Michigan Preview (with Big Ten notes)

Another season is upon us Michigan fans and I cannot remember one, in recent memory, that is filled with so much anticipation sprinkled with apprehension, optimism laced with budding doubt, and pride seared with anguish.

Our Wolverines have not fared well against two of our fiercest rivals over the last several years. A long-time proud program is starting to endure chips in the armor. A win over Ohio State and Notre Dame are almost a MUST this season.

This fall the Wolverine's will put on the field the best combination of talent and experience the Big Ten has to offer in 2006. The question is, what will they do with it?

We've heard this song and dance before, that this year's squad is displaying something special in camp. And in each of the recent years, we were disappointed with the unjust hype and lack of fire that the Wolverines displayed.

Will 2006 be different? I think so.

On offense, if healthy, Michigan is loaded from skill positions to the offensive line. Inserting a healthy Jake Long on Henne's blind side should provide Henne better pocket presence due to the confidence in Long to protect him. A healthy OL will also be crucial in jump starting the running game, which will also allow Henne to be more productive. Look for healthy doses of Hart and Grady, along with Carlos Brown as a change of pace back, similar to Bass of 2005. The wideout position has depth, talent, and will provide Michigan with deep threats as well as playmakers. The tight end position is, once again, a formidable unit and should see an increased role with Debord back as Offensive Coordinator.

The defense will come out with a new fire under Ron English. Back to fundamentals is the key for this unit. They possess skill, speed, and power, which should result in not being intimidated by any offense in the Big Ten, although they will be tested. The key to the 'D' is the front four. If English is able to apply pressure on opposing QB's with the talented Woodley and Branch, it will set the defense up for a solid season. The linebacker core has depth and athleticism. Look for Crable to provide an immediate impact. The secondary, although not overly talented, will be dependable led by lockdown corner, Leon Hall.

Michigan will be able to substitute 2 deep in nearly every position on 'D' without missing a beat. If the fundamentals are there, this will be a critical component in wearing teams down over the course of the game.

Special teams at Michigan should be second to none in the Big Ten, with the dependable Rivas kicking FG's, Ross Ryan creating field position in the punting game, and Steve Breaston posing a legitimate breakaway threat in returning kicks and punts.

The coaching staff put emphasis on losing weight, adding speed, and getting fit. We will see early on if this will pay dividends for the 2006 Wolverines.

My key area for this year's team is Red Zone efficiency on both offense and defense. Michigan had too many Red Zone turnovers in 2005 that cost them dearly. They also did not punch the ball into the end when in the Red Zone with high efficiency in 2005. Making a stand and holding the opposition to Red Zone FG's while scoring Red Zone TD's on offense will be a tell tale of this year's squad. The new attitude and coaching strategy should benefit this area.

Offensive Keys

1. Better pocket presence by Henne, which will be a direct result of better protection
2. Attack the middle of the field with passing game
3. 1st down and Red Zone efficiency
4. Mike Hart gaining 1,000 + yards on the ground

Defensive Keys

1. It starts and ends with the front four. Pressuring the QB and clogging the middle will turn an average secondary and above average linebacking core to exceptional
2. Not having to rely on the blitz to pressure QB's
3. Ability to stop or force teams to FG's in Red Zone
4. Intensity and fundamentals

In Big Ten play, I'm picking the Wolverines to go 7-1 with Penn State finally getting one against Blue. I expect huge road wins at Notre Dame to set the tone for the season as well as throwing the monkey off their back with a shocker in C-Bus.

Look for the Minny game to be a gut wrencher and the Iowa game to be a Nationally followed classic.

My Big Ten prediction is:

1. Michigan(7-1)
2. Iowa (7-1)
3. MSU (6-2)
4. OSU (5-3)
5. Wisconsin (5-3)
6. Penn St. (5-3)

I know OSU fans will call this homerism, but the transition of the 'D' in Columbus will experience growing pains and the Buckeyes will suffer a defeat at Iowa and a upset at East Lansing.

Iowa will be the most consistent and solid team in the Big Ten due to a favorable schedule and will contend for a BCS bid.

Penn State will come back to earth, yet still get a big win against Michigan.

My darkhouse is the Stanton led Michigan State Spartans. The offense will be deadly and the Spartans will finally end their lack of depth and finishing the season futility that has bit John L. in years past. A huge upset of OSU will be the momentum the Sparties need to finish the season strong.

Look for Purdue to be on the brink of a bounce back season and Wisconsin to, again, be solid in rounding up the Big Ten Bowl picture.

Minny will struggle with its running game and end its Bowl streak. The emotions at NU will not be enough to produce a solid season for 'green' head coach, Pat Fitzgerald. Ron Zook is still a year or two away from Illinois making an impact in the Big Ten and Indiana will once again struggle to win games.

A realistic approach to Michigan's season would most likely be winning 1 of 3 on the road against ND, PSU, and OSU and winning out the remainder of the schedule to finish at 10-2 and be BCS bound.

An optimistic view has this team 11-1 and contending for a National Championship in 2007.

