The Motown Conundrum

It looks like Matt Stafford is going to be the pick at 1. This is obviously a tough choice for the Lions considering that no player has pushed themselves to the top of the heap, and there's a handful of guys the Lions could make a solid case for choosing. That hasn't been the case in recent drafts.

Think about it. You have Stafford, Jason Smith and Aaron Curry. However, you can make a case Mark Sanchez is better than Stafford (as many teams have done on their boards) and Eugene Monroe over Smith. That's five guys. Michael Crabtree is the best player on some team's boards, (though the Detroit front office would be run out of town faster than Billy Gillispie if they pick another receiver).

It's too bad the Lions have the number one pick this year. With a dad that is a huge Lions fan, I've gone over the Lions situation in this draft more than the guys from the Warren Commission over the Zapruder film, and we both still don't have a clear idea of what the Lions should do. I think next year would be a nice year to be sitting with the top pick.

You're going to have guys like Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy available (most likely; Bradford still hasn't ruled out returning for a fifth year) who are both supposed to be top prospects when they come out. I would be more excited about those two, especially Bradford.

If I were the Lions, I would consider taking one of the tackles because you have to believe the Lions aren't getting out of the top five picks next year. Even if they improve, will they get more than three or four wins? It would be hard to believe they won't be in position for a high pick next year. I know front office people can't take risks like this, but it is hard to argue with.

The pick has seemed to be narrowed down to Curry and Stafford. Why not a tackle? Well, probably because a close second behind WR in "we pick this position with as much success as Isiah Thomas had running the Knicks" is offensive lineman.

The Lions have picked studs like Stockar McDougle, Jeff Backus, and Aaron Gibson earlier this decade, and last years first rounder, Gosder Cherilus, didn't do much last year. That has to be the reason the front office is shying away from Smith and Monroe.

But then you can say those weren't high first rounders (or even first rounders in Gibson's case) and that Joey Harrington was a huge bust, so this is why the Lions have such a tough pick this year. Every single way the go there will be questions.

Back on Track

After a 5-2 setback last night, the TinCaps rebounded this afternoon in beating the West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers) 7-5. The Fort Wayne version of the Caps scored four runs in the seventh to pull the victory out.

This game was a good sign because it was not one that the team has won in previous years. There were stupid mistakes all throughout the game, like second basemen Jeudy Valdez trying to take third on a gapper before sliding awkwardly and getting thrown out.

Then there was the back to back innings early on where two double plays killed gaining momentum. I've watched alot of this team from previous years, and when those things happen to kill momentum, the team has not bounced back.

They did today.

I'm going to keep saying this, but this team is for real. I know it's early but I can feel it.

The relief pitching was strong, with Tom Davis, Erik Davis, Zachary Herr and Brad Brach giving up only two hits over 5.1 innings, after starter Nick Schmidt went three strong innings before faltering and giving up four in the fourth.

Alot has been made of the starting pitching so far, but it looks to me that the real strength is with the relievers.

Well, thats it for today. I'm planning on getting to a game Thursday or Friday before the team leaves on a road trip, so look for more updates coming.

ten and oh

Finally got to the stadium today.

Gotta say, I like the Tincaps' new digs. The stadium is beautiful and really makes you enjoy the whole experience.

Now, for the team. I left after the 5th inning, with a 12-0 lead.

Yup.

The final score ended up being a rain-delayed, 14-2 drubbing.

The thing I noticed with the offense is their great patience. I could count on one hand the number of bad swings. You know, those ones that make you turn your head because they are so outrageously ridiculous looking. The ones that are prevalent in minor league baseball and are a big reason guys don’t move on, the discipline.

These hitters are disciplined.

The pitching was as strong as advertised, as starter Stiven Osuna went 6 innings of no-run ball.

The team is now 10-0 and has Monday off before starting up a series against West Michigan at home on Tuesday.

I know it’s early, but you should be excited Padres fans.

He's Uhh Michigan Man

Just got finished watching Greg Paulus on PTI, and my professional opinion is that he needs some interview work. 

The last time someone said "uhh" and "ya know" that many times was a meeting between Master P and Sarah Palin. 

But on a serious note, I'm a little excited about this. I know it sounds ridiculous but he was a top recruit a few years ago and you have to think he can regain at least some of his mojo if he trains hard these next few months. Plus, Michigan needs competition at that position but will not have to rely on Paulus, so if he flames out it isn't that big of a deal. 

Also, good news for you Tincap followers. Comcast has announced they will be broadcasting all home games locally, so that should make my project easier and more in-depth, which I'm sure is what you all wanted. 

I'll try to get that Paulus vid up later so you can see the magic. 

Update: Here it is. 

A New Project

It's decided, folks. I have come up with a new project. As I'm sure all of you know, Fort Wayne has a new baseball team. Kind of. 

Us loyal Fort Wayniacs are used to those lovable, .500 hugging Wizards. Well, there's a new sheriff in town, and his name is Johnny Appleseed. 

Over the summer the Wizards became the Tincaps to honor local legend Johnny. This happened in conjunction with a new ballpark opening up downtown, and I got to admit, I'm a little excited. Especially since the team is pretty good. 

I'll be following the team and keeping you guys up to date with how things are going. Because I know it's important to you.