As you may be aware Solo: A Star Wars Story is a favorite of mine. The movie was unfairly panned by fans due to poor box office reception of The Last Jedi. Donald Glover who portrayed a young Lando Calrissian was one of the standout performances of the film. It was said that a Lando show was being developed by Disney/Lucasfilm and now that project has turned into a full length feature film.
Lucasfilm logo displayed on a phone screen and The Walt Disney Company logo displayed on a screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on August 20, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Donald Glover and his brother Stephen who is a screenwriter revealed on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast the revelation the beloved Star Wars character would be returning to the big screen.
No development or negotiation of the film is taking place right now as the writers strike is raging on. That has not fully stopped the project as the Glover brothers had already done development and continue to write and rewrite as they are a duo.
The Lando show was first announced in 2020 with screenwriter Justin Simien who since has been replaced by Stephen Glover. What the now movie will focus around is anyone’s guess.
I will venture my own guess, I believe what could be at the core of the show is how Lando Calrissian wins control of Cloud City from Baron Administrator, Dominic Raynor in Calrissian’s favorite game, Sabacc. Raynor was so enraged he hired Bounty Hunter Bossk to inflect revenge on Lando.
Not that the show will focus on that but it would be interesting and would also help the overall Sta Wars story. Still it is exciting to hear that Lando Calrissian will be headed back to the big screen and this could be the right move.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is perhaps the most controversial movie not only in the Sequel Trilogy but all the Star Wars films. Near the end of the film a child uses the Force and moves a broom into his hand setting the fan base into a revolt. Yet, in all reality it jives with what Star Wars is about also what George Lucas has said about the Force.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 07: George Lucas attends MoMA’s Party in the Garden 2022 at The Museum of Modern Art on June 7, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Museum of Modern Art )
In 1981, in The Making of Return of the Jedi book George Lucas, screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan along with director Richard Marquand were going over the story line:
Kasdan: The Force was available to anyone who could hook into it?
Lucas: Yes, everybody can do it.
Kasdan: Not just the Jedi?
Lucas: It’s just the Jedi who take the time to do it.
Marquand: They use it as a technique.
Lucas: Like yoga. If you want to take the time to do it, you can do it; but the ones that really want to do it are the ones who are into that kind of thing. Also like karate.
The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson was right to use a child to illustrate what Lucas had said 41 year’s prior. Now Dave Filoni is diving deeper into this aspect of the Force on Ahsoka.
Sabine Wren, who is being trained by Ahsoka is not a Force user or a Jedi she is a Mandalorian, remember the Force exists well everywhere according to Yoda;
A life-size figurine of Yoda from the Star Wars series is displayed at the Star Wars Identities exhibition during a media preview at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore on January 28, 2021. (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
The fact is anyone can access the Force given enough training and will. George Lucas fully supports the decision made by Filoni to double down on the anyone can use the Force. “A lot of people get confused about the Force. They see it as some special thing that you can find and pick up and put it on your head and suddenly, you have the Force. Whereas it’s always been designed so that every living being has the Force,” Lucas said.
The amount of Force in living beings depends on how much they train. While The Last Jedi ruffled feathers Ahsoka is staying in line with the Force and what Star Wars creator George Lucas has said. So really fans lack of understanding was the real issue all along.
The Detroit Tigers are sitting in third place in the AL Central Division eight and a half game behind division leader Minnesota. During the course of the season the Tigers have seen OF- Riley Green, OF- Kerry Carpenter and 1B- Spencer Torkelson emerge as a core trio that looks to be around for a while. With top prospects Colt Keith, Justin-Henry Malloy and Parker Meadows awaiting callups, First round draft pick Max Clark is still a ways away from Motown. Would Tigers team President Scott Harris consider moving a top end prospect of current player to get more bats into the Tigers system? That is the question.
Rebuilding teams are not fun to follow and ballpark attendance generally dips during a retooling timeframe. The Tigers are rebuilding back-to-back which adds to fans misery. One thing that can speed up rebuilds is trades. Nothing should be off the table to make a team better sooner.