Anything more than 2 losses in 2006 will most likely be treated as disastrous by Michigan fans. And yet another chip in the armor will be made, exposing parts of the program that haven't been in jeopardy at Michigan in decades.

Will they bring it?

My Big Ten head-to-head prediction grid (click to enlarge).

DP

The Biggest Holiday Nobody Talks About

You walk into your local market and swear you can read the faces of the men around you. Co-workers appear to have a twinkle in their eye and a hop in their step. At times, you'd venture off to predict it's the calm before the storm.

With anticipation and keen acknowledgement of your surroundings, it's time to pull out the 'to-do' list. Eagerly, over the last few weeks, you've instituted a schedule that will put you in free sailing when the long awaited date gradually nears. In fact, you even project 'honey do' items that have not currently made their way onto the 'list', but have high probability of reaching it in the short term. Nothing can be overlooked and no stone unturned. With abnormal desire and determination to complete the duties and tasks at hand, extra points are earned from the 'green' woman in your life. The veteran ones know exactly what you're up to.

Nonetheless, time is running short and one last scan of the house and its needs are mandatory. Only days, hours, minutes left.

Yes gentlemen, the upcoming weekend holds significance that can be justly equated to that of major holidays. No gifts are exchanged, nor are cards given. Consequently, the holiday weekend comes without much conversation and leaves with a sigh of built-up relief, but its magnitude is simply unquantifiable for most men. Upon us, gentlemen, is the day we've been awaiting since early January.

Upcoming is officially, 'the last weekend before the college football season begins'. The name doesn't make for catching greeting cards. It won't even fit on most calendars. But for millions of men across the country it represents a sense of freedom.

Kiss the wife and kids on the forehead. Spend some quality 'family time' with them this Saturday, as it will be their last for quite a while.

Whatever you do men, do NOT leave a chore undone as this can set your season into a downward spiral that can be difficult and costly to stop.

Pull out the tailgating gear and make sure it is in fine working order. Assure your jersey still fits. Collect the necessary pre-game CD's. Prepare your 'game watching area' and re-assure it is the most effective place to spend 14 hours a day for the next 12 Saturday's. Lastly, detail out your season tailgating menu and stock the house with the appropriate ingredients as well as beverages.

We are almost there, gentlemen. Another season is upon us. Some of us will enjoy the success of our respective teams while others go through a heartbreaking season. Most of us will undoubtedly shout obscenities at the television while neighbors ponder why we are calling our wives or children 'stupid, blind incompetent @-holes'. Our wives will need to 'husband proof' the home to avoid excessive damage for the upcoming season. And once again, a thorough schedule will need to be communicated to the wife on the best times to talk to us during the next 12 Saturday's.

Most relatives will comply to the rules of not scheduling family outings during the season, but have a contingency plan handy if needed.

Last but not least, enjoy yourself this year. Afterall, its only a game.

DP

Sporting News: Best Sports City

The Sporting News posted its annual 'Best Sports City' piece and to little surprise, Chicago came out on top with strong showings from both the Bears and White Sox. However, looking at the rankings made me curious as to how these cities stack up over time.

The Sporting News has been doing this survey since the mid-90's, but only through '98 is accessible online. The criteria was edited in 1996, so the only comparative year missing from this analysis is 1997.

A couple of things surprised, yet encouraged me:

• No shock that New York averaged the best ranking over the past 9 years
• For the lack of National notoriety Detroit gets as a sports town, they fared extremely well in the 9 year average ranking finishing 3rd best behind New York & Dallas
• The overrated exposure of Chicago sports has been validated with an average ranking that places 12th best behind cities such as: Miami, Denver, and Phoenix.

The three columns to the right highlight:

• Average 9 year ranking of each city (rank is sorted by this figure)
• Average 9 year ranking excluding high and low rank
• Delta between high and low rank for consistency purpose

Only Dallas, Detroit, and Philly have achieved the feat of not having a double digit ranking during this stretch. Chicago on the other hand, only has two years of single digit rankings, which happen to be bookends during this time span.

Click on chart to enlarge

DP

The Day I Lost Hope

July 27th, 2006. Just a somewhat normal day from when I stepped out of bed until the afternoon. Nothing seriously stimulating going on until the news I received from my brother-in-law that he was extended for yet, another six months in Iraq.

With this six months, it will now make four and half years of service when he only signed up for three. The feeling in the pit of my stomach is clearly the lost hope I have on our government. They are now resorting to feeble psychological games and mockery of our soldiers. Did I forget to mention this young man was days away from coming back home to his family?

Does that scare you? I mean, shouldn't our sophisticated government know well ahead of time if additional forces will be needed in Iraq? Are we on such a short limb, that soldiers who are stepping on a plane to head back home have to be yanked off by their shirts for additional service time?

Frankly speaking, this frightens me. It is beyond comprehension that our leaders must handle our troops with such brash, disheartening, and morale sinking actions. I cannot fathom being in the shoes of my brother-in-law who was days away from re-joining civilization only to be slapped in the face. This isn't a slacker that we're speaking of either; this guy earned a Bronze Star for his stupendous service. What a way to repay him.

