Why MLB Postseason is Greatest Time of Year

 The playoffs of any major sport are exciting, but undoubtedly the MLB postseason is particularly so.  Though there are several reasons that this is the case, there are a few that stand out.   Generally, in baseball, the playoffs showcase the most elite teams in any given season.  Along with this, the best players are able to display their skills.  Therefore, the best overall teams are able to progress through the playoffs. In many other sports, the hottest squads advance, rather than the most talented ones the league has to offer.

 Although Major League Baseball has expanded its playoffs in recent years, they are still small enough to ensure that only the best teams will face one another.  Right now, all division winners in each league compete in the postseason, as well as, the two top non division winners in each league.  That’s how it should be, the best in baseball should only be permitted to compete for championships.  Unfortunately, the manner that other major sports carry out their playoffs stands in stark contrast to MLB.  The other leagues allow half their clubs to face off in a playoff format.  Therefore the performance in regular season play is diminished.  Just another reason why the MLB postseason is like no other.

Because of the current MLB setup, the greatest players and teams are allowed to exhibit their talent.  In the fall, the greatest athletes are on display competing for a world title.  In addition, due to the pace that baseball is played at, individual play can be highlighted and contemplated by those involved, as well as, observers and fans.  With other sports, analyzing play is much more difficult due to the high speed of competition.  Baseball is a thinking man’s game, something that can’t be said for other contests.

In the MLB postseason, every team that qualifies generally deserves to be there.  They have performed at a high level for most of the season, and  earned their playoff berth.  Very seldom do you see a team “back in” to the playoffs.  The fact is, that in the other professional leagues, many teams have done this very thing, and really haven’t performed at a level to warrant a playoff appearance.  To their detriment, the NBA, NHL, and NFL have all succumbed to embracing the financial benefits of having many teams participate in the postseason.  Without a doubt, this dilutes the importance of regular season play.  Because baseball has kept their playoff relatively minuscule, they have managed to avoid the same fate.  

Every sports enthusiast enjoys an exciting and riveting playoff season.  Though every professional league attempts to accomplish this task, perhaps nobody does it better than MLB.  It’s the best against the best.  Fans are given the time to digest how great the play is, due to pace.  Like no other sport, the top teams are the only clubs likely to win a championship.  Thankfully, MLB is the only entity to conduct its playoffs in the most proper way possible.  Hopefully, that never changes.

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Urban Meyer a Bad Choice to Potentially Take Over at Michigan State.

 Now that the Mel Tucker era has come to an end, the cascade of names to replace him have begun to infiltrate the public sphere.  Though many of those names have no chance of taking the helm of the Michigan State football program, the speculation is bound to continue until a firm candidate is chosen.  One former coach that has appeared to capture some interest, is the former Ohio State head man Urban Meyer.  Although his coaching resume is unquestionably outstanding, his coaching tactics and past behavior should give the MSU brass some pause before letting him steer the troubled, but storied football program.

Due to his arrogance and ego apparently, Meyer has adopted some peculiar coaching methods.  This included repeatedly engaging in abusive behavior toward players.  The most notable instance saw Meyer kick a player’s leg multiple times.  When confronted about the incident by the affected player, Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo, Urban said, “He would kick his leg whenever he wanted because he was the head ball coach.”  However, such actions ultimately resulted in Meyer’s demise as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach.  Given this type of behavior, Urban Meyer does not belong on any football field in any capacity, let alone, as a head coach at a major university trying to recover its reputation that was damaged due to multiple scandals.

The recruitment of solid and all around character players seems to be a major weakness of Meyer’s.  In total, 31 of Urban’s players became embroiled in criminal matters.  The severity of those situations ranged from mild to the most severe.  Because of this history, someone other than the former coach must be picked to make sure the football program can redevelop as an elite, well run operation once again.  Picking a head coach with such a checkered past could exacerbate the university’s problems.

From a practical perspective, can simply bringing in a big name coach attract the best and brightest players?  Given the fact that higher profile universities have more resources and facilities, the answer is probably no.  Unfortunately, colleges have to consider the financial benefit it can offer its players.  If financial gain isn’t maximized for athletes, the best coach in the country couldn’t attract elite players.  Without a doubt, this is the scenario that must be taken into consideration when searching for the next head coach.

