Category: Uncategorized

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Tanking was not an option for the Detroit Pistons

Embed from Getty Images Ed Stefanski blocks all negatives out. Social media, talk sports radio, news papers, t.v.. That turned out to be good news for the team Stefanski oversees. The Detroit Pistons.

Ed Stefanski, has a belief in the Detroit organization. The Pistons winners of 12 of their last 15 games are the product of Stefanski’s faith. Even though the noise outside was screaming for a teardown and total rebuild.

There are two thought processes, if you tank you win. If you do not there is a good chance the team will be stuck in mediocrity. The Pistons took an educated chance and went with not tanking.

Stefanski, sought advice from Sachin Gupta the Pistons assistant general manager and a person who is widely considered around the NBA as a analytic specialist.

They saw that some of the teams players who struggled if the first half of the season were due for a breakthrough. It is a daring place to venture. If wrong the Detroit Pistons season would have ended very poorly.

The calculated move has paid off. Struggling players are red hot during the Pistons turnaround. It has been well documented the moves the Pistons made during the trade deadline.

The team has also been greatly helped by star Blake Griffin who takes his role seriously. He wants to help the Pistons get back to the playoffs. Griffin was asked about the Detroit front office and his role. “I am not a general manager, I am a player. I focus on my job, the front office focuses on their job.”

Fair enough. But from the time Griffin took over as team leader, the team, front office and coaching staff all seemed to find a unifying consistency.

One more point Ed Stefanski, does not like the idea of tanking. Ever. “I do not believe in losing games to get better draft picks, I want to compete every night. I want to win every game.”

As long as Ed Stefanski has a say in the Motor City, it is a safe bet Detroit will never tank. They will kick, scream and fight. Just the way Stefanski likes it.

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Michigan State wins a share of the Big Ten title

Embed from Getty Images Tom Izzo somehow managed to rally his Spartans basketball team. Losing at home to Michigan things looked bleak for the Green and White. Izzo said “We had a character check at halftime.”

“I asked the team if they wanted to pack it in or play for a championship.” In the second half Izzo would get his answer. Spartans all-everything team leader Cassius Winston would spearhead the Michigan State turn around. Great players, elevate their play in tough times. Winston is that guy for his team.

Winston, was able to overcome a rough first half shooting to score 23 points along with 7 assists. It put the Spartans on a 25-4 run. The Wolverines were unable to regain any momentum.  The Spartans would not look back.

The win earned the Michigan State basketball team a share of the Big Ten title with Purdue. It also secured a No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament next week in Chicago.

“I am proud of my guys, they figured it out.” Izzo beamed at a post game press conference.  After the performance last night Izzo has every right to be proud of his team.

For the Michigan Wolverines the loss was crippling. Michigan who looked like a powerhouse early in the season, controlled the first half. When the Spartans started heating up in the second half Michigan had no answers. The Wolverines seem to pack it in. It was embarrassing to watch.

What is worse, was no in-game adjustments were made by the Wolverines coaching staff. Michigan suffered a total and complete implosion. Head coach John Beilein failed his team.

Thanks in large part to the Big Ten’s best coach, Michigan State did not fold, did not buckle. When the going got tough, the Spartans got going. Earning the co-championship.

This has a familiar ring to it. This is Michigan State’s 9th Big Ten title under Tom Izzo. There is no undervaluing what Izzo has done during his time in East Lansing. He has built a powerhouse.

Something the Michigan Wolverines can only dream of doing.

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Detroit Tigers Pitcher Matt Boyd is making a difference

Embed from Getty Images As a member  of the Detroit Tigers pitching staff, Matt Boyd is doing some important work off the field. As a God-fearing devote Christian, Boyd and his wife are making the difference in the lives of 36 Uganda girls.

Trying to save 36 girls from the sex slave industry, has given Matthew Boyd and his wife Ashley a new purpose. Matt and his wife buy food and clothing and sandals for the girls. They also pray with them. They are looking at the bigger picture.

