Lunch with The Benchwarmer

(08/05/2008)

11:57

Michael Zuidema:

Greetings, friends. Long time, no chat. Hopefully absence has made the heart grow fonder and we're ready for a hi-old time, with plenty of comments, questions and random musings.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 11:57 Michael Zuidema

11:58

Michael Zuidema:

Plenty of good topics to ramble on about: the Tigers' continued struggles, the opening of NFL training camps, the start of the Olympics, which is the better movie this summer, "WALL-E" or "The Dark Knight" ... the list could go on and on.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 11:58 Michael Zuidema

11:59

Michael Zuidema:

Personally, I'm intrigued to see how the Tigers rebound against the White Sox. Everyone has them written off, but a strong showing this week could rekindle a little optimism.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 11:59 Michael Zuidema

12:00

[Comment From Bat-manBat-man: ]

So, you've seen The Dark Knight ... ??

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:00 Bat-man

12:00

Michael Zuidema:

Yes, finally. And I of course loved it. I could have sat there for another four hours and been riveted.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:00 Michael Zuidema

12:01

Michael Zuidema:

If I'm being nitpicky, the Two Face stuff was a touch flat. I wish they had done more or less with that plot. At the very least, I hope Harvey Dent isn't dead. That's one villain that could have legs in future installments.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:01 Michael Zuidema

12:01

[Comment From Bat-manBat-man: ]

IMAX or regular version?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:01 Bat-man

12:02

Michael Zuidema:

Just the regular version. IMAX is fine, but I don't get caught up in the hub-bub like everyone else. It's the same with HD -- cool, but by no means essential or anything to get worked up about.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:02 Michael Zuidema

12:03

[Comment From Bat-manBat-man: ]

At times, it was overwhelming in the IMAX. That screen is as big as the hole in the Lions' run defense.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:03 Bat-man

12:04

Michael Zuidema:

I saw the U2 3-D movie in IMAX and that was pretty cool, but I also saw one of the Matrix sequels there and it almost gave me a seizure. Completely unnecessary ... kind of like the Matrix sequels.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:04 Michael Zuidema

12:04

[Comment From Chris in KentuckyChris in Kentucky: ]

Brett Favre … Why can’t he just stick with his decision?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:04 Chris in Kentucky

12:05

Michael Zuidema:

Good question. I'm not sure who's the bad guy in this situation, Favre or the Pack, but I know that neither one is a side to root for.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:05 Michael Zuidema

12:05

Michael Zuidema:

On the other hand, I'll be happy to stay away from the Packers for $20 million.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:05 Michael Zuidema

12:07

Michael Zuidema:

Hello? Kind of a slow start here, eh? No chat love; now I know why I'm called "The Benchwarmer" I should have went with a name like "The Star Quarterback Who Also Plays Bass Guitar in a Local Band and Secretely Hides His Artistic Side While Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen." That might have drawn more interest.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:07 Michael Zuidema

12:08

[Comment From stick-manstick-man: ]

Let's talk hockey, hockey writer. Did the Red WIngs overpaty for Filppla?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:08 stick-man

12:09

Michael Zuidema:

I don't think so. If he continues to improve and live up to his potential, by the end of the deal he may look underpaid. The Red Wings don't make a ton of foolish signings and I don't think this is one of them. Besides, if Filppula tested the market he might have gotten more, so this may end up really being a good deal.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:09 Michael Zuidema

12:10

[Comment From NateNate: ]

How about the tigers? How do you see the rotation filling out this offseason?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:10 Nate

12:10

[Comment From My Name HereMy Name Here: ]

Maybe now since Valteri has signed he can grow a real playoff beard.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:10 My Name Here

12:11

Michael Zuidema:

Well, I'll start by saying I'm not giving up completely on Dontrelle. I know that makes me an optimist (in addition to being stupid) but he's young and has been an All-Star so I'm not going to give up just yet.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:11 Michael Zuidema

12:12

Michael Zuidema:

That being said, I think Verlander rebounds just fine and Bonderman should be back, along with Robertson. Galarraga looks like a keeper, so assuming Rogers retires that leaves an open spot. Can Willis take it. Miner? I would expect the Tigers to go after bullpen first, so the rotation probably will look similar. But that's just a guess.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:12 Michael Zuidema

12:12

[Comment From Stanton4qbStanton4qb: ]

Will the Tigers try to bring in one of the recent draft picks as a reliever? We need to find one somewhere & we drafted a lot of them.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:12 Stanton4qb

12:13

Michael Zuidema:

When the rosters are expanded in September, I bet they bring up some young arms for a cup of coffee in the bigs. Maybe Porcello can be the answer somewhere. Him and Verlander as a one-two punch in some manner would be nice to see.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:13 Michael Zuidema

12:14

[Comment From Missing TigerMissing Tiger: ]

Is the PGA suffering from the loss of Tiger?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:14 Missing Tiger

12:14

Michael Zuidema:

Let's put it this way: Would the Packers suffer from the loss of Brett Favre.