The Tigers have a surplus of left handed hitting outfielders and could use an influx of right handed bats in that group. Parker Meadows who looks to be a prospect who can make an impact could be moved but the return would not be one that moves the needle as much as other players.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JULY 23: Kerry Carpenter #30 of the Detroit Tigers at bat against the San Diego Padres at Comerica Park on July 23, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Let’s say Scott Harris (assuming he does not hire a GM before the Winter Meetings) decides he wants to bring in some high end young controllable bats to help the rebuilding process and goes big, as in really big. He could trade Riley Greene or Kerry Carpenter. Greene who looks like he is going to be an above average MLB player and Carpenter who has enjoyed success would be great trade chips.
If Harris wanted to go really big and trade for top prospects he could package Greene and pitcher Tarik Skubal. The return for those two would certainly be huge and would/could speed up the rebuild.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 28: Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers at bat against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on July 28, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Will that happen? I do not believe that Greene will be moved and will be offered an extension this offseason. Greene is the type of player you build around as is Carpenter and Spencer Torkelson.
Still nothing can be counted out and nothing should be off the table to improve the team sooner than later.
MLB Pipeline and their group of scouts are among the most reputable, trustworthy that cover and rank prospects. For the Detroit Tigers looking to gain momentum in terms of high end prospect talent four prospects landed on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects which also meant a change for the Tigers rankings as well.
First let’s take a look at where the four Tigers prospects landed on MLB Pipeline’s top 100. OF- Max Clark came in at #15, 3B/2B Colt Keith came in at #26, P-Jackson Jobe was listed at #59 and 2B-Jace Jung was ranked the #72 prospect in all MLB.
Now how do those four rank in the Detroit Tigers top 30 prospects and what does the future hold? Those four ranked in the MLB Pipeline top 100 (Clark, Keith, Jobe and Jung) also represent the top four in the Tigers organization. Four in the top 100 is not bad, yes more talent is needed but when considered Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson are young the four prospects give the Tigers some promise.
Max Clark who the Tigers drafted third overall in this years MLB Draft has all the tools to be a special talent and future all star. Graded:
60-Hit, 50 Power, 70-Run, 65-Arm, 60-Field for an overall 60 makes Clark the top Tigers prospect. Clark is a contact hitter who uses the gaps very well. He has the plate discipline scouts drool over. Clark is a very good fit for Comerica Park.
LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Colt Keith #81 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Friday, February 24, 2023 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Colt Keith drafted in 2020, has been injured so this season is a better look as to what he brings to the table.
55-Hit, 60-Power, 45-Run, 60-Arm, 45-Field, 55-Overall, in short Keith has All-Star ability he has cut down on strikeouts and is developing a better eye at the plate which is why he made the top 100 prospects.
Jackson Jobe is a pitcher who has the stuff to reach a #2 in a rotation. After a rough start last season the real Jobe began to show and has carried over.
65-Fastball, 65-Slider, 55-Changeup, 55-Cutter, 50-Control, 55-Overall, with a fastball that sits at 95-97 MPH and a changeup that dips to the low 80’s it’s easy to see why Detroit is high on the young pitcher. Again, if he develops he can be a valuable #2 and fringe All-Star.
Jace Jung is a player who can impact the future Tigers lineup with his plus power to all fields.
55-Hit, 55-Power, 40-Run, 45-Arm, 45-Field, 45-Overall. Jung has the ability to be an impact hitter for the Tigers. His numbers in terms of grades should change the more seasoning he gets.
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 17: A general night view of the main entrance of Comerica Park during the game between the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 17, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Indians defeated the Tigers 10-3. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers have players who will fit nicely in Comerica Park. The hitters are all gap first power second hitters. That is not an issue. Colt Keith has the most power upside, while Max Clark and Jace Jung should get on base with some power, about 20 homerun ability each.
It has and will take time but the Detroit Tigers have some nice talent, more is needed.
