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Detroit Tigers: Hottest Team in MLB

Now this is the Detroit Tigers we all expected. Finally, back to an even 40-40 for the year, the Tigers are showing the capability and promise we all expected from the talented, veteran team they are.

After making several major offseason trades, the team needed time to get it together. In recreating their infield, Guillen and Cabrera are both learning new positions at third and first base while newcomer Renteria has taken over shortfield. All those errors we were seeing by the infield during the first two months are finally going away. Along with getting in sync with their new teammates, the Tigers' have been torched with major injuries that the far majority of teams would never be able to overcome. They don't have two (Bonderman, Willis) of their opening day starting pitchers in the lineup due to a season ending injury and control issues. Their bullpen (Zumaya, Rodney) is finally healthy for the first time this season. Their catalyst (Granderson) has come back after missing the early part of the season recovering from injury. Their DH (Sheffield) is finally 100% healthy. When teams lose their starting pitchers, bullpen, catalyst, and DH for significant periods of time, they usually don't have enough talent to make it to the playoffs. The Tigers are one of the few teams in the majors with the extroadinary amount of talent needed to even attempt such a comeback (after starting the season 0-7 and being 24-36 in early June). Fortunately, the Tigers have maintained focus, fought through these injuries, and placed themselves in prime position to make a run for the Central Division. No team has ever made the playoff after starting 0-7; expect the 2008 Detroit Tigers to be the first.

Los Angeles Lakers- Detroit Pistons Trade? Gasol for Wallace

Here's a crazy idea... Lakers send Pau Gasol to the Pistons for Rasheed Wallace. Although you might be initially inclined to laugh this proposal off, this trade actually makes sense in several ways. Both teams win. ----

Why Lakers Should Trade?
Even though Pau posts better career numbers (18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds to Wallace's 15.2, 6.9), Rasheed is a serious threat to score from anywhere - a major key in Phil Jackson's triangle offense. As defenses collapse on Kobe, Sheed waits for a dish for an open three... night in, night out (Sheed outshoots Gasol .341 to .227 from three point range). Sheed also provides the Lakers with championship experience and emotion (his good days outweigh any small fits - all his teammates love him) they needed this June to avenge from an 0-2 deficit to the Celtics. Kobe and Phil Jackson will keep Sheed under control, and Sheed will have the same effect he had when the Pistons acquired him in 2004. The Lakers will be getting a motivated and hungry Sheed. ----

Why Pistons Should Trade?
The Pistons need to add some youth to their lineup, and Sheed's welcoming has worn off. A perfect opportunity to acquire a younger power forward/center who will be able to provide consistent offense and rebounding. The Pistons are a team of leaders already, and Gasol's soft-spoken, obedient attitude will suit will with new head coach Michael Curry as well as his playoff-tested teammates. Gasol has now smelled blood, coming off his first NBA Finals appearance. He's motivated - something the Pistons also need. ----

The salaries make this a doable trade. The trade doesn't even need to involve any other players. If the Lakers want their best chance to win now, they want this trade. The Pistons, as much as they love Rasheed for helping them win rings in 2004, are ready to move on. ----

One last prediction, Lakers-Pistons 2009 NBA Finals.

Detroit Pistons - Miami Heat: Potential Trade

Detroit to Miami:
T. Prince
C. Billups
2008 First Round Draft Pick #29

Miami to Detroit:
S. Marion
2008 First Round Draft Pick #2

Great deal for both teams... In Miami, an excellent backcourt with great offensive power and defensive presence in Billups, Wade, and Prince. This backcourt will carry Miami to a top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, improving on this past season by a minimum of 30 games (last year winning only 15). All three have won the championship with Billups and Wade being former Finals MVP. Prince has had excellent defense in his playoff runs and some memorable playoff blocks, not to mention his highlight-for-years-to-come block on Reggie Miller during the Pistons 2004 Championship season. This trade provides Miami with playoff tested clutch performers.

Detroit gets to infuse its well-tested veteren starting five with an explosive S. Marion and either Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley, whoever falls to the #2 pick in the draft. If Rose comes to Detroit, how fun is it going to be to watch Derrick Rose and Rip Hamilton (with Rodney Stuckey coming off the bench) along with Marion on the fast break. Detroit would be reenergized and one of the scariest teams to play in the league. If Beasley falls to #2, Detroit finally fills its need for a 20-10 (points-rebounds) career guy whos going to give it his all night in, night out. Beasley is the second coming of Sir Charles without all the drama. Either way, Rose or Beasley, Detroit is instantly a finals contender again.


Get the trade done, Joe D. Pick up that phone. Miami CANT refuse this offer.

Best Captain of All Time - all sports

The Captain aka Steve Yzerman.. simply put, this can't even be argued. How long he served as Captain, how young he was when he became the Captain, the influence he has on Detroit, the Red Wings, the NHL, and Team Canada.... no wonder why his name has changed to The Captain.