Quest for Perfection...

This morning, the Saturday of December 29th, 2007 I crawled out from under my rock and discovered it was week 17 of the NFL season and a few things had happened during my 4 months away from civilization:

The Surprising:

1. The Detroit Lions somehow managed to win 7 games
2. Rex Grossman really IS the best quarterback on the Bears
3. David Carr really IS a terrible quarterback (he got benched for Vinny Testeverde for cryin' out loud)

The Not-So-Surprising:

1. Marty Schottenheimer is a better coach than Norv Turner
2. Nearly 10 years after being hired by Baltimore, Brian Billick still is not the offensive genius he's made out to be
3. The Miami Dolphins are an abomination to professional football

And The Downright Unbelievable:

1. The New England Patriots are 15-0 pending tonight's game against the New York Giants (this thanks to NFL Countdown spending an hour previewing tonight's game)

The last part is the first time a team has ever been 15-0 in a 16 game season. This Patriots team, love them or hate them, is easily the best team I have ever seen in my lifetime. Through 15 games, they already have broken the NFL record for touchdowns scored in a season. Tom Brady is two touchdown passes shy of breaking Peyton Manning's single season NFL record of 49. Randy Moss is two TD catches shy of breaking Jerry Rice's mark of 22. They have also allowed the fewest points in the league this season. To nobody's shock, they're winning by about 3 touchdowns per game (average scoring margin of +20.8). Watch them throw deep and go for it on fourth down in games they're leading by over 30 points and their goal becomes clear. They aren't out to just win every game, they want to beat the brains out of everyone who dares line up on the field against them. It almost feels like they're playing with both middle fingers raised defiantly in the air from the moment they step on the field.

In my nearly two decades watching sports (only the last 12 of which I can vividly remember, I'm 23 after all), I have never seen a team this perfect. You can't find a single flaw on their roster. Should the 16-0 season actually happen accompanied with a Super Bowl championship (their fourth in seven years), we would have to call the Patriots the best team in NFL history. Beyond that, you would have to put them in the running for the greatest sports team ever, at least for a single season. This begs the question, where would a 19-0 Patriots season put them as far as greatest single season accomplishments in sports history? If and when that happens, I'll take on the task of placing them in the greatest teams of my lifetime (I don't feel qualified to speculate accross eras I wasn't alive to see).

Enjoy the game tonight and best wishes for the new year. Preview ahead: 2007 year in review, fearless NFL Playoff predictions, Podcast debut of Twaro's Take (crossing fingers).

Wings Extend Lidstrom...Cup Window

Yesterday, the Detroit Red Wings and captain Nicklas Lidstrom agreed to a two year extension that will keep the star defenseman with the franchise until 2010. In doing so, they've also extended their window as a truly elite Stanley Cup contender.

Lidstrom is the highest scoring defenseman in Red Wings history and been a mainstay on the blue line since breaking into the league in 1991. Never a physical presence, he's made his mark being a step ahead of opposing forwards and as a superb positional defender. He's a five-time Norris trophy winner awarded to the league's best defenseman, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, and winner of the Conn Smythe trophy for playoff MVP during the 2002 Cup run. He also was a member of the 2006 Gold Medal winning Swedish Olympic hockey team for good measure.

Despite those accolades, Lidstrom's game and impact have been overlooked and in some cases completely ignored by hockey writers and to a lesser extent casual Wings fans. Nevertheless, it can be argued he was their most important player on those three Stanley Cup winning teams and it's indisputable at this point.

While the progression of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg has put the Red Wings comfortably ahead of all their peers this season, the Red Wings would be an average team that might make the 2nd round of the playoffs if they're lucky without Lidstrom's contribution. He is closer to machine than man as his game always had an inhuman efficiency to it. He can log 30 minutes a night on the ice, is a good bet for 55-70 points a year from the blue line, never gets hurt, and hardly ever takes a penalty. Those kind of players are in short supply in today's NHL. At age 37 (38 in April), he's still arguably the best defenseman in the NHL today.

All his production considered, the financial figures of the new contract speaks volumes about the relationship between Lidstrom and the only NHL team he has ever played for. Rather than testing the market and likely getting max dollars to play elsewhere, the Wing's captain instead took a paycut to stay in Detroit (he'll make $7.35 million per season under the new contract, he's making $7.6 this season) despite the fact that the salary cap is projected to go up again.

While Ken Holland has done a fantastic job retooling the Wings with youth while keeping them on the short list of Stanley Cup contenders, this team could not afford to lose Lidstrom. He is the engine that keeps this train running. Detroit didn't just extend the contract of the captain for two years, they extended their window as perrenial Stanley Cup favorites.

Holiday Bowling

Happy Holidays to all to begin this column. After teasing today's topic in my Pistons/Celtics Diary last night, it's time to make good on it (otherwise, I'd be a liar). College bowl season (we'll call it Bowlapalooza from here on out) is here featuring 31 games of varying significance depending who you ask, with another between the two teams voters and robots told us deserved to play for the National Championship. I already barked up the playoff tree a few weeks ago so I will rant no further on that. Today, I'll play the hand we're being dealt and give you my picks for all 32 Bowlapalooza stops:

