Will Detroit Lions Live Up to the Hype in 2023?

 Despite their early season struggles in 2022, the Detroit Lions were able to bounce back to accrue a 9-8 record.  Consequently, it resulted in an unexpected run toward the playoffs that excited the Detroit fan base.  Furthermore, that enthusiasm has carried over into 2023.  So much so, that the organization sold all of the season tickets available.  It remains to be seen whether the team can perform up to expectations and get the results they achieved the second half of last season.

In order to repeat the performance of last year, it’s imperative that quarterback Jared Goff build on his lights out numbers from a year ago.  Though his stats were some of the best of his career, is it something he can duplicate, or was it a flash in the pan.  If he reverts back to his performance of 2021, when he only had 19 touchdowns and threw 8 interceptions, the results for this team will be quite underwhelming.  Generating multiple stellar seasons is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish in professional sports, therefore, the chances of a disappointing season are quite high.  Though another excellent season is possible, it would be prudent to temper expectations.

Another aspect that should give fans pause about how successful this team can be, is the relative inexperience of the receiving corps.  To begin with, wide receiver Chase Cota has had 6 receptions for 69 yards and one touchdown so far this preseason, through 2 games.  In addition, Dylan Drummond only had 4 receptions for 41 yards with no touchdowns in the same time frame.  Perhaps, one of the better performances came from Marvin Jones, who had 46 receptions, but only had 529 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2022.  Obviously, we need to see more from the wide receiver position, in order to attain the desired goal for the 2023 campaign, a playoff appearance.

Defensively in 2023, the Lions need to improve in almost every facet of the game.  Last season saw the team give up 25 points per game, you can’t win many games by simply attempting to out score the opponent.  This team has to do what it takes to stop their foe from putting points on the board.  This means     improving sack numbers, a stat in which they ranked in the middle of pack in 2022.   This means completing every tackle, and pursuing the quarterback more often.  When all of these things occur, more success won’t be far behind.

Is this the year the Lions finally put it all together, and make the playoffs for the first time in years?  The pundits and the fans think so.  It is important to remember we have been here before, only to be sorely disappointed by the end of the year. If the team is to change the fortunes of their lackluster history, all aspects of the game must be executed flawlessly.  Are the Detroit Lions up to the task?  We shall see.

Scott Harris Claims 2023 will be the Detroit Tigers Last Year As “Sellers”

 According to reports, Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris, says the team will be more competitive it 2024.  So much so, it is Harris’ contention that the Tigers have most of the pieces in place to compete in the American League Central Division.  He believes the team has improved enough to potentially take over the top spot. As of now, many of the team’s key contributors are performing at a high level, but can they continue that over the long haul next season.  This would mean the likes of Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Javy Baez would need to remain healthy for an extended period, something they have been unable to do in the past.

In order to be buyers next season, the team would not only have to rely on the current producers of this campaign, but add some firepower to ensure the lineup is as potent as possible.  This would include adding some power hitters, as well as, guys who could hit for average.  Expecting the current roster to put the team over the top is a bit much to ask. Performing at a consistent pace is impossible for this group of players.  How Harris will rectify this problem remains a bit unclear.

Upgrading the team’s hitting prowess needs to be at the top of the priority list.  Not only do we need to add personnel that can hit for power and average, but we need a squad that is more selective at the plate.  This year, hitters swung at way too many pitches out of the strike zone, leading to too many strikeouts and unnecessary outs.  To help alleviate these issues, we can only hope that Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson are able to perform at a high level more consistently.  If this occurs, along with one or two high profile additions, this team will likely be able to take the top spot in the American League Central Division.

Another facet of the game where the Tigers need to vastly improve in 2024, is defense.  This entire season, this team has experienced too many inexcusable errors in the field.  From throwing errors to dropped balls,   all have cost the team dearly this year.  Not being able to execute fundamental plays has likely cost the Tigers several victories this year, maybe enough to prevent them from competing in this lackluster division.  Tolerating errors from elite players like Javy Baez can no longer stand, either he improves early next year or part ways with him.

