It looks like the pitching woes of the Tigers will continue to nag them game after game. Nate Robertson has performed pretty much as expected and the offense has been pretty bad. Nobody is arguing that fact at all. The Tigers were shut out only three times last year. We are a month in to the season and we have been shut out 5 times. Pretty rough.

In baseball, many times your good times are highlighted by good pitching. Think of the Tigers in 2006. It really is the heart of the team morale. I tended to think that our new offense could just score 8 runs a game and beat anyone out there, even after giving up 5 or 6. I even remember telling people that at the start of the season. Well, that is not the case. When your offense sits on the bench while the other team racks up runs and slaps home plate a few times it makes them press and take at-bats in a different way.  It just sets things in motion that nobody can stop. A snowball of pooh.

That being said lets take a quick look at some of the teams who are hot right now and examine their makeup.

How about the red hot Arizona Diamondbacks. Wow, This team has a great combination of hot young pitching and an offense that must have forgot that it shouldn’t be putting up the best slugging percentage in the NL. But the main thing you’ll see when reviewing the numbers is that Arizona pitching has been lights out. I can say this with great conviction because as they say “in baseball the numbers don’t lie.” The D-backs are 1st in ERA, 1st in BAA, 1st in OPS, and 1st in WHIP. What more needs to be said.

The D-backs!? Yes the D-Backs. We already know that Brandon Webb wields the nastiest stuff in the NL but he has some good number 2,3, and 4 guys behind him too. Micah Owings ERA is not the lowest out there but he has been pretty efficient in his outings and has a 4-1 record to show for it. I put him in my lineup and I am fickle with pitchers. His 30 SO and 1.20 WHIP was a great addition for a waiver pull. Did I forget to mention Dan Haren? Well he is 4-1 too with a 3.12 ERA and a .99 WHIP. Are we starting to see a trend here? Randy Johnson has the wort record on the team at 1-1 and he makes the most money. Hmmmm shocking. I think that might be another trend. The Diamondbacks have a number of great starters and their offense is going out behind them and playing loose and fun. That is how you pile up wins.

Next we will take a quick look at the AL counterpart of the D-backs. The Oakland Athletics. There is something very similar in these teams and something very dissimilar to the Tigers. You have probably never heard of half the guys on their pitching staff. Greg Smith just came up from AAA and is 2-1 with a 2.54 ERA and already has a complete game under his belt.  Justin Duchsherer has only started 4 games for Oakland and is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Dana Eveland, who is sitting in Rich Harden’s spot is even producing with 30 k’s in 7 games. This collection of “cinderella stories out of no where” are dragging the A’s sagging offense up a couple notches. The Athletics, just like the D-Backs are sitting on some great pitching stats and pretty mediocre offensive stats. The A’s are 1st in the AL in pitching stats for ERA, BAA, OPS, and WHIP.

So it is pretty clear that a good pitching staff or even a mediocre pitching staff that plays above their means can go a long way in bringing up a soft offense. These two teams are solid proof. Their offense has no need to press or feel like their individual at bat is the make or break difference in the game. On the flip side, the Tigers are not comfortable at the plate and their bullpen blew a 6-0 lead against the struggling Twins a couple days ago. That type of loss is not only frustrating for Jim Leyland but tough on an offense that puts up a good amount of runs only to watch it frittered away with bad pitching from a troubled bullpen that is spiraling into oblivion.

I just wanted to say for the record I really didn’t like the trade we made for Renteria because it gave up one great OF prospect in Gorky Hernandez but mostly because it moved Jair Jurrgens to Atlanta and not in our lineup where he belongs. Secondly, we already had a good shortstop in Carlos Guillen and now we know he makes an awful 1st baseman it looks like a blown deal anyway. For the record Jurrgens is 4-2 with a 2.84 ERA and 36k in 7 games. We could really use him right now but hind sight being 20-20.

Posted By Matt

I’m not one to pat my own back, but if the Tigers win tonight (Friday) at Minnesota, my prediction from a few weeks back will come true.

When the Tigers were struggling, back when they had just 3-4 wins, I predicted that they’d go on a run and even their record at 15-15.

A week ago, I didn’t think that prediction would play out, but a sweep at New York made it a possibility, and if Armondo Gallaraga can keep things going against the Twins, it’ll be back to .500 for the Tigers.

That’s a great stretch for the Tigers, who looked to be in serious trouble a few weeks back.

I attribute their turn-around to two factors: The return of Curtis Granderson and the (gasp!) solid pitching by the bullpen. I know how crazy it sounds, but now that Jason Grilli is gone (thank you, Mr. Dombrowski), the bullpen is actually looking pretty good. If newcomer Cruceta can live up to expectations, we’ll hopefully see the team cut way down on the number of horrendous outings by the bullpen.