It is a massive undertaking. Boyd has set up a nonprofit charity, “Kingdom Home.” They are working on expanding the charities land in Uganda. The plan is to add more homes on the property to house more girls. Boyd calls 36 girls a nice start.

Matt and Ashley have the total backing of the Detroit Tigers organization. During spring training Boyd has been given permission byTigers manager Ron Gardenhire to walk around Joker Merchant Stadium and ask fans for donations.

Boyd says the goal is to raise $50,000 and go from there.  Matt Boyd is heading into his third season in Detroit. While he is far from a super star. His heart is bigger than many in the game. Making the pitcher an All-Star person.

The Boyd’s make regular visits to Uganda. They said they were compelled to jump in and help after their first visit. Saying they could not know what was going on and do nothing. Something more people in place of importance should do.

“We can and we will end sex trafficking in Uganda,” Matt Boyd said. He is as focused on making life better for young ladies as he is when he is on the mound.

Matthew Boyd is a player fans should be rooting for. Regardless of the team fans pull for.

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The Detroit Lions enter free agency with 40 million in cap space

Embed from Getty Images As the Detroit Lions season concluded general manager Bob Quinn said he was looking to add playmakers for his team. The day he announced that the Detroit Lions had $31,237,788 in available cap space. That changed yesterday when the team released team captain T.J. Lang.

$40 million in cap space is the most money the Lions have had headed into free agency. Ever. Once he took over the general mangers chair Quinn has held money back to give the team wiggle room.

He has used that wiggle room to add players during the season, as well as sign players off the practice squad. It is difficult to cut any captain. But from a business stand point it was the right move.

T.J. Lang had signed as a free agent from the Green Bay Packers two years ago. Injuries has kept him off the field more than on it. At 33 years old and due a large pay raise, the Lions cut bait.

Given Bob Quinn’s insistence to add playmakers some names to remember as free agency starts next week are;

Defensive End, Trey Flowers, New England Patriots, One of the best pass rushers on the open market coupled with Quinn and coach Matt Patrica’s Patriots history is something to keep an eye on. The team is in need for a veteran edge rusher.

Wide Receiver, Adam Humphries, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit is in dire need at slot receiver. Humphries is the best of the free agent bunch. Last season Humphries had a career high 816 yards and 5 touchdowns. Would be a really good signing.

Safety, Landon Collins, New York Giants, It is hard to believe the Giants are not resigning Collins who is one of the best safeties in the NFL. Detroit just cut Glover Quin and would be both a solid replacement and a more athletic player. Collins is the best player in the free agent class.

Detroit will enter free agency with a shopping list. Expect Bob Quinn to fill his cart and prepare his team for a playoff run next season.

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Detroit Red Wings Tyler Bertuzzi has a rare combination of grit and speed

Embed from Getty Images In a tough rebuilding season. One that has seen the Detroit Red Wings bottom out. The Red Wings young core has grown and taken big steps forward. One of those players has really shined. Tyler Bertuzzi.

Tyler Bertuzzi  is a bit of a throwback, in appearance with the missing teeth and the long hair. Do no let that fool you Tyler has absolutely blossomed this season for a Detroit hockey team that has struggled.

Bertuzzi plays with a lot of grit. He is not afraid to irritate opposing teams. His speed sets him apart. Yet the Red Wings are a much better team when Tyler is on the first line with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha.

Bertuzzi wasn’t projected as a high-scorer when the Red Wings selected him in the second round, 58th overall, in 2013. That was a false projection. Through 58 games played Tyler has 16 goals and 33 points to go with 17 assists. He has found a home in front of the net. Tyler has been solid on the power play as well.

What really stands out about Tyler Bertuzzi is he is big on the puck, he has good  hands, he’s got the shot, He is not the most flashy player. Yet “Bert” as he known by his teammates makes the Detroit Red Wings a better more dangerous team.

One of his biggest attributes is Bertuzzi is not afraid to  play physical on the wall and in the corners or on the blue line. He is always looking for ways to get the puck. He also is always looking for someone to knock out of the way.

