MeRead.txt
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Sports archive
Saturday, November 25, 2006
DFP: Stadium items can be yours: Parts of Tigers’ past will be sold
Beginning Monday, the City of Detroit will seek bids from companies to handle the sale of seats and other memorabilia from Tiger Stadium. The sale, likely to take place in the spring, marks a major step toward the eventual demolition of the ballpark. “We do not want hoarders buying everything and then gouging the public,” said Peter Zeiler, a special projects manager for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., which is handling the sale for the city.
Posted by Jon, 11:10 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Thursday, October 12, 2006
NYT: On Fox, Sour Notes From a Pair of Veteran Voices
“But [Thom] Brennaman is not great. He is mediocre, distinguished mainly by an unmodulated megaphone-like voice that is like a parody of what a sportscaster should sound like. It does not convey a warm welcome, or the promise of excellence, as do Vin Scully or ESPN’s Jon Miller, who was joined for Friday night’s Yankees-Tigers game in Detroit by the retired Ernie Harwell, ever a delightful and welcoming legend.”
Posted by Jon, 9:54 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Thursday, October 5, 2006
NYT: Tigers’ Big Season Revives Hopes for Detroit Rebound
Chris Costa, a middle school teacher who attends many Tigers games every year, said: “People are more comfortable coming down here. Everybody’s jumping on the bandwagon, and that’s fine with me.”
Posted by Jon, 8:41 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
DFP: Tigers prove they are best story in baseball
One of these days, the national media won’t be able to keep the Tigers off the front of their sports sections. One of these days, cable sports networks won’t begin with the tight races between Yankees and Red Sox; they’ll begin with the first and best story in baseball this year, the one that plays at Comerica Park.
Posted by Jon, 9:57 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Brandon Inge is Tigers’ Boy Wonder
“His plays are freakish, man,” said reliever Joel Zumaya. “He does some pretty ridiculous stuff, where sometimes you’re like ‘Whoa!?’ ” He wasn’t just talking about what Inge does during games. Forget, for a moment, that he bombs drives 360 yards on the golf course, that he dunks a basketball — he’s listed at 5-foot-11, but that’s generous — that he used to throw a 95 m.p.h. fastball. Inge also entertains the team with more unusual sideshow feats.
Posted by Jon, 6:50 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
DFP: Tigers like Soriano, but the price is steep
“The Nationals want three prospects and have asked that prized right-hander Humberto Sanchez be included in the deal.” Three sounds like a lot. As a 20/20 guy, Soriano is a great talent, but that’s a lot of future to give up. Of course, the last time the Tigers rented a player, Doyle Alexander helped them win the 1987 division title.
Posted by Jon, 10:55 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
AP: Genius or goofy? Leyland pokes fun at himself, refuses to take credit for Tigers’ feats
A nice little Q&A. (via IndyStar.com)
Posted by Jon, 10:45 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, July 16, 2006
WaPo: U.S. Soccer’s Latest Opportunity Poses a Quandary
“The real paradox facing the game at home: The more popular it becomes, the more American consumers of soccer want and demand the best the sport has to offer, regardless of where it is played.”
Posted by Jon, 1:54 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Friday, July 14, 2006
DFP: One-hit wonders? Not with this stockpile of young arms
“The Tigers built their team the way almost every winner is built: by hording talented young pitchers. The Tigers have now played 89 games. In 71 of those, their starting pitcher was 28 years old or younger.” For Reds fans still raging about *the trade* — these kind of numbers should provide more hints about the direction Mr. Krivsky is heading. As much as fans love offense, it’s all about pitching.
Posted by Jon, 7:46 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Thursday, July 13, 2006
DFP: Meet the amazing Tigers: It’s about charisma, bonding
“The clubhouse is generally void of combustible personalities, and is instead the residence of touching success stories (Thames), folksy baseball lifers (left-handed reliever Jamie Walker), and resilient hardball sages (backup catcher Vance Wilson).” That first part could be the most important.
Posted by Jon, 11:34 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
WP: Nats, Reds Make 8-Player Trade
Don’t think there isn’t still some bad blood here:
The Reds “made a lot of mechanical changes to him,” Bowden said of Wagner, who posted a 1.66 ERA in 17 games as a 20-year-old in 2003. “We hope to get him back to where he was.” … The previous regime in Cincinnati had barred its front office from dealing with Bowden, whose was fired as Reds GM in July 2003.Yeah, Jimbo is rebuilding his Reds in DC.
