Sports rivalries can’t be contrived. They just kind of happen. Sometimes they develop because of factors that would have been difficult to foresee. The Tigers and the Indians, for example. I see a rivalry brewing there that may last a number of years. And I see the impetus of the rivalry being the center fielders for each team.
Grady Sizemore or Curtis Granderson - which is the better player? Guess it is the Midwest’s version of Willie, Mickey and The Duke. Or is fast becoming that.
This hit home with me Tuesday as the Tigers, in what was an utterly fascinating game, took sole possession of first place by downing the Indians in a tight game at Cleveland. Sizemore hit a two-run homer off Jeremy Bonderman during the first inning for Cleveland’s only runs. Granderson made a breathtaking diving catch to save the Tigers’ bacon during the late innings.
Sizemore has gotten a lot more hype coming up than Granderson. Everybody has always talked about fast he is, and that Sizemore has power potential. He has been moved out of the leadoff spot to third in the order. I still think the national perception would be that Sizemore is the better player.
I am not so sure about that, though. Sizemore is very good, and is on his way to becoming a great player. But I’d take Granderson. Look at all the triples he has a hit. For a guy who wasn’t supposed to be that fast, he sure runs the bases well and covers a lot of ground in the outfield. His flaws are he doesn’t hit left-handed pitching worth a lick and strikes out too much. But given Granderson’s exceptional work ethic, it wouldn’t surprise me if corrects those problems.
The Tigers have two very good center field prospects - Cameron Maybin and Gorkys Hernandez. Both are faster than Granderson - particularly Hernandez who has truly exceptional speed. But I’d hand the center field job to Granderson right now for 10 years and make those other guys shift position. Center field is kind of a leadership position. Granderson is going to be the Tigers leader deep into the future. When I talked to Maybin at the Future’s Game, he discussed at length how he is following Granderson’s lead.
Not that Sizemore isn’t, but Granderson is the real deal. It wouldn’t surprise me if he has a better career than Sizemore.

Random Thoughts

- I would highly suggest seeing the current edition of "Real Sports" on HBO for two reasons. It provides a true glimpse into why Pacman Jones is so troubled. In his interview with Bryant Gumbel, he takes accountability for nothing. It’s really unbelievable. Also, there is a segment on dogfighting that is, to say the least, disturbing.

- OK, OK...I’ve had enough of Joey Harrington’s whining about how rough it was when he played for the Lions. He finally figured things out by the end, but it was too late. For his first three seasons in a Lions’ uniform, he not only underachieved on the field, but he was arrogant, aloof and clueless about the leadership role of an NFL starting quarterback. Harrington’s biggest enemy in Detroit wasn’t the fans or Dre Bly or Steve Mariucci, it was himself. Bottom line.

- For Michigan and Michigan State to play just one time in a college basketball season just doesn’t seem right.