Summer 2010 issue
in play! blogs
Detroit Tigers
by Denny McLain
Life is like a box of chocolates...
Windsor Sports Scene
by Bob Bellacicco
Ontario's Meghan Agosta Nominated for Women's Sports Foundation's 2010 Sportswoman of the Year Award
NASCAR
driver interviews, photos, race results and more!
Detroit Pistons
by Steve St. Pierre
Detroit Lions
by Michael Niziolek
THOMAS WILCHER OF DETROIT CASS TECH NAMED LIONS FIRST COACH OF THE WEEK FOR 2010
In Play! Blogs
Detroit Tigers by Denny McLain
Five bright spots on the otherwise dreary looking Tigers
September 1, 2010 @ 6:23PM
By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook
The Tigers have been playing like the Cleveland Indians in Major League as of late, minus the magical comeback, while Jose Valverde's been looking like a Major League II Rick 'Wild Thing' Vaughn, vest and new haircut not included. They've also resembled the Bad News Bears, especially with Brennan Boesch dropping a catchable ball in Wednesday's game against the Twins.
The Detroit baseball squad has been looking more like the Chicago Cubs in Rookie of the Year (pre-Henry Rowengartner). They also happen to resemble the 2010 Chicago Cubs!
While the 65-68 Tigers look grim, there are a few bright spots on the roster. So, without further ado, here are five of the Tiger's bright lights who've been shining through all of the duds.
The Detroit baseball squad has been looking more like the Chicago Cubs in Rookie of the Year (pre-Henry Rowengartner). They also happen to resemble the 2010 Chicago Cubs!
While the 65-68 Tigers look grim, there are a few bright spots on the roster. So, without further ado, here are five of the Tiger's bright lights who've been shining through all of the duds.
5. Austin Jackson: Even though he's only 12 for his last 43, he's been patrolling center field like a seasoned veteran, not a rookie. Even after that .279 batting average in his last 10 games, he's still hitting .305.
'Action' Jackson: AL Rookie of the Year?
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
4. Jhonny Peralta: He's one dinger shy of matching what he did with the Indians this season (in nearly 230 less at-bats). He's also upped his OBP and batting average. In other words, he's been a heckuva lot better with the Tigers than with the Tribe. An added bonus, he's been flashing some leather at shortstop.
Jhonny Peralta has been hitting better in the Old English D
3. Will Rhymes (a.k.a. Will 'the thrill' Rhymez): After receiving a promotion, then a quick demotion after the return of Carlos Guillen, Rhymes has been back since August 18. Since then, Rhymes has been a tear. He's accumulated a .320 batting average, has eight RBI, but has yet to hit his first big league home run. And talk about a second baseman! His range rivals that of Placido Polanco and Michael Young. Rhymes, listed at a generous 5'9" also has been given a cool new nickname by a local sports writer.*
'Action' Jackson: AL Rookie of the Year?Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
Editing by Dalton Johnston
4. Jhonny Peralta: He's one dinger shy of matching what he did with the Indians this season (in nearly 230 less at-bats). He's also upped his OBP and batting average. In other words, he's been a heckuva lot better with the Tigers than with the Tribe. An added bonus, he's been flashing some leather at shortstop.
Jhonny Peralta has been hitting better in the Old English DPhoto by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
3. Will Rhymes (a.k.a. Will 'the thrill' Rhymez): After receiving a promotion, then a quick demotion after the return of Carlos Guillen, Rhymes has been back since August 18. Since then, Rhymes has been a tear. He's accumulated a .320 batting average, has eight RBI, but has yet to hit his first big league home run. And talk about a second baseman! His range rivals that of Placido Polanco and Michael Young. Rhymes, listed at a generous 5'9" also has been given a cool new nickname by a local sports writer.*
2. Miguel Cabrera: Um, Miggy's really, really good. If it weren't for that home run machine Jose Bautista, he could win that Triple Crown. Maybe the Reds' Joey Votto can instead.
1. Max Scherzer: Our new ace has emerged. Justin Verlander just isn't cutting it. Scherzer pitched nine innings Wednesday, giving up only four hits in the Tiger's extra inning loss. He may be only 10-9 this season, but has pitched like an absolute ace since being called up after a May 15 demotion. Can you believe that 1.85 ERA in his last 10?
*Here's to hoping Will 'the thrill' Rhymez will catch on!
