Want versus Need

For all of us, we have wants.

A new car, a big house, a private island. Hell, I want a real life Iron Man suit. But one of the great lessons we all learn in life is the difference between wants and needs. Of course, I want a huge theater in my apartment, or a tricked out VW Passat. But do I NEED them?

Take the new iPhone. 

Of course I'd love to be up with the latest and greatest in the tech realm but what am I getting really? With the previous Phone I already have the space to shoot video, have a great selection of my music AND have cool movies to watch. In reality I don't need a new phone. What's funny is this applies to other parts of society. In this case, Baseball.

It's at this point you're probably wondering what I'm going on about.

Well, I'll put it plainly:

Detroit. Needs. This. Championship.

Before we go any further, let me shoot down any negative criticism of the Giants. I like the Giants, if I had an NL team, they'd be up there for consideration. And it's nice to see some competitive baseball on the west coast. Plus, keeping this year of baseball craziness going in the Bay Area should serve as a testament that this game works everywhere.

However.....

The Giants went on an awesome run 2 years ago, Fear The Beard and all. It was great to see the childish Rangers beaten to a pulp. But that's just it. The Giants have won RECENTLY. Now before this gets misunderstood, let me be clear: Winning multiple championships isn't bad, in fact I welcome it. 

But where San Francisco WANTS another title, this year Detroit NEEDS a championship. Yes, it's great that the Giants won at Zombie Baseball and that Marco Scutaro is doing well, especially after an MVP series. But whereas the narrative of Marco Scutaro finally going to the World Series is nice, I'm gonna go ahead and say a city finally going back to the World Series is way more appropriate. Back in 2006, we had a run to the fall classic that ended in what looked like a Globetrotters Game. The Giants have already proven themselves to be a team that can get things done in the Postseason. This Tigers team didn't exactly wow the world during the regular season and yes, we did kinda eff around. Detroit hasn't been so successful after 1984 and since the nightmare season of 119 losses, this team needs to return to greatness. Not just for them, but for the city.

We've all seen the positive effects a championship can have on a city. For Detroit, it means a bit more. We all know what the score has been for Detroit. Bad breaks, an absurd crime rate, unemployment and poor leadership have had this city in a death grip. Indeed there's been unfair press. Ranging from certain people posting 10 year old pics of downtown and labeling them as current to FOX and ESPN's gross agenda to somehow always remind everyone of the riots. Or one rival fan's supremely awful post about our star pitcher Justin Verlander. 

But.... 

There is a renaissance going on here. This has been the grand plan Mike Ilitch has had for some time. Use these great teams to bring people back downtown. For the most part it's worked, starting with the Red Wings in 1996. But there's still ground to make up, still work to be done. I'm not saying a Tigers Championship will cure Detroit.

But it sure as shit will help.

Miguel Cabrera: Beast, Machine, and Triple Crown Winner

                          Ok kids, it's been a great run, but Miguel Effing Cabrera just got the first Triple Crown in 45 years. Even without it, the man is the MVP. Mike Trout is a hell of a ballplayer. He's had a great year, but he's the Rook. If he was a second or third year player, we'd have a race. But Trout is setting records as a rookie. Cabby has been putting up comparable numbers FOR 9 YEARS. Machine doesn't even begin to describe. Trout has a great career ahead of him. But there's a reason there's a Rookie of the Year award. I'm not discounting what he's done. But I find it to be completely insane to see "Experts" use Trout's numbers to discount what Cabrera has done, when no one has done that to Trout's numbers. As I've said before, the MVP does have stats considered, but intangibles make the call. In this case, Cabby and Trout have comparable numbers....

But Miguel Cabrera's character has been strengthened, he's a leader, he battles and has matured into an amazing athlete. Trout got called up and grabbed the Bull by the horns. Cabrera has OWNED the Bull for some time now. I know it's real easy to say that Miggy deserves the MVP because the Tigers are in the postseason and the Angels aren't. But yes, the Angels do have the better record. However, I see that record is just 1 game better, so that argument has gone the way of the dodo. Trout is a very big positive for the Angels to take away from this year. He's an outstanding talent and makes the Angels better. Cabrera, however, put the team on his back. He's the player we needed and deserved. Played through injury and WON THE F***ING TRIPLE CROWN.

For this year, we are extremely fortunate to see 2 amazing seasons for 2 great players. It's made me appreciate the game even more than I thought possible. But you can't become "The Best Hitter on the Planet", win a division title and the first TRIPLE CROWN in 45 years and NOT WIN THE MVP. So for this year, 2012, Miguel Cabrera has got to be the MVP. The dude is a monster and has had an above and beyond career year. Si Motherf***er!

Many Happy Returns

Hello again sports fans,

Well, first I'd like to apologize for my absence.

Sorry.

Well that was easy.

Now here's your long overdue update. In short form.

JV has been a little up and down, the Tigers got their shit together to get above 500 with just 5 seconds left in the first half, The Prince won the Tigers the home run derby, JV blew fire in the All Star Game, they swept the Chi-Sox and headed for the road.

Now, I had some time off so I decided to head to Canada to see the Tigres on their field trip to the great white north. This was supposed to be a normal weekend but I wouldn't be writing this post of that's happened.

I arrived in Toronto via train Friday morn. I hate to be all endorser on you, but the train is seriously the way to go. Fairly great food, smooth ride and seats that recline the way that makes most airplane seats feel like brick walls. So the train dropped me off in the middle of town and proceeded to my hotel. I dropped off my stuff and made my way to a very special place to pass the time until I was to attend a baseball game between the Blue Jays of Toronto and the Tigers of Detroit: The Hockey Hall of Fame.