Wait, that's not a good comparison.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:14 Michael Zuidema

12:15

Michael Zuidema:

How about this: Would "The Dark Knight" be as popular without Batman or the Joker? No, it wouldn't. Get well soon, Tiger!

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:15 Michael Zuidema

12:15

[Comment From Stanton4qbStanton4qb: ]

What are the key things to watch for in Thursday's Lion preseason game. Any thoughts on that game...

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:15 Stanton4qb

12:16

Michael Zuidema:

For me:
1. Can they run at all?
2. Can they defend the pass at all?
3. Can they block the pass rush?
4. Can Millen's summer beard fool Lions fans?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:16 Michael Zuidema

12:16

[Comment From NFLNFL: ]

Who’s got the better end of the deal: Romo with Simpson or Bush with Kardashian?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:16 NFL

12:17

Michael Zuidema:

Tough call: Both J-Simps and Kardashian are nothing more than E! Channel retreads, but at least Simpson has a decent voice. Kardashian brings nothing to the table. Other than her ample, uh, assets, of course.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:17 Michael Zuidema

12:18

[Comment From The ApocolypseThe Apocolypse: ]

Is this the year the Cubs win it all?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:18 The Apocolypse

12:18

Michael Zuidema:

Ha! Keep dreaming. I'll believe it when I see it. Until then, I'll go with the Angels.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:18 Michael Zuidema

12:18

[Comment From The Angry PrinceThe Angry Prince: ]

Why did Fielder go after his pitcher in the dugout? Will this boost the Brew Crew?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:18 The Angry Prince

12:20

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe someone misplaced Prince's new vegan snacks. Did you hear he doesn't eat meat anymore? Talk about someone you wouldn't expect that from. Next they'll say John Daly doesn't eat sugar anymore.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:20 Michael Zuidema

12:20

Michael Zuidema:

Not sure if this will boost the Brewers, but it probably won't matter. The Cubs seem to have their number this season. At least they're in good position for the wild card.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:20 Michael Zuidema

12:21

[Comment From Not JSNot JS: ]

Mr. Zuidema, congrats on your Ali-like return to the ring. Over under on the Lions with one win this season?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:21 Not JS

12:22

Michael Zuidema:

Thank you. I feel like I'm shaking and baking already. I'll go over on that Lions win total. My guess: 5-11.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:22 Michael Zuidema

12:22

[Comment From My Name HereMy Name Here: ]

Daly - maybe he doesn't eat sugar, he drinks about 40 Diet Cokes a round.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:22 My Name Here

12:22

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe some scientists are paying him to see if it causes cancer, like it does in lab rats.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:22 Michael Zuidema

12:23

[Comment From Kwame who?Kwame who?: ]

Can you believe Joe Dumars is bringing in another draft bust?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:23 Kwame who?

12:24

[Comment From Kwame who?Kwame who?: ]

If this is the Pistons' big offseason move, I'm not impressed.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:24 Kwame who?

12:25

Michael Zuidema:

I can. Because he's in a better situation than he's been anywhere else. He doesn't need to score, just rebound, play D and swat a block or two. He'll be the seventh- or eighth-best player on that team, which is what he should be. He was expected to be the man in Washington, then had to be the main big guy in L.A. once Bynum went down. In Detroit, he can fade into the background and let Billups, Rip, Sheed, Prince, McDyess and Co. do the heavy lifting.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:25 Michael Zuidema

12:27

Michael Zuidema:

I still think the Pistons aren't done dealing. I have a feeling they'll do something before the trade deadline. My guess with Sheed.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:27 Michael Zuidema

12:27

[Comment From Kwame who?Kwame who?: ]

And in equal disaster, the Tigers bring back Kyle Farnsworth ...

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:27 Kwame who?

