Should the Lions Trade the number one pick for Jay Cutler?

I have given this scenario a lot of thought and I think they should. First let’s go back to when Cutler was drafted. The Lions needed a quarterback and the top three were Vince Young, Matt Leinart, and Jay Cutler. At the time I thought Jay was the clear cut best quarterback and still do. The Lions passed on a quarterback and still are in need of one. I don’t think they should draft one at number one. First I am not sure that Stafford is better than Sanchez. Since there isn’t a clear a clear number one in my mind and I really believe the Lions have lots of bigger holes to fill I don’t think they should draft a QB at number one. So you would surmise that by that logic why would you essentially take Cutler with the first pick. First I believe Cutler is better than either Sanchez or Stafford. Secondly he is a known quantity. Finally he has experience and the only way to get that is time. The Lions have a long way to go but an experienced QB can help speed up the progression for all of the offense. Now the Denver Divorce. There are two ways to look at what is going on and I will side with Cutler. Yes he is under contract but the way I see it is they were trying to get out of the contract by trading him first so now he has been disrespected and is giving them just what they wanted right? Shouldn’t the Broncos be happy with this outcome? Could you imagine if you told your wife that she was almost replaced but it didn’t work out so she is “still” the love of your life. I would sleep with one eye open if it were me. Denver was dishonest and deserves as much respect as they give employer or not. Detroit should make this deal and have Cutler throw the ball to Calvin Johnson on almost every passing down. Other teams with great wide receivers do this but that is another conversation.

Now the most impressive athlete I have seen in sports since Michael Jordan retired. Tiger Woods. What made MJ amazing is his ability to will a victory and also have the unbelievable talent to make it happen. Some athletes have the will and some have the talent but only these two in my life time had the most of each in the sport. Tiger came into the round 5 back on Sunday. Now everyone thought that he would outplay Sean O’Hair and put so much pressure on him that he would choke. Sean struggled and Tiger surged just like he had pre injury. But what was amazing is how he made every putt he has to and overcame some really bad breaks from 14 in. Did anyone think that he would miss the putt on 18 for the victory? No one did even the PGA tour pros make less than 50% from that distance. He would not allow himself to lose. Give him only one good leg or any bad bounce and he just keeps coming. Can’t wait for Augusta.



JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Random Thoughts from around sports

The Detroit Lions look like they won’t pick Aaron Curry of Wake Forrest number one. While linebacker was a glaring need the traded for Julian Peterson. The Lions gave up Cory Redding and a fifth round pick to Seattle to get Peterson. Peterson was a star at Michigan State and with Ernie Simms manning the other outside linebacker spot I can’t see the Lions using the first pick in the draft for a back up when there are many other glaring holes to fill. Looks like they will be deciding between a left tackle and a quarterback.

No worry of Sergio Garcia passing Tiger Woods for the number one ranking. Through three rounds both are not near the top and Sergio had to win to make it happen. If Phil Mickelson continues to hold on to the lead he will be in position to catch Tiger. With Tiger’s caddy spouting off about how he doesn’t like Phil this is the rivalry golf fans want to see.

No fighting in hockey. While I know they are not trying to eliminate all fighting just staged fights right when the puck drops this is still a bad move. Hockey is struggling to hang on to its popularity and MMA ratings are on the rise. Fans like the fighting just like NASCAR fans love the crashes (as long as no one gets hurt).

Team USA gets routed by Puerto Rico. 11-1 and they had to invoke the mercy rule. Isn’t this like getting your butt kicked by your little brother? Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US. Maybe in the future we should make them play on our team like the Dutch do.

NCCA tournament is almost here and after Saturday’s action here are my number one and two picks. UNC will be the overall number one seed the other number one seeds will be Pittsburgh, Louisville and Memphis. Second seeds will be Michigan State, Uconn, Oklahoma and Duke. Let the fun begin

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Sergio Garcia the best golfer in the world

Does anyone actually believe that statement? Probably not but that is what the world rankings could say after this week. If Sergio wins and Tiger Woods finishes worse than twenty seventh Garcia will be the world’s new number one player. Unlike tennis or college basketball where rankings matter because you get seeded that way and it affects the possible outcome, golf rankings allow you enter in some tournaments that you otherwise would not get into but then it has no effect. If not for Tiger’s knee problem we would not even be having this discussion. It shows how great he is that after missing eight months he is still number one even the rankings only count the last two years. My problem is not that someone could pass Woods it is that that someone has never won a major and is generally regarded as a poor putter. Woods being injured kept him from accruing more points while out and it is a cumulative points system so if would makes sense that he would get passed but the system is messed up when the guys winning majors aren’t the ones doing the passing. Paddy Harrington or Phil Mickelson have both won majors in the last few years and have a much stronger case to hold the number one ranking. Sorry Sergio the only title you should hold is the best player not to win a major.