I am the first to say that I love this country and support it well. I'm not a tree hugging, war hater either. But there comes a point on how to treat people with dignity and respect and this just doesn't cut it in my book.

There are plenty of alternatives for staffing our under-staffed military other than grinding the life out of those who so diligently serve. Maybe it's time for us citizens or civilians if you will, to stand-up for some change.

I know a lot of people who are serviceable, maybe not willing, to assist with the issue. Maybe the time has come that we, as a society, have a cost to live in freedom.

It might be time to payback our debt, rather than let others carry us on their back. Especially, when they can't carry anymore.

DP

Too High a Price? Rubbish!!

An article from the The Nation, http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060731/editors4, discusses the current conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

Once again, the view from the left wears rose color glasses with the notion that conflict in the Middle East can be resolved merely through diplomacy. And of course, as the editors are quick to point out, this current war is, once again, the fault of the U.S. government.

I often sit and ask myself if people truly think in this manner or is it simply to get a rise by holding onto an opposing view. I mean, I often cannot logically grasp the suggestions made that conflicts, such as the current war in Lebanon, can be avoided if only Bush could sit down over a cup of coffee and negotiate peace with terrorists and militias.

Don't they get it! These groups want death to Israel and the U.S. for that matter. What is so difficult to understand here?

The editors start off the article by lambasting Israeli forces for 'disproportionate' response to the kidnapping of two soldiers and killing of eight more. I have to ask these editors, does Israel have the right to protect its Nation? I mean, at what point is enough, enough? Would proportionate reaction be capturing two Hezbollah soldiers and killing eight more? Should the two sides go back and forth with each other like a game of chess, taking out one piece at a time, as to be fair?

When a militia lives at the doorstep of your Nation and its primary goal is to see to your death, I strongly believe, and advise for that matter, the right to destroy such a group. Would you want an equivalent taking post on the Mexican or Candadian/U.S. border?

The editors go on to point out this conflict is the result of the administration's persistence that Syrian troops withdraw from Lebanon. It is suggested that current occupation of Syrian troops in Lebanon would be a natural restraint on Hezbollah, thus keeping them in order. This, of course, is the same Nation (Syria) that assists in funding Hezbollah. The editors then point out that this conflict should remind us, "peace and stability of the region is too important to be left to Israel and to Washington". And that there is a much greater need for UN involvement. Yet, wasn't it the UN Resolution 1559 that called for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon?

Is this the type of UN involvement you're requesting? If so, isn't this exactly what you described as the primary reason that led to this conflict, yet so eloquently blamed on the U.S. and Israel? So, which side of the fence is it?

Point being, once Syria left Lebanon its government should've demanded assistance in disarming Hezbollah. Whether the assistance came from moderate Middle Eastern countries, the EU, or the U.S., it undoubtedly was a major task that was never seriously addressed. In fact, I believe the Lebanon government was fine with Hezbollah occupying the southern borders. Consider, why else leave this militia living and breathing within a fragile Nation knowing the tension it stirs with Israel and being led by non-sensible radical leader?

Once again from the left we get our daily dosage of spin, spin, spin. They continue their failure to fully comprehend the enemy that is rising in the Middle East. Their empty suggestions that diplomacy is the answer turns a blind eye on recognizing the face of the enemy. These unified terrorist groups and Nations that serve them in the Middle East will not seize until their destruction and holy war on mankind is achieved.

I ponder everyday why editors, such as these, don't sympathize with that type of reality.

DP

Silent Enemy?

While skimming through thenation.com I came across an interesting article (see below), depicting the current relationship between the U.S. and Russia. While I feel the column is substantially one sided, it does make some good points. With that, I began to process our current political, economic and international landscape within the U.S. and concern arose over me. The article makes clear and for the most is generally on target, that the U.S. relations with Russia since the Soviet Union demise has taken a path of the U.S.'s best interests in the ravaged state and its surrounding parts. Over time and with the change of leadership, Putin slowly became wise to this and most likely, in a sense, always was. Roadblocks began to develop within the relationship of the U.S. and Russia. The author would lead you to believe the fault is 90% that of the U.S.; however, he fails to point out Putin's obscure governing style that has taken substantial time of ridding criminal style ruling of the state. Leftovers from the previous regime have been allowed to operate with minimal interference. Basically, the economic leading powers of the state are corrupt in nature and operate with a Mafia like fist. No wonder the economy is still in shambles and is only saved by Russia's vast oil resources, although foreign investment in Russia has seen great growth even though most live in poverty.

But without detailing much of what the column points out, one has to worry about the role Russia will play in the near future. Its warming up to Iran and China is concerning. Personally, I don't blame the U.S. for taking military positions in surrounding states and keeping a close eye on this potentially rogue government. I worry that Russia is helping potential threats like Iran and have plans of joining a future conflict between the U.S. and Iran, most likely militarily as a surprise enemy.

How would the U.S. handle this? I mean, Russia still has a great supply of nuclear weapons and still possesses a military threat to the U.S. as it could send shock waves through the world and economy if it ever stood up and joined an erratic government like Iran.

