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Saturday, April 7, 2012
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 11:35 PM.
Game 9 vs. IND

Andrea Bargnani had a career night for scoring! Has he finally shown his true potential as a European big man with Nowitzki-like talent? Anyways, it was close early, but the Pistons were never down in the game.

The Pacers really needed Danny Granger (injured). The Pistons slow offense early kept the Pacers in it, but eventually the offense and depth of the Pistons carried them to an overwhelming victory.

Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons
Nov 20, 20111ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
Indiana (5-6)30293622117
Detroit (6-3)25363642139
Indiana Pacers
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Darren Collison3613-220-12-441020228
Paul George399-191-60-28510019
Tyler Hansbrough378-130-00-08111216
David West385-130-00-09211010
Roy Hibbert379-150-00-06210018
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Davis Bertrans103-40-02-2110118
Leandro Barbosa124-80-00-0101018
George Hill132-60-12-4152006
Glen Davis112-30-00-0501004
Jeff Pendergraph60-20-00-0200000
Dahntay Jones30-10-00-0000000
Louis Amundson30-00-00-0000000
TEAM TOTALS55-1061-86-1245261036117
Detroit Pistons
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Steve Nash347-102-20-041420316
Derrick Rose346-161-34-45220017
Tayshaun Prince367-123-40-05101117
Brandon Bass343-40-02-2820008
Andrea Bargnani3617-241-44-45413439
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Troy Murphy115-61-20-04101011
Shane Battier133-62-20-0210008
Nene143-50-02-2410108
Gerald Green42-52-30-0010006
Will Bynum162-30-01-1530015
JJ Redick132-40-10-0221014
Mehmet Okur10-00-00-0000000
TEAM TOTALS57-9512-2113-1344326610139
Friday, April 6, 2012
There are 3 spots that haven't been locked down. There are one in the outfield and two in the bullpen remaining. Reed Johnson will likely be sent down, keeping Brennan Boesch as Nelson Cruz's backup.

Middle and Long Relief spots are still open. Nate Robertson will probably be sent down (based on attributes), but only Joaquin Benoit, Octavio Dotel. Matt Guerrier, and Daniel Schlereth have impressed me enough to secure spots on the Opening Day roster.

In addition to Robertson, Alburquerque, Choate, Lidge, and Balester are still looking to secure spots.

Here's the new depth chart, specifically for BlueJays09+...

Detroit Tigers Depth Chart - 2012
  • Catcher
  • Alex Avila (vs. RHP)
  • Geovany Soto (vs. LHP)
  • First Base
  • Victor Martinez
  • Prince Fielder
  • Alex Avila
  • Geovany Soto
  • Second Base
  • David Murphy (vs. RHP)
  • Placido Polanco (vs. LHP)
  • Third Base
  • Miguel Cabrera
  • Placido Polanco
  • Shortstop
  • Jhonny Peralta
  • Placido Polanco
  • Left Field
  • Michael Morse
  • Brennan Boesch
  • David Murphy
  • Center Field
  • Austin Jackson
  • Reed Johnson
  • David Murphy
  • Right Field
  • Nelson Cruz
  • Brennan Boesch
  • Reed Johnson
  • David Murphy
  • Starting Pitcher
  • Justin Verlander
  • Doug Fister
  • Gio Gonzalez
  • Brandon Beachy
  • Jordan Zimmermann
  • Nate Robertson (LR)
  • Relief Pitcher
  • Octavio Dotel (SU)
  • Daniel Schlereth (MR)
  • Al Alburquerque (MR)
  • Matt Guerrier (MR)
  • Randy Choate (MR)
  • Brad Lidge (MR)
  • Closer
  • Jose Valverde
  • Joaquin Benoit (SU)
  • Designated Hitter
  • Prince Fielder
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 05:01 PM.
The Tigers send Max Scherzer, Andy Dirks, and 5 star potential prospect Taylor Anthony to the Nationals for Gio Gonzalez, Michael Morse, and Adam LaRoche.

