Did someone say mailbag?

This is the most mail I've actually received from this site (which is awesome). I did answer everyone's e-mails, but only a select few will be posted on here. If you have an ego larger then the moon and would like your e-mail posted on here, don't post such a hard question for me. So onwards we go.

Josh-- After the trades in the off-season for the Tigers what is the state of the minor league system? And your thoughts on Rick Porcello

-- Mike

The Tigers minor league system is pretty depleted. There really aren't any guys to look forward to except for the guy you mentioned--Rick Porcello. I wouldn't expect much from the minors this year, but look out in the next few years. Playing moneyball the way the Tigers will, they will pay big money for big names in the MLB Amateur drafts. And on Porcello, he'll be on the fast track to the majors. He's only 19, and probably by the end of the year he'll be in double-A Erie, which would be a huge step for his development.

Knowing you are a Michigan fan, why should I even listen to your opinions on my Spartans?

-- Spartan380

I try to be as impartial and unbiased as I can. You don't have to read the blog. You are only a click on an [x] (top right of your screen, over there) from not viewing it. I may be critical of Michigan State, but I am just as critical of Michigan. Hope that answers your question.

Michigan is in the NCAA tournament now as a 1 seed after winning the CCHA tournament and regular season. No coverage on the blog?
--wolverine9teen

Usually, I'd have a post or two about it, but this is honestly by first season following the Michigan hockey program. I'm not usually one for talking out of my posterior about things that I don't really know about. I was however, really impressed with Tim Miller's performance in the entire CCHA tournament and think that their way to the Frozen Four is probably the easiest of any of the regions.

I realize you are probably sick of the Terrelle Pryor thing, but it is something you covered and probably should have closed on. Obviously there was quite a bit of controversy and displeasure on the side of the media with his process. What are your thoughts on Pryor at Ohio State and Michigan's 2009 recruiting class as it begins to be filled up? Also, your expectations for the 2008 season?

-- Joe Borevski

Excellent e-mail, Joe. I probably should have had another blog about his final decision, but it was honestly something that was so drawn out and really blogged to death. The circus that it became along with the fact that everyone was pretty locked into what his decision was going to be became pretty annoying.

As for my expectations on Pryor, I expect he'll follow a Vince Young like development pattern. For his first few years, he'll struggle the grasp the passing schemes of the offense. He'll be a electric runner, but not a great passer. He'll probably turn out to be a stud by his junior and senior year, but there will certainly be some growing pains.

And the expectations for the 2009 recruiting class. I expect big things. Right now it'll probably be a class of less then 20 kids, I'd hope atleast 15 of those would be four-star guys. The obvious need is quarterback, along with offensive line. Offensive line targets are slow to develop and aren't usually offered until the summer, but Michigan already has two nice quarterbacks on the radar in Tate Forcier and Kevin Newsome.

I'll have my expectations for the Wolverines in the summer, but I expect nothing less then a 7 win season.

What are your expectations on the Tigers for this year? World Series or bust?

Kelly Williams

Anything less then winning the World Series is a huge disappointment. Stay tuned for the season preview due out on Friday.




If you have a comment, e-mail me: sportingdetroit@gmail.com