When I wrote my article about Brandon Inge being an underrated player, I did so with the assumption that Brandon was a team player and that Brandon was good playing the infield (at a base). The Tigers have made a stupid mistake in making Brandon the #1 catcher. For starters, he can’t catch. He doesn’t have the instincts of a catcher. Pudge Rodriguez may not be as good as he once was, but there is no disputing the fact that he has the instincts of a catcher. What would have made more sense is to trade Renteria for a relief pitcher, moving Guillen to shortstop and putting Brandon back at third.

Brandon Inge isn’t playing baseball to help a team. He’s playing baseball for himself. He’s consistently made comments about how it “doesn’t matter what position he plays” as long as he gets to play every day. That’s all that matters to Brandon. I highly doubt he’s having a hard time dealing with the loss of Pudge. This means he gets to play a lot more frequently, so good riddance to Rodriguez, right?

Brandon went out as the catcher in the Tigers’ last game against Cleveland (which they had to fight to win), and he had a cocky attitude as if to say “I deserve to be catching”. It’s kind of funny because he boggled pitches repeatedly, couldn’t calm pitchers down and he already made his first error at the position. In just one game, he sucked at catching. While its nice he’s currently able to hit the ball (that won’t last - he’s only hitting .227), if he can’t perform well in a defensive capacity as a catcher, he’s no good to the team.

“I wan to play every day not matter what position, so I’m pumped,” Brandon said in a recent interview about the situation.

“Did I learn a lot from Pudge? He’s a future Hall of Famer, so watching him makes everybody better. I’m not Pudge, I’ll just go out and do what I can.”

That makes fans feel better I’m sure. Brandon will do what he can, but damn skippy he’s not Pudge. I hope DUMBrowski and Leyland have to eat their words. When Pudge becomes a free agent at the end of this year he might just end up back in Detroit. This is, if he’s willing to accept those who beg him to come back. I wouldn’t if I were Pudge, but that’s just my take on the matter.

This just goes to show Pudge truly is a team player. He knew New York needed a catcher and Detroit needed better pitchers, so he did what he had to do for what he thought was the betterment of all involved. This doesn’t mean that Farnsworth is going to work out in Detroit. In fact, I’d laugh if he goes out and doesn’t do his job. What an acquisition!

The point of my article is Brandon Inge is only out for himself and that isn’t good for any team. He still won’t get to play every day (with Dave Sardinha called up from AAA Toledo) and he isn’t that good in the catcher’s position anyway. So, is Brandon Inge overrated? Yes. Do I think he’s not good for the Tigers? Yes. Do I hope he gets traded? Yes.

Go home Brandon Inge! Let’s bring home Pudge Rodriguez.

Technorati Tags: Pudge Rodriguez, Ivan, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Brandon Inge, Catcher, Dave Sardinha, MLB, Baseball

Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland are the biggest assholes on the planet. Rather than allow one of the most reliable players on their team to continue to play, they’ve traded him away for a relief pitcher who has lost more games than he’s won. Pudge Rodriguez, the veteran catcher that always personified what Tigers baseball was all about has been traded to the heartless, soul-less, New York Yankees. I can’t say how angst-ridden and upset I feel. Pudge Rodriguez was “My” Tiger and now he’s gone.

Pudgey is a 13-time Gold Glove winner and 14-time All Star. Pudge is currently batting with a .295 average. He has 5 home runs and 32 RBIs. This is the guy the Tigers traded for a relief pitcher. We don’t need a relief pitcher quite as much as we need a whole new pitching staff, but c’mon. We couldn’t get anyone better than Kyle Farnsworth? That’d be like trading A-Rod for Edgar Renteria. It’s just plain stupid and the Tigers are going to suffer because of their blatant stupidity.

Kyle Farnsworth is 1-2, with a 3.65 ERA. He’s had 1 save and has given up 17 walks. This year alone he’s given up 18 earned runs and 11 home runs. Farnsworth played in Detroit in 2005. We traded him to Atlanta for a reason. He’s just not that good of a pitcher. I hate the fact that he’s being traded for Pudge. It’s a disservice and a huge slap in the face not only to Pudge, but to the Tigers fans. I can see many fans getting angry about this. Instead of getting rid of the biggest problem in the Tigers lineup, Edgar Renteria (hitting .261 and with more errors than I can count), they sacked the most awesome player on the team (next to Magglio Ordonez).