This place is downright cool. Home of the Stanley Cup and a slew of other awards and plaques, it's the valhalla of hockey. Seeing the great hall and all the inductees was quite a treat. Highlights include Gretzky's 802nd goal net, "The Lucky Loonie", a Neal Peart drum kit, a bank vault with the retired cup bands and ORIGINAL Cup, and last but not least, all the funny pictures of Rick Nash in a Blue Jackets Jersey. On a random note, the last time I was there, the souvenir shop was located in what's popularly referred to as a closet. However, wisdom seemed to have touched the people in charge. The store has since been moved to a much roomier space. Though I will admit, there's still an absurd shortage of Denis Lemieux goalie jerseys. I took my picture with the most holy grail of hockey and headed for the dome.

I was excited to arrive, only to be let down by the information that the Hard Rock Cafe inside the stadium had been closed. I'm a big Hard Rock guy so this news hit me hard. But, the show must go on, I dried my tears and headed inside. My seats for the evenings events were much better than expected. 100 level, row 10, even with 3rd base. JACKPOT. Even more to my surprise, I heard my named called as I neared my seat. I turn to my left and see a familiar bushel of hair. That's right kids, none other than the Shakabrodie himself, Ben Christensen. After the most epic Bro hug imaginable, we took our seats for the game.

Now The Tigers would go on to lose the game but something very special happened to make the night not a total bummer.

Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder hit back to back jacks for the first time this season. Both home runs equaled roughly a bajillion feet. (don't quote me on that)

The THUNDERCATS went yard and I was content. Once the game concluded, I made the pilgrimage to Wayne Gretzky's restaurant. This place is classy as hell, kudos to the Great One on having such a friendly and awesome place to hang out, regardless of a win or loss. I had as much Molson Canadian as I could then made my journey back to my hotel. However, as I exited the bar, I noticed a man bearing a striking resemblance to Joaquin Benoit. And to my shock, it was actually Joaquin Benoit. I gave him the Detroit Nod and then noticed there was another man at the door, bearing a striking resemblance to Duane Below. And sure enough, it was actually Below! I patted him on the shoulder and said good game. He said thanks man. It's the little things guys that make it all worthwhile. I passed out in my room shortly after.

I awoke the next morning to the sound of room service. I got dressed and proceeded to head back to the Dome for what I hoped to be a Tiger retaliatory victory. To make the day even more special, I was excited to meet up with not just Benji Christensen again, but Captain Canada himself, Dave Barclay. After exchanging information, we headed inside to witness what would turn out to be another Blue Jays victory. Damn Damn Damn.

It was an enjoyable time still though, catching up with Dave and Ben on all the happenings around the league. Did you guys hear about Kristen Stewart cheating on Robert Pattinson? Crazy shit.

Anyways, after another frustrating and baffling Tigers loss, I was on the lookout for ways to soother my pain. In excellent display of Canadian Kindness, Dave Barclay invited Ben and myself to a "Shakespeare in the Park" performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Having never seen this show in any way before, I was more than excited to see it in such an intimate setting. Located in High Park, this little amphitheater was the perfect spot to make me forget that Anibal Sanchez had a very pedestrian debut as a Tiger since being acquired from the Marlins. (Or as I like to refer to them, "The Major League Menards" Great deals, or so you think...)

What followed was one of the best night of theater I have ever witnessed. Forget Broadway, this is the stuff that made Broadway what it is today. A classic performed in an excellent setting. The blankets were comfy, the Coca Cola was flowing like waterfalls, and the Barclays were most hospitable to me, an enemy on home soil. It was a very pleasant evening and I couldn't have for anything more. Except, maybe, you know, a Tigers win. Once again, I made my way back downtown to my hotel and walked past the hotel bar. I saw Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Max Scherzer, Quintin Berry, The Prince and Delmon in the lobby. Convinced I was blitzed beyond repair and seeing things, I stared at each one of them for a good 10 seconds, confirming their identities, then went upstairs to fight dragons in my sleep.

I awoke Sunday morning to head to a local establishment called "The Irish Embassy" for Brunch. This place earned my stamp of approval after one bite of their maple and cinnamon apple pancakes. THERE ARE APPLES IN THE PANCAKES YOU GUYS. I finished this feast for kings and head northwest to the humble abode of Dave Barclay to partake in a Podcast. I arrived at Barclay Manor and was greeted by Dave in his socks and then proceeded to the living room. It is there I would meet a man who needs no introduction, due solely to the fact that I have no introduction for him: Paul Frank. Over the next few hours, Ben, Dave, Paul and myself waxed poetic on a number of topics, ranging from Indiana Jones casting surprises, to Nude Andre Dawson. Yup, you read that correctly. The Tigers would make this trip just that much more worthwhile on the strength of Twisted Doug Fister and Jhonny Peralta's 2 homers. One crazy Podcast and copious amounts of Sour Cream and Onion chips later, It was time to head back south to catch my train back to the States. With a heavy heart and satisfied stomach, I bid my personal versions of Doug and Bob Mckenzie adieu and boarded the bus with Ben.

Getting back to Union Station was a cinch. I said my goodbyes to Shakabrodie, who would continue his journey deep into Mordor, I mean, Montreal. I boarded my vessel knowing the trip was a success and plugged in my earbuds to listen to the soothing tones of Wang Chung and Pearl Jam. As I returned to Windsor, I was greeted by the Detroit Skyline. I was back home.