Tyler has shown  he can make great decisions with the puck. Something that takes young players a while to pick up on. What has helped the Red Wings now and will help in the future is Bertuzzi has the versatility to play on a top line while he can also play on the grind line.

Tyler Bertuzzi has become a fan favorite. He has endeared himself to his teammates and shown that he is a valuable player who will be key to the next wave of Detroit Red Wings playoff hockey. Which is coming soon.

 

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Detroit Pistons Reggie Jackson is enjoying a revival

Embed from Getty Images At the trade deadline rumors swirled that the Detroit Pistons were looking to move Reggie Jackson and the Pistons were  five games below .500 at the time. Jackson was thought to hold the key for Detroit.

During the first 46 games of the season, Jackson’s numbers were ho-hum to put it nicely. 14.1 points, 4.1 assists, 34 percent on 3-pointers and 40 percent on field goals. Nothing to write home about to be sure.

After a pep-talk of sorts with Blake Griffin and head coach Dwane Casey, Jackson’s confidence seemed to come back.  The Pistons are enjoying revival as a team, it seems no coincidence after Jackson picked up his play.

In the past six games, Reggie is averaging 19 points, shooting 43% on 3-pointers, with 37 assists and only five turnovers. Those numbers are  similar to his 2015-16 season, when he helped lead the Pistons to the playoffs, with 18.8 points and 6.2 assists.

Reggie Jackson had battled through some leg issues. He seems to have finally moved past the injuries and his play if reflecting what the Detroit Pistons have thought since they drafted him. Reggie Jackson can be a difference maker.

While a healthy Jackson is important equally as important is that Reggie has seen a jump in his play and production after he was paired alongside Blake Griffin. While the pairing has not always gone smoothly, it has improved of late.

Injuries gone Reggie Jackson has no restrictions. He can play a more up tempo game. The Pistons are at their best when Reggie is shooting the ball. Casey has spoken to Jackson about shooting more and passing less.

The success of the Pistons rides in large part on Reggie Jackson’s shoulders. When he is healthy, when he is locked in Detroit is a dangerous basketball team.

When is is less than 110%, when he passes too many times, when he does not take open shots, the Detroit Pistons suffer. His play lately has come a a key time. During the stretch run and possible playoff run.

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Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball Michigan and Michigan State thank you

Embed from Getty Images In one of the Big Ten basketball seasons this was one of the bigger upsets. The Purdue Boilermakers had a clear, clean path to the conference title. It all came unraveled last night in Minnesota.

The Mach 9 showdown between Michigan and Michigan State now both looms large and is now a game where the stakes are considerably higher. Higher as in  Big Ten championship high. Two bitter rivals meeting for all the marbles.

The Spartans now have a chance to clinch at least a share of their second-straight regular season Big Ten title on Saturday night, if they beat Michigan. While the Wolverines could clinch at least a share of their first regular season conference title since 2014.

Thanks to the Golden Gophers being, well golden last night The Michigan vs Michigan Sate game has turned into a prime-time, must-see game that will be played on ESPN. The network scrambled to switch prime time games after Purdue went down in defeat.

The funny part in all of this is that both Michigan and Michigan State, team, coaches, fans and players were rooting for Minnesota. Both schools had a united common denominator. A Purdue loss.

Now the fans bases and schools will get back to the business of total and utter dislike for each other schools. Winner takes a share of the title. A Northwestern win Saturday against you got it Purdue gives the Wolverines, Spartans the title outright.

It should be a great game Saturday night.

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Filip Zadina scores his first NHL goal for the Detroit Red Wings

Embed from Getty Images When a rookie has only played in three games that is hardly reason to break out the anointing oil. But when it is a so-called can’t miss prospect it is hard to not feel excited. That is what Red Wings rookie Filip Zadina did for not only the Detroit Red Wings but also the Wings fans.