Many Star Wars fans are either confused or simply are unaware of the timeline Ahsoka takes place in. Some fans have theorized Ahsoka is a prequel or others a sequel to The Mandalorian if it is connected at at all. The fact is here is when Ahsoka takes place and how it connects.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Costumes are seen at the Mandalorian special launch event at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 28, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Ahsoka takes place during Season 3 of The Mandalorian so it takes place at the same time. After making her live action grand appearance during Season 2 during an episode titled “Chapter 13: The Jedi,” Ahsoka also made a cameo in The Book of Boba Fett to discuss the future Jedi training of Grogu with Djarin.
Taking place about seven years after the events of Return of the Jedi, both The Mandalorian and Ahsoka are indeed connected to the larger picture that creator Dave Filoni is constructing. That said it should surprise no one if someone from The Mandalorian makes a cameo in Ahsoka or someone from The Book of Boba Fett.
In fact due to his absence in The Mandalorian Season 3, it almost makes sense if Boba Fett himself makes a cameo. Ahsoka is investigating a threat to the galaxy, the threat is non other that Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Set to release August 23, 2023 with a two-episode banger, Ahsoka is set to reunite characters from the popular animated series Star Wars Rebels while connecting to The Mandalorian.
WINTERHAVEN, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Star Wars cosplayer Shawn Richter as Boba Fett poses for photos at Buttercup Sand Dunes on January 15, 2022 in Winterhaven, California. Buttercup San Dunes was the location of several iconic scenes filmed for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)
The question is will the Rebels characters, Djarin, Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker and perhaps Grogu unite to take down the mounting threat of Thrawn? This would be a Star Wars fans biggest dream. One of the fan bases favorite villains squaring off against one of the fan bases favorite series, this time in live action.
The countdown is on! Ahsoka will soon be released to the delight of Star Wars fans everywhere and next steps will be taken to form the bigger picture.
While some Star Wars fans are calling Ahsoka “Rebels 2.0” the show is reaching fever pitch in terms of anticipation. While it is true that Star Wars Rebels characters Ezra Bridger, Zeb Orrelios, Chopper, Sabine Wren and the lead character Ahsoka are coming to live action for the first time the popular Star Wars show is sure to satisfy Star Wars fans and fans of Rebels.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Dave Filoni attends the Ahsoka panel at Start Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Disney)
It appears that Star Wars Rebels creator Dave Filoni has either learned a lesson or been paying attention to the fact that other Star Wars streaming shows such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian Season 3 were unevenly paced. Filoni said that the show is kind of paced like The Mandalorian but the episodes are more even in terms of run time.
1 hour and 36 minutes is the total run time of the first two episodes of Ahsoka. Streaming shows are interesting as it gives creators the freedom for run times. One thing, shows of any verity need to flow and not be overly choppy as was the case with aforementioned Star Wars shows. It seems that Filoni has learned that and perhaps he listened to fans vent of social media about choppy run times.
Dave Filoni has also gone on record as saying Ahsoka will have longer episodes as it has a lot of story to fill and is really bridging the gap with The Mandalorian. Let’s just get this out of the way, Grand Admiral Thrawn one of the Star Wars fan bases favorite villains is the key figure of the show.
STAR WARS REBELS – “Steps into Shadow” – The critically-acclaimed animated series “Star Wars Rebels” returns SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:30 p.m., ET) and introduces new characters Grand Admiral Thrawn and Bendu during the season three one-hour premiere event, “Steps into Shadow” on Disney XD. (Disney XD/Lucasfilm via Getty Images) GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN
While rumors are swirling Thrawn will not enter until close to the end of Season 1, the first installment does end in a cliff hanger (again rumors) with the hope of a Season 2. With Lucasfilm in a perceived state of flux with the people calling the shots an old fan favorite done by the original Rebels creator (Filoni) could help revive Star Wars to the point where fans would be willing to give Ahsoka a second season.
In an effort to improve the defense the Detroit Lions drafted three defensive players this year, LB-Jack Campbell, DB- Brian Branch and DT- Brodric Martin. It is unusual to expect a rookie defensive tackle to make a big impact however with Martin that view should change. Drafted in the third round pick 96 overall Martin is having a very good training camp and he is not even on the receiving end of his talent.