Max Scherzer was extremely disappointing during Spring Training. He gave up at least 3 ER in all of his starts, usually 3-5 innings each, so he would probably give up more in the regular season.

It was clear that Andy Dirks would not make the Opening Day roster. There were simply too many talented guys ahead of him. The prospect, Taylor Anthony was the deal breaker.

Gio Gonzalez was a attractive because of his long-term deal and high skill. Michael Morse is relatively young and recently emerged on the scene as a power hitter. He may replace Delmon Young. Adam LaRoche is expected to be moved, likely as a part of another deal.

I am expecting to make more moves in the near future.

More Trading (Immediately After)

Tigers trade Delmon Young, John Mayberry, Jr., and Ryan Raburn to the Rangers for Nelson Cruz and David Murphy.

Delmon Young wasn't hitting great during Spring Training, and his defense isn't necessarily great either. Ryan Raburn was streaky as usual, and although he can play many positions, this trade brought defensive enhancements.

We are all aware of Nelson Cruz's ability, but I didn't know that David Murphy was able to play 2nd base. He will replace Ryan Raburn and also eliminate the need for Freddy Sanchez. Expect a Sanchez trade too.

Even More Trading

The Tigers trade Freddy Sanchez, Miguel Olivo, and Adam LaRoche to the Cubs for Geovany Soto, Reed Johnson, and former Tiger Nate Robertson.

Geovany Soto hits lefties well. He will replace Miguel Olivo, who didn't have a hit the entire time he was with the Tigers.
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 02:40 AM.
Game 8 vs. ATL

This victory was truly inexplicable. Personally, I would have written off the Pistons at halftime. The Hawks had a 13 point lead at the half, but they were truly dominating both sides of the ball. To make things even harder, the Hawks started by out-rebounding the Pistons 2:1.

The 1st and 3rd Quarters were rather even. The Pistons were cold very early, specifically Andrea Bargnani. It would be a tough night if he couldn't get going, and we struggled. In the third, the Pistons decided not to take it anymore. A team effort brought the Pistons back all the way.

Late-game defense propelled the Pistons. They limited the Hawks to 23 4th Quarter points. That wiped out the early deficit, and the Pistons won by 3. Piston free throws off of intentional fouls saved the day. The Pistons were 13-14 for the game.

Atlanta Hawks at Detroit Pistons
Nov 18, 20111ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
Atlanta (5-3)31382823120
Detroit (5-3)30263037123
Atlanta Hawks
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Steve Nash347-141-42-25500117
Derrick Rose378-162-47-77300025
Tayshaun Prince3910-230-82-28122122
Brandon Bass404-80-11-11050009
Andrea Bargnani3711-212-30-07511024
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Will Bynum154-52-31-23300011
JJ Redick153-41-20-0240027
Nene122-40-00-0031014
Troy Murphy92-20-00-0420004
Mehmet Okur10-00-00-0000000
Gerald Green10-00-00-0000000
Shane Battier70-30-10-0100100
TEAM TOTALS52-1053-1013-175325385120
Detroit Pistons
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Jeff Teague409-201-12-25610221
Joe Johnson369-221-50-07401119
Marvin Williams383-131-20-0621017
Josh Smith4011-170-15-713402127
Al Horford4212-180-05-69113029
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Tracy McGrady133-80-00-0310006
Kirk Hinrich91-10-00-0110102
Ivan Johnson120-00-01-2630001
Jannero Pargo10-00-00-0000000
Erick Dampier70-10-00-0010000
Vladimir Radmanovic10-00-00-0000000
TEAM TOTALS51-1008-2613-144731445123
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 02:36 AM.
Seemingly overnight, the Pistons went from bottom-feeders to true contenders. After a slow start, the Pistons are now tied with the Bucks for the lead in the Central. The Bulls, early favorites before the Derrick Rose trade, have slowed down. Despite a current .500 record, they are tied with the Cavaliers and Pacers.

The Jazz and Celtics are really struggling. They are the only two teams yet to win. The Nuggets and Thunder are not living up to expectations. They each have only one win.