Will 'the thrill' Rhymez
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
Editing by Dalton Johnston
Read In Play! Magazine Here
Tigers to Recall Weinhardt and Purchase the Contract of Max St. Pierre from Toledo
September 1, 2010 @ 7:29AM
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With rosters set to expand, the Tigers have announced that they will recall the contract of righthanded pitcher Robbie Weinhardt and purchase the contract of Max St. Pierre from Triple A Toledo prior to tomorrow night's game at Minnesota. Weinhardt will be in his second stint with the Tigers, while St. Pierre will be making his major league debut after 978 games at the minor league level over 14 seasons.
Five reasons why you don't like Brandon Inge (and why you really should)
August 29, 2010 @ 6:37PM
By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook
You either love him or hate him, but you don't waver in your views, do you? I admit, a lot of the reasoning I've heard for fans liking Brandon Inge isn't a good reason to like a player. Of course, he's a hit with the ladies, and a hit with loyalists, who always seem to note he's the longest-tenured Tiger. And you can't brush over the "he's such a good third-baseman" remarks. But then, there are those who despise Inge; they hate him with every gut they have.
Looking through a post on the Detroit Tiger's Facebook page entitled 'I hate Brandon Inge,' personally, I can't help but think, "Why?!" Friends, fans, and others I know can't stand Inge; talk radio in Detroit feels the same way. I, however, do not. And neither should you! Here's five reasons why you dislike Brandon Inge (and why you shouldn't):
5. "He sucks": I hear this one all the time! No valid reason. Just a simple "he sucks." One anonymous post on talk-sports.net goes as far as saying Inge is a "whiny [expletive]." To that, I say Inge is about the toughest ballplayer I know. He'll try his best to be out there for all 162 games. If he, for instance, breaks his hand, as he did this season, he'll get back quicker than expected. Instead of 4-6 weeks, he made it two and a half. Not to mention he's been playing on injury-prone knees for the past few seasons. He only missed a single game in 2009, which topped the league. If you want to say he sucks, try your best to have a valid reason.
4. (tie) "Too many errors": With a fielding percentage of .980, Inge ranks third among MLB's third basemen who've played 90+ games. His six errors rank third lowest in all of baseball. The two players he's behind are the same in both categories and have played 10-20 less games than Inge (Placido Polanco and teammate Jhonny Peralta (who's been playing shortstop; listed as third baseman)). He really is the best defending third baseman in baseball.
4 (tie). "He can field, but that's it": While this conflicts the other #4, it's why a lot of fans show disdain for Inge, so I felt the need to include it. "Oh, so what? Another web gem. Look at that batting average..." Continue reading for two more reasons to love Inge, and show a little less contempt. He really can do more than field.
Brandon Inge: the man with the gold glove and golden arm
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
2. "He strikes out too much": Maybe so. But if you think I don't have a rebuttal, you are incredibly wrong. With 101 K's, he ranks 40th in all of Major League Baseball. Players with more than Inge include David Wright, B.J. Upton, Ryan Howard, and the highly touted Tiger rookie Austin Jackson. Yes, behind Jackson he ranks second in strike outs for the Tigers, but it has to be expected from Inge. For every K, he'll get a hit. To this point, he has exactly 101 K's to 101 base knocks. While he does go down swinging often, he'll make up for in fielding, leadership, and clubhouse presence.
1. "He can't hit above .250": To that, I say, "You couldn't either!" But, in all seriousness, this doesn't matter. To this point, Inge is hitting .254. No, this isn't ideal. And yes, he could be hitting better. Still, the average ranks him sixth on the team among players who have 300+ at-bats. Similarly, he ranks fourth in RBI (53), fifth in home runs (9), and fifth in on-base percentage (.330). Also, to those who think he's overpaid, he gets $6.6 million this year. For the work he's putting in, it's worth it. (Think Dontrelle Willis).
Inge prepares to go to the plate
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
I know, you still either love or hate B.I. and I've done nothing at all to persuade you. At least I gave the Inge-lovers some good reasons why he doesn't suck, instead of the usual "he's always friendly and smiling" statements. And maybe, just maybe, I did manage to give the Inge-haters reason enough to say, "I guess he's not that bad after all." Fat chance.
