DONALD TRUMP

With many months to go in this year's presidential election, it is too early to predict what the outcome will be in these unbelievable times. Practically anything could happen, and there could be many surprises and shocks the world has never seen before. Here are a few of my predictions if Donald Trump becomes our next president: I believe that Donald Trump is loving all this publicity and stardom with the Republican campaigns so far. Crowds are cheering him, the media is catching his every word, and as a showman he loves any mention of his name. He is in his glory right now. There is not a bigger celebrity in the TV world at this moment, and he knows it. This is what he really enjoys and what he is all about. When he says crazy or absurd things he gets the world's attention. He is like the movie stars who have to do odd things to keep them on the cover of all the movie and TV magazines. But what happens if he becomes president? He doesn't really want this job. He might think so now, but when the daily problems of the country is on his desk every morning, is this is what he wants? The president's job is a very lonely job at the top. And as much as he thinks he can get things done in Washington, he will have a big awakening. Trumps advisers will keep him in check, restrict what he says, and be told to keep secrets by shutting his mouth. He does not want a job like this. In 90 days he will be so fed up with it, that he would probably resign and let the Vice President take over. As president he will be stopped at any weird or oddball things he might want to do by people in Congress who have spent their whole lives trying to improve the conditions of our country. As a citizen, you can say just about anything you want, but as the president you can't. Trump will be disappointed in the job he thinks this is. He would never make it through his first 4 years. I hope I have not predicted the future. Bob Camp

THOUGHT I HAD A BAD DAY

Jesus touches us everyday, and some of us never recognize it. Even worshipers, who go to church every week and pray everyday, may not feel the love and mercy God gives us every moment of our lives. It is present, we just don’t recognize it, understand it, or even look for it. A good example is the day I had last week. On a Friday morning nothing seemed to be going right for me. Everything was a problem, or turning into one. The day before, my heating oil ran out and I had no heat in the house for over 15 hours. I had called the oil company and the lady said that she was sorry, and would have someone out the first thing in the morning. It turned to noon, and the house temperature was down in the 30’s. I had to work on the weekend, and there were chores I had to do that day. I was stuck, cold and fuming about the terrible service, and the service I would probably change as soon as I got some heat in the house. I was blaming everyone. The driver for being late, the lady who scheduled my deliveries, and everyone else I could think of, including God. Dear Jesus, where are you? I am told you are always near with your love and your mercy, but I feel nothing. Where is a sign? Why am I having such a rotten day? Do I really deserve this? My whole day changed when the driver finally arrived. He said that he was sorry, and that he had gone to the wrong house at first. He only works part time, and has two other jobs and was not familiar with my neighborhood or area. I told him it was okay, but I was more concerned about the lady who missed my scheduled delivery. This hadn’t happened in 35 years. He told me that the woman’s husband who was my regular truck driver, had died two weeks ago. He was 58 years old and succumbed to cancer. It was possible things had not been going very smooth for her. To make a long story short, I had a nice conversation with the oil driver. He told me about his 3 jobs, one being a school bus driver, and we even talked about a mutual friend who I hadn’t seen for over 10 years. He took extra time checking my furnace, and made sure it was working properly before he left. Once my body had warmed up, I thought about all of the things I had learned that day. Had I not run out of oil, I would never had met this driver, who I may never see again, and to find out all of the things he told me. I realized that a few hours of no heat, was not much of a problem like other people’s problems might be. The day now seems like it was a blessing in some way. Not at all like the day that started out. Bob Camp

IZZO TO COACH PISTONS?

IZZO TO COACH PISTONS?

I know it doesn’t look like it now, but I believe that MSU coach, Tom Izzo will be the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons next year.

In the middle of the college basketball season, the Spartans had a lot of injuries, but still looked like a team with a decent bench and one of the best in the NCAA. It was very stressful for Izzo to juggle the lineups and try to keep the team on a winning track. He looked exhausted, and it was probably one of his hardest coaching years.

I believe owner Tom Gores, of the Detroit Pistons, and who has owned the team since 2011 wants to turn his Pistons around desperately. He feels it has been too long already, and even though the Detroit team has improved quite a bit, it is still below average and losing the fan base weekly. After firing coach, Maurice Cheeks, and using interim John Loyer, the team has not improved much, although both coaches tried to do their best. Gores needs a big name coach, or one who will keep the fans calmed down while they get more players. Izzo is loved all over the state. He will have ample time to develop the Pistons into contender, basically by the draft and trades. He will have more time than any other coach that would get the job. 

