Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Pistons Need Size, Not Guards

I like Baron Davis as a player. He is better than Chauncey Billups at creating his own shot, but don’t see where he would lead the Pistons to a championship. The Pistons’ need size. They need somebody with a rebounding presence and the ability to guard the basket, who does his best offensive work in the low post. As it stands, the Pistons guards are the least of their problems. Elton Brand and, particularly, Carlos Boozer would be ideal. Not sure Joe Dumars can get a deal done to acquire either one of those players, however.

Random Thoughts

- Either Bill Walker and Chris Douglas-Roberts would be a good choice for the Pistons at 29th overall in the NBA draft. Not sure either one of them will be there, though. This is a pretty weak draft. I don’t anticipate it having much of a bearing on the Pistons for next year.

- I don’t know what to make about Gary Sheffield’s return to the Tigers lineup. He did hit a home run Tuesday, and that’s a good sign. He is a Hall of Fame-caliber player. But I wonder whether he still has anything left in the tank. We’ll find out soon enough. If he does, it would provide the Tigers with a huge lift. Oh, and can he stay healthy? That’s the main issue.

- No, I don’t like Michigan’s new road uniforms. That was more than tweaking with tradition - it was messing with it. If something isn’t broke, don’t fix it. The Wolverines uniforms are classic.

10 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pat the Book,

I'm crossing my fingers and chest that Sheffield is really healthy and can stay in good health. From the reports in the paper and on the web it sounds like Sheff is finally in sound health.

I like Leyland batting him in the seventh spot. I can't see messing with the top five in the order at this time. Having Thames and Sheff batting sixth and seventh looks good on the line-up card. Now if it will translate on the field, a .500 record by the All-star break should become a reality.

I haven't seen Michigan's new road unis but I doubt that these are improved in any way. The blue with maize numbers is classic.

Speaking of classic uniforms, how 'bout that '68 Tiger's road uniform? Glad to see that John Hiller is still alive and kicking.

But where was the "Silver Fox"? Jim Northrup was conspicuous by his absence. I hope all is well for him and that there isn't any animosity between he and the current Tiger management. Could be a column topic for you.

1:21 PM 
Blogger Fred Brill said...

Book,

I was one of many who groaned when Sheff came to bat last night only to knock the dinger.

Glad he hit it - but then things went pretty quiet bat wise.

Rodney did good to - but I also groaned when he came in. Same deal.

One game certainly doesn't end a hot streak by any means - but it felt like the sizzle was gone - and that may be the Sheff factor.

Off topic - you have been talking Lions winning between 7-9 games this year. I am no expert and hesitate to ask - but did you factor in the number of close games - 1-6 points - that the Lions had a hard time winning if they ever did - and what do you see different this year that makes you think they can win those "charachter" games?

Good stuff. Thank Pat.

5:16 PM 
Blogger Barry said...

Well Pat, Tiger management is lucky that no one got hot at the DH position so the position goes back to Gary. I like the idea of Gary hitting lower in the order and bunch Guillien, Maggs and Miggy together. If any team wants him at the deadline it might be wise to listen what they have to offer. He does have an excellent eye and good OBP. I hope he becomes a great hitter again.
Glad to see Thames get more playing as his OBP is getting better. Didn't realize he had a good eye at the plate as he will need it if he continue hit homers.

12:03 AM 
Blogger Fred Brill said...

Well, it seems every time this year I have taken a shot at Sheffield, he proves me wrong - and last night was no exception.

So for the good of the team:

"Sheffields a bum".

12:51 PM 
Blogger Dbachman said...

Book,
Don't you think the only reason Sheff's in the line up is his salary. 19 Million next year and half of that still owed for this year. No one can deny that when he is healthy, he makes the lineup better. The guys around him will see better pitches. I am not a huge Sheff fan, but I can't deny his value when he's healthy. Dave D and Leyland don't make too many bad decisions. It's like they have a baseball crystal ball or something. I second guess most of their decisions and have to confess to being wrong 99.9% of the time.

8:36 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Andrew Winkle,
I loved the Tigers road uniforms from that era. Wish they went back to them. I have heard conflicting things on Northrup. I know he was angry he was let go as a broadcaster. I've also heard health might have been an issue. Haven't seen him lately. Good guy.
Caputo

10:49 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Fred Brill,
I think the Lions defense will be better this season. They have more players familiar with the system. Also, I think setting up the pass with the run - not vice versa - will help their offense be more consistent.
Caputo

10:50 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Barry,
If Mags, Miggy, Guillen and Sheffield get on a roll, that's as fearsome a middle of the lineup as there is in baseball. Especially when it is considered Polanco and Granderson are setting the table.
Caputo

10:52 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Fred Brill,
Hey, a lot of people thought he was done. Time catches up to all players. Can he stay healthy?
Caputo

10:53 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

dbachman,
The Tigers are run by excellent baseball people. But they do make mistakes. Dontrelle Willis is an obvious one - although I thought it was a good addition, too. Leyland has done some curious things strategy-wise. They had to see what Sheffield can do. He is a hall of fame caliber player if he is right physically - or not over the hill.
Caputo

10:56 AM 

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