Lunch with The Benchwarmer

(07/01/2008)

11:57

Michael Zuidema:

Greetings, friends. Welcome to July and another weekly Internet chat where the host is cool, the topics are hot and the comments are spicy. Or something like that.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 11:57 Michael Zuidema

11:58

Michael Zuidema:

As always, anything goes, be it the Detroit Tigers' resurgence, lingering thoughts on the NBA draft or the summer movie schedule.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 11:58 Michael Zuidema

11:59

[Comment From Go TigersGo Tigers: ]

How badly will they miss Magglio?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 11:59 Go Tigers

11:59

Michael Zuidema:

Finally a warm body!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 11:59 Michael Zuidema

12:00

Michael Zuidema:

Initially, they won't miss Maggs too much since they're on a tear and the Triple-A kids are stepping up. But you can't expect that to continue if the injury becomes a nagging thing. Ordonez has been their most consistent batter all season, and he'll vital to any hopes of a playoff push.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:00 Michael Zuidema

12:00

[Comment From Go TigersGo Tigers: ]

It was good to see Zumaya out there getting a save last night. A look into the future. Although they may need him in the rotation next year.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:00 Go Tigers

12:01

Michael Zuidema:

Putting Zumaya in the rotation would be a terrible idea (although you might have been facetious right there). Just keep the Guitar Hero and boxes away from him.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:01 Michael Zuidema

12:01

[Comment From Pistons FanPistons Fan: ]

Forget trading for Baron Davis, the Pistons can just sign him now sine he's a free agent. Aside from that pipe dream, anybody Detroit should get?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:01 Pistons Fan

12:02

Michael Zuidema:

Baron Davis wouldn't be a good fit on the Pistons. Too much money, not enough upside, too injury prone in the past. He's not a significant upgrade over Billups or anyone else. He wouldn't push Detroit over the top.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:02 Michael Zuidema

12:03

Michael Zuidema:

Josh Childress and Emeka Okafor might be good fits (but probably too expensive), but the Pistons need a superstar if they want to win another title.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:03 Michael Zuidema

12:03

Michael Zuidema:

Everyone would love to see Elton Brand, too, but he'll likely stay with the Clippers.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:03 Michael Zuidema

12:04

[Comment From Pistons FanPistons Fan: ]

One rumor I've read is James Jones or Pietrus from Golden State, but they'd just be more bench fodder.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:04 Pistons Fan

12:05

Michael Zuidema:

Yup. I think fans aren't going to get the major splash from the Pistons, be it in free agency or in a trade, that they're hoping for.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:05 Michael Zuidema

12:05

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe Grant Hill can come back to D-town.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:05 Michael Zuidema

12:05

[Comment From Pistons FanPistons Fan: ]

Time to fire up those Carmelo rumors again ...

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:05 Pistons Fan

12:06

Michael Zuidema:

That would be an outstanding acquisition -- too bad it will never happen.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:06 Michael Zuidema

12:06

[Comment From Cup CrazyCup Crazy: ]

Any big splashes from the Red Wings in free agency? Looks like Brad Stuart is a goner ...

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:06 Cup Crazy

12:07

Michael Zuidema:

I wouldn't bid farewell to Stuart just yet, but the odds of him resigning are getting slimmer. Maybe Mats Sundin will finally agree to leave Toronto since they're not going to be contending for a Cup anytime soon.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:07 Michael Zuidema

12:08

Michael Zuidema:

Again, the Red Wings' acquisitions won't be flashy, but they'll be solid. It's not like they have any major holes that need to be filled.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:08 Michael Zuidema

12:09

Michael Zuidema:

I just saw online that TSN is reporting that Stuart has re-signed with the Wings for four years at $3.75 million per. Worth monitoring to see if it's true.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:09 Michael Zuidema

12:10

[Comment From Cup CrazyCup Crazy: ]

Go Wings!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:10 Cup Crazy

12:10

Michael Zuidema:

Brian Rolston is another name out there that the Wings are reportedly going to go after.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:10 Michael Zuidema

12:11

[Comment From Not John SerbaNot John Serba: ]

Seen any good movies lately?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:11 Not John Serba

12:12

Michael Zuidema:

Sadly, no. The last movie I caught was "Sex & The City." Let's just say it wasn't my idea.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:12 Michael Zuidema

12:12

Michael Zuidema:

Still haven't seen Iron Man, still haven't seen Indiana Jones, still haven't see Kung-Fu Panda, still haven't seen Wall-E. Sigh. My pop culture rating is plummeting.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:12 Michael Zuidema

12:13

[Comment From Not John SerbaNot John Serba: ]

That'd make me go "Incredible Hulk" ...

