Lunch with The Benchwarmer

(06/24/2008)

11:57

Michael Zuidema:

Welcome back, friends. I'm refreshed from a week of vacation and ready to trip the sports world fantastic. Or something.

Hit me when you're all ready.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 11:57 Michael Zuidema

11:58

Michael Zuidema:

There are plenty of topics we can chat about, from the Tigers slow turnaround to the NBA draft to Shaq's rapping comeback.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 11:58 Michael Zuidema

11:59

[Comment From Jim ShortsJim Shorts: ]

So how about those Tigers? Are they for real?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 11:59 Jim Shorts

12:00

Michael Zuidema:

Well, these certainly look more like the Tigers everyone expected at the beginning of the year. There's no doubt that they can come back and win the AL Central -- I'm still not sold on the White Sox -- but I'm not convinced they can knock off Boston and make it to the World Series.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:00 Michael Zuidema

12:00

[Comment From Jim ShortsJim Shorts: ]

Wasn't it nice of the people in Grand Rapids to build such a nice place for the Lions? I might go over to John Ball Park and tease Kitna with a steak.......get him riled up a little!

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:00 Jim Shorts

12:01

Michael Zuidema:

Just don't bang on the glass too hard -- that's just cruel.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:01 Michael Zuidema

12:01

[Comment From NBA FanNBA Fan: ]

What were your thoughts on the Celtics' domination of the Lakers in the NBA finals?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:01 NBA Fan

12:02

Michael Zuidema:

Funny, considering how many people had already handed the title to the Lakers before the series even started. Reminds me of the Pistons in '04 or when Ohio State beat Miami for the national title. That's why we play the games, right?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:02 Michael Zuidema

12:02

Michael Zuidema:

It's also clear how little inside depth the Lakers had. You can go small in college, but the NBA is still a big man's game.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:02 Michael Zuidema

12:02

[Comment From Jim ShortsJim Shorts: ]

Without Tiger Woods, does anyone really care about golf?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:02 Jim Shorts

12:03

Michael Zuidema:

Sure ... on Sunday afternoon. The early rounds can be skipped entirely, me thinks.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:03 Michael Zuidema

12:03

[Comment From NBA FanNBA Fan: ]

And what about that Michael Curry hire by the Pistons?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:03 NBA Fan

12:04

Michael Zuidema:

Hey, why not? Give him a chance. It's a pretty low risk move. The Pistons aren't exactly NBA title contenders, so see what he can do with the mix of young and old. At least the Pistons didn't recycle some old retread.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:04 Michael Zuidema

12:04

[Comment From Trade TayshaunTrade Tayshaun: ]

Who would you deal if you were Joe Dumars? Ths Pistons don't really want Carmelo, do they?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:04 Trade Tayshaun

12:05

Michael Zuidema:

Why wouldn't you want Carmelo? He scores, he rebounds, he's a decent passer and he's young. The guy is a star. The Pistons don't have any real stars. It would be great if they could keep Prince, but trading for Anthony definitely would be an upgrade.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:05 Michael Zuidema

12:05

Michael Zuidema:

But the Nuggets won't give him away cheap. If they trade him at all, which isn't likely.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:05 Michael Zuidema

12:06

[Comment From Trade TayshaunTrade Tayshaun: ]

One report was Billups and Prince for Carmelo ... is that too much?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:06 Trade Tayshaun

12:07

Michael Zuidema:

That's a lot of cap space moving; not sure how those numbers work. But to get quality, you've got to give up quality. I'd try to sneak Rasheed's contract in there instead.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:07 Michael Zuidema

12:07

[Comment From Jim ShortsJim Shorts: ]

Well if it's Golf without Tiger or Nascar on Sunday, I would choose to watch the grass grow in the yard.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:07 Jim Shorts

12:08

Michael Zuidema:

Go with baseball. It's been a fun season so far with a number of good stories, from the Rays and Cubs, to the resurrection of Josh Hamilton. And there's always the Tigers.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:08 Michael Zuidema

12:08

[Comment From Tigers FanTigers Fan: ]

It looks like Rodney's done, but it's good to see Zumaya back. Wild card, here they come?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:08 Tigers Fan

12:09

Michael Zuidema:

They Wild Card will be tough, especially if the Rays and A's can keep up this pace. And the Yankees will be in the mix. I think the Tigers have to win the Central or they won't make the playoffs.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:09 Michael Zuidema

12:10

Michael Zuidema:

Not for nothing, here's my prediction for the top five in the NBA draft: 1. Rose, 2. Beasley, 3. Mayo, 4. Westbrook, 5. Love.