1. Utah vs. Navy (San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl)-With Paul Johnson preparing to coach Georgia Tech, Navy is looking like a team without a direction. They do boast a triple option attack that's the number one rushing offense in the country. The Utes have won 6 straight bowl games and had a seven game winning streak snapped in their last game on the road against a good BYU team 17-10. The Midshipmen are always a good story come bowl time, but Utah's all-around balance and improved defense will be the difference. Prediction: Utah 37 Navy 21
2. Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic (R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl)-This could be one of the more entertaining early bowl games we see between Memphis and Sun Belt champ FAU. Both teams are led by stud quarterbacks in Memphis senior Martin Hankins and FAU super sophomore Rusty Smith, two of the best players nobody has heard of. Both offenses average around 30 points a game. This game could very well come down to who touches the ball last. I like the upstart Owls led be coach Howard Schnellenberger (one of the greatest names in college football) to eek out a victory in New Orleans. Prediction: FAU 45 Memphis 41
3. Southern Mississippi vs. Cincinnati (Papajohns.com Bowl)-In his first season with Cincinnati, Brian Kelly is coaching his second bowl game with the Bearcats. How? Well he left Central Michigan last year after winning a MAC title to coach them in their International Bowl win over Western. In year one, the Bearcats started hot at 6-0, but are only 3-3 in their last 6 games. They've scored quality wins against the likes of Connecticut, South Florida, and Rutgers. The Golden Eagles had to win their last two to secure a bowl bid. Bearcats have a shot at an unprecedented 10 win season, and don't think that hasn't crossed their minds. Look for senior QB Ben Mauk (66.7% completion, 2787 yds, 27 TDs, 6 INTs) to have another superb outing as Cincy will score early and often for a comfortable win. Prediction: Cincinnati 52 Southern Mississippi 14
4. Nevada vs. New Mexico (New Mexico Bowl)-Always love the teams that get to play host in bowl games. A down year for Nevada coming in at 6-6, while the Lobos had another solid 8-4 season. However Nevada did come out of a much tougher mid-major in the WAC than the Lobo's Mountain West. The Wolfpack outrank the Lobos in virtually every significant offensive category with their horrendous looking pistol formation. Playing at home should help even it out for New Mexico, but I think the Wolfpack can score their way to a win in hostile territory and salvage a winning season. Prediction: Nevada 34 New Mexico 27
5. Brigham Young vs. UCLA (Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl)-What better place to play host for the "pure" college athletics than the gambling capital of the world? BYU is a solid team facing a very underwhelming 6-6 Bruins club that's looking for a new coach. How this team snuck into a bowl game I will never know. Granted, BYU lost to UCLA at the Rose Bowl earlier this season 27-17. That was then, this is now. Cougars have won 9 straight and this will be a chance for the nation to discover BYU QB Max Hall (60.1%, 3617 yds, 24 TDs, 12 INTs). History will not repeat itself. Look for BYU to handle a punchless UCLA team. Prediction: BYU 38 UCLA 10
6. Boise State vs. East Carolina (Sheraton Hawaii Bowl)-Last season's Cinderella, the Boise State Broncos lost two games this year, including a shootout against Hawaii in the same stadium. East Carolina comes in 7-5 and in a bowl game by virtue of beating Tulane to close the regular season. Boise State still has players with big game experience, especially runningback Ian Johnson (16 TDs, 5.1 yds/attempt). While these are two mid-major schools, the talent is heavily stacked in Boise State's favor. The balance of the Broncos could make this game a blowout early. Prediction: Boise State 45 East Carolina 17
7. Purdue vs. Central Michigan (Motor City Bowl)-Deja vu all over again for my alma mater Chippewas in two ways: Chippewas are the defending Motor City Bowl Champs, and they played Purdue this year already (a forgettable 45-22 drubbing in West Lafayette). Playing in the state of Michigan will it be any different? If the Chips want it to be, all-everything sophomore quarterback Dan LeFevour (3,360 yards passing, 1,008 yards rushing, 40 total TDs) will have to put together a full game. While he accumulated 364 yards passing and 2 TDs in the first meeting, most of it was in the second half with the game in the bag. Purdue might be in for a letdown facing this team again and in a lower tier bowl game in Detroit. So that gives the Chippewas a chance. Coach Butch Jones and this Chippewa program have done everything right in conference play and on the small scale. If they want to take the next step, this could be the win that does it. However, Central Michigan's defense is atrocious and I don't trust them to get a stop when they need it. I say Purdue wins a shootout. Prediction: Purdue 48 CMU 41
8. Arizona State vs. Texas (Pacific Life Holiday Bowl)-This might be the most entertaining non-BCS bowl game. Both teams feature explosive offenses and potentially dynamic quarterbacks in Sun Devils junior Rudy Carpenter and Texas sophomore Colt McCoy. The Longhorns are a bit more balanced thanks to Jamal Charles (1,458 yards, 16 TDs, 6.3 yds/attempt). They fell out of the Big 12 race because they couldn't get out of their own way with turnovers. McCoy was a big reason for this as he went from throwing 7 picks as a freshman to 18 this year. In a game this tight, that might be the difference. I'm going to say it WILL be the difference in a tight Sun Devil win. Prediction: ASU 34 Texas 31
9. Boston College vs. Michigan State (Champs Sports Bowl)-Credit Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio for having his team prepared for games at Purdue and against Penn State to get the Spartans bowling for the first time since 2003. However, this might be the worst possible matchup for them. MSU thrives when they get speedster Javon Ringer (1,346 yards) and power back Jehuu Caulcrick (21 rushing TDs) rushing the ball in tandem. Boston College enters this game with the number one rushing defense in the country. Their offense plays to the Spartans weakness as well because senior QB Matt Ryan is one of the finest in the country and could be drafted 1st come the 2008 draft in April. The Spartans have been awful against teams who could spread the field and throw the ball around. This could be a letdown for a BC team that was one win away from the Orange Bowl. However, Matt Ryan has his draft stock to play for and that should be enough. Prediction: BC 38 MSU 17
10. Texas Christian vs. Houston (Texas Bowl)-Talk about a gate attraction in the state of Texas as they grab two in state teams to play in Houston. A virtual home game for the Cougars against a solid defensive Horned Frogs team. You have to love the Cougars offense and the fact they're playing in their own backyard. However, TCU should travel well for this game as well and Houston lost their coach to Baylor. Should be competitive, too bad most of the country can't see it (NFL Network is carrying this one). Prediction: TCU 21 Houston 20
11. Maryland vs. Oregon State (Emerald Bowl)-The Beavers started slow out of the gate for the second year in a row and still managed to get a bowl berth. Last year, they capped a 10 win season by defeating Missouri in an entertaining Sun Bowl. Now they get a 6-6 Maryland team looking to salvage something. The Terrapins are 3-1 in bowl games under Ralph Friedgen, but heading out west to take on an improving Oregon State club is going to be a tough task. The Beavers are just too hot right now as they're only loss the past 7 games was against Pac-10 champ USC. Prediction: Oregon State 27 Maryland 17
12. Connecticut vs. Wake Forest (Meineke Car Care Bowl)-A battle of attractive coaching candidates elsewhere are still coaching their teams in Randy Edsall (UConn) and Jim Grobe (Wake). Huskies had a nice run in the Big East holding the inside track until West Virginia beat them, but this season is still a success by many accounts. As far as the Demon Deacons are concerned, Jim Grobe has done an outstanding job of getting the most out of a team that does not have top notch talent (bear in mind he took them to the Orange Bowl last year). Success on the ground and taking care of the football are going to go a long way in determining who wins this game. That's an area that Wake signal caller Riley Skinner has struggled with (11 TDs, 12 INTs). The Huskies have been vulnerable against the run, so the opportunities will be there. This game is just about a coin toss. My gut feeling says UConn pulls it out (so I'll probably be wrong). Prediction: UConn 17 Wake 13
13. Central Florida vs. Mississippi State (AutoZone Liberty Bowl)-Sylvester Croom managed to get his Bulldogs squad through the SEC to an improbable 7-5 bowl season. They take on Conference USA Champ Central Florida who's no stranger to playing in big games and bowls. They just need to learn to win them. Earlier this season, the Golden Knights had Texas on the ropes in their own building before losing late in the 4th. In 2005, they lost a shootout to Nevada 49-48 in the Hawaii Bowl. They are led by all-world runningback Kevin Smith (2,448 yards, 29 TDs), who is 180 yards shy of Barry Sanders single season rushing record. These are two squads that are ecstatic to be there. Even though the Bulldogs came out of a difficult SEC, UCF has a decided advantage in their backfield in Smith and quarterback Kyle Israel. When you can make that claim, you have a chance to win in any game. I like the Golden Knights chances, which should make my soon to be sister-in-law happy (should she care enough to watch the game). Prediction: UCF 34, Mississippi State 27
14. Penn State vs. Texas A&M (Valero Alamo Bowl)-The Alamo Bowl is where Big Ten teams have gone to die the last couple years, but Penn State should be ready for this one as Aggies coach Dennis Franchione resigned after defeating Texas back on November 23rd. Leaving them coached by Gary Darnell, a man Western Michigan couldn't fire fast enough. Joe Paterno is a legend on the Nittany Lions sideline and has enough athletes on his team to pull away in what could be a very boring to watch game. Prediction: Penn State 17 Texas A&M 10
15. Colorado vs. Alabama (PetroSun Independence Bowl)-Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your Dud of the Year (note: couldn't secure a corporate sponsor for this one, maybe next year...). 6-6 Colorado vs. 6-6 Alabama. Does this not speak to the fact we have way too many bowl games when you get .500 teams playing each other? No, sorry, not going there. Okay, Alabama won some big games early with new coach Nick Saban (or Satan if you are a Michigan State, LSU, or Miami Dolphins fan). Colorado rallied to beat a good Oklahoma team at home which got them to this point. I really can't say with much confidence who wins this game. Alabama does have more talent and I'll say they win on talent alone. Prediction: Alabama 17 Colorado 14
16. California vs. Air Force (Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl)-On October 13th, Cal came out of their bye rejuvenated after beating a good Oregon club (before Dennis Dixon got hurt), owning a 5-0 record and ranked number 2 in the country. On New Years Eve, the Golden Bears will square off with Air Force needing a win to prevent a losing season. Ouch. Cal has lost 6 of their last 7 games and is no stranger to laying eggs in bowl games they feel are a culmination to a disappointing year (see: 2003 Holiday Bowl). This is an immensely talented Cal team that's in a funk. However, Air Force is not your typical academy school. Possessing stunning balance running and passing. The Falcons have also won 6 of their last 7 games and are ecstatic to be there. That can trump a discrepancy in talent more often than not. Key to this game will be special teams. Falcons should not even think about kicking to DeSean Jackson. Nate Longshore has been inconsistent during their season ending funk, he'll need to snap out of it or else Air Force could win this game going away. Who would've thought we'd say that about a team that looked like a legitimate national title contender the first half of the season? Prediction: Air Force 27 Cal 17
17. Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State (Roady's Humanitarian Bowl)-Remember how impressed everyone was with Georgia Tech's defense smothering Notre Dame in South Bend after week one? Me neither. We expected that losing Calvin Johnson would drop Georgia Tech down a bit offensively and in the standings, so where they are isn't all that surprising. The shame is the fall has taken away from what has been a great season from Tashard Choice (1,310 rushing yards). Fresno State lost some close competitive games with WAC foes Boise State and Hawaii and has a solid team with junior QB Tom Brandstater. Playing on the blue turf in Boise, I like Fresno to win this game going away. Prediction: Fresno State 38 Georgia Tech 10
18. South Florida vs. Oregon (Brut Sun Bowl)-A clash of teams who at different points in the season were ranked number 2 in the country. South Florida shocked West Virginia in Tampa early and Oregon was looking good until star QB Dennis Dixon went down against Arizona and have since lost 3 straight. Brady Leaf (brother of former NFL megabust Ryan Leaf) has looked awful. Look for Cody Kempt to get the nod for the Ducks. A real shame, that Oregon team was exciting to watch with Dennis Dixon being the pass/run threat. Kempt played well against Oregon State, so I think he keeps this game closer than some people think. However, Bulls QB Matt Grothe will get his chance to show once again that he is among the elite QBs in the nation. Prediction: USF 28 Oregon 24
19. Kentucky vs. Florida State (Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl)-I'm really tempted to say Kentucky wins 2-0 (the score given in a forfeit) because at the rate we're going, the entire Florida State team might be ineligible. Even with those players, Florida State has been falling from grace for the past few years but nobody in Tallahassee wants to admit it. Senior QB Andre Woodson for Kentucky gets a chance to improve his stock against a defense that will be depleted due to the academic scandals. While we're on that point, why doesn't Bobby Bowden get criticized more for the way the Seminoles are fading away and for the fact that he does not recruit any character on his team (nor apparently people who can read)? Seriously, this is maybe the most notable incident, but he's had players suspended from bowl games because of academics numerous times in the past decade alone. When Penn State was struggling but players still went to class, everyone in the media said Joe Paterno should retire. Where is this for Bowden? Rant over. Prediction: Kentucky 2 FSU 0. I mean Kentucky 42 FSU 6
20. Indiana vs. Oklahoma State (Insight Bowl)-Another bowl game on NFL Network we won't get to see. What you need to know: Indiana wideout James Hardy (74 catches, 1,075 yards, 16 TDs) is unbelievable. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is a man, he's 40. Both teams are trying to take the next step (Indiana 7-5, Oklahoma State 6-6). Indiana struggles defensively and Oklahoma State has the nation's 9th best offense in total yards and 8th in rushing yards. I'll take the team with some balance offensively that can move the chains on the ground. Prediction: Oklahoma State 40 (for Mike Gundy) Indiana 31
21. Clemson vs. Auburn (Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl)-Wow, doesn't this game seem like it was meant to happen? Seriously. Clemson and Auburn are year after year the teams who get overrated and then come out and go 7-5 or 8-4. They're almost mirror images of mediocrity (save for Auburn 2004-2005), they even have the same name! Auburn QB Brandon Cox regressed horribly his senior year and they don't have much as far as a consistent running game. The defense helped Auburn win enough games to be bowl eligible, but they are brutal when they have the football. Clemson can score, if they don't hurt themselves with turnovers, this should be a fairly convincing win. I'll go ahead and say the Tigers win...Clemson that is. Prediction: Clemson 27 Auburn 10
22. Tennessee vs. Wisconsin (Outback Bowl)-These teams have both been difficult to figure out this year. Wisconsin looked awful in road games against UNLV, Illinois, and Penn State. Yet have rebounded to get into a New Years Day bowl. Quarterback Tyler Donovan is a good dual threat to run and pass. Tennessee faced a brutal schedule early and still was an Erik Ainge pick-6 away from winning the SEC and playing in the Sugar Bowl. The Volunteers have been injured all year and these few weeks off should really help them. I think rest helps them out and they squeak by the Badgers (who have been very good in bowl games recently). Prediction: Tennessee 24 Wisconsin 20
23. Missouri vs. Arkansas (AT&T Cotton Bowl)-Missouri is on letdown alert. They are this year's team that got absolutely shafted out of the BCS despite being number 1 going into their Big 12 Championship loss against Oklahoma. Still, the Cotton Bowl isn't a terrible draw and quarterback Chase Daniel is as dynamic as they come. On the other side, Atlanta Falcons deserter Bobby Petrino may be trying to get his team prepared to throw passes while watching this game and wonder how Houston Nutt was stupid enough to scare Mitch Mustain away to USC. On the field for the Razorbacks, this will likely be junior runningback Darren McFadden's (1,725 yards, 15 TDs) final collegiate contest as he will likely be a top 5 pick (and by likely I mean will). This Arkansas team would be competing for championships if it were the 1950s. Missouri is much more balanced and can actually get a stop every once in awhile. I like the team that realizes the forward pass exists. Prediction: Mizzou 48 Arkansas 35
24. Michigan vs. Florida (Capital One Bowl)-Soon to be Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez gets to watch the team he'll coach face the team he wants them to be when last year's national champion Gators take the field. Michigan has had fits playing teams that featured spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks. Well, Urban Meyer's spread offense features Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow certainly fits that mold (29 TD passes, 22 TD rushes). While Michigan's offensive playmakers Chad Henne and Mike Hart should be the healthiest they've been all season, they are not prepared for the speed Florida will throw at them. Fitting that Lloyd Carr's final season on the sidelines ends the way it began. An embarrassing loss to a team that plays 21st century football. Prediction: Florida 58 Michigan 14
25. Texas Tech vs. Virginia (Gator Bowl)-If there were a College Arena Football, Texas Tech would win the National Championship EVERY YEAR. The Red Raiders have featured one of the best passing attacks in the nation for years. They lead the nation in passing with quarterback Graham Harrell (72.7%, 5,298 yards, 45 TDs, 14 INTs). They've also scored a big upset earlier this season defeating Oklahoma. They don't run the ball much at all. Virginia was in contention for the ACC title for the entire season thanks to a stout defense led by top shelf defensive end Chris Long. Long will have to be dominant against this attack to keep the Cavaliers in the game, as they're offense leaves a lot to be desired (103rd nationally). I think this attack is too much for an improving Virginia team. Prediction: Texas Tech 37 Virginia 21
26. Illinois vs. USC (Rose Bowl presented by Citi)-The traditionalists got what they wanted, Big Ten against the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. However, I still refuse to believe that Illinois deserves to be in this game as an at-large, but regardless. Ron Zook has the Illini on the rise and they should be a force in the Big Ten for years to come. Juice Williams is a phenomenal athlete who is still learning as a passer. After a couple setbacks early in conference play, the Trojans still bounced back to win the Pac-10. USC has too much depth for Illinois though and the Illini aren't ready for prime time yet. USC wins a sleeper. Prediction: USC 34 Illinois 13
27. Hawaii vs. Georgia (Nokia Sugar Bowl)-The Warriors come to the mainland for prime time carrying a perfect 12-0 record. The Bulldogs have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the country the past few weeks, reeling off six straight wins. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has played well enough, but this team is about the power running of freshman Knowshon Moreno (1,273 yds, 12 TDs, 5.3 yds/attempt). Hawaii will rely on senior QB Colt Brennan (71.4%, 4,174, 38 TDs, 14 INTs) to lead their passing attack that is as pass happy as Texas Tech's. The Warriors have passed every test they've faced this year, but I don't know if they are deep enough to handle a physical Georgia team when the 4th quarter rolls around. Hawaii will play well and show they belong, but I think Georgia pulls it out late. Prediction: Georgia 37 Hawaii 34
28. West Virginia vs. Oklahoma (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl)-With Rich Rodriguez leaving for Michigan, the Mountaineers are still looking for a head coach. Rough turn of events for a team who was a win away from a National Championship Title Game appearance. Pat White should be healthy, but this Oklahoma team is stacked from top to bottom and very physical. They are arguably the best team in the country, but humans and robots decided otherwise. The Sooners have a more balanced attack than the Mountaineers run oriented spread option attack. Oklahoma has a better chance of taking away West Virginia's strength than the other way around. Look for QB Sam Bradford and runningback Allen Patrick to lead the way. Prediction: Oklahoma 31 West Virginia 27
29. Kansas vs. Virginia Tech (FedEx Orange Bowl)-What a nice ride the Hokies are on, winning the ACC in a grudge match with Boston College. Kansas is 11-1 but are frauds. The only top shelf team they've played is Missouri, who they lost to at home. They scheduled soft out of conference opponents, didn't have to play Oklahoma or Texas, and again lost to Missouri. Virginia Tech at times looks lost offensively, but that's improved lately. Hokie's coach Frank Beamer always has his teams ready to play in these games. Look for a dominant defensive effort to be the difference in this one. Prediction: Virginia Tech 20 Kansas 3
30. Ball State vs. Rutgers (International Bowl)-I love the logic with this game in it's 2nd year. Let's play one of our 4th tier bowl games BETWEEN the BCS games and the National Title Game. Even better, let's play it in Canada! This was a disappointing season by Rutgers after their resurgence last year. Ball State quarterback Nate Davis (57.1%, 3,376, 27 TDs, 6 INTs) is a rising star, but MAC teams by and large aren't ready for teams who can power run down their throats. Rutgers bruiser Ray Rice (1,732 yds, 20 TDs) can do just that. Rutgers wins this game comfortably while Canadian fans try to convert Meters (or Metres) to Yards. Prediction: Rutgers 45 Ball State 21
31. Tulsa vs. Bowling Green (GMAC Bowl)-A couple mid-majors in Alabama. Another one of those 4th tier games between the BCS bowls and the National Title Game. This Tulsa team is all about quarterback Paul Smith (60.1%, 4,753 yds, 42 TDs, 19 INTs) and the nation's number one offense. I don't see how Bowling Green stays in this game to be completely honest with you. Prediction: Tulsa 63 Bowling Green 21
32. LSU vs. Ohio State (Allstate BCS Championship)-Have we ever seen a less anticipated "championship game" in the history of sports? Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes get another shot against an SEC team, but the game is in LSU's backyard in New Orleans. The Tigers should be free of distraction now that head coach Les Miles is firmly entrenched on their bench for the foreseeable future. Neither team has looked all that impressive for the bulk of the season, but here they are. Ohio State is faced with a couple defensive players being ineligible for this game and LSU has a lot of depth on both sides of the ball. Potential first pick Glenn Dorsey has been banged up most of the year but should be healthy for this one. A lot of players playing for NFL paychecks and a championship. On paper I like LSU a lot more than I like the Buckeyes. However, neither team looks all that imposing. Beanie Wells (1,463 yds, 14 TDs, 5.8 yds/attempt) will be the key for Ohio State's chances, while LSU's bruiser Jacob Hester (1,017 yds, 17 TDs, 5.0 yds/attempt) will try to kill clock for the Tigers. Whoever runs the ball better wins this game. I don't see this being all that high scoring an affair, but it should be tight throughout. I think a focused, sharper LSU club wins the title in their own backyard pulling it out in the 4th. Prediction: LSU 23 OSU 20