Why do I think Izzo would ever leave Michigan State? Well, Tom Gores will spend whatever it takes to get a winner. He will offer Tom Izzo a offer that will be hard to turn down. Izzo will see a fresh start with a new team, and will not have to keep living up to his reputation as a college coach. He has achieved what most coaches only dream of, and with the Spartan’s future not that bright for the coming year, the time to leave is now.

The Spartans won’t have Appling, or Payne next year. Izzo has suggested to Gary Harris to maybe seek the draft (why?), and Dawson could be thinking the same way. The new arrivals from high school are very good, but will not make a big impact on next year. Will the MSU team even make the NCAA tourney next year? And let me tell you, that is really hard to even think about happening.

Izzo is on the last years of his college career, it would be a new refreshed start for him. He has the energy and the drive, and what an achievement it would be to turn the Detroit Piston team around. I say he will take the job.

Bob Camp

CLOWN SHORTAGE

The national unemployment rate for the month of December was 6.7 percent. It is on a downward trend, but it is way too high, and should be much lower. Even with so many people out of work, did you know that there is a national clown shortage? Yes, we are short on the number of clowns in this country, and it could get much worse.

As old clowns die, young people are not replacing them in the business. When is the last time you heard a young person say that they were going to college to become a clown?   Probably never, right? It is just not cool anymore.

Looking towards the future, clowns just might become extinct. That is, except for the politicians, overpaid sports players, and young female singers, who do weird things to get people’s attention!

Have you noticed that when you do funny things around people, they don’t say that you are a funny clown; they just call you an “idiot.” At least, that is what I get!

I hope that clowns don’t fade away. Most people love them, and I do too. As a kid, however, I was afraid of the next-door neighbor clown who always wanted me to come over and check out his many wigs and noses. I never did, because he had no balloons, and was away from home for long periods of time.

As a youngster, I might have become a clown, because I tripped over my feet a lot. I couldn’t take the laughter, and for that reason, I wear a Batman suit. The laughter is gone. 

So if you are looking for a cause to help, I suggest, “Clowns Are Us.”  

Thanks for your support.

Bob Camp

KANSAS CITY CHIEF'S TRAGEDY

The tragedy of the Kansas City Chief's linebacker, Jovan Belcher shooting himself and killing his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins is just too horrific to comprehend. Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact, that I love football, and it takes up a good portion of my life. However, yesterday I tweeted that the Chief's team should have delayed their game on Sunday with the Carolina Panthers to a later date. I feel that by playing the game it made the tragedy appear less significant for the families, the team, and the fans.
Is football so important? A young woman with a three month-old child is murdered. This to me is a story of shocking domestic violence, which was done by a NFL player. Any other employer would have closed up shop for a couple of days to let the families grieve, and get through the heartbreaking ordeal.
The NFL just goes on with business. Players and coaches all have said tender and kind words, but is that enough?
I am really sad that the NFL could not make up this game at a later date. May the two people who died, rest in peace.

Bob

SOMETHING BORROWED

I am obsessed with many things. Sports, computers, flying, and anything Batman, to name a few. Over the past month I became captivated by a movie. Yes, a movie! I have watched it five times already, and I have a feeling I can't stop. I am getting to the point where I can say all of the lines by heart.
The movie is "Something Borrowed," from a story by Emily Giffin. It stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, and Colin Egglesfield to name a few. It is a light comedy, love story that is fast paced, which brings tears and laughter in almost every scene.
I have seen hundreds upon hundreds of movies over the years, and even the best ones, which I love; I have not seen more than twice. Rarely do I watch a movie for the second time.
Why do I want to watch this movie so much? At my age, am I starting to develop mental problems? What is the fixation to this story? It is surely enjoyable, but it wasn't even up for an Academy Award.
For weeks I have been thinking of this, and now I think I may have found the answer of why it is pulling and drawing me back to it.
I believe the characters, Rachel and Dexter are so in love with each other that it is hard to describe to others what it is like. My wife, Gisela and I were the same way. We truly loved each other with all our hearts. This movie brings these memories back to me and it is hard to explain to someone who has never known true love. So many lines in the movie mirrors much of what we said to each other over the years.
Lines like:
"I never thought someone like you would want someone like me."
"I love you, and I have always loved you."
"You are all I think about."
There are many more tender words in the movie, which the actors and actresses do so well performing. When I watch this movie, so many fond memories come back to me, of my beautiful wife, who passed away 6 months ago. I guess that is why I will have to watch it many more times. I love it and I give it 5 stars.
Bob Camp

GREATEST PISTON FAN?

