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Detroit Lions offering second chances

Embed from Getty Images We all fall short in life. No matter if it is our upbringing, curses, someone does something to us or we just make bad choices.

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, recently said that under the right situation and depending the depth of the issue he would “be open to giving a person another chance.”
Notice he said person and not player. He is humanizing the subject. Patricia went on to say he went into coaching to “make a difference in people’s lives.”
That is very refreshing to hear. Giving the win now attitude of teams, owners and fans. General manager Bob Quinn has done his best to steer clear of “red flag” players.
Yes, it is true that a certain amount of homework must be done before considering if a player should be blessed with a second chance. It is also true that every single person should have a second chance. Why do you think we feel good when there is a comeback?
I invite you to think back on your life and think of a time a better choice should or could have been made. Were you shunned? We need to show others the same mercy we have received.
We as a society need to stop judging people from a mistake. And embrace them and help them. The Detroit Lions reaffirmed for me Matt Patricia is the right guy to lead them.
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Embed from Getty Images Yes, Beau Burrows, is among my favorite Detroit Tigers prospect. I firmly believe he will be given a start or two in Motown this season. Given his quick uprise through the Tigers minor leagues.

 

The Erie Seawolves, kicked off they’re season yesterday and Burrows, took the mound. He picked up right where he left off last season. In short Burrows, was in complete control. He is one reason the pitching talent pool in Detroit is so deep.

 

In 5 innings of work he surrendered 1 hit, 2 walks along with 6 strikeouts. His fastball touched 96 mph. He had full command of both his pitches and the trike zone. For his first start of the season, 5 innings of locked in pitching more inning were not needed. So it was wise to save them for another day and another start.

 

Something he improved on last season. He went into the 2018 season rated as the Detroit Tigers, fourth best prospect. In my unprofessional opinion I had him as the third best. He may have the best fastball in the Detroit system. He spots it very well.

 

At any rate Beau Burrows, has shot through the Tigers system and is developing into a top 3 pitcher. The final piece is for Burrows, to carry his production to triple A. Which is coming sooner than later. It is just a matter of time before Detroit wants to see one of the franchises top pitching gems in action. The will come at some point this season.

 

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Detroit Pistons further proof

Embed from Getty Images I have given my feelings on the need for a bench leader for the Detroit Pistons. To me this is the nail in the coffin. Simply put excuses bring everyone down.

 

Excuses, excuses if there is one thing I absolutely can not stand it is excuses! A couple of days ago Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy said the Detroit season would have been totally different if Reggie Jackson was healthy the whole season.

 

I have to admit I was fuming at this statement. Exactly why would the leader of a team say if a player did not have an injury or two the season would have been different? To me he was trying to get out of doing a good job by this remark.

 

Why would Van Gundy not say what every quality head coach has ever said “injuries are part of the game. We need other guys to step up?” Anything other than blaming one players injury to dooming the entire team.

 

To me this is yet another reason Stan must go. If he were truly a good coach he would have come up with solutions and not excuses. Every team has injuries. Yet the Pistons coach tells the media this was the dagger in the entire season.

 

It wares fans down. I can not help but think it wares Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores down as well.

 

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The Columbus Blue Jackets need more seasoning

Embed from Getty Images One of the youngest teams in the NHL is nearing championship level. Work still needs to be put in. Also, dues must be paid first.

For the first time in Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history the team has made the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. Lead by head coach John Tortorella, the team is closing in on being a consistent playoff team.

Tortorella, not too long ago was out of the league. His brashness, blunt honesty, and temper lead to his downfall. He then took over for the struggling but talented young Blue Jackets. He is just what the doctor ordered.

A locker room that lacked discipline and a strong leader would be in for a rude awakening give Torts history. But, that never happened. John Tortorella, had and has changed. According to players he’s still brutally honest. But, his players both current and former love him. Unlike what the media says.

 

He has come to Columbus and has done a fantasic job. There is no way around it. He continues  to be the stabilizer for the young Columbus Blue Jackets. Yet, there is plenty of work that needs to be done. The team will once again face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2018 NHL playoffs.

I think they will meet the same fate as last seasons team that lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champs. That is in no way a bad thing. Dues must be paid. Respect must be earned. The best thing for a young team is get to the playoffs and get beat. That will help them to get mentally tough until they take down the mighty Penguins.

Columbus, is loaded with talent. From the amazing Artemi Panarin and Cam Atkinson. To perhaps the best defensive pairing in the league Seth Jones and Zach Werenski not to mention promising rookie Pierre- Luc- Dubois. The Blue Jackets time is coming.

 

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Detroit Red Wings Anthony Mantha finds consistency

Embed from Getty Images He drove his coach crazy. He drove fans crazy. It probably safe to say he drove his general manager (Ken Holland) crazy. Anthony Mantha lacked consistency and I dare say confidence last season.

Scoring 17 goals, yet missing so many opportunities for more goals. He also had big lapses in his defensive game and was benched at least two different times during the season.
This season has seen Mantha, more focused and more mature. Standing with 24 goals is nice. But, there is more. Anthony has greatly improved his passing and his defense has been stellar.
I do not believe it is a coincidence that young center Dylan Larkin has found his game and taken to playing center and suddenly Anthony Mantha has found his game.
Mantha and Larkin. Larkin and Mantha. They form a really good duo on Detroit’s second line. They will be on the first line down the road.
They have great chemistry together and give the Detroit Red Wings a bright future as two staples in the Wings rebuild. It will be a lot of fun watching these two grow and continue to get better and better.
This years NHL draft is one of the best in recent years will help Detroit speed up the rebuild.
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Detroit Lions to move up, down or stay put?

