Author: brian wallace

Detroit sports fan for life!!
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The Detroit Lions are trying to fix they’re takeaways

Embed from Getty Images Last season the Detroit Lions finished second in takeaways. One small problem. The Detroit Lions were second to last in the all important category. During the team first OTA’s and first mini-camp the Lions defense got back to basics. To fundamentally improve in the area of taking the ball away from offenses.

Detroit defensive coaches are putting the unit through new drills. More difficult drills in order to get them to change they’re thinking. A turnover is every bit as important as a tackle or quarterback sack.

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, is looking to bolster the defenses confidence. The long-time coordinator understands that from season to season confidence does not carry over. New things come up. New offensive systems are always out there. So to combat that, Pasqualoni is starting all over again.

The odd thing about last season is Detroit had a top 5 defense even with the lack of forced turnovers. So, if the Lions can take the ball away more then the team will be looking to climb the defensive rankings even higher.

There is no secret formula to taking the ball away. The team just needs better awareness. There are times Detroit defensive backs simply did not turn in time to see the ball. That could be in part due to the fact that head coach Matt Patricia had switched the defense to his system and players were still trying to grasp it.

If the Detroit Lions defensive players can figure out what hampered the team last season, more wins will come. The Lions offense is reloaded for the 2019 season and figures to be in better position with a ball controlled offense. If the defense continues to struggle to take the ball away then the results could very well mirror last season.

So to review. The Detroit Lions defense needs to force more turnovers. This will give the defense a longer rest and it will give the Lions offense a chance to put points on the board. The Lions simply must improve in this area for the betterment of the team.

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Michigan Wolverines baseball one win from College World Series

Embed from Getty Images The Michigan Wolverines baseball drew a tough card, the top ranked UCLA Bruins. Friday night, Michigan pitcher Karl Kauffmann, dominated the nations best offensive team. Bringing the Wolverines to one game away to the College World Series.

Karl Kaufmann was masterful for the Michigan baseball team last night. Kauffmann, allowed just one hit, one walk and eight strikeouts through eight innings of work.

the 13th nationally ranked Wolverines are one win away from the schools first trip to the College World Series in 35 years. Michigan head baseball coach Erik Bakich has resurrected the Michigan Wolverines baseball program since taking over in 2013.

Michigan was the preseason pick to win the Big Ten and they did just that. The Michigan baseball team has solid depth which is needed in any sport and in any season. The players on the bench have jumped in when heeded and helped the team out.

The best news for the baseball Wolverines is that this program looks like it is ready for the national stage year in and year out. Lots of good pitching and a solid core of position players not to mention top ranked recruiting classes have pushed Michigan to the top of the Big Ten.

The Wolverines, are now close to being a baseball national power again. Something the school said they were looking to accomplish when they hired Bakich. The coach has not disappointed in delivering the dormant baseball program out of the dark.

Michigan will certainly take this season and whatever happens in the College World Series and use it as a building block to an even better tomorrow. Until then they will enjoy the ride this season has taken them on.

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#MakeSolo2Happen gets backing from a Star Wars actor

Embed from Getty Images  Solo: A Star Wars Story hit theaters last summer. It grossed $400 million. Yet it was deemed a failure at the box office. Many hard core Star Wars fans point the finger at “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” for souring public opinion. Many fans missed a great film in theaters.

Star Wars fans set a  trend on Twitter, #MakeSolo2Happen. This is from fans who loved the spinoff film to show their support. The movement blew Twitter up. It gave fans a voice.

Solo director Ron Howard even joined in the Twitter fray, by agreeing with fans. Now one of the films stars Joonas Suotamo, who is now in the Chewbacca costume,  has made it clear on Twitter that he’s up for any potential sequel. Has made his feeling well known:

 

Needless to say fans are happy to have a Star Wars actor who is backing there pleas with Disney/ Lucasfilm. It feels like there is unity with fans and actors and director to make a sequel to a very good, very underrated Star Wars film.