This thought could be a stretch, but it does worry me. The article is a good read and when time permits, I suggest reading it (somewhat long 9-10 pages).

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060717/cohen_charlierose_video

DP

Back on the Map

Tommy Amaker has just finished potentially his most important week since arriving at Michigan. The much maligned basketball coach just landed two Top 50 recruits in Manny Harris and a re-commitment from Alex Legion. This to go with Top 50 recruit, Deshawn Sims, from the 2006 class. More importantly, Amaker is now getting his hands into the fertile recruiting ground of the Detroit Metro area, which is where all 3 recruits are from.

Amaker has struggled recently to land top national talent. Even more perplexing is his inability to pull in area recruits as developing a pipeline to Detroit talent is vital for a school geographically located as Michigan is.

With these three recruits it could provide Amaker the much needed momentum to finish the 2007 class off with a bang and propel the recruiting ball into motion at Michigan with more top commits to follow. Needless to say, the mood has changed significantly in Ann Arbor over the last several months with the announcemt of the two verbals this week.

It finally appears that Amaker's perseverance and focus is beginning to take its toll of putting Michigan basketball back on the map.

Next area of focus should be an upgrade of the current basketball facilities.

DP

The Not So Normal Feelings of Summer

Let's see, it's July 18th. Usually around this time of year I'm strolling around Barnes and Noble looking for a college football preview magazine or setting up my fantasy football league as I'm jonesing for a sports fix. Or I pop in old Michigan football games to help pass the time. The satisfaction of those items usually wear off within hours, so I'm back at square one just waiting, waiting, waiting for the football season to start.

Some summers I'll engage myself into a project or take some time off work just to help the days pass. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. But the days following a Pistons or Wings championship (or deep playoff run) up until Labor Day weekend can be the most dreary for an avid sports fans, even during the sunshine days of summer.

This year is different, though. No, I haven't made my annual trip to Barnes and Noble. I'm retiring from fantasy football so that's not it either. No projects on the list and I've yet to take my summer vacation.

But today I have a feeling in my gut that, well, isn't normal for this time of year. It's the anxiety that normally comes leading up to a Wings/Avs, Pistons/Heat or UM/OSU game. Problem is, all those teams are enjoying their vacation time right now. The excitement that's over taken me is different this time. A new sport altogether.

The White Sox are coming to town and I'm jacked about it. Wait, can this be right? Tigers vs. White Sox in late July and I'm jacked?

Oddly enough, the not so normal feeling I have is exactly that. We have our first true 'playoff consequence' series in Comerica Park. The City is buzzing as we gear up to see just how the Tigers stack against the Sox. A series win might put this franchise into locomotive type momentum heading into the stretch run. My gut tells me, aside of nervousness, that this series will tell us a lot about our Tigers and just if they can compete with the big boys.

So sit back and enjoy the next 3 games. I can tell you that a few months ago I surely did not have these dates marked on the calendar with a 'to do' item. However, the wife has been warned and the beer is chilling. I'll be uncharacteristically busy for the next three nights.

DP

Is the Future Now?

The first half of the season is in the books. And too many fan’s peculiar surprise, the Detroit Tigers are the best team in MLB. They've consistently won with remarkable starting pitching, boasting a league leading team ERA. Run support has been there when needed. In addition, timely comebacks have put wind under the sails of this high energy team. Lastly, all those 1 run losses the Tigers piled up in 2005 appear to be reversing trend. The Tigers are on pace to win 100+ games and would need a breakdown of significant proportions to fall out of the playoff race.

So all this is great news for the long suffering Tigers fan, right?

Well it depends how you view it and the delicate task Dave Dombrowski has ahead of him. How could he not go for it all with the way the team has been playing of late? But at what cost? Get this MLB fans, the Tigers are no fluke. What I mean is aside from this year the Tigers are going to be around for years to come. The farm system is loaded with talent, which begs the question -is now the time?

The knee jerk reaction is to go for it all, but when you've suffered through so much and finally have an outstanding foundation built, should you start to put cracks in it? Or, do you strategically add a low cost part here and there and prepare for an even more dominate future when key prospects are ready? It is the delicate question Dombrowski gets to answer this month.

While the Tigers may be over stockpiled in certain positions, they must make sure any trade done does not mortgage the future for a short-term answer. It is human tendency to want things now, but the potential longevity of the future looks compelling, too.

Maybe Tigers fans can have both.

DP

End of an Era

The Glory Days of hockey is how we'll remember it. Yes, I realize outside of a handful of towns hockey is merely an after thought. However, if you grew up in the cold brisk winters of Michigan, you know exactly what hockey means to this region.



And so the modern day dynasty finally comes to an end with the retiring of Steve Yzerman, arguably the best captain in sports history and the free agent loss of Brendan Shanahan. Many Wings fans saw this day coming as we slowly lost, one by one, the players who would bring us to our feet each and every spring for the last 12 years - Konstantinov, Festisov, Kozlov, Lapointe, Hasek, Federov, McCarty, Larionov, Yzerman, and Shanny to name a few.