Ranked 31st in scoring defense and 29th in yards allowed the team gave up 240 rushing yards to the Carolina Panthers in just one half. To say the unit needs improvement is an understatement on a large scale.
BLOOMINGTON, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Western Kentucky DT Brodric Martin (99) during a college football game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Indiana Hoosiers on September 17, 2022 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN. (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Brodric Martin from the University of Western Kentucky had just three sacks that does not tell the whole story. The 6′ 4″, Martin has good size for DT who is basically can not be moved one on one. A lot of upper body strength allows Martin to shed would be blockers.
One trait that was noted pre-draft has not been a factor in Lions training camp. Martin was said to be slow off the ball thus far he has been anything but slow off the ball.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after being tackled by Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
So why would a rookie third round draft pick be the key for the Detroit Lions? With defensive pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson and Romeo Okwara and others Martin’s play and forcing teams to double team him will open up more pass rush chances to the Detroit edge rushers. As seen in practice when Martin was left one on one and sacked the quarterback, then he was double teamed and Hutchinson had two sacks.
To say the Detroit Lions defense will improve is logical given they can not be much worse. Yet the unit looks much improved in camp so far and it is centered around a rookie.
The Detroit Lions are close to being a contending football team and Brodric Martin is about to be a problem. Martin is one player to watch for the Lions as he seems to be what the team has been missing.
It is not often Steve Yzerman speaks to the media, roughly twice a year. This past week was one of those times, a pre NHL Draft press conference where in classic Yzerman fashion he left media members, fans and the rest of the hockey world guessing what he is going to do. Armed with 10 draft picks including two in the first round and three (in a row) in the second round Yzerman has the ammo to improve his team, be it drafting or trading.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: General manager Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings looks on during the first round of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
This should probably be noted first, Steve Yzerman said that he is willing to do what it takes to improve his team and “I’ll live with the fallout.” This sounds like the savvy GM is willing to part with players who seemingly were though to be part of the Red Wings core. No matter if Yzerman does trade someone or not, he is not ruling it out if it will improve his team.
On draft picks while saying he is planning on making the ninth overall first round draft pick his wording on the #17 overall draft pick was curious as he stated “I am going to use the #17 pick.” So Yzerman is going to make the ninth pick and use the #17 pick? To the untrained ear it sounds like he is preparing to trade that pick. It is known Detroit has spoken to the Philadelphia Flyers about Travis Konecny and are being heavily linked to Ottawa Senators, Alex DeBrincat.
Steve Yzerman understands the value of having multiple draft choices including the three in a row second rounders. “I’ve never had three picks in a row, particularly three in the second round,” Yzerman said. “That’s interesting. Those picks tend to be valuable if you look at every team’s draft grid, a lot of them don’t have first or second-round picks and potentially are looking to acquire that.” Again it does not appear at this time Detroit will be making all of those picks.
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 30: Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings gets set for the face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Carolina 3-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
So what will Detroit’s draft strategy look like? The organization will not target a certain position but is seeking the best player on the board. Detroit still trying to build a core of players around center and team captain Dylan Larkin. In a year where this is perhaps the strongest group of draft prospects in a while, the Detroit Red Wings are open for business as Steve Yzerman is ready to improve the roster for a playoff push.
The 2023 Detroit Lions have high hopes and high aspirations the team completed minicamp and a vision for the 53-man roster has been cast. Currently sitting with 90 players the team had some standouts during the offseason camp. So what could the roster look like for a team on the rise and a team that has a championship in their sights?
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 18: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Quarterbacks- Jared Goff, fresh off a season that saw the veteran signal caller post 29-tds, 7-ints, 4438 yds with a QB rating of 99.32, Goff is the clear cut starter.
Backup- Nate Sudfeld, is the reserve for now as the team drafted Hendon Hooker from the University of Tennessee. Hooker is thought to be the starting QB of the future but he will begin the season on the non-football injury list as he continues to rehab a knee injury suffered last season at Tennessee.
Running Backs- David Montgomery, free agent signee from the Chicago Bears looks to be the starter.
