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Jim Harbaugh says 2019 is the best offensive line he has had at Michigan

Embed from Getty Images When Jim Harbaugh took over the Michigan Wolverines coaching job, the offensive line was in shambles. Now entering his fifth season what was once a sore spot is now a  position of strength for the Wolverines.

Michigan ran a running game, ball control offense that saw the team increase its win total to ten last season. This spring there’s a lot to still like about the offensive line,such as players who have been known quantities, as well as those who are emerging from the depth  chart as they improved their game , It seems the unit on the whole has taken their game to the next level.

“Offensive line has been really good,” coach Harbaugh said. “Mike Onwenu is really standing out as is Cesar Ruiz and Ben Bredeson. That’s the real strength for our football team. Both left and right  tackles  Jon Runyan are having real good springs so far and then Andrew Stueber and Jalen Mayfield who are currently battling it out for starting right tackle.

The lines are getting blurry as far as starters, backups and third string. That is very good news for the Wolverines. The means that depth has become a strength. If a player is injured or needs a breather, it truly is next man in. Unlike the past Michigan should not miss a beat offensively.

Michigan and Jim Harbaugh are a long ways from the group he inherited four years ago. Now there is a building buzz and excitement  about the depth that has been built.  “I think this offensive line starting group has got a chance to be the best that we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh’s excitement about the offensive line, seems somewhat understated, given, not only the ability of the four returning starters. It goes without saying this is the most  athletic group Michigan has had up front in some time.

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Taro Hirose has been excellent for the Detroit Red Wings

Embed from Getty Images After completing the Big Ten schedule at Michigan State, the Detroit Red Wings signed Taro Hirose. Hirose is the first Spartan to sign with the Red Wings since Justin  Abdelkader. Fresh out of college Taro has recorded an assist in each of his first two games.

Taro Hirose has proven the NHL game is not to big or fast for him. Something many prospects need time to adjust to. Hirose’s poise with the puck has stood out during his Detroit showing.

Taro Hirose’s scouting report said he was an above average playmaker. Taro’s playmaking has stood out as well. He does not shoot the puck as much. But as he gets more comfortable the Wings will ask him to shoot more often.

Taro,  led the NCAA in points this past season with 50, 15 Goals, 35 assists Hirose also edged out Wolverines defender Quinn Hughes winning the Big Ten player of the year award.

The 22-year-old has made a seamless transition from Michigan State to the NHL. So seamless in fact that Detroit is using  him on the power play. Hirose has put his display a superb amount of speed on display.

It is rare that a player just out of college is not afraid to make plays. “I try to study the game and create offense and before you get the puck, just to know where guys like to be,” Hirose said. “Talk with my linemates and figure out the areas of the ice they like to go. It’s sort of like second nature when you get the puck, you know where they’ll be, and you can make those no-look, nice passes.”

“He looks like he wants to make a play every time he has the puck,” coach Jeff Blashill said. The Detroit Red Wings seem to have signed a player who is ready to step in full time next season. He is exactly the kind of playmaker Detroit needs going forward.

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The Detroit Red Wings need Anthony Mantha to be more consistent

Embed from Getty Images Anthony Mantha had hoped this would be the season he would break the 30 goal marker. A bad start to the season coupled with a injured  hand due to a fight Dec. 2 – which kept Mantha out of 15 games just as he was turning his season around has left the Detroit Red Wings forward seeking consistency.

While Mantha does have 19 goals on the season and a real shot at 20, Anthony Mantha was asked if 20 goals is a satisfying, “No, it’s not,” Mantha said after Saturday night’s game. “I’ve had ups and down this year, but I had to focus a little more on the downs and try to build off of that for next year,  and try to be an even better player next year.”

This has been the feeling for the Detroit Red Wings and Mantha. For three seasons now this was supposed to be his break-out season. Once again it was not. That is the bad. Not to just key in on that, there is good as well.

For instance, Anthony Mantha, has played much better defense and on the power play. He has proven himself to be a key player for the Wings. Mantha needs to take the next step.