Is Urban Meyer one of the best coaches to ever coach in the college game?  There’s no question, the answer is yes.  However, from now on, any team that considers hiring him must ask themselves if they can take on his baggage, and the potential consequences of it.  In Michigan State’s case, they cannot afford to deal with what a Urban Meyer hire may bring, when in fact, they may be able to get the same results by bringing in someone less controversial.

Reasons For Hope for Detroit Tigers in 2024

 After a less than stellar 2022 season for the Detroit Tigers, it was hoped that 2023 season would see significantly better results.  Thankfully. due to the consistent pitching and a more than serviceable offense, these hopes came to fruition.  These two facets of the game allowed this team to beat inferior teams for the most part.  If a carry over effect occurs in 2024, along with slight improvement, a division title will not be far off.

One of the most encouraging aspects of this team is the apparent progression of the young talent.  The likes of Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, among others, have made dramatic strides that will be immeasurable in making the Tigers successful well into the future.  In 2023, Spencer Torkelson has smashed 29 homers, and driven in 90 runs.  As for Riley Greene, in his injury shortened campaign, has amassed 109 hits, good for a .288 Batting Average.   It is vital for both of these guys to stay healthy to maintain sustained success going forward.  Furthermore, the young pitching must build on the progress that was accomplished in the 2023 season.  With solid pitching and a continued consistent offense, the things this ball club could achieve are unknown.

Without a doubt, to attain the desired goals for any Major League team, it is imperative to play well away from your home field.  This means playing .500 or better on the road.  For the first time in quite awhile, the Tigers were able to accrue a 41-40 record on the road.  This is a first step to becoming a great team.  However, their downfall was playing 10 games under .500 at Comerica Park.  To be elite, it’s important to play well over the break even mark on home turf.  To compete for a division next season as expected, this team needs a repeat road performance, and an improved home record.  Whether this occurs or not, depends on how well our young corps can play.

Beating division foes is a must when competing for titles of any kind.  No, the Tigers are not a championship caliber team as of now but, they are quite possibly the second best team in the American League Central Division.  This is due to the fact that they have bested every division opponent in each respective season series.  Obviously, the Tigers haven’t done enough to compete with the best teams, but it would appear they have progressed in the right direction to do so in the future.

Though this season hasn’t ended the way many fans would like, the team has taken dramatic steps to meet the goals that everyone would like them to achieve.  To say this team has improved greatly would almost be an understatement.  From 30 games under .500 to at least 10 games under this season, is a much better improvement than anyone expected.  As a result, it’s likely that modest improvement is all that’s needed for the Tigers to be division leaders in 2024.

Is It the Same Old Lions?

 Without a doubt, the Detroit Lions have an illustrious history of poor play and bad luck.  After Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, many are wondering if these issues will continue into this season. Though the Lions appeared to play well enough to win this past weekend, a mixture of poor play and unfortunate occurrences, once again factored into another Lions loss.  Do the Lions have the ability to overcome such instances to parlay it into success on the field.  We shall see.

Needless to say, luck has not exactly been on the Lions side in recent history.  Several bizarre plays have went against this team that added up to several last second and heartbreaking losses.  There’s been the last second loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in 2015, when he threw a 63 yard pass to beat the Lions 27-23.  Next, we have Justin Tucker for the Baltimore Ravens nailing an NFL record 66 yard field goal that bounced off the cross bar and through the uprights to win the game.  Hopefully, the team can tighten up their play to avoid such activities having such great influence over game outcomes.

It is incumbent on the Detroit to acquire a killer instinct during games, and take advantage of every opportunity the opponent gives them.  If they fail to do so, they will continue to be defeated in unusual ways.  With a casual analysis of Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, it was apparent that the Lions were unable to take advantage of the opportunities they were given.  For example, the Lions should have been able to obliterate the Seahawks second string offensive line.  Instead, they were unable to put any pressure on Geno Smith, and he was able to drive down the field at will.  If the Lions want to win championships, they must be able to capitalize on the opponent’s weaknesses.