Looking through a post on the Detroit Tiger's Facebook page entitled 'I hate Brandon Inge,' personally, I can't help but think, "Why?!" Friends, fans, and others I know can't stand Inge; talk radio in Detroit feels the same way. I, however, do not. And neither should you! Here's five reasons why you dislike Brandon Inge (and why you shouldn't):
5. "He sucks": I hear this one all the time! No valid reason. Just a simple "he sucks." One anonymous post on talk-sports.net goes as far as saying Inge is a "whiny [expletive]." To that, I say Inge is about the toughest ballplayer I know. He'll try his best to be out there for all 162 games. If he, for instance, breaks his hand, as he did this season, he'll get back quicker than expected. Instead of 4-6 weeks, he made it two and a half. Not to mention he's been playing on injury-prone knees for the past few seasons. He only missed a single game in 2009, which topped the league. If you want to say he sucks, try your best to have a valid reason.
4. (tie) "Too many errors": With a fielding percentage of .980, Inge ranks third among MLB's third basemen who've played 90+ games. His six errors rank third lowest in all of baseball. The two players he's behind are the same in both categories and have played 10-20 less games than Inge (Placido Polanco and teammate Jhonny Peralta (who's been playing shortstop; listed as third baseman)). He really is the best defending third baseman in baseball.
4 (tie). "He can field, but that's it": While this conflicts the other #4, it's why a lot of fans show disdain for Inge, so I felt the need to include it. "Oh, so what? Another web gem. Look at that batting average..." Continue reading for two more reasons to love Inge, and show a little less contempt. He really can do more than field.
Brandon Inge: the man with the gold glove and golden armPhoto by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
2. "He strikes out too much": Maybe so. But if you think I don't have a rebuttal, you are incredibly wrong. With 101 K's, he ranks 40th in all of Major League Baseball. Players with more than Inge include David Wright, B.J. Upton, Ryan Howard, and the highly touted Tiger rookie Austin Jackson. Yes, behind Jackson he ranks second in strike outs for the Tigers, but it has to be expected from Inge. For every K, he'll get a hit. To this point, he has exactly 101 K's to 101 base knocks. While he does go down swinging often, he'll make up for in fielding, leadership, and clubhouse presence.
1. "He can't hit above .250": To that, I say, "You couldn't either!" But, in all seriousness, this doesn't matter. To this point, Inge is hitting .254. No, this isn't ideal. And yes, he could be hitting better. Still, the average ranks him sixth on the team among players who have 300+ at-bats. Similarly, he ranks fourth in RBI (53), fifth in home runs (9), and fifth in on-base percentage (.330). Also, to those who think he's overpaid, he gets $6.6 million this year. For the work he's putting in, it's worth it. (Think Dontrelle Willis).
Inge prepares to go to the platePhoto by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
I know, you still either love or hate B.I. and I've done nothing at all to persuade you. At least I gave the Inge-lovers some good reasons why he doesn't suck, instead of the usual "he's always friendly and smiling" statements. And maybe, just maybe, I did manage to give the Inge-haters reason enough to say, "I guess he's not that bad after all." Fat chance.
Read In Play! Magazine Here
Denny McLains Tigers Report Aug 27
August 28, 2010 @ 11:19AM
By Denny McLain
In Play on Facebook
Denny's weekly Tigers Report, brought to you by In Play! magazine, can be heard every Friday morning at 8:50am on 100.7 FM The Rock. http://www.inplaymagazine.com/broadcasts.php?audio_id=53
Five reasons why you should officially write off the 2010 Detroit Tigers
August 27, 2010 @ 8:31PM
By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook
Is there any way for a sub-.500 team with just over a month to go until the playoffs? There is no glimmer of hope, not even a slight chance. Here are five reasons why you have to officially write off the 2010 Detroit Tigers:
5. Their pitching: Aside from Max Scherzer, Tigers pitching has been making fans moan and groan far too much as of late. Scherzer, the only bright spot in the rotation, allowed only one run on 8/26 against the Blue Jays and has an ERA of 1.91 in his last 10 starts (1.31 in his last six). I know what you're thinking. Why isn't Justin Verlander a "bright spot" in the rotation? Well, while the numbers in his last ten starts are good (4-3, 3.16 ERA, 65 strikeouts), Verlander hasn't possessed that showstopping "ace" quality that he has in past years. He's already surpassed last year's walk totals. And, since when is your #5 starter better than your ace? If that's the case, you don't have a team that's poised to make a playoff run.
4. Their lack of hitting: Their lineup inconsistency plays a huge factor in their lack of hitting. Manager Jim Leyland doesn't have enough cards to shuffle around. Miguel Cabrera is batting .406 in his last 32 at-bats, but he alone can't win games. The Tigers need timely hitting to go along with good pitching. For example, in tonight's loss against the Blue Jays, Ramon Santiago struck out with two men on in the seventh inning. The runner on second was the go-ahead run for the Tigers, but without Santiago knocking him in, the score remained tied. The Jays scored and while the Tigers were able to force extra innings, they weren't able to produce anything else as Aaron Hill's walk-off single won the game.