I thought that I was one of the biggest Michigan sport fans around. Over the years I have always lived and died with my Motown, and state college teams. From the Wings, Pistons, and Tigers, to Michigan State and the Wolverines. Even when a couple of them were not having a good year, I stood by them through thick and thin, rain or shine, good and bad...you get the point! (Here is where my granddaughter would say, "Okay, Grandpa, we get it!")
Last week I had to give my hat off to the best Piston fan ever. Seriously.
About 10 days ago, Judie Kolloen, 65 years old, got out of her car in the Palace parking lot to see her favorite team, the Detroit Pistons. As she was getting out, a relative (I think son) started driving off, catching the lady's leg underneath the car. Needless to say, she was badly hurt, and the Piston medics had to attend to her injury immediately. They suggested that they transfer her to the hospital, but she refused. She had come to see the Pistons play, and she wasn't going anywhere until she saw the game. She sat through the whole thing, had a great time, got signed souvenirs, and to make it even better, the Pistons who had been struggling of late, won the game.
After the game, and after much prodding, she decided to go to the hospital, and there she found out that she had a broken leg. Now is that dedication or what?
So as of today , I have placed myself as the second greatest Detroit fan ever. Judie, in my book, is number one.
Bob Camp

REST IN PEACE, JOE PATERNO

Now that Joe Paterno has passed away at age 85, many stories will be coming out about the good and bad of his life. Much will be written and talked about, and more now than when he was on the sidelines of the football team he loved so much. Sadly, only the past six months changed his whole reputation and life's work. he had been looked up to, and praised by all who knew him. He was a pillar of the college football world, and arguably the best-known coach in the country.
Many people can attest to all the great things Joe did for Penn State and the State of Pennsylvania. His donations were unparalleled. He was admired, it seems, by everyone. The duration of his tenure was and is unbelievable.
Now all of that is tarnished. The scandal by his assistant coach, Sandusky has changed Paterno's stature in a flash, and made him somewhat of a now "just average Joe."
I feel sorry for Joe Paterno, but the mistake, or mistakes he made, put him in this terrible position. I believe that if Joe would have had the chance, he would have changed the events that led up to his situation. But now it is too late. By trying to protect his beloved Penn State, he ruined his whole life's career and the penalty he got was enormuous.
As far as we know, Joe was not completely innocent in this whole matter, and it is still possible that something in the future will change that. Until then, his life's work will have a terrible stain.
The penalty, in my opinion, does not fit the crime, even though I feel so sorry for the young victims involved.
Rest in peace Mr. Paterno
Bob Camp

DANGEROUS TO BE A FAN

This past weekend, three people were shot at the Oakland Raider and San Francisco 49er's preseason football game. This incident got reported because it was not only severe, but undoubtedly because many more fans were beaten up or abused at other NFL football games that same weekend. Most had gone unnoticed and did not get publicized. Fans wearing visitor's shirts or team logos have always had to be on guard for threatening home town fans who being, in the majority have had too much beer or alcohol to drink and cannot control their emotions. I have heard terrible stories of visiting fans that have been beaten by mobs during half time or at the end of a football game. The worst has been stories of the Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints. I can safely say, that I would never wear an opposing team's jersey to anyone of these stadiums, and there are probably more sport towns that are just as dangerous. As a Detroit Lion's fan, I always enjoyed seeing fans from other towns visiting Ford Field, and I thought it was great fun that they had traveled quite far to root for their team. It showed that we all loved the same sport, but just loved and followed a different team. I always wanted to wear my Detroit jersey to a competing city and joke with the fans, but I never had the nerve to do it. I marvel at the people who do, especially the ones who come alone and are not with a group of supporters. What a shame that for a few bad apples, everyone has to change the way we live and function. I am sure, since the violence has gotten worse that changes will be forth coming at most of the stadiums. More rules and restrictions will be laid out, and more changes will be coming. What a shame.

Basketball and more basketball

I have a few things to say about the Celtic/Magic game last night after Orlando finally won a game and the standings jumped to 3 to 1 in favor of Boston. I believe this will be Orlando's only win, and the next game should exit them from the playoffs. The Celtics will go on to the finals and duke it out with the Lakers or Suns in a much better match up. That said, here are my observations from Monday night's game.

