WoodyWoodriffe's Blog

Hi Gang--

I know it's been a while since I've been on line, but there's something that is bursting to get out..... some may say it's sour grapes, others may agree--- here's the story......

I was watching my Miami Hurricanes get beat by the Florida Gators last weekend, and I was struck by the moves made by Gators head coach Urban Meyer...... like kicking a field goal in a 23-3 game with just 25 seconds left...... Isn't that running up the score???  I thought that if you had the game in the bag that you should take a knee and run the clock out....... or go with a running play to keep the clock moving...... but a 28 yard field goal????  Could it be that coach Meyer knew that the spread was 22.5 and wanted to cover???  He explained that he did it because he wanted to give his freshman kicker work, but that doesn't really hold water because if that was the case, then why did he have seniors Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin in the game with a minute left, running PASS plays to get this kid in position???  Again, with a 20 point lead and a minute to go, the classy angle would have been to either run out the clock, OR use your subs (who should be in the game at that point anyhow) to get the kicker in position......... remember, the game was essentially OVER!!!  

Now I know that some of you will instantly dismiss this as the crying rant of a Canes Fan.... but think about it--- If Tebow got hurt during that final minute, what would the consensus be??? I think that Gators fans along with sportswriters all over the country would want to know what he was doing IN there at that time....  For those that think that the Gators needed as many points as possible to look good for the BCS, remember that in this season points do not count in the ranking computations so a 20 point win is the SAME as a 23 point margin of victory...... and the last little tidbit I'll share with you is the rumor that Meyer was caught looking up towards the skyboxes with a minute left, and THEN put Tebow and Harvin back into the game for that final drive--- could he have been informed of the ever changing point spread at that time and been "urged" to cover??? 

As I said, perhaps these are the rants of a disgruntled fan on a losing saturday...... BUT mabye this scenario is something to think about......... because the MONEY often makes the rules...... and as for the Canes, better beat them now, because like Michigan........ Miami will be back--- and SOON!!!!!

---Woody

Hey Tigers Fans----

OK, the day has come...... I hope no one thought that these players would be here forever, because that doesn't happen.......... Perhaps some of you are sad at the deal, but there is a bright side......... remember, Pudge wanted close to 13 million bucks for his next year of service...... should the Tigers have paid that?????  NO!!!!  So they did the next best thing, trading him so that they could get value for him while it was still there......... besides, if you want Pudge back, then wait until the end of the season and make another play for him then.......... Kyle Farnsworth returns to Detroit as a big time help to an ailing bullpen, so as far as I'm concerned, it's a win -win!!!!!  The only problem????  Brandon Inge will be the catcher for this team for the final 2 years of his contract-- a position he's wanted to get away from--- will he be happy???  or will he resist the change??..........What do you think????

---Woody

Hi Gang---

By now, many of you have seen the results from then Shock and Sparks game on tuesday night...... and I have to say 2 things.... first, it's disappointing that a brawl happened...... and 2, I think that Detroit assistant coach Rick Mahorn is getting s raw deal in the aftermath.......... All Mahorn tried to do was separate 2 players from getting to each other....... and because Lisa Leslie was off balance, a small touch gets translated into a hard shove........ I think we all can assume that Mahorn's shove-- when thrown with intent -- is enough to floor even an NBA player, so how can anyone think that he would intentionally slap one on Leslie??!?!  Let's all just admit that there was talk going all thru the game---- even Bill Laimbeer warned the referees about the consequences of all the jawing-- and that tensions spilled over at the end of the game.  I think that ejections were enough and it's now up to the league to decide whether or not to take any suspension action....... but since nothing has come down yet, perhaps cooler heads HAVE prevailed!!!!

What do you think????

--Woody

Greetings All!!--

Perhaps you've seen the small vignettes I do on the newscast for the Tour de France..... I have a great time doing the bit, but Fox 2 Sports Director Dan Miller asked me the other day if I was really down with cycling or was it just a gag--- well let me say for the record that I am an international cycling afficianado and have followed the Tour for many years. So I am passionate about the sport and according to what I hear, many people in the Detroit area are too!!!  But there are 2 things that I want to get into...... First, how about the performance so far of American rider Christian Vandevelde!!!  3rd after stage 12!!!  Wow-- it looks like Team Garmin-Chipolte has a real chance at making an American impact post-Armstrong, and that can only mean good things.........

