Excuse me for being tardy to the party gabbers, but I just found this pic appropriate. My special lady has been in town, so I've been kinda tied up. Now I'm sure the Beeze and the rest of us here have had a through week of Bron/Cleveland bashing, but this is perfect. Bron definitely needs to apologize and above all, I think he needs to be taken down a bit down the feudal ladder.

Now, we all know that the King is the top. Generally kings had their own armies and any king worth his salt was able to control his army and lesser nobles and use them to achieve his goals, like win a championship (though to be fair it is hard to know if this was the intended goal or not). In some aspects, the nickname is appropriate. No one chooses to become the king. Lebron certainly didn't. The media coronated Lebron. He was brought up in that image. Not every king can live up to expectations, and that is certainly the case here.

The feudal hierarchy continues down the ladder like this: prince, grand duke, duke, margrave, count, viscount, baron, baronet, knight, and esquire. Now, Lebron isn't just any warrior, so we can rule out night. He doesn't yield too much power, so he isn't quite up to prince status. That might be too much pressure for Lebron anyway. If I had to designate things, I would dub him Baron James. The big idea here is that Lebron didn't chose his nickname. True, he didn't do much to disway the nickname, but he didn't pick it. He is cocky, yet he is good. If he can find the right place and learn from this series and toughen up, I think he might be able to rise back up through the ranks.

Meanwhile, as we've been thumbing our noses at Lebron's inflated ego, Chris Johnson and a number of other players in the NFL have been busy trying to puff themselves up. As the NFL off season slowly swings into gear, Johnson has been a no show to any events. Johnson, who has been impressive in his two years of service, is looking for more money. He is scheduled to earn $500,000 for the upcoming season, a laughable number for the game, but what can you say about the sample size? 

There are only two season of work to look at in Johnson's case. While he has shown improvement in each, he plays at a traditionally injury prone and short lived position. Many would also note that he plays a position that is in the process of change. Running backs are being utilized less in their traditional roles and asked to step up as blockers or short yardage receivers. Either way, many of the blue collar fans watching from home would root for Johnson to get a new contract, but would prefer to see him pay his dues first.

With rookie contracts reaching gross proportions and players seemingly becoming less and less relatable, fans would be more sympathetic to a player who was willing to show up for work. I won't say that Johnson hasn't been great. He has been amazing. Seeing an undrafted free agent out of East Carolina rise to super star status is the kind of story that any fan likes to hear. The story begins to sour, however, when that athlete forgets how he came to that status. Holding out is a bargaining chip, but it doesn't cash out with fans who scrap each week just to be able to afford to watch Johnson on tv, much less at the stadium.

That about wraps it up this Wednesday. Enjoy the upcoming weekend and thanks for the read.

A few years ago America went to the ballot boxes and asked for change. Well, this week we've at least had talk of it. Not from DC, however. Sure the Nats are more respectable and the entire make up of the Redskins has changed (though my opponent would probably say that is not change, it's more of the same), but of course everything else is the same: people point fingers while things get worse, market fluctuation, bicjkering between parties, yadda yadda yadda. This week we've heard about the possibilty of real change, in sports.

First off, lets talk about NCAA football. Are we getting playoffs? No. I seriously doubt we ever will as too much money is tied up in the current bowl system and no one, aside from fans, wants to give that up. The big talk is about changing the make up of the conferences, most notably the Big Ten looking to add members. A few weeks ago, Joe Pa stepped up and said he is in favor of expansion in the Big Ten. Now expansion fever has hit and unfortunately, it might've hit prematurely.

The first symptom is slip of the tongue. On monday it was announced that the Big Ten had sent the word to four schools (Missouri, Notre Dame, Rutgers, and Nebraska) that they would be offered membership in the Big Ten conference. The talking heads buzzed and the Gab lit into it. Fan82 stepped up and laid down his conearns and pleas for conferences to stop trying to take Texas from the Big 12. Arse Cynic weighed in and rose a lot of valid questions about whether or not the NCAA should step in and try to manage the expansion bids/talks before everything got out of hand. Great points by each man and anyone else I missed.

I saw word tonight that the Big Ten comissh, Mr. Jim Delany, has sent out an e-mail nixing the rumored solicitation to the four previously listed schools. The notion that the Big 10 is looking to expand, however, is still standing. The conference is looking to extend it's network into new and more lucrative markets and to be able to hold a league championship game every year.