But if the Timberwolves do something nutty, who knows what can happen?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:10 Michael Zuidema

12:11

[Comment From NBA FanNBA Fan: ]

Might the Heat trade the No. 2 pick ... that was one rumor.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:11 NBA Fan

12:11

Michael Zuidema:

They shouldn't. If they can put Beasley with a healthy Wade and Marion, that's a pretty good nucleus, especially in the East. All they would need is a point guard.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:11 Michael Zuidema

12:12

[Comment From msu b-ball fanmsu b-ball fan: ]

how do you sleep at night knowing your "schtick" is a direct copy of Bill Simmons from ESPN?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:12 msu b-ball fan

12:13

Michael Zuidema:

Ouch, that stings. I definitely don't think it's a carbon copy, but I'm not going to pretend that we're not a little similar. Obviously, he's far more popular and effective; I'm just trying to have a little lighthearted fun in the sports world. That's all.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:13 Michael Zuidema

12:14

Michael Zuidema:

By the way, I sleep OK at night. I think I need a new pillow, though. Mine is pretty old and flat.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:14 Michael Zuidema

12:14

Michael Zuidema:

Kind of like my sense of humor.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:14 Michael Zuidema

12:15

[Comment From Welcome BackWelcome Back: ]

Vacation ... where they heck were you?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:15 Welcome Back

12:16

Michael Zuidema:

Beautiful Sarasota, Fla. Trying to hunt down residents like Dick Vitale and Monica Seles. (Not really.)

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:16 Michael Zuidema

12:16

Michael Zuidema:

I did catch a Rays-Cubs game at Tropicana. Talk about desperately needing a new ballpark. Yikes.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:16 Michael Zuidema

12:16

[Comment From KEVINKEVIN: ]

You would of had to go to Siesta Key to find Dickie V.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:16 KEVIN

12:17

Michael Zuidema:

Funny enough, I had a few lunches on Siesta Key. Not at Dicky V. favorite The Broken Egg, but some solid food nonetheless. And a little ocean time.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:17 Michael Zuidema

12:17

[Comment From KEVINKEVIN: ]

It is a beautiful and peaceful place. My favorite place to go in Fla.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:17 KEVIN

12:18

Michael Zuidema:

What, no love for Disney World?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:18 Michael Zuidema

12:18

[Comment From TeamUSATeamUSA: ]

What do you think of Tayshaun making the Olympic team?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:18 TeamUSA

12:19

Michael Zuidema:

Good fit. The team easily has enough scoring with Kobe, LeBron, Carmelo and Co. Tayshaun will be a good glue guy that does the dirty work. Plus, his length as a defender should cause plenty of problems for other teams.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:19 Michael Zuidema

12:19

[Comment From KEVINKEVIN: ]

Disney can shove it. I'm 52 yrs. old with grown child - no use for Disney !

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:19 KEVIN

12:19

Michael Zuidema:

Ha, nice. So much for wishing upon a star.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:19 Michael Zuidema

12:20

[Comment From KEVINKEVIN: ]

Agree about Prince, he should make a good Olympian

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:20 KEVIN

12:21

Michael Zuidema:

Back to Team USA: I was surprised to see Jason Kidd on the roster. He must fulfill the leadership quotient, because he might have lost a step. But he's still a smart player and should be able to contribute.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:21 Michael Zuidema

12:22

[Comment From msu b-ball fanmsu b-ball fan: ]

chris paul is a better pure point gaurd at this stage of his career but kid is no question more established

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:22 msu b-ball fan

12:22

[Comment From KEVINKEVIN: ]

Agree there also. I think our team is far superior to any others, and Kidd is still better than just about anyone any other country can offer up.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:22 KEVIN

12:22

[Comment From TeamUSATeamUSA: ]

Nah, Kidd's a good fit for them. Not like you're asking him to play the slow-down Mavs style or the entire game.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:22 TeamUSA

12:23

Michael Zuidema:

