Cubs In First Place in NL Central

Wow, that feels good to type.   The Chicago Cubs are off to the best start in franchise history and of course lead the NL Central.    I know it is early, but after the slow start last year, it really feels good.

If we are this good now, how about when we get Soriano back?   What if we pick up a bat before the trade deadline?  It will be interesting to see how things work out with the bullpen, as that will probably determine if we make playoffs and how far we go from there.   With all the time Kerry Wood has missed, it would be great for him to tear it up and lead this team to their first championship in 100 years.  Chic

Michigan Hires Rich Rodriguez

If you are a Michigan Wolverines fan who says that you aren’t surprised we landed Rich Rodriguez, you would be lying.   While I don’t think there are many college coaching jobs that wouldn’t be considered a step down from coaching at Michigan, there are some guys that are just off limits. 

Rich Rodriguez grew up in West Viriginia, was a player at West Viriginia, and then eventually managed to bring the football program into the national spotlight as their head coach.  Last year, he turned down the Alabama job, which is considered by many to be on par with the Michigan job, to remain with his alma mater in West Viriginia.   Because of all this, I figured he was probably off limits to Michigan.  

Now it looks like Bill Martin managed to sail into Morgantown like a viking and continue his pillage of their athletic department by bringing Coach Rod to Ann Arbor.  I hear next we are going after their women’s basketball coach.  

So, what can the father of the spread offense do with better talent?   Just win I hope.   Beat Ohio State and win a few bowl games.   No matter what happens this upcoming season, I have a feeling that Michigan will be fun to watch.   I expect to put up 45 points in losing efforts and occasionally go for it on 4th down.   And most of all, I expect our players to learn to tackle on defense and quit playing to not lose, instead of trying to win at the end of the game. 

2008 should be fun to watch for Wolverine fans……..

Thoughts on Lloyd Carr’s Retirement

Last year some adjustments were made to Lloyd Carr’s contract which seemed to point towards a possible retirement this season.  Yesterday, it became official as Lloyd Carr officially announced his retirement. 

As a loyal Wolverine, I have several mixed emotions about this.  While I think Lloyd will have a warm spot in Wolverine hearts across the nation, he often failed to adapt to the current college football environment, and his play calling had become stale and predictable.

With that said, Lloyd’s accomplishments speak for themselves.   In many ways, he finished with better statistics then Bo Schembechler.  His winning percentage was a little lower, but he won a National Championship, which Bo never did.   He also kept the program clean and formed a lot of relationships that went far beyond the football field.   It can best be summed up by saying that Lloyd is what it means to be a “Michigan man.”

It is with great sadness, as well as great anticipation, that I wish Lloyd Carr a happy and healthy retirement, and turn my eyes towards the future of the greatest program in college football. 

Who will it be?  Les Miles, Rich Rodriguez?   Maybe we can pull the sweatervest from Columbus?  (Can’t beat ‘em?  Join ‘em!)  No matter who we end up getting, my hope is that we get someone willing to run a spread offense and recruit speed first and foremost.   Then hire a defensive coordinator that can teach players to tackle.