Reserves- Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Jason Cabinda round out the running backs. Right now there is no projected backup that will playout during training camp.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 04: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Wide receivers- The starters look to be; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams* (once his six game suspension is served), and Marvin Jones.
Reserves- Kalif Raymond, Josh Reynolds, Antoine Green
Tight ends- Rookie Sam LaPorta looks the part of the starting TE already. But the Lions will carry three at the position.
Reserves- Brock Wright, James Mitchell round out the TE group and each will see playing time the rotation is unknown at this time.
Offensive line- Unless there is an injury the starters are set in stone, LT Taylor Decker, LG Jonah Jackson, C Frank Ragnow, RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai, RT Penei Sewell form one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Reserves-OT Matt Nelson, C Ross Pierschbacher, OL Colby Sorsdal, IOL Graham Glasgow
Defensive Tackle- Starters could be Alim McNeill, Christian Covington
Reserves- Brodric Martin, Isaiah Buggs, personally I could see Buggs make a push for starter. Keep and eye on Benito Jones who I believe will win the remaining DE spot during training camp. It will not be easy, but Jones athleticism looks to give him a leg up.
Edge rusher- Starters are locked in Aidan Hutchinson, and Charles Harris
Reserves- Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Romeo Okwara Paschal, who appeared in 10 after recovering from injury looks to have a larger role.
Linebackers- Starters- Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez
Reserves- Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman, many believe Campbell will be a starter and very well could be. But starting roles are earned. Based on last season I am giving Rodriguez the nod for now.
Cornerbacks- Starters- Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, C.J. Gardner-Johnson-(in the slot)
Reserves- Will Harris, Brian Branch, Starling Thomas, I can see Branch getting an expanded role soon. He looked good in minicamp.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 13: Kerby Joseph #31 of the Detroit Lions in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Safeties- Starters- Tracy Walker, Kerby Joseph; Walker is recovering from a torn achilles tendon and could be eased back into action.
Reserves- Saivion Smith, Ifeatu Melifonwu
Specialist- Kicker- Michael Badgley, Punter- Jack Fox, Long snapper- Jake McQuade
That is how I see the Detroit Lions 53- man roster shaping up before training camp opens in July. Let me know your thoughts on the roster.
The Detroit Red Wings were in the playoff hunt much of the season, the organization fell a little short and now are at a sort of crossroads. Ranked by many to have a top five prospect pool the Red Wings are in good shape regardless if GM Steve Yzerman decides to stock up for a playoff run or simply give prospects more AHL development time. The guess is Yzerman will add players.
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 20: Ville Husso #35 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play against the Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 20, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Florida defeated Detroit 5-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Red Wings need a few of key components in order to take a step towards being a playoff contending team. Scoring, goaltending, defense to be more specific a more reliable backup to starting goalie Ville Husso as the perceived goalie of the future, Sebastian Cossa is still developing. With some big names set to hit the free agent market, Yzerman will have little issue finding a backup goalie.
With some big names set to hit the open market, the Red Wings should have enough choices to improve scoring. At 240 GF and 279 GA for a -39 DIFF, the Red Wings need more scoring and better defense. Both D-William Wallinder and D-Albert Johansson are ranked #3 and #4 currently in the Red Wings prospect rankings. Yzerman could and perhaps should look at add a veteran or two in order to get better production out of the blueline.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: Marco Kasper, #8 pick by the Detroit Red Wings, poses for a portrait during the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
It seems that the #2 ranked prospect C- Marco Kasper will get a longer look in training camp he is far from a lock to make the opening night roster. The Red Wings have a long history of wanting o give prospects plenty of development time. Kasper was called up at the end of the season but was limited due to a broken kneecap.
In the end the Detroit Red Wings are closer to the NHL Playoffs, there is still much work to be done. The guess is that Steve Yzerman will make upgrades this summer in order to give his team a push while giving prospects both a long look during training camp and more development time.
I will venture my own guess, I believe what could be at the core of the show is how Lando Calrissian wins control of Cloud City from Baron Administrator, Dominic Raynor in Calrissian’s favorite game, Sabacc. Raynor was so enraged he hired Bounty Hunter Bossk to inflect revenge on Lando.