After December’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” the franchise will not see another film until 2022, which as of this moment appears to be “Star Wars: The Old Republic.” The hope is that Disney/ Lucasfilm will at the very least listen to the fans the way Marvel does.

Marvel listens to the fans and releases movies based on fan suggestions. Something Star Wars should take a cue from. Even if it is down the road a bit. A second Solo story should be made. There are many ways to approach the film. It has some solid possibilities.

Time will tell. But the campaign started on Twitter did make noise. Now fans will wait and see just how loud it was.

 

 

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Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera moving to DH on the heals of “chronic changes” to his knee

Embed from Getty Images It was bound to happen sooner or later, right? Miguel Cabrera held off moving from first base to DH as long as he could.It seems time and the daily grind of playing everyday has caught up with the future Hall of Fame player.

The Detroit Tigers made the announcement last night before the Tigers took on the Tampa Bay Rays. Fans and media wondered how Cabrera would respond. Cabrera said he would not have surgery which would have ended his season yet again. “I’m done with surgery.” Cabrera said.

Fans and media got a first hand look at how Miguel would respond. Miggy went 3 for 4 on Tuesday with five RBI hitting as DH in the cleanup spot, one of his hits was a grand slam. By having  Cabrera in the DH spot on a regular basis will do good for him and the entire Detroit Tigers lineup.

This is good new for player and team. It gives hope that Cabrera will be able to fulfill the last few years of his contract, while still hitting at an elite level and helping the young Detroit prospects as they arrive from the minor leagues.

When a baseball player has a bad knee it is hard to get  drive when they hit. That means a lack of drive negates power.  “It’s sad,” he said. “Really sad. The last few days I was thinking about that. I mean, it’s sad because I like to be in the field ” Miguel Cabrera offered.

Miguel also said “But I’ve been battling this for the last three years. It’s something I’ve got to do.” Doctors told Cabrera that his knee has been deteriorating steadily the last five years.

From 2004 to 2106, Cabrera averaged 154 games a year. He played despite having a torn groin and broken foot in 2013 and 2014. The Detroit Tigers star also noted  that he played through an assortment of other minor injuries.

He offered advice to Detroit Tigers prospects from the lessons he has learned, “The only advice I can say to young kids, take care of your body and stay healthy,” he said. “When you have something, stop playing for a week and come back. Don’t play through pain, because you are going to pay the price later.”

Cabrera can still hit. Now perhaps he will have more drive in his swing with more time off his feet.

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The Detroit Tigers select Nick Quintana in the second round of the 2019 MLB draft

Embed from Getty Images After selecting a High School player in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, The Detroit Tigers dipped back into the college ranks for they’re second round selection. Third baseman Nick Quintana, from the University of Arizona.

This was a very interesting pick for Al Avila and his scouting department. The pick was mixed for good reason. Nick Quintana can hit. 34 home runs in three seasons with the Wildcats, 17 doubles in each of those seasons while batting .346, forced his name up the draft board. That’s the good.

The bad, that’s easy. Nick Quintana struck out 20% of the time. That is too high for an advanced college bat. Also questions abound about Quintana’s ability to hit consistently with a wooden bat. in two seasons in the Cape Cod league Nick hit .230 and struck out 38% of the time in 69 games.

Nick Quintana, moved from shortstop to third base in college. He bulked up and moved to third base where his athleticism took off. with his glove and arm, Quintana grades as a 60 defender.

Detroit feels Quintana will hit. He will not hit .300 but .270-.280. He has pop in his bat and can drive in runs. He should fill out to be an above average player.

If he hits, Nick Quintana will be a middle of the batting order player. If not, Detroit will need to continue to look for third base help.

 

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The Detroit Tigers select Riley Greene in the first round of the 2019 MLB draft

Embed from Getty Images In a minor league pipeline with the top rated pitching, the Detroit Tigers needed to add bats in this years MLB draft. Because this is the worst draft in 27 years for pitching the Tigers scouts got to work. They drafted Riley Greene, out of Hagerty (Florida) High School.

