Game 4: in game report

[Trots]

First pitch of the home opener: Matt Lawton homers, 1-0 Cleveland. Now, bottom of the second and the Indians have tacked on five more runs and lead 6-0. So much for Mark Redman's impressive spring.

A good sign for Indians fans. The last time the Tigers home opener began with a first pitch homer, Dwight Evans hit a Jack Morris pitch out in 1986. The Sox went on to win the AL that season.

Well, now Detroit's attention turns to the NHL and NBA playoffs and the NFL draft. (FYI-I want the Lions to take either Joey Harrington or Roy Williams. I'd be happy with Quentin Jammer, too.)

[PissedPrincess]

Stanley Cup Finals, Bruins/Redwings!

Coming for ya babe! Good Luck Tigers!:angel2:

[Trots]

pp, you've already got a Super Bowl win, why do you want to rain on someone else's Stanley Cup parade? (Hey, pp, are you rooting for Maine in the NCAA hockey finals? Assuming you even follow college hockey. Hey, cyn, do you read these posts? I know you are just the type to watch college hockey.)

As for the Tigs, another loss today. 10-1 Cleveland wins. A digusting home opener. Colon goes for the Tribe Saturday, the Tigers counter with Cornejo.

[PissedPrincess]

GO MAINE GO!!!! So happy they beat UNH!

[GiveHyzduashot]

Hey Brian. Roy Williams would be a stretch with the pick the Lions have, wouldn't he? If I am remembering correctly, they have the fourth pick. I think Harrington is going to be a stud. I'd take him over Carr with the #1 pick, but it seems like Houston has known all along they'd select Carr.

The Red Wings, without many problems, should steamroll through the playoffs. They are just too talented and experienced to lose. I could see Philly and Boston give them a decent series from the east; Dallas and Colorado could potentially give the Wings a scare in the west.

I also will be pulling for Maine tomorrow night ...

[Trots]

Josh, the Lions pick third overall. I really don't think Williams is a reach. I believe he has the potential to be the best DB in the draft and a dominant first year player. I even heard an ESPN.com writer say that he thought Williams was the third best athlete in the draft and if Harrington was gone, he would take Williams. (I must also admit that I like Oklahoma football and have seen Williams a fair number of times, so I am biased.)

The Lions also need help in the secondary, notwithstanding the recent FA additions of Walker and Harris. Both players are an upgrade over last year, but I think Williams has the potential to be special. He plays the run like a linebacker and can cover downfield, too. He has also made a number of big plays in big games. Although, my guess is the Lions won't take Williams. With the two new safties signed on, I doubt they would set aside first round money to another.

Truth be told, if Harrington is there at number three, the Honolulu Blue and Silver had best be taking the Oregon QB. I just have little faith in McMahon. I agree Harrington could be a great player, too and in the NFL dominant teams are usually led by a great QB. If Harrington is there, I would be just as happy with him.

The Wings are a HOF display in action. Most here will be greatly surprised and disappointed if they don't re-capture the Cup. I agree that the Avs would be tough, especially if Forsberg can play around 80% or better. I'm not as worried about Dallas, maybe I should be, but Calgary has given then tons of regular season trouble for years. If the Wings start looking too far ahead, a team like the Flames could end their season prematurely.

As a Big Ten fan, part of me wants to root for Minnesota, even though they did beat Michigan, but I can't root against the Black Bears in this case. Should be a great final.

James, sorry for all the non-baseball, non-Tiger discussion above.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Oh there's no doubt at all Williams is the best DB in the draft. For that matter he's the best defensive player in the draft. But the Lions can't compete yet. More often than not, a defensive player doesn't make a huge impact anyway, defensive backs included. I can't think of one defensive back in the NFL who can control what the other teams do on offense on every play, run play or pass play. The Lions need players who can impact every play on offense. Williams is great, but he can't do that on defense.

Harrington should be there with the third pick. I am forgetting the draft order, I think the Panthers have the second pick. They should take McKinnie. Houston really should take McKinnie, but that's another matter. McKinnie WILL be a stud. I don't know how you can't not take someone who hasn't given up one sack in all the years he's played. You can't lose with McKinnie or Harrington.

Dallas doesn't concern you? I have a friend who follows the Red Wings, and he's stated several times how he wishes Dallas is either above the eighth seed or staying home. They are 2-1 against Detroit this year, right? I'm pretty sure they've played solid games against Detroit.

It's been said before, but if Forsberg does indeed come back for the playoffs, it will really even out the teams in the west. Personally, I think the Avs have the potential to beat Detroit right now, without Forsberg. Roy is that good.

As you said, the Wings could be upset if they look too far ahead. I can say with confidence no one expected the Kings to beat Detroit in Game 7 in Detoit.

The Wings really are a walking HOF. I just wish the Penguins would have the money to have kept Jagr and signed Hull. That's the way the game goes though.

[Trots]

Lions have a PR problem drafting another OL after selecting one each of the last three years. They have to address something else, as so many other positions are weak. Most personnel people seem to agree with your assesement on defensive players, db's in particular, but I think whoever gets Williams will be very pleased.

I hear Carolina is leaning towards Peppers, although Weinke is potentially heading for surgery. If they take the local kid, Harrington should be there at three. As I said before, I have no problem with taking Harrington and letting him start this year.

No, the Stars don't really bother me. Maybe I just haven't paid enough attention to them, I know they are playing better, but they don't standout to me any more than anyone else in the West. They may expend too much energy just making the playoffs, if they even get in.

Roy is having another incredible season and could certainly steal a series from anybody.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Good points on selecting an OL again. I didn't realize they've selected an offensive lineman three years in a row. I knew they selected Gibson, but I didn't think he was taken that highly.

IMO Peppers is a reach at #2. He'll be good, but McKinnie will be great and Harrington should be decent too. Weinke only has 5-6 years left anyway ... he may be in his second year but he's 28. He's not a long term answer.

Point well taken about the Stars possibly expending too much energy just to get in, although they were one point behind eighth today.