TNT's Doris Burke interviewed Dwight Howard after the game and asked how his team finally got a win? Howard said he hot to thank God first and then he hod to thank his teammates. He actually implied that God had something to do with the win.
Now maybe Howard is closer to God than I am, but I can tell you that if God had been favoring any team it would have been the Boston Celtics last night. Dwight Howard used his elbows constantly under the basket and almost knocked out Kevin Garnett twice. Once he even grabbed Garnett by the face and pulled him down to the floor. The referee's did everything to control the game so that a fight would not break out, but even after that, Howard was still furiously swinging his elbows to get rebounds. I don't believe that God would have approved of Dwight's game, especially since it looked like he was trying to hurt someone. Dwight had 32 points and 16 rebounds, which was pretty good, but if God really wanted to help him and his team, he would have had more of Dwight's free throws go in. He was 6 for 14! I think the devil had more to do with that.
Bob
Next game I will lace into the Magic's Vince Carter who played 31 minutes and had 3 points!

Lions will go 8 and 8

Peter King of Sports Illustrated picked his 2010 NFL ratings (1-32) this week. The Detroit Lions came in at number 24. Not bad since I cannot remember when they were ever out of the thirties. Most of the past years they have been in the number 32 slot.
I don't disagree with the Lions number of 24, which could be pretty close to true, but some of his other picks are way out in left field.
He picks Green Bay at number one. The Packers will probably win the NFC North with very little competition, but to be number one overall is a reach. They have no pass rush and their quarterback (although good), is definitely not one of the top 10 in the NFL.
He picks the New York Jets at number seven. This is too low. The Jets have proved with their defense that they can beat anyone. All opponents will struggle against them offensively. Sanchez will be in his second full year at quarterback and I look for New York to be a dominant and fearless team. Last year made me a believer.
The Philadelphia Eagles seem right at number 15 with rookie Kevin Kolb at quarterback. Giants are 9, Dallas is 10 and Washington is number 20. This division is up for grabs and is impossible to pick a winner. It should be fun.
My biggest surprise of King's picks is Seattle at number 11. Pete Carroll is the new coach and he will never turn this team around in his first year. I don't think the team has made enough changes to improve into the playoffs. We will see.
Now back to the Lions. I am still predicting (since draft day) that Detroit will win 8 games this year. They have done more than any team in the off-season to improve over the previous year, and the improvements will prove to be outstanding.
Detroit will beat Chicago twice, and at home they will beat Minnesota, Green Bay, St.Louis, Washington, and New England (Thanksgiving Day). Away, they will take care of Tampa Bay. Four of these wins will be against teams that are lower than Detroit in Peter King's ratings. You heard it here first. Eight and eight. Believe!
Bob

My Letter to King James

Dear Mr. James, (May I call you LeBron?)

I am writing you to offer my reasons (all personal to me) for you to stay in Cleveland and remain a Cavalier for the rest of your career. I am hoping that you stay until you are past your prime, have set many more records, and have accomplished all that you strive for in the NBA.
You probably understand the reasoning of the press, the owner, and the Cav fans for you not leaving and heading to another team, like Chicago, New York, or Miami. I, on the other hand can see your point on abandoning a team that seems it will never reach its potential: even with you on the roster. I understand all of the opinions of the parties involved, and I want you to listen to me for just a minute.
First, if you leave, the Cavaliers will go back to a team of the struggling past, with no chance of making the playoffs, a decline in attendance, and little media coverage with little revenue. Do you want to leave like that?
Secondly, you have spent 7 years in Cleveland. It took time for you and the team to jell, and the chemistry has improved tremendously. Why start over? You know what the team needs and you are not far from making it a champion. Why give up now when you are so close? A few more good players, and who knows?
The third point is that it is now fun for teams to play against Cleveland. The Cavaliers have you, and there is always exciting competition with a powerhouse team or even a team that is last in the standings. The NBA has good teams and bad teams. Don't make Cleveland a bad team again!
And lastly, I am not a Cleveland fan. I root for the Detroit Pistons every chance I get. I will not be cheering for you very much wherever you may go. However, I love to watch you play and I think you have done much for the game of basketball. You have been a real good fit in Cleveland, and probably will win a championship soon. How much better would it be to win the whole thing with the Cavaliers rather than Miami or New York? Seriously?
Sincerely,
Bob Camp

Monday Morning

Saturday the Detroit Red Wings lost to the San Jose Sharks and were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. Some are saying the series was closer than it looked, because all of the Wings losses were by only one goal. I say, "So what!" Even if both teams were evenly matched, the only result that counts is who wins four games first? The Sharks played well enough to win, and there was no doubt which team played better in the final game. Had the Wings shot at the net a hundred more times, I doubt they would have come any closer to scoring. San Jose was set on defending the net, and they guarded it like a fortress. The result: Sharks 3 - Wings 1.
The big turnaround for the Wings was in the third game, when they were up by two goals in the third period and let it slip away, eventually losing in overtime. Penalties were quite lopsided, but that is all part of the game. The referees control many of the outcomes of the games anyway. One odd occurrence happened in the series, when there were two penalty shots awarded (neither scored), which could have been a record for a six game series?

The Oakland Raiders released quarterback JaMarcus Russell after three unproductive years. Is he the biggest bust of all? He might be, but I doubt it. After reading, "Football's most Wanted", which listed the biggest Heisman Trophy busts of all time. The Detroit Lions had two in the top 10. Chuck Long and Andre Ware. Chuck Long on his only start in a season (1987), threw 11 touchdowns and had 20 interceptions. Wow! The Lions are bad now, but they were much worse then.

Last Note: I have never complained about second hand smoke, having both smoked and downed a few beers over the years. I just recently went to my old bowling-bar hangout and was amazed at the clear, clean atmosphere in the place. It was very refreshing, and noticeable. It was quite different from the stale, smoky, and unhealthy area it had once been. I was surprised. I like the new Michigan smoking law!
Bob

More Questions than Answers

I really enjoyed the Tigers 5 to 1 win over the Angels on Sunday. Verlander had an excellent game as he pitched a shutout and gave up only one hit for eight innings. He was relieved after yielding two hits in the ninth, for the "closer", Valverde. That's when it got a little scary. it was hard to get the Angels to make the final out, and manager Leyland didn't help very much. I understood letting the Angel base runner steal second base without a throw down, and concentrating more on the batter, but he gave up second base three times in one inning. The Tigers actually gave L.A. their only run, and it could have been worse if the Angels would have singled with runners on second and third near the end of the game. Those runners should never had been in scoring positions. I doubt that Leyland will play this the same way again. It could have turned out nasty, if not down right stupid.

What is it with the referees in the hockey playoffs? The Detroit Red Wings have lost two games to the San Jose Sharks and the difference has been because of penalties. In game two, the Wings had 10 and the Sharks had 4. Not only that, but while the Wings were ahead 3 to 2 late in the final period, they had to go 3 on 5 (two man dis-advantage) for almost three minutes and ended up losing the game. It might just be me, but I have seen much more 3 on 5's this year. Are the referee's helping to determine the outcomes of the games?

Matt Millen had to apologize on national TV last week. He jokingly called ESPN's Ron Jaworski and his fans in Philadelphia, an out of date, tasteless polish word. Things like this just keep popping up, showing what a bad choice Millen was to run the Detroit Lion organization. It would be so nice to not see him awhile, at least until some memories fade.
Bob

Tim Tebow

The Denver Broncos drafted Tim Tebow last Friday in the NFL Draft. Shock waves went through all of the sports media outlets as experts displayed surprise and bewilderment. How could this happen? Didn't almost everyone predict that Tebow would not make it into the Pro game as a quarterback? Didn't Mel Kiper rip into Denver for taking this pick, and calling it stupid?
I have no feelings at all for Tebow, one way or another, but never have I heard such talk about any player not making it in the NFL before he has even had a chance. What do they see that I don't see? He was one of the best, if not the best quarterback in college football. His records are staggering, and he has not been in trouble with the law, abused drugs, or raped anyone. I think he deserves a chance without everyone knocking his mechanics, footwork and passing sharpness before he even plays on a Sunday.
Is the quarterback position so easy to figure out, that before a player even takes one snap, he is ruled as unplayable? Is it such a science that we can tell who will make it and who won't, before the start of their career?
If this is the case, then what happened to the sure prospects of the past, like Joey Harrington, Ryan Leaf, Chuck Long, and Tim Couch? Mel Kiper's worst quarterback pick of any draft was the seventh overall pick, Andre Ware (Detroit) in 1990. in fact, all of these quarterbacks were picked in the first round and all were busts.
I don't know if Tim Tebow will make it in the NFL. I am absolutely positive that no one really knows. Give him a break. See what he can do. He might just surprise a few people. He might surprise Mel Kiper?

I remember a quarterback who did not play in college and had the most unorthodox way of playing that position, and who ended up in the Hall of Fame. In the 50's I attended a game where he handily beat the Detroit Lions 36 to 0 in sub degree temperatures. He holds the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass. (47) His name is Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts and is listed as one of the best quarterbacks of all time. I am pulling for Tim.
Bob

Media on Draft Day

Most of my family and friends think I am a strange person. Not only do I watch the whole NFL Draft, but I actually switch between the two TV stations that broadcast the event. Both ESPN and the NFL Network covered the festivities live, and each treated the affair like a world news event.
ESPN had Mel Kiper, John Gruden, Tom Jackson, Michael Irvin, and Chris Berman. The NFL Network had Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Steve Young, and Mike Meyock. Below are my observations from the first night of the draft.

Although both shows looked identical, (as far as scenery and number of members at the desk), the NFL Network came out a bit better and more comfortable to watch.
NFL's Mike Meyock impressed me the most. He was articulate, and concise. He really knew his stuff, and did much better than ESPN's Mel Kiper. Both know college players inside and out, but Kiper kept getting overshadowed by John Gruden, who talked and talked with such authority that you thought he was the "God of Football." Gruden was really annoying and if you ever watched Monday Night Football, he was a carbon copy of himself. He bragged about the talent of each player like it was the only pick of the draft. Each and everyone (32 times). At times he disagreed with Kiper, and shook his head, as if he was the only one who knew the game of football.

Tom Jackson threw in his remarks every so often, and Michael Irvin, who I can't understand half of the time said some things that left the panel quiet for a few seconds (seemed like a few minutes). Chris Berman seemed lost. At times there were big gaffs in the show with timing and wrong cameras, and you could see he was upset. At times he was a deer in headlights. Once the camera panned on him at the wrong time and he abruptly made hand gestures as if cutting his throat and shooing the camera away.

Berman's counterpart, NFL's Rich Eisen acted calm and collected. He didn't add much, but kept the flow going with his experts on the panel. Steve Mariucci was okay, but I never seem to learn much from him. He tries not to offend anyone and his information came out bland. I was really impressed with Marshall Faulk. You could tell that he had studied and came out with a lot of true gems about the college players. As far as Steve Young, he was okay too, but if he would have gone to the restroom during the show, nobody would have missed him.

Mel Kiper was the only one who came out against Tim Tebow. He is sure that Tebow will not make it in the NFL, and that the Bronco's made a big mistake. He did not hold anything back on this subject, and you knew exactly how he felt. Good for him that he spoke his mind and did not go with everyone else who didn't want to hurt Tebow's feelings or be controversial.
All in all, Mike Meyock was the best on the first night. I could have listened to him all night, and I learned just enough from him not to be overwhelmed. John Gruden was the worst, with his loud, supremacy attitude. He really got on my nerves and I now blame him for my headache after the whole thing was done.
If you have a choice on which program to watch on night two, I suggest the NFL Network.
Bob

Just Thinking

Ozzie Guillen, manager of the White Sox, remarking on only 10,000 fans at the Chicago/Toronto game, that the Blue Jays should put a few hockey players on their baseball team to get more attendance. With weather probably being the main factor, I would like to tell Ozzie that Toronto just needs better competition. Chicago only has 4 wins, and Toronto has 7 wins, and is in first place in their division. Ouch!

Attending sporting events can sometimes be not as much fun as anticipated. "The Philadelphia Phillies had a fan (not sure if "fan" is the right word here?)get into a fight with a father and his young daughter in the stands. The drunk put his fingers down his throat and vomited over the couple. I have heard some terrible stories of things happening at football stadiums (Oakland-Philadelphia), and this has got to be a new low for baseball. This was disgusting.

I wrote on "Twitter", that the NFL forces NFL teams to speak to the media about the upcoming draft before the big day. Things like, who they might pick? Who they might trade up or down for, etc.,
What a waste of time. Every team tries to be so secretive that news never comes out of these media promotions. Most of the dealing happens in the final minutes, so everyone lies or just tells the same stories that have been speculated from the press. Stop it! Quit wasting our time and theirs.