   The other point I want to get into is the doping going on during the Tour..... I applaud the effors of the race committee in catching these cheaters red handed!!!!  With the Tour, the rule is; if you're clean you're in..... if you're dirty-- you're out!!!!! No questions, no appeals-- which makes it mystifying how riders think that they can get away with any type of hormone sleight of hand...... This current doping net has reeled in 2 stage winner Ricardo Ricco, and 38 year old Manuel Beltran, causing some to comment that the sport still hasn't cleaned up-- but I disagree..... the race committee has secretly targeted certain riders and subjected them to "random" tests, and it's working....... in Beltran's case it was EPO-- and perhaps a guy trying for a final burst on the downside of his career would resort to such measures, but with Ricco it was a derivitave of EPO called Cera. It's believed that Cera, because of it's low dosage would be undetectable but we've all seen what the results will be--- a fast trip off the Tour, and an even faster trip to a holding cell to be questioned by French Police!!!-- so I give the Tour credit for policing themselves with the strictest standards possible. Does anyone think that those types of standards could ever be used here in the U.S.??  Would players unions allow it???  What do you think???

See you at the finish line!!!

---Woody

Hey there----

I hear that Partiots wide reciever Randy Moss has bought half a stake in a nascar truck team......... Randy Moss Racing will debut in Kentucky on the 19th of this month with Willie Allen behind the wheel........... Moss' entry will be the #81 car, to match his jersey number , and eventually he wants to get the team to the Sprint Cup series........ The question is this---- why do athletes try to branch out like this????  and will it be successful for Moss???  Mabye he could go to Joe Gibbs for some pointers on how to run his new business........

---Woody

Hey NFL'ers......

What's this I hear about Brett Favre wanting to come back to the Packers????  Do you buy the idea that he's got to "scratch that itch"?  Favre has 2 years left on his old contract and could come back to Green Bay....... but what about Aaron Rodgers???  How does he fit in????  Will he be upset at his chance getting delayed again????  Or will Favre withdraw his request to play as the season gets closer????  Plenty of questions..... but if he does come back..... you better save a fantasy football spot for him!!!!

---Woody

What's this??!?!

  Tiger Woods out of action for the rest of the 2008 golf season-- because of his left knee???  Oh No!!!  Now the diagnosis is that Woods will have a 4th proceedure done on the knee for a double stress fracture of the left tibia (shin bone) and will be back in '09....... and let me say that for Tiger to go on and play a major(!) with this injury and not tell anyone about it speaks volumes about his mental toughness.......... but the question that I'm interested in having answered is this----  What does Tiger's injury do for the game of golf, especially after the final round drama from the U.S. Open???  Do all of those casual fans that flocked to their tv sets to see the playoff all of a sudden-- turn off???  What happens to the rest of the field???  Do players all of a sudden start licking their chops over their chances improving???  and perhaps most important-- are there enough stories that golf fans care about on the PGA Tour without Woods???  Of course, the gang in Grand Blanc and Oakland Hills are probably very sad today knowing that Woods won't make it to the Buick Open or the PGA Championship, but I guess the good news is that Woods will come back with little or no long term effects....... What do you think about the next 6 to 7 months of the Tour without Woods???  How about the U.S.'s chances at the Ryder Cup with no Tiger???  Let me know what you think!!!

---Woody

Hey Gang--

    The Red Wings have now won the 11th Stanley Cup in team history, and the team's return flight home was a great thing to be a part of..... so let me give you fans the chance to experience what I did after the squad landed at the hangar-- (and for those with allergies... this could be a bit flowery......) First off the plane?? Henrik Zetterberg carrying the Conn Smythe with pride--- the assembled crowd of lucky ones cheered thunderously...... only to be suddenly interrupted by the appearance of The CUP!!!!  35 pounds of teamwork returning to Hockeytown, and Nick Lidstrom was smiling wide as he held it over his head at the top of the jetway starcase. He came down the steps to join Hank and Detroit's version of the Dynamic Duo took the NHL's prized hardware into the spotlight-- and what a stage it was!!  Applause all over the place as we got sound with Mike and Marian Ilitch on the tarmac and then gained entry into the first CUP party of many...... and since I only had 30 minutes, Photog Todd and I had to work fast.  We spotted Lidstrom and immediately started the interview..... Nick was great-- revealing that being the first European born CUP winning captain wasn't really that big of a deal, and that he was happiest for Dallas Drake, who finally gets his name on the CUP. 