Good points, all. Plus, Kidd does a little of everything: passing, rebounding, can score a little, make some crafty steals.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:23 Michael Zuidema

12:24

Michael Zuidema:

Still, I think CP3 and Deron Williams will get the bulk of the playing time, as they should.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:24 Michael Zuidema

12:26

Michael Zuidema:

The only thing I worry about is team defense with Team USA. Prince and Kobe can play D, and Howard blocks a lot of shots, but they're going to need others to step up against the international team game.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:26 Michael Zuidema

12:27

Michael Zuidema:

I'd have to think that the U.S. would finally break through and take back the gold in Beijing, though. They always have the most talent, now it's just a matter of getting it done.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:27 Michael Zuidema

12:28

Michael Zuidema:

Hmm ... pretty quiet in here. I don't mind talking with myself, but it tends to make people stare.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:28 Michael Zuidema

12:29

Michael Zuidema:

Anyone have any thoughts on the NBA draft?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:29 Michael Zuidema

12:29

[Comment From GoTigersGoTigers: ]

Do you think Sheffield will play once he gets back? That could ruin their mojo ...

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:29 GoTigers

12:29

Michael Zuidema:

Yay, a warm body!

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:29 Michael Zuidema

12:30

Michael Zuidema:

Oh yeah, Sheff will play. Leyland likes him too much to sit him for long. I don't think he'll hurt the Tigers' mojo much. But I tend to give potential Hall of Famers too much of the benefit of the doubt.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:30 Michael Zuidema

12:30

[Comment From NBA FanNBA Fan: ]

I'd be more excited for the draft if the Bulls had picked a real coach and you'd have the thought that Rose could take them to instant contender status next year ...

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:30 NBA Fan

12:31

Michael Zuidema:

Ouch for Vinny Del Negro. He should grow the mullett back in protest.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:31 Michael Zuidema

12:31

[Comment From Hey SpartyHey Sparty: ]

Anybody think Neitzel is going to get drafted?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:31 Hey Sparty

12:31

Michael Zuidema:

I don't think he'll get drafted, but there will be plenty of teams lining up to bring him into camp as a free agent.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:31 Michael Zuidema

12:31

[Comment From KEVINKEVIN: ]

KObe play D ? Surely you jest. ( And no Airplane jokes )

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:31 KEVIN

12:32

Michael Zuidema:

Hey, Kobe is an eight-time All-Defensive team selection.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:32 Michael Zuidema

12:32

[Comment From Hey SpartyHey Sparty: ]

Overseas, that's my guess, at least for starters. And that's no shame.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:32 Hey Sparty

12:33

Michael Zuidema:

Overseas would be great for Neitzel. He'd make a bunch of money and put up points in the right league. He could be a big star in Europe.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:33 Michael Zuidema

12:33

[Comment From KEVINKEVIN: ]

How did that happen ? He didnt play any in the Finals that I could see.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:33 KEVIN

12:34

Michael Zuidema:

Well, he kind of mailed it in at the end. I'm just saying he's capable of playing D, even if he looked lost against Boston.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:34 Michael Zuidema

12:35

[Comment From Pistons pick ... ?Pistons pick ... ?: ]

Who can Detroit even grab at the end of the first round? Another bench bum?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:35 Pistons pick ... ?

12:36

Michael Zuidema:

Well, they'd love to get some size that might be ready in a year or two. The name I see most frequently is Bill Walker from Kansas State. If he's healthy, he could be a steal, but he is only like 6-foot-6.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:36 Michael Zuidema

12:37

[Comment From Pistons pick ... ?Pistons pick ... ?: ]

They should trade up for Roy Hibbert ... Ha.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:37 Pistons pick ... ?

12:38

Michael Zuidema:

Ugh. Here's my prediction on Hibbert's career: Six years, 10 minutes per game, 5.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, one big deal from a team desperate for six.

Come to think of it, that's a pretty good career. Maybe being a stiff isn't so bad after all.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:38 Michael Zuidema

12:39

Michael Zuidema:

Whoops, that should have read "desperate for size."

Apparently I'm desperate for a proofreader.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:39 Michael Zuidema

12:40

[Comment From Pistons pick ... ?Pistons pick ... ?: ]

Any other busts -- Darko -- in this draft?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:40 Pistons pick ... ?