But this trip made me realize just how awesome following local teams on the road is. Baseball has a side that can only be seen while on the road. Of course you know how your team plays at home, but how does this grand game translate to other regions and cities? Sometimes this game can be all at once foreign and familiar. It's amazing how much your perspective changes when you're in someone else's den. Congrats Toronto, you've made it very easy for me to come back to your fair city.

P.S. Would it kill you to play songs that AREN'T by Rush? How about some Neil Young for cripe's sake!

The Blowtorch Deserved Better

The last time JV took the mound, he threw a near No-Hitter.

His follow up to that performance was just as stellar as he only gave up 2 runs.

However, we could only muster 1 run and The Blowtorch took the loss. I would have liked this to be a grandiose post about how we should have won but there seems to be an abundance of those kinds of posts. To keep things sweet, I'm giving JV an 8 on the Verland-O-Meter. Solely because of his 8th inning performance. Dude reached 102 with his fastball and followed up with an 82 mile an hour Curve. The man can take 20 MILES off a pitch.

Ridiculous.

GOOO TIGERS! Yeah....

The Ballad of the Blowtorch

On a whim, I went to the game last night.

I hadn't been to a game in a few weeks so I felt it was time to take a stroll downtown.

I made my way to the Hard Rock Cafe, took the shuttle to the park and settled into my seat. Now, I know everyone could say this but yesterday I had a feeling about something. I didn't know what it was but I felt like something awesome was going to take place.

You got a friday night, perfect weather, A Tigers game and The Blowtorch is on the mound. It just felt......right.

So as I watched the game, I started to notice 2 things going up on the board: Lots of K's and lots of zeroes.

This was nothing new mind you, this is Justin Verlander we're talking about here. But then in the 7th inning, Garret Jones struck out looking and the ump had quite possibly the most electric strikeout call. I feel like it was similar to this:   STEEEEEEEEEERRRIIIIIKE!

So now, S&^# just got real.

Then in the 8th, The Blowtorch carved up McGehee, Mclouth and Barmes. 3 straight punch outs to launch this game into crazy town.



Now the 9th started and everyone was one their feet. Some were on their chairs. I looked around at the crowd and saw a mixture of cheering, nervousness and camera phones. We all knew what was up and all we needed to do was take the ride. Michael McKenry's ground out made it seem like a sure thing then. Pumped beyond pumped. So in walks Josh Harrison to take his cuts agains the Ace.

With just 2 outs from his third No-Hitter, Justin Verlander threw a mediocre pitch. A mediocre pitch that Josh Harrison was able to dink into center field.

The agony and the ecstasy.

This was me for the next minute:



The No-No was Bye-Bye. But then JV just did what he had been doing all night. Induced some ground balls and gave the Tigers a masterful win. A win they sorely needed to keep pace with the Indians.

The last out was made and the whole team came sprinting on the field to show JV his effort was second to none. The crowd was ecstatic and cheering on the man who just dazzled them with pure domination. All I could do was soak in the moment as JV got the high fives he deserved.

Then in a moment all to brief, the jumbotron camera was turned to Justin. The expression on his face was one of bittersweet determination. Yes, he got the win but he was fully aware of what he lost. With the camera still trained on him JV said empahtically, "I'm Sorry". The epitome of class.

Whether it was meant for the crowd or for someone off camera, I'll reply to JV:

No Apologies Needed My Friend

The Blowtorch threw a one hit shut out with 12 K's. The best thing about this guy? He's only 5 days away from trying again. This rocked the Verland-O-Meter for a 9. Bravo Maestro, Bra-Flipping-Vo.

Go Tigers, Go Verlander, Go Detroit! ThunderCats GOOOOOOOOO

I Guess He's Just What We Needed

So you're in a situation where you need to salvage a split against the A's.

Brandon Inge had been striking with a vengeance and the A's pitching had been surprising. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. We put up 10 runs, A's put up 10 runs he very next night.

This was a series that I had hoped would set some things right, I had hoped we could take 3 of 4. But alas, with the whirlwind reunion against Inge and the struggling offense, here the tigers were on the verge of LOSING 3 of 4. 

So again, when you need to split the series, who ya gonna call?

THIS GUY

The MVP, The Ace, The Motor City Blowtorch

Boy oh Boy did this guy throw well. He had 8 K's and threw half a perfect game. I won't waste time spinning the same old yarn about JV. I know he's great, you know he's great, even residents of Asgard know he's great. (Lest we forget, JV is a descendant of the God of Thunder. Don't believe me? Look it up!) (Don't look it up)

The man was on fire and got us the win we needed to split against Oakland. Putting to bed the Inge madness and making us look better, not great, but better. Clutch doesn't even begin to describe.

The man rocks an 8 on the Verland-O-Meter. I hope this guy throw a PG or a NO-NO this year. I want to see if the Verland-O-Meter can take it!

Later this week, I should be able to unveil both my way too early Playoff Bracket AND some crazy trade ideas. Emphasis on the crazy folks, I leave nothing to the imagination. Anyways, Go Tigers and GOOOOO THUNDER CATS!

Better, Closer, Warmer

After a 9th inning snafu that resulted in a walk-off win for the Mariners the night previous, the Tigers needed a boost. Yes, that sentence contained the obvious.

And since we're on the subject of being obvious, it would make sense to also point out that Justin Verlander pitched last night. The Blowtorch rides again.

In the previous post, I had asked that the Tigers to not sit on their hands and to put up some run support for JV. It was quite refreshing to have that request answered in the form of Dirks and Delmon tag teaming to scratch 5 runs across. Ask and ye shall receive.

