Category: Uncategorized

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Columbus Blue Jackets sign defenseman Andrew Peeke

Embed from Getty Images Having just completed his third season at Notre Dame, Andrew Peeke totaled 119 games, 12 goals, 40 assists and a plus 20 rating. Peeke is a Columbus Blue Jackets second-round pick- No. 34 in 2016, he agreed to a three-year entry-level deal.

Andrew Peeke, was captain of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey team this season. He is a big, mobile defenseman that plays great in his own zone and gets the puck moving up ice quickly. Andrew Peeke is not a player that will put up great offensive numbers. For the Columbus Blue Jackets he does not need to.

It is a safe bet however, the Blue Jackets will encourage Peeke to shoot the puck more.  Andrew has a terrific shot and had an 8.8% shooting last season. In a move that is not typically seen in Columbus, Andrew Peeke is headed to the Blue Jackets, not the Cleveland Monsters.

The team is willing to burn through the first year of his entry level contract. The Blue Jackets have a log jam of talented defensive players, the team obviously sees something in Peeke that can help them coming down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Many NHL teams covet and put a premium on defenseman who are right handed puck movers. Which is exactly what Andrew Peeke is. Not only that but Andrew has  great size and strength. Strength is something that usually hampers rookies. Making his three seasons at Notre Dame valuable.

Andrew Peeke projects as a shutdown defenseman with some offensive upside. He should fit in with the Blue Jackets pretty quickly. During his time in college Peeke was a model of consistency. That is a trait general managers and coaches prize above all else.

Andre Peeke said he likes to watch a player like Seth Jones, a two-way player who can shut opponents down in the defensive zone while adding something in the offensive end, the two players are now teammates.

Andrew Peeke is expected to arrive in Columbus Ohio,  Monday afternoon.

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Remembering the Detroit Pistons Bad Boy’s

Embed from Getty Images The 1989 Detroit Pistons  gathered for its 30 year NBA Championship  reunion celebration this past weekend. “The Bad Boy’s” were back in Motown. The last 1980’s Pistons legacy is about much more than the blood they drew – and spilled  with brutal physicality.

The Bad Boy Detroit Pistons team lead by Isiah Thomas, is a team that would rather run through you than around you. Yet they had a clear mission, Thomas proudly remembers the Pistons as a team that had to deal with race and wasn’t afraid to fight against social inequality.

The race issue started during the Eastern Conference finals in 1987, when Pistons versus Celtics suddenly became about black versus white. Former Piston Dennis Rodman said Larry Bird was overrated due to his skin color after Boston eliminated Detroit in Game 7, Thomas fueled the controversy by saying if “[Bird] were black, he’d be just another good guy.”

Those late 80’s Detroit Pistons defense overshadowed their offensive capabilities. Center Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn were considered to bethe baddest boys of them all.  It is a safe bet much of Dennis Rodman’s antics later in his career can be attributed to his time under the tutelage of Rick Mahorn during their time together in Detroit.

While Laimbeer would literally fight tooth and nail during his time with the Detroit Pistons, and was the baddest of the “Bad Boys.” He was rough, dirty and everything that we loved and others hated. Bill and his antagonistic demeanor and physical play were the source of countless on-court altercations.

Much to the delight of Pistons fans. They were rough. They were tough. They were two time world champions. They were “The Bad Boy’s.”

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The Columbus Blue Jackets appear to be peaking at the right time

Embed from Getty Images The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to win a playoff series! That has been Blue Jackets fans thoughts the past two Stanley Cup Playoffs. One problem the team peaked too early during the season and fell apart in the playoffs. This season while the Jackets have had to fight for a playoff spot, they are getting hot at the right time of year.

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, has been up and down in a widely inconsistent season for the usually steady neat-minder. “Bob” as he his known around Columbus Ohio, has found solid grounding since March. Posting an even strength save percentage of .953.

Columbus is sort of in a sweet spot if you will. The team is currently in the wild-card, they could also grab one of the top seeds. Not only is Bobrovsky hot, but suddenly the Blue Jackets season long struggle to score goals is gone.

