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Detroit Red Wings: draft prospect Quinton Hughes

Embed from Getty Images In the market for a top line defender, the Detroit Red Wings should look no further than Michigan Wolverines, defensive player Quinn Hughes.

 

He stand 5′ 10″. But Michigan defender Quinton Hughes, is an outstanding NHL prospect. In the 2018 NHL draft he is the fastest defensive player in the draft. He has a high hockey I.Q.

Hughes, is close to Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang in terms of comparison. He is not afraid to hit or be hit. He has exceptional balance and a lethal shot. He has the quickness to make up for any flaws (which are very few) he may have.

Quinton Hughes, is NHL ready. Which is good news for the rebuilding Red Wings.  He can quarterback the power play as well.

In short for a Detroit, team who has needed a top line defenseman for some time have a very good opportunity to add one. Given his Michigan, roots Wings fans would love to have one of the states own playing in Motown.

Quinn, does need to gain some upper body strength. But that could come in games played in the NHL. He simply would be wasted in the minors.

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Mother’s Day 2018

Embed from Getty Images My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 6:20

Sports and Mom. They don’t belong together. Or do they? A Mom lets you dream big and lets you do what you love.

I understand some of us our blessed with great mothers and others of us well we just wish we had a mother.

I was blessed with a mom who allowed me to follow my passion of watching and soaking in Detroit sports. She did not have much love for what I did. But she allowed me space to be my own person.

In fact my mom used to work the “be your own person” phrase into my life often. It worked. The same way a batter takes batting practice everyday. Until it just takes over.

Being a mom is like being a head coach or manager. Always staying positive and cheering even when things went bad.

Mothers are to be cherished. I am doubly blessed in that my wife has worked tirelessly to become an unbelievable mother. She works and cheers through the ups and downs of our children’s lives.

I am blessed that she had an amazing mom to learn from much the same way I did. My life and my children’s lives are rich in love and knowledge with the grace and wisdom the ladies in our life have bestowed on us.

It is Mothers Day. It is a great day. No matter where you are in life. Mom’s are the staple of who we are.

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Detroit Tigers: draft prospect Nick Madrigal

The Detroit Tigers, minor leagues are full of top pitching prospects. For the Tigers, to speed the rebuild up they should look no further than University of Oregon State 2B Nick Madrigal.

He stands just 5′ 7″ but don’t let that fool you. Madrigal, is a very good player. Much in the same vein as Houston Astros star 2B Jose Altuve who is also 5′ 7″. Nick Madrigal is almost a Altuve clone.

Above average in the field and with a bat. Nick, will most likely not make it out of the top 5 draft picks in the 2018 MLB draft. He hits to all fields with some pop in his bat.

His glove work is so good he can be penciled in as a future Gold Glove winner. If the Detroit Tigers do draft Nick Madrigal, then the future of the team has a good core of players to begin competitive baseball at Comerica Park.

Madrigal, draws a lot of walks in part because of his size and in part because he is so disciplined at the plate. He is very fast and can steal bases. This is exactly the type of player Detroit, needs to draft and develop.

He would be an outstanding addition to the Detroit Tigers. Mostly because he will not be there long after the team picks first in the draft.

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Detroit Tigers: prospect profile Christian Stewart

Embed from Getty Images When the Washington Nationals, signed Detroit Tigers free agent pitcher Max Scherzer, in 2015 it gave the Tigers a compensation draft pick. They used that draft pick on University of Tennessee’s Christian Stewart.

He can hit. That is not a problem. He is in baseball terms “a thumper.” Stewart, has plus raw power. He can hit the snot out of the ball. Not only for power but for average.

He will remind Detroit fans of Adam Dunn. Only unlike Dunn, Stewart has a good batting average. If Christian Stewart hits 30+ home runs and knocks in 80+ R.B.I.’s Tigers fans will be pleased.

There is a hold up though. For all he can do with a bat in his hands. He is woeful in the outfield. He is well below average in arm, glove and speed. At 6′ 0″ Stewart is too short to be considered for first base.

That leaves the Detroit Tigers using a draft pick to get a designated hitter (D.H.) I don’t want to whine or complain. They team drafted a very good hitter. Although he is one dimensional. His bat will be welcomed in the Detroit Tigers, rebuild.

The team may be forced to using Stewart, in the field when the team plays National League teams.

That said Christian Stewart, is a prospect I like. A lot. He will be a good fit in Comerica Park. Playing this season in Toledo with the Mud Hens. Christian, should get a September call up when the rosters are expanded.

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Detroit Pistons: Van Gundy era must close

Embed from Getty Images Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, reportedly wants Stan Van Gundy back as his head coach. But Gores, also wants wholesale changes made to the front office and Van Gundy’s coaching staff. Stan Van Gundy, is refusing.

It is more clear now then when the curtain closed on the 2017-18 Detroit Pistons season. Stan Van Gundy, and the Pistons must separate. Soon.

When any owner and coach disagree on strategies and personal decisions the end is near. Van Gundy, has one year left on his contract. So it would be no harm is letting him go.

It is clear the team needs a fresh direction. From front office employees to general manager as well as head coach. Things get a bit tricky as the Detroit Pistons, do not have a first round draft pick due to trading for Blake Griffin.

This is a time for Tom Gores, to step up as a leader and usher in a new era for the Pistons. If Van Gundy, is willing to let his pride be his downfall then Gores should oblige.

Detroit Pistons fans deserve more than a coach who’s thinking is out of touch with today’s game. It will also help to bring new fans to the team. In short the Detroit Pistons need a do-over.