The days were golden to us hockey fans and oh how we were spoiled in Hockeytown since 1995:

- Four Stanley Cup appearances
- 3 Stanley Cup Titles
- 5 President Cup Trophies

The Wings went into each and every season prior to 2004 as one of favorites to win the Cup. Each spring, the entire City hung with every pass, shot, and save. Some seasons ended in heartbreak. But who can forget those magical summers of '97, '98, & '02?

As far back as '95, when the New Jersey Devils ousted the Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals we heard the team was 'old' and needed new blood. Yet, year after year, much of the blood remained the same with only delicate additions or subtractions to the roster.

It is one of the most dominant reigns by a team for such a long period of time that has ever engulfed the sports world. What makes it even more fascinating, it was the same core group of players who produced this success for over 10 years.

The memories will last a lifetime, but who can forget some of these classics:

1. Steve Yzerman's Game 7 double OT goal against St. Louis in '96 pushing the Wings onto the Conference Finals with a 1-0 victory.
2. March of '97, Wings vs. Avs at the Joe when all hell broke loose with a massive brawl that saw Shanny level Patrick Roy, McCarty beat the snot out of Claude Lemieux and the two goalies, Mike Vernon and Patrick Roy, go toe to toe.
3. June of '97 when the Wings went in as clear underdogs against the Flyers and destroyed them with a sweep to win the Cup, topped off by McCarty's magical goal.Days after winning the Cup, the tragic accident that ended Vlady's career.
4. Game 2 of the '98 Stanley Cup Finals against Washington when the Wings score 3 third period goals to force OT and eventually win with Lapointe's pass to Draper igniting them to yet another Stanley Cup.
5. Yzerman scores his 500th career goal while David is in the pisser at the Joe.
6. Down 2 games to 0 in 2002 against the Canucks and watching Yzerman on one leg inspire the Wings to win the next four in a row to take the series.
7. Down 3 games to 2 going into Colorado of the '02 WCF and watching Hasek shutout the Avs in both Game 6 & 7.
8. Game 7 of the WCF in '02 against the Avs and watching Roy get absolutely blitzed 7-0.
9. The triple OT game against Carolina in the '02 Cup Finals that saw Igor Larinov end it with a back handed flip over a sprwaled Irbe to propel the Wings to yet another Stanley Cup.

The days were good for us fans. None of us will ever forget Shanny's first game as Wing and how he dropped his gloves during his first shift to let Detroit fans know he came here to take care of business.

Steve Yzerman's 2002 Stanley Cup run was the most remarkable and courageous effort I've ever seen in sporting competition. Nearly playing on one leg, The Captain led the Wings during that playoff with 19 points and was the key ingredient that ignited the team in series wins against the Canucks and Avs. The sheer admiration of watching him get up every time he was knocked down put a sense of pride into every Detroiter's heart. There will never be another leader that compares to what Yzerman brought to his Red Wings.

Yes, these are just a few of the memories left to us. I mean, how do you sum up 12 years in a few paragraphs?

We looked forward to those spring nights. The long night's of watching games at a friend's house or at Joe Vision. The insane artistic painting of a friend’s car. Hanging out on the Ren Cen roof waiting for the Cup parade at 2am in the morning. Yup, we hung onto those Wings with everything we had.

And now, the landscape of hockey has changed and ultimately is the deciding factor that led to the end of an era. Teams on the ice couldn't dismantle the Wings, but the economic force of the League did.

One thing is for sure, we most likely will never have those days back again. It seems like it was just yesterday when this thing began on the night the Wings took out the Blackhawks to reach the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals. How fast time has flown by. How fast our heroes have aged and left us. How fast we have grown up. Those days began when I was in high school and have ended at the age of 30. Amazing a team can hold a City captive that long.

We certainly enjoyed it and will never forget it.

DP

Shame, Shame, Shame

I'm reaching a point of disgust with how the media acts in this country. In fact, I simply cannot comprehend it. As each day passes I realize more and more that we are weakening as a Nation because we are simply ununified.

Case in point - two U.S. soldiers are brutally murdered in Iraq. The media spends a few hours on these boys and moves on. What do they move on to you ask? Well, it’s to the eight soldiers that are charged with killing an Iraqi civilian. Are you kidding me? We send our troops to that hell hole to defend the World from these sick terrorist extremists and all our media cares about is ridiculing these eight men for killing an Iraqi? Mind you these soldiers have only been charged and have yet to see a trial. Meantime, we have two young men brutally wiped from this earth and the media spends hours on the story before moving on to attacking our own soldiers, again.

Furthermore, human right's groups like Amnesty Intl, Human Rights Watch, and Intl A.N.S.W.E.R. have no issue with condemning the U.S. military and its treatment of prisoners. Yet, when two of ours are destroyed by savages there's not a peep from these liberal cowards.

It sickens me where we are, collectively, as a Nation and I fear, even more, where we are heading.

DP

It's happening!

