The Sports Bar

[Megatron]

Miguel Cabrera arrested last night for DUI and resisting arrest. According to Buster Olney, the details are "very ugly".

My first thought when hearing this was god dammit. Especially after reading the report, when he sounded like an arrogant, cocky athlete.

I think the best option for both him and the Tigers is for him to go to rehab straight away and get someone to follow him around as a coach of sorts.

Josh Hamilton had the same type of incident (although it wasn't a DUI, he admitted to drinking). It can be fixed, but it's going to take some time. However, his health is most important. Make sure he can get clean and no more ugly incidents like this will happen again.

 

[Stormtrooper]

My first thought when hearing this was god dammit. Especially after reading the report, when he sounded like an arrogant, cocky athlete.

I think the best option for both him and the Tigers is for him to go to rehab straight away and get someone to follow him around as a coach of sorts.

Josh Hamilton had the same type of incident (although it wasn't a DUI, he admitted to drinking). It can be fixed, but it's going to take some time. However, his health is most important. Make sure he can get clean and no more ugly incidents like this will happen again.

Actually, the 2 situations have MASSIVE differences. Josh Hamilton drank at a bar. Miguel Cabrera got shitfaced, drove, got caught, arrested, and resisted arrest.

He NEEDS to go (back?) to rehab. And MLB will likely force him to, if the government doesn't. Also, a suspension is pretty likely here too. Don't know how long, but don't expect him to be on the opening day roster.

College football is certainly fantastic, but I will be one PISSED OFF individual if the NFL locks the players out. I'm tired of hearing about this aspect of it, but the truth remains, if these million and billionares can't work this shit out, there is something majorly wrong. The NFL is easily the most popular of American sports and they'd be out of their tits not to have a season next year. There's no way the NFL would lose the number of fans MLB did, but I'm betting they'd lose a few and that's just dumb.

Yeah, because either side should be expected to just give the other side BILLIONS of dollars.....

Besides, the Lockout most likely will happen. The players get locked out on March 4. chances of a deal then are unlikely (although they have agreed to mediation from an outside 3rd party, which MIGHT help). The chances of them missing the season are very unlikely, as lawsuits (filed by the PA) will be settled by then, shifting the power to one side or the other, which will force one side to give in, thus getting a deal done.

 

[Megatron]

Actually, the 2 situations have MASSIVE differences. Josh Hamilton drank at a bar. Miguel Cabrera got shitfaced, drove, got caught, arrested, and resisted arrest.

He NEEDS to go (back?) to rehab. And MLB will likely force him to, if the government doesn't. Also, a suspension is pretty likely here too. Don't know how long, but don't expect him to be on the opening day roster.

Both got clean, then had a moment of relapse, whether it was minor in Hamilton's case or major in Cabrera's case, which is what I was referring to when their situations were similar.

And you clearly didn't see, or chose to ignore, what GM Dombrowski said, which was that he expected Cabrera would be there opening day. If the Tigers help him out and force him to get clean + give him a 24/7 coach (like Hamilton now has to prevent this situations), then the MLB really doesn't have to step in. Should the Tigers do absolutely nothing, which isn't gonna happen, then yeah they could step in. But, with this being the 2nd notable incident, the Tigers would be ridiculous to take any chances.

 

[Stormtrooper]

Both got clean, then had a moment of relapse, whether it was minor in Hamilton's case or major in Cabrera's case, which is what I was referring to when their situations were similar.

That's the only way they are similar. You're right, in that sense, but you missed the main point, that the main difference was the whole law-breaking.

And you clearly didn't see, or chose to ignore, what GM Dombrowski said, which was that he expected Cabrera would be there opening day. If the Tigers help him out and force him to get clean + give him a 24/7 coach (like Hamilton now has to prevent this situations), then the MLB really doesn't have to step in. Should the Tigers do absolutely nothing, which isn't gonna happen, then yeah they could step in. But, with this being the 2nd notable incident, the Tigers would be ridiculous to take any chances.

and again, you clearly missed what I was saying.

The man BROKE THE LAW. When players break the LAW, the LEAGUE generally does something about it, whether it's a fine, suspension, or forced rehab. Also, since he was ARRESTED, the GOVERNMENT will step in. Since they know his history of alcohol-related issues, this one more will likely mean he will be FORCED into rehab (if he doesn't go to Jail, not that jail is likely). The Tigers would have nothing to say about that. If he's in rehab, then he won't be at opening day, because he'll either still be in rehab, or he'll be working towards getting in game shape. Dombrowski can say what he wants, but if the player isn't available to him, he won't be there. And he SHOULDN'T be there. The man needs help, and letting him play baseball without helping his addiction isn't gonna help him at all.

 

[The People's Peep]

Best. Mugshot. Ever.

 

[Megatron]

and again, you clearly missed what I was saying.