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Detroit Lions; With Matt Patricia the team will be fundamentally sound

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions, have had talented players but they have not always had coaches that teach proper fundamentals. Under new head coach Matt Patricia that will change.

The aftermath of the 2018 NFL draft is upon us and mini camps are set to open next week. That said the Detroit Lions, start in a new direction one that is based in fundamentally sound play.

Lions fans, can expect the team to play more sound, cut down on penalties, and play tougher than in seasons past. Patricia, has set the as the new norm in Detroit.

Patricia, while in New England with the Patriots had his defensive unit ready every play, every snap, every down. That is what is coming to the Lions. Attention to detail.

Matt Patricia’s defenses never self imploded as he coached them. The Detroit Lions, had moments sometime big moments of self implosion. That angered and frustrated the fan base at times.

I am not sure if that was the fault of previous Lions head coaches or assistant coaches. But there were times the staff was clearly not on the same page.

I fully expect that to be in the past as the Detroit Lions step in a new direction. A direction that is going to be chalked full of fundamental accountability.

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Detroit Tigers: Matt Harvey should not be an option

Embed from Getty Images The rebuilding Detroit Tigers, need to stay focused. As I have stated in the past no quick band-aids should be applied.  Yesterday the New York Mets ,designated Harvey for assignment. He refused and is now a free agent. Detroit should not employ him.

Only a few years ago Matt Harvey was on top of the world. Almost winning the 2013 NL Cy Young award then in 2014 Harvey, missed the whole season and had  Tommy John surgery. He has failed to bounce back.

This season has been rough so far for the former budding ace. When the New York Mets, asked Matt to move to the bullpen he refused. Forcing the Mets, to cut ties with him.

Unless Matt Harvey, is willing to reinvent himself in the bullpen like John Smoltz did years ago. He may have a hard time finding a job. No matter his decorated past. Teams look at the now.

A former shell of his former self is the biggest reason the Detroit Tigers should stay far away. This season and most of next will be throw aways in Motown anyway.

It sure does not look like Harvey, has anything left in the tank. Early word is the New York Yankees have no interest in him. Not that they dictate what other teams do. But, if the Yankees had interest so would other teams.

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Detroit Tigers: draft prospect profile Casey Mize

Embed from Getty Images The 2018 MLB draft is five weeks away. The Detroit Tigers, holding the first pick in the draft could do worse than Auburn University’s, Casey Mize.

Not sure where to even start in about Mize. He has simply dominated the SEC. MLB pipeline has Casey, listed as the number one draft prospect . 

Casey Mize, is a four pitch machine. His fastball in the mid 90’s, his split finger fastball (his absolute best pitch) hits the high 80’s. Along with a cutter and a curve/slider combo much like the one current Detroit Tigers Alex Faedo ,throws.

He may have some arm issues due to his mechanics. Nothing that can not be corrected. Certainly nothing that will keep him from being a staff ace. He is that good.

The Detroit Tigers, should waste little time call Casey Mize’s name draft day evening. He is very polished and will need very little minor league seasoning. The Detroit, pitching staff has the makings of being nasty when the dust from the rebuild settles.

The best news is Casey Mize could go directly to Detroit, after the draft. That is how advanced he is.

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Michigan Woverines: Harbaugh must deliver

Embed from Getty Images He came to Ann Arbor with much promise. One problem. Jim Harbaugh, has yet to come close to the lofty expectations.

Jim Harbaugh, brought in NFL coaches to help bring Michigan Wolverines, football back to the national picture. Year one started and ended on a positive note. Then the backwards steps were take.

So, this past offseason Harbaugh, fired nearly all of his offensive coaches. That is a bold move. Jim, insisted he was not informed to do so by the athletic director, school president, boosters or alumni.

Even though it seemed like a final grasp at a straw. Given his work he gets a pass on this one. Since coming to Michigan Jim Harbaugh, has been searching for a good solid quarterback. Enter Old Miss, transfer Shea Patterson. There is now no excuse.

Patterson, is good it is safe to say he is the best Harbaugh has had at Michigan. This season wins must come against Michigan State and Ohio State. No longer one or the other.

Michigan’s fan base is on the brink of turning against a coach they all wanted. It could be safe to say be careful what you wish for. It does need to be mentioned that all the players on the roster are now completely Jim Harbaugh’s. No more Brady Hoke holdovers.

If this is not a make or break season it is very close. All though an Ohio State media outlet had Michigan firing him after the Bowl loss. That was wishful thinking and poor reporting.

So as Spring practice winds down. All eyes will be on Jim Harbaugh.

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Detroit Tigers: prospect profile Dawel Lugo

Embed from Getty Images He came to the Detroit Tigers, minor league system from Arizona when Detroit shipped slugging outfielder J.D. Martinez, to the Diamond Backs. Dawel Lugo has surpassed his prospect scouting.

Dawel, was projected and still may end up being a utility player for the Tigers. He is an above average fielder at both 3B and 2B. What has caught the Detroit Tigers eye so for this young baseball season is Dawel Lugo, is hitting.

Lugo, is playing in Toledo with the Mud hens. He is hitting .296 and leads the Hens, in doubles and has knocked in 10 runs. His glove was never an issue.

He faces tough competition trying to crash the Detroit Tigers, infield once the rebuild is done. With Kody Eaves, who also plays both 2B and 3B. In my opinion Eaves, is the 2B of the future.

Dawel Luso, does have value in that he can be a late inning substitution in the field or a nice bat off the bench. No matter how the Tigers, choose to use Dawel, he can help them.

Detroit Tigers, fans can be somewhat happy the Detroit, scouting department seems to have found a real gem in Dawel Lugo. Even if he is a role player.