12:41

Michael Zuidema:

Hmm ... good question. At the top, it's hard to know how youngsters like Westbrook and Bayless will pan out. Then there's the international mysteries like Galinari.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:41 Michael Zuidema

12:42

[Comment From Pistons pick ... ?Pistons pick ... ?: ]

Joe Alexander, that's my predicted bust. He's the next Adam Morrison ... maybe not even that.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:42 Pistons pick ... ?

12:43

Michael Zuidema:

Good point. He's going to have to fight for everything he gets. He'll need to be on a team that can make him their No. 7 or 8 guy for a few years.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:43 Michael Zuidema

12:44

Michael Zuidema:

I'm also not sold on Anthony Randolph out of LSU. He could be another Stromile Swift.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:44 Michael Zuidema

12:44

[Comment From honey nut ichirohoney nut ichiro: ]

Armando Galaragga - a long-term number two or three starter, or the next Zach Miner?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:44 honey nut ichiro

12:44

Michael Zuidema:

Hard to tell at this point. He's so young and so much can happen. Just ask Dontrelle.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:44 Michael Zuidema

12:45

[Comment From Fan-tasticFan-tastic: ]

Did you catch Candace Parker's dunk in a WNBA game? She's got game ...

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:45 Fan-tastic

12:45

Michael Zuidema:

Candace Parker is amazing. She could lead the Sparks to the WNBA title this season. It would be great to see her and Taurasi play one-on-one, ignoring the positional differences.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:45 Michael Zuidema

12:47

Michael Zuidema:

Back to the NBA draft: DeAndre Jordan is sketchy too. He didn't play much in his one season at Texas A&M. If he goes anywhere before the 20s, it might be a stretch.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:47 Michael Zuidema

12:48

[Comment From honey nut ichirohoney nut ichiro: ]

Is Neitzel destined for Europe or can you see him stealing a roster spot or earning a spot in the D-league before it's all said and done?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:48 honey nut ichiro

12:49

Michael Zuidema:

I think he could steal a roster spot with an amazing training camp, but it will be tough. Europe might be his best option, both on the court and financially.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:49 Michael Zuidema

12:50

[Comment From LL Cool ShaqLL Cool Shaq: ]

Hear his latest rap on Kobe? Pretty pleasant ...

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:50 LL Cool Shaq

12:50

Michael Zuidema:

Shaq's going for a Grammy! Watch out Kanye!

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:50 Michael Zuidema

12:52

[Comment From LL Cool ShaqLL Cool Shaq: ]

It's clear their feud isn't over, at least not in Shaq's eyes. He was just praying the Lakers lost ...

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:52 LL Cool Shaq

12:52

Michael Zuidema:

How many players in the NBA actually like Kobe? Five percent? Lower? Anyone besides Radmonovic?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:52 Michael Zuidema

12:54

[Comment From LL Cool ShaqLL Cool Shaq: ]

Does Kobe like Kobe?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:54 LL Cool Shaq

12:54

Michael Zuidema:

That's between Kobe and his therapist.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:54 Michael Zuidema

12:54

[Comment From Roger, RogerRoger, Roger: ]

Who's your Wimbledon picks?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:54 Roger, Roger

12:55

Michael Zuidema:

On the men's side, it's tough to pick against Federer until someone knocks him off.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:55 Michael Zuidema

12:55

Michael Zuidema:

As for the women, that's a little tougher. Is Steffi Graf playing?

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:55 Michael Zuidema

12:56

Michael Zuidema:

Nah, I'll go with Sharapova.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:56 Michael Zuidema

12:57

Michael Zuidema:

OK, friends, we're almost out of time here. Thanks to everyone that took part in the latest "Lunch With The Benchwarmer" chat.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:57 Michael Zuidema

12:58

Michael Zuidema:

Be sure to tell your friends that we'll be here again next week. The more the merrier!

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:58 Michael Zuidema

12:58

[Comment From IcingIcing: ]

I see the Griffins got rid of their coach while you were gone ...

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:58 Icing

12:58

Michael Zuidema:

They did indeed. That was a shock, but the Griffins did have their worst season in history and Stothers took the fall. It will be interesting to see who replaces him.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:58 Michael Zuidema

12:59

Michael Zuidema:

And with that, I'll bid adieu until next week. See you then.

Tuesday June 24, 2008 12:59 Michael Zuidema

12:59