The man BROKE THE LAW. When players break the LAW, the LEAGUE generally does something about it, whether it's a fine, suspension, or forced rehab. Also, since he was ARRESTED, the GOVERNMENT will step in. Since they know his history of alcohol-related issues, this one more will likely mean he will be FORCED into rehab (if he doesn't go to Jail, not that jail is likely). The Tigers would have nothing to say about that. If he's in rehab, then he won't be at opening day, because he'll either still be in rehab, or he'll be working towards getting in game shape. Dombrowski can say what he wants, but if the player isn't available to him, he won't be there. And he SHOULDN'T be there. The man needs help, and letting him play baseball without helping his addiction isn't gonna help him at all.

No, you're making your own assumptions and haven't looked at what people that are dealing with the situation have said.

I guess I have to show you some examples of sitautions like Cabrera's.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2807935

During Spring Training of 07 Tony Larussa got a DUI, but wasn't affected in terms of managing the Cards.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/01/27/adam-...ngels-dui-drunk-driving-arrest-orange-county/

Adam Kennedy of the Mariners was just arrested with a DUI a few weeks ago. The MLB isn't going to suspend him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3651459

Hell, even your own Yankee, Joba Chamberlain, got a DUI in October of 2008, and got NOTHING done by the MLB.

So no, the MLB won't and shouldn't do anything along the lines of suspensions to Cabrera, especially if the Tigers do send him to rehab (which I would be surprised if he didn't) because it would be EXTREMELY hypocritical of them to do anything to Cabrera, since this is his first DUI.

and Bob Sanders has been released by the Colts.

 

[Megatron]

And somehow, someway, Reggie Miller isn't a HOF finalist. How embarrassing for the HOF, to not have this guy in.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Reggie will get in eventually. I'm not worried.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Dennis Rodman should have been in a long time ago.

 

[justinsayne]

And somehow, someway, Reggie Miller isn't a HOF finalist. How embarrassing for the HOF, to not have this guy in.

When I first read this I thought you were talking about the MLB HOF, I was reading it thinking "Reggie Miller?!?, Don't you mean Reggie Jackson?, and isn't he already in the baseball HOF?"

 

[Stormtrooper]

No, you're making your own assumptions and haven't looked at what people that are dealing with the situation have said.

I guess I have to show you some examples of sitautions like Cabrera's.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2807935

During Spring Training of 07 Tony Larussa got a DUI, but wasn't affected in terms of managing the Cards.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/01/27/adam-...ngels-dui-drunk-driving-arrest-orange-county/

Adam Kennedy of the Mariners was just arrested with a DUI a few weeks ago. The MLB isn't going to suspend him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3651459

Hell, even your own Yankee, Joba Chamberlain, got a DUI in October of 2008, and got NOTHING done by the MLB.

So no, the MLB won't and shouldn't do anything along the lines of suspensions to Cabrera, especially if the Tigers do send him to rehab (which I would be surprised if he didn't) because it would be EXTREMELY hypocritical of them to do anything to Cabrera, since this is his first DUI.

funny how (to the best of my knowledge), in the 3 cases you mentioned, the 3 people didn't have a history of alcohol-related issues. I'm not condoning any of the indiscretions, but Cabrera's a repeat offender, and repeat offenders need to either be helped (rehab) or punished (suspension/fine), and preferably both. Either way, again, no way should Cabrera be doing anything baseball related until he can get himself cleaned up. It's not an issue of rooting for/against the man or the team, it's looking out for the mans HEALTH, which should always be paramount.

and Bob Sanders has been released by the Colts.

Yeah, this had to happen, as he was due upwards of $5 million. He will definitely latch on with another team, and will likely be a good contributor to said team when he's on the field (which hasn't been often recently).

 

[Buffalo Dave]

The Bob Sanders releasing isn't a surprise at all. With Franchising Manning, theres noway they could afford the risk of paying him. Plus Bullit emerged is a decent enough starter to take Sanders' place. So cheaper and he stays healthy. Sanders will definitely sign on with another team, for a very low based salary inflated with incentives.

I agree with ST, Cabrera needs some type of discipline action, it's not the first time he has been in trouble for alcohol related issues. We understand that he is the biggest piece to your team Megatron, and your're defending him, but something needs to be done.

 

[Megatron]

Repeat offender of what, exactly? DUI? No. While he was over the legal BAC 2 years ago, he went to rehab and no charges were made. The Tigers will make sure that he gets into rehab, and since there was NO DISCIPLINE for any of the other 3 DUI's that I showed above, there is no reason that Cabrera should be suspended at all. This is his FIRST charge/arrest.

I agree, they should make sure that he gets clean before he steps back onto the field. But if none of the 3 above get suspended for DUI's then Cabrera shouldn't either. It would be completely contridictory.

Which is why neither Dombrowski, Leyland, nