Reality sets in Detroit Tigers aren't as good as advertised

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/07/01/sports/doc51d10c00dbe2b144876574.txt


Jim Leyland, Tigers: Trying to figure it out

Detroit Pistons, NBA Draft, Joe Dumars and defending the seemingly indefensible

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/29/sports/doc51cf6a813e7c3775435509.txt


Joe Dumars and Pistons' draft class: Controversy rules

Red Wings need Damien Brunner, but at what cost?

Hockey is a multi-dimensional game. It's not a one-way street. Yet, as defensive systems have become an applied science and goaltending improved to the point astounding skill, goal scorers have become a premium.


Damien Brunner: Goal scorer

Damien Brunner reminded nobody of Brett Hull in his prime as a 27-year-old rookie for the Red Wings last season, but he has the knack for scoring goals. He

Detroit Pistons must be on target in this weak NBA Draft

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/26/sports/columns/doc51cb205d6f711792023568.txt


Joe Dumars: Key off season begins with NBA Draft Thursday

Perception of Michigan and Michigan State football is slipping

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/23/sports/doc51c72d5b6a6bc306959225.txt


Dantonio, Hoke: Teams lower rated in '13

Incompetent umpires best friends to Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers Sunday

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/23/sports/doc51c77bca225fa254925747.txt


Good for the Tigers, bad for the Red Sox and baseball

My thoughts on the proposed new arena for the Red Wings in Detroit

- While the arena is badly needed, and long overdue, it'd be naïve to believe Joe Louis Arena will not be missed. The memories there, which include four Stanley Cup championships, will long be treasured and Joe Louis Arena part of their lore. The building lacks restrooms, the corridors are far too narrow, the suites inadequate, the design about as up-to-date a 1970s Chevy Vega and it is downright

Issues for Detroit Tigers are deeper than Jose Valverde

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/19/sports/doc51c22822e0804115614470.txt


Jose Valverde: How much longer will he be a Tiger?

On Pavel Datsyuk contract extension with Red Wings

Pavel Datsyuk: Consummate two-way player

There is nothing Pavel Datsyuk can’t do on a sheet of ice. He is strong his skates, possesses a great shot and is a terrific passer. I’ve heard his speed knocked at times. I find the criticism to be without merit. It’s not like he is slow. He is not a fighter per say, but he does body check consistently with force. And the one time he did fight, he won

Detroit Lions capable of making the playoffs - if this happens

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/16/sports/doc51bdad21771d4848618269.txt

Why the numbers just don't add up for Joaquin Benoit as Detroit Tigers' long-term closer

With Jose Valverde back in meltdown mode, the Tigers very well could turn to Joaquin Benoit as closer. But that would likely only provide a short-term solution and cause long-tern problems.


Joaquin Benoit: Premier setup man, but no closer

Benoit is one of the best setup relievers in baseball, ranking in the top eight in Major League Baseball in holds each of the last three seasons.
It's not

Why not Bruce Rondon as current Detroit Tigers' closer? These are the reasons

While he struggled during spring training and during a brief stint with the Tigers earlier this season, Bruce Rondon has put up impressive numbers for Triple-A Toledo. His ERA is 0.77. Opposing hitters are batting just .118 against him. He has struck out 29 in 23 innings. He has 10 saves.
But Rondon still has command problems. June 5, he walked four in two thirds of an inning at Columbus. The

Maurice Cheeks, Detroit Pistons and the community college of professional coaching

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/12/sports/doc51b8c9a374ee7115446650.txt

Are the Detroit Lions better? You be the judge based on these mini camp observations

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/11/sports/doc51b7c238243df363887194.txt

Jim Schwartz: Impressed with Ziggy Ansah

And to the head of the list as potential Detroit Tigers' closer goes...K-Rod

Even as the Tigers open up a lead in the sorry American League Central, the elephant in the room continues to be their bullpen, especially closer.
The wheels, not unexpectedly, have started to come off Jose Valverde at closer. Although he experienced some early success upon his return to the major leagues, it's proving to be fleeting. His last few outings haven't been as effective (except for a 1

Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford and whether great statistics will lead to a Super Bowl victory some day

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/09/sports/doc51b472841d8de653763985.txt

Stafford: QBs ultimately judged by winning

Far more right than wrong with the Detroit Tigers

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/06/sports/doc51b107ce50442097611505.txt


Big home run for Victor Martinez (right) Thursday

What has been missing from the Detroit Lions? My answer

The first of the preseason football magazines are out. Even in the digital age, I still have an odd fascination with them. I buy most every one I see. and especially look forward to the release of the Phil Steele college football edition.
An item in the Lindy's Pro Football magazine did catch my eye. It was a comment from Howard Balzer, who has covered the NFL for a long time. The magazine is

On Tigers' bullpen woes, Red Wings' season and Lions' schedule...

Replay of our weekly chat. We do this every week at Monday at 1 p.m. You are welcome to join in live.

No way the Tigers can win the World Series with this bullpen

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/02/sports/doc51abd4bac3732437517621.txt

Jose Valverde: Early success misleading

Red Wings thrived during transition season

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/06/01/sports/doc51aaa97d287ce262405682.txt