Fans are fretting. Rumors are rumored. Everyone wants closure on the Tigers’ closer situation, predictable angst that happens to be way, way premature. Dave Dombrowski says he’s not panicking. Jim Leyland confirms he’s not panicking. You can bet some in the organization are getting antsy after rookie Bruce Rondon scuffled (baseball term) through his first … Continue Reading →

John Harbaugh is the friendly one, more easy-going and less contentious. Jim Harbaugh is the edgy one, fiery and occasionally confrontational. That’ll be part of the Super Bowl narrative day after day after day, as Harbaugh’s Ravens prepare to meet Harbaugh’s 49ers. Both have brilliant records, and whoever wins will be anointed the NFL’s next … Continue Reading →

You got sick of being bullied all football season, didn’t you? The Big Ten was bashed and beaten, and in certain parts of the country, Big Ten fans weren’t even legally allowed to look SEC fans in the eyes. Well, well, look what we have now. The Big Ten is back as a national power, … Continue Reading →

It’s not all about the Backslap and the Handshake and the nasty words. But in a way it is, because the Jim Showdown — Schwartz versus Harbaugh — after the 49ers’ victory over the Lions last season was symbolic of the game. San Francisco physically dismissed Detroit in that contest, sacking Matthew Stafford five times … Continue Reading →

The baseball world seems intent on crowning the league MVPs before we hit the middle of August. To which I say: Uh, not so fast my friends. Angels outfielder Mike Trout is having one of the remarkable debut seasons in baseball history and is the favorite to win the AL award. Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen … Continue Reading →

I call it the Smoltz Syndrome. Any time the Tigers trade a top pitching prospect for immediate help, the gnawing fear returns for some. Not for me. I have no problem with what Dave Dombrowski did, trading prime prospect Jacob Turner and other assorted young pieces to the Marlins for starter Anibal Sanchez and second … Continue Reading →

Everyone loves a winner, of course. But in Detroit, maybe more than anywhere, fans love a winner who embraces it here. It’s the beaten-up-city syndrome, and it’s why Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford’s quick, poignant speech at the ESPYs last week struck such a chord with people. While picking up the Comeback Player of the Year … Continue Reading →

Unfortunately, it’s a fair debate, and one that won’t go away. Which aspect of the Tigers is more annoying (or frustrating, or disappointing): Their offense or their defense? Now, think about this for a second. The Tigers are fourth in the A.L. with a .263 batting average, but only seventh in runs and seventh in … Continue Reading →

He’s the backup catcher, and he’s been hurt. But Gerald Laird has been around the bases a few times, now in his second stint with the Tigers. So his words aren’t empty, and they’re worth passing along — especially to his teammates. Laird is battling a hamstring injury that has sidelined him sporadically, although he … Continue Reading →