Detroit Free Press Drew Sharp Section

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Miguel Cabrera was the first to greet Andy Dirks after his hard slide in the eighth inning allowed the go-ahead run to score. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Fundamentals, not flash, help keep Tigers in first place

It wasn't the monstrous moonshot or the complete game shutout that put the Tigers alone in first place Wednesday, but rather the stolen base and the hard slide.

12:37 AM

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Prince Fielder, Austin Jackson and Jim Leyland enjoy a moment in the Tigers dugout during Monday's win over the Royals. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: You gotta love this Tigers playoff chase

How can anyone not enjoy this? Each day brings the potential for momentous emotional swings. One minute's fulfillment can become the next's frustration with a single swing.

Sep. 25, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Lions quarterback Shaun Hill takes the snap from Dominic Raiola during the overtime loss Sunday in Nashville, Tenn. KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/DFP

Drew Sharp: Lions too cute to contend for Super Bowl

It shouldn't surprise that Jim Schwartz got a little too cute on a fourth-down-and-inches call in overtime Sunday. He coaches a cute football team.

Sep. 24, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Quarterback Denard Robinson of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a first down in the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 22, 2012 in South Bend, Indiana. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

Drew Sharp: Borges' play calling isn't enabling Denard Robinson's best assets

It was a classy move from a classy young man. Denard Robinson rightfully stood up and assumed responsibility for his horrendous effort Saturday night at Notre Dame Stadium. It's time that offensive coordinator Al Borges assumed his fair share of accountability as well.

Sep. 24, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Tigers' manager Jim Leyland KIRTHMON F.DOZIER/DFP

Drew Sharp: Leyland should be skipper for 2013

If the Tigers fail in their attempt at overtaking Chicago in the AL Central, we're probably looking at the end of Jim Leyland's reign as manager. That would be a huge mistake. Leyland isn't the problem with this team.

Sep. 20, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson leaves the field following a 63-13 win over Massachusetts at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday. Michigan defeated UMass, 63-13. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: U-M romp over UMass doesn't erase concerns

Only two words mattered in Ann Arbor on Saturday. Who cares?

Sep. 15, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Bad weather in Chicago soaked U.S. Cellular Field on Thursday, preventing the White Sox and Tigers from playing. Rob Grabowski/U.S. PRESSWIRE

Drew Sharp: Washed-out game could aid Tigers in long run

Forget about Chicago. Beat Cleveland this weekend and the Tigers might then finally convince their growing legion of skeptics that perhaps -- after teasing everyone relentlessly the past five months -- they've finally found a stride that'll endure for the duration.

Sep. 14, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit starter Max Scherzer delivers against the White Sox on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. He pitched six innings and allowed four hits and one run. He struck out seven and walked none. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Drew Sharp: Tigers GM bewildered, too; Scherzer deals in victory

It's unforgivable, in some eyes, that a team with one of the highest payrolls in the majors could start, stall and stumble with such regularity as the Tigers have this season. Those screaming the loudest want immediate answers. And if those fall short, they'll demand casualties.

Sep. 13, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Tigers second baseman Omar Infante congratulates centerfielder Austin Jackson after the two-run homer to tie the game in the fifth inning of Tuesday's win in Chicago. AP

Drew Sharp: Tigers loosen up, beat White Sox

"We were struggling a little and then with one swing, suddenly the game’s tied and we’re back in it. Sometimes, all it takes is one spark to ignite something. We’ll enjoy this, but (Wednesday) is another game."

Sep. 12, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello, left, returns to the mound after giving up a three-run home run to Chicago White Sox's Alex Rios, rear, during the sixth inning of a baseball gameon Monday in Chicago. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Drew Sharp: Tigers' errors give Sox chance to pounce

When dissecting the cold corpse of a once promising season now almost certainly destined for disaster, the sixth inning at U.S. Cellular Field Monday will offer a fruitful diagnosis.

Sep. 11, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Tigers manager Jim Leyland gives Anibal Sanchez a pat on the back during the loss to the Indians on Monday at Comerica Park. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Tigers fall flat, but big picture looks brighter

You'd think that, by now, everyone in this town would have realized that it's futile hoping for comfort from this team. Just accept the fact that they're destined to do the opposite of what you expect.

