MUSIC
The Blueprint 3-- Jay-Z
The Blueprint 3 leaked last week, and it was released in stores today (COP THAT). I must say, I was kind of disappointed with the first couple tracks that leaked. But once the whole album came out, I realized how good this CD really was. People always say "we want the old Jay back!" Well, you ain't getting it. He said it himself, that's not his life anymore, he's grown up. Thats why its real hip hop. I give this album 4.5/5.
Man on the Moon: End of Day-- Kid Cudi
I've been waiting for this album since October 2008, when I discovered A Kid Named Cudi. MOTM is a reveloutionary album, with innovative ideas, thoughts, and beats. Kid Cudi is not hip hop, he is a unnamed genre. Someone asked me, what album is better between HOV's and Cudi's. I said that its impossible to compare the two, they're two totally different types of music. I give this album 4.5/5. This is Cudi's first album, could be a classic in my eyes.
SPORTS
Lions Name Matt Stafford Starting QB
When I heard the Lions were starting their number one pick at QB, I was in disbelief. How could they do this? Daunte Culpepper was the OBVIOUS pick here. Experience, knowledge of the system, he's in shape. Stafford would have gotten a chance, if not this season. I just think they needed to preserve him, let him learn. Its worked many more times than not. (ex: Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Aaron Rogers, Ben Rothlisburger, Steve Young) I guess we'll have to trust this coaching staff, but I don't see any good coming out of this.
Tigers Look Poised to Take Division
About a month ago, I wrote that the Tigers wouldn't make the playoffs. That was before we acquired Washburn, Huff and apparently a brand new, healthy Carlos Guillen. With great starting pitching, and a lineup that seems to be waking up, the Tigers are running away with the AL Central. Now, don't get it twisted, this is the weakest division in MLB. But lets not take away from what this team has done, for fans and for the city. You can't complain about baseball in October.
Now, its well known throughout the world, that Stephen Ostrowski and I don't agree on much. He made points in his Tigers Blog, good ones like the catching situation, and the dependability of our starting pitchers.
Starting with catcher. Gerald Lair is a good defensive catcher, he'll get the job done. Signing him opens up 3rd base for Brandon Inge, who came close to a Gold Glove 2 years ago. He might not put up monster offensive numbers, but Pudge wasn't exactly hitting the ball well to say the least.
Pitching--
Our rotation consists off--Bonderman, Verlander, Galaraga, Jackson, and either Nate Robertson, or Dontrelle Willis. I like the sounds of that. Bonderman was hurt last year yes, but all signs point to him being completely healthy. Verlander didn't do as bad as his number point to. He often lacked run support, and bullpen support. Galaraga was the most consistent last year, and Edwin Jackson helped lead the Ray's to the World Series last year. It is still to be seen if Nate or Dontrelle can return to form from a few years ago.
The bullpen is stronger than last year, and the offense is still stacked.
This team has poise, experience, youth and most of all, hunger.
So to my good friend Stephen, I'll see you at Comerica...in October.
Ladies and gentleman, baseball season is around the corner. And yet again, I find myself with high expectations for the Tigers. I'm a life long Tigers fan. I've been through the tough times, (at times, very tough times) and I've been through the great time, like winning the pennant a few years back.
So here's my Tigers season preview.
We added very little to the offense this year, but really, the offense wasn't the problem. It was pitching. We added a closer, to replace Todd Jones. Joel Zumaya is back, and healthy. Fernando Rodney has had the whole off season to think about how to pitch again, and we added a new starter to the rotation from the Marlins, Jackson. Bondo is back, Galaraga and Verlander are still young, and their are many more young pitchers in the farm system to look forward to (Porcello, Perry...)
The fact is, I think Dave Dombrowski did a good job, not spending all the money on big names, and just filling in the holes. Adam Everett is a good SS, and Carlos Guillen will do fine in LF. Sheff will play DH, which should benefit him.
Overall, I see a good season, contrary to Fox Sports, who ranks the Tigers 25th.
According to Nate Robertson, whom I spoke to at BD's Mongolian BBQ, The Tigers should have a good season.
Tigers will win the Wild Card.
If not..their could be big changes.