Though Scott Harris expects to compete next season, if he finds himself unable to acquire the right players in the offseason, the Tigers fate will be similar to this season.  So, hopefully he is able to put some actions to his words, and help this team ascend to greatness.  He needs to begin to annunciate some specific strategies he is using to make this team better.  Thus, this would allow the team and community to develop confidence in his ability to operate this ball club.  So far, his performance has been less than stellar with his inability to deal Eduardo Rodriguez, or any other of our valuable bullpen pieces, for players that could improve our future.

 

Orioles Broadcaster Kevin Brown Suspended for Stating Truths About Team

 As a general rule, a professional team broadcaster’s job is to inform their audience of what is occurring in a particular contest, as well as, give pertinent information relative to that game. In the case of the Baltimore Orioles announcer Kevin Brown, he was taken off the air for simply performing his job duties. He was simply giving relevant information regarding the game between the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays.  Though it is unclear as to why such actions were taken by the organization, assumptions are being made because the Orioles refuse to comment on the situation.

Until the current season, the Orioles were 0-15-1 in the past 16 series at Tropicana Field.  Verbalizing this fact to his audience is seemingly what led to Brown’s suspension, though the club refuses to publicly use those terms. These actions are even more of a mystery, considering that in the 2023 campaign, Baltimore has a 6-3 record against Tampa Bay.  In an era where cancel culture is so prevalent, inconvenient facts should not rise to that level of punishment.  I think it’s fair to assume that other factors played into the organization’s perceived need to implement such harsh consequences.

By all appearances, it would seems that those above Brown may have some issues with the way he conducts himself.  Maybe they feel criticizing the organization reflects poorly on those in power.  This is evidence of insecurity regarding their ability to run an organization.  Furthermore, they may feel disparaging the team is a signal that you don’t support those in authority.   We must speculate because a move of this nature is still left without explanation.  Why would such an extreme action be taken for such innocuous comments?

For some strange reason, the team contends this action was not a suspension.  Are you kidding me?  They removed their television announcer for a period of time.  What else could it be?  Oh I know.  He did such a great job, he deserves an unpaid vacation in the middle of the season.  A pennant race, no less. It’s obvious, someone knows the reason, but do not want to face the blowback they would get for going public.  This is not fair to the fans, Brown, or the rest of the organization.  Thankfully, there has been plenty of criticism from the sports broadcasting fraternity, which forced the reinstatement of Brown.  However, an explanation is still warranted to put this whole fiasco behind everyone.

Many of those with authority get a thrill up their leg by exerting power.  Unfortunately, we have to assume this may be the case with the Baltimore Orioles brass.  These type of people enjoy making others miserable simply because they question their own abilities.  They feel questioning their philosophies is unacceptable, and those that do must be punished.  It appears that with the reinstatement of Brown, ownership may be trying to regain credibility, but a more fulsome statement is needed to restore the organization’s reputation completely.

What Went Wrong for the Tigers at the Trade Deadline?

 It is that time of year again when every team in MLB tries to improve their team either at the present time, or for future seasons.  Despite the fact that the Detroit Tigers were able to stay within striking distance of the division, it became clear close to the trade deadline what they should do.  Sell.  They had several pieces to deal to entice other teams.  From pitchers to some position players, all could be of some value to other teams.  Players that could be the most attractive included Michael Lorenzen and Eduardo Rodriguez.  Needless to say, on the surface, the trade deadline was less than successful for the Tigers.

With a brief look at what occurred on trade deadline day, one would conclude that the results were quite underwhelming.  Yes, they got a couple prospects through the Micheal Lorenzen trade and the cash transaction with Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Dodgers respectively, but were unable to deal anyone else.  The much anticipated move of Eduardo Rodriguez never came to fruition.  Yes, the deal was in place to move him to the Dodgers, but it was nixed by Rodriguez, as they were one of the 10 MLB teams he refused to go to.  It seems as though President Scott Harris would have had logistics such as these ironed out long before the deadline.  Was it error on his part or did he simply not want to part with one of the team’s best pitchers.  We may never know.  There were also other valuable players that could have been moved to help us get good players for future seasons.  What about Matt Vierling, or some valuable pieces in the bullpen like Jose Cisnero or Tyler Holton, these guys could have been dealt to get assets back that could help us in the near future.  Was Harris unprepared, or was there no deals to be had?  Hopefully, it was the latter.