Posted by Jon, 11:23 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
IS: The life of a baseball
The Indians and Toledo Mud Hens used 82 balls in a game Friday night, which made for a fairly average night. The longest-lasting baseball Friday survived 10 pitches. Eighteen balls survived only one pitch.
Posted by Jon, 11:21 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Friday, July 7, 2006
DFP: Thanks, Captain!
And finally, 14 years after he joined his company, at an age when other guys already have given it up, he saw his big dream come true. … That’s what working class people fantasize when they drop their heads on the pillow: a chance for it all to come true. It is the reason why there have been and will be many athletes in Detroit who will be called “Captain.” But only one will get a “The” in front.
Posted by Jon, 10:40 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
DFP: Why Stevie Y will be remembered as one for the ages
“Early in his career, Yzerman was one of the best scorers in the world, but by the end, his greatest gift was holding the puck — extending a play, avoiding the opponents and looking around the ice until he could feed a teammate for a scoring chance. In games and in interviews, everything happened on Stevie Time.”
Posted by Jon, 10:32 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
DFP: It’s Trottier who’s honored
Steve Yzerman was a Bryan Trottier fan. He was the glue of that great New York Islanders’ dynasty that could have had its own wing of the Hockey Hall of Fame. … Trottier thought the honor was his that he shared the same number with someone who he considered the consummate team captain.
Posted by Jon, 10:31 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, June 25, 2006
DMN: Study: Pro games depress tax revenue
NFL, NBA cited, but hockey, baseball said to boost economic activity slightly: A new statewide study co-written by a University of Texas at Arlington economist found that sales tax revenue drops by more than $560,000 every time a city hosts a regular-season NFL game. Large traffic jams that accompany Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans games also lead to what Dr. Depken calls the “hunker-down” and “skedaddle” factors. Fans might spend money in Irving during a Cowboys game, but more residents are likely to avoid gridlock by staying home or driving to a neighboring city to shop or dine.
Posted by Jon, 11:22 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Saturday, June 24, 2006
DFP: Tigers talk excites Ilitch
“I’m tired of getting the cheap knocks as I travel the country about Detroit. I’ve got to start off by saying, ‘Hey, wait a minute, we’ve got beautiful suburbs,’ and work from there. I tell them we’re rebuilding. There’s a lot going on. They just don’t buy it. We’ve got a stigma. I’d like to get rid of it. I think we can, to a fairly decent degree, with real strong sports teams. That has a big impact on people.” Well, I guess Detroit needs any cheerleading it can get.
Posted by Jon, 6:49 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Friday, June 23, 2006
DFP: Shades of ‘68: Former Tiger Willie Horton thinks ‘06 club looks like a former World Series winner
“Willie Horton remembers better than most, of course; in 1968, he was a 25-year-old outfielder who belted 36 home runs for his hometown team. For the past few years, he has been a special assistant in the Tigers’ front office, and the Tigers looked nothing like they did in 1968. But now? Now Horton sees 1968 everywhere he looks.”
Posted by Jon, 8:01 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Saturday, June 17, 2006
DFP: Demolition set for fall: Tiger Stadium: It’s history
“After years of debate and false hopes, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has decided to raze Tiger Stadium, the historic but decaying home of Ty Cobb, Hank Greenberg and the 1984 World Series champion Tigers.” Bummer. But it’s been time for some time now.
Posted by Jon, 12:03 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
CSM: US still awaits its Pele, but soccer gains foothold
On Freddy Adu: “Yet in just getting this far, he is proof that producing an American Pele requires more than simply putting kids in cleats every Saturday afternoon.”
Posted by Jon, 11:10 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
NYT: The Americans, Seriously
“Basketball is played with jazzy improvisation in this country, but soccer’s suburban orientation often creates a fife-and-bugle regimentation. … The American style, as Arena sees it, is defined by an ability to adapt, to shape strategies and formations according to various factors: the players available on a particular day, the opponent, the weather.”
Posted by Jon, 8:06 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Things I never thought I’d see in soccer: #1
In a roundup of World Cup friendlies, Poland’s 2-1 loss to Colombia included probably one of the worst goals in history, and the understatement of the year:
Goalkeeper Luis Enrique Martinez scored with a punt from his own goal box in the 64th minute to help Colombia beat host Poland in Chorzow. Poland substitute goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak misjudged the bouncing ball, and it dropped over his outstretched arms.“We can’t concede goals like those,” Poland coach Pawel Janas said. “I’m unhappy, but the match is over and we have some tough work behind us.”
Posted by Jon, 11:08 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Monday, May 29, 2006
DFP: U-M’s Martin pleased with radio deal
Michigan’s new deal may not have the biggest radio stations involved, but the end of the story mentions something key — all football and men’s basketball games will be streamed over the internet. Gotta love high speed. The original story gets all the particluars.