While drafting any player in any sport is a bit of a crap-shoot. There is high risk, high reward to picking players who are just fresh from completing High School. Yet, that is what the Detroit Tigers did last night.

Riley Greene, is a left-handed hitter. He has perhaps the most beautiful swing that I have seen from a lefty in a long time. Greene does not reach for pitches he has a firm grasp of the strike zone. Another great attribute Riley Green has, is he does not pull his head off the ball when swinging.

Detroit scouts believe Greene will fill out to 6′ 3″. Detroit has a long history of liking big (6′ 3″ and above) outfielders. Riley Greene is both athletic and versatile enough to be able to handle all three outfield positions. He grades as a 50 tools in the field. That is a fancy grade for Greene is above average in the field.

No we get to the hitting. Riley Greene was the best prep hitter in this years draft. But in the big picture. Greene was one of the top 4 hitters in the entire draft. Right now Riley grades at 60 contact and 60 power. Every baseball scout said when Greene is fully developed he will be 70 tools in both offensive categories. That is the max.

The one drawback is his lack of speed. Greene will not steal a lot of bases. With his bat it will not matter. He will hit above .300 and have 20+ homeruns.

The fact he was still on the board when Detroit picked made Tigers general manager Al Avila’s decision easy. The Detroit Tigers got the big bat that will balance their batting lineup post rebuild.

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Star Wars: RUMOR the Knights of Ren will use a new lightsaber

Embed from Getty Images Since the Knights of Ren were first seen in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the masked warriors have been shroud in mystery. In The Force Awakens flashback scene the Knights appear to have some sort of arm-mounted blasters.

During the rather quick flashback there is another  masked knight with a flanged war club, and a  longer range rifle. Yet, there is a lighter colored Knight who looks similar to Kylo Ren who’s weapon is in question. This becomes somewhat interesting.

The official official “Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens” offers a closer look at the Knight. In the “Star Wars; The Last Jedi,” novel Luke Skywalker tells Rey Ben Solo escaped with  the Knights of Ren, What appears to be clear is the Knight in question has a lightsaber handle that resembles that of Darth Vader.

Star Wars fans know that the  kyber crystal helps make the blade of the saber. They also know that Jedi students need to be instructed and guided by a master so that  they can successfully create one, which explains the poor design of Kylo Ren’s lightsaber.

In The Rise of Skywalker teaser trailer there is a Knight of Ren in the backround with a lightsaber on. It is quick. It also looks to be a new saber all together. Could be something, could be nothing. Things like this usually have a deeper meaning.

Yet thinking about the fact that Ren wants Rey’s lightsaber (as it blonged to his grandfather. It could be that Kylo is willing to settle on the better constructed lightsaber by the Knight as it looks like there is a major fight taking place. So he attacks him to take it. In Order to either escape or gain some ground.

The bottom line is there will be a new lightsaber in the final Skywalker film.

 

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Detroit Lions checking in on OTA’s

Embed from Getty Images Organized Team Activities or OTA’s are underway for many NFL teams. It is two weeks of light practices and time for newly drafted players and free agents signed in the offseason to start to put in the work to build chemistry with the rest of the team.

How are new players and veterans measuring up at the Detroit Lions OTA’s? Let’s take a look. Rookie linebacker  Jahlani Tavai, looks taller than his draft sheet suggested. He is also fast. In one drill Tavai lined up wide to the right against veteran tight end Jesse James in a passing drill. Tavai also moved well covering that play.

Linebacker , Jarrad Davis  jumped offside and had to run as a result of the mental laps. Davis is a Detroit Lions player to watch as many expect him to take a big step forward this season.

Last years first round draft pick Frank Ragnow has moved from guard to center. While Graham Glasgow, last seasons center moved back to right guard. The offensive line has look very good in the early stages of offseason workouts.