Sep. 4, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Taylor Lewan limps off the field after a 27-point loss to Alabama on Saturday. ULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: U-M left to wonder just how good it is

There remains the consolation, always the consolation. When steak is no longer an option, you make hamburger appear as delectable and deserving of a royal feast. Michigan's 27-point loss to Alabama on Saturday night was deflating, but it's up to the coaching staff and co-captains Denard Robinson and Jordan Kovacs to make sure this isn't debilitating.

Sep. 3, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz and vice chairman William Clay Ford, Jr. are introduced during the Detroit Economic Club luncheon attended by the Detroit Lions players and staff August 29, 2012 at Ford Field. Kirthmon F. Dozier / DFP

Drew Sharp: Ford Jr. vows a Lions Super Bowl berth -- and he means it

It was Ford the fan who today told an overflow Detroit Economic Club luncheon crowd at Ford Field that last year’s enthusiasm over the Lions’ first playoff berth in 12 years was nothing compared with what would happen if the Lions won the Super Bowl.

Aug. 29, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Michigan coach Brady Hoke JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Time to stop 'Hoke-y Pokey' with U-M's Toussaint

The longer this all goes on without Hoke announcing a decision, the more likely Toussaint, at least, plays Saturday. That's fine, if that's what the Wolverines want. But then own it!

Aug. 27, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

The Tigers' Miguel Cabrera didn't play in Sunday's series finale against the Angels. Duane Burleson/AP

Drew Sharp: Jim Leyland followed his gut in deciding to sit Cabrera

It wasn't a restful evening Saturday for Jim Leyland. He sought various opinions on whether he should sit Miguel Cabrera on Sunday as he nursed a sore right ankle. The responses were understandably mixed. "Are you crazy?" was the reaction from the pro-sitters. Of course you rest him for one game because it's late August and not late September.

Aug. 27, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera can't believe he was called out on strikes looking during third inning action against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday at Comerica Park . DIANE WEISS/DFP

Drew Sharp: Tigers' lack of offense frustrating

If you didn't require another reminder, Friday night stamped the entire season as though it was a notary -- legitimizing that there's nothing remotely comfortable about these Tigers. They should win. They likely, eventually, will win. But, damn, they're going to make you sweat until the very end, aren't they?

Aug. 25, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Lions defensive lineman Willie Young ANDRE J. JACKSON/DFP

Drew Sharp: How Lions' late pick became a playmaker

If Young progresses as a playmaker, the Lions could more affordably let Cliff Avril leave next winter.

Aug. 23, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Michigan State quarterback Andrew Maxwell KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/DFP

Drew Sharp: MSU QB Maxwell contends wait to start was worth it

Let me confess: I have no idea whether Andrew Maxwell will play well for Michigan State this season. Nobody does.

Aug. 20, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Lions head Coach Jim Schwartz during his press conference at their Training facility in Allen Park, MI on Friday, July 31, 2009. This was his final press conference on the eve of the Lions training camp starting to begin their 2009 season. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Detroit's teams' definition of 'bad' changing for good

The floor has changed in Detroit sports. It has risen, elevating the level of reasonably acceptable performances with it. Looking upon mediocrity as a vice is a challenging adjustment for a city whose fevered fans have happily savored even the tiniest acknowledgement of sporting relevance. The definition of bad has changed radically. And that's good.

Aug. 19, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera celebrates with Prince Fielder after Fielder hit his second two run home run of the game during eighth inning action against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night at Comerica Park. the Tigers defeated the Orioles 5-3. DIANE WEISS/DFP

Drew Sharp: It's up to Tigers' big bats to guide the team

The end result of Prince Fielder's ferocity was a blast, in every descriptive sense of the word. The ball ricocheted off the upper brick wall of Comerica Park's vast right-centerfield proportions, hitting just above Harry Heilmann's name among the recognized Tigers Hall of Famers.

Aug. 18, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde have been in the cross hairs of many Tigers fans in recent weeks. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Tigers' bullpen needs relief from starters

The bullpen is the Tigers' latest panic du jour. But bullpens can just as quickly reverse course. One day's sirloin becomes the next day's succotash. A healthy arm with an even healthier level of confidence can make the difference with the snap of a curveball.