So how about my prediction that the Tigers will face the Braves in the World Series? Well, they’ve both got some work to do, and with John Smoltz out for a while in Atlanta, I might not get both sides of that pick correct. That’s OK, as long as the Tigers make it to the Fall Classic, I’ll be happy.

By Nate Thompson

For years, Matt Millen’s draft strategy has been pedal to the metal — trade up, trade up, trade up. If that didn’t work, the Lions’ draft guru would give up a pick in the following year’s draft for the player they truly covet.

To put it lightly, with that strategy, the results haven’t been greatest. Alright, it’s been a crying shame.

Maybe, for once, Millen should try his luck on the other end of draft strategy and trade down in the first round. I saw an interesting scenario on a recent mock draft where it had Detroit trading down from No. 15 to 19 with Philadelphia. In turn, the Lions wouldn’t have to reach for a player that coach Rod Marinelli really likes, someone like middle linebacker Jerod Mayo of Tennessee. Plus, they’d still get an extra second- or third-round pick in the process.

Scouts really like Mayo’s speed and big-hitting ability, but No. 15 may be too high for him. If Detroit was smart, they’d look for a good sell with a team looking to move up, and then take a shot at Mayo, or if he happens to be gone, the best remaining offensive lineman available. In that case, the Lions could still fill a definite need, while picking up more picks to fill their numerous holes on the roster.

But again, giving Matt Millen the responsibility of finding diamonds in the rough in the later rounds isn’t the greatest risk to take either.

By Nate Thompson

With Sunday’s Game 1 loss to Philadelphia at the Palace, the Detroit Pistons have now lost five straight in the NBA Playoffs. That of course, is counting last season’s meltdown to Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Now, I still believe Detroit has the talent and experience to get past the Sixers, likely in six games, but beyond that, I’m worried.  Orlando is a definite improved team with its cast of big men and shooters, including Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu.  So what happens if Detroit is eliminated by Orlando, or by Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals?  Once again, the team’s championship aspirations would have come up short, leaving fans, players and ownership wondering in the off-season if the Pistons’ prime chance to win a title has passed.

Unfortunately, I see the same flaws with Detroit that I saw during the Cavs’ series loss.  There’s too much relying on the perimeter jump shot, and if they aren’t falling, the Pistons go on cold stretches for 5-6 minutes, much like the second half Sunday.  For whatever reason, Chauncey Billups refuses to, or no longer is able to, penetrate and consistently finish or set up teammates for quality looks. That aspect has killed Detroit’s offense.  Meanwhile, 32-year-old Andre Miller broke down the Detroit defense several times, and more often than not, the help-side defense was slow rotating. Rasheed Wallace put the blame on himself for the ‘D’, but regardless, Detroit hasn’t had an intimidating shot blocker since Ben Wallace left town.

Flip Saunders’ job security looks bleak if the Pistons fail to advance to the NBA Finals, and if it is the case, some of the players need to be held accountable as well.  Maybe it’s time to part ways with one or a combination of Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and Richard Hamilton, in an effort to bring in younger, hungier players. I’d include Billups to the list, but his huge contract and age would likely be hard to include in any deal.

I’d even say the franchise should be inclined to try to trade up into the top 10 of the NBA Draft.

If it means bringing in talent that doesn’t fold in key games of the playoffs, then I’d be 100 percent for it.

If your in a fantasy baseball league this year you are probably surfing the waiver wire each day looking for the next Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun. Those guys are out there, sitting there, looking like a diamond ring in the sand at the playground. Here are a couple of my pretty obvious picks for those people in 12 man leagues. If these guys are available and you are in need you should be able to grab these guys.

---

My pick is for this list is Mike Jacobs. He has started out with a very hot bat. He has some speed and could get a few more stolen bases here and there. His home run power is pretty obvious. Is this a hot streak or will it continue for the next two months? Well baseball is a funny game but right now it is grab him and see what the ride is like. I picked up Russ Martin early in the season last year and won my ESPN head to head league thanks in part, to my consistent production at the most volatile spot on any roster. Now 1B is generally loaded with talent so you may have to use him at utility or fill in for an injury but the value is there for a short term pickup at very least. I also like Jeff Keppinger here as he has 3B and SS eligibility which is nice for the flexibility factor. Keep your eyes out for these guys when surfing the waivers and you may find a gem where there is usually just barren dirt.

Posted by Matt

Well, as painful as it is for me to admit it, Nate edged me by three games in our Tribune Sports Department NCAA Tournament bracket battle. Nate finished with 38 correct picks to my 35.
Nate pulled away at the end as his bracket featured three of the Final Four teams (UCLA, Memphis and Kansas), and had both of the championship game participants correct. His prediction of Memphis over Kansas would have come true if not for several missed free throws by the Tigers and a clutch 3-pointer by Kansas’ Mario Chalmers.

My bracket was looking good going into the Elite Eight, but I tend to pick a few too many upsets, so I only had one top seed, North Carolina, reaching the Final Four. When all four No. 1 seeds advanced to San Antonio, I knew I was in trouble.

While we didn’t set a specific prize for the winner prior to the competition, I’m sure I’ll be treating Nate to lunch at a Chinese buffet sometime in the next several days. Bring on the General Tso’s chicken and the egg rolls!

Nate Robertson just gave up his second double to AJ Pierzynski and it scored two runs. Looks like time to yank him. This is yet another rough up of a Detroit pitcher in the last week. Getting swept by the Royals was pretty bad. We will have to see how they respond to this. Robertson’s pitches are coming in with no velocity and not very much movement on them. His fastball was being clocked at 84-85 and he hit Jim Thome. Our offense better start producing up to potential or we may be in some serious trouble. I am not ready to give up the ship, I mean we are only four games in, and we started a little slow last year too. The questions we all raised earlier in Spring training about the pitching staff are starting to show their teeth unfortunately. Let see if Leyland decides to pull Robertson or go the distance and save the bullpen from another spanking.

Posted by Matt

OK, I admit it, I’m more than a little biased when it comes to picking who will represent the American League in the World Series — the Detroit Tigers.

But honestly, this isn’t a homer pick. In fact, it’s almost becoming a trendy pick. Experts across the country are tabbing Justin Verlander for the Cy Young, Miguel Cabrera for the MVP, and Jim Leyland’s squad to beat the Cubs, yes the Cubs, in the World Series.

Well, I won’t go that far. I don’t see the Cubs getting there, but I am predicting the Tigers, bullpen woes and all, to make it to the Fall Classic.

Their opponent? The Atlanta Braves. The Braves have a loaded lineup, from Mark Teixeira and Chipper Jones to lesser-know guys like Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann and Yunel Escobar (who the Braves liked so much, they opened a spot for him by trading Edgar Renteria to the Tigers).
As for pitching, the Braves have plenty of quality experienced guys to handle the work load. Tom Glavin is back in the ATL, reunited with long-time teammate John Smoltz. Fellow veterans Mike Hampton and Tim Hudson will join former Tiger Jair Jurrjens to round out the five-man rotation.

The Braves will have a tough battle with the New York Mets in the NL East, but with manager Bobby Cox in charge, it’s hard to bet against one of the most successful professional sports franchises of the past 15 years.

But the Braves won’t have an answer for the Tigers in the World Series. I doubt Curtis Granderson or Magglio Ordonez will duplicate last year’s amazing numbers, and it will be difficult for Placido Polanco to hit .341 again. But even if those three take a slight step backward in their production, you have to figure Gary Sheffield is going to have a monster year hitting in the No. 3 spot, with a ton of RBI chances and a plenty of protection behind him in the form of Maggs and Miguel Cabrera.

As for Cabrera, I’m dying to see what he can do in the heart of this lineup. He’s been one of my favorite players in the NL the past few years, because of his World Series heroics for the Marlins, and I can’t believe he’ll be playing for my favorite team this year.

Verlander will have another great year, and I really think Bonderman will overcome his issues and look more like the guy who went 9-1 the first half of last year than the guy who had an ERA over 7.00 the second half of the season. Nate Robertson is looking good, and if he can stay healthy, you have to believe Kenny Rogers will be able to pick up 10-plus wins.

That leaves Dontrelle Willis, whose shaky spring has me concerned. If he can figure things out and recapture the magic that helped him win 15-20 games a few years back, the Tigers are going to be nearly unbeatable. If he struggles to get to 10 wins, it’ll make this season a little more interesting … and frustrating … for Tigers fans.

The bullpen terrifies me, but I’ll just keep my fingers crossed and hope that they can get enough big outs down the stretch to keep the Tigers in the drivers’ seat in the AL Central.

Posted by Nate

Part V

You gotta feel for Drew Neitzel right now. He’s had a memorable four years in East Lansing, but for him to go out like this — a lopsided loss when he’s been completely shutout on the offensive end — well, I’m sure he’d never imagine it would end like this. Not in his wildest.

But boy, you got to give all the credit to Memphis. This is really the first time I’ve seen the Tigers play for an entire game, and I’m happier by the minute that I picked them to win it all.  Quick, quick, quick is all I got to say.   The only thing going against them is their supposed poor free throw shooting, but if the Tigers dominate in other areas like they did tonight, who cares? And Rose, the Memphis point guard…Wow.  He’s built like Chauncey Billups, but is 10 times faster on his drives. Very impressive.