It's been a difficult month or so. You sit in amazement, but simply can't grasp the reality of what you're witnessing. Can it really be true? You tell yourself to calm down and check back in a few days. So you do just that and when you come back the butterflies begin to flutter a little more. It's almost as if you feel you're being jobbed by a used car salesman. It sounds and looks good, but where's the catch?

A couple more days pass and you begin to see what you originally feared. You say to yourself, well it was fun while it lasted and this was one of the longest stretches of pleasure in quite awhile. Time to move on with Summer.

But wait, it's back once again. This time it's a motor running full speed and the momentum is picking up at a rapid pace. There appears to be no slow down. Where you thought you were being fooled with success was just the opposite, it was the short period of failure that was the joke this time. Can it be right you ask yourself? Hard to tell since you have to conjure up childhood memories just to answer the question.

Slowly but surely you allow yourself to believe, similar to slow cooking ribs on the grill. You know they look so good, but patience is the key virtue. Pull to early and experience a major let down. But if cooked just right, the satisfaction is unmatched.

Right now, that's just where we stand. But something tells me its time to pull those babies and enjoy them. They appear for all intents and purposes to be ready!

Of course we're not really talking food right now. Nope, it's much better than that.

The Tigers are back. They stormed the Windy City this weekend with mobs of fans. Wrigley Field was turned into Comerica West. They bombed balls out of the ballpark all weekend and were rewarded with cheers from rabid fans who seemingly took over the ballpark.

Can this really be happening? Tiger fans roaming the streets of Chicago in masses. Conjuring up boisterous 'Let's go Tigers' chants that even the hometown fans couldn't drown out. Gaining such respect from Cubs fans saying no other team, aside from the Sox, has brought this much excitement and fans into Wrigley Field.

Yes, I must be dreaming but it's soon time for me to wake up. The Tigers are the best and hottest team in baseball and we are nearing July. Buckle in Motor City, we have a new team in town. Throw out the Hockey and Basketball Town slogans because Detroit is about to become a Baseball Town, again.

Baseball was always my favorite sport growing up. I still remember watching games with both grandpas. It was a ritual in our house to have George Kell and Al Kaline on each Sunday as we watched the Tigers on TV. And when the games were on at night, I'd sneak my transistor radio into my room and listen to Ernie Harwell. Times were great then.

Who could forget the 1984 or 1987 seasons? That '84 team will always be my favorite. It was the first of many Detroit sports championships that I experienced. But just the love of going outside and playing baseball with my friends while the Tigers tore up the league was special. The 'Bless You Boys' song used to give me chills as a kid. And, I'll never forgot my grandpa calling me after Larry Herndon staggered and caught the final out down the left field line and wishing me a 'Happy World Series'.

Those were the days, but we lost them many, many years ago. Finally they appear to be back. So much time has passed. I went from a boy, to a man, to a father. Yet, the love for the Tigers never left, it was simply buried in years of heartache. But now it's slowing beginning to blossom with hope.

In a few short years I'll be able to share my childhood experience with my son. Hopefully his goes much smoother.

The boys of summer have made a return appearance that nobody expected . After all these years they are finally back. Don't let it slip by. Enjoy it. Because we all know how fast it can be taken away from us.

DP

Give Riley some credit

When Pat Riley shook-up his roster last summer after being two minutes away from a trip to the Finals, many raised their brow. When Miami got off to a poor start this season and watched Stan Van Gundy step down, even more questioned Riley's moves. But after watching the Heat/Pistons series one has to tip their hat to Riley.

While getting this team to gel as a unit was always the primary concern on the ego driven Heat squad, the timing could not have been better. Riley really found some flaws in last year's squad and fixed them quite nicely.

First, although Eddie Jones played solid defense and could take the ball to the hole, his value was limited due to playing next to Wade. Since Wade can get to the rim at will, there really wasn't a need to have Jones. What Riley needed was a dependable perimiter threat who could feed off Wade as he broke down the defense. Insert Antoine Walker who excelled during this series with hitting wide open 3 point looks.

Another area of concern for Riley was at point guard. Sure Damon Jones could hit an occasional three and sometimes get hot, but he couldn't run an offense and his defense is below average. What Riley looked for was a bigger guard who could match-up at the point while pushing the ball and attacking the defense. Insert here, Jason Williams who had a very solid series against MVP candidate Billups. Not only did Riley get a point guard who can penetrate, but lost virtually nothing in terms of 3 point shooting from the Jones to Williams swtich.

Lastly, Riley knew he had some young bench talent in Dooling and Butler, but they were green in playoff experience and it showed at crucial times in the series last year. Not only that, but Miami did not have a viable perimeter defender on last year's team. Insert James Posey, who posseses playoff saavy, clutch 3 point shooting, lock-down perimeter defense, and energy off the bench.

The additions and subtractions Riley made were soley to beat the Pistons and they worked perfectly. Although the Pistons simply ran out of steam and struggled in the series, Miami had a lot to do with it. Credit Riley for taking an objective look at his team's weaknesses and needs in the off-season and making moves that would provide him the opportunity to topple the mighty Pistons.

