Talk Sports Detroit

Fantasy baseball drafts are just around the corner, so I’ve compiled a list of players whom might not be on most peoples radar but should be.  Most of these players either went through their rookie campaign last year or are projected to start in their rookie year this 2012.  If you are in a deep league, these players could potentially be great mid-last round picks.  Here they are:

SS Zack Cozart- 2nd round pick by the Cincinnati Reds, Cozart put up very solid numbers in his last year in the minors.  Was called up mid-year last year to get off to a fast start hitting .324 with 2 homeruns in 11 games before he suffered a season ending injury.

OF Jay Bruce- In his second full year in the majors, Bruce hit 32 homers and 97 RBIs for the Cincinnati Reds.  He has hit over 20 bombs in each of his four seasons, two of those seasons playing less than 110 games.  He obviously has big power potential.

1B/OF Michael Morse- A bit of a question mark for being in this post. Morse hit 31 HR and 95 RBIs last year in his first full big league season with the Nationals, after playing little in his previous six.  The reason I put him on here is because he can play either 1st base or outfield and any time a guy shows power numbers like that, he is worth another shot.

1B/OF Mark Trumbo- .254/29 HR/ 87 RBIs in his rookie campaign.  With the addition of Pujols, I am not sure where the Angels plan on playing Trumbo this season.  Something to watch for before picking him up.

C J.P. Arencibia- Hit a dismal .219 in his rookie campaign last year for Toronto, but hit 23 homeruns with 78 RBIs.  Solid numbers for a rookie catcher.  I would think he would be a great late round pick up if your in need of a catcher or is worth picking up as a back up to see how he pans out in his second year.

1B Freddie Freeman- In his first big league stint, he hit .282/21 HR/ 76 RBI, with 32 doubles as well for the Atlanta Braves.

1B Eric Hosmer- In his first time ever being called up to the majors for KC, Hosmer hit .293 with 19 homers and 78 RBIs in just 128 games.  May not be off of too many peoples radar, but has great potential and is more than worth putting on the list, just in case you forgot about him.

2B Jason Kipnis- After a very good minor league stint in Cleveland’s farm system, Kipnis was called up last year for the first time to hit .272/7 HR/ 19 RBI in just 36 games.  He also scored 24 runs and stole 5 bases in that short time period.  It is tough to find many 2nd baseman who can really add a ton of worth to your fantasy team.  This guy can potentially do that.

1B Paul Goldschmidt- The same age as Kipnis (24), Paul was also called up for the first time in his career last year.  He hit 8 homeruns and 26 RBIs in 48 games for the D-Backs.  Goldschmidt put up monster numbers in the minors.

P Jacob Turner- While he didn’t have very good numbers in his only 3 starts with the Tigers in 2011, Turner is one of the more promising young pitching prospects in all of baseball.  He is expected to be Detroit’s number 5 in the rotation this year.

P Matt Harvey- Most likely not going to make it to the big’s until mid season, Harvey though is a big time prospect with a huge upside similar to Turner.  He plays for the Mets.

P Matt Moore- Compared to the likes of Steven Strasburg, Moore is expected for big things in 2012.  He was called up late last year to start one game and relieve in 2 others, throwing for 15 K’s and a 2.89 ERA in 9.1 innings for Tampa Bay.

P Brad Peacock- Similar to Moore in expectations, Peacock was also called up late last year to show what he had in store for the Oakland A’s.  He dominated by having just a 0.75 ERA and a .167 BAA in 2 games started.

OF Yoenis Cespedes-  I can’t leave out the Cuban megastar that is sure to sign with someone within the next 2 weeks.  You can’t be sure as to how he will produce in the MLB, but he has produced mightily in Cuba.  In my opinion, he is a great risk to take in the mid rounds.

Are they now the best hitting combo in baseball?  I don’t think it’s even a question.