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:13 Not John Serba

12:13

Michael Zuidema:

That one I'll be OK with renting off the old DVR.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:13 Michael Zuidema

12:14

Michael Zuidema:

I still want an updated movie version of "He-Man." Or at least "Thundercats" ... HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:14 Michael Zuidema

12:15

Michael Zuidema:

Yikes, it's quiet in here. Everyone on vacation? Anyone have any thoughts on the NBA draft?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:15 Michael Zuidema

12:15

[Comment From Tennis FanTennis Fan: ]

What's your thoughts on Wimbledon so far?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:15 Tennis Fan

12:16

Michael Zuidema:

On the women's side, it's one wacky upset after another that's leading to another boring Williams sisters matchup. I hope they at least go WWE on this and rig a little drama to keep things interesting.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:16 Michael Zuidema

12:17

Michael Zuidema:

On the men's side, I'm rooting for Federer. I think it's ridiculous how people rail on the guy for getting waxed at the French Open. He's made the finals there a few times and happens to face Nadal, who may be the best clay court player ever. This is a bad accomplishment?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:17 Michael Zuidema

12:17

[Comment From Tennis FanTennis Fan: ]

Can Nadal beat Federer?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:17 Tennis Fan

12:18

Michael Zuidema:

Sure, he can. Nadal has made the finals at Wimbledon, too, so it's not like he's a grass court shlub. But my money will be on Roger until someone beats him.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:18 Michael Zuidema

12:19

[Comment From tigsfan1212tigsfan1212: ]

Hey Mike, nice column on the Tigers broadcasting crew. Obviously the Tigers are doing well now, but what are your thoughts on the Jurrjens/Renteria trade? Renteria is batting .270 with little power and Jurrjens has a sub 3 ERA...

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:19 tigsfan1212

12:20

Michael Zuidema:

Thanks! I still don't mind the trade. Renteria could be playing better, but he's been steady all season. And with Galarraga and Bonine pitching well it's not like Jurrjens depleted their pitching prospects. Renteria will turn it around, he's an all-star. I still like the trade.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:20 Michael Zuidema

12:21

Michael Zuidema:

I'm a little amazed to see Renteria bat leadoff, though. I still can't wrap my head around that one. It's just weird.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:21 Michael Zuidema

12:22

[Comment From tigsfan1212tigsfan1212: ]

Do you subscribe to Leyland's theory of batting Granderson in the 9 hole vs. leftys?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:22 tigsfan1212

12:22

[Comment From Tigers FanTigers Fan: ]

Yeah, maybe Leyland should just let Granderson lead off every day ... what a concept. He had two more hits against a lefty last night.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:22 Tigers Fan

12:23

Michael Zuidema:

I don't like jerking Granderson around like that. Him and Polanco are your sparks at the top of the lineup, let them do their thing. Who cares if he's in a bit of a struggle? It's not like he's the only one this season. Let the kid work out of it. That's just my opinion.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:23 Michael Zuidema

12:24

[Comment From Tigers FanTigers Fan: ]

Of course, this is the same manager who defends guys like Sheffield to no end ...

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:24 Tigers Fan

12:25

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe, but it looks like reports of Sheffield's demise were greatly overstated. But I tend to give potential hall of famers too much of the benefit of the doubt. We'll see if it lasts.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:25 Michael Zuidema

12:27

Michael Zuidema:

MLive's own Ansar Khan is confirming that Stuart has reupped with the Wings. With Lilja back, the Wings' defense is set. Even if they don't get a top-six forward in free agency, they'll be scary good again.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:27 Michael Zuidema

12:28

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Granderson in the 9 spot against lefties is perfect. Get with the program.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:28 Flemdog

12:29

Michael Zuidema:

I disagree. Look at how much that lineup struggled when Granderson was hurt. Let him be the leadoff guy. Unless Rickey Henderson wants a comeback.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:29 Michael Zuidema

12:30

[Comment From Go TigersGo Tigers: ]

Granderson in the 9 spot is as good as Jeff Larish serving as the DH. Or Marcus Thames platooning.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:30 Go Tigers

12:30

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

He still can't hit lefties with consistency. Prove that and he can be the all-star everyone wants him to be. Until then...he bats "2nd leadoff".