According to the AP, Pudge wanted to be traded. I can hardly blame him with how he’s been treated this last year by a team he once said “he hoped to play with until he retired”.

In the AP article, his agent was contacted and this was his comment:

“Pudge had a no-trade clause and he waived it today to go to New York,” Rodriguez’s agent, Scott Boras, told The Associated Press on Wednesday afternoon. “Pudge has always wanted to play in New York and Detroit felt it needed a relief pitcher, so both sides were able to get what they wanted to some degree.”

On the other side, Dave “Dumb-ass” Dombrowski said the need for a pitcher is bigger than the need to keep Pudge Rodriguez. The Tigers didn’t “want” to trade him, but they had no choice.

Tigers president Dave Dombrowski said the team didn’t want to trade Rodriguez, but had bigger needs in the bullpen.

“First let me say that Pudge has done an outstanding job for us. I’m sure he was very surprised by this, but for him this is a good situation. He’s going to New York City, and they are in contention.”

Dombrowski went on to say that Pudge would be replaced by Brandon Inge as the catcher.

“We think Brandon Inge can do a fine job at catcher and at the same time we’ve done some repair to our bullpen,”

Dombrowski is really thick if he thinks Brandon can replace Pudge. He’s only batting .225 and he can’t compare as a catcher. Pudge “feels” the pitchers in a way I’ve never seen a catcher become in sync with those he is working with, and that’s what makes him perhaps the greatest catcher of all time. It’d be like replacing Babe Ruth as a hitter (or even as a pitcher). You just couldn’t do it. Brandon may be a good player on 3rd base, but he’s no Pudge. I’m considering starting a “Go Home Brandon! Bring Back Pudge!” campaign. Does anyone else want to join?

Speaking of him, poor Pudge seemed to have been caught somewhat unaware of things happening behind closed doors. He showed up to take batting practice today and made an appearance in the dugout, before he disappeared from the field, for perhaps the last time. At least, in a Tigers uniform.

Technorati Tags: Detroit Tigers, Pudge Rodriguez, Baseball, MLB, trade, New York Yankees, Kyle Farnsworth, Stupid

M&M’S® Racing Celebrates Spirited NASCAR® Fans with Re-launch of “The Most Colorful Fan™ of NASCAR” Contest

Fans Can Win Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip to Ford 400 in Homestead; Dozens of Weekly Prizes

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (June 9, 2008) – M&M’S® Racing and NASCAR® announced today the re-launch of the popular “The Most Colorful Fan™ of NASCAR” contest, which encourages NASCAR fans nationwide to showcase their passionate love for the sport by uploading their most eye-catching photos to NASCAR.com for a chance to win big. The contest will run from June 8, 2008, through October 11, 2008, and will feature weekly winners who will receive an array of NASCAR-themed prizes.

Just like America’s favorite candy known for colorful chocolate fun, the M&M’S contest brings the excitement and revelry of the weekly NASCAR circuit to fans.

“‘The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR’ contest allows fans a one-of-a-kind interactive experience to show off the fun side that defines the excitement of the sport,” said William Clements, vice president of Mars Properties. “Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, M&M’S Racing is giving you the opportunity to compete just like the drivers, but among fellow fans.”

Five finalists will also win trips to the Ford 400 in Homestead, Fla., on November 16, 2008, for the ultimate NASCAR VIP experience courtesy of M&M’S, as well as $100 gift cards from The Home Depot for colorful paints. Kyle Busch, driver of the M&M’S No. 18 Toyota Camry and one of the sports top stars is even getting in on the action, as he’ll help judge the final competition in Homestead along with other top drivers.

“The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR” will be awarded with an exclusive Tissot® wrist watch and a VIP trip for two to the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

“While all drivers are out to win week in and week out, we all have to remember that the sport is truly about the fans,” said Busch, winner of the recent Best Buy 400 Benefiting Student Clubs for Autism Speaks. “That’s why the M&M’S Racing ‘The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR’ contest is so cool – the fans get to compete weekly just like we do, as well as win some pretty amazing prizes.”