Jamal Agnew, Tom Kennedy, Brandon Powell all potential returners have shared snaps in returning kicks. All three have performed well. That is a battle that should go deep into fall training camp.

For two weeks of light workouts. The Detroit Lions seem to have a better grasp of head coach Matt Patrica’s system. The offense is learning a new systems and has gotten into the swing of things. While last season top 10 defense looks even sharper.

There will be many camp battles this fall as the Lions have good depth and need to figure the depth chart out. This will be interesting to track as the summer moves along and training camp opens in two months.

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Juwan Howard has a message for Michigan Wolverine fans

Embed from Getty Images Today is a big day for Michigan as the Wolverines introduce new head coach Juwan Howard of the men’s basketball program. It is a reunion with the former Fab Five member that has sent a surge of energy through both the fans and University of Michigan. Juwan Howard, sent a message through social media.

Howard expressed his own excitement as he said his dream has come true. Juwan Howard is now looking for an assistant coache as one of John Beilein former assistants have left the Michigan basketball team. Howard is said to be zeroing in on veteran college coach Phil Martelli.

That may prove to be a good choice for the first time head coach at a large University. Martelli had been the head coach at Saint Joseph’s since Juwan Howard’s rookie year with the Washington Bullets. St. Joseph’s parted ways with Martelli at the end of last season.

But this day, this day is all about Juwan Howard coming home to the school he loves. He will be flanked by his former Fab Five teammates at the press conference. Many current Michigan players are also at the presser, and some Michigan basketball legends. Terry Mills, Loy Vaught and others, including Michigan Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh.

When Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that he was standing before the media, alumni and fan base with “My choice for basketball coach.” Juwan Howard teared up.

Manuel went on to say when he interviewed Juwan Howard in Miami, it was perfect day and he made sure to sit Howard with his back to the beach to a bunch of laughter.

When it came time for the Michigan basketball legend and new head basketball coach to speak he was still emotional, “Wow. Tears of joy,  I’m back.” He started off, to cheers from the Michigan faithful.

Juwan Howard says being named coach at Michigan is the second-biggest accomplishment in his life.

No. 1? Getting his degree from Michigan in 1997.

 

 

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The Detroit Pistons may have hit the jackpot with Bruce Brown

After the Detroit Pistons were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said “We’re going to have to grow from within. We have a lot of talent with our young guys, but they have some areas they can get much better.”

Enter Bruce Brown who Detroit drafted during last June’s NBA draft. Brown did not look like he would make that big an impact. In fact the Pistons rookie thought he would be in street clothes watching from the press box a lot. Instead, Bruce Brown found himself starting 56 games and played more minutes than all second-round picks other than the Dallas Mavericks Jalen Brunson, the 33rd draft pick.

His physical strength helped Brown become a defensive weapon for the Detroit Pistons. Not a single player put up better numbers in strength testing at the 2018 NBA draft combine than Bruce Brown.

This offseason the Pistons are asking Bruce to primarily focus on improving his 3 point shooting,  Brown shot just .258 from the 3 point arc and was a reluctant shooter, averaging only 7.8 shots per 36 minutes and just 2.3 from the 3 point line per 36,  but Brown also must use his God given physical strength and be a  better finisher at the rim.

Dwane Casey likes Brown’s explosive first step and his strength which should allow him to finish strong. He just needs to trust his step more. Detroit wants to find a point guard this offseason. In the draft or free agency. However, I suggest what Dwane Casey has said. Bruce Brown can be that point guard the team is desperate for.

In short, Bruce Brown already has the tough part down. He is above average to very good on defense. The Pistons need him to switch gears a bit and focus on offense. Brown, can do it. It will take some time.

Brown already makes good decisions with the ball. Because he is so good on defense he has already guarded many different players at different heights. Because of his aforementioned physical skill level and he has a toughness that can not be coached. Detroit could go short term on a point guard on the free agent market and give Brown a chance to grow into the position.

I look to Bruce Brown to take another step next season.