In my opinion, I believe the Big Ten is over due for a championship game. Every year, the Big Ten wraps up around mid-November with a recent exception of a few December games. Meanwhile, the other power conferences cntinue to play into December with their championship games. Around the same time, the Big Ten has looked sorry in their bowls, though it seems more as if they are just rusty.

This season, Wisconsin finished it's season December 5. Most of the conference finsihed playing November 21. Wisconsin would go on to win the Cahmps Sports Bowl over Miami Fl. While this doesn't definitly prove that playing farther into the season will help the Big Ten, it does offer a glimpse of what might happen. A month rest just might be a bit much to ask of any team. The rest of the power conferences have taken steps to lessen the gap between the season and bowl season. Hopefuly, the Big Ten will continue to do so as well. Big Ten officials will be getting together May 17-19 in Chicago.

Next up, how about a change of venue for YouTube sensation turned UFC heavyweight Kimbo Slice? Most people can admit that watch Kimbo beat up on a guy in a back yard was fun, but it was clear that it would be different once he stepped into the octagon.

Dana White never bought the hype and made Slice earn his way into the UFC. After his last fight, it looks like White's skepticism was well founded. Slice got dominated by a more well-rounded fighter. Slice looks more like a street fighter out there. He doesn't have take downs and is shaky on the ground. Perhaps Slice can become the next Butterbean and go around kocking guys out in the boxing ring for fun. The UFC experiment looks like a wash out, though I'm sure a rival company will be quick to give Slice another chance in an effort to cash in on his hype.

Finally, the MLB, a foundation rooted in tradition, has announced changes for its all-star game. Perhaps working on a tip from Frag, the MLB has decided to address the discrepincy of the DH rule in the al-star game. The DH will be used in any stadium for the all-star game. That's not all, the MLB has also decided to add another roster spot and take steps to make sure that a player can re-enter in order to avoid another tie game.

There are those, however, who oppose change. My brother, IHM, is one of these people. He vehimately screams: "No you can't, Bud!" He wants to see pitchers try to hit or he must like ties a lot. If so, I advise him to watch more soccer. They love ties. In fact, I think the French came up with the whole tie concept to deal with their constant defeats in....well, everything.

I, however, welcome change. I don't welcome it with collector plates or portraits of Obama, but I am pleased to see baseball willing to be flexable as it tries to turn it's classic exhibition into a competition. There's a lot of good reasons for it.

1. Each team has equal footing with a DH. If Selig wants us to believe that "This one counts", then the same rules need to apply for each team no matter what park they're in. National leaguers would appear to have an edge since they're pitchers get more at bats and are more prepared when they appear in all-star games. Also, the NL can stock its starting line-up with more of it's powerhouse first basemen. Let's face it, no one wants to see pitchers hit if they can avoid it. It's like watching Hank Aaron XXIV on Futurama's Blernsball episode. The only problem is that fans aren't able to select whom the NL picks for their starting DH. Put it on the ballot, managers already get to pick the pitchers and their starters.
2. Having two extra players on the roster. Each year, fans and media heads alike debate over who was most wronged by being left off the all-star roster. Well, this is a small step toward fixing that. Not only will all the teams be represented, but the extra spot will reward deserving players who might have been left off in favor of an Astro or a Cub. This will also help make sure we don't see another game like '02s infamous tie. Which brings us to...
3. Each manager can designated one player to re-enter the game at any position if the final player should go down. Ok, it is unlikely. Most guys aren't in too much danger of getting hurt unless they are hot dogging or Pete Rose shows back up and decides to run down some catchers. Anything goes as long as it keeps the game from ending in a tie.
4. Pitchers who start the final game before the all-star game are ineligable and will be replaced. This one has got to be awesome for owners, managers, and fantasy players all over. While many here at the Gab have bemoaned the coddling of pitchers in today's MLB, this rule makes sense. Even if it's been an ace pitching the game before, it's been a bit of an unwritten rule for the all-star manager to try not to use that pitcher in the game. They don't want to wear him out. This way, the manager can avoid offending his fellow managers, the player can still be recognized, and another deserving pitcher gets the chance to compete.