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Terrell Owens to the Bills

While I have never been a T.O. supporter I think this may be the best fit he could have found. First the good, he is not a criminal as much as the media tries to paint him in that corner and constantly places him along side of criminals. He has never had a brush with the law. He is very productive. Ten or more TDs the last three years. No other wide receiver can say that. Offense is all about putting points on the scoreboard and he does that. He is a winner and wants the ball in big situations. He always blocks down field. Now for the bad. He wants the ball all the time even if other options are better. He wants to win but it has to be because of him. He has to be the star. He drops the ball. As his speed and skills diminish this will become even a bigger problem. He creates a media circus, fair or not fair as some of my colleagues suggest. Now here is why I think this is the best fit for him and a good gamble for the Bills. Buffalo has not scared anyone on offense for years. Now with Lee Evans and T.O. going deep it will be pick your poison. Marshawn Lynch is having some troubles with the law but this will benefit him and give him running room for the first time since he got there. It will also take the media heat off him since T.O. will get almost all the coverage now. Trent Edwards is now on the hot seat. How will he and T.O. coexist and will he stand up to him? I think he will feed him the ball as much as he can because he wants big numbers and so does T.O.. Now for the city of Buffalo. It is a small market and more of a college town than any other place T.O. has been. This should help the team and him. Less media and more of a get behind you attitude from the fans. The team has been on the verge of the playoffs and he could help them get over the hump he will get all the credit and that is really what he wants. It is also only a one year deal so if it doesn’t work out you have not really lost anything. Can’t use popcorn again so get your Buffalo Wings ready.

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Has it really been four months…

Manny Ramirez finally signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two years and 45 million. Does that sound familiar to you? Well it is the same offer that so called super agent Scott Boras called not a real offer when they first got it. Now they had to accept it which brought a little smile to my face. It is not that I don’t like Manny because I do. He is frustrating because he is so inconsistent but he is very entertaining. You never know what he will do. I don’t like Scott Boras. I am glad he had to eat his words. How do you accept a non offer? Scott bluffed and was called. Nice work. Glad Manny has to give you ten percent for doing nothing. Manny I would have done it for eight percent.

Kurt Warner re-signed with the Cardinals. Two years 23 million and an offer to give a million back to help keep Boldin. He could have got more money from the Niners but wanted to stay and gave the home town discount. I am glad he did it.

I am also glad Ray Lewis is staying with the Ravens. I love it when guys finish their career with the only team they ever played for.


JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Start of Free Agency or Trade Deadline...

While there was the expected rush of free agent signings more than a few trades have gone down. First a run down on some signings. Albert Haynesworth signs with the Washington Redskins for an even 100 mill. The Skins also signed DeAngelo Hall. This should improve their already tough defense and make them a contender for the NFC East crown. The Patriots sign Fred Taylor. Corey Dillon again? After cutting most of their defense the Broncos sign Brian Dawkins away from the Eagles. Don’t see this having as big a impact for them as it will be a loss for the Eagles. Some players just excel in the right defense. The Cowboys sign Keith Booking and the Texans sign DE Antonio Smith. This should again help both defenses. Biggest name still out there is TJ Whosyourmama. He would be a great fit in Philly.

Now lets look at the trades. First let me get this off my chest. Why do people keep giving up proven players for draft picks that almost never measure up to the person they traded? Randy Moss for a fourth rounder. Are you kidding me? What fourth rounder would come close to his talent. Now the Patriots respircate by giving the Chiefs Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel for a second round pick. Maybe it was a going away present for Scott Pioli. Usually the Pats are the ones robbing others so I guess maybe Pioli was the real genius. The Bucs get Kellen Winslow Jr. from the Browns for some undisclosed draft picks. Winslow is better than any TE you could draft this year and you know it will be a 3rd or 4th round pick. It drives me crazy when my team somehow never makes these deals. Lito Sheppard was dealt from the Eagles to the Jets for undisclosed draft picks. So for a 2nd, 3rd,4th round pick your team could of added a starting DB, QB, TE and LB. To me that sounds like an unbelievable draft and you would still have a first rounder to add to that. Finally there was an actual player for player trade. The Lions traded Jon Kitna for Anthony Henry. This is a good move for the Lions. Kitna is not the answer at QB and they have holes everywhere on defense. Maybe the Lions will actually improve if they keep making good moves like this.

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Random Thoughts From Across Sports…

LPGA:
Michelle Wie finishes second in her first event as a member of the LPGA after earning her way on through Q-School. She had a three shot lead on the back nine and couldn’t hold off a charging Angela Stanford. While most would say this is the latest in a long line of failures for Wie I see it as a positive. While getting bad advice while coming up and ruffling a lot of feathers along the way she needs to get in position to win to learn how and fulfill all that promise. She has one of the best swings in golf for a man or woman and will be a force for years to come. I have no problem with her teeing it up with the men as long as she earns her way in.