    Mike Babcock was next under the lights, and he said that the best thing about not having a schedule anymore was the huge sense of relief he felt, not having to go over anymore game film!! There was lots of picture taking, and sipping from the CUP as well as a very cool chat with Steve Yzerman.  Steve has always liked it low-key, and it was no different here--- mabye it's me, but the temperature always seems to drop a bit around him, like he has a superpower or something---- Yzerman told me how this team hasn't re-invented the Red Wings brand as much as re-defined what the organization is all about, and how the excellence is reflected in the personnel from top to bottom -- right after that I swear he melted into a shadow like Batman!!. Photog Todd got a chance to drink from the CUP...... Dan Cleary held it high and I smiled as my man gulped down whatever was coming out of the top bowl--- Nice job Todd!!!  There were also chats with Darren McCarty and his fat stogie..... hugs with Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby in-between photos by fans....  and a fun time with Chris Osgood who set me straight when I asked him if he got more voicemails or text messages...... Ozzy said, "C'mon Woody--  it's 2008... text messages of course!!!" I felt really happy for Oz, after he played his way back into the starting role, and then hammered out 3 playoff shutouts on the way to the CUP.  Could you imagine the Hall of Fame in his future?? Many Wings fans can!!

     The merry making continued until the sun came up---  literally!!!  My 30 minutes was long over, but I was still there at 5:45am trying to find out where the CUP was going next.........  when I saw Nick Lidstrom taking the CUP out of the hangar!!!!  The 3 people around him felt like 50 as I pleaded Nick for the CUP's friday itinerary....... Nick slowed and said that he was going to sleep with it!!!  Man I love that guy!!  Look for the CUP to be front and center at the parade on friday--- an event that you can definetly be connected to right here on myfoxdetroit.com...... What a fun experience it was, but as I drove off, the thought of sleeping all day was just a bit better.....

---Woody

Hey there gang-----

   After being on the road with the Pistons thru the playoffs, I can tell you that the inmates were definetly running the asylum.... There was definete and genuine dis-interest in what was going on in the huddles, so a change had to be made......... now according to ESPN's Steven A. Smith, the rumor of the next coach is focused right now on Michael Curry....... and that might be a good thing...... hear me out---  Curry is a connection to the last title run, so he's got the ear of the players......... Curry is defensive nminded-- a quality that the Pistons have gone away from...... and 3rd, Curry can make the closest translation of Joe Dumars' vision on the court!!!  Plus, Curry will give the youth of the squad their proper playing time without prodding like Rick Carlisle and Flip needed..... right???

---Woody 

Hey Gang---

I made a point not to comment on the Tigers until they reached the "Sparky Anderson 40 game" mark..... but with a record of 15-21 after 36 games, I've got a feeling that I can let go of my opinion now--- and it's an opinion that's not good!!  This squad came in with a ton of promise, but perhaps the easy spring boosted some false confidence..... I believe that this squad coasted into the season and is now paying the price.......... I also think that there's something wrong with Justin Verlander....... there's no way that he should be 1-6 and the lack of speed on his fastball could be part of the issue......... Last year, Verlander could find 96-99 when he needed it-- but this season that extra is nowhere to be found!!!  Could it be physical?? I think that's the only possibility left--- Same thing with Jeremy Bonderman!!  He's still struggling to start games, and instant holes are not what the Tigers need......  This 40 game mark should also light a small fire under G.M. Dave Dombrowski--- he's got to get set to make a move.... and a bigger one than sending Jacque Jones out for assignment.  Dombrowski better be trying to put a major package together, because this squad is banking on the present--- and if there's no present, then the future will be bleak as well...... so let's all look towards Detroit doing something major to shake things up---- because the status quo will not get it done......

What do you think??