See? Change can be good, Gabbers. Here's hoping that any changes in store for you this week are good and if things are going good, well here's hoping to more of the same. Thanks for taking the time to check us out here at the Gab. Be sure to check out my bro IHM as he bemoans change and points out the further follies of Bud Selig.

"I think I owe thanks to the people who have listened to me over the years, who tuned in on the radio. They have given me a warmth and loyalty that I've never been able to repay. The way they have reached out to me has certainly been the highlight of my life."

Ernie Harwell

Jan. 25, 1918- May 4, 2010

This evening, a stillness feel upon the city of Detroit. In the midst of a heated Red Wing-Sharks game 3 and the second game of the Tigers v. Twins, fans were told that Ernie Harwell had passed. The Wings were forgotten and the Tigers might've well been playing on the moon. All minds turned to a simpler time. Millions were transported back to a warm summer's evening sitting in their backyard or perhaps their homes and listening to the quiet, soothing voice of Harwell delivering play by play. We were all captivated again by a story we heard Hawell tell us on one of those nights. Everyone was a kid again for a little while.

Harwell's greatest strengths were attributes many would consider a weakness anymore: an immovable smile and a strom proof attitude. He made everyone feel welcome, whether they were at the stadium or tuning in at home. Harwell was summer here in Michigan and in every other community that was lucky enough to have him. Harwell was such a Michigan institution that he even turned the state against UofM's legenary coach Bo Schembechler after he decided to fire Ernie during the 1991 season.

Harwell was also a consumite professional, missing only 2 games in his 40 plus year career. One of the games he missed was to attend his own Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He was also a pillar of the community and contributed to a variety of charities including his own Harwell Foundation to help send local children to college.

We'll miss ya, Ernie. A great baseball man, and an even better man.

On to lighter Tigers news, Michigan's newly passed smoking ban has ruffled a lot of smokers feathers, but possibly none more than Jim Leyland. The ban prevents anyone from smoking in a public place and that includes the dug outs at Comerica Park. Leyland, however, has handled the situation with a sense of humor that no doubt made Harwell proud.

On Friday, April 30th, Leyland was a speaker at the Detroit Economic Club's luncheon at Cobo. Leyland calmly approached the microphone and promptly stuck a cigarette in his mouth.

“There will be a hell of a party in the locker room after the game,” Leyland said. “At 11:59, I'll say good-bye to my Marlboros.”

Leyland was also blessed during the invocation, as the pastor asked God to bless Leyland with patience the next day, especially after the ban was passed.

Now that the excitement of the draft has died down, teams are settling in to host their rookie mini camps. The Lions camp featured a rookie who was drafted two years ago. In the 2008 draft, the Detroit Lions took Caleb Campbell, a safety out of West Point, amid a capacity crowd chanting "USA! USA!" Campbell figured he was now free and clear from the army, that he would transfer to the reserves and begin his dream of playing in the NFL.

The army had other ideas.

On the eve of his first rookie training camp, Campbell was informed that the rules had changed and he would have to go on acitive duty for 2 years before he could transfer to the reserves. Campbell, who many thought would be kept from service by becoming a draft pick, was going to have to wait to play in the NFL.

The army allowed Campbell to continue training for football. Last week, Campbell entered camp a little bigger, but in good shape. He bulked up during his army training and will be converted to linebacker. He had his first drill against Jahvid Best and is looking forward to the challenge.

Finally, on a non-Detroit note, the recent boxing talk here on the Gab has got me wondering how the sport has fallen so far. I have outlined reasons before: it's pricy, not accessable to everyone, and fallen behind the times. Recently, however, I thought of one more big reason. The characters are gone.

In boxing's golden years, everyone knew their favorites. Rocky Marciano, Joe Lewis, and Jack Johnson were big names and world renowned. When Ali made the scene, boxers made the leap from big names to full blown celebrities. Ali had great charism and was just as entertaining out of the ring as he was in it.

The 90's bought the most notorious of all boxing characters to the fore front. Don King and his ludicrus hair broke onto the boxing scene along side his devastating client Mike Tyson. Tyson became an industry onto himself creating the pay-per-view as we know it and inspiring the classic Nintendo game Mike Tyson's punch out. King was there for it all, stirring the pot and making money while Tyson started to spiral out of control. Even while Tyson was going down in flames, America couldn't take its eyes off him. He was a national icon and, perhaps more appealing, a falling idol.