There's your pamphlet for Bowlapalooza 2007-2008. Look at the picks, disregard them, and pick on your own. You'll probably do better. Enjoy the games.

Pistons-Celtics Diary

About five minutes until ESPN's coverage of the NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Greatest Team Ever Made (comment oozing with sarcasm. Or the 20-2 upstart Boston Celtics, who I'm sure you don't need me to talk about their success because it's been shoved down our throats all year). The 17-7 Pistons have the credentials of the best starting five in the basketball, five straight years to the Eastern Conference Finals, two NBA Finals berths, and a title from 2004. The Celtics have the Big Three (Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett). The two best records in the Eastern Conference and two coaches with checkered postseason resumes in Flip Saunders and Doc Rivers. Boston hasn't lost at home but hasn't beaten anyone of note. Pistons have played more road games than at the Palace. My prediction. Pistons squeak by 96-92.

7:00 PM-Boston coach (I'll use that term loosely) Doc Rivers is Mic'd Up! Guess we get the FCC friendly look on the Celtics bench. Look out now. I'll start the conspiracy theory now for Pistons fans. WE GET NO RESPECT!

7:03 PM-I feel somewhat saddened that I'll only get to hear Bill Walton blabber incoherently during pregame and halftime.

7:07 PM-*sigh* The Game of the Century still has not started yet and the graphic of Dallas vs. Phoenix says the game starts at 9:30. Are we eliminating TV timeouts or just totally disregarding schedule?

7:10-Commercial of the Big Three watching Hoosiers while no one in particular drives ESPN's bus. Meanwhile Jeff Van Gundy shows the perplexed look that wore out his welcome in Houston.

7:12-Note: I tend to get a TAD carried away when watching games and therefore my logic may be gone by the 2nd quarter. I'll try with all my power not to take it out on my laptop. Starters are announced. Of note, Ray Allen is returning from an ankle injury (the same one that ended his season in Seattle last year). Keep an eye on his effectiveness throughout. Still waiting for tipoff while Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown, and Jon Barry ramble.

7:16-McDyess jumper good! 2-0 Pistons! It's all over now Beantown!...and then a Rasheed Wallace foul on KG. Free throws good 2-2. Maybe I spoke too soon.

7:19-First shot of Flip Saunders, obligatory announcers defending his record despite postseason flops with a veteran team. Trading baskets early, 7-7.

7:22-Rajon Rondo has developed better than anyone could've expected. Making a ton of shots. 8 points already. 15-11 Boston.

7:25-First panic timeout taken by Flip Saunders (wouldn't he be a much more respected coach if he would just go by Philip or Phil Saunders? Worked well enough for Phil Jackson.). Of all the things the Pistons game planned for, I'm pretty sure Rajon Rondo scoring 10 first quarter points (averaging 9 PER GAME) wasn't one of them. Um, Chauncey? Little defense please?

7:28-Kendrick Perkins trips over his own two feet, Pistons score at the other end. He's this team's Ben Wallace. 17-16 Greatest Team Ever Made.

7:30-Paul Pierce fouled. Hubie calls him Chauncey. Nice...

7:31-Bad Sheed is in the building. 0-4 from the floor. Jump shooting Pistons keep missing jump shots. Meanwhile, Tayshaun is taking the turn of being abused by Paul Pierce. His second foul (cue Jarvis Hayes). Pistons have 4 fouls, Boston 0. Jump shooting teams don't take free throws. 21-16 Celtics. Commercial time. COLLEGE BOWL MANIA STARTS TOMORROW! 31 ARBITRARY GAMES AND ONE MORE THAT DECIDES THE NATIONAL CHAMPION! STARTING WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS SAN DIEGO CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL! (I take the Utes. Those picks will come tomorrow)

7:36-On cue, Rip finally draws a foul. Pistons take their first free throws 10 minutes in. Rip makes both. 24-18 Celtics.

7:38-Kendrick Perkins shot puts two free throws, one miraculously finds the net. Big Baby Glen Davis comes in for the greatest team ever. Mr. Energy Jason Maxiell spells a cold Rasheed for Detroit.

7:43-Late three by Rip (third of the quarter), Boston can't convert at the other end. 29-25 Celtics after one quarter. After drawing no fouls and shooting 0 free throws in the first 10 minutes (falling behind by 8), Pistons took 5 trips to the line in the last 2 minutes and are down 4. Pistons are allowing 57% from the field, their best perimeter defender is in foul trouble, and Boston has doubled them in rebounds 10-5 (Boston has also boarded 4 of their 9 misses). All that and it's a four point game.

7:46-Start of the 2nd quarter, sideline reporter Doris Burke talking to Flip Saunders. "Coach, you guys couldn't guard a freshman team so far, what's wrong?" "Well, we're settling for jump shots and lucky to be in this game right now." "Thanks coach, back to you Dan." (Note: I MAY have made that exchange up)

7:48-Ray Allen is 5-5 so far. Pistons miss another jumper. 32-25 Boston.

7:50-*pounds desk in anger*. Lindsay Hunter should be the captain of the All-I Should Never Be Allowed to Shoot Unless the Shot Clock is Going to Expire Team.

7:52-The Big Three are EVERYWHERE! Sportscenter commercial that I've never seen before. Scott Van Pelt names them the Boston Three Party. I actually chuckled.

7:55-FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! Out of control drive by aforementioned Lindsay Hunter leads to a turnover.

7:57-Note to Flip Saunders, anyone guarding Kevin Garnett should NOT be used in a trap. 38-31 Boston.

7:58-Rookie Arron Afflalo (a jump shooter who can't create his own shot on a team of jump shooters who can't create their own shot), gets blocked out of bounds. Media timeout. *flipping to Red Wings* 2-0 Detroit. Hooray Wings! That'll cheer me up for now!

8:01-Out of break with shot of a cute Asian woman. As a good friend of mine exclaimed about television camera rules. Hot chicks and cute kids. I approve. Rasheed Wallace has a jump shot! Pistons within 4 at 38-34!.

8:02-Anyone want to guard KG? 40-34 Celtics.

8:04-Kendrick Perkins hands are harder than The Statue of Liberty. Out of bounds, Pistons ball.

8:05-3 for Mr. Big Shot! 40-39!

8:06-Back to back Boston buckets. 44-39 Greatest Team Ever Made. They have an answer for everything the Pistons do. Under three minutes. Let's see how the veteran Pistons who've played together forever close this half.

8:10-Chauncey misses a big shot. Ball out of bounds off Boston, Celtics complain. Doc Rivers called for an unnecessary technical. I love this game.

8:11-Careless Sheed turnover, he's playing like garbage. Back to back fast break Boston buckets. Celtics up 10 with a free throw coming for Rondo. So much for the veteran team staying calm on the road (Rondo misses).

8:14-*pounds desk* Less than a second differential between shot and game clock in the 1st half, Pistons ball down 7 and Jarvis Hayes takes an early 3 when he could've driven for a layup or contact? Stupid basketball. Boston ball, timeout, 9.5 seconds left. Luckily Doc Rivers drew up the dribble out the clock and make a pass with 2 seconds left play and Boston didn't get a shot. Halftime: Greatest Team Ever Made 52, Detroit 45. Pistons are down seven despite Boston shooting 62.2% to Detroit's 38.5%. Thankfully Detroit is +15 beyond the ark and +4 at the line. Oh my god! Hubie Brown is affecting my dialogue! Time to grab a drink.

8:35-After a much needed beer, Wings are tied at home to the worst team in the NHL? Pretty sure Dom allowed a softy. Back to game action. 2nd half time!

8:36-Careless TO by Tayshaun, wide open jumper by KG good. Anybody want to guard him?

8:38-Another careless TO by Tayshaun, followed by a KG travel (they still call those in the NBA?)

8:40-Hand in KG's face=KG miss. Might want to remember that Flip.

8:41-Graphic of the two UConn alums Rip Hamilton and Ray Allen both playing outstanding.

8:42-Great Rondo pass to Perkins. Even he couldn't screw up that dish. Sheed hits a three at the other end. 56-51 Boston.

8:43-Lackadaisical play by Tayshaun on a Chauncey pass. Chauncey will get the TO, it was Tay's fault.

8:44-Chauncey hits a 3! 56-54 Boston. How are the Pistons still in this game!?

8:46-Back to the game, cut to Mr. Most Clutch Player EVER (more sarcasm) David Ortiz of the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.

8:48-Pistons keep missing shots with a chance to tie. Now KG hits a jumper in the lane. 58-54 Boston. David Ortiz destroyed the Pistons momentum!

8:50-Chauncey fouled shooting a 3! Never foul a jump shooter. Especially from behind. Young mistake from Rajon Rondo. Chauncey makes them all. 60-59 Boston. *flip to Wings CLEARY SCORES 4-2 DETROIT* Things are looking up.

8:56-Following an out of control miss by Sheed, Tayshaun gives baseline to Paul Pierce (NEVER EVER GIVE UP BASELINE), Sheed rotates late, Pierce scores and one, Pierce misses, Garnett gets the miss from McDyess and is fouled. What a lackluster play by McDyess. Sheed has 4 fouls. Garnett to the line and splits. 63-59 Boston. (pausing for breath)

8:59-Thanks for showing up Tayshaun. First bucket of the game. 63-61 Boston. Pierce travels (two in one game?). Doc Rivers argues, Pistons have the ball and a chance to tie. Lindsay Hunter in the game. Gotta love 4 on 5 basketball.

9:01-Dyess wins jump ball to Ray Allen, wrong team. Follows by taking stupid foul on Allen in a bad position. He's money from the line. Celtics up 4 with 35 seconds left in the 3rd.

9:02-Boston can't convert at the buzzer. 65-61 Boston after 3. Stats time again! Celtics outshooting the Pistons 51.9% to 38.5%. Yet it's only a 4 point game at home. These kind of games are scary if you're the team leading. Let's see if the Pistons bench can outplay Boston's to start the 4th. Outlook fairly bleak since Lindsay Hunter is getting important minutes.

9:06-Flip is also wired, FCC friendly like pep talk to his team. Let's fire up and hit those open jumpers we've missed. Okay coach, we'll try. Pistons open in zone, Pierce hits a jumper. 67-61 Greatest Team Ever Made.

9:07-Lindsay Hunter hit a pull-up jumper! I may need another beer after that.

9:08-Kendrick Perkins shot puts two more free throws. Both miss pathetically.

9:09-Great steal Lindsay. Rip clear to the basket. WHY DID YOU PASS BACK!?!? Out of bounds. Boston leads by 2. Pistons miss and Boston keeps the lead. Go strong Rip!

9:10-LINDSAY FOR 3! PISTONS LEAD 68-67! STEAL, RIP JAM! 70-67! Now I DO need another drink.

9:12-Cracking open another beer. Reasons two fold. Lindsay making two jump shots in a row and I got my Christmas shopping done today. 6 days BEFORE Christmas. And women think we guys wait until the last minute.

9:13-Garnett goes to the basket strong out of a timeout, draws a foul, hits both freebies. 70-69 Pistons leading the Greatest Team Ever Made.

9:16-Sequence of offensive rebounds by the Pistons, no bucket. 72-71 Pistons still lead.

9:17-Awful pass by Rondo goes out of bounds. Pistons ball. Rondo fouls Chauncey on a jumper, that's 5 on Rondo. 2nd time Rondo has fouled a jump shooter.

9:18-Celtics get called for a moving screen, I'm pretty sure Rasheed Wallace said "IT'S ABOUT F@&&ING TIME!"

9:19-A low post deuce! Pistons by 5! Pierce misses, CHAUNCEY ALL ALONE! Timeout clueless Doc Rivers! 78-71 Pistons! Could the Pistons actually pull this out? *knocks on wooden desk*

9:23-Following commercial and timeout, let's see what genius play Doc Rivers drew up...down screen for Ray Allen to drive for a nice dunk. Touche Doc. 78-73 Detroit.

9:24-Mr. Energy Jason Maxiell to the line (65% foul shooter), splits. 6 point Detroit lead.

9:26-Sheed just picked up his 5th foul. KG to the line, hits both. 78-75 Pistons.

9:27-After answering at the other end, Allen hits a RIDICULOUS three to counter (only Boston's second 3-pointer made). 81-78 Detroit.

9:29-Big shot made by Mr. Big Shot. Pistons back up 6 85-79, 3 and change left.

9:31-Huge block by Sheed (playing with 5 fouls). Bad turnover Detroit, Celtics ball. Timeout Boston. 1:42 left, Pistons by 6 85-79.

9:35-Out of a timeout, the ball ends up in Perkins hands? Boston doesn't score, Pistons by 6.

9:36-Pistons go for naught, Eddie House hits a 3. 85-82, under a minute left Detroit leading with the ball. We got us a finish.

9:37-Pistons go empty. Allen hits a contested 3 with 18.9 left. Tie game at 85. Timeout Pistons. Let's see what Flip calls. He's renowned for great plays out of timeouts. Pistons get the last shot if they're smart.

9:38-Doc brings Tony Allen cold off the bench to guard Chauncey? Interesting move...

9:39-Chauncey turns it over with 5 seconds left! Are you serious!? Talk about awful time and score management this past minute. Boston gets the last shot now with enough time to run a quick play. *flip to Wings to cheer me up for impending doom, 5-2 Wings in the 3rd*

9:40-We're 10 minutes past start time of Mavs/Suns. Pierce misses. Sheed board. Timeout with 1.7 seconds left. Anybody want to make a play?

9:42-CHAUNCEY FOULED WITH 0.1 SECONDS LEFT! JUST ONE FREE THROW WINS IT FOR THE PISTONS! That was Tony Allen cold off the bench to defend Chauncey. Billups makes both. PISTONS WIN! Final score. Detroit 87 Greatest Team Ever Made 85.

I shall now add Doc Rivers to my Christmas Card list for completely ignoring the one player Detroit couldn't guard (Kevin Garnett) in the 4th, calling their last key possession for the one member of the Big Three who wasn't on his game (Paul Pierce), and calling on a cold Tony Allen to guard Mr. Big Shot in crunch time. Merry Christmas Doc and goodnight.

A Champion Returns

Sorry for being a little late with my voice about this topic as it happened last week. In the NHL (I sadly feel like I actually have to remind everyone this sport called hockey still exists, thank you Gary Bettman), the defending Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks (a name shortened to sever their ties with Emilio Estevez, or so I believe) have been struggling to stay in the Western Conference playoff picture all season. As of today they are 7th in the West with 34 points, only 2 behind 2nd seeded San Jose. Nowhere near the pace of last season when they amassed 110 points, 3 behind West leading Detroit. They're 27th in goals per game after finishing tied for 8th in scoring a year ago and 15th in goals against average (7th last year). Word came last week that they may get a boost from stud defenseman Scott Niedermeyer who decided to play another season and put off retirement for another season.

Aside from some bad luck in injuries, the roster appears to have struggled adjusting to the roster turnover. Last season's leading scorer Teemu Selanne (48 goals, 94 points) hasn't played all season while debating whether or not to hang up the skates (he appears to be actually retiring though), while their captain Niedermeyer (15 goals, 69 points) who won the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP hasn't stepped onto the ice either. Those were the 1st and 3rd leading point producers for the Ducks last season.

In anticipation of losing those two, GM Brian Burke went out and paid big bucks to pry forward Todd Bertuzzi (2 years, $8 million) and defenseman Matthieu Schneider (2 years, $11.25 million) away from Detroit. The results have been mixed. While Bertuzzi has been out of the lineup about half the season and unproductive when he's been in it (7 points, -3 in 18 games), Schneider missed the first month of the season due to injury but has come back strong (14 points, +2 in 17 games). Still, the Ducks problems go deeper than losing Selanne and Niedermeyer.

They also lost Dustin Penner's 29 goals to Edmonton (though they will be handsomely compensated in the form of draft picks). Center Andy McDonald has been disappointing (16 points in 32 games) following last season's breakout 78 point performance. Starting goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere has been in and out of the lineup due to injury while veteran backup Ilya Bryzgalov is stopping pucks in Phoenix now. Even top blue liner Chris Pronger has struggled to hold up his end defensively (-5 in 32 games, +27 last season) despite his production offensively (24 points).

So what does Scott Niedermeyer's December return mean for this roster? Well for one, Burke has to clear slightly less than $1 million in cap space to make room for the addition so it's likely someone is on their way out via trade or waivers. Despite the injuries, the Ducks have still been middle of the pack defensively yet dreadful offensively despite good per game production out of Schneider and Pronger from the blue line. So how much impact can Niedermeyer have on a position that really hasn't been a huge weakness?

Well, Niedermeyer is a dynamic enough player to still be a top five defenseman so that gives the Ducks another player who can eat up minutes. His return should instantly bolster their poor special teams units (24th in both Power Play and Penalty Kill). That should make the Ducks a top 10 defensive team. However, I still can't see how he significantly helps them offensively because they're problem hasn't been production from the blue liners. Aside from the good seasons Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are having, there has been nobody putting the puck in the net up front.

Count me in the minority who doesn't think this return fixes everything that's been wrong for Anaheim for two and a half months. This Ducks team does not have the depth up front that last year's Cup winner possessed. Niedermeyer will help them separate themselves from a mediocre Pacific division, but they will need to improve from within offensively if they want to defeat Detroit in the playoffs again. Since they don't have the cap space to make any kind of deals at the trade deadline. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Formatting Note

I am fully committed to continuing this blog with written updates 2-3 times a week. I encourage any reader response to my e-mail. I am using this simply to announce a pending addition to this in the form of podcasting. This is a holiday project of mine that I want to optimize in addition to my articles. If anyone has suggestions and tips on getting started (already got a Feedburner account), feel free to e-mail those as well. I have no launch date set because I honestly don't know. I promise my next post will actually be about sports and in the coming days.