The Tigers can't rely on Miggy along to carry them
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
3. Their record: Do you realize how bad the Tigers record is? How can we still be talking about playoff chances? At 64-65, even in a crappy AL Central, there is absolutely no shot the Tigers will outduel the Twinkies or White Sox to be crowned champs of the division. We'll say, for example, the Twins and Sox both go .500 (or a game or so above or below) from here on out. The Tigers would have to go 27-7 to win, or perhaps tie, the division. Pretty steep, huh? That's a winning percentage of .794.
2. Their opponent's schedules: The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox lead the Tigers by 9.5 and 6.5 games, respectively. While it's mathematically possible for the Tigers to catch up to either team, it seems impossible when looking at it logically. The Twins, who've knocked around their division (going 33-18 this season), will play 21 of their last 34 games against the Central. The Sox will be playing majority of their remaining games at home, where they've went 38-25. These types of numbers don't look especially good for the Tigers.
1. Their schedule: Take a look at it! You'll see what I mean. These are teams the Tigers should win against. Of course, the Tigers have never really fared well while facing their own division. Sadly for them, 22 of the last 33 games are against the AL Central. Also, 20 of those final 33 games are on the road. It's well-known that the Tigers play poorly on the road; they've gone 21-40 while away from Comerica Park this season.
[Note: all statistics were thru games of 8/26/10]
Read In Play! Magazine Here4. Their lack of hitting: Their lineup inconsistency plays a huge factor in their lack of hitting. Manager Jim Leyland doesn't have enough cards to shuffle around. Miguel Cabrera is batting .406 in his last 32 at-bats, but he alone can't win games. The Tigers need timely hitting to go along with good pitching. For example, in tonight's loss against the Blue Jays, Ramon Santiago struck out with two men on in the seventh inning. The runner on second was the go-ahead run for the Tigers, but without Santiago knocking him in, the score remained tied. The Jays scored and while the Tigers were able to force extra innings, they weren't able to produce anything else as Aaron Hill's walk-off single won the game.
The Tigers can't rely on Miggy along to carry themPhoto by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
3. Their record: Do you realize how bad the Tigers record is? How can we still be talking about playoff chances? At 64-65, even in a crappy AL Central, there is absolutely no shot the Tigers will outduel the Twinkies or White Sox to be crowned champs of the division. We'll say, for example, the Twins and Sox both go .500 (or a game or so above or below) from here on out. The Tigers would have to go 27-7 to win, or perhaps tie, the division. Pretty steep, huh? That's a winning percentage of .794.
2. Their opponent's schedules: The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox lead the Tigers by 9.5 and 6.5 games, respectively. While it's mathematically possible for the Tigers to catch up to either team, it seems impossible when looking at it logically. The Twins, who've knocked around their division (going 33-18 this season), will play 21 of their last 34 games against the Central. The Sox will be playing majority of their remaining games at home, where they've went 38-25. These types of numbers don't look especially good for the Tigers.
Catcher Joe Mauer, the star of the Minnesota Twins
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
1. Their schedule: Take a look at it! You'll see what I mean. These are teams the Tigers should win against. Of course, the Tigers have never really fared well while facing their own division. Sadly for them, 22 of the last 33 games are against the AL Central. Also, 20 of those final 33 games are on the road. It's well-known that the Tigers play poorly on the road; they've gone 21-40 while away from Comerica Park this season.
[Note: all statistics were thru games of 8/26/10]
Tigers win fifth straight as Brandon Inge hits #1,000
August 24, 2010 @ 9:52PM
By Matt Harding
In Play on Facebook
The Tigers win game two in the series against the KC Royals. The Tigers won both games convincingly, 12-3 on Monday and 9-1 on Tuesday.
Aside from the fifth straight victory for the Tigs, Johnny Damon has refused to go to another team and will remain in a Tiger uniform for the remainder of the season. The Tiger's Brandon Inge acquired his 1,000th hit as a Tiger as well.
Among all of Tueday's news, the Tigers have also picked themselves from below .500; their record now stands at 63-63.