In addition to the Pistons, the Warriors, Timberwolves, Nets, and Hornets are true surprises in the NBA. They are all in the top 10 of Power Rankings. This should not be seen as a true barometer for success, though. The Suns were #6, but fell to #15 after a terrible loss to the Pistons.

Largely in part to the sliders that I'm using (TombaSports360; they are great!), lots of cheap extensions have been given out. Star players such as Steve Nash, Brandon Roy (FA to the Kings), Yao Ming (FA to the Wizards), Grant Hill, George Hill, Antawn Jamison, and Ray Allen have signed deals. The most expensive per year is only $5 million!

Many stars have fallen to injury as well. They include Paul Pierce, Danny Granger, Gilbert Arenas (FA to Memphis), Jeremy Lin (who ironically has a sore knee), and Andre Stoudemire. All will be out for at least one week and at most (for Paul Pierce) 4-6 weeks.
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 02:19 AM.
Game 7 vs. PHX

Just two games after the trade, Steve Nash played his first game against the Suns as a Piston. Nash was traded to the Pistons with a 1st round pick for Jameer Nelson and Jonas Jerebko.

Both teams struggled early, but the game remained close. Late in the 1st, the Pistons began putting the pieces together. Tayshaun Prince ended the 1st half with 24 points. On the other side, the Suns struggled with turnovers.

The second half was dominated by the Pistons. The Suns' inability to defend led to their demise. Also, their 3 point shooting was horrid. They only made one the entire game. The Suns really showed their need for a true inside presence. Phoenix had more points in the paint, but Detroit took advantage of their opportunities efficiently.

Phoenix Suns at Detroit Pistons
Nov 15, 20111ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
Phoenix (5-4)1530282699
Detroit (4-3)37303827132
Phoenix Suns
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Jameer Nelson397-150-42-28810316
Shannon Brown377-230-43-43311117
Grant Hill3712-200-02-211520326
Markieff Morris378-131-10-06213117
Channing Frye375-90-30-06101110
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Josh Childress122-20-02-2111006
Hakim Warrick122-30-00-0100004
Michael Redd101-20-10-0000002
Jared Dudley70-20-01-2100001
Sebastian Telfair20-00-00-0000000
Ronnie Price90-20-00-0250020
Jonas Jerebko90-40-10-0300000
TEAM TOTALS44-951-1410-124225651199
Detroit Pistons
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Steve Nash306-132-40-021020014
Derrick Rose289-192-50-06312320
Tayshaun Prince3210-134-65-67000129
Brandon Bass305-100-00-08311110
Andrea Bargnani294-91-20-0520219
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Shane Battier145-83-52-32100015
Nene205-60-00-05111010
JJ Redick183-41-12-2122009
Will Bynum193-50-20-0230006
Troy Murphy153-50-00-0631106
Mehmet Okur31-40-00-0000012
Gerald Green81-30-10-0400002
TEAM TOTALS55-9913-269-114828877132
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 04:22 PM.
I do not plan on covering this Dynasty as often as the other two, but this team is off to an amazing start. They went the entire month of October without a loss.

It took a lot to manufacture this team over the past three years. I had to take into consideration the fact that the Red Wings were getting older, and the same core group could not exist and deliver much longer.

My only concerns for this team are cap space, injuries, and future draft picks. In addition to talent, the team is relatively young. So, I think that I will eventually see more demanding contract offers. Also, a lot of the deals I made used up draft picks to get them through. There will be lesser amounts of young, fresh talent coming to the Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings Depth Chart - 2013-14
STARTER2ND3RD4TH
LWMilan LucicMax PaciorettyRene BourqueJamie McGinn
CPavel Datsyuk (C)Valterri FilppulaMike SantorelliAndrew Cogliano
RWHenrik Zetterberg (A)Jakub VoracekDrew StaffordDan Cleary
D #1James WisnewskiAnton BabchukKyle QuinceyRoman Josi
D #2Dmitry Kulikov (Injured)Niklas Kronwall (A)Brendan Smith
GJimmy Howard Devan Dubnyk
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 04:00 PM.
Game 6 @ LAL

This was an early statement game for the new-look Pistons, and they delivered. The Pistons also held their defensive ground early, a main concern earlier in the season.