Anyways, whoever was bored enough to read through this, I hope you enjoyed.  This was my first time doing a live blog, and maybe one day I’ll give ESPN’s Bill Simmons a run for his money!

Part IV

Wow. Good-night Michigan State. It’s been nice knowing ya in this tournament.

I think Memphis just displayed the most dominant first-half performance from a team that I’ve seen in awhile. And I mean college or pro! They had seven different players score with seven minutes left in the first half. That’s just plain impressive. The Tigers’ point guard, Derrick Rose, is making a serious case for being the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick. He looks like he’s being shot out of a cannon when driving to the hoop.

I was hoping for a good, close game, but this is bad. Bad for the Big Ten’s reputation, which I hate. 50-20 at the half? Are you kidding me? Hopefully, Tom Izzo isn’t carrying any concealed weapons right now, because he may use them on his team in the locker room.

Part III

I know it’s only four minutes in, but already, MSU looks outmatched athletically. Jim Calipari’s squad reminds me a lot of the Kentucky squads in the late 90’s — teams that 1 through 5 were very athletically gifted. They’re a blur to watch on the court. Sorry, but when I think of high-flying athletes, Goran Suton doesn’t come to mind.

Neitzel missed his first 3-point attempt. Hopefully it isn’t a sign of things to come for a guy who has done a pretty good job representing West Michigan hoops.

Billy Packer never used to annoy me, but the more I listen to him, the more I realize that he really thinks he knows everything about anything. Retire already, Mr. Packer!
Part II

Alright, hold up your hand now if you felt Davidson would beat Wisconsin by 17 points. If you are, you’re a dirty liar. Davidson is clearly on fire right now, and if I was the Kansas Jayhawks, I’d be very, very afraid right now (if they can beat Villanova first). Meanwhile, Texas is really taking it to Stanford…nearing a 20-point lead with 2 minutes left. So much for some close games tonight (on second thought, that might help me get some actual work done on time).
Let me state this right now…I love the great state of Michigan, but I’ll be rooting for Memphis in a few minutes. I’ve been a die-hard Wolverines’ fan since Rumeal Robinson sank two free-throws in 1989. It will just always pain me to root for the Green & White, no matter how bad U-M’s hoops program is right now. And more importantly, I’ve got Memphis winning it all in the Tribune’s office pool.

Part I
I’ve got the night shift tonight at the Tribune, and fortunately, we’ve got a flat screen in front of my desk, allowing me to write a live blog throughout the Sweet 16 games tonight. Yeah people, can you believe I’m getting paid for this?

13 minutes and change left in Davidson versus Wisconsin. The Badgers are in serious trouble down double-digits. Stephen Curry just caught a pass in transition, gave a sweet up fake to get a Badger defender flying and drained a 3. This kid is incredible. Can the Pistons draft him now and just bring him off the bench for the playoffs? He’d be instant offense, despite the fact that he looks like an eighth-grader. In other words, he can use a few trips to the Chinese buffet. Heck, I’d even take him. But by no means is Curry a 1-man show. There was a few minutes near the end of the first half when Davidson was draining EVERYTHING. They are a coaches’ dream. And if they keep it up, they’ll be the biggest Cinderella story since George Mason two years ago.

In the other game right now, Texas is taking care of Stanford simply because the Cardinal has no outside game. The Longhorns will trade 3-pointers for contested shots from Stanford’s Lopez twins anyday. Texas may be tough to beat playing in Houston. Why didn’t I realize that when I initially filled in my bracket? D’oh!

More to come in a few minutes. Actually got some work to do.

Posted by Matt

Well, Nate hasn’t managed to blow me out of the water yet on our NCAA Tournament picks. In fact, after the first two rounds, I’m a game up in our friendly competition, with 28 total wins to Nate’s 27.

Here’s a breakdown of our brackets.

Mine:

I’ve got 28 games correct, including 9 of the Sweet 16 teams. Beyond that, my bracket looks pretty good: All 8 of my Elite 8 teams are still in it.

Best picks: Siena over Vanderbilt; San Diego over UConn; Davidson over Gonzaga; Michigan State over Pitt

Worst picks: George Mason, Winthrop and Cornell in first-round upsets

Needs: Wisconsin and Xavier to keep winning

Here are Nate’s picks:

Nate has 27 games correct, including half of the Sweet 16 teams. With USC and Marquette out, he only has 6 of the Elite 8 teams remaining, although all of his Final 4 teams are still playing.

Best picks: Siena over Vanderbilt; Davidson over Gonzaga; MSU over Pitt

Worst picks: USC over Kansas State and advancing to the Elite 8; South Alabama to win twice, including over Tennessee

Needs: Memphis to beat Michigan State, Louisville to reach the Final 4

Continue following our picks for the next two weeks to see which of the Tribune sports writers earns bragging rights for the remainder of the year.