Lead by 40 goal scorer Cam Atkinson the Jackets have scored 11 goals in their last two games. The team is playing more confident as a whole. When head coach John Tortorella was asked about why his team has turned it on his answer was perplexing.

“No idea, if we did we could have avoided a lot of headache.” While to a casual hockey fan that sounds like a stupid answer it really is not. A closer look shows us that hockey players and teams feed off of each other like in no other sport.

In hockey it only takes one or two guys to get hot then suddenly everyone around them heats up as well. Case and point Bobrovsky and Atkinson. “Bob” gets hot allowing the defense to play more relaxed in front of him. While 40 goals from Atkinson sounds like and it is. He went through scoring droughts of his own during the season. Now hot, the rest of the Blue Jackets offense is hot.

This season looks different for the Blue Jackets. Talent has never been an issue in Columbus. Peaking to soon has bee a major issue. This season the team has finally peaked at the right time of year. Leading many hockey people to say “watch Columbus in the playoffs.” This time it just may be true.

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Ohio State needs to replace Paris Campbell

Embed from Getty Images Wide receiver Pairs Campbell was the Ohio State Buckeyes heart and soul. A loud voice of leadership in the Buckeye locker room as well as standout performances on the field. Campbell, did it all. Now he is heading for the NFL draft. Leaving Ohio State with a void to fill.

90 receptions along with 1,063 receiving yards, Campbell also lead Ohio State with 12 touch downs. In Ohio State fashion it is “next man up.” But, given the rather large shoes to fill who has an opportunity to be that next man?

Wide receiver KJ Hill, who was thought to also declare for the NFL draft chose to return to the Buckeyes. Perhaps the most sure-handed of the Ohio State receivers he will have the first chance to nail down the spot. Hill though is not as fast as Campbell.

Ohio State is getting ready to open spring practice with a new head coach, new defensive coaches and a new quarterback in Justin Fields. That is a lot of new all at one time. Ohio State certainly would have benefited if Paris Campbell returned to the program.

A closer look at KJ Hill reveals, he is perhaps the best route runner of all the Buckeye receivers. His precision and sharp cuts help shake would be defenders.

It is Hill’s intangibles, that can make up for his lack of speed. Hill is certainly no slow-poke. But Campbell, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 at the NFL Combine. KJ Hill is almost a full step behind Campbell.

It is something to watch in spring practice. Quarterback Justin Fields will be looking for a receiver he can trust who either is or will become a go-to player. It is a safe bet as long as the new signal caller picks up the Ohio State playbook he will find where the player in space will be.

KJ Hill should emerge as that player.

 

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Detroit Tigers Christin Stewart opening day hero

Embed from Getty Images Prospects can be tricky. The right ones can propel a team forward or set them back. Yesterday, in the Opening Day of the 2019 MLB season. The rebuilding Detroit Tigers and rookie Christin Stewart took the stage in Toronto to face the Blue Jays.

“Early on I just kind of let my adrenaline and emotions get the best of me,” Christin Stewart said. “I just needed to calm down in the box. I knew that. Later in the game my at-bats started getting better, I started to do what I wanted to do in the box.

For rookies playing in their first Opening Day, that is easier said than done. Most rookies want to show they belong. So many rookies try to do too much and fall flat. Some regain their composure, while some are sent to the minors to make adjustments. Teams really do not know until they see regular season games.

Stewart was already 0-3 when he arrived at the plate in the 10th inning. “They were kind of messing with him,” manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s a kid. But you make a mistake like that one, that one got too much of the plate, and he killed it. We know that’s what he can do.”

 

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitcher Daniel Hudson quickly got ahead in the count 0-2, Christin knowing he had to make contact chocked up on his bat.  The relief pitcher then made a fatal mistake, he left the ball out over the plate on a change-up and Stewart connected. Miguel Cabrera, staring his way and mouthing, “Wow.”