The Tigers finish off the series Wednesday before going on an 11-day road trip. They'll travel first to Toronto, then to Minnesota, and finally they'll be playing KC. The Tigers return to Comerica Park on September 6, when they'll face the Chicago White Sox in a 4-game series.
Rick Porcello pitched seven innings allowing only two hitsPhoto by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
Brandon Inge acquired hit #1,000 TuesdayPhoto by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
"Always a Tiger" ... Johnny DamonPhoto by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine
ORDONEZ SCHEDULED TO UNDERGO PROCEDURE TO STABILIZE HIS ANKLE FRACTURE ON WEDNESDAY
August 24, 2010 @ 5:08PM
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DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the following medical update on Magglio Ordonez:
Ordonez was examined by Dr. Phillip Kwong (foot and ankle specialist) of the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles today. Dr. Kwong recommended a surgical procedure to stabilize the fracture. The procedure, which will end Ordonez’s season, will be performed on Wednesday in Los Angeles. A full recovery for Ordonez is anticipated for the 2011 season.
Ordonez has been sidelined since July 25 with a right ankle fracture.
Roger Clemons Needs To Shut Up!
August 24, 2010 @ 9:02AM
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The Rocket
Roger Clemens has the bases loaded, no one out, the Feds are hitting, it’s the first inning and his stuff sucks!
Clemons needs to shut up! If he is pulling a Governor Blagojevich it’s not going to work, although you can never say anything about a trial and Roger with his ego and personality will never accept a plea. It’s not too late for a plea now, but knowing his personality he would rather die then admit his sins. Now, let’s examine the sins.
What if I told you that I believe him that he did not take HGH or a steroid of some kind. What if I told you that he took something else other than the two drugs mentioned here? Would that be lying to anyone? There are other drugs out that that are not considered HGH or Steroids but can do the same things as these drugs.
Don’t forget the incredible size he became and especially his head. His head is bigger then Secretariat's! I know we’re playing with terms and words but, what if in his mind the other side of this is that no matter what he did he does not believe that a jury will convict him because he is so huge.
The first words for his defense he offered was about all of the charity work that he has done and all of the work that he will continue to do in the future; why would he do this? Folks, he’s trying to find a "juror" like the Governor did to pull for "The Rocket" and wind up with a hung jury.
See the best that Clemons is going to get is a hung jury and knowing the Feds as I do, they will try and try again and only after two or three Hung Juries would they consider not trying him one last time, but you can bet your Bippee that he has to take the stand and try and intimidate everyone on the Jury with his ego.
Now for his worst nightmare…his trainer
That drug dealer has all the evidence the Feds could hope for, believe me. There are lots of people on death row with far less evidence.
At least if he isn’t going to do a plea, he might as well go out there and speak, and speak, and then speak some more, make a fool of yourself Roger because here is the hard fact. They don’t care if you won 100 games, 30 games or 300 games, you’re going to the slammer!
I’m sorry to think that, but Roger if you go to trial the only way you can avoid the slammer (and then the Hall of Fame) is to cop a plea, for your family’s sake, bite your ego, sit on your ego, burn your ego, do the right thing for your family and plea to the charges and avoid the slammer.
You have really pissed off the Feds! Give it up Roger, that’s the best advice that I can personally give you. I have been there, the process and system is overwhelming…you have my word!
Tigers
What is there to say that you are not thinking?
Like I have said since the beginning of the year, if you’re going to play with the Rayburns, the Bondermans, the Inges and a host of other “not ready for the prime time” players, you will not win!
Does anyone think that they were serious at any time about making some trades this year? Where is the money that Ilitch spends on the Wings, but not on the Tigers? Where are the real good players? If Chicago and Minnesota can be there every year why can’t Illitch spend the money to do the same thing. Wait til next year, right?
And there is a rumor that Inge is going to get $7 million next year! Is that really where the front office heads are at this moment?
Finally on the Tigers front, I still don’t believe it but Jim Leyland got a new contract, but for what? The collapse of 2009 or for the collapse in 2010?
Does this not tell you with this latest disaster that the Tigers have no real idea at this time how to structure a team or how to go get the players as required? They don’t even know what kind of team they are this season, sure a couple injuries, so that means you’re dead in the water as soon as you lose a couple stars? How about the other teams? The other teams have lost stars but are still trying to win a pennant, we are not, it’s that simple!
Lions
Uh-Oh? If our quarterback stays healthy…I’m thinking 7-9 is a possibility, but that won’t make anyone happy except the front office telling all of us to wait til next year.
Pistons
Are they still in Detroit?