Embed from Getty Images Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn, has gone on record as saying he would like to acquire more draft picks. With team needs at offensive guard, running back and defensive end he should have his pick in a deep draft at those positions.

I believe the Detroit Lions should stay put. Unless they have fallen in love with a prospect during the 2018 NFL combine. In my opinion there are only 2 offensive guards worth drafting in the first round. There is one clear cut defensive end available. This is a running back deep draft.
Unless Bob Quinn is prepared to give up multiple draft picks to move up the team should stay right where they are. I believe Quinn tipped his hat when he said he would like to attain more draft picks.
The Lions could get more draft picks moving up they would lose picks as it generally costs too much to move up in the draft.
I also, believe staying put gives Detroit the opportunity to draft a player who can step in and help immediately. Detroit Lions fans probably will not know what will happen until draft day. Bob Quinn generally drafts well.
The the anticipation is what draws us in.
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Detroit Tigers prospect Gregory Soto

Embed from Getty Images The rebuilding Tigers have a late bloomer and he just so happens to be a left hander. Did I mention he is also a power pitcher?

Gregory Soto, his fastball touches 95 mph and has incredible movement on it. It almost acts like a slide. Soto, also throws a slider. He is a big power arm.
The Detroit Tigers have long coveted big thick bodied power arms in the organization. Soto fits that bill. He was signed as and 18 year old and had a rough start leading many to believe he would eventually wind up in the bullpen.
Alas last season Soto put it all together in Grand Rapids, with the West Michigan Whitecaps. Gregory finished the season 10-1 with a 2.25 era. He needs to cut back on the walls. But he is making good progress.
It is easy to see Gregory Soto as part of the future Detroit Tigers pitching staff. With all the right handed power pitchers the organization has Soto is a good asset to have. As left handed power pitcher are hard to come by.
I am very excited to see how he preforms and progresses this season. I am hoping he takes another step forward. The Detroit Tigers are as well.
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Detroit Red Wings Dylan Larkin takes flight

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Red Wings, have to be pleasantly surprised by just how fast Dylan Larkin has taken to center. And is just what the rebuilding Red Wings need.

 
He came to Motown in a flurry. His rookie season saw him become both and NHL all star and NHL rookie of the year. Then the switch came and numbers dropped.
 
There was no “sophomore slump” last season for Dylan Larkin. There was however a position change, and growing plains. Larkin drafted as a right wing out of the University of Michigan.
 
He was asked to switch to center and agreed. Last season was a big undertaking. But, based on this seasons results Larkin has not only taken to the position but thrived.
 
He has learned proper puck distribution. As well as when to shoot the puck himself. His defense has been an eye opening part of his game.
 
In a relatively short time, Dylan Larkin has become a true first line center. He is a strong candidate to become the Red Wings next captain.
 
I believe Dylan Larkin can be a modern day Steve Yzerman for Detroit. He has that skill set and resiliency. He will lead the next great Detroit Red Wing teams.
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The District Detroit a glorious start

Embed from Getty Images When the area in downtown Detroit was mapped out that makes up the District Detroit it was with an eye on the future. A future that has the big picture in mind.

Ford Field, Comerica Park, Little Caesar’s Arena the Fox Theater anchor the wonder area that makes up
The District. With plenty of place to choose for a pre-game meal or after if you choose.
It is clean and the vision from the Ilitch family, Tom Gores and Dan Gilbert has the District primed for bigger things than just sporting events.
There is a business school opening soon and others being planned. Mercifully, for the city of Detroit it sounds like it’s only the beginning.
The downtrodden city is on its way up. I’m hoping the project goes on forever. Keeping people in jobs. Keeping the city up to date with perhaps some cutting edge revolutionary endeavors the great people of Detroit have yet to hear about.
Right now the District Detroit has started to pump life back in the great city.
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Detroit Red Wings prospect profile Filip Hronek

Embed from Getty Images Filip Hronek, is a 6’ 0” defenseman currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings minor league affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins. His game should have fans drooling with anticipation.

The first two player prospects we looked at (Joe Hicketts and Vili Saarijarvi) are on the shorter yet more than capable side. I really like the coming defensive prospect the RedWings have.
Yesterday, we looked at bigger Dennis Cholowski. In that same type of puck moving goal scoring vein is where we find Hronek. Who is also more than able to quarterback a power play unit. Something the Red Wings have always coveted in the blueliners.
Filip Hronek is a fast, solid skater with excellent footwork he may also be the Red Wings most agile defensemen. and is quick to the puck.
He will be a solid addition to the Detroit defensive unit. But first he needs to bulk up and put on a few more pounds. Gain more knowledge of the zones.
Filip Hronek, is seen as a top four pairing defenseman. Who will be able to help out on the power play. He just needs a bit more seasoning. That said he is almost ready to go and help the Winged Wheels.
The Detroit Red Wings future is bright with the defensive prospects they have. Wings fans need to exercise patience. That will lead to being rewarded very soon.