 

For the rebuilding Detroit Tigers are in line to lose 90-plus games once again, the Tigers will be a thorn in many teams side this season. It is good news that a player like Stewart who will not hit close to .300 started with a home run. He does project as a 30-35 home run, 80-90 R.B.I. player. Something the Tigers will taken

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Michigan State Spartans football believes Cody White could be a go-to player

Embed from Getty Images In 2018’s season to forget. Michigan State’s football team saw their wide receivers  two-deep on the depth chart go down with injuries one after another. There was a small silver lining for the Spartans.

The Spartans young receivers have bounced back from the injury problems that plagued them a season ago. Felton Davis II was the teams go-to guy last season. That is until the injury bug hit him as well. Injuries was the theme for the 2018 Spartans football team. It is hard to think of a college football team that  has seen so many injuries hit one positional group so hard in one season.

This spring the Michigan State football team has seen Cody White step up. “I think he can easily be our No. 1 guy,” quarterback Brian Lewerke speaking about Cody White. So far during spring practice White is not shying away from becoming the dependable go-to guy for his teammates.

It is no secret the Michigan State Spartans are  looking to turn the page after a disastrous 2018 season on the offensive side of the ball. New offensive coordinator Brad Salem, change breathing in some new life to the offense. As well as some new wrinkles in the offensive playbook.

As for the wide receivers, the Spartans need the group to be healthy and regain the production that will help the team advance the ball and give their defense a longer breather. If the Spartans can stay healthy at the wide out position and end the revolving door, it will go a long way in bringing the football team back into the Big Ten title conversation.

To this point in spring practice the Spartans are looking forward to the season, and leaving last seasons injuries and disappointment  in the rear view mirror.

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Michigan Wolverines football defensive coordinator is looking for redemption

Embed from Getty Images The last two football games of the 2018 season were ugly. Michigan Wolverines defense gave up 103 points and 1,035 total yards in blowout losses to Ohio State and Florida. Wolverines defensive coordinator Don Brown called it, “The most disappointing experience I’ve ever been through in my entire life.”

Jim Harbaugh’s fourth year  defensive coordinator, Brown said he does not believe it was schematic issues that lead to the meltdown. Don Brown said “It’s not the concept, I’ve gotta do a bit of a better job.” That is the starting point.

Entering the 2019 season that will be a little more tricky. Replacements are needed for several defensive players from last year’s group. Linebacker Devin Bush, defensive lineman Rashan Gary and cornerback David Long all entered the NFL draft as juniors , while defensive lineman Chase Winovich and safety Tyree Kinnel, have graduated. Leaving a big void that needs filled.

Michigan lost 47%  of the teams total tackles from last season, also 41%  of the teams sacks. Lost in these gaudy numbers is the fact above the numbers the Michigan defense lost the ever important  intangible leadership. From Devin Bush and Chase Winovich. That is a lot to replace.

“It’s always next man up no matter what happens,” said junior safety Josh Metellus. Now Michigan and Don Brown have had all winter to get  ready. Ready for what comes next. New players need to pick up the system quickly this spring. Players need to focus on growing into their roles.

As for Don Brown he fired this off “We’re going to  do some things a little differently.” What exactly that is, is unknown and is likely to remain that way until August 8, when the Wolverines kickoff the 2019 season.

That is Don Brown and the players focus of spring practice. To get players acclimated and up to speed of the defensive system. Michigan can not afford to have another season ending meltdown in 2019.

 

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Could Detroit Pistons Svi Mykhailiuk move to point guard

Embed from Getty Images Pistons coach Dwane Casey is toying with the ideal of developing Svi Mykhailiuk into a point guard to maximize his big 6′ 8″ frame. Which would give the player and team an advantage over the rest of the NBA’s point guards.

Casey stated “It gives you length on defense and you can see defenses better.” The prototypical NBA point guard is 6-6, 6-7. The Detroit Pistons pan is to have Mykhailiuk  join the teams offseason developmental program.  Casey is in favor of putting players in position to succeed.