Last summer when Filip Zadina fell into Detroit’s lap at #6 in the first round of the 2018 NHL draft Red Wings general manager Ken Holland raced to the podium to make the selection. Holland did not use the full two minutes. Nor should he have with a player like Zadina who was thought to go top three.

“What I like is he’s looked more and more dangerous every game,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s real dynamic on the power play. That is putting it lightly. Zadina has generational talent. He flashed it last night in Colorado when he sent a laser past the Avalanche goalie .

It goes a bit deeper, Zadina saw significant ice time. Over 18 minutes. His 5 on 5 play has gotten better in his fourth game. He was given a shot at the power play where he found the back of the net.

This is why the Detroit Red Wings are giving him a nine game look. They wanted to see if he could grow game to game at the NHL level. He has.

In his fourth straight game since being called up from Grand Rapids on Feb. 23, Filip Zadina was noticeable all over the ice. His defense even took a big step as Filip laid a hit on  Ian Cole.

Zadina also jumped on a loose puck in front of his own net and skated the puck up the ice to create a scoring chance in the second period. Again positive steps for the 19 year old. Showing the speed of the game has slowed down for him.

It is because Filip Zadina is a pure  shooter/sniper the Red Wings have struck gold. He is destined for 40 goals in Motown. When he makes the team out of training camp. Which could happen next season.

Now what did I say about anointing oil?

 

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Miguel Cabrera not sorry for signing albatross Contract with the Detroit Tigers

Embed from Getty Images On a team that in 2019 is going nowhere. On an organization setting it’s sights on a brighter tomorrow, one thing remains. Miguel Cabrera and his eight-year, $244 million contract extension from the Tigers in 2014.

At 35 years old and his best playing days behind him Cabrera is owed $162 million through 2023. The past two seasons, he’s missed 156 games with injuries.

There was a time that Miguel Cabrera put fans in the Comerica Park seats. A lot of fans. In his prime he was among the greatest right-handed hitters that game has ever seen. Recently there has been a problem. The past two seasons, Miguel missed 156 games with injuries. While collecting a large sum of money.

While the blame falls squarely on the Detroit Tigers. That is because they made him the offer. There is no athlete that would not take that contract. That is where things are right now player  in decline and the team stuck with a bad contract.

Cabrera says he’s all-in, for the Detroit rebuild, and has no interest in going anywhere else. He wants to be around when the Tigers win again. Cabrera has stated he wants to lead a new group of Tiger players back to the playoffs.

Being that his contract is untradeable there really is not much more he can say. Cabrera has to know he can not ask for a trade. No team would take on that contract for a 35 year old now oft-injured player.

When he goes into the Hall of Fame, and he will, he will go with Tigers cap. He has to. The hope in all of this is that the Detroit Tigers have learned a lesson about what size contract to hand out.

The will have that opportunity again after next season when the team beings to pursue free agents once again. No need to overpay. That hopefully is a thing of the past.

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Michigan State’s Cassius Winston a finalist for point guard of the year

Embed from Getty Images He is undoubtedly one of the nations best point guards. Michigan State’s Cassius Winston is in the running for the  Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award. Named after Class of 1971 Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic and Holy Cross guard Bob Cousy.

Winston joins a list of 16 of the countries best guards. His resume speaks for itself, Cassius is averaging 19.2 points, 7.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 47.4%  from the floor and 42.9% from 3-point land.  He currently  ranks third in the Big Ten in scoring and leads the league, and ranks No. 3 in the country, in assists. Not bad.

Also going for him is the fact Winston has scored at least 20 points 16 times this year. Cassius has also pulled off the rare feat of average at least 18.0 points and 7.0 assists per game. That is incredible.

One telling stat about Cassius Winston is this has been named the Big Ten Player of the Week five times this season. That is a Michigan State record. When you factor in that the school has seen the likes of Ervin “Magic” Johnson, Steve Smith and Mateen Cleaves among others it makes Winston’s feats stand out even more.

It goes without saying that Cassius Winston, will go down as one of the all-time greatest Spartans.