12:28

Michael Zuidema:

Yeah, well, everyone knows what the reasoning was there. I don't like it personally, but I understand it.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:28 Michael Zuidema

12:28

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

Did I miss the discussion of Manny getting traded?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:28 HappyInVermot

12:28

Michael Zuidema:

Nope, you're just in time! Manny goes Hollywood. I'm praying he ends up with his own Fox sitcom.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:28 Michael Zuidema

12:29

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

As someone who doesn't really follow baseball, I find it very funny how poorly he played in his first game with the new team.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:29 HappyInVermot

12:29

Michael Zuidema:

But he's been lights out since then. ... Makes you wonder how he was able to heal so quickly.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:29 Michael Zuidema

12:30

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

hey mike when is the press going to give high school and college hockey around here a fair shake?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:30 Guest

12:30

Michael Zuidema:

Oh, man. I'm not even touching that one. You'll have to contact the higher ups on that one. I don't get paid enough money to tackle that issue.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:30 Michael Zuidema

12:30

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

after all Davenport has one of the best college hockey teams in the country and there's nothing ever about them

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:30 Guest

12:31

[Comment From My Name HereMy Name Here: ]

What would Manny's catch phrase be in the new Fox sitcom? Just wondering, I think you are on to something.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:31 My Name Here

12:32

Michael Zuidema:

Hmm, good question. My first guess would be something in Spanish, but that's probably too stereotypical and obvious. It would have to be something short and catchphrasey, something that makes you laugh at first and grows more annoying over time. Like Urkel's "Did I do that?"

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:32 Michael Zuidema

12:33

Michael Zuidema:

Got any Manny catchphrase suggestions?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:33 Michael Zuidema

12:33

[Comment From Oly Oly OlyOly Oly Oly: ]

Does The Benchwarmer watch the Olympics?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:33 Oly Oly Oly

12:33

Michael Zuidema:

Sure, when I'm flipping between the History Channel and reruns of "Family Guy." Like most people do.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:33 Michael Zuidema

12:34

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

Manny-heim Steamroller?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:34 HappyInVermot

12:34

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

Manny-chester United?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:34 HappyInVermot

12:34

Michael Zuidema:

Huh. Who knew that there were bad ideas in brainstorming?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:34 Michael Zuidema

12:34

[Comment From stanton4qbstanton4qb: ]

Who has the upper hand this year, U of M or MSU???

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:34 stanton4qb

12:35

[Comment From stanton4qbstanton4qb: ]

Football I mean

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:35 stanton4qb

12:35

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

Thanks- Jerk

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:35 HappyInVermot

12:36

Michael Zuidema:

That's a great question. Initially, you think MSU since U-M has so many changes and not much is being expected. But U-M still has the upperhand when it comes to psychology and Rich-Rod will have a few tricks up his sleeve. I'll give the slight edge right now to Michigan, but I reserve the right to change my mind when the season starts.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:36 Michael Zuidema

12:36

[Comment From My Name HereMy Name Here: ]

Manny Catch phrase 'I'm just Manny from the Block'

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:36 My Name Here

12:37

Michael Zuidema:

Now we're on to something.

And sorry, HappyinVermot. I kid, of course. I kid because I care.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:37 Michael Zuidema

12:37

[Comment From Oly Oly OlyOly Oly Oly: ]

What's your thoughts on Chris Kaman being German ...

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:37 Oly Oly Oly

12:38

Michael Zuidema:

GREAT for him. The uproar is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. I hope he wins a medal and becomes bigger in Germany than David Hasselhof.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:38 Michael Zuidema

12:39

Michael Zuidema:

We probably shouldn't call Ramirez's new sitcom "Manny Being Manny," right? Too obvious?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:39 Michael Zuidema

12:40

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe something simple, like the supporting cast just saying "Oh, Manny" every time he messes up?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:40 Michael Zuidema

12:40

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

Can anyone possibly be bigger in Germany than David Hasselhoff?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:40 HappyInVermot

12:40

Michael Zuidema:

For Germany's sake, I hope so.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:40 Michael Zuidema

12:41

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe Manny could become a star in Germany.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:41 Michael Zuidema

12:41

[Comment From My Name HereMy Name Here: ]

'Manny Being Manny'...Way too obvious...I was thinking a 3 camera comedy sitcom involving his antics with the Traveling Secretary. Kinda of like the 'Odd Couple' with more violence. It could be called '16 Tickets'.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:41 My Name Here

12:42

Michael Zuidema:

I like where you're going with it. Maybe Manny could travel to a different city every week, alienate everyone with his zany antics, and at the end of the half hour be chased out of town. Kind of like "Quantum Leap," but with more laughs and without the time travel.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:42 Michael Zuidema

12:43

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

Wasn't that a Russel Crowe bit like that on South Park?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:43 HappyInVermot

12:43

Michael Zuidema:

Hmm ... the writers will have to check into that. Maybe they can use it to their advantage.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:43 Michael Zuidema

12:44

[Comment From My Name HereMy Name Here: ]

See that is why you get paid to be a writer...pure gold with the Quantum Leap reference...I love you Scott Bakula.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:44 My Name Here

12:44

Michael Zuidema:

I'm sure Scott Bakula loves you, too.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:44 Michael Zuidema

12:44

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

There's always room for Manny in the Predator franchise.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:44 Flemdog

12:44

Michael Zuidema:

But can they get Jesse Ventura?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:44 Michael Zuidema

12:44

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Who are your playoffs predictions for the MLB playoffs? Rays vs. Cubs??