Which brings us to the present. After everything the big names have built up, how do we see boxers now? We can't get a fight set up with out a team of lawyers, economists, and an enterouage of thugs and nobodys backing them. They're spoiled, whiners, and above all they are not charasmatic. Perhaps the best thing boxing can do is scrap the Paquio-Mayweather fight and get back to building stars that we can identify with or, at the very least, stars that can hold our attention for more than one crummy night.

That's it for this week, gabbers. Tune in next week for the return of Sibling Rivalry. Thanks for the read and feel free to leave anything thats on your mind below.

Hey gabbers. This week my bro IHM and I are starting a new segment I'd like to call Sibling Rivalry. Each week in our blogs we will attempt to debate big sports issues, rank and list players and teams, and just generally get on each other about different things. This week in our first ever posting, IHM and I will rank our top 10 undrafted free agents. Now, some of these guys are better served as free agents while others could have easily been picked, but for whatever reason they weren't. These are my 10 undrafted free agents that I think can provide some real value for any teams willing to throw a little cash their way.

Average Fan Detroit's Top 10 Undrafted Free Agents

1) Jevan Snead Jr., QB, Ole Miss (signed by Tampa Bay)

Career stats: 5,765 yards/ 48 TD/ 35 INT/ average completion percentage 54.6%

Snead had his best year in 2008 and was launched onto the national radar. Unfortunately for Snead, he was also put on the radar of his opponents. Snead suffered his worst game at the hands of Alabama's vaunted defense. He earned a meager 43.41 QB rating. Snead had a forgettable 2009 and staying put for a senior year might have been a smarter career move. Still, he has decent career numbers and a good arm and could be molded into a good NFL QB or at least a quality back-up. For Tampa Bay he can at least serve as a motivating force for young Q Josh Freeman.

2) Seyi Ajirotutu Sr., WR, Fresno State (signed by San Diego)

Career Stats: 129 receptions/ 1,997 yds/ 12 TD

A lot of talking heads are big on this kid and I can see their points. He has improved a little each season, snagging 7 TDs his senior year vs. 5 his junior year though his yards total suffered some. Ajirotutu's last game was forgetable, however, as he only caught 1 ball for 6 yards. Still, he has speed and could be a weapon in development for the Chargers who always seem to be looking for WR help.

3) Max Hall Sr., QB, BYU (signed by Arizona)

Career Stats: 11,365 yards/ 94 TD/ averaged 14 INT per season

Hall was a three year starter for a dangerous BYU team that frequently found it's way into the top 25 rankings during his reign. Maybe the biggest knock against the kid is playing for a mid-major team. I will admit I give snead the nod over Hall due to the level of competition. Hall was nothing short of impressive, mid-major or not. Hall and BYU made it to the MAACO Bowl in Vegas this year where Hall had a good showing for NFL teams throwing 3 TDs and earning a 150.09 QB rating vs. the giant killing Oregon State Beavers. Hall could be a good insurance policy for the generally inconsistant Matt Leinert.

4) Blair White Sr., WR, Michigan State (signed by Indianapolis)

Career Stats: 116 receptions/ 1,674 yds/ 10 TD

White earned most of his stats this season for the Spartans, but spent most of his career being the bane of the Wolverines. White is a good sit down, possession receiver, but can also hit a home run or two. Many analysts had him being drafted, including USA Today who slotted him in the 4-5 round. White is another good free agent wide out pick up for the Colts and could become a good pressure relief valve for Manning. White's only concearn is the abundance of WR talent around him in Indy.

5) Freddie Barnes Sr., WR, Bowling Green (signed by Chicago)

Career Stats: 292 receptions/ 3,299 yds/ 30 TD

Barnes looks to be a strong receiver and boosts the best numbers of any receiver on my list. On the other hand, Barnes played in the MAC, so he has the mid-major bias working against him. Receivers like Price of Ohio within his conference overshadowed him a little, but he remains a legitamate deep threat. Barnes is also short for his position and is listed at only 6 foot tall. Barnes had a great showing in the Humanitarian Bowl against Idaho. In one of the closer bowls of the season, Barnes had 17 catches for 219 yards and 3 TDs including a 51 yard TD that gave Bowling Green the lead with 32 seconds left. Of course, Idoaho would score a TD with seconds remaining to earn a one point victory. Barnes could be a great deep threat target for rocket armed Jay Cutler and pass happy Mike Martz.