Pistons fans an local Detroit media are asking “If he’s so talented, why isn’t Mykhailiuk in the Pistons rotation, already.” Fair enough. The fair answer is  Svi Mykhailiuk  was not fully acclimated with the Los Angels Lakers, is not prepared to make the switch while the Pistons are in the middle of  trying to get into the playoffs.

It is said that while watching Mykhailiuk go through pregame drills, an Eastern Conference scout told reporters Svi projects to be a dead-eye shooter and a playmaker. That is good news for Detroit.

Pistons front office will get their first prolonged look at Mykhailiuk at point guard during Las Vegas Summer League action in July. One thing is for sure is Mykhailiuk brings toughness.  He does not back down from other players or situations.

“This summer’s going to be a big one for my development,” Mykhailiuk said. “It’s started right now, even if I don’t play. I’m getting in a lot of extra work before games and even on days off. I just got to work on my all-around game.”

The good news for the Detroit Pistons and their fans is Svi Mykhailiuk sounds as though he is embracing the switch to point guard. This could be a good thing for the organization. It could also be a good thing for the player. As he evolves his game some more. He will see more playing time.

 

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2019 Detroit Tigers draft options

Embed from Getty Images Thanks in large part to a 98 loss season in 2018 the Detroit tigers will have the fifth overall pick in the first round of this Junes MLB amateur draft. There are three names to keep in mind for fans to know.

One thing to keep in mind is this years Major League Baseball draft is it boasts of a very weak pitching crop. I found only one who would be worth a first round pick. Not in the top ten.

For the rebuilding Tigers who have a surplus of pitching prospects, I believe 2019 is the right time for general manager Al Avila to select a position player with a plus bat.

Riley Greene, Hagerty High School, Oviedo, Florida, Greene has all the tools that are making scouts drool. Left-handed power hitter, at 6′ 2″ with a thick frame Riley projects as a corner outfielder. Greene is disciplined and composed at the plate. The bat explodes through the zone allowing Greene to hit any pitch out of the park. He could be moved to first base at some point.

CJ Abrams, Blessed Trinity High School, Georgia, Abrams may be the second best short stop in this years draft. A plus runner, plus speed, plus glove give him some great starting tools. Scouts believe Abrams will get even better and be a cornerstone short stop for whichever team drafts him for years to come.

Last I do have the lone pitcher who should go in the first round. Graeme Stinson University of Duke, The draw back is Stinson is said to be soft-bodied. He projects close to Detroit Tigers prospect Alex Faedo. In my opinion if the Tigers draft Stinson they will miss a big opportunity to get and impact bat for the middle of the lineup to go with Christian Stewart and Isaac Paredes.

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Detroit Lions, Matt Patricia details what he looks for in draft prospects

Embed from Getty Images With the NFL draft three weeks away, Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patrica is not going into detail about what needs his team are looking to fill. Instead, Patrica gave insight as to what he looks for in draft prospects.

Each NFL team places different values for their organization. The Detroit Lions do not go against the grain. Yet, the Detroit Lions head coach was willing to give good information as to what he looks for.

“It may sound cliche, but it’s really not, because we’re going to teach them the other stuff,” Patricia said in a meeting with Detroit area beat writers Tuesday. “We’re gonna teach them scheme, we’re gonna teach them fundamentals, we’re gonna teach them some of those things, so you start basically with, alright, what does his speed look like on film? What does his pad level look like? Can he come downhill or can he get open? Is the fundamental skill set that he needs — quickness in and out of breaks, whether it’s football instincts and how smart he is as a player, does he makes checks and adjustments? Is he a guy that sees the whole field?”

Patricia also stated that toughness and passion in prospects is an absolute must. “I think you always want to find toughness, that’s fundamental, and you want to find that ‘never quit’ attitude,” Patricia said. “The guys that are always going to go compete. But first and foremost, you want to feel the love, you want to feel the passion.”

Needless to say every coach would like athletes with elite physical talents, the Lions coach puts a premium on intelligence, toughness and coach-ability. Giving a good look at what the New England Patriots look for as well.

To review, in a nut shell Matt Patrica likes players who are tough, passionate, intelligent and who have a coach-ability to them. In other words players who are versital.