Posted by Jon, 12:01 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, May 28, 2006
DFP: The Buzz about the Tigers: It’s a baseball town after all
“Yes, the Tigers are the hottest team in baseball, in the midst of the most exciting homestand of the season. Over 10 days, the Tigers will play three games against Cleveland, four against the Yankees and three against the Red Sox.” And they get two of the first three.
Posted by Jon, 11:57 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
AP: World Cup Host Won’t Tolerate Extremism
This is the more ominous side of world sport. Actually, anytime sports and politics collides, you’re probably going to have problems. This is also where the ideals of free speech run smack into the realities of hatred. Cross your fingers.
Posted by Jon, 9:27 am :: Comments (0) :: #
AP: Tough Road Ahead for Africa
The World Cup previews are starting in earnest. It’s the hopes of small countries that make me wish I could watch more. Always root for the underdog.
Posted by Jon, 9:23 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, May 21, 2006
MH: Harrington airs out past
My last post on the Joey Harrington saga. The Miami Herald chats with him in his new environment, where he praises the structure and direction he’s be gettting from the Dolphins coaching staff. Yet another sign that the Lions have no idea how to get the best out of their people.
Posted by Jon, 5:11 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
DFP: JON MOROSI: Tigers follow champs’ mold
Could the Tigers be this year’s White Sox? Hey, it’s not even Memorial Day, but Central Division rivals in Cleveland and Chicago notice similarities to last year’s out-of-nowhere run by the Southsiders, and to the 1997 Jim Leyland-managed Marlins.
Posted by Jon, 5:08 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
DFP: Family Business: The story of two Tigers — father and son
Exactly 30 years after his dad made his Tigers debut, right-handed pitcher Jason Grilli did the same. Now the Freep has a little profile on a two-generation Tiger family.
Posted by Jon, 5:06 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
DFP: U-M regents OK $226-million stadium renovation
Might as well get as much money as you can from people willing to part with it for a few amenities a few weeks a year.
Posted by Jon, 12:29 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
DFP: Harrington’s parting shots
Mitch Albom’s two-parter on the end of Joey Harrington’s time with the Lions starts with Joey has his say
Posted by Jon, 10:29 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
NYT: The Weather Was Fine, and the Home Runs Were Easy
“According to the National Climatic Data Center, this was the United States’ warmest April — reaching an average of 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit — since records began being kept in 1895. That was the year after the National League’s most offensive season.”
Posted by Jon, 10:25 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
DFP: BOUGHT IT: Four third-period goals bounce the Red Wings
Sad. Very sad. But give up four third-period goals and you do not deserve to win. On an even sadder note, expect to see this photo (hopefully with a better crop) used many, many times whenever Steve Yzerman announces his retirement. Sad for him to end things like that.
Posted by Jon, 9:31 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
DFP: DH changes Leyland’s strategy with pitchers
“Here, guys hitting ninth are hitting 20 homers and knocking in 80 runs. It’s scary. That’s why you’ve really got to watch your pitching staff. … There are no breaks for pitchers. In the NL, you aren’t grinding it out quite as hard, and it doesn’t take its toll on you in the second half of the season like it does over here.”
Posted by Jon, 9:48 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
DFP: Beating Saints took Lions out of No. 2 pick
“Yes, even when the Lions win, they lose.” Further evidence of my theory.
Posted by Jon, 7:44 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, April 23, 2006
DFP: Backup Santiago treated like star: Infielder’s fans hit Safeco to see former Mariner
It’s possible that a fan club can take it too far. I guess they’re harmless enough, but really, worshipping minor league infielders? Everybody needs fans I suppose.
Posted by Jon, 9:28 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Friday, April 21, 2006
DFP: The Captain’s time
It’s time for hockey’s playoffs. And Mitch Albom sits down with Steve Yzerman: “When his good-bye finally comes, alongside his lofty numbers, his team records and his championships, there ought to a photo of Steve Yzerman playing each of the different styles he has mastered in his time here. You’d need a pretty big wall.”
Posted by Jon, 11:38 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
SFC: Blown save and failed rally equal A’s loss
So, the Tigers scored three times in the ninth (the last one by way of two walks) to beat the A’s yesterday. This, of course, causes much consternation in the AL-focused regions of Northern California, evidenced by the depression in the Chron’s game story and all the postings at their A’s blog: The Ninth Goes Wrong, Pain in the pec (so this is why the closer wasn’t out there) and Questioning Macha’s pinch-hit decisions. There’s always the other side’s side of the story.
Posted by Jon, 9:06 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Thursday, April 20, 2006
DFP: Harrington tells why he followed the sun
Until they prove otherwise, the Lions are clearly the pre-eminent model of a franchise that has no idea what it’s doing.
Posted by Jon, 10:34 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
ENQ: Going yard, again and again and …
I don’t if these guys were all sitting next to each other during the Businessman’s Special (midweek afternoon game) or what, but today apparently was the appointed day for columnists to declare the Reds’ Great American Ball Park a too-small homer haven. Not that we didn’t already know this. Reds’ park contributes to increase in homers and this shot fromLonnie Wheeler: “Abercrombie’s picturesque clout, the first of his career, was the third-longest recorded at the local bandbox.” Here’s my thing: These 440-foot blasts would be home runs anywhere. Anything that reaches the second deck, isn’t the fault of the park.
Posted by Jon, 6:02 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
DFP: High five: The Wings have the fifth-most points in NHL history, so give big props to GM Ken Holland
It’s Drew Sharp, so it’s not like the column finishes strong or anything, but he found something notable: “It didn’t matter that hockey’s new salary cap officially removed the dollar sign from the Wings’ logo. What’s important is that it removed the unfair stigma that Holland only had a talent at freely spending his owner’s money. The Wings’ fifth Presidents’ Trophy in 11 seasons belongs to Holland more than anybody else, because few knew what to expect when the NHL emerged from its one-year hiatus because of a nasty owners’ lockout.”
Posted by Jon, 9:17 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
blogs: Ready for the World Cup?
Two entries vying for your attention during the upcoming football madness: the very straightforward and comprehensive World Cup Blog and the much more humourous Who Ate All the Bratwurst (helps if you can read British). We like the Horror Hair section.
(via the Linklog at Guardian Unlimited: Newsblog [right side, under the picture and the ads])
Posted by Jon, 9:17 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Monday, April 17, 2006
DFP: U-M gets back healthy Hart: Freshman Brown, lighter Grady add depth to backfield
Now that I’ve found football stories, apparently I can’t stop.
Posted by Jon, 10:58 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
TMD: Fans get early look at ‘M’ in spring practice
Starters didn’t play in the full-contact scrimmage, but 15,000 got a glimpse of Lloyd’s step-by-step process to next fall, including at least one running back who graduated high school early so he could run with the big boys. Carlos Brown even scored on a 60-yard run. Cool.
Posted by Jon, 10:51 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, April 16, 2006
CO: Biakabutuka still touches Charlotte
The former Michigan star has found a home in Carolina. He’s lived in Charlotte since he stopped playing five years ago and now owns two jewelry stores, even starting to design some pieces himself.
Posted by Jon, 7:47 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Friday, April 14, 2006
NYT: Boy Who Helped Yankees Is a Hit Again
Jeffrey Maier is now a senior at Wesleyan University, where he holds the school record for hits in a career.
Posted by Jon, 9:36 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
DFP: With all he’s handled, Henne’s grown at U-M
Hey, it’s time for a little spring football.
Posted by Jon, 9:45 am :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, April 9, 2006
DFP: Justin Verlander: A young arm with promise
The obligatory profile (and nicely written, don’t get me wrong) before the new Star Kid makes his first appearance. BTW: He won.
Posted by Jon, 11:15 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
DFP: Babcock values Bowman’s guidance
“He’s got more wins than God and he’s won more Cups,” Babcock said. “So why wouldn’t you talk to him and get any information you can gather?”
Posted by Jon, 9:59 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Sunday, April 2, 2006
DFP: Goals keep piling up for Yzerman
Congratulations, Stevie on passing Mario Lemieux for eighth all-time in NHL goals with 691.
Posted by Jon, 11:45 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Saturday, April 1, 2006
Wired: Technology’s Just a .240 Hitter
Definitely qualifies as a rant. One notable line: “The trouble with technology, you see, is that it attempts to impose perfection on what is a delightfully imperfect game.” The rest — just ranting.
Posted by Jon, 11:47 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
Friday, March 31, 2006
DFP: George Mason’s success a double-edged sword
Rosey rails against the tyranny of out-sized expectations with fine points about how people will learn the wrong lessons — sure you can do it, but not by blowing up the program every few years.
Posted by Jon, 11:13 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
ESPN: Seed-by-seed NCAA Tournament matchups
Somebody looked through a lot of box scores. File this away to help pick next year’s upsets.
Posted by Jon, 11:10 pm :: Comments (0) :: #
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