Mantha broke his hand defending teammate Dylan Larkin, in turn making himself a better one. “There’s inherent risk in getting into a fight. He was sticking up for Larkin in that case, who got his head rung against the boards.” Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said.

Mantha said he would and will do it again with hesitation. It did appear that when he came back after hand surgery, Mantha was not as aggressive. He looked tentative. Which is somewhat expected. Mantha did not bounce back into form for three weeks post surgery.

For Anthony Mantha and the Detroit Red Wings, he needs to take the next step and become the consistent scoring threat he has flashed so many times in the past. Mantha needs to show he is ready to take his game and the team to the next level. Something he is capable of doing.

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Healthy once again Miguel Cabrera is ready to lead the Detroit Tigers

Embed from Getty Images “I feel good. And I want to feel that in the season.” Miguel Cabrera is ready for the 2019 Detroit Tigers season to start. Having missed three and a half months of last season due to a ruptured biceps, Cabrera hit his fourth home run of the spring.

Miguel Cabrera, once one the most feared hitters in major league baseball, is looking like he has turned the clock back this spring. Hitting the ball with extreme force. He is pulling the ball with power. “Not long ago people were saying, “What happened to his power?” Tigers general manager Al Avila said. “He still has it.”

Miguel said he feels good going into this season. Better than the past two injured filled seasons. Cabrera, looks like he has a fresh spring in his step this spring. He is healthy and stated that is his goal. To stay healthy all season.

Scouts, general managers as well as opposing players have noted Miguel Cabrera looks good this spring. Very good. One manager said “You knew he would not end his career on a down note. Proud athletes never do. He is going to be a handful at the plate again this season.”

It is not the four home runs that has people talking it is the fact he is hitting over .300 and leading the Detroit Tigers in doubles and R.B.I.’s not too mention Cabrera is hitting the ball all over the field again.

Miguel Cabrera is 35 home runs away from 500 for his career. If he does indeed stay healthy that is doable this season. One thing to remember, when Cabrera has been locked in, in the past teams walk him. This season that may not be ideal as he will have Nicholas Castellanos and Christian Stewart hitting in front and behind him.

A healthy Miguel Cabrera does not add more wins to the Detroit Tigers outlook in 2019. Nor does it change the fact Detroit is still mid-rebuild. It does give fans something to watch and cheer for. As they wait for pipeline players to make their way to Comerica Park.

If Miguel Cabrera does stay healthy, he would be a good bet for American League Comeback Player Of the Year.

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Thon Maker has been a solid addition to the Detroit Pistons

Embed from Getty Images Sometimes for a variety of reasons a player drafted by a team does not fit in well. That was the case for the Milwaukee Bucks, Thon Maker.  The former first round draft pick never found solid footing in Milwaukee. He was acquired last month by the Detroit Pistons.

Thon Maker, made his NBA debut October 30, 2016, against ironically enough the Detroit Pistons. He would record one rebound in the game. A pretty disappointing debut for a top 10 draft pick.

Having struggled to find his game Maker had his minutes greatly reduced. Reduced to the point that Thon Maker, a player who had and still has all the tools to be a top NBA center, was no longer a starter for the Milwaukee Bucks.

February 7, 2019 Maker was shipped to the Detroit Pistons. “He’s been great.” That is what Blake Griffin recently said. Thon Maker plays with great energy. It lifts the team when he enters the game. Playing behind Griffin, Maker has found a home.

It is somewhat baffling Milwaukee would give up on the 22 year old after just two and a half season. While Maker does play out of control at times and should be limited to dunking the ball and the occasional 3-point attempt. Maker’s defense has been solid.

A change of scenery has been just what the Doctor ordered. “The young man is hungry.” Detroit coach Dwane Casey said. It is not like Detroit and Casey’s system was the magic potion that suddenly ignited Maker’s play.

Rather it seem like it has been a culmination of things. First off Thon Maker was not a Detroit Pistons first round draft pick. Secondly, Maker has indeed found a home in Detroit coming off the bench during the second shift. So the pressure of not starting is not there.

