Well, just a few days ago, I mentioned that shortstop was a big hole for the 2008 Detroit Tigers. Seems that post is now out of date! Nice move by the Tigers to pick up Edgar Renteria! Reunites Renteria with Placido Polanco, Jim Leyland, and Dave Dombrowski. Chemistry should be great in the clubhouse as Carlos Guillen mentioned Renteria by name when he accepted the move to first. Renteria is a .300 hitter so the move also adds a bit of additional pop to the lineup.
Steep price, however. I'm not so concerned about Hernandez as the Tigers have plenty of centerfielders, and it seemed that one of them was going to get moved out. I really liked Jair Jurrgens when I watched him pitch in 2007. I think he has a really bright future in the league. I'm trying not to get seduced by his "potential" (a very dangerous baseball word!), but my primary concern is that we haven't seen the full Detroit pitching rotation for 2008 yet - and Jurrgens may have been able to help. Especially true if the staff has injury problems again. Maroth and Ledezma are gone. Capellan and McBride are inconsistent. And who's going to be the closer? Todd Jones is officially a free agent.
Some questions answered, more to be answered.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Go Lions!
I'm going to write this quickly since the moment may be so fleeting that is gone in the blink of an eye!
Go Lions!
5-2!
WOW! I'm not saying that Kitna was right with his 10 win prediction, but it's nice to see the Lions win some games for a change. Sweeping the season series from the Bears is HUGE! It's been a long time!
They still need to play a lot better to make the playoffs, but at least there's still a reason to watch the Lions in November!
Go Lions!
5-2!
WOW! I'm not saying that Kitna was right with his 10 win prediction, but it's nice to see the Lions win some games for a change. Sweeping the season series from the Bears is HUGE! It's been a long time!
They still need to play a lot better to make the playoffs, but at least there's still a reason to watch the Lions in November!
Monday, October 29, 2007
San Francisco 49ers - Not Fan Friendly!
Monster Park, where the San Francisco 49ers play, is a beat up, rundown stadium. It's about as ramshackle as it gets. The seats are often covered by bird crap - and the ushers don't clean the seats. The concessions are lousy and overpriced. Water is $4.75 a bottle this season. The jumbo soda in the souvenir cup is a bargain at $6.00.
There also seems to be a problem lately with crowd control. Yesterday's debacle at the hand of the New Orleans Saints probably had more violence in the stands than on the field! The section where my group sits is normally pretty much filled with season ticket holders. There were 3 fights in my immediate area yesterday - when there hadn't been one the past 3-4 seasons. It was pretty ugly.
My real gripe, however, is the awful parking experience. We pay $25/game for the optional parking pass (which has a waiting list) so that we can park close to the stadium. Sometimes we just want to park and head into the game, sometimes we may want to tailgate. The problem is that nobody is regulating fan behavior in the parking lot. Except for the absence of blood, you'd think you were at a Raiders game. It's virtually impossible to drive down the aisles looking for a parking space as the tailgaters spill over everywhere. And they won't move to allow you to pass. Many of the tailgaters are taking up 3 or 4 parking spaces, some set up tents, others just put stuff in other spaces to prevent people from parking too close to their party. It can take up to an hour of white-knuckled (frustration) driving just to find a place to park. And nobody from the 49ers is there to assist. There are a lot of really drunk people wandering about, behaving in a manner that is completely inappropriate - especially when there are lots of young kids around. For some reaons, the 49ers seem to feel this is a set of behaviours to prize as they want to preserve the "tailgating experience" at the new stadium. I find it interesting since it must pull alcohol sales out of their pockets with everyone getting hammered in the parking lot!
In any event, why not create a separate area for tailgaters? Then those who just want to park and watch football (at least what is supposed to be football) can do so without it being a physical experience?
There also seems to be a problem lately with crowd control. Yesterday's debacle at the hand of the New Orleans Saints probably had more violence in the stands than on the field! The section where my group sits is normally pretty much filled with season ticket holders. There were 3 fights in my immediate area yesterday - when there hadn't been one the past 3-4 seasons. It was pretty ugly.