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:30 Flemdog

12:31

Michael Zuidema:

I still disagree. There's a reason pitchers (and me in softball) bat ninth.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:31 Michael Zuidema

12:31

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Really though, with the injuries, he'll be batting 4th by next week.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:31 Flemdog

12:31

Michael Zuidema:

Good point. There's some bad voodoo at work. Maybe the Tigers should play the Whitecaps for a few games just to be safe.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:31 Michael Zuidema

12:32

[Comment From Go TigersGo Tigers: ]

Thanks to Leyland, he hasn't gotten the chance to succeed against lefties. And he's still hitting .250 against them.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:32 Go Tigers

12:32

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Do not even compare your softball to MLB. Remember your place in the sports universe, BENCHWARMER!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:32 Flemdog

12:32

[Comment From inge4prezinge4prez: ]

Do you see Illitch, Dombrowski and Co. making any big moves before the trade deadline, or did the club leave themselves little room to wiggle with the bloated Willis contract?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:32 inge4prez

12:33

Michael Zuidema:

They might go for another middle reliever, but I don't expect anything major unless another starter goes down. It will be tough, though.

And I'm not giving up on Willis yet. He's young and a former all-star, too. If he comes back and can pitch 200-plus innings and win 12-15 games, that's fine by me.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:33 Michael Zuidema

12:34

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

What's your take on "The Mullet" becoming the Lightning's coach? Will he be contractually able to appear on Versus, or will they digitally replace him with Billy Ray Cyrus' mug?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:34 Flemdog

12:35

Michael Zuidema:

From everything I've heard and read, Melrose isn't exactly Scotty Bowman. I'm just worried who viewers can hate on ESPN now.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:35 Michael Zuidema

12:35

[Comment From inge4prezinge4prez: ]

i think the bigger question is, who will replace Melrose on SportsCenter now that their entire hockey department is depleted upon his departure.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:35 inge4prez

12:35

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

I hope his departure doesn't mean more of Don Cherry...

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:35 Flemdog

12:36

Michael Zuidema:

Ha, nice. Any suggestions? Mark Messier?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:36 Michael Zuidema

12:36

Michael Zuidema:

The Penguins' Max Talbot should be an analyst when he's done playing. He's hilarious.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:36 Michael Zuidema

12:37

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Brett Hull!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:37 Flemdog

12:37

[Comment From Draft dealDraft deal: ]

Did you like the Mayo-Love exchange? Guess Danny Ainge can't depend on replacing Rondo with Mayo just yet ...

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:37 Draft deal

12:38

Michael Zuidema:

I loved it from the Timberwolves end. They wanted Love all along, and then managed to get Mike Miller to boot. Well played. Mayo should be a good pairing with Gay in Memphis, but I think Minny-haha got the better end of that deal as of right now.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:38 Michael Zuidema

12:39

[Comment From Joe DuhJoe Duh: ]

What in the heck were the Pistons thinking?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:39 Joe Duh

12:39

[Comment From inge4prezinge4prez: ]

Speaking of the NBA draft, why did the Pistons draft a guy who played 18 games in three years, and often falls asleep without warning?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:39 inge4prez

12:40

Michael Zuidema:

Beats me. I guess you have to hope Walter Sharpe ends up like Jason Maxiell and not Darko. At least it was in the second round, where taking chances is more encouraged.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:40 Michael Zuidema

12:40

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

BTW---He-Man AND Thundercats are in production. Seriously.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:40 Flemdog

12:40

Michael Zuidema:

Seriously? You just made my day. I just shed a single tear of happiness.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:40 Michael Zuidema

12:41

Michael Zuidema:

What about the Shirt Tales? Any word on a movie for them?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:41 Michael Zuidema

12:41

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

At one point, John Woo was attached to do He-Man. Not sure if that bodes well after his take on the Hulk.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:41 Flemdog

12:41

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe not, but Skeletor could take part in an awesome gun fight.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:41 Michael Zuidema

12:42

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

If it's bad, there is always the GI Joe movie. Or the second Transformers. Or Thor.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:42 Flemdog

12:42

Michael Zuidema:

I'm worried about the GI Joe movie. They better do my boy, Destro, justice. That's all I'm going to say.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:42 Michael Zuidema

12:44

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

It has a Wayans brother in it. Buyer beware.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:44 Flemdog

12:45

Michael Zuidema:

I just looked on imdb.com and the young kid from "Third Rock from the Sun" is tabbed to be Cobra Commander. He's a rising actor, but Cobra Commander? Not I'm officially worried.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:45 Michael Zuidema

12:45

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Yes, how did that guy get a career?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:45 Flemdog

12:46

Michael Zuidema:

He's actually supposed to be a pretty good actor. But he seems more like an indie actor to me, not Cobra Commander.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:46 Michael Zuidema

12:46

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

A little slow in here...is it a holiday week or something??