Visions of Spring

The hot stove trade rumors had been burning since the Red Sox swept the Rockies in the World Series in October, which feels like forever ago already. On Tuesday, amid rumors of Boston or New York on the verge of acquiring Twins ace Johan Santana, it was the Detroit Tigers who swooped in and made the biggest splash of the offseason. Trading six players to the Florida Marlins for third baseman Miguel Cabrera and left-hander Dontrelle Willis. This in addition to previous trades for shortstop Edgar Renteria (a 5 time All-Star) and outfielder Jacque Jones (27 homeruns in 2006, only five last year however)

After reaching the World Series in 2006, a combination of injuries, inconsistent pitching, and generally bad luck led to a sputtering finish of 88-74, 8 games behind AL Central champ Cleveland and outside the playoffs. Enter Cabrera (a 4 time all-star who will only be 25 years old in April) and Willis (a 2 time all-star former 22 game winner who will be 26 on opening day) and you figure the Tigers are now on the short list of World Series contenders and a good bet to return to the playoffs.

In 2007, everything that could have gone wrong for the Tigers did. Especially from a pitching standpoint. Kenny Rogers battled a couple bizarre injuries, Jeremy Bonderman ended up on the shelf, Joel Zumaya missed month with a wrist injury, Fernando Rodney was on and off the disabled list most of the season. While some players who provided good power at the bottom of the order dropped off the face of the earth. A healthy Mike Maroth turned out to be subtraction by addition.

Below is a chart of players who fell off their 2006 performances:

• Kenny Rogers: (2006) 33 starts, 17-8, 3.84 ERA-(2007)11 starts, 3-4, 4.43 ERA
  

• Jeremy Bonderman: (2006) 34 starts, 14-8, 4.08 ERA-(2007) 28 starts, 11-9, 5.01 ERA
  

• Nate Robertson: (2006) 32 starts, 13-13, 3.84 ERA-(2007) 30 starts, 9-13, 4.76 ERA
  

• Fernando Rodney: (2006) 63 games, 7-4, 3.52 ERA-(2007) 48 games, 2-6, 4.26 ERA
  

• Joel Zumaya: (2006) 62 games, 6-3, 1.94 ERA-(2007) 28 games, 2-3, 4.28 ERA
  

• Todd Jones: (2006) 2-6, 37 saves, 3.94 ERA-(2007) 1-4, 38 saves, 4.26 ERA
  

• Brandon Inge: (2006) .253, 27 homers, .776 OPS-(2007) .236, 14 homers, .688 OPS
  

• Craig Monroe: (2006) .255, 28 homers, .783 OPS -(2007) .222, 11 homers, .637 OPS
  

• Marcus Thames: (2006) .256, 26 homers, .882 OPS-(2007) .242, 18 homers, .776 OPS
  

• Ivan Rodriguez: (2006) .300, 13 homers, .769 OPS -(2007) .284 11 homers, .714 OPS
  

That doesn't include a shoulder injury destroying what was a great season for Gary Sheffield (21 homers, .970 OPS 1st half-4 homers, .624 OPS 2nd half), nagging injuries to Carlos Guillen catching up (14 homers, .968 OPS 1st half-7 homers, .747 OPS 2nd half), and a whopping 4 homers in 143 games from opening day first baseman Sean Casey (he managed 2 in 5 World Series games in 2006). The Tigers still finished second in the American League in runs scored, but they went from first to ninth in runs allowed. So how does this trade affect the 2008 Tigers? Let's take a look.

Miguel Cabrera Career: (note: OPS+ is OPS compared league average of 100)

• 2003 (age 20)-87 games, 12 homers, .325 OBP, .793 OPS, 106 OPS+

• 2004 (age 21)-160 games, 33 homers, .366 OBP, .878 OPS, 130 OPS+

• 2005 (age 22)-158 games, 33 homers, .385 OBP, .946 OPS, 151 OPS+

• 2006 (age 23)-158 games, 26 homers, .430 OBP, .998 OPS, 159 OPS+

• 2007 (age 24)-157 games, 34 homers, .401 OBP, .966 OPS, 150 OPS+

Dontrelle Willis Career: (note: ERA+ is ERA compared to league average of 100)

• 2003 (age 21)-27 starts, 160 2/3 innings, 142 SO, 1.28 WHIP, 14-6, 3.30 ERA, 127 ERA+

• 2004 (age 22)-32 starts, 197 innings, 139 SO, 1.38 WHIP, 10-11, 4.02 ERA, 102 ERA+

• 2005 (age 23)-34 starts, 236 1/3 innings, 170 SO, 1.13 WHIP, 22-10, 2.63 ERA, 151 ERA+

• 2006 (age 24)-34 starts, 223 1/3 innings, 160 SO, 1.41 WHIP, 12-12, 3.87 ERA, 112 ERA+

• 2007 (age 25)-35 starts, 205 1/3 innings, 146 SO, 1.60 WHIP, 10-15, 5.17 ERA, 83 ERA+

Cabrera is money in the bank, especially if the Tigers manage to sign him long term to an extension. He is a lock to hit around .320 with good power and on-base numbers and he isn't even in his prime. While in theory the same can be said for Dontrelle Willis, the last couple seasons illustrate a disturbing trend. A trend highlighted by the fact that he has already thrown over 1,000 major league innings and that his WHIPs and ERAs have both spiked over the past two seasons in the inferior National League.

In 2005, Willis set a career high in innings pitched but also walked the fewest batters (55) of any season in his career. In the past two seasons, Willis has issued 170 free passes (83 and 87 respectively) after only walking 174 in his first three (never any more than 61). This isn't necessarily uncommon for young pitchers as they learn to better utilize their stuff for strikeouts, but aside from his dynamite rookie debut when he averaged nearly 8 strikeouts per nine innings, Dontrelle has been pretty consistently around 6.4. A number that is still solid, but with the spike in walks you want to see a similar jump in strikeouts to counteract it.

Willis has an odd delivery that is very deceptive that hitters may have finally caught up to. The high leg kick motion is also difficult to repeat with a consistent arm slot. By all reports, the velocity on his fastball has been down the last couple seasons and one begins to wonder if the Marlins brass worked him too hard given how young he was (D-Train has also thrown 15 complete games in his young career, an average of 3 per season, Tigers ace Justin Verlander by contrast has thrown two total in two seasons). To get to the point, there are several red flags over Willis and he is an instrumental part of this trade. That 1.60 WHIP shows that Willis wasn't unlucky, he was pitching poorly in a pitcher's park in a pitcher's league. If the Tigers want to reap the full rewards of this trade after dealing some talented prospects (including top prospects Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin), Dontrelle will have to get back to his previous self. I don't think he is the dominant pitcher who won 22 games back in 2005, but if he can be a better than league average pitcher out of the #3 spot in the rotation he would be the stabilizing presence they need with the lineup they've assembled.

Cabrera, by all accounts, is a liability in the field who would probably cost Detroit an extra 20 runs if he plays third base in place of Brandon Inge. His bat however will more than likely mean an extra 70-80 runs scored, so that is a net positive. This would also allow for Inge, a great athlete, to be a super sub (a highly paid one at $6 million a year) as he could backup all the infield positions, catch, and play the outfield. With some power in his bat, that would give the Tigers nice depth and insurance in case of an injury. Though talk is that Inge may be on his way out of Detroit.