By halftime, the Pistons had 4 scorers in double figures. Kobe Bryant struggled. Despite 14 points at the half, he shot 6-19. In the end Kobe manufactured 38 points, albeit inefficiently. He was 15-36.

The Pistons spread the ball well. Steve Nash and Tayshaun Prince led the Pistons with double-doubles. 6 scorers ended up with double figures.

Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Lakers
Nov 13, 20111ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
Detroit (3-3)40362937142
Los Angeles (4-4)27282842125
Detroit Pistons
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Steve Nash3412-173-31-231000328
Derrick Rose337-142-31-25921217
Tayshaun Prince327-103-40-010320117
Brandon Bass334-100-00-0641008
Andrea Bargnani3410-142-32-34101024
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
JJ Redick167-122-31-21200017
Nene158-90-00-01110016
Will Bynum153-61-30-0231107
Troy Murphy161-10-02-2350104
Gerald Green21-10-00-0100002
Shane Battier151-30-10-0410102
Mehmet Okur10-00-00-0000000
TEAM TOTALS61-9713-207-114039756142
Los Angeles Lakers
STARTERSMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Steve Blake376-133-40-03321215
Kobe Bryant3815-362-56-82711238
Matt Barnes333-70-20-0542026
Pau Gasol 3510-130-00-09102120
Andrew Bynum3812-180-00-14102024
BENCHMINFGM-A3PM-AFTM-AREBASTSTLBLKTOPTS
Jordan Hill114-40-00-0510118
Andrew Goudelock121-10-02-2320104
Christian Eyenga122-30-00-0001004
Josh McRoberts141-30-00-0600102
James Jones10-00-00-0000000
Derrick Caracter10-00-00-0000000
Devin Ebanks152-30-00-1410014
TEAM TOTALS56-1015-118-124120699125
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 01:08 AM.
I still have 4 cuts to make. Then, all spots will effectively be filled.

Detroit Tigers Depth Chart - 2012
  • Catcher
  • Alex Avila
  • Miguel Olivo
  • Victor Martinez
  • First Base
  • Victor Martinez
  • Prince Fielder
  • Miguel Cabrera (DH)
  • John Mayberry, Jr.
  • Second Base
  • Ryan Raburn
  • Freddy Sanchez
  • Placido Polanco
  • Third Base
  • Miguel Cabrera (DH)
  • Placido Polanco
  • Freddy Sanchez
  • Shortstop
  • Jhonny Peralta
  • Freddy Sanchez
  • Left Field
  • Delmon Young
  • John Mayberry, Jr.
  • Andy Dirks
  • Ryan Raburn
  • Center Field
  • Austin Jackson
  • Andy Dirks
  • Right Field
  • Brennan Boesch
  • John Mayberry, Jr.
  • Andy Dirks
  • Ryan Raburn
  • Starting Pitcher
  • Justin Verlander
  • Doug Fister
  • Brandon Beachy
  • Max Scherzer
  • Jordan Zimmermann
  • Collin Balester (LR)
  • Relief Pitcher
  • Octavio Dotel (SU)
  • Randy Choate (MR)
  • Matt Guerrier (MR)
  • Daniel Schlereth (MR)
  • Brad Lidge (MR)
  • Al Alburquerque (MR)
  • Closer
  • Jose Valverde
  • Joaquin Benoit (SU)
  • Designated Hitter
  • Prince Fielder
  • Victor Martinez
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:58 AM.
Preseason Acquisitions

The Tigers come into 2012 with very high expectations. Most of the key pieces were in place, but there were still noticeable issues. The bullpen is deep, but not enough to my liking. I knew that I needed at least one more starter. Andy Oliver definitely wasn't going to cut it, and Rick Porcello was making me uncomfortable.