6) Andre Dixon Sr., RB, UCONN  (trying out for the New York Giants)

Career Stats: 1,958 yards in 415 carries/ 17 TD

Dixon didn't have many carries until his senior year, mainly because he was sitting behind Donald Brown who was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colts last year. Still, Dixon had an impressive showing in his one season of carrying the load for the Huskies. The Giants could have a big steal on their hands and another skilled back in their rotation if he makes the squad. If he doesn't, Dixon could easily land a spot with another team.

7) Jeff Byers Sr., OG/C, USC (signed by Seattle)

USC team stats: 2,890 passing yds/ 2,168 rushing yds? 18 sacks allowed

Byers is a three year starter at left guard for the Trojans and a big part of their offensive success. A hip injury caused Byers to miss the 05-06 seasons, though he was able to battle back and earn a starting position. Pete Carrol knows how to use Byers and this could prove to be a good pick up for the Seahawks who already had a great draft.

8) LeGarrette Blount Sr., RB, Oregon (signed by Tennessee)

Career Stats: 1,084 yards in 159 carries/ 19 TD

Blount was working on a good career when the sucker punch heard round the world shortened his senior year to a mere 3 games. Character issues haunted him and he was, unsurprisingly, left off many draft boards. He is certainly a gamble and Jeff Fisher hopes he can tame Blount's temper and harness it into effective running. The move is even more surprising when you see that the Titans have a stud in Chris Johnson and a solid backup in Javon Ringer.

9) Dane Fletcher Sr., DE/OLB, Montana State  (signed by New England)

Career stats not found

Fletcher was a phenominal college player and goes down as one of the Big Sky conferences all time sack leaders. Being signed by the Pats is certainly a plus for the young man and he could see some playing time down the road. Most likely, he'll be a special teamer this season if he sticks.

10) Chris Hall Sr., C, Texas (Currently unsigned)

Texas stats: 2,066 rushing yds/ 3,831 pass yds/ 32 sacks

Hall is a big man listed at 6-4, 295 pounds. He was the center for Colt McCoy and was involved in the play where MCCoy was sandwhiched in between him and the defender and had to leave the game. Hall was a three year starter, but suffered a knee injury his junior year. He was a preseason possibility for the Outland trophy (top interior OL) and the Rimington trophy (top center). Hall could be a great value pick-up and I am a little surprised he has not drawn any interest.

Ok, so they're mainly offensive guys, but what do you want? I am a former o-lineman here. Used to go up against IHM when I was freshman as a DE though. HA HA. How fun was that, bro?

I gotta revisit a point Frag brought up. Why so many empty seats? My take: too many expensive seats. In Detroit, there are a few cheap sections. A bleacher seat will cost ya $8. the skyline section is $5. They're both good spots at COPA, but the point remains that these are pretty small sections. I think if baseball wants to re-right wrongs, draw back families, whatever, they need to open up more seats for lower prices.

Well, thats it for my first blog on the Daily Blog 2.0. I'd like to thanks all the folks here for the oppurtunity. Hope everyone enjoys and thanks for any comments.

Ok, it happened. Let's not act surprised. Roethlisberger has been suspended for 6 games, but the penalty can be reduced to 4 with good behavior and cooperation. With all we've seen and heard, it comes as ho-hum news. TO and everyone else can relax with their implied charges of preferential treatment for white players/qbs. Now we can consider the new conspiracy: does the lack of nationally televised games during the frist 6 weeks and inclusion of the bye week during the first 6 games mean that the NFL knew this was coming? Did they do this to intentionally shield the Steelers? I would say, of course they knew it was coming. As for protection, it's a bit of a moot point. Everyone is already talking about the Steelers. The fact that they have yet to seriously discuss trading Roethlisberger (though they seem to be shopping him now and got some insurance by picking up Leftwich recently) for embarrassing the organization has been raised. Several times by several people. The talk is already out there and it's not going anywhere. The Steelers are a professional and intelligent program, they can handle this without "protection" from the shield.