Though it didn’t get a lot of play, the Lions were once again bitten by the curse of bad calls going against them, which resulted in the Lions going down in defeat.  On the final drive of the game in overtime by the Seahawks, a Lions player was held on a touchdown pass by Geno Smith.  Not only have the Lions had to endure the issue of impossible plays sealing their fate, they’ve also had to deal with some outrageous officiating dooming them.  We have quite a menu of those as well, including, “the complete the process of the catch” rule coming into being.  This came about because Calvin Johnson caught a pass in 2010 in the end zone, but the pass was ruled incomplete because Johnson failed to maintain possession of the ball after hitting the ground.  Clearly, officiating has played much more of a role in Lions games than many would like.

Is the 2023 season destined for the usual fate of a Lions season?  That seems doubtful by all indications.  For one, when the Lions got behind, they weren’t phased and continued to play well and score.  With a few adjustments, they should be able to eliminate the issues exhibited Sunday.  When they have an opportunity to win a game.  Take it.  The offense should have been in hurry up mode on the final drive of the game to give themselves an opportunity to score a touchdown instead of simply getting a field goal.  With a touchdown, you take the lead, give the ball back to other team, and take your chances.  At least you did everything possible to win the game.  That is what good teams do.

What Causes a “Mel Tucker” Like Downfall?

 One of the biggest sports stories in Michigan right now is the sexual harassment allegations against Michigan State Head football Coach Mel Tucker.  The now suspended coach has been under investigation since last December.  Though many discuss the consequences of such events, I don’t think there is enough exploration of why these incidents occur to begin with.  Without a doubt, there are many character flaws that are left unaddressed that come into play.  When there is a lack of correction of these imperfections, these events are bound to happen, and get more severe over time.

Clearly, one of the most prominent reasons such acts take place is due to a lack of moral character.  It is quite likely that individuals such as Tucker engage in harassment activities on a regular basis, and have most of their lives.  Furthermore, they see nothing wrong with it, and simply make excuses when they get caught.  This behavior also results because these types of people have a lack of respect for women and people in general.  In addition, the Mel Tuckers of society, have a blurred set of values that allow them to view what they are doing as acceptable.  As long as we have people in the population with these viewpoints, these abhorrent actions will continue to take place.

People who conduct themselves in a manner that includes devaluing others through unwanted relations, seem to get more bold as they progress through time.  As they advance themselves through the career hierarchy, they become more powerful.  Along with this, their unacceptable actions can become more frequent and severe in nature.  It’s almost as though they are under the impression that their authority inoculates them from consequences.  Therefore, they feel even if they do get caught engaging in questionable deeds, their perceived charisma will protect them from scrutiny.  Unfortunately, this can happen.  Thankfully, in Tucker’s case, he could not escape paying the price for his inexcusable behavior.  For Tucker authority did not equal escapabiliy.

Unfortunately for Tucker and people like him, allow themselves to get in vulnerable situations that involves little to no accountability.  This gives them the opportunity to completely control situations that could lead to devastating and life altering consequences for all involved.  Additionally, in the moment, they allow feelings to cloud the thinking process, which inevitably leads to occurrences that will be regretted in the future.  Having some an accountability and a little sensibility keeps people on the straight and narrow, and for Tucker could have made all the difference in the world.

A little bit of self reflection and self awareness is important for anyone to conduct life successfully.  A lack of it can lead to some unwanted bumps in the road.  Having both of these qualities will lead to a natural respect for your fellow human beings.  Unfortunately, for Tucker, he was woefully low on all of these qualities, which led to his unprofessional, unwanted, and heinous acts toward others.  With proper remorse, he could be forgiven, but the consequences will be with him the rest of his days.

Is Lions Performance Against Kansas City Being Overemphasized?

 On Thursday, the Lions open the NFL season against the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.  Though many see this game as a gauge to measure the quality of the Detroit Lions squad, too much stock may be being placed on how the Lions perform.  If they lose, and don’t turn in a good performance, is this a sign of future lack of success?  If they wipe the floor with the Chiefs, are they Super Bowl Bound?  Likely, neither question can be answered in the affirmative.  The NFL season is a long season, previous success is not necessarily an indicator of future victories.  By the same token, lackluster performances, does not predict future negative outcomes.