One question we must explore is, What players were on the trading block? Was it just a couple players? Or was everyone available for the right price?  Everyone should have been available.  We may have gotten someone ready to play right now in the majors, or a few guys that could be ready in a couple years.  In addition, I think Baez should have been dealt for cash considerations, at least we could use the money to acquire players that will be more effective than he’s been.  It’s quite apparent that Javy is severely overrated and we got a raw deal.  We need to find a way to get rid of his dead weight.  He’s simply holding a spot on this roster right now.  Had Harris had a more open minded approach at the deadline, the team could have gotten many more assists for future campaigns.

Had everyone been made available, we could have acquired talent that could have helped us now, as well as, in the future.  Too many times, teams are focused on getting players for the future, when I think getting talent for the present and future can be done simultaneously.  When conducting trades get a player that can help now, as well, as players that will sustain success in the future. If the Tigers had done this, they could have more success in 2023, and continued success in 2024.

Preparation is pivotal when it comes to coming out on top at the trade deadline.  Whether it was true or not , Harris seemed wholly caught off guard when it came to handling issues that can hinder getting the best possible deals in trades.  Yes, this is his first season in Detroit, so maybe he deserves some slack, but at the same time, he is dealing with some of the best baseball minds in the world, so it’s imperative he be at the top of his game.  For Detroit’s sake, hopefully Harris is able to get better results in the future, otherwise we need to anticipate several more dismal seasons as Detroit fans.

Muchigan Coach Jim Harbaugh to Receive Suspension for 2021 NCAA Violation

 Jim Harbaugh, no stranger to controversy, once again finds himself in hot water.  An NCAA investigation found Harbaugh committed some level II violations.  These type of infractions are relatively minor, and result in minimal consequences.  However, due to Harbaugh’s dishonesty with the investigators, a more severe punishment will be put in place.  Harbaugh maintains, he engaged in no wrongdoing.

According to investigators, Harbaugh and his staff initially went against two policies.  Firstly, it was found they were in contact with players during a Covid “dead period” that was in place at the time.  In other words, there was a set time frame in which players and coaches could have no contact.  Next, coaches were in communication with players during workouts and non practice periods.  Engaging in such activities is strictly prohibited.  Due to the fact that Harbaugh misled the NCAA, by denying such activities occurred, when investigators had evidence to contrary, the minor infractions were elevated to level II violations.  Had Harbaugh admitted to the incidents, he would not be looking at such harsh punishments 

Why the NCAA chooses to meddle in team activities to such an extent remains a mystery. Why does it matter when and where players and coaches have contact.  To me, this is an opportunity for a team to perform just that much better.  I mean, honestly, we are now paying college players, and we are going to get our panties in a wad about when coaches and players meet.  Yes, rules are rules, and Harbaugh should have followed those policies and been honest about what occurred, (which he maintains he was.). Why is there not a third party brought in to settle such disputes, and issue rulings.  This way, each side could present their case.  Regardless, the NCAA should loosen their regulations when it comes to team operations.  What is the purpose of monitoring such activities?  Who does it harm?

Though originally contending he was innocent, it’s tough to come out ahead when facing an NCAA investigation.  For this reason, rather than dealing with the consequences of a long drawn out fiasco that could harm his team in the long run, Harbaugh caved, and is in the process of negotiating a scaled down 4 game suspension to be served at the beginning of the 2023 season.  Had he chosen to continue to fight the allegations, it could have resulted in much more severe consequences, even termination.  With the trajectory this Michigan team is now on, it probably was not worth the risk.

Though the NCAA must monitor its clubs to make sure they operate in the most ethical manner possible, how can teams’ basic practicing habits at their core contain untoward elements.  Yes, teams must practice in a manner that puts the safety of all involved first, but that’s all that should be regulated.  Nothing else that occurs on the practice field should be in the NCAA’s purview.  To me, anything else the NCAA involves itself in is micromanagement.

Why are the Tigers so Consistently Inconsistent?

 For a long time now, for years in fact, the Detroit Tigers have struggled to find themselves playing consistent for long periods of time.  Yes, they can play well for 5 or 6 games, but then they fall back on their old habits that create bad play.  While the exact reasons for this remain unclear, there may be some viable suggestions.  Even though these suggestions may not pinpoint the real problems with this team, they are worth discussing.

