Throwing Knives: Of Ankiel, Alstott, and Kittens

by BD, Sports Show On Mute

Well it's Friday, and for once thats mean just as much to me as it does to most of you. A few days off before returning to work come Monday. This particular Friday also means a little more preseason football action for those of you who love watching the 3rd stringers battle it out. The worst part about last night Lions-Bengals game? Now most of the local fans are optimistic. Until I seen something from the starters I'll keep the over/under on Lions wins at 6. Anyhow, why don't you give Josie Maran a quick look and then join me below. (Send link submission for this weekend here.)

Rick Ankiel Does It The Right Way
Yesterday, after Scott Spezio headed for substance abuse treatment the Cardinals called up Rick Ankiel. The former pitcher has turned himself into one hell of an offensive outfielder smashing 32 homeruns in the minors this season. Last night, Ankiel made his long awaited major league re-debut in the field. After starting the game 0/3 he somehow managed to pull a pitch on the outside corner over the RF wall. It was the equivalent of a story book first game. If Ankiel keeps hitting like he was in the minors he should become a staple of the Cardinals outfield well into next season.

Mike Alstott Retires
The "Touchdown Vulture" retired yesterday after 11 seasons in Tampa Bay. Cadillac Williams fantasy owners through a party in Alstott's honor. Relieved that Cadillac will get a few more goal line carries. Now if only Cadillac can keep air in his tires.

Could The Tigers Miss the Post-season?
It's beginning to look pretty likely. I hadn't considered the Tigers missing out on the post-season since early this season. When the bullpen was blowing everything in sight. The bullpen woes have continued since, but the starters had been strong and the offense was on fire.
Not anymore, the starters have been brutal over the last few weeks, Jeremy Bonderman especially. He's carrying around a 11.29 ERA in his last four starts. The Tigers have lost them all. Another big problem is Gary Sheffield's shoulder issues. If he's not playing the Tigers are not the offensive force they've been. He provides great protection for both Magglio Ordonez and Placido Polanco. As I said before, if Joel Zumaya, Andrew Miller and Kenny Rogers don't come back strong these kittens are staying home in October. Forcing us all to watch the Lions....

Scoreboard - August 9th - 2007

NFL Preseason
Detroit 27, Cincinnati 26
Dallas 23, Indianapolis 10

MLB

National League
Atlanta 7, New York 6
Los Angeles 5, Cincinnati 4 F/11
Washington 3, San Francisco 1
Florida 4, Philadelphia 2
St. Louis 5, San Diego 0
Chicago 10, Colorado 2
Arizona 4, Pittsburgh 2

American League
Tampa Bay 8, Detroit 1
Kansas City 1, Minnesota 0
Seattle 12, Baltimore 8
Cleveland 7, Chicago 5