My real gripe, however, is the awful parking experience. We pay $25/game for the optional parking pass (which has a waiting list) so that we can park close to the stadium. Sometimes we just want to park and head into the game, sometimes we may want to tailgate. The problem is that nobody is regulating fan behavior in the parking lot. Except for the absence of blood, you'd think you were at a Raiders game. It's virtually impossible to drive down the aisles looking for a parking space as the tailgaters spill over everywhere. And they won't move to allow you to pass. Many of the tailgaters are taking up 3 or 4 parking spaces, some set up tents, others just put stuff in other spaces to prevent people from parking too close to their party. It can take up to an hour of white-knuckled (frustration) driving just to find a place to park. And nobody from the 49ers is there to assist. There are a lot of really drunk people wandering about, behaving in a manner that is completely inappropriate - especially when there are lots of young kids around. For some reaons, the 49ers seem to feel this is a set of behaviours to prize as they want to preserve the "tailgating experience" at the new stadium. I find it interesting since it must pull alcohol sales out of their pockets with everyone getting hammered in the parking lot!
In any event, why not create a separate area for tailgaters? Then those who just want to park and watch football (at least what is supposed to be football) can do so without it being a physical experience?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Canon vs. Nikon
I get a lot of questions from people on what camera equipment they should buy. There's a lot of choice out there, and it can get very confusing trying to read through all the features and make a good choice.
In terms of SLRs, a lot of the decision can be simplified if you already have lenses you like. If you have good Canon or Nikon lenses, stay in the family, and continue to use your investment. Then it's a question of choosing the right body, which is a function of the features you need and price.
This is pretty much down to digital only these days as film is mostly dead - or certainly not prevalent in the consumer or advanced amateur ranks.
Personally, I use Canon. I'm on my second Canon digital SLR, the Canon 5D. I had an investment in Canon already, so it was an easy choice to stay with Canon. The 5D is a very high end advanced amateur camera (one level down from true pro). One of the unique aspects to the 5D is the full 35mm sensor size - which means that a lens used on the 5D will look the same as if it were used on a 35mm film camera. This is an important distinction because most digital cameras have a cropping (multiplier) effect because the digital sensor is smaller than a piece of 35mm film. This is mostly an issue with wide angle photography, but it can make a big difference in your photo results.
What this really underscores is that to make a good camera choice, you need to decide what type of shooting you want to do. There are a lot of great point 'n shoot cameras with non-interchangeable lenses these days (Canon Powershot S5 IS). If you want something you can just grab and shoot, this is a great way to go! Great results, no fuss!
If you want to change lenses, use different apertures, and have true creative control, then choose an SLR. Then look at your subject - people, landscapes, sports, etc. and try to narrow down the features you need. Fast shutter speed? The ability to shoot several frames per second (important for sports)? Lens choices?
Once you break it all down, it becomes a lot easier.
Also, do some research. Great sites on the web, including: http://www.dpreview.com
In terms of SLRs, a lot of the decision can be simplified if you already have lenses you like. If you have good Canon or Nikon lenses, stay in the family, and continue to use your investment. Then it's a question of choosing the right body, which is a function of the features you need and price.
This is pretty much down to digital only these days as film is mostly dead - or certainly not prevalent in the consumer or advanced amateur ranks.
Personally, I use Canon. I'm on my second Canon digital SLR, the Canon 5D. I had an investment in Canon already, so it was an easy choice to stay with Canon. The 5D is a very high end advanced amateur camera (one level down from true pro). One of the unique aspects to the 5D is the full 35mm sensor size - which means that a lens used on the 5D will look the same as if it were used on a 35mm film camera. This is an important distinction because most digital cameras have a cropping (multiplier) effect because the digital sensor is smaller than a piece of 35mm film. This is mostly an issue with wide angle photography, but it can make a big difference in your photo results.