MLB:
A Rod, A Rod, A Rod. Just had enough of it already and it has just begun. The last thing hopefully I will say on this is how can MLB just leave him out there like a sacrificial lamb while 103 guilty people sit there unscathed. If I was the Yankees I would want them made public so the heat would die down on A Rod and other teams fans couldn’t boo as loud while guys on their team cheated as well.

Who says you can’t go home again. Ken Griffey Jr. has agreed to go back and play for the Mariners. I loved watching that swing and it will take my back watching him in that uniform again. Too bad the skill level isn’t the same.

NBA:
Tracy McGrady shuts it down. After watching him not be able to dunk the ball a few games ago it was time to quit trying to push it and take care of you. At least he doesn’t have to go to a bad Nets team that was rumored before the announcement. I think he should have told the team before the rest of the world, guess I am old fashioned.

Sometimes I hate the salary cap. As a fan I can’t stand when your team has to get rid of someone not because they can’t help your team but because they make too much. Tyson Chandler was the latest victim of this. The Hornets had to dump him and really hurt their chances of winning the title. Now they weren’t the favorite but they had a punchers chance now that chance is even smaller.

NFL:
Interesting use of the franchise tag by the Chargers. You have LT and you use your tag on Sproles. Now I know that they couldn’t lose Sproles because of the uncertainty of the LT situation but didn’t they just dig the same hole they are trying to get out of? They want to pay LT less, now you go and guarantee Sproles a top five salary and he isn’t even a full time back.

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Why I turned off SportsCenter….

It felt way to much like Entertainment Tonight or E News. The three biggest current sports stories that are all over the national media have nothing to do with an actual game.

A-Rod admits to using steroids while playing for the Texas Rangers.

Miguel Tejada pleads guilty to lying to a grand jury.

Brett Favre retires. Again.

I get 30 seconds of highlights on a NBA game and A-Rod going on and on about how he took steroids. Guess what, I don’t care. Report it then let it go. 103 other players cheated and none of them was called out. Baseball should have had rules in place and testing set up and it got exactly what it deserved. Does anyone still think baseball was clean?

I am glad Brett Favre retired because I believe he got that last little itch out. He already got all of his retirement stuff out of the way last year so this time let’s just let him go out quietly. To me his legacy is not tarnished by the last year with the Jets or coming out of retirement last year. When you are a professional athlete you should get to decide when you give it up just like any other normal person can.

I don’t know if it is just me but when I was a kid all you heard about was what happened on the field and not all this other stuff. I long for those days again. I don’t need a feel good story or a police blotter to enjoy sports. I am not naïve enough to believe that athletes don’t cause trouble or do charity work just like any non-professional athlete. I just want to root for my favorite teams and athletes and I need every detail of their private life.


JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Which former Bull is doing a worse job?

Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr weren’t comparable on the court. MJ is arguably the greatest player ever while Kerr was a role player. In the front office they are in a neck and neck race to see who is worse. Michael’s first pick with the Wizards was Kwame Brown. Bust. Kwame is currently a part time starter with the Pistons and is a role player at best. So what does MJ follow up that great pick with when he goes to Charlotte, Adam Morrison. Bust. Today he was traded to the Lakers with Shannon Brown for Vladimir Radmanovic. Couldn’t play defense and looked like a 70s porn star. Jordan could have drafted Rudy Gay or Brandon Roy. Very bad judge of talent. Then he brings in Larry Brown who can’t work with young guys and the whole team is young guys. Larry will gut the team, get bored, burn bridges and leave. Maybe Mike should go with him.

Steve Kerr is ruining what was the most entertaining team in the NBA. First he brings in Shaq for the Matrix. While Shaq has more let in the tank than people thought he did talk about a horrible fit for that team and style of play. Shaq is one of the most dominant players in half courts sets but getting that huge body up and down the court is not what he was meant for. Like putting a huge anchor on a speed boat. Then he runs Mike D out of town because he believes that defense wins titles not fast break offense. While that may or may not be true Phoenix was arguably a few suspended players or an injured Joe Johnson for getting to the finals. This team now resembles the current Bulls. Misfit players and no true identity. Latest rumors say they are shopping Amare Stoudemire. A few years ago Amare was a beast and now he looks confused, unmotivated and stuck trying to get out of Shaq’s way. Now if it was me I would bank my teams fortune on the young stud not someone in the twilight of their career.

While neither guy is nearly as bad as Isiah Thomas both are headed down that road.