---Woody

Hey Gang--

What's this I hear about Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez not respecting the tradition of giving #1 out to the most deserving wide reciever??? I thought that Braylon Edwards protected the number by giving a big money scholarship connected to it???  Is Rodriguez slapping maize and blue faithful in the face with the re-assignment????  or does he really not know about the tradition????  I think it's a bigger issue if Rodriguez didn't know about the tradition and the history behind the number.......... He could have asked Anthony Carter....... or Braylon Edwards...... or Desmond Howard..... but since he didn't, the #1 is now being worn by a defensive back---- does this sit well with you??? or is Michigan Tradition being trampled on???  Let me know!!!!

--Woody

Hi there NFL'ers--

Well Lions fans, here we are again.... that sacred time of year where teams replenish their stock---  I'm talking NFL Draft, and that instantly brings to mind the Detroit Lions!!!  We all know what has happened in the past with picks and with the personnel making those decisions, so a re-hash here is not necessary...... but starting from this point in time, I feel that the Lions need to develop the offensive line and this time really commit to it--- I forsee a "Denver-type" of system where average running backs can become good ones because of the line play!!!!  That would instantly give the Lions an identity within the league, and isn't that what we all want???  Yes!!, but back to the draft.... having said all that, MY LIONS would select the best offensive lineman available with the first 3 picks and then go after some corners who are over 6-1....... because I'm sick of getting beat by tall recievers!!!  YOUR LIONS with the 15th pick in the draft will probably take Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois--- this guy set Fighting Illini rushing records for most yardage(1,681) and touchdowns (17) last year, and his low to the ground running style is probably something that Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli is drooling over.  Mendenhall could also attract the Lions attention with his north-south running..... many feel that he doesn't have enough to get to the corner..... but will survive inside thanks to his cut back ability.  He could also see action in the passing game because of his good "hands"-- stats tell us that moving from 12 receptions as a sophomore to 34 as a junior puts you in line for the screen pass--- something that the Lions use with regularity....... and finally in Mendenhall's favor is the fact that Tatum Bell is currently listed as the Lions starting running back-- so he could provide an immediate 1-2 run punch... which is also someting that Marinelli craves.  Again, this is just my guess for draft day, not my wish--- but where the Lions are concerned, I am hoping that guesses and wishes open the door to consistency and ultimately, winning football (how desperate is that!-- I'm so ashamed!)..... Another step will be taken on saturday, will Detroit stumble??  What do you think "Mock-drafters"?? I know you have an opinion!!!

--Woody

Hey Gang---

Pack your bags and adjust the travel itinerary....... because the Seattle SuperSonics are no more!!!!  Seems that the NBA board of governors has approved a move for the franchise from Seattle to Oklahoma City?!?!!  The Oklahoma City Sonics???  I may be able to get used to that-- looks like it's another jersey for Kevin Durant to take off on that  commercial spot..... and speaking of jerseys, this is a great time for the Sonics to ditch that radioactive green and yellow motif--- but let's also think about what this means for NBA teams--- no more trips way into the western time zone, and the league gets the chance to muscle it's way into the Plains states...... What do you think about the move???  Cool with it?? or steamed like former Sonics guard "Slick" Watts' head after catching fire in the 4th quarter??

Log on and let me know!!!

--Woody 

Yawn!!

Did anyone else stay up late to see the Rockies and the Padres slug it out thru 22 innings last night in San Diego???  The game lasted 6 hours and 16 minutes!!!  Willie Tavares with 10 at bats in the game---WOW!!!  It finally ended at 4:15 am Eastern Time....... which had me wondering, what's the longest game you've ever gone to?? Anything close to 6 hours and 16 minutes or 22 innings??  I'd like to hear about that--- Log on and tell your story!

--Woody

What is going on here!?!!?

   This story of suspended NASCAR driver Aaron Fike is too much!!  Using heroin on raceday?? and then the ugly arrest by security guards last summer at Kings Island when he and his fiancee(!)-- were caught in the parking lot... USING!!! C'mon!!! Obviously the testing needs to be stricter on all levels of the Series..... Truck, Nationwide, Sprint.... heck-- I'd even test the little racing nephew on those tee-vee insurance commercials now!!  Can you imagine the added danger on the track with someone who was under the influence?? What if you were a driver who suspected-- but had no proof.... and the whole race you were more concerned about where Fike was instead of the checkered flag?? I'm more surprised that no one turned him in down there on the Truck Series--- his crew had to know something!!!  Talk to the Crew Chief-- or the Owner-- or someone because this thing is crazy!!!

Comments anyone??

 --Woody