The Tigers looked like they had a burr in their saddle, something that I seldom see in sports these days. I fear that the days of teams being "OK" with poor games and heartbreaking losses are beginning to outweigh the days where teams would be pissed. JV and the Tigers showed up last night, and they did not disappoint.

The Blowtorch was locked in, making sure the Mariners would not get an easy ride. Things got a bit heated after Leyland was tossed for arguing with the home plate ump. Leyland was tossed and the next batter took his cuts. There was a....generous call in favor of the batter and JV didn't look to happy. It looked like Verlander was seconds away from being tossed as well, but JV's teammates and coaches came to save the day and, ultimately, the quality start of our ace. Though JV would give up 7 hits and 3 runs, he didn't give up anything else. 6 K's would compliment his ability to keep the ship straight and true. His stuff was nasty once again and he definitely gave the speed gun a workout. This was a situation JV has been in time and time again, and he played it the same way he always does.

The Tigers needed a win after a loss. They needed a stopper and The Blowtorch answered the bell. He got win #3 and the Tigers are above .500. Here's hoping we can continue the trend of playing better baseball, but that goes without saying. Yet here I am, saying it. Last night was a wild and difficult ride for our ace but hell if it wasn't entertaining. Plus, he got his first win IN Seattle in 3 years. I render an 8 on the Verland-O-Meter. As I said, The Blowtorch rides again.

Now I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't mention Prince Fielder's home run. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....

In honor of this most holy lift-off, I present the video that will sweep the nation. At least, that's the goal then! Gooooo ThunderCats!!!! GO TIGERS!

OK, That's Enough Messing Around

Justin Verlander is great. 

He's got top notch stuff and has come into his own to be come arguably the best pitcher in the game.

HOWEVER!

There seems to be a trend developing that I'm not fond of. I've noticed that when JV pitches, there's not a lot of offense from our guys. Maybe it's a confidence in your pitcher thing, but on the flip side, JV's gotta be able to have confidence in the guys behind him. 

JV brings his best stuff every time he comes to the mound. But that doesn't mean he only needs a couple runs to be great. Verlander is a horse, we all know this but the fact is that he isn't gonna go 8 innings every night. There are gonna be days where he's gonna work his tail off and leave in the 6th.Don't get me wrong, I love it when JV is pitching, it's a tight game and he's dazzling with pitching. But how about we post like 5-7 runs just to make sure nothing weird happens, eh? As much as I want him to throw a No-No or a Perfecto, I wouldn't mind seeing some vintage Verlander where he has some wiggle room to get creative. It's time to pay back the favor boys. 

This offense has too much talent to only score a small handful of runs when JV is pitching. The batting tagged KC pitching for 7 hits and 5 runs IN THE FIRST INNING the previous evening. Yet somehow they fell silent when it's JV getting the call. This can't happen anymore. 

The Blowtorch's outing was solid, dealing his best stuff to keep the game close, and kept it close for B-Boesch to blast a 2 run homer in the 8th to make things interesting. Classic Verlander, working to keep the team within striking distance. So with that in mind, I render a 7 on the Verland-o-Meter. (You may notice that it's gonna be rare for this better to dip below 7. C'mon, it's Verlander, he earns it every night!)

GO TIGERS!

JV NYC

Oh New York.

Home of those Damn Yankees. 

Given that the cranks took 2 of 3 from the Tigers, I'll keep this a bit short.

I was in attendance at Yankee Stadium for JV's outing against Ivan Nova. I will say that it was a typical Yankee crowd, not too much hostility but enough to keep up appearances. A lot of people asked me what I thought of the stadium. This got me thinking because while it is "Yankee Stadium", it isn't. It felt too new and not broken in yet. I'm actually lamenting not going to the original one across the street because that's the one with the history. That was the house that Ruth built. This one felt like a copy. It's a nice place but I guess I just can't love it because Ruth, Mantle, Maris, Jackson, Berra, Joltin' Joe and Gehrig never set foot there. 

 To be completely honest we should have won that game. We really fought to get that lead but golly gosh the bullpen just couldn't get JV another win. 

However, The Blowtorch was in excellent form, making the pitches he had too. I mean, he got roughed up a bit but that happens in the Bronx. For sure I thought he pitched well enough to get himself a W. 

Taking that into consideration, plus the fact I got to see JV in an opposing ballpark for the first time, I render a 7 on the Verland-O-meter. Yankee stadium is always a great venue for a great matchup and the evening did not disappoint. Always another game around the corner boys, we'll get them next time.

Doing What He Does Best

So, assuming you saw the start of Game 1 from yesterday's double header, the Tigers needed to win the second game. Like, seriously needed to win that second game. And who did the Tigers turn to?

You've heard this story before, it's nothing new. In fact, it's something that has become routine. I'm not saying this is always the situation when this player pitches. However, this pitcher has demonstrated that in times of need, he'll set the ship right and be the stopper.

After a strange and baffling 10-4 loss earlier in the day, the Tigers handed the ball to the Motor City Blowtorch. The Horse. The Cy Young winner. The MVP.

Justin. Freaking. Verlander.

And boy did he had his stuff working. His bender was FILTHY. His fastballs scorching.
Though he would only go 6 innings this time around, he was still dominant by only giving up 4 hits and 1 run. But here's the most pleasing stat of all, through 6 innings of work he had 8 punch outs. BA BAM! AND the Tigers won. That's JV being JV.

JV was solid, he got the win, 8 K's to his credit and he was NASTY. Taking those facts into account, I hereby register a 7.5 on the Verland-O-Meter. As Rod would say, "Get on with your bad self!"

Kansas CIty, HEY HEY HEY

Last night marked the start of the second series on the road for the Tigers in this 2012 season. Tonights matchup featured the Motor city Blowtorch himself, Justin Verlander and Danny Duffy, no relation to this man.