DP

Pistons - Where to go from here?

Fresh off of a sound Eastern Conference beating at the hands of the Miami Heat, many Pistons fans wonder where the team should go from here with hopes of maintaing an elite status in the NBA for years to come. To answer this question, we must first review some history dating back to when the run started.

The DNA of the 2004 Pistons is extremely different than this year's and even last year's team; however, many fans fail to realize this. Yes, the 2004 team boasted the same lethal starting five, but there were several different intangibles which drove that team to success:

1) The bench consisted of Okur, Hunter, James, Williamson, and Campbell. Many fail to realize the impact this group provided to that title run. Larry Brown virtually lost nothing when he inserted his bench into key situations of the game. In fact, the individual make-up of the bench allowed the Pistons to change the tone of the game. For example, there were times when the Hunter and James backcourt simply stifled the opposition with their defensive pressure. Okur and Williamson were match-up problems and both could provide much needed scoring options during times when the starting unit hit a dry spell.

Now, counter this bench with what we saw in 2005 and 2006. Only Hunter remained and McDyess is the only other impact player added, while everyone else was lost. Sure, Joe D. added Delfino, Evans, Delk, Davis etc., but none of these players were contributors during the last two playoff runs. Many believe that the coaches failed to utilize the talent at hand on the bench. However, Brown had no problem going 9 and sometimes 10 deep in 2004. Why would he stop and only go 7 deep in 2005 if there were viable options just waiting on the bench? The simple answer is there wasn't and he couldn't trust what he had during key situations of the game.

So, in just one year, the total make-up of the Pistons changed dramatically as the bench weakened to a liability come playoff time. Nobody can persuade me that if the Pistons managed to keep intact the 2004 that they wouldn't be going for 3 straight right now; however, losing the bench from the 2004 squad was simply a NBA financial casualty that could not be kept together.

But why no key additions in two years since? In my view, it is the single important factor for the Pistons demise.

2) Passion, drive, and determination. That 2004 unit was a ball of fire consisting of individuals who were out to prove the critics wrong and did they ever. However, after winning the title, the swagger and focus dropped a little. They still had enough to make a run at the 2005 title with Larry Brown keeping them focused during playoff time. But with no solid bench, the legs became weary and the will to survive vanished in the last 7 minutes of Game 7.

In 2006, our worst nightmare was realized - this team was recognized as individuals rather than a team for the first time. Egos and arrogance began to show its ugly face. The Pistons began to think all they had to do was show-up to win. The drive that propelled their 35-5 start slowly lost gas as the media attention shifted to: 70 wins, 4 all-stars, and MVP voting. There were obvious signs of trouble months ago that were simply masked by the great record.

Come playoff time we finally saw this team had run out of steam. They could no longer 'turn it on'. And without solid bench alternatives to mix it up, Flip simply had to let this team ride it out with diminished hopes they would regain the confidence and passion they once displayed.

It never happened. For all intents and purposes, this Pistons team's soul was defeated in the Cleveland series. The Miami series was just going through the motions before the kill.

Where to go from here?

Joe D. must address his bench. If this means getting youngsters some playing time during crucial points of the season and sacrificing a great regular season record, then he and Flip need to agree on a streategy this summer on how to accomplish this. It wouldn't hurt to also add a viable threat to the bench that would provide leadership come playoff time. A player like Sam Cassell comes to mind.

Next, Joe D. needs to review the team's passion and drive. Sometimes new, hungry blood must be inserted into a team to keep it running at full throttle while avoiding complacency. This team is definitely complacent right now and are too comfortable with each other. One of the starting 5 must looked at being replaced. Let's review each of them and the best option to lure in a trade proposal that would provide a significant boost to the team:

Billups - Chauncey is the floor general of the Pistons. When on, he can be efficient in both getting his team in gear and hitting shots. His confidence is a key component of this team's success. However, Chauncey is coming up on a contract year after the 2007 season. With being in the MVP race you can almost expect he'll be looking for a max contract and he just may get it. If you're the Pistons you have to ask yourself if you want to risk losing Chauncey in free agency seeing that I don't believe they will offer him a max contract.

Hamilton - RIP was simply exposed during this playoff run. He cannot create his own shot and was having a hard time hitting his usually automatic 6 to 8 foot jumpers. His drives to the hole are many times out of control and he seems to have lost respect from officials due to his constant complaining. RIP is also horrible at leading the break and turns the ball over frequently. However, he has improved his 3 point game, but did it come at the expense of what made him so deadly, which was his mid-range game?

Prince - The intangibles he brings cannot be matched. Let's not waste our time as he is untouchable.

Sheed- I don't know how much his ankle effected his play, but his playoff disappearances are becoming frustrating. However, when on, he is a match-up nightmare for the opposition and he brings sound defensive intensity to the front court. Unfortunately, due to his recent performance I believe his trade value is the lowest of the starting five.