Dwane Casey, is known as a coach who has a firm understanding of his players and the team dynamics the players fit into. In the case of Thon Maker, Casey has done it again. Putting the big man in position where Maker can both excel and help the team.

Thon Maker’s all-around play has helped the Pistons playoff push.

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“The Russian Five” is being used as a fundraiser for a former Detroit Red Wing

Embed from Getty Images Former Detroit Red Wings star, Vladimir Konstantinov was seriously injured in a limousine accident 22 years ago. When the Limo driver was driving drunk and slammed into a tree. 22 years later Konstantinov needs round the clock care.

Vladimir Konstantinov, was not expected to make it through the night. As  part of what would be the beginning of 4 Stanley Cup Championships for the Detroit Red Wings, Konstantinov was part of Detroit’s legendary “Russian Five.”

Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Vyacheslav Kozio, Slava Kozlov and Konstantinov, arrived in Detroit and changed the sport of hockey forever. They could hit, they were unbelievable fast. They were a sight to see on the ice. For those of us fortunate enough to see them.

Shortly after the team won the 1996-97 Stanley Cup the team gathered  at Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch’s house for a dinner. Tired and wanting to sleep Konstantinov and a few other left. Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman would receive the phone call 15 minutes later.

A local Michigan man Josh Riehl, and die-hard Detroit Red Wings fan made a documentary “The Russian Five.”  It is playing in Michigan movie theaters and is a great film.

Suffering brain damage as well as a broken neck in the accident, Vladimir is said to attack his physical therapy the same way he hit opposing players. “The Vladinator” that is what Red Wings fans called him.

His care totals around $50,000 per year. Wearing #16 during his playing time, while it does not hang from the rafters, No Detroit Red Wing has worn the number since Konstantinov. Players have said they do not ask because they understand it is off limits.

“The Russian Five” is being show and all ticket proceeds are going to care for Vladimir. That is a  very nice gesture on behalf of Josh Riehl.

 

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Mark Dantonio, says Michigan State needs to make plays in the fourth quarter

Embed from Getty Images It seems just about certain the Michigan State Spartans football team will enter the season with a top-five defense. A defense that returns nearly every starter from last seasons disappointment. Yet, the defense does not need fixed.

The Michigan State offense was woefully bad, awful at times. The Spartans offense finished in the bottom-10 in almost every statistical category in 2018. Michigan State ranked eighth nationally on defense, allowing 17.2 points per-game. The Spartans offense however, ranked 125 out of 129, scoring 18.7 points per-game.

In Tuesday’s media meet and greet Dantonio was blunt, “we left some plays on the field, that is the difference between 13-1 and 7-6.”  He is correct. “We were in games in the fourth quarter, but we did not score, we need to score more points.”

During the 2018 season the Michigan State Spartans were outscored 104-49 in the fourth quarter of their 13 games. In contrast, the Spartans scored 194 points the first three quarters, while holding opponents to 119 points during the same three quarters.

While the fourth quarter scoring stats do not paint the whole picture it gives glimpse of what went wrong for the Spartans last season.  A quarterback playing with an injured shoulder as well as an offensive line that had injuries and caused inconsistent play also was a factor.

The offensive line issues lead to a poor run game as well. Injuries are part of every sport. What seemed to be exposed was Michigan State’s lack of quality depth. That is at the heart of the offensive woes.

Mark Dantonio for whatever reason shuffled his coaching staff instead of infusing new blood into his program. That will not hide the depth issue for the Spartans at left tackle, right guard and running back.

This is what the focus for the Spartans coaches and players will be during spring practice.

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Jim Harbaugh has given the offense completely over to Josh Gattis

Embed from Getty Images Fans and media had their doubts. Doubts about would Jim Harbaugh a hands on quarterbacks coach, hands on the offensive coach would really give up control. Shortly after being named Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator, Josh Gattis hit the recruiting road with his new boss.

Entering his fifth season as Wolverines head coach, Jim Harbaugh made his most intriguing and bold move to date.  Not only bringing in a new offensive coaching mind. But giving him absolute control. In a recent media, meet and greet Gattis said “Jim has been so open, he has given me the freedom to run the offense, he has given me input to help me.”