Verlander is shockingly 0-1 so far this season. Last night he looked to change that, PERMANENTLY.

To begin with, Kaufman Stadium is the one stadium that I want to go to badly out of any in my division.
I grew up a bit at Comiskey and New Comiskey (Mobile Phone Park for you Cubs fans), I despise the Twins and I've conquered Jacobs Field before. I just want to see how absurd and beautiful their Jumbotron is. But I digress.....

After some sleepy batting in Chicago, it was nice to start with a bang. The bang was supplied by none other than Austin Jackson as he lead off with a DEEP homer to left. If you want to restart your browser to make sure you read that correctly, go right ahead. I know this is Captain Obvious talking but imagine of A-Jack can do this all year. Not just homering mind you (DUH of course I'd take it), but getting on base AND homering. He either makes sure Boesch, Cabby or Fielder are in an RBI situation OR he puts the run up himself. Ridiculous!

Now Duffy had 2 men on and the Tigers looked to break this thing open early but a huge double play led to the inning ending with just 1 run on the board. This whole "Double Play" thing is quickly jumping to the top of my "Things I want to punch" list. (Yes smart guy, I know I can't punch a Double Play but c'mon, live a little)

Now it's time for JV to take over. (Cue Alex Gordon Double)

Dang it.

So the Royals manufacture a quick run to tie it but that's all they would get for some time. Verlander just went on to do his thing again. If you are unaware of what that "thing" is, allow me to remind you:

He was straight dealing. He literally walked up to each batter and handed them a card with either a "K" or "Grounder" or "Flyout" on it. No swings were taken, he just stood at home and handed out these cards. Don't believe me? Look it up! (Don't look it up)

Then in the 5th, something odd happened. With a man on, Brandon Inge stepped to the plate. He then proceeded to hit a 2 run homer to center. That odd thing I was talking about was not the homer. The odd thing was how the homer was received. Twitter exploded. Mixed reactions were running wild. The Tigers take the lead and people were up in arms! Almost like they were upset that Inge was the guy to do it!

As a bit of an aside here, there are some players that I don't like. But I don't let that get in the way of the team taking the lead. A lead is a lead is a lead. In any case! The Tigers were now up 3-1.

We now return to our regularly scheduled Pitching performance. (See Previous Photo)

JV would mow down the KC line up, ending up with 8 K's before the 9th. As Mario Impemba would say, "He's in Cruise Control now."

However, the game was starting to follow an eerily similar script. The previous 2 starts for this horse had him pitching 8 strong innings, only to have the game get away. Once by Papa, another by JV's own hand. So we arrive to the bottom of the 9th and here's the MVP taking the mound again.

(Cue Single, a Run, and a Walk)

Dang it.

Coke was getting warm and now Leyland makes the walk. All signs point to JV being done.
Interestingly however, Jim says a few quick words and JV will stay in the game.

(Cue Hit Batter)

DANG IT!!!

Next batter is Alex Gordon and we all know what he did to start the game. One more hit and this game goes to the Royals. Talk about pressure. No seriously, talk about it.

Would this game end up like the previous 2? Would the Cy Young and MVP winner fall victim to some demon preventing him for getting his first win? I'll let the man himself answer that:

Justin Verlander, despite an absurdly high pitch count, just got his 1st win. Leyland was quoted as saying, "He said he felt great. This is your game, I said, I'm not coming out to get you. When you walk off the mound you either Win or Lose but it's your game."

It was a strange start to this season for the MVP, but tonight Justin Verlander sent a 100 mph reminder to the rest of the league: Look out.

And with this win, I unveil the "Verland-o-meter". The entire season for JV will be rated with this meter. The criteria will be the stats, the quality of the game, and how nasty he is. So for last nights matchup, I bestow the following rating:

Remember kids, lay off the high ones. 

A Day that Shall Live in Infamy

So That Was Saturday

I don’t wake up early on Saturdays anymore. Ever since the cartoons turned into gelatinous blobs, I have had very little interest in rising early.  At this point in my life, only a handful of things will get me up:

1. If someone crashed the night before, I’ll wake up to kick ‘em out.

2. A nostalgia marathon of Batman the Animated Series is on.

3. Famous French Toast

and last, but not least……..

4. Red Wings Hockey

Now I know what you’re saying. “Hey Jay! This is a baseball blog! Why are you talking Wings Hockey?”

Well don’t tag me out yet, there’s a reason.

So this past Saturday I was up to watch the Wings host the Blackhawks at the Joe. It was an emotional game because it would determine our first round opponent. We would either face the stacked Nashville Predators or some west coast team from the pacific division. SO HELP ME if we have to play another west coast first rounder. So this game was grueling. We looked awful, we weren’t skating, and to make matters worse, I didn’t have any milk for my cheerios. Needless to say, things were looking grim.

However, with just seconds left in the 3^rd trailing by a goal, a man often credited with practicing the art of witchcraft on the ice scores the tying goal. Holy Mackerel!

I’m now ecstatic, and I’m thinking we can really win this game now.

But alas, after the late game heroics, some exciting chances in OT, and an attempted shootout deke that, if successful, would have been the equivalent of Neo falling backwards to dodge the Agents bullets, The Wings fell to the Hawks. Feeling dejected and hungry, I made a rash decision.  I decided to do something that I had yet to do in my life.

I decided to just go to a Tigers game. 

It was a rare day off, I had the means and I just wanted to get my mind off of hockey. I didn’t think I’d be able to get another chance so early in the season so BAM I’m going to a baseball game.