Aug. 15, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Michigan running back Fitzgerald Toussaint rushes ahead of Ohio State linebacker Etienne Sabino in last season's 40-34 win. Tony Ding/AP

Drew Sharp: Moral high ground more important than wins for U-M

Michigan probably isn't beating Alabama on Sept. 1 regardless of Fitz Toussaint's status, but the running back should still be forced to sit. What matters is finally teaching these spoiled children of athletic privilege that their individual recklessness brings serious collective ramifications.

Aug. 13, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Lions Head Coach head coach Jim Schwartz applauds his offense after the score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns in Detroit on Friday. JARRAD HENDERSON/DFP

Drew Sharp: Finally a time with great expectations

It has been 20 years since there has been this much anticipation regarding the dawn of a Lions' season.

Aug. 11, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez was shelled by the Yankees on Wednesday night. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Tigers' trade for Sanchez looks a bit wobbly

There are no solace-filled losses in August as the temperature gradually rises in the playoff chase.

Aug. 9, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera trots home after his home run Tuesday in the win over the Yankees at Comerica Park. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Cabrera crushes foes in MVP chase

Soaring just as high as his latest home runs is Cabrera's American League most valuable player candidacy. He's clearly the August favorite. Sorry, Mike Trout.

Aug. 8, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Michigan State defensive lineman William Gholston JARRAD HENDERSON/DFP

Drew Sharp: Gholston gives MSU a fighting chance

"I'm not going to change the way that I play," he said Monday. "The style that we want to play is very simply 'smashmouth.' We want to hit you and keep hitting you and keep hitting you and wear you down as the game winds down."

Aug. 7, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best signs autographs after Detroit Lions training camp at the Detroit Lions practice facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Aug 2, 2012. ANDRE J. JACKSON/ Detroit Free Press Detroit Free Press

Drew Sharp: Lions RB Jahvid Best is a high risk in new NFL

Lions running back Jahvid Best keeps waiting for a green light that's not coming anytime soon, if at all. His career is stalled, his training camp limited to noncontact conditioning. Best can only stand around, safely removed from the clap of colliding pads and helmets.

Aug. 6, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks had two hits in Friday's win over the Indians. Rick Osentoski/U.S. PRESSWIRE

Drew Sharp: Dirks contributes in first game back with Tigers

It's forgotten that Andy Dirks hit .328 when he wasn't hobbled by hamstring and Achilles injuries this season. What does a .300 hitter in the bottom half of the Tigers' batting order do?

Aug. 4, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Tigers' Delmon Young runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Zach McAllister in the sixth inning in a baseball game, Thursday, July 26, 2012, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) AP

Drew Sharp: Tigers' batting order muddled in the middle

Second base never was the Tigers' most pressing concern this season. But Detroit is a town that feeds off obsession more than it does reality.

Aug. 1, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Debate has swirled about whether this statue of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno should be taken down. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Drew Sharp: Money matters make proper punishment of PSU impractical

Many want blood for what Penn State concealed to protect its football brand. And, admittedly, I'm part of that torch-and-pitchfork posse. It's virtually impossible to separate the act of raping innocent, vulnerable children from the perverse camouflaging that went on to preserve a program's financial viability and a revered coach's legacy.

Jul. 22, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Justin Verlander in the dugout after he finished this last inning the 8th in their 4-2 win over the Chicago White Sox in Detroit on Friday. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP

Drew Sharp: Tigers heating up, but it isn't September yet

The thrust of adrenaline that made a July evening feel a little like September consumed Justin Verlander during his eighth-inning curtain call. In a five-pitch sequence, Verlander became a rising summer thermostat -- reaching 98, 98, 98, 99 and then 100. Chicago's Gordon Beckham checked his swing on the 100-m.p.h. heater. The pitch sawed off his bat.

Jul. 21, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels Photo illustration

Drew Sharp: Tigers must trade for Cole Hamels or Zack Greinke

The Tigers need starting pitching. Let me rephrase that. They need quality, experienced starting pitching. That's hardly breaking news. There are at least two dozen other teams right now lamenting over the same deficiency.

Jul. 18, 2012

COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM /
Drew Sharp

Detroit Lion Cliff Avril watches from the sidelines Jan. 7, 2012, in New Orleans. AP

Drew Sharp: Lions' high draft picks real reason for not signing Avril

Too many top-three overall NFL draft picks finally caught up to the Lions, leaving little salary room to justly reward a third-round pick whom they've patiently nurtured into one of the top young pass rushers in the game.