Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Who will bring the next championship to Detroit?

A Detroit free press article recently posted a question to Detroit sports fans:
Who will bring the next championship to Detroit... The Wings, Lions, or Tigers?
Obviously the Pistons are not part of this question as their descent into obscurity continues to frustrate local basketball fans.
Here is my take on the question:
Let's start with the Tigers. Having acquired one of the most coveted young players in the game, the Tigers are making a push to win it all this year. Mike Illich is another year older and he can't afford to take his time. Word has it that he overruled Dave Dombrowski's decision and paid top dollar for Prince Fielder, son of the Tiger legend Cecil. Prince will play first base, which means that annual all-star Miguel Cabrera must slim down and move to third, a position he hasn't played in years. I'm not so sure that Miguel has the ability to make a diving snag, pop up, and make a throw to first before the runner is called safe. This means more base runners for opponents, and in turn, more runs scored. The Tigers will not win a championship in the near future.
On to the Red Wings.
If there's one thing we know about the Wings, it's that they will always have a great season and easily make the playoffs. Once there, winning has been a problem of late. With a roster composed of seasoned veterans, the Wings seem to slow down in the playoffs. Too often do the names of Helm and Abdelkater show up on the stat sheet while Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Lidstrom are scarce. The Wings will not win the next championship in Detroit.
So we're left with the Lions.
The Lions have a solid core of young players who are easily mentioned with the best players at their respective positions.  From Stafford, Calvin Johnson, to Cliff Avril, the Lions have built a young team with plenty of talent that is hungry to win.  Furthermore, these young players have not been starters for very long, and have yet to reach their full potential. They have a great coach in Jim Schwartz, who leads his team with enthusiasm and a "never back down" attitude, evidenced by his ferocious fist pumps and his willingness to throw down with other coaches.  I expect great things from the Lions, and they will bring a Superbowl victory to Detroit for the first time ever.

3 comments:

  1. I think the move for Prince fielder was risky and I hope it pays off in the end. I have heard and I am sure you have too that they plan to make Miguel Cabrera a designated hitter but again its all talk. I feel it would be in their best interest to DH him because I cant see him playing third base. Miguel has had his run-ins with the law and might be better off getting let go. I know he is a great hitter and what team doesn't need a good hitter. I just feel he may be becoming more of a liability then an asset. Also, I hope your right about the Lions they should have a great year in 2012/2013.

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    1. I hear you... It's hard to let go a regular MVP candidate though. Leyland gets paid the big bucks to make it work..let's hope he's smarter than we are

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