I made my pilgrimage downtown via I-75, and I arrived to the parking structure. It was a nice day so instead of a shuttle, I walked. Since I parked near Campus Martius, I had a bit of a stroll. I walked past the buildings, noticing what once was. Seeing the city in this way wasn’t something I’d seen too often. I have lived here for 10+ years and yet downtown was still new. I walked and saw how much this city could use a boost. While it may not have been the coldest winter, it was still cold for the city.

I was lamenting this when suddenly, there’s this sound. A familiar sound that meant the turn of the season is here. I walked faster as the sound echoed through the city. I crossed the street and found myself at the corner of Adams and Witherell.

I had arrived where the boys of summer play their grand game. I felt a grin cross my face as I walked past Gate B towards the ticket booth. “Let’s see what’s inside” I wonder to myself. I walk up to the booth and see if there’s anything on the first row of the upper deck.  I get a single club seat in 4^th row in 327 and head for the concourse.

I cross the threshold of the main gate and step into a buzzing concourse. I make my way through the crowd to stop for a moment to watch the game from the SRO. Everyone is fixated on this game, something that I relish seeing. I’m glad Detroit is a sports town where the games aren’t a “Scene” to be seen at. You’re there for the game, that’s all.

The side is retired and I head for the escalator. Very seldom have I sat in the upper deck so it’s a bit of a new experience heading up there. Looking very much like a tourist, I milled about staring down at my ticket then back up to see the section numbers. I arrived at my section and was greeted with a sight that left me speechless. You gotta be kidding me…….

I had everything in front of me. A great angle still close to the game, concession stands only feet away and perhaps most importantly, I was right near the restrooms. Not that I have an overactive bladder mind you. But in the sports fan realm, that’s like hitting the powerball a day after you hit the powerball.

I sat with my hotdog, pretzel and brew ready for some baseball. Then it happens.

Doug Fister pulls something and leaves the game. “Great job Jay, you brought the Red Wings losing funk with you to the ball park. How thoughtful.” I even started to panic a little, actually thinking everyone around me knew it was my fault he left the game. However, Below came in and shut down the inning. Phew, my stay of execution. For a moment I think about the Wings loss and think, “Really? That’s what it’s gonna come to? Everything I watch turns to crud?”

And just as that thought came to mind, it happens.

Prince Fielder was batting and the Tigers were leading comfortably. There was no pressure to do anything. And it’s that gift of relief that tends to make special things happens. And with that, Fielder hit his first homer as a Tiger at COPA. It just kept going higher and higher, Jackie Wilson would be proud. It sailed out and the place went berserk. “Well,” I said. “That F*****g rocked.” Later on he would another one, this time a no doubter to right. Man, the sound the ball made when it left his bat. If you listened closely you could hear the ball echo the sentiments of one William Wallace.

FREEEEEEEEEDDDDOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!

Tigers Baseball is here kids. We shut out the Bosox and went on to sweep them in walk off fashion. This team looks unreal and I got to see it with my own eyes. So if there’s anything I want to impart on you good people, it’s this:

If you get the gut feeling to go to a game, JUST DO IT.

I’m not saying great things will happen every time. But hey, it’s Baseball, funnier things have happened. I’m looking at you, Mr. end-of-regular-season-last-year.

So that was Saturday.

Hey Look! Baseball (kinda) started!

For those of you with the soul of a kid waking up early on christmas, you were obviously up early to see the Mariners and the Athletics duke it out in the Tokyo Dome.

I, however, spent a little too much time watching The Wire and fell sleep just as the game was starting.

BUT!

I was able to stave off sleepy time just long enough to the the first pitch. The first pitch kicking off that thing we all love. What is it? Well, it's many things to many people.

It's the chance to begin anew.
It's what bonds a father with his son.
It's how we spend our summer nights and days.
It's looking up to see the ball fly high.
It's hearing the sound of a fireball smacking a catcher's mitt.
It's hearing that loudest of calls, the almighty "STEEEEEERRRIKE!"
It's watching a ball bend reality.......and our minds.
It's watching one man launch a ball into the upper atmosphere.

And while we all have different ways to recognize this grand game, one thing holds true for everyone.

It's the love of the game.

So get out there, toss the ball around. Hit some homers and turn some double plays.

It may not mean much to everyone yet, but Opening Day is just around the corner.
For when this crazy game starts, it's gonna start slow. But it will build speed, momentum, and fire.
It'll cruise at the start, then crescendo into what has the potential to be an eventful postseason.

Tigers open next week. I'm already psyched beyond comprehension.

NOTE TO FAN CAVE PEOPLE:

........nice kimonos........

The Inaugural "Bold as Hell" 2012 MLB Predictions

Time to join the crowd and make a list. My first list will shape the very outcome of this Baseball season. Or not, either way, it's cool.

The idea for this list is due in part to a man named Shaka Brodie. Thanks to his vision, I forged this list in the fires of Mordor ready to be seen by all. If that last sentence wasn't epic enough, then you can just go back to looking at cat pictures.

Starting with the National League, here are my Bold as Hell predictions for each team, in no particular order:

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE

Atlanta Braves - Jason Heyward will go on a 34 game hitting streak, with the 34th hit being the most controversial hit, because the ball will hit a bird when it is rifled between 1st and 2nd. I'm already praying for the poor fowl.

Miami Marlins - They will begin their historic rise, becoming a playoff contender for the ages, make it to the World Series in 3 years, but will lose to the Chicago Cubs. Don't believe me?

New York Mets - Johan Santana will commune with his distant cousin Carlos to return to form in 2012. He'll throw a no-no against the Phillies. You heard it here first.

