easier.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Michigan Hoops At A low?

Since the entrance of then-Head Coach Tommy Amaker, the University of Michigan has been touting their return to the NCAA tournament is imminent. After beating a sanction ruling, and winning the NIT, it looked like the big tournament was the next stop for the Wolverines.

Too bad it never happened.

Seasons came, and season went. Every year they seemed to take a step forward, but when it came time for the tournament to call, the phone never rang. Even a trip to another NIT tournament ended early for Amaker's team.

So now we're in the John Beilein era, and things seem to be more dismal than ever before. Sporting a fresh four game losing streak, Michigan stands at 3-6. Losses to Western Kentucky, Boston College, Duke, and Georgetown are easy to stomach. The loss at Harvard isn't.

So what's the problem?

I don't think its a question of what's wrong. I think its a matter of where are they going. The team is young, and appears to be talented. Beilein has taken a view of "we're learning", and I think I like that. He has a new system. Freshman players, and a job of returning Michigan to the NCAA Tournament.

One of the things you hear about every year is how Michigan's facilities can't compete with other schools. True as it may be, they've still managed to collect talent along the way, and have a potential to step that talent up with some more consistent winning.

The truth is, Beilein comes at a time where the program is at its lowest point. His first job is to build a program worthy of mention. After that, his agenda will switch to winning games. Sure, we all want them to win now. They may even get completely beat up in big ten play, but the truth is, the future with Beilein is bright.

Tejada Traded

Orioles' SS Miguel Tejada was traded today to the Houston Astros for a group of young prospect pitchers. Good move for the O's, bad move for the 'stros. Sure, Tejada brings strong numbers. He also brings baggage and club turmoil. How long until he demands a new coach or another "get me out of here" demand?

Lions To Trade Rogers?

I guess the rumor mill needs to talk about this since it could very well happen. Word out of Lions camp is that the Lions are about done with Shawn Rogers. He's touched (or gone over) the weight limit for a long time. He's been very good, yet very bad. And since I have no faith that the Millen group can do anything to get his head straight (and weight), I wouldn't be surprised if they traded him for a 4th string kicker.

Mitchell Report Due Tomorrow @ 2 PM!

But should we really take it serious, or with caution? Sure, players like Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, and Palmiero will be on there, but what's this talk about 100 names? How would you react if Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez ended up on that last? Remember, he did noticeably shrink a couple years ago. He claims better eating and training. I tend to believe him. He's never hit for a lot of home run power, but hey, he seems to be caught in this. Also, another name on that list could be Sheffield. We all know about his knee rehab woes. Was he framed or setup? Probably. I can't wait to see the report myself. More on this tomorrow.

Monday, December 10, 2007

What's The Point?

I sat here writing about my complaints and beefs with the Detroit Lions. I wrote about how Bill Ford Sr is a horrible owner. How Matt Millen should be fired. Finally I wrote about how ticket sales have slowed, but not stopped.

Then I realized, what's the point?

Every week we sit here and complain about how bad we hate the Lions. Even in the first eight game where they only lost two, we found a reason to complain and degrade them. I sit here now to ask myself, and you, why?

They aren't worth our time and energy like this each week. So for the first time in years, I am going to take the stand, and not go off on the Lions. I'm going to push my disappointment and amazement at their most recent loss behind me.

Now for my "positive" take.

The Detroit Lions did what they were supposed to do, they lost. Sure, for fantasy owners sporting Jason Hanson and Kevin Jones, they put up some good numbers to appease you. Perhaps you even gained a win from them. I know I did.

The Lions played to perfection. When they needed to run out the clock to prevent a loss, they made sure they only got it down to 2:29. Plenty of time for the Cowboys to move down the field and score a TD. High fives were rollin' all over the side lines. Players and Coaches agreed. They gave the fans another L!

But there is another burning question. Should Marinelli get a contract extension? Sure, why not! I thought for a minute he was going to break the tradition of losing, but he managed to get it together with five straight losses. Rumor even has it that he arranged for the injury of WR Roy Williams.

If that's the case, wow! Give him a raise and an extension!

Bottom line, we love to hate our Lions. And why not? They give us reasons. They show us they can win, but do not disappoint by doing so. They tease the unbelievers, and reward those of us that know they have what it takes.

Thank you, Mr. Millen, for destroying what little of a team they had.

Vick Sentenced

Michael Vick will spend the next 22 months in prison. He received a 23 month sentence, and he's already put in a month's time. I think the time could have been longer, but considering he's a first time offender, and he got more than his co-defendants, the punishment seems fine. Vick's NFL career is probably over, although I'm sure someone will check on his availability for the 2010 season.