What this really underscores is that to make a good camera choice, you need to decide what type of shooting you want to do. There are a lot of great point 'n shoot cameras with non-interchangeable lenses these days (Canon Powershot S5 IS). If you want something you can just grab and shoot, this is a great way to go! Great results, no fuss!
If you want to change lenses, use different apertures, and have true creative control, then choose an SLR. Then look at your subject - people, landscapes, sports, etc. and try to narrow down the features you need. Fast shutter speed? The ability to shoot several frames per second (important for sports)? Lens choices?
Once you break it all down, it becomes a lot easier.
Also, do some research. Great sites on the web, including: http://www.dpreview.com
Detroit Tigers - what's next?
2007: great season, frustrating season! Watching the World Series, I can't help but think that if the Tigers had been able to make it to the post-season this year, they would have had a good shot to win it all. It was a really fun year watching the Tigers battle it out. It would have been nice to get a few extra wins and make the playoffs! When was the last time the Tigers went to the playoffs in back to back years?
I see that Mike Maroth was released by the Cardinals. I wonder if the Tigers will take another look at him? Interesting that the problem heading into 2007 was considered to be too much pitching, yet it seemed to be pitching that let them down. And injuries...and an inability to get the key hit when they needed it. And now there are a lot of question marks about the pitching staff.
Will Kenny Rogers return? Todd Jones? Is Joel Zumaya ready to be the closer? Can he return to his 2006 form? What about Fernand Rodney? He was really up and down.
Nice to build around Justin Verlander - he's the real deal! If he stays healthy, it will be very interesting to see how dominant he can become. Jeremy Bonderman also shows flashes of brilliance, but there's inconsistency there, too. Not sure how much the injuries affected him, but a noticeable dropoff in the 2nd half. Nate Robertson is one of my favorites because he never gives up - I love his spirit, but he needs to regain his control. Nate's problem this year was too many walks. In general, that's a problem the Tigers really need to work on - cutting down the walks. Very painful to beat yourself - at least make the other team put it in play.
I will also be very curious to see who the Tigers pick to be their everyday shortstop. I think moving Guillen to first is a good move as he clearly doesn't have the range to play short anymore. Great ballplayer, great bat! Can't play short. I like the willingness to move to first without a lot of drama. Today's ballplayers seem to feel entitled to...well...just about everything, so nice to see a player just accept the team's request and move on. Says a lot about the players and the team.
The other areas to shore up seem to include: left handed relief pitching and adding some left handed hitting.
More questions leaving 2007 than entering, but still a lot of great potential for some fun baseball over the coming seasons.
I have confidence in Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland. Do you?
See you on DIRECTV in April!
I see that Mike Maroth was released by the Cardinals. I wonder if the Tigers will take another look at him? Interesting that the problem heading into 2007 was considered to be too much pitching, yet it seemed to be pitching that let them down. And injuries...and an inability to get the key hit when they needed it. And now there are a lot of question marks about the pitching staff.
Will Kenny Rogers return? Todd Jones? Is Joel Zumaya ready to be the closer? Can he return to his 2006 form? What about Fernand Rodney? He was really up and down.
Nice to build around Justin Verlander - he's the real deal! If he stays healthy, it will be very interesting to see how dominant he can become. Jeremy Bonderman also shows flashes of brilliance, but there's inconsistency there, too. Not sure how much the injuries affected him, but a noticeable dropoff in the 2nd half. Nate Robertson is one of my favorites because he never gives up - I love his spirit, but he needs to regain his control. Nate's problem this year was too many walks. In general, that's a problem the Tigers really need to work on - cutting down the walks. Very painful to beat yourself - at least make the other team put it in play.
I will also be very curious to see who the Tigers pick to be their everyday shortstop. I think moving Guillen to first is a good move as he clearly doesn't have the range to play short anymore. Great ballplayer, great bat! Can't play short. I like the willingness to move to first without a lot of drama. Today's ballplayers seem to feel entitled to...well...just about everything, so nice to see a player just accept the team's request and move on. Says a lot about the players and the team.
