Somebody get the duct tape!

The first time Agent Smith has Thomas Anderson detained, Agent Smith says, "Tell me, Mr. Anderson, what good is a phone call when you are unable to speak?" Following the line, Anderson's mouth is covered up with skin and he is unable to speak. Imagine the saying reworded this way, Coach Marinelli says, "Tell me, Mr. Kitna, what good is a press conference when you are unable to speak?" Yes, the "best quarterback" in the NFC North ran his mouth again about 10 wins. He did not guarantee 10 wins this year. He just stated that he would be disappointed if the Lions did not win 10 this year. Jon, I would be happy with 8 wins. Hell, I would be happy with a competitive football team week in and week out. I love the fact that you are confidence in your team (God only knows how). After being embarrassed last year, I would think that you would keep you bold predictions in the locker room. So yes, Coach Marinelli you have my permission to duct tape his mouth shut.

Come on Ozzie, did you not realize before you took over in Chicago that the city is a Cubs city. With the way that he went off, he will not endear himself to many more fans either. It is hard to believe that GM Ken Williams has much patience left for this hot head. Kenny it is time to get the duct tape or else let this guy go. Players and fans start to get numb to this kind of coach very quickly. The team has been under performing since their World Series title in 2005. He may not be getting through to his players anymore.

Actually, I do not think the world makes enough duct tape for PETA. The more appropriate action would to be probably put all of them in a lions cage and laugh at the dismemberment of their bodies. It was an unfortunate accident that happened this past Saturday in Kentucky, and nothing more. I do not think this is a cause they want to latch onto. In case anyone missed it, check out the Mike Tirico show podcast where he interviewed a PETA spokesperson. They did nothing but read from a card. Kudos to Tirico for really giving to her. And, no I do not want to see anyone dismembered by a lion.

I love three college football teams: whoever is playing Ohio State, whoever is playing Notre Dame, and the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. The fat bastard Charlie Weis needs duct tape on his mouth, but then again their is probably not enough tape to go around his body. Man do I despise that university. This coming from a man who is trying to stay relevant, following his 3-11 record during the Irish's last 14 games dating back to 2006.

The Cubs of the NFL

The state's lovable losers are back in the news. It is not really anything big this time. Just a simple article I read or tried to read today in the Detroit Free Press. Read the interview with running back Tatum Bell here. Let's just say that I am not very impressed with the English Departments at DeSoto High School in Texas and Oklahoma State University. Bell graduated from both schools and still can not speak intelligible English. As Jules from Pulp Fiction would say, "ENGLISH, MOTHER******! DO-YOU-SPEAK-IT?" Just another disgrace for this pathetic franchise.

On a lighter note, my sons took me to a charity basketball game for an early father's day present. We were present at Caro High School for the contest involving some of The Cubs of the NFL. The Tuscola County 4-H All Stars lost to a group of six active and former Lions. Dan Orlovsky, Sean McHugh, Casey Fitzsimmons, Rob Rubick, Luther Ellis, and Cory Schlesinger treated the crowd to a Harlem Globetrotteresque type game. My oldest son was on the floor for awhile playing for the Lions, and he scored a basket. Funny thing is, the 2 points he scored may be more points than the 3 active Lions will score in 2008.

It was the first time I have been to one of the Lions charity basketball games. It was a nice relaxing family atmosphere. The boys had a wonderful time getting autographs and pictures. Since they had a wonderful time, so did I. Thank you boys for the present.

This just in -- Lions interested in Pacman Jones? --- and the hits keep coming for the Lions

It's a results-oriented business

I am not quite sure why I allow myself to get so upset over the Lions, when I have stated before on this blog that the problem lies with the owner and not the GM, but Millen did state that "It's a results-oriented business".

Take a quick look at the RESULTS that other general managers in the Detroit sports scene have put together.

1. Ken Holland-Detroit Red Wings - In his 11th year (10th season thanks NHLPA), Holland has amassed a winning percentage of .663. Throw in 2 Stanley Cups (1998, 2002), and I would say the old goalie knows something about results.
2. Joe Dumars-Detroit Pistons - In his 8th season playing chess with the Detroit roundballers, Joe D has put together a winning percentage of .631. With one championship under his belt, Dumars seems poised to change to address at The Palace of Auburn Hills to 6 Championship Drive. He can produce results.
3. Bill Laimbeer-Detroit Shock - In 5 seasons as the main man, the former grumpy Piston as been to the finals 3 times and has 2 championships. Throw in a .618 winning percentage, and you have results.
4. Dave Dombrowski-Detroit Tigers - Through 5 seasons with the GM hat (he was only President in 2002 - remember Randy Smith), the three time GM has accumalted a winning percentage of .456, not bad considering he had a winning percentage of .265 in his first year as GM. Throw in a trip to the World Series in 2006, his results are starting to show.

A pretty impressive resume for our hometown GMs, so one would conclude that the man who stated in a recent interview "It's a reults-oriented business" or "Things have been defined" was none other than Scott Pioli, the GM for the New England Patroits. As everyone could guess, it was not Pioli, but the Detroit Lions very own Matt Millen

The same Matt Millen who in 7 seasons charge has amassed a whopping winning percentage of .277 (just a hare better than the Tigers in 2003). So if that is results to Matt Millen, I would hate to see how he defines losing. Mr. Millen you have not produced results. You have not even show progress towards results. In fact the only thing that has been defined is, you are a failure as a GM. Please resign, and save whatever face you have remaining.

Enough football, until fall. (I hope)

Other Musings

1. Is anyone really surprised by what is happening down in Bloomington, Indiana? Hoosier fans have a right to be upset, but should be more upset with the administration of IU than with Sampson. When you make deals with the devil, when you play with matches, you usually get burned. Kelvin Sampson is a great basketball coach, but does not like to follow the rules that the NCAA has put forth.
2. The Pistons should start to worry about their nemisis on Lake Erie. The proposed trade bringing help to King James, will make them a very solid team.
3. Scott Boras is having a tuff few months. First A-Rod drops him, then Kenny Rogers, and now Sheffield has Boras in his sights again. I guess everyone gets their comeupance.
4. A generational divide when it comes to the DH. Click on the link. A very good blog. I just wish the NL would get over themselves already and move to the DH.

Trivia Question

What Detroit Tiger pitcher, has the best single-season hits allowed per 9IP ratio? Answer will come on Monday.

In 1998, Jeff Robinson had his best year in the major leagues posting a 13-6 record with a 2.98 ERA. In doing so, Jeff also has the Tiger single season record for hits allowed per 9IP - 6.33