With three spring practices complete, players are still learning the new playbook. It is clear that changes have been made. Gattis and the Wolverines offensive coaching staff have stripped all of the old away and are starting from square one. “We are not patting ourselves on the back, we’re not ready yet.” This is the design of spring practice.

“We will find ways to get playmakers the ball,” Gattis said, “We will be a tempo, no-huddle team.” The new offensive play caller stopped short of saying his offense is a spread-style offense. It is not. At least not a true spread-style.

The big difference in Josh Gattis’s offense and a spread-style is while both offensive styles attack defenses. Gattis and the system he runs is much more physical. Also the days of the dink and dunk are gone. Michigan will now attack defenses. They will take more shots downfield.

“We want to dictate what the defenses do. How do we do that? Control the line of scrimmage, get the ball to players who can get in space and make plays.” Gattis is offering a new philosophy, at least at Michigan.

Josh, was blunt as he told the fans and media “We need more depth at wide receiver, we are good at tight end.” Until There is depth at receiver, expect Michigan running backs to catch passes out of the backfield.

 

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Detroit Tigers rebuild rolling forward

Embed from Getty Images “I’m saying, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila said. This season will be different in Detroit. Yes, there will be plenty on losses. But there will also be anticipation as Tigers top prospects continue to grow.

The Detroit Tigers are coming off back-to-back 98-loss seasons,  the third-worst two-year stretch in the franchise’s 118-year history. Under Avila’s watch   the Tigers have quietly built a farm system on the rise. He has not shy sharing the rebuild process with fans and media.

In fact the Tigers are currently in MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 rankings . The crown jewel being Tigers pitching prospects. Some like Spencer Turnbull and Kyle Funkhouser should arrive at Comerica Park this summer.

Tigers farm director Dave Owen, who has been with the organization since 2011, concurs that the system is stronger than it has been in years. “We’re getting there. The pitching is maybe a little ahead at this point, but we’re making progress with position players, too. We’re getting guys who will be able to contribute.” Detroit is expecting contributions soon.

Al Avila as mentioned “We’ve got guys who already either here or knocking on the door here and you have guys coming, who are not too far away — pitching wise.” Another good sign.

As players continue to develop this season, there is now a finish line. “Where we don’t have young guys ready, we went out and got veterans to plug in for now,” Avila said. “Now, we are looking at Isaac Paredes, Daz Cameron, Jake Rogers, those guys are, right now, the next wave. Is it going to be at the end of this year, 2020 or ’21? I can’t tell you. But they are right there.”

With  eyes on the minor leagues, This will be one of the last summers of waiting.

 

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Former Detroit Lions linebacker/defensive end Mike Cofer passes away

Embed from Getty Images Mike Cofer was a A third-round pick out of Tennessee in 1983. He played his entire 10 year career with the Detroit Lions. A standout player on some bad Lions teams, Cofer earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1988, one of two seasons where he topped 10 sacks.

Mike Cofer, 58, had suffered from an uncommon (  amyloidosis ) disease that affects organs and tissue. His death hit former teammates hard and rocked the city of Detroit. He was a Lions legend.

Mike’s most defining characteristic was his physical prowess. Cofer had 62½ career sacks. There was no official  cause of death  given. Mike Cofer’s son, Phil Cofer is a forward on Florida State’s basketball team and learned of his father’s death after the team’s 76-69 victory over Vermont in the NCAA Tournament Thursday. Receiving the phone call during the open locker-room period and broke down into tears.

For those who saw Mike Cofer play, we understood he was a tremendous talent on a team that did not have much. For those who never saw Cofer play, I offer this, One of the greatest sports moments I have ever witnessed was when Mike Cofer on 3 straight plays lined up at Right LB, Left LB and Middle LB and sacked the quarterback on all 3.

In September 2013, Cofer was honored as a Volunteers  Legend of the Game during Tennessee’s game against South Alabama. Mike Cofer, was a treat to watch. Fans knew he was going to do something during a game that would be outstanding.

Rest In Peace, Mike Cofer.