Philadelphia Phillies - Johnathan Papelbon will use the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" TV Theme in place of his recent falling out with The Dropkick Murphys. 10 dollars says you were already singing the theme in your head before you finished this sentence.

Washington Nationals - Jayson Werth's beard will gain sentience (it will become alive) and become the new No. 7 hitter and filling in as catcher on most weekends.

Chicago Cubs - Well, this one might be the hardest to write because, like Master Yoda says, "Clouded, the future is."........So here it goes......The Cubs will win some games this year. (Insert Cubs joke here. Sorry Pasnik."

Cincinnati Reds - Brandon Phillips will lead the league in "Oh My God He's Good".

Milwaukee Brewers - Ryan Braun will repeat as NL MVP. There, I said it.

Pittsburgh Pirates - A.J. Burnett will start Opening Day, will be pitching a perfect game until Bane from "The Dark Knight Rises" blows up the field in the top of the 9th. He did it to the Steelers, he'll do it to the Pirates. Just watch.

St. Louis Cardinals - Lance Berkman "Puma" will be inducted into the Hall of Fame mid season, just because of this picture. Damn, is that not the most epic thing to live on a man's face?

Arizona Diamondbacks - Justin Upton will hit a home run that will fly out of the center field windows. and into California.

Colorado Rockies - During routine maintenance of the field, 5 more dinosaurs will be discovered underneath the stadium. They will come to life and befriend these hip young teens with attitude.

They'll also win the division. The Rockies, I mean. Not these little punks.....stupid kids and their music.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw will hit back to back in the lineup, becoming the most baffling and prolific 8 & 9 hitters in the game.

San Diego Padres - Newly acquired outfielder Carlos Quentin will get the Channel 4 Logo from Anchorman tattooed on his chest and insist on not wearing a jersey when playing. Hey, the things we do for the things we love, right? Oh, and he's gonna hit 40 homers.

That's the National League......ON TO!!!......

THE AMERICAN LEAGUE

Baltimore Orioles - Matt Wieters will defy all logic and win Rookie of the Year. He's just so good.

Boston Red Sox - They will start slow, then find their rhythm to put together an impressive record, only to collapse on the last day of the sea......what?.......THEY ALREADY DID THAT!?!?!? Ha Ha, real funny guys, next thing you'll tell me is 4 minutes after that the Rays beat the Yankees to go to the pla.....that happened too?........I'm just.....I don't even know what to say........a whole wheel of cheese? That's amazing!.....What was I talking about? Oh, well, I guess the Sox will do okay, that A-Gon guy is cool.

New York Yankees - You may have a bajillion dollars, you'll probably have a good season, but we have this guy. Listen to what he says. (I know this list was supposed to be Bold, but seriously guys, this is a no brainer.)

Tampa Bay Rays - Evan Longoria will hit 50 homers........all to the gap next to the left field foul pole. Doubles in any other ball park, homers at the Trop. What?

Toronto Blue Jays - Ricky Romero will get 25 strikeouts in a game. In that same game, Jose Bautista will hit for the cycle......twice.

Chicago White Sox - Adam Dunn will become a modern day Pedro Cerrano. Completely crazy, but clutch when it counts. Also, Alex Rios will get an unassisted Triple Play. I can't wait to see your face when it happens. I hope it looks like this:

Cleveland Indians - Asdrubal Cabrera will be #1 on Top Web Gems for 12 straight weeks.....beating "Take On Me" by A-Ha, with the current record of 11.

Detroit Tigers - Finally we get to these guys. The Tigers will have an amazing season, capped with Cabrera and Fielder sharing the MVP, Cy Young, Silver Slugger, Home Run Derby, and All Star Game MVP Honors. And Verlander will get his 3rd No-No......and then late in August, when the no one gives a crap, he'll toss his first perfect game. Oh, and SPOILER ALERT they win the World Series.

Kansas City Royals - To quote my friend Kevin, "Be nice to Bruce Chen, He's sensitive". If people are nice To Chen, Royals could do pretty well. Especially if that Ka'aihue keeps hitting dingers. So my prediction is they will play in the new Wild Card playoff. Yup, again, I said it.

Minnesota Twins - I despise this team. They were beating us up for years and did NOTHING in the postseason. Now it's the Tigers turn. Twins will be rebuilding this year because everyone will be busy tearing them down. BOOM roasted. (XO LG!)

Los Angeles Angels - Since they signed some scrubs named Pujols and Wilson, this team could be pretty good. I say they score 1,700 runs. Minimum.

Oakland Athletics - As the Moneyball rolls, so do the Athletics. I'm interested in what happens with this Cespedes kid. I heard he eats people. Can he really fly? Oh, and the Athletics will win the West.

Seattle Mariners - Ichiro will get 250 hits........before the All Star Break. And Felix will win 20. He's scary.

Texas Rangers - Yu Darvish will set the record for "Most Play on Words" when he does well and wins 15 games. Seriously, Pun writers across the world will have heart attacks. I actually hopes this happens, because Pun writers need to thin their numbers. 

Houston Astros - Since they moved to the AL, I'm certain The Astros will do something. Either way, I'm right. HA!

AND THAT'S THE BELL

That was my "Bold as Hell" predictions. I like to pride myself in thinking I know what I'm talking about. If anything on this list happens, I'm instantly validated and should be announced as King of Everything. 

Stay tuned, my way too early Playoff Bracket is coming. Get ready, cuz it's gonna kick your ass!

Fan Cave 2012 POSTGAME

The locker room is packed.