M&M’S has been involved with NASCAR for 18 years, but this year has been one of their most exciting to date, largely due to the success of Busch both on and off the track. With four Sprint Cup Series wins under his belt, plus several top-five finishes, Busch and the M&M’S Racing Team have held the number one spot in points for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for several weeks this season and are definitely in the groove.

For more information on “The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR” contest or M&M’S Racing, visit www.mms.com/us/racing or www.nascar.com/mmsracing.

Technorati Tags: M&M, Contest, NASCAR, Colorful Fan, Judge, Photo Contest, MMS Racing, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Best Buy 400, Novemeber, Busch, Sprint Cup

The worst mistake Dumbrowski made this season was allowing for the acquisition of Dontrelle Willis. I dislike Willis even more than Nate Robertson. The pitcher had a good season a few years back and suddenly he becomes the man we are to rely on to help pull our broken down bullpen together. I was nervous during his first start. I felt he didn’t do well, but I hoped it was just ‘new club’ nerves. After his injury, I was secretly glad that he’d be unable to play. I just wasn’t impressed and wondered why the heck the Tigers had added more dead weight to the bullpen.

When Willis went down to Toledo to rehab, he wasn’t particularly good. The Toledo pitchers did a lot better than he did and cleaned up the messes he made. While Willis went out and did fair when he made his first appearance back with the Tigers against the A’s, the Tigers should have known he wouldn’t be ready for starting. Instead, Leyland put him back in the rotation, cutting out the more reliable Galarraga. Boy was that a mistake!

I don’t often say my girlfriend, Ashtyn, is right when it comes to sports, but she really called it. When we heard Dontrelle would be pitching in the last game of a four game series the Tigers were playing against the Cleveland Indians, Ashtyn just shook her head sadly as she said, “Leyland’s making a big mistake.”

Big mistake is an understatement. Dontrelle didn’t even make it through the 2nd inning. He had to be relieved by Denny Bautista. Instead, he gave up eight runs, most of them due to his ability to walk at least five of the Cleveland batters. With the score 8-0 it was nearly impossible for the Tigers to recover from the wreck Dontrelle caused. The end score was 8-2. Not even a rain delay could give them the rest they needed to regroup and get the offense hitting enough balls to snatch away a nearly impossible win.

When Leyland was asked about Dontrelle, directly proceeding the game, all he would say was Dontrelle couldn’t get strikes and he didn’t want to talk about it. It’s not cool for Leyland to be that way. It’s just as much his fault Dontrelle messed up because he gave him the chance to start. I’m also fairly certain that Dontrelle will get the second chance he wants when he’s up next in the rotation, though I highly advise Leyland to reconsider this course of action.

Acquiring Dontrelle Willis was a mistake. The Tigers need to just suck it up and get with the program. It’s about finding the right team to win and Willis isn’t capable of giving that to this team.

Technorati Tags: Detriot, Tigers, MLB, baseball, Jim Leyland, Dontrelle Willis, pitcher, trade, acquisition

In previous reports by the Miami Dolphins, the team mentioned that Josh McCown and John Beck would be competing for the starting position as QB for the Miami Dolphins. While Chad Henne was listed as a 2008 NFL draft selection there was little mention as to whether the former Michigan record breaker would be given the chance to start for the Dolphins.

Now, as the Dolphins started their three day mini-camp today, Chad Henne is competing with McCown and Beck for the spot as starting quarterback. While there isn’t much mention of the rookie, Henne, and how he is doing, Coach Tony Sparano alluded to the fact that all three of the QB’s were doing well and showing what they’re made of on the field.

“Each day I go out here, I see another guys kind of step up. It hasn’t been a consistent progression right now. … I like their grasp - all three of them - quite honestly, I like their grasp of the offense. They are working real hard at it. Last week wasn’t a week of practice, but they were in here spending extra time and learning what we are doing and getting ready to go for this week and it shows when they are out there on the field.”

While Chad Henne may not get the start, he’s certain to play this season, as the Dolphins try to find a winning combination that allows them to make it to the post season for the first time in several years. Let’s just hope he does better than former rival Troy Smith, who made a mockery of himself and his team, the Baltimore Ravens, in his debut last year. It’s no wonder the Ravens needed to pick up another quarterback, in this year’s 2008 draft.

As for Chad, here is what he said about competing, just after he was drafted.

“They described … obviously, there’s a quarterback there, John Beck, and I’m not sure who else is there. I’ll definitely compete, and you know, we’ll see, we’ll see when I get down there.”

