Airborn

I did not see Miller's start against the Mets, but in his last start against the Phils he definitely did NOT throw his slider or his changeup very much at all. Like I said, it was fastball all the way. Don't get me wrong, I think he's going to be an amazing pitcher, but I don't think he's better than Durbin right now. Give teams a few times to see him pitch, and if he doesn't have better control of his other pitches, he's going to get shelled. In addition, Miller has the advantage of having a minor league option, so you could recall him anytime. However, if you keep him, you need to get rid of another pitcher from the current roster.

Here's what I'd like to see happen with the pitching rotation: 1. Trade (or release) Maroth and Grilli: Maroth's velocity is off about 5 mph from pre-injury and it's probably going to be next year before he fully recovers. At that point, Miller and others are going to be ready. As for Grilli, he's been inconsistent for 2+ seasons. Time for some new blood; you can't trust this guy. 2. Send Miller back down to AA, Byrdak to AAA. Miller's relying almost solely on his fastball. That's going to catch up with him sooner rather than later. He needs to develop command of the change and slider before he's ready for the "big club." I like Miner over Byrdak; he's just got better stuff. 3. Keep De La Cruz in the bullpen. He's got the best stuff of anyone in the bullpen right now, and he seems to have good control of it. So that would leave our pitching staff as: Starting rotation: Bonderman, Rogers, Verlander, Robertson, and Durbin Long/Middle relief: Ledezma, Seay, Miner Set up guys: De La Cruz, Rodney Closer: Jones

This rumor doesn't make much sense considering Columbus will not spend to the cap anyway, and the only reason for buying him out is for cap space.

Hey - have fun. I went to my first game there last year (I live in Columbus now), and had a great time. It's an awesome ball park. In my mind, it will never replace old Tiger stadium, but it's still nice.

How about that Draft!!!! We picked up Rick Porcello, the consensus # 3 player in the draft, with the 27th pick. Apparently, teams were afraid to pick him because of signability conserns (read Scott Boras is his agent). I think we'll sign him, based on past experience. Even if we don't we'll get compensated with a 1st round pick in next years draft because of the new draft rules. Here is a write up on him.. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/base...ules/index.html

Actually they both were at one point or another, but Monroe came directly from Texas via waivers.

If Alfredsson hadn't shot the puck at him in game 4, he probably would have won it. He was the most deserving in my eyes. I don't think anyone on the Ducks really stood out. It was a true team effort.

I totally disagree with the assessment of Maltby's play. What about this... http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/

Another article for those interested in this subject. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2007...tory?id=2894490

Regarding Texeria, everything I've read is suggesting we'd have to move either Maybin or Miller (maybe both) to get him. If that is indeed the case, then I'm not interested. If we could do it without involving those two, I'd be thrilled. As for Miller, Ideally, I'd like to see Miller get a full year in double A, but I don't think we can afford to wait if Maroth and Robertson continue to struggle. We have a team capable of winning now, and he'd definitely help. Some way, shape, or form we need to start getting better pitching. At least the bullpen came through tonight. Edit: Will Leyland take Infante out of the lineup now that everybodys healthy? IMO, he's way too hot to sit.

I really have to hand it to Dombrowski and the current group of scouts. Before, you never heard anything about our farm system; it was an absolute joke. Now, we have guys coming from everywhere. Here is another article on Trahern... http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...316/1004/SPORTS

I don't believe you can. That's part of the new agreement from my understanding. Also, I don't think Montreal could come out a say, "we'll eat half of his salary if you take him." So for better or worse they are probably stuck with him unless someone is really desperate.

I think you're missing the point. If the Ducks had pulled any of this stuff, this board would be lit on fire with anti-Duck sentiment, but somehow it's justified when the Sens do it? The fact is the Senators have shown way less class than the Ducks ever have. I can't believe you are actually trying to justify Alfredsson's actions. If he had done that to Lidstrom, would you feel the same way? While I dislike the Ducks, I think people are going overboard with the "Ducks are goons, cheaters, child beaters, etc" rants. The fact is they are a big, hard hitting team. Other than the blatant interference they somehow get away with, I don't see anything wrong with the way they play.

