GoWings1905

Jason Williams should not be playing center in the NHL, let alone with the Red Wings. He doesn't have anywhere near enough defensive responsibility to center a line. Stick Williams somewhere on a wing or better yet on the bench, but he should not be getting time at center. Williams and Homer really put a damper on possible lines because they both have such a limited skill set.

This is a terrific post. I couldn't agree more.

For a team looking to replace a ton of offensive production, I don't think a 44-point player qualifies as useless under these circumstances.

Fair point, but I would be curious to see the ATOI for the two in the same time frame.

As frustrating as Sammy was to watch at times, there is no way he is equal to Jason Williams. Sammy does everything better than Williams except skate.

The Aubrey Huff deal is fantastic. Huff is exactly what the Tigers need and have been lacking all season. He bats left handed, has more RBI's currently than any Tigers player, and he hits very well with runners in scoring position (something the Tigers do as a team very poorly). Miguel Cabrera has to be thrilled: he finally has a legitimate number three hitter in front of him. Hopefully Guillen is ready to play the outfield again because Huff isn't going to see much time at first or third. I would probably like to see Clete Thomas start more games in right field than Maggs because Clete is very solid defensively. Granderson - CF Polanco - 2B Huff - DH Cabrera - 1B Guillen - LF Thomas/Maggs - RF Inge - 3B Laird - C Everett - SS I like it a whole heck of a lot more now having Huff in there. Two great trades by Dombrowski this summer.

I don't see what is wrong with Hudler's comments. Everything quoted was true.

Kronwall shouldn't have to answer for big hits. That's part of the game.

Fair point. I just don't know how many of the guys you listed are really part of the Tigers future or have the potential to play every day in the big leagues. Despite their stuggles/injuries, Polanco, Maggs and Guillen are aging and still play valuable roles on the team. The pitching is very strong at the top of the rotation and Perry will be very good in the future for the bullpen. Everett isn't going to be around - he is a filler for Iorg. Thomas could maybe develop into a starter if he cuts down his swing. Raburn and Santiago are role players. Sure, there are plenty of nice pieces but this team is built to win now or else we would still have Maybin, Jurrjens, Miller, Hernandez, etc. floating around in the organization.

I agree, I am enjoying this season very much as well. 2006 is the only memorable season I remember in my life so you do come to appreciate the good years as a Tigers fan. My post was just a realistic assessment of the Tigers as a baseball team. They are the best of a very average division. I want to see some quality wins against potential playoff opponents. I would love to see them make the playoffs, despite my belief they wouldn't be around long. This team isn't young - the window is closing quickly and our farm system is depleted. My apologies if my previous post came across as unappreciative of the Tigers. That wasn't my intent.

Kevin Youkilis is a ******. Porcello threw at him intentionally for sure, but did Youkilis forget that the Tigers best player got plunked and had to leave the game? Throwing the helmet is a joke. It reminded me of Mike Sweeney/Jeff Weaver a few years ago. I hate to say it, but the Tigers aren't that good of a team. 1-5 against the Yankees, winless against the Red Sox this season, 3-3 against the Angels (though the Angels are much better now). Those are the playoff teams there and the Tigers can't even separate themselves from a mediocre White Sox team who has Peavy coming. Maggs and Polanco are finally hitting which is nice, but this team still moves base-to-base far too much. Our only hope is Verlander/Jackson/Washburn go lights out in a series because the Tigers offense and bullpen isn't consistent enough on most nights. Last thought: why in the hell is Chris Lambert on a major league roster? The guy has AAA stuff and that might even be generous. I thought Nate Robertson was bad, but Lambert would give gum boy a run for worst pitcher.

Don't watch then or better yet you should probably submit your resume to the NHL since you clearly have all the answers over that idiot Ken Holland. Talk about spoiled.

Good point. I wouldn't be opposed to that at all on the condition that you mentioned of Holmstrom being healthy and actually looking somewhat useful at even strength. Homer can't skate or pass and if he isn't causing chaos in the crease, it doesn't serve any purpose throwing him on a line with talents like Z and Pavel. Cleary isn't a great skater or passer either, but if the playoffs are any indication, he can finish at a higher level than Homer right now. Cleary had awesome chemistry with Z and Pavel when they were together for the playoffs. I wouldn't mind giving Homer a chance to play on the top line to start the regular season if he is healthy. I have my doubts, however, that Homer will be as effective as Cleary would be in the same role.

I think the top ten of the list is pretty close to accurate. Wooden is definitely the easy choice for number one. My only minor complaints would be I think Bowman and Rockne should be a little higher in the top ten.

Val needs to start putting up the offensive numbers or the decision to sign him early at the expense of Hudler will look like a pretty poor choice.

If Babcock uses Pavel, Z and Cleary as the top line (which he should), all three players will have huge seasons. That line would be absolutely dominate if they played together enough.

I'll start to worry when #5 isn't around.

At least LGW will have a new scapegoat if Williams comes back.

Luke Scott or Josh Willingham ASAP please DD.

2.5M for Jason Williams? I don't really want Williams at any price let alone for that much. If true, this is one of the poorest decisions Ken Holland has ever made.

Damn it! Danny Bois surely would have led the Blackhawks to a series victory over the Red Wings in the WCF.

Exactly. And those seats only started getting filled when the Blackhawks got better. The bandwagon is overflowing now.

Hossa a jinx? Do they realize they haven't won anyways in almost 50 years?

Hell no to Ben Wallace. I don't even think it's a legitimate rumor that the Pistons are interested. Wallace is done being an energetic defensive force in the NBA. I have my doubts with his knees being so bad that he could even be an effective role player off the bench. The Pistons are going to get destroyed inside this season. I have said it before but I think Tyson Chandler would help this team more than any other potential free agent/trade targets. Summers and Daye look great in the summer league so far. I have to give Joe D. some real props already for the Summers pick - he is going to be a steal for a second rounder.

What exactly warranted the raise?