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:44 Flemdog

12:45

Michael Zuidema:

Nah, I got the Angels in the AL. I suppose I'll go with the Cubs in the NL, but I think the AL wins the World Series.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:45 Michael Zuidema

12:45

[Comment From stanton4qbstanton4qb: ]

I heard this morning that the 9'ers still don't have a leading candidate for QB. Will Martz convince them to use O'Sully as No.1? He wants his guys. Will the Lions trade McDonald to the 49'ers still?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:45 stanton4qb

12:45

Michael Zuidema:

Maybe Joe Montana or Steve Young should pull a Brett Favre?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:45 Michael Zuidema

12:46

Michael Zuidema:

At this point, they might even take Steve Bono.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:46 Michael Zuidema

12:47

Michael Zuidema:

Shaun Hill is the leader in the clubhouse, but he has a dead arm, so Alex Smith might be back under center. Sigh. So much for the playoffs, Niners fans.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:47 Michael Zuidema

12:47

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

What's the over/under on Lions games being blacked out?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:47 Flemdog

12:47

Michael Zuidema:

I think two or three. One early one, which will spark an uptick in ticket sales, with two more at the end of the year after another season of futility. Really, it will be a merciful move for Lions fans. They won't have to watch the carnage.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:47 Michael Zuidema

12:48

[Comment From stanton4qbstanton4qb: ]

So now that the Vikes didn't get Brett, they go with Fran tarkington? Sweet...

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:48 stanton4qb

12:48

Michael Zuidema:

If not Fran, then Randall Cunningham or Warren Moon.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:48 Michael Zuidema

12:49

[Comment From stanton4qbstanton4qb: ]

We don't need to resserect an old QB, we already got one right?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:49 stanton4qb

12:50

Michael Zuidema:

If by "we," you mean the Lions, then you better hope for an Eric Hipple sighting. Because the QB position is thin at best for the toothless ones.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:50 Michael Zuidema

12:50

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

I think Favre should have stayed retired. I actually started to root for him last year, but this year just makes me think that he is just like a lot of great athletes--unwilling to give it up. Perhaps it says something about how Barry walked away.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:50 Flemdog

12:51

Michael Zuidema:

I'm torn on the issue, too. It won't tarnish his legacy, but it sure is annoying. I know one thing: I won't be buying his endorsed Wrangler Jeans any time soon.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:51 Michael Zuidema

12:51

[Comment From stanton4qbstanton4qb: ]

So you don't like my name??? Drew will look better than Brett Thurrsday...

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:51 stanton4qb

12:52

Michael Zuidema:

Hey, I'm fine with being wrong. I'm not sold, but Stanton has guts and that goes a long way in the NFL.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:52 Michael Zuidema

12:52

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

You in Wranglers...I'll believe it when I see it.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:52 Flemdog

12:52

Michael Zuidema:

I'm strictly a Dickies guy from now on.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:52 Michael Zuidema

12:53

[Comment From HappyInVermotHappyInVermot: ]

No Carhardts?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:53 HappyInVermot

12:54

Michael Zuidema:

Good point. Maybe in the winter. Carhardts in the cold, Dockers in the heat?

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:54 Michael Zuidema

12:54

Michael Zuidema:

If only Bugle Boys were still around, this conversation would be moot.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:54 Michael Zuidema

12:55

[Comment From FlemdogFlemdog: ]

Is it possible that ESPN could be any more obsessive over news stories? Favre TV is getting a little old, just as Steroids TV was last year. Stupid media.

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:55 Flemdog

12:55

Michael Zuidema:

Yeah! Who likes the media! Stupid journalists! Boo!

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:55 Michael Zuidema

12:55

Michael Zuidema:

Hey, wait ...

Tuesday August 5, 2008 12:55 Michael Zuidema

12:56

Michael Zuidema:

I heard one journalist compare the Favre coverage to O.J. Simpson-like levels. Now that's a harsh criticism.