Cameras everywhere, lights in everyones eyes, lots of noise and a splitting headache. Players sit around, cleaning themselves up and trying to prepare for the onslaught. They did everything right that night, they fielded the ball clean, they went yard, and the pitcher threw a gem.

And yet, they sit there and have to field questions like, "What went wrong?" "Where did the mistakes happen?" "Where do you go from here?". They did everything right, but they are sitting in the locker room with no champagne. No streamers. No cigars. No swimming goggles.

They just sit wondering, "Why not us?"
__________________________________________________________________________________

If I know my other contestants well, and I'd like to think I do, myself and 20 others felt the exact same way last night.

We were informed that we would not be going to New York for the Fan Cave.

3 months ago I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had applied for the Fan Cave last year but I was not chosen. So be it, way it goes! So when I see they are having a new format for the Cave this year, there was no reason no to try again. I put together a video that I thought best demonstrated my love of the game. I got to walk the hallowed ground that is old Tiger Stadium, sing in the shower and make my friend  Danny look like a minor leaguer by jacking homers off him. I was happy with what I made and I was going to be completely fine if I wasn't chosen again.

But like most great stories, chance came into my favor when I received a phone call. I made it to the Top 50. Out of 22,000 fans, I made the Top 50.

Holy shit.

After that, I started a crazy campaign to get into the Cave. "Put Some Motor City in the Fan Cave" was my motto. I made postcards, a t-shirt, and a very narcissistic poster of myself. (what can I say, I'm drop dead gorgeous!) I went to Sportsfest to campaign with other Detroit finalists Angelo, Mike and Brad. The day was great, we got great exposure and got to hang out with some very cool Tigers folk.

On top of that, I even jeopardized the very fabric of time by involving a Delorean Time Machine. I felt great but I was still skeptical. I was going to be completely fine if I wasn't chosen in the Top 30.

But like most great stories, chance came into my favor when I received an e-mail. I made it to the Top 30.

Wut?

Then I boarded flight 1921 for Phoenix. Sitting in that chair, flipping on my tunes, trying to guess what the hell this trip was gonna be like was stressful. What was I going to say? Hi! Do you like Baseball? I thought I was doomed, but then something unexpected happened. When I started walking through the hotel, I began to see my fellow contestants. Whenever I saw someone, our eyes lit up like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. Bonds were forged in a way I hadn’t seen. Though we were going against each other, somehow we looked beyond that. We instantly saw that our love of the game meant more than a chance in the cave. It meant that for 72 hours, we found people just as crazy us.

People I know kept asking me what I’ve gotten myself into. At times, I was able to answer quickly, other times I was speechless. What could possibly make more crazy sense than having a job to watch EVERY GAME of the MLB season. Throughout out my time in AZ, I was interacting with basically the MLB illuminati. I allow myself those 5 seconds to flip right out, but then reality comes right back in.

Upon arriving at Chase Field, the situation came into sharp focus. Sitting in the conference room, getting the low down from Tim Brosnan and JB, the crazy serious side of this experience came to balance the wonder we all had. I know I was star struck for a moment, but this is when I started to really think about my chances. This was a bigger deal than we thought, and these members of the MLB elite were damn sure making us aware of that. Making the top 30 out of 22,000 still doesn’t ring too loudly now, but when I got back home to lay in my bed, it felt like a monkey was bashing my face in.

I’m not sure how to describe this feeling, but I’ll give it a shot. I liken it to a rabbit having a carrot dangled in front of him. To have it right there in front of me, so close to taste it, I better run, scratch and claw to get it. The trivia, the interviews, the challenges and most of all, the karaoke, it’s all been worth the effort. And on the flip side, trying to see how this looks to my family, it must be strange and wonderful to see their kin going after their dream. Like Grandpa Joe to Charlie, it meant everything to see the e-mail my mom sent to everyone. Just my son going for the dream, no big deal. Best family ever, watching from afar as I try to grab this chance.

Loving this game and trying to get into the Cave is one of the all time stories for the grandkids. From the Tiger Stadium shoot, to speeding to 88 miles per hour in a Delorean Time Machine to make sure I make a good impression, to rocking way farers in an MLB commercial,  this experience has been more than eye opening. It’s a rare peek at what goes on to make these dreams happen. To create a wholly unique experience and pick 30 people to compete to achieve baseball nirvana, what else is there?

I could look at this as a wasted week. But that would be impossible because of the people I’ve met and the challenges I’ve overcome to be here. This could never be wasted.  The journey is the destination and the destination in the journey. I will look back on this and see not one bit of regret. I’ll see that these 30 people put not just themselves on the line, but their very souls to prove why they should be in the Cave.

Congratulations to those going in to the Cave! I'm gonna be hounding you and keeping you on your toes to make the most of this!!!!!   Like Tim Brosnan said, "We don't know what this is yet."

It's up to you guys to mold it into something special. And yes, I'm going to say this......

KNOCK THIS OUTTA THE PARK. YOU BETTA GO YAHD ON THIS ONE!

My many thanks to my Mom, Dad, Uncle Chet, Uncle Jeff, Sookie, Cleggles, Broseph Chester, Danny, Tony, Stephen, Mike, Angelo, Brad, Johnny, My FSD crew, Bridge, friends and family who voted and kept me sane and to Ken K. for letting me drive the time vehicle My bucket list got a huge chunk completed thanks to you guys. I can't tell you what it means to see everyone in my corner. Oh wait yes I can.....it means EVERYTHING. Here's to the next adventure kids, 

I'm also really excited to look back and say aloud, “Wait, did that just happen?”

Yes. Hell Yes.