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:46 Flemdog

12:46

Michael Zuidema:

Yeah, I think so. At least there's one warm body in here. Thanks for sticking it out. I don't mind talking to myself, but others find it creepy.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:46 Michael Zuidema

12:47

[Comment From inge4prezinge4prez: ]

Who would win in a fight between Optimus Prime and G.I. Joe

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:47 inge4prez

12:47

Michael Zuidema:

All of GI Joe vs. just Optimus Prime? Tough call. I'll still go with OP, since he's made of metal and gigantic.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:47 Michael Zuidema

12:47

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

OP--no contest.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:47 Flemdog

12:48

Michael Zuidema:

I want to see OP go up against Voltron. That would be a good fight.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:48 Michael Zuidema

12:48

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

I think Voltron is in production too.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:48 Flemdog

12:48

Michael Zuidema:

What is this, 1986?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:48 Michael Zuidema

12:49

Michael Zuidema:

What's next, Miami Vice? Oh. Wait.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:49 Michael Zuidema

12:49

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

We need a Go Bots vs. Transformers. That would be better than Alien vs. Predator.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:49 Flemdog

12:49

Michael Zuidema:

But the Go Bots would have to be evil plastic versions that break easily otherwise it would be too unrealistic.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:49 Michael Zuidema

12:50

Michael Zuidema:

I want a movie version of either MacGyver or Quantum Leap.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:50 Michael Zuidema

12:50

[Comment From inge4prezinge4prez: ]

Are you much of a Batman fan? I am pretty stoked for The Dark Knight

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:50 inge4prez

12:51

Michael Zuidema:

I am a BIG Batman guy. I cannot wait until Dark Knight. I'm way excited.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:51 Michael Zuidema

12:51

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

I've heard those have both been kicked around for TV or a movie.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:51 Flemdog

12:51

Michael Zuidema:

Now you're just being silly. Stop it.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:51 Michael Zuidema

12:52

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Nolan has done Batman right. Lucky for us, he's signed on for one more Batman movie. I hear Two-Face and perhaps one more baddie for that one. And MacGyver and Quantum--seriously.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:52 Flemdog

12:52

Michael Zuidema:

I wonder if Nolan will even attempt to include Robin in any way.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:52 Michael Zuidema

12:53

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Robin? Oh, now you're being the silly one.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:53 Flemdog

12:53

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

I'd love to see how Nolan would make Penguin real.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:53 Flemdog

12:53

Michael Zuidema:

Just as long as Arnold doesn't return as Mr. Freeze.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:53 Michael Zuidema

12:54

[Comment From Not John SerbaNot John Serba: ]

Holy movie talk, Batman!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:54 Not John Serba

12:54

Michael Zuidema:

Hey, if people aren't going to chat about sports. I'll go with movies. I'm that easy.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:54 Michael Zuidema

12:54

[Comment From inge4prezinge4prez: ]

I loved Nicholson's Joker but Ledger looks positively amazing in the new one.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:54 inge4prez

12:54

Michael Zuidema:

Agreed.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:54 Michael Zuidema

12:55

Michael Zuidema:

With only about five minutes left in this "sports" chat, I'll take a moment to let you know that I'll be gone next week on another vacation trip. Sorry, loyal chatters.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:55 Michael Zuidema

12:55

[Comment From Not John SerbaNot John Serba: ]

And it'll be on the IMAX, too, to debut ... which could be extra cool.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:55 Not John Serba

12:55

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Vacation again? Who are you, President Bush?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:55 Flemdog

12:56

Michael Zuidema:

Hey, watch it with the insults. Although you could have called me Dick Cheney.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:56 Michael Zuidema

12:56

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

They shot some of it in IMAX, which should make it a fantastic viewing!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:56 Flemdog

12:56

Michael Zuidema:

You mean like action sequences around people eating popcorn? Does the Joker talk on his cell phone during a movie. Does Batman rustle wrappers around a little too loudly?

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:56 Michael Zuidema

12:57

[Comment From Not John SerbaNot John Serba: ]

The Batman movie after Dark Knight will be out before the Benchwarmer returns from vacation.

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:57 Not John Serba

12:57

Michael Zuidema:

Ouch, I think. The natives are turning on me. Retreat! Retreat!

Tuesday July 1, 2008 12:57 Michael Zuidema

12:57

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

I'd rather watch people eating popcorn that see "Sex and the City."