In the NFL, all players are playing football at the highest level.  Any NFL player would dominate in lower level football leagues.  For this reason, any team can beat any team on a given week.  Furthermore, a good team can have a bad week, and a bad team can have a good week.  Moreover, Super Bowl Champions are prone to poor output in subsequent seasons.  Consequently, Lions fans should not become to hopeful with a victory over Kansas City, or too disappointed with a loss. 

Following Super Bowl appearances, marquee players generally find it difficult to duplicate multiple excellent campaigns consecutively.  Usually, extenuating circumstances occur to preclude another stellar season.  Case in point, Tight End Travis Kelce may not open the season against the Lions due to a hyperextended knee.  Whether he can dominate as he did in 2023 is highly questionable.  Due to the violent nature of the sport, long stretches of good play is hard to come by.

Though football has the fewest games of any professional sport, one game doesn’t determine the success or failure of any given season.  Despite this, every game does have heightened importance, and weaknesses must be addressed quickly to ensure a team has the best possible season.  Furthermore, it is imperative that teams develop chemistry quickly to minimize the effect adrenaline may have on negative play in games.  On paper, it would appear that the Lions are doing everything possible to ensure success this season, and much is expected from this team.  We must remember that this team has a long history of turning in subpar performances, this would include a weak start to last season, that saw a six game winning streak that allowed the team to salvage the campaign somewhat.  Therefore, this is what is fueling the optimism for the 2023-2024 season.

It is hoped that a victory over Kansas City can act as a projection of things to come.  However, success or failure in one game generally does not dictate long term results.  In fact, the Lions have a tendency to force themselves into having to reel off several wins in a row to salvage a respectable season.  Last year they were able to do so, but in several previous campaigns, this couldn’t be attained when it was needed.  So before we get to giddy about what a victory over the Chiefs could mean, we must temper those expectations by simply looking back at the previous recent history of the Lions.

 

Despite the Tigers’ struggles in 2023, they could see the Playoffs in 2024

 By all accounts, with the Tigers young talent, a playoff berth is not out of the realm of possibility.  Though not a lock by any means, with the solid performances from the likes of Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Kerry Carpenter, the Tigers could find themselves in the postseason for the first time in awhile.  To further help this occur, the starting rotation must be able to turn in stellar performances, just as they did in 2023.  Though several pieces would have to fall into place, if they do, the Tigers are playoff bound in 2024.

Though the current Detroit Tigers lineup appears promising, a few additions may be needed.  Right now, the middle of the lineup appears potent.  Riley Greene Spencer Torkelson, Parker Meadows, and Kerry Carpenter appear ready to take this team to the next level.  Whether they can or not, remains to be seen.  For this reason, a piece or two may need to be acquired to sure up the offense.  Furthermore, this team needs to find a way to cut down on strikeouts, and find a way to swing at more quality pitches.  In addition, Javy Baez must find a way to perform up to expectations.  If most or all of the above occurs, this team is destined for greatness for years to come.

In order to achieve the ultimate goal in 2024 of making a playoff appearance, it is vital that the starting rotation match or improve on the 2023 campaign.  Tarik Skubal, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Matt Manning must continue to stabilize the pitching staff.  This means they must be able to dominate opponents, and pitch enough innings to allow the bullpen to get enough rest.  Consequently, the bullpen can be more effective in theory. Even though the bullpen has been quite effective in 2023, consistency has been a problem.  Lately, they have cost the squad quite a few victories.  To make a playoff push next season, these occurrences must be few and far between.  To assist with such issues, an established closer must be added.  If this is unable to be addressed, bullpen struggles will continue well into 2024.  Furthermore, a playoff run will be out of the question.

During this season, the Tigers defense has had much difficulty completing fundamental plays.  This includes, dropped balls, not finishing plays in the field, and careless throws.  It’s hoped that the young core of players will minimize lackluster play.  Riley Greene and Parker Meadows appear to be adequate solutions to solidifying outfield play.  On the infield, though Spencer Torkelson seems to be excellent at first base, Baez’s play at shortstop could use some work.  It’s important that shortstop play is buttoned up, in order to accomplish the desired goals.

Though this team as a whole has showed flashes of greatness this season, can it be replicated more consistently in 2024? It’s difficult to tell, since the contributors for this season are unproven.  If most of our young talent cannot perform well year to year, and stay healthy, we are in for a long stretch of disappointment. However, if the core is able to perform as expected, years of excitement are in store.