While shooting the puck at Niedermayer was a s***ty thing to do, I found Ottawa's ridiculous diving almost more reprehensible . They've made it very hard to root for them.

Hasek and Schneider are givens as long as they both want to return. If Hasek retires, I'd rather roll the dice with Howard, than pay Gigure a ton of money. Outside of Gigure, I can't think of another goalie on FA market who'd be an upgrade over Ozzie. Schneider would be my top priority after those two. He's a perfect fit for the Wings system, and if they lose him, they'll end up paying a lot to replace him. Even better, because of age and other factors, Schneid's probably won't attract big bucks, so we'll get him for a relative bargain I'm sure. If the cap goes up to $52 mill, then I'd make Smyth my #1 priority. Smyth fits on several levels. First, he's the protypical Babcock player. Also, he's a great playoff performer (proven over and over), and finally he'd help strengthen our rather pedistrian power play. If we can't get Smyth, I'd only sign Bertuzzi if he's willing to do a 1 to 2 year deal at a discount. His injuries scare me too much for a long-term commitment. Kozlov is a underrated player, but he doesn't address the need for size upfront. I'd also like to see Markov back, but again it'd have to be the right deal.

I'll pass on Gagne. Here is who we need to get in our lineup... http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll...RTS02/706040332 I'm not saying as a closer, but bring him up and move Durbin to the pen. Then when Rogers gets healthy, find a NL team that's willing to deal a couple of bullpen arms for Maroth. That would add a solid presence you can trust (Durbin) and whatever you could get back for Maroth. Once we get Zumaya back, if Jones isn't right, then move Zumaya to the closers job. P.S. I think Jones' will bounce back, so my last point will be moot.

The guy has moves that rival Datsuk, and he's a better skater. Unfortunately he has no heart, and no clue in the defensive zone.

I know Pronger isn't a popular fellow on this board, but do you really want guys suspended for fringe hits like that? If so, then I'd suggest taking a long look at the Kronwall hit we all loved earlier in the year. I'm pretty sure that was a hit to the head, and he definitely left his feet. If this were any other player, then nobody would be talking suspension. Like I said before, it should have been a penalty, but in no way does it warrant a suspension. I don't want the NHL to become like the NBA where guys are now suspended if they breathe on one another. It's ridiculous and has destroyed what little integrity the NBA once had.

Oh, I agree, Alfredsen didn't kick that puck in, rather he redirected it in, which is completely legal. Hull was off his rocker during the intermission.

I'm all for Pronger bashing, and the play absolutely should have been a penalty, but I don't think it was intentional, and really came about from Pronger being about a foot taller than Mcammond. If I'm putting on my non-partisan hat, I wouldn't suspend Pronger, instead I'd suspend the two refs and two linesmen who all missed the call. What the hell are those guys getting paid for! 8 sets of eyes and nobody saw it. Even worse, they should have been looking right at the play to make sure Pronger didn't try to interfere with Mcammond from getting to the puck, which is exactly what he did. Give me a break.

The kicking rule is designed to prevent guys from injuring each other trying to kick pucks into the net. It's not often you see guys get cut by skates, but when it happens, it can be pretty gruesome. I think the rule especially protects the goalie. Can you imagine if guys were allowed to try a kick the puck in some of those scrums around the net?

I'll tell you what, the Senators fans rocked tonight! They weren't going to let their guys lose and they came out big. I think both the refs and the Ducks were somewhat intimidated by the noise. If the Wings had crowds like that, I think we would've beat the Ducks for sure.

What is up with our bullpen! Christ, Jones can't even preserve a 4 run lead. Wasn't he just running his mouth off about guys needing to come through! Also, I can't believe Leyland left him out there for all 5 runs. That was the equivalent of Tremblay leaving Patrick Roy in for 9 goals. Jones had no chance tonight; they were hitting rockets off him. Apparently we need a 20 run lead to win a game anymore.

I think you're refering to Igor Larinov's daughters.

He can play Center or Wing - you're easily confused.