The other areas to shore up seem to include: left handed relief pitching and adding some left handed hitting.
More questions leaving 2007 than entering, but still a lot of great potential for some fun baseball over the coming seasons.
I have confidence in Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland. Do you?
See you on DIRECTV in April!
Hockeytown - Alive and Well!
I'm really tired of hearing that Hockeytown is dead! Perhaps a more true statement is that the Red Wings ticket prices are fairly high, and the Detroit economy is absolutely terrible! Detroit fans will always bleed Red Wings blood!
Speaking of the Red Wings, nice win over the Sharks last night! The Wings didn't fare so well against the Sharks during the regular season last year, so it's nice to see them get 2 wins in a week.
I'm starting to really like this team. First time in a long time where they've trusted a lot of the team to young players. Nice to see a blend of youth and experience.
Congrats to Kris Draper on his 3 year contract extension! Couldn't happen to a nicer guy! I live in the San Francisco area now, and I follow the Wings passionately. Last spring, Game 5 of the Wings/Sharks playoff series (elimination game) was very difficult to get tickets for. My dad (in Detroit) called a friend who know Kris. The next day, I was at the Shark Tank in Kris Draper's seats cheering loudly as the Wings knocked the Sharks out of the playoffs! That was wonderful on all fronts!
Speaking of the Red Wings, nice win over the Sharks last night! The Wings didn't fare so well against the Sharks during the regular season last year, so it's nice to see them get 2 wins in a week.
I'm starting to really like this team. First time in a long time where they've trusted a lot of the team to young players. Nice to see a blend of youth and experience.
Congrats to Kris Draper on his 3 year contract extension! Couldn't happen to a nicer guy! I live in the San Francisco area now, and I follow the Wings passionately. Last spring, Game 5 of the Wings/Sharks playoff series (elimination game) was very difficult to get tickets for. My dad (in Detroit) called a friend who know Kris. The next day, I was at the Shark Tank in Kris Draper's seats cheering loudly as the Wings knocked the Sharks out of the playoffs! That was wonderful on all fronts!
Friday, October 26, 2007
NetSuite - come on already!??!
Ok - soooooooo - is NetSuite ever going to IPO? Come on, already! I'm dyin' here! I was an early employee at NetSuite (back in the NetLedger days), and I stayed about 14 months. On my way out, I picked up a few shares, thinking it would pay off someday. Well, I left in March, 2001, so shouldn't someday be here already? It looked like things were really moving forward after the S1 was filed this summer, but nothing since then.
I remember the optimism when I joined NetSuite. Bill Mirbach, the CEO at the time, spun a great tale, "In 6 months, we're going to have over a million subscribers, we're going to IPO, and we're all going to be rich!" (Dec 1999). Wow! What a different world then.
Some great people at NetSuite - very bright, capable, motivated. However, not a very enjoyable place to work - at least back then. I remember being completely shocked at how poorly 25 people could get along and wondering how the company could make it with such tremendous culture gaps internally.
It looks like things must be better - I hope so - and I wish NetSuite nothing but the best.
And...GET ON IT! Please! ;-) It would be nice to have my cup of coffee now!
I remember the optimism when I joined NetSuite. Bill Mirbach, the CEO at the time, spun a great tale, "In 6 months, we're going to have over a million subscribers, we're going to IPO, and we're all going to be rich!" (Dec 1999). Wow! What a different world then.
Some great people at NetSuite - very bright, capable, motivated. However, not a very enjoyable place to work - at least back then. I remember being completely shocked at how poorly 25 people could get along and wondering how the company could make it with such tremendous culture gaps internally.
It looks like things must be better - I hope so - and I wish NetSuite nothing but the best.
And...GET ON IT! Please! ;-) It would be nice to have my cup of coffee now!
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