It appears the largest problem the Tigers have is the inability to execute the fundamentals of baseball on consistent basis.  Almost without exception, teams that win play virtually flawless fundamental baseball.  This means, not being baited into swinging at bad pitches, getting runners in from 3rd base with less than two outs, and playing air tight on the defensive side of the ball.  Furthermore, teams must avoid prolonged low offensive output.  Though the Tigers have had pretty solid pitching lately, consistent defense and offense have been non existent.  Being unable to perform consistently in all aspects of the game is a recipe for a long stretch of unsuccessful seasons.

A very prominent issue the Tigers have had for several years is signing marquee players to long term deals that have ultimately turned out to be unproductive for the most part.  Unfortunately, the list is quite long.  To begin with, Miguel Cabrera has had dismal performances for half of his 10 year contract he signed the the team.  For the past five years, he has been injury prone, which has kept him off the field for much of the time.  In addition, when on the field his power and average numbers have fell far below expectations.  Signings the likes of Jordan Zimmerman and Joe Nathan over the years have not helped matters.  Both had success far below that seen with their previous organizations.  Thanks to his successes with the Washington Nationals, Zimmerman notched himself a five year deal with the Tigers.  Due to injury and inability to get batters out, the team didn’t get much return on their investment.  Similarly, Joe Nathan was unable to find his lights out form he once enjoyed with the Minnesota Twins.  The combination of lackluster performances by once great players, and the fact some highly thought of prospects haven’t panned out has led to a recent history of inconsistency.

Having an offense that cannot find a consistent groove and is prone to long stretches of inactivity, will inevitably lead to many winless nights.  Furthermore, an offense that lacks power on a regular basis makes it more difficult to produce runs at pivotal moments when runners are on base.  It’s imperative that offenses come through at the most opportune times.  Too many times this season, the meat of the lineup has shown an inability to do so.  It’s no wonder this team has not found more success, even in the underperforming American League Central Division 

In order to have even mild success on the baseball field, the offense, defense, and pitching must perform well in unison.  If this doesn’t occur, winning is more difficult to come by.  To ensure it does occur, a team must sign the right talent, and hope those pieces perform to expectations.  In recent history, this team has had trouble finding talent that performs as advertised.  With President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris now at the helm, hopefully those fortunes will change.

Why Are Sports Leagues Implementing Gimmicks to Sell Their Product?

 It appears that the Major Sports Leagues in this nation have determined that it is necessary to incorporate various facets to maintain their sport’s relevancy.  With a generation that needs constant stimulation, apparently these leagues feel the current adjustments being made will lead to greater popularity and continued financial solvency.  But, the question is: Are these choices the ones that will ultimately achieve the desired goals?  Can it be done without watering down what makes each league great?  Obviously, this remains to be seen.

Perhaps, the League that has changed most drastically in the way it conducts itself on the field is Major League Baseball.  To hold a new generation’s attention, games have been sped up through the use of a pitch clock.  To further this effort, rules to increase offense and scoring have been adopted.  This includes bigger bases and limits on throw overs to first base.  Definitely, this has shortened games and increased action, which theoretically increases profits.  But has it been done in a manner that damages athletic and competitive integrity? Perhaps.  If this is the case, some changes are not worth the financial benefit.

Another organization that has put some rather peculiar policies in place to maintain and improve its fan base interest is the NBA.  In the last couple of years, the league has developed a play in tournament during the playoffs. In this scenario the 9th and 10th placed teams in each conference face off to see who will fill the 7th and 8th spot in each conference.  This is what you call expanding the playoffs, without expanding the playoffs.  It satisfies the fan bases and increases cash flow, while maintaining the same amount of teams competing for a championship.  Beginning next year, the league will attempt to further boost its financial intake and visibility by implementing an in season tournament.  Basically, the league is inflating the importance of in season games to pad their bottom line.  It is unclear what lengths the NBA will go to to maximize its profits.

Unfortunately, it appears that professional leagues will do whatever necessary to maximize cash flow.  Any changes that need to me made to increase profits will occur.  Even when damage occurs to the fabric of the game, and it ruffles the feathers of its current fans, it is apparent that finances will reign supreme.  If this trend continues, the characteristics that make sports great will be lost forever.