Speaking of which, as another draft draws near, we are about to be reminded of another huge problem in the league: the lack of a rookie salary cap. Last season, the Lions paid Mathew Stafford a guaranteed $41.7 million. In comparison, double of what Eli Manning made his rookie season just 5 years prior. the contract even toppled albert Haynesworth's $41 million guaranteed, which stood as the record briefly before Stafford's pay day. That is a lot of cash for someone who has never played a down in the NFL. This fact is not lost on the current vets. Kevin Mawae has been vocal in calling for a rookie cap as president of the NFLPA. The issue is one of several that will be on  the table when owners and players come to the table next summer. I do believe, however, that anyone with any sense believes that talent that has shown it can perform should be paid more than unpoven kids. Almost every other industry has starting salaries and provide gradual wage increases based on longevity and performance. Now we all await the draft Thursday and the biggest question might not be where will Tim Tebow go, but how much will Sam Bradford get?

Gerhardt had complaints about discrimination of white RBs, but how about discrimination of smart players? Florida State safety Myron Rolle comes into this Thursday's draft after taking a year off to pursue studies as a Rhode's scholar. Teams seem hesitant to pick Rolle as they worry about whether he will stick to football as a priority or if he will go back to his studies. This seems like a poor reason to avoid a player. In this age of player misconduct, at least you know he probably won't be out there pulling stupid stunts. Rolle had pretty good numbers and made sure to work out for owners and coaches. I know he probably won't go in the first few rounds, but intelligence shouldn't prevent this kid from a shot in the league. Everyone can pass on him, I'd like to see him come to Detroit. He would be a good role model in a city starved for them and pretty reminiscent of our choosing the kid out of Army to prevent his deployment (though he is no longer on the team).

On a lighter note, Drew Brees is in the running for the cover of Madden 11. He seems eager to earn the honor, despite the ominous curse associated with it. Personally, I believe in curses. Many fans do. Curses and our rituals are a special part of sports. If I were in Brees' shoes, I'd think twice before asking for that hoo doo.

Couldn't find a URL, but check this out:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O6rxb9XO1Y

Here's on for Fan82 and the rest of the gabbers: Who is your favorite for NBA MVP? Who do you not want to see win it and if they do will drive you into a blind rage?

Of course, the usual suspects (Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and Steve Nash) are up for it, but this year features a lot of different options. Kevin Durant is a popular new pick and deserves some credit for taking a young team on his back and pulling it through a talented, tough, and crowded Western Conference to the playoffs. Dirk is a factor, as is Manu Ginobli who really was the driving force behind the Spurs especially in the last few weeks. Dwight Howard has laready won the defensive player of the year, can he ever win MVP as a defensive star?

I think the award is going to Lebron though. I don' know if he was the best this year, though he certainly was great. I just think the league wants to see it and that has a habit of making awards appear to guys like Bron. I'd love to see Durnat win it, myself. No one thought he'd establish himself as the 3rd superstar of the league this season. Plus he pulled his team into the playoffs in the most stacked division there is. Definately deserving, seems like a humble guy, and a good sign of things to come.

In media news, I am officially assed out by Sportsnation. I don't know if anyone answers the poll questions, but I frequently skip most of them. Here's some examples from today. More exciting: Fordham baseball play or Sex in the City sequel? Ok, I haven't seen the Fordham play, but as a straight male, I'm picking it anyway. Better in LA: Lakers or the Hills? Why no neither option? More upset: David Ortiz over his slow start or Kate Gossling? Why do you bring Kate up on a sports show? At least there was no who has the better body question today....

Also, good TV pick from last night: Spike TV's Deadliest Warrior. I flipped between this and the Wings game last night. Amazing show. Any fans of ancient weaponry will love it. They test each warriors best weapons out and simulate 1000 battles between the two to pick a winner. Last night, the Spartans faced off against Samuri. Cool, cool stuff. It'd be interesting to see a show like this about sports. How bout a Cobb vs. Nolan Ryan match-up? Jordan v. Lebron? It's all hypothetical, of course, but it's interesting none the less.

That's all for me this week. Hope everyone enjoys the upcoming weekend and may all your draft picks at least make some sort of sense. As always, thanks for the read and any comments.