Miguel Cabrera is thought of by most to be the best hitter in baseball alone.  You add in someone like Prince Fielder, who has had multiple finishes in the top 3 for MVP voting, it makes it tough to argue.  I saw a stat on espn.com comparing current great duo’s, and the best statistical put out was by Larry Walker and Todd Helton back in the 90′s.  Both of those players are true greats and most likely hall of famers, but when you ask yourself who would you rather have?  I wouldn’t even hesitate to grab Cabrera and Fielder over them.  Those two are going to create history in Detroit on many levels.  Let’s sit back and enjoy.

If the scenario plays out where Michigan State loses in the Big Ten title game, do the Wolverines or the Spartans deserve to receive an at large bid in a BCS bowl game?

Being a Michigan homer, sadly I  have to be honest and go with Michigan….State.  There is no real argument in it for Michigan. The Spartans won the Legends division, and they beat Michigan.  To some, they may say that game was played what seems like an eternity ago, but it was played none the less.

Michigan’s only shot to play in a BCS bowl game may be for the Spartans to come out victorious next week against Wisconsin, in the first ever Big Ten championship game.  If that is the case, go Sparty.

Tell everyone what you think below, or by answering the Poll Question!

A poll question on espn.com, asking whether or not “Arizona football’s hire of Rich Rodriguez is a good hire,” sparks an actual LOL moment.  You think maybe the state of Michigan is biased?

Check it out:  Is Arizona\’s hire of Rich Rodriguez as head coach a good one?

Just as you started the thoughts of the Lions no longer making the playoffs and wondering why they had to tease us so bad this year with good play, Detroit roared back into the game.

The Lions came back from a 17 point deficit on Sunday to stomp on Cam Newton and the Panthers, mostly in the second half.   The charge was led by a five touchdown day for Matt Stafford and a great game of over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns by a resurgent Kevin Smith at tailback.  Detroit is making a name for itself this year with their overwhelming comebacks.  Their third of the year when down by more then two touchdowns.

Matthew Stafford looked to be back in early season form after a shaky start of two straight picks.  I felt that Stafford really managed the game well by checking down to the short to intermediate routes.  Something he needed to do with his fractured index finger on his throwing hand obviously still nagging him.

As for Kevin Smith, you can expect him to carry the load until Javid Best returns to action.  He looked better today than he ever did in his rookie year.  He made a handful of good cuts and accelerated well out of the cuts.  If your playing fantasy football, he might not be a bad option if your trying to stack up running backs going into the playoffs.

The Lions look to be in good position for a wildcard spot heading into the playoffs.  Especially with Chicago’s QB in Cutler now being out for the season with a broken thumb.

Feel free to leave any comments below and Answer the new poll question!

Well, I’m back.  After taking many months off from writing on the blog, I have decided to give it another run.  In coming back, I would say the hottest topic out there in the motor city is the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford.

Lets give it a shot.

The Lions started out a hot 5-0 this season, but have slowed down to 1 win and 3 losses since then.  In large role to the two-sided halves of the season, is Matthew Stafford.  Stafford through the first 5 games threw for 13 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions.  Through the previous 4 games, he has thrown for just 7 touchdowns and the same number of interceptions, four, all of which came in last Sunday’s game at Chicago.  While those numbers for the previous four games aren’t necessarily bad, it is noticeable by all that his accuracy and decision making have hindered.

What’s the deal?  Well, one could say he hasn’t played through this many games since his senior season at Georgia.  Maybe he is becoming fatigued?  While it’s possible, I doubt it.  These guys train year round and should be prepared for this type of long road.  Another could say well, he has thrown the ball the second most in the NFL this year behind Drew Brees.  Valid point.

A 2nd, more likely possibility is his fractured finger on his throwing hand suffered two weeks ago.  Stafford says it wasn’t a determent, but I can’t imagine it had nothing to do with his errant throws last week, leading to 4 interceptions.

I heard many call ins on a sports radio show suggest that Stafford should be benched for Shaun Hill to take his place.  HA, that could be the year’s best humor.  Matthew Stafford may be struggling of recent, but I like to believe he will bounce back to winning form.

Tell me what you think by answering the Poll Question!