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No question the NFL should go to 18 games
I don't know how the labor agreement is going to play out, but there is no question the NFL should go to an 18-game regular season. The sooner the better. With 14 OTAs, and usually five mini-camp practices spread over three days in the off season, players are ready to play after only a couple weeks of training camp.
I do believe, however, there should be consideration to adding two players to each active roster. It would be naive to think injuries would not be more of an issue with two extra regular season games.
Wouldn't the NFL owners easily be able to cover the cost of adding two players per team with the additional revenue from two regular season games?
The answer: Depends on how much the networks are willing to pay for regular season games. Remember, they get summer prime-time programming from the preseason.
Random Thoughts
- One thing I hope I don't see again this season - Jim Leyland calling for Jose Valverde in the 8th inning. Once, twice, three times...come on...that's a recipe for disaster. Enough.
- I'm not sure if the Tigers have a choice about whether to pick up the option on Jhonny Peralta's contract for next season. Who is going to play short? Doesn't seem like they'd go with the combination of Danny Worth and Ramon Santiago again.
- Did you know only four current teams have all-time winning records in Big Ten play: Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State.
Huge high school football game in Oakland County Friday. Biggest opener I can remember. Here's why in my latest Oakland Press column: http://tinyurl.com/3xc5akk
I do believe, however, there should be consideration to adding two players to each active roster. It would be naive to think injuries would not be more of an issue with two extra regular season games.
Wouldn't the NFL owners easily be able to cover the cost of adding two players per team with the additional revenue from two regular season games?
The answer: Depends on how much the networks are willing to pay for regular season games. Remember, they get summer prime-time programming from the preseason.
Random Thoughts
- One thing I hope I don't see again this season - Jim Leyland calling for Jose Valverde in the 8th inning. Once, twice, three times...come on...that's a recipe for disaster. Enough.
- I'm not sure if the Tigers have a choice about whether to pick up the option on Jhonny Peralta's contract for next season. Who is going to play short? Doesn't seem like they'd go with the combination of Danny Worth and Ramon Santiago again.
- Did you know only four current teams have all-time winning records in Big Ten play: Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State.
Huge high school football game in Oakland County Friday. Biggest opener I can remember. Here's why in my latest Oakland Press column: http://tinyurl.com/3xc5akk
Labels: Jim Leyland Jose Valverde Danny Worth Ramon Santiago
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:40 PM
8 Comments:
$7.25 mil for Peralta is way too much. They could probably resign him for much less (to play 3rd).
They need to go find a true SS in free agency, along with a big bat for LF / DH. Upgrades at 3rd and C would be nice too, but they aren't as desperate of needs.
Pat, there is a question mark about Peralta range at ss. I guess he could play 3B unless the Tigers pay a fortunate for Beltre and that if he wants to leave Boston. Sanitago played well at ss and even hit 280. I think he can handle 120 games at ss.
Pat,
The more I think about it, the more I believe (IMO) that Jim Leyland doesn't get nearly enough credit. In the past years, he has taken heat that the tiger's have folded down the stretch. They didn't do that this year. They started off strong, and they fell apart in mid season and they are now finishing off strong. The tiger's like water, have risen and fallen to their own level and the truth is they are a mediocre team with an average to slightly above average roster. If you look at the roster closely this is what they have relied on: 1.) a 22 year old pitcher (Porcello) to be the #3 starter, 2.) a #2 pitcher (max) who came into the season with a career record of 19-24, 3.) a #4 pitcher (bonderman) coming off major arm surgery, 5.) a #5 pitcher (willis) who hasn't pitched well in years, 6.) a shortstop (everett) who never in his career showed the ability to hit major league pitching, 7.) a starting catcher (laird) with a sub .250 career average, and 8.) absolutely no depth whatsoever on the bench.....what did anyone really think that this team was capable of doing?? It's disappointing that they are not competing for the division lead right now but come on, Christ himself couldn't will this team to a better season. These guys have played respectable ball this season considering the players they put on the field. They are trying race a chrysler vs. ferrari's on the field. I love the Tig's and I'd love to see them in the playoffs, but they are not a disappointment and I don't think there is a manager out there who could have done any better.
lil rob
The Tigers have nothing to lose right now.
There is no pressure. Only if Minnesota and Chicago both implode would they have a shot - and should that happen - the pressure would be back on. And this team would again tank.
It goes against Leylands philosophy (public statements at least) that "these guys are all professionals and they know what they have to do" for him to feel that he has to find ways to take the pressure off these guys.
And he really shouldn't have to play head games with professionals - until you realize these guys are really just ball players - and the "professional" aspect is only a mirage.
They play great when there's no heat - year after year - roster after roster - they fold when the heat is on. And Leyland is the constant in that equation of variables.
Michael C,
I agree about Peralta. It would be overpaying him in today's game unless he is their every day SS - and I don't see him as that.
Caputo
Barry,
Yeah. Even though Peralta is just 28, it seems like he has outgrown the SS spot and should play third. I'm not sold on Santiago as anything but a backup middle infielder.
Caputo
Lil Rob,
I hear ya. What were the Tigers before Leyland. And they have had many issues. But you know, it's difficult to explain why they falter in the second half. There were no excuse for what happened last year - or that first series in Cleveland after the All Star break this year.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
I don't think he is playing head games with his team with public comments. His team does play hard. That hasn't been issue. Whether they are good enough has been, if they play smart, or whether Leyland makes right moves. Not sure he has handled his pitching staff well this year.
Caputo
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