Wallace - I truly believe he is still the focal point of this team. Yes, his energy lacked at points this year and his FT shooting was horrendous. But, I feel he was frustrated with his offensive responsibility in Flip's system. This will be worked out in the off-season when Ben stays. With more scoring opportunities along with his contract being behind him, I fully expect Ben to come out with the passion and energy we're used to seeing from him.

Bench - The Pistons have some young talent that needs to see the floor next year to begin development. These players include Acker, Johnson, and Maxiell. Carlos Delfino, while talented, will undoubtedly be traded this off season. Experienced scoring threats need to be added for next year. Another Maurice Evans like free agent signing will not cut it this year.

This leaves the position of what to do next. It is my opinion that our most tradeable asset in the starting 5 is RIP. While I love RIP's game, I truly feel that if packaged properly, Joe can get a 2 guard that is more creative and is a slasher.

Players that come to mind are Ray Allen, Allan Iverson or Jason Richardson. RIP could be sent with Delfino to land one of these guys. I am more in favor of Allen or Iverson because they’ve reached the point in their career when winning a championship is their top priority. As I said before, inserting new blood and hunger into this team by adding a player who can make a true impact is critical for ongoing success. Joe cannot wait too long and let the ship continue to sink. And it has been sinking for longer than many would like to admit.

Lastly adding a bench presence is critical this off season. Players such as Harrington, Mohammed, James, and Cassell are options that could provide this unit a boost come playoff time next season. The Pistons need to try and develop a bench that more resembles the 2004 squad and less like 2005 and 2006.

Nevertheless, Joe’s summer will be an interesting one. Many in the media feel he should stand pat and just add parts here and there without tweaking the team much. My feeling is that the moves this summer will define the team for years to come. If problems are not addressed and 2007 becomes another failed year, there will be even more momentum pushing this team downward that may prove to be too much to turnaround without a major break-up. I'm confident Joe does not want to see, again, the same abrupt and helpless ending that conquered the Bad Boys era and put the franchise into a deep sleep for many years after.

DP

Proposed National Gas Plan

Now for my proposed gas plan to jumpstart America into decreasing oil consumption, thus boosting supply and lowering gas prices.

First, the plan will need a coordinated effort between the government and oil companies. I propose a JV between the two where the government offers future research subsidies for exploration once compliance is met.

The basis around this plan involves Gas Cards. Yes, Gas Cards. Every U.S. citizen with a SSN will be required to have one by 2008. The oil companies will undergo a major initiative to assist local gas dealers with installing the proper technology to read these cards, which will link up to a government run interface that stores all data regarding gasoline usage for every U.S. citizen. Yes I know, this requires the “T” word. Too bad, it’s time to move into the 21st century at all levels and we need to start using the technological advances we have at our fingertips for our Nations' benefit.

Once citizens obtain their Gas Card they will be required to swipe each and every time they purchase Gas. No card means no gas. A database will compile annual gas usage records and send an annual report to each citizen prior to the personal income tax deadline. From here, legislation needs to be passed that allows citizens with low annual gas usage to receive tax credits. Those with modest usage receive nothing and the excessive users will be hit with tax penalties. Additionally, citizens who drive gas efficient vehicles will receive additional tax credits. Once efficient vehicles are the majority on roadways, this credit can be phased out.

In addition, corporations and business will also need to register for Gas Cards to dispense to employees who use gas for business purposes. conjunctionion to the personal income tax plan, businesses will be subject to similar rules; however, adjusted for industry standards. Due to the complexity of the business tax end of this plan, the roll-out will get some extra time and be instituted on a voluntary basis by 2009 and mandated by 2010.

What does this plan accomplish other than the administrative complexity to set-up:

1. Oil companies can now put their excessive profits to work by actively assisting the U.S. in putting its arms around the oil crisis we face.
2. Those citizens who are actually being proactive in regards to decreasing gasoline usage will be benefited by tax breaks while those who guzzle will pay.
3. Initially, most of the tax credits received from low usage citizens will be offset by revenues generated from the excessive usage tax (credit legislation will need phasing structure).
4. The implementation of this plan will create a large amount of jobs for the economy required to set-up the system and maintain thereafter.
5. This plan also provides benefits to our immigration problem and border patrol. You cannot obtain a Gas Card without a SSN and without the card, no gas. Many illegals with have to file proper immigration documentation or be faced with seeking alternative transportation during their stay in America.
6. Last but not least, as we collectively work together under this plan consumption will decrease, supply will rise, prices will come down, and our reliance on oil as a Nation will slowly drop while we continue to research and introduce alternative fuel methods.
   
   Now, I know there will be plenty of folks upset with this plan, especially those who commute further than others – too bad. Move closer to work or find a job closer to home. Others should not have to suffer because you want to live in a big house way out in the suburbs and commute 100 miles to work each day.
   
   The above plan, of course, is a skeleton and has lotÂ’s and lotÂ’s of details to be worked out and data to be crunched. However, I believe the overall message is clear. We must start being accountable as a Nation for the issue at hand. That means every individual and every business needs to play a hand in solving this problem. Nobody is exempt. If we fail to seriously address this crisis with great focus and determination it will only continue to get worse, which will significantly effect our future generation.

DP