One Game Away, Tigs / Royals, Theo Ratliff

The 2008 US National Basketball team is in the same class as the '08 Red Wings and '06 Tigers for some of my favorite teams of all time. I've watched every game since the exhibitions that didn't count and I love the players, coaching and the way the team conducts itself. They handled Argentina moments ago (even though it did become interesting in the second quarter) and now have Pau Gasol's Spain to deal with for the gold medal. U-S-A!

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Tigers have three with KC at Kaufman with Verlander on the hill tonight. Another meaningless series that we'll take two of three in.

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Big Theo is returning to Philly:

According to a source familiar with the situation, the 6-foot-10 Ratliff has accepted a one-year contract for the veterans’ minimum of $1.4 million.
At Monday’s press conference to announce the signing of Andre Iguodala, Sixers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski said he hoped to have a big man in place “within 48 hours,” but would not elaborate further.
Ratliff, 35, had offers for more money, but the source said he would prefer playing for the Sixers.

The Sweet Swingin' Matt Joyce hits two

I didn't really get a chance to watch the game last night as I was on a family pilgrimage last night down the Ohio (ewww...), it was fun none the less, but coming home and seeing a Tigers win was even nicer. Apparently, "Thundercat" hit two bombs, 'Raga was solid and only gave up a home run and the Texas bullpen looked like the Tigers bullpen. I didn't see the game, but I guarantee you that Rod Allen said either "The sweet swinging Matt Joyce just hit it right on the screws!" (Where are the screws on a baseball?) or "Oh, hell no, he did it again!" I still want Clete back.

TGIM! / Sam McGuffie

Not a whole lot on the Detroit sports front today. Tigers open up with Texas tonight for three games and with how our pitching has looked recently we could easily get torn apart by Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Milton Bradley and Co. However, the Rangers' staff has been very weak this year, so maybe if the offense clicks then we can win one or two against these guys. Even if though, we're still ten games out, and the season can officially be called over. It would take a Mets-like breakdown by both Chicago and Minnesota for us to have a shot and you can forget about the wild card with Boston and Tampa in the same division.

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Sam McGuffie (YouTube phenom) has been named U of M's starting running back with Brandon Minor hurt. I don't really have too much to say about it, besides "In Rich, We Trust." Rick-Rod also said that it is "more than possible" that 8+ freshman will start (according to 97.1 FM). Good for them and Go Blue.

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FOREIGNER is coming to Detroit Friday!

Shut down by the O's but at least we have the Lions!

16-8 by the fourth place Baltimore Orioles. Yes, that hurts, just like watching the Tigers this season. With every loss I come closer to realization that the Tigers won't be playing post season baseball and it hurts more and more every single day. Do they even care anymore? Should I? Melvin Mora looked like A-Rod in his prime this whole series and Miner and the bullpen boys got lit up, but here's the good news: the Lions are undefeated! Sure, it's only preseason, but the passing and rushing both looked good. The O-line and special teams could use some work, but as a whole they looked better against the Bengals then they did against the Giants. I think with a Brett Farve-less Green Bay, the Lions could realistically be a playoff team this year in the weak NFC North. 2-0!

The Old Lady's Final Inning

Brings a tear to my eye...

That empty feeling...

The atmosphere from the standing room section of Comerica Park during Todd Jones' breakdown and "The Call" (interference? maybe?) was bitter. Bitter about this season as a whole, bitter at the fact that we won't be seeing our team play into October and bitter at the fact that we can't put away weak teams like Toronto and Baltimore. Robertson was less than brilliant and continues to make me question if he can handle a starter's duty. The offense was non-existent and this game would have been a shutout if Polonco didn't hit a blast into the Tigers bullpen. You can't win with two runs, not with Robertson on the hill. We refused to steal, we refused to bunt and we refused just to move batters forward. The Tigers seem to want the long ball and nothing else. Oh well, nine games out and conting. I just want to see us finish with a winning record. Let's see what happens tonight.

Go Tigers

Sheffield, Bullpen and Phelps

He gone! Our "platooning" DH's day as a Tiger are officially numbered. Sheff was placed on waivers last night and if he clears waivers the Tigs can trade him to anyone, but if not, they have 48 hours to make a deal with whoever claims him. Apparently, he can't be a leader from the DH position, but how ironic is it that he homered twice last night? Well, he wasn't here for 2006 and it seemed like he was hurt more than not, but happy trails, Gary.

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The bullpen explodes again as Zumaya couldn't record an out and even though Alex Rios practically gave Freddy Dolsi an out at the plate, that just wasn't enough. Jays win 6-4. I don't want to write anymore about it. It was ugly and that's all there is to it. Tigers now three games under .500 and eight and a half back (here's to 2009).

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Congrats to Michael Phelps! The Michigan man won his tenth and eleventh gold medals last night. Way to represent your country and the ol' maize and blue! Hail to the victors valiant...