We will see Chad. Here’s hoping you win the starting position.

*Note: The Baltimore Ravens drafted Joe Flacco right before Miami drafted Chad.

Technorati Tags: Chad Henne, NFL, Miami Dolphins, Michigan Wolverines, starting quarterback, QB, football

There has to be some way to turn this Detroit Tigers team around. The players on this team aren’t bad guys. They are actually all very good in their respective roles, with a few exceptions. So, why does Jim Leyland keep making the same mistakes over and over in an attempt to improve the team? I know I may be repeating some of the things I’ve said before, in other articles on the Tigers, but I can’t help that I’m right when it comes to who sucks on the Tigers team.

1. Letting Nate Robertson start - Nate would be best these days as a relief pitcher, if any pitching were allowed for him. He might be better served in another organization or back in the minors. Jim is nostalgic from 2006, but Nate hasn’t done sh!t for the team since then. He has one of the worst pitching records in the league let alone on the team.

2. Letting Edgar Renteria play in every game - Renteria is either on or off. When he’s on, he’s fly. When he’s off, he’s terrible both on the field and batting. He isn’t that good of a short stop and boggles the ball more than he catches it. He needs to switch things up with Santiago or even Guillen, who wasn’t that bad in the position.

3. Giving Pudge too many vacations - I know Leyland likes giving Pudge Rodriguez breaks because he’s “old” by baseball standards, but Brandon Inge isn’t as skilled as Pudge is (as a catcher) and Leyland often puts Brandon in when Nate is pitching. At least Pudge could try and help Nate out (if that’s possible), but Brandon just has to go with the flow and hope Nate doesn’t suck too badly. Brandon is a much better third baseman.

4. Taking Out Semi-Decent Pitchers too Soon - With the semi-decent pitchers, it seems the minute they make one mistake they’re taken out. Often, this is followed up by Zach Miner or a pitcher who has forgotten the fundamentals of pitching a baseball and the damage is far worse had the original pitcher just been left in to finish the inning.

5. Putting in Pitchers that Suck - Seriously. Zach Miner almost always does damage far worse than the damage that would have been done had the initial pitcher been left in to finish pitching (save for Nate). Leyland needs to build up one heck of an arsenal of pitchers. He needs to trade Dontrelle Willis, Nate Robertson and Zach Miner for sure. Our bullpen sucks, and maybe if we had better pitching our offense would start doing their jobs better.

Technorati Tags: Detroit Tigers, Jim Leyland, Nate Robertson, baseball, MLB, pitchers, Dontrelle Willis, Zach Miner, Edgar Renteria, Pudge Rodriguez

I heard all this talk about a Penguins comeback after the Detroit Red Wings allowed them to raise the series to 3-2. I’d expect this from Penguins fans, but what about those in Detroit? Sure, the Penguins played okay, but the team doesn’t seem to have the puck control the Red Wings have. I’d been saying the Red Wings were going to win the Stanley Cup since just prior to the end of the regular season. The Red Wings have been playing awesome and their performance in the semi-finals really proved how good a team they are!

Being from Michigan, the news, radio and everywhere else you looked was going Red Wings crazy from the moment we entered the finals with the Penguins. Then, we let the Penguins win two games and suddenly all those who were certain the Red Wings were going to win started doubting a team that has won consistently to the point where the team has made a record breaking 17 post season appearances in a row, the longest streak in all of Pro Sports.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, this is the Red Wings 11th Stanley Cup, they’ve been Western Conference Champions five times and they’ve been the Central Division Champions 16 times. This means the Red Wings have made it to the post season in 23 of the last 25 seasons. The team is just that good.

So, how could they lose? Sure, good teams have bad moments, but this isn’t the 2008 Superbowl. One game isn’t played to determine a winner. The Red Wings had 7 games to prove themselves and they did it in 6. I had no doubt they’d win so I’m baffled by why as soon as the Penguins won a game or two, the mass media starts speculating, “What if..they lose?”

I knew the Red Wings were going to make a comeback, but maybe it’s just because I’m a fan.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think. Did you think Detroit would win? Why or why not?

Technorati Tags: Detroit, Red Wings, NHL, Stanley Cup, winners, championship, winning streak, hockey, post season