As far as the American League Central Division is concerned, the Tigers made a big splash with their trades. At the same time, the White Sox have gotten worse by trading Garland and overpaying Scott Linebrink (and probably soon to overpay Aaron Rowand), the Twins have gotten worse by letting Torii Hunter walk (smart decision though, he's not worth 14 million a year) and trading Matt Garza (possibly ace Johan Santana too), the Indians have stood pat and the rumored trade for Jason Bay appears to be dead, the Royals are improving but still have a long ways to go. It will be a two horse race in the Central, and the moves the Tigers have made to supplement a club that was in the World Series 2 years ago and won 88 games last year seems to have them positioned to overtake the Tribe.

Bear in mind, the last time owner Mike Illitch was this proactive in bringing all-star talent to his team was in 2001 when the Detroit Red Wings acquired future Hall of Famers Dominik Hasek, Luc Robitaille, and Brett Hull to put them over the top to win their last Stanley Cup in 2002. Give GM Dave Dombrowski a lot of credit for his dealings of this offseason. Worst case scenario is the Tigers win 95 games and return to the playoffs. Even in a tough American League, I would put money on the Tigers winning 100 games and the World Series in 2008.

BCS Wars Episode X The Last Straw

That's it! I'm done with this! I'm finished defending the most flawed method of determining a champion in all of sports. I'm finished listening to the supporters justify people and robots (er computers) tell me who is the best team in all the land, take their word at face value, and watch the trophy get handed to said team. After this crazy season and the events that took place this weekend leading into the BCS Selection Show last night, count me as part of the playoff bandwagon.

So this is year 10 of the Bowl Championship Series that tells us who are the best teams in all of Division 1-A college football. Every year they've tweaked the formula to improve it because every other year there has not been a clear cut number 1 team at the end (or so it seems). What business outside the realm of sports is allowed 10 solid years of failure without being torn apart?

That brings us to this season, the year of the upset. From Appalachian State shocking Michigan in Ann Arbor to a hapless Pitt club knocking West Virginia out of the National Championship Game, we've seen it all. At the end of regular season play, only Hawaii managed to go through their entire schedule unscathed, and only two other teams finished with less than two losses. So obviously it's a toss-up between those three clubs right? Well, have a seat, this may take awhile...

To zoom through the setup from Saturday, Missouri and West Virginia were ranked #1 and #2 respectively with the former needing to avenge their only loss against Oklahoma on a neutral field for the Big 12 title while West Virginia needed only to defeat a 4-7 Pittsburgh club at home to play for all the marbles. That uh...didn't happen.

As I sat down Sunday night watching the BCS Selection Show with my soon to be brother-in-law, we both were expecting to be shocked. What we witnessed was, well, unexpected. (note: I just strung five consecutive words starting with the letter w, how's that for alliteration?) The powers that be took out any guess work by placing Hawaii into the Sugar Bowl with the opponent TBA (how bout the Fox producers making sure to keep the Warrior faithful glued to their televisions with that move?). Georgia ended up being the opponent, another unsurprising at-large selection. In the Fiesta Bowl, Big 12 champ Oklahoma faces West Virginia out of the shallow and pedantic Big East.

Afterwards, anything and everything went awry. In a decision justified only by some sliver of tradition, the Rose Bowl selected Illinois from the Big Ten as an at-large to face PAC-10 champ USC. Why? The Rose Bowl has always been the Big Ten against the PAC-10. Yeah? How about 3 years ago when Texas got an at-large berth in the "granddaddy of them all" against Big Ten champ Michigan over a one loss Cal club? A team that was far more deserving than this Illinois team is even though they ended up losing to Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl.

In the Orange Bowl, ACC winner Virginia Tech gets paired with 11-1 Kansas from the Big 12. No problem right? Well, how about the fact that Missouri beat them in Lawrence in their last game and their only flaw was they lost to a good Oklahoma team twice? A great story for a campus that has seen a lot of hardship in Blacksburg against a team that played a weak conference schedule and scheduled cream puffs outside of league play. Kansas personifies what is wrong with college football.

That leaves the National Championship Game. By virtue of not playing for two weeks, Ohio State found their way into the top spot in the arbitrary BCS standings, while LSU's ugly looking win against Tennessee (preceded by coach Les Miles saying he's not going to coach Michigan) propelled them from #7 to playing for a championship in their own backyard. According to the voters and computers, these are the two best teams in the country, period. Sure.

Where to begin tearing this logic apart? Oh how about the fact that the Missouri Tigers went from the number 1 team in the nation to outside the BCS in a span of 24 hours? Or that the reason they were left out was because not one, but two teams they defeated on the road got at-large bids ahead of them in Illinois and Kansas? How about the fact that arguably the worst BCS conference (Big Ten) managed to score two BCS slots? Or what about that a two loss team that hasn't looked dominant since early September (LSU) is deemed worthy of playing for a national championship while the only team to run the table (Hawaii) had to scratch and claw to play in a big payout BCS bowl game? It must be right though, because people and robots tell us so.

Hawaii hasn't beaten anybody you might say. Well espn.com's Mark Schlabach writes a spot on article defending Hawaii while calling out teams like Kansas who intentionally schedule soft out of conference teams to rack up wins. Long story short, Hawaii tried to schedule high profile teams and were repeatedly shot down while Kansas played anyone with a pulse so long as they were a mid-major.

This is the underlying problem in how college football determines their champions. One loss can derail an otherwise terrific season. BCS schools know this all too well and simply don't find it smart to take that risk out of conference when they can schedule fourth tier teams to tune up and hope that their conference schedule makes up the difference. Upstart mid-majors have to go undefeated just to be put in the conversation and need to schedule top flight national title contenders out of conference to even dream of winning a national title. However, if they get too good, the teams they need to play will simply say no. It's the perfect system for the rich to get richer, sort of a digital country club. This system flat out says if you are from a mid-major conference, we don't want you. Every other sport in college athletics has room for the Cinderella story. College football wants all the glory and big money to themselves, so the suits created extra bowl games of no significance whatsoever just to give some satisfaction to mid-majors and mediocre teams from their conference. After ten years of BCS failure, it is obvious a playoff is the only way to clean up the mess. Unfortunately, the bowl season makes so much money that everyone with power continues going to the well. To create a playoff, you need to propose a solution that will make as much if not more money for the NCAA. Luckily, I have one.

Take the top 16 teams and make the current BCS bowl games regionals. You can create extra games at all the prestigious bowl sites that would create much more money than at least three back page bowl games combined. All four bowls get four teams, you can call the regional final the actual name of the bowl game. Have one of those four sites host the new final four and national championship game and it will rotate to each of the four every year. Three prestigious sites get an extra game while one gets three. Financially that would vastly improve the revenue coming in. You could still keep the majority of the lower tier/pat on the back for an average season bowl games. Schedule those during the week while reserving Friday and Saturdays for the BCS playoff games (won't want to compete with the NFL this time of year). The four weeks are more than doable, you still get almost all the back page bowl games, and you get better match-ups with everything on the line.

Here's how it would apply to this season:

Sugar Region
1. Ohio State vs. 16. Tennessee
8. Kansas vs. 9. West Virginia

Rose Region
2. LSU vs. 15. Clemson
7. USC vs. 10. Hawaii

Orange Region
3. Virginia Tech vs. 14. Boston College
6. Missouri vs. 11. Arizona State

Fiesta Region
4. Oklahoma vs. 13. Illinois
5. Georgia vs. 12. Florida

Tell me you wouldn't enjoy that.