Five more days until the NFL draft. Got to make some popcorn!
Bob

Draft Day 2010 (April 22nd)

Eight days and seven hours until the start of the 2010 NFL Draft. Tick, tick,tick. I know this is not usually very exciting for some of the NFL teams in the league, but for us Detroit fans it is the closest thing to the Super Bowl. We (die-hard Lions)relish every moment, and hope that some miraculous pick will make our team, "not win" the Super Bowl, but just be respectable again. Most of us are not even hoping for the playoffs anymore. 8 wins, and 8 losses would really be a step up, and I believe all of Michigan would go crazy if that happened. It has been such a long, long, long time. I haven't checked on how the Lions rate with the highest picks each year, but over the past 4 years, they have had a number one, two number two's and a seventeen. Five years ago they picked number 9. And for all of that,Detroit won three games in the last two years. But, am I down? Oh no. I can hardly wait for draft day. Then after the Lions make their picks, I will probably be down.

Detroit's number one pick could be Suh, or McCoy, both defensive tackles. I am fine with that, although I think it would be better to give up the pick for two players in the second round and save some money. Either way, I think that Detroit has made some good moves already with free agents, and with a few new draft picks, who knows?

It will be interesting to see how other teams enter the draft this year. The Philadelphia Eagles need a quarterback, and the Minnesota Vikings are waiting on Farve's decision. Again! Plus there are a few new coaches, and it will be interesting to see how Pete Carroll pans out with Seattle and Mike Shanahan deals with McNabb in Washington. Can't wait.
bob

Opening Day: Tigers

I am still trying to get over the the disappointment that Polanco and Granderson are not with the Detroit Tigers anymore. How long will it last? They are not making it any easier for me. On the first day with their new teams, Polanco had a grand-salami (4 run homer)with the Phillies and Curtis had a lead off homer with the Yankees. Great starts for both of my favorite players in the past 4 years. I am sure I'll be watching many more Philadelphia and New York games this season to see how they progress. Good luck to both of them.

I thought that the new players for the Tigers played well. Sizemore looked a little young and nervous as a rookie, but Damon and Jackson seemed to fit right in. Both had a good start and looked comfortable playing for Detroit. One thing for sure, the Tigers will have much more speed this year and their bench players like Santiago and Rayburn will fill in nicely. Move over Chicago, the Tigers are coming!

It was a nice comeback win for Detroit on opening day, winning 8 to 4. Verlander pitched well enough, but the thing that stood out for me in game one, was Johnny Damon. I was not overly happy when we got him this year, and I knew it would take some time until I warmed up to him. What a shock. He looked like he had been a Tiger for 10 years. He was up-beat, comfortable and really seemed to be the leader of the team. And this was only his first day. I had heard that he was super in the locker rooms of New York and Boston, but I was impressed on how he stood out here. He looked like he belonged on the team more than Cabrera (20 million dollar man) did. This is hard to say so soon, but Johnny Damon could become my favorite Tiger!
Bob

More Talk

Ah Spring. This is my favorite time of the year. We have the NCAA tourney, the NBA playoffs and the start of the new baseball season coming all at once. Plus let's not forget about the NFL. Football in the U.S. is talked about all year round. Just check out the sport pages in your daily newspaper and you will find lots of stories about your favorite team, even though the season opener is still 6 months away. What other sport is bantered this much? It takes some doing to get away from the news of the college player draft, the NFL trades, and all of the outlandish scandals. I love it.

I would be willing to bet that Brett Farve does not play football this year. However, if he does, he will not end up playing the whole season. He is so undecided that a disappointing start for the Vikings will send him to retirement. Again!

I don't know if Donovan McNabb is going to the Oakland Raiders. I really believe though, that he will not be with the Philadelphia Eagles this year. My reasoning is that if he were to stay, Michael Vick would already be gone. The Eagles have given up on McNabb.

Why did the Detroit Tigers get rid of Nate Robertson? I know that Nate, Bonderman, and Willis are all question marks for this year, but to get rid of a left-hander with some potential could come back to bite the team later near the playoffs. The Tigers now have 8 right hand pitchers and 5 left starting this season. My choice would have been to trade Bonderman and keep the left-hander. Lefties are not that plentiful.

Tom Izzo looks so tired this year. I hope it is not his health and that he is just getting a little older. All of these rumors of his leaving MSU, I doubt are true. But don't be surprised if he feels he needs some new challenges to get him rejuvenated. I hope not!
Happy Easter
Bob