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Random Thoughts from all around sports…

Kobe drops 61 on the Knicks at the Garden. The Knicks fans chanted MVP. That just seems wrong to me. What is going on with fans? Boo yours and cheer theirs. Fans seem to want to more and more a part of the game these days like it is their right. If you are passionate about your team Root hard for your guys and Boo them. That is how you help your team. Back to the 61. Kobe is going down a slippery slope scoring this much against a team they would beat if he scored 15. Bynum is down and now is the time to pump up the rest of the team not ball hog your way to 61. Zero assists says it all. When Lebron goes in there tonight he won’t try to top it not because he can’t but because he doesn’t want to win like that.

Michael Phelps taking hits from the bong. Second time he has done something really dumb and illegal and his sponsor come out and support him 100%. What does he have one of those Speedos suits for real life that reduces friction. If you missed David Letterman’s top ten list it is below and funny.


Top Ten Michael Phelps Excuses
10. Anxious to rid myself of those bothersome billion-dollar endorsements
9. Too much chlorine
8. Uh... I thought it was chapstick?
7. Asked myself, "What would Chong do?"
6. Uh... glaucoma?
5. It's my last chance to goof off before I have to settle down and get a real swimming job
4. Uh... I got bitten by a groundhog?
3. Chillax, Broseph
2. Was doing research for upcoming film "Michael and Kumar Go To the Olympics"
1. Huh?



Unemployment on the rise. Manny turns down a 25 million 1 year contract. His agent then threatens the Dodgers about playing chicken. If I was out of work and had no other offers I wouldn’t be threatening my only suitor. Maybe we need Scott Boras on capital hill to fix all the rest of the problems for unemployed people.

Nadal beats Federer at the Australian Open. Federer then breaks down in tears as he accepts the second place trophy. Wouldn’t you be mad at losing instead it seems like he was crying because he knew he couldn’t beat Nadal anymore. Maybe he should just retire now since Nadal has taken his heart.

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

JD’s NFL Mock Draft Edition 1

1. Lions- Andre Smith, T, Alabama
(Everyone is calling for them to take QB, Big mistake they need O-line and Defense help. They should trade down if possible and acquire more picks. Lots of holes to fill)

2. Rams- Jason Smith, T, Baylor
(Lions take their guy at number , Smith coming on)

3. Chiefs- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
(Were going to go another way until Stafford fell to them. Unless they work out deal for Cassell with the NE connections)

4. Seahawks- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
(WRs been a problem. Could make a play for TJ)

5. Browns- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.
(Lock down corner from their own backyard makes perfect sense)

6. Bengals- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.
(Seems like every year Bengals need Defensive help)

7. Raiders- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
(Gotta throw the ball to someome)

8. Jaguars- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
(Playmaker from Champion Gators will add some spark to O)

9. Packers- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake forest
(Curry to good to pass on here, Him and Hawk will provide great tandem for years to come)

10. 49ers- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
(Singletary wants to run the ball and play D, will get by with current QBs and get the anchor for the D)

11. Bills- Brandon Pettigrew, TE,OKST
(Need someone to catch the tough balls over the middle in those tough weather conditions)

12. Broncos- Everette Brown. DE, Florida St.
(The can score in bunches but need help on D. LBs should be fine after injuries this year and CBs are very good)

13. Redskins- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
(Jason Taylor running out of gas)

14. Saints- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
(Just like Broncos need help on D)

15. Texans- Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia
(Great value pick here as he was ranked higher. Line needs help)

16. Chargers- Rey Maluga, LB, USC
(Great fit for Chargers)

17. Jets- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
(Favre is done, Gotta get QB of the future)

18. Bears- Michael Oher, T, Mississippi
(Wanted Sanchez will take line help and continue to run the ball and play D)

19. Bucs- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
(Looking for the next Warren Sapp)

20. Lions- James Laurinitis, LB, Ohio St.
(Chris Speilman take 2)

21. Eagles- Brian Cushing, LB, USC
( Need upgrade at LB)

22. Vikings- Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
(Play opposite Greenway )

23. Patriots- Knowsean Moreno, RB, Georgia
(Patroits always seem to have people they need fall to them, why should this year be any different)

24. Falcons- Louis Delmas, S, WMU
(Nice player will fit in nicely)

25. Dolphins- D.J. Moore, CB, Vandy
(Fits the Parcells model)

26. Ravens- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
(Mason is getting up there in age and Clayton yet to put it together)

27. Colts- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
(Colts always need D)

28. Eagles- Alex Mack, C, Cal
(Best C in draft)

29. Giants- Peria Jerry, DT, Missippi
(D line taken many hits and needs some new life)

30. Titans- Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
(D is set just need someone to stretch the field)

*31. Steelers- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forrest
(D is set but he is best available)

*32. Cardinals- LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
(Edge winding down career and I don’t think Hightower is the answer)

*pending Super Bowl outcome

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com