I signed and traded Rich Harden for Matt Guerrier.

I re-acquired Placido Polanco at the cost of Brandon Inge and some prospects. I could not survive another year with his lack of offense.

I swapped lefty relievers by acquiring Randy Choate for Phil Coke.

I signed and traded Ivan Rodriguez along with Gerald Laird for Miguel Olivo. The Tigers' real-life signing of Laird confused me.

I signed and traded Derrek Lee along with Rick Porcello and a prospect for Brandon Beachy. This trade came after the Braves beat us to the ground, with Beachy starting.

I signed and traded Javier Vasquez along with prospects to the Nationals for starter Jordan Zimmerman, Brad Lidge, and a prospect.

I signed and traded Hideki Matsui and Vladimir Guerrero along with Don Kelly for John Mayberry, Jr.

Lastly, I acquired Freddy Sanchez at the cost of Ramon Santiago and reliever Brayan Villareal.

As I look back on all of the dealing, I am more confident in my starting rotation. Zimmermann has yet to make a Spring Training start. I have some tough decisions to make regarding the deep bullpen. Cutting the roster to 25 will be hard, since I still have 29.

I may have to constantly send down and call up guys, as I acquired certain players for certain situations. Possible AAA candidates include: Andy Dirks, Miguel Olivo, John Mayberry, Collin Balester, Robbie Weinhardt, Al Alburquerque. It is possible that Polanco and Sanchez may split time in AAA, since they both offer the same to the Tigers.
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:12 AM.
Detroit Pistons Depth Chart - 2011-12
STARTER2ND3RD4TH
PGSteve NashWill Bynum
SGDerrick RoseJJ RedickGerald Green
SFTayshaun PrinceShane Battier
PFBrandon BassTroy Murphy
CAndrea BargnaniNeneMehmet Okur
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:06 AM.
Preseason and Games 1-5

I decided to start an Association with my hometown favorite Detroit Pistons. Looking at the preseason roster, I knew that this team was unable to contend. So, I performed a MAJOR overhaul with the theme of being able to compete now and also in the future.

I traded Jason Maxiell and a 2012 1st Round pick to the Celtics for Brandon Bass, a 2012 1st Round pick, and a 2013 2nd Round pick.

I traded Charlie Villanueva and a 2013 1st Round pick to the Raptors for Andrea Bargnani and a 2012 2nd Round pick.

In a three-team deal, I traded Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon to the Magic for JJ Redick and Jameer Nelson. The Pacers recieved Glen Davis. The Magic also recieved a 2012 2nd Round pick.

The next offer I could not pass up. I am impatient, therefore I was unwilling to wait for both Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight to develop. The Bulls offered Derrick Rose and a 2012 1st Round pick for the two rising stars. I also acquired 2nd Round picks in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

I traded the aging Ben Wallace and a 2012 1st Round pick to the Wizards for Nene and a 2012 2nd Round pick.

Realizing that I had a lot of picks in the future (more than enough to handle), I unloaded Walker Russel and 3 second round picks for Gerald Green, another prospect.

I traded Damien Wilkins to the Heat for James Jones. I turned around and dealt him to the Lakers along with some draft picks for Troy Murphy.

After a couple of games, the defense coming off the bench was clearly lacking. To help solve the problem, I acquired Shane Battier for Austin Daye and Vernon Macklin.

I then signed Mehmet Okur to a 1 year deal, because I had only the minimum number of players on the roster.

I played two more games, and Jameer Nelson was not productive. Somehow, I was able to acquire Steve Nash (who eventually waived his no-trade clause) and a 2013 1st Round pick for Jameer and Jonas Jerebko.

For the moment, I am satisfied with the team. We surprised early with a 4 point win over the rival Pacers, but soon faltered with a 3 game losing streak. Defense was non-existent in bouts against the Nets, Knicks, and Warriors. In our most recent game, we finally put the pieces together in a 16 point win over Portland. We face a tough task against the Lakers next.

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