There are times when the fans in this town turn, almost in unison, against certain athletes. On the brink of becoming one of those players is Tigers' catcher Gerald Laird.
Laird made a key blunder in the Tigers' loss to Kansas City Wednesday. He dropped a throw at the plate, allowing Kansas City to score the go-ahead run, and setting off a chain of events that led to a 7-3 defeat.
It was a painful loss. The Tigers would have won another series. Obviously, it was not the ideal way to head into a road trip West against better competition.
Laird was 0-for-6 in Game 163 against the Twins last season, failing in the clutch. He hasn't hit a a home run since July 3 of last season - a span of 237 at bats.
What is not fair about Laird is that his considerable defensive skills - particularly throwing - are often overlooked.
Do I think he is the Tigers' answer as an every day catcher? No. Manager Jim Leyland caught him too much the first four months of last season, and Laird clearly wore down as a result, and he hasn't really recovered at the plate. But I do feel he can be the part of a solid platoon with Alex Avila, and that it's possible, maybe even likely, Laird will find his hitting stroke at some point of the season? Yes.


Random Thoughts

- Bottom line about John Kuester as the Pistons coach: He did nothing to indicate he is the solution, but was given a free pass on this awful season that, thankfully, ended Wednesday. It's why he is returning for next year.

- Ben Roethlisberger clearly has issues. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be wise to suspend Roethlisberger for a game or two under these circumstances. He is just another player making the league look back. A message must be sent. A strong one.

- Here some advice for the Red Wings before Game 2 of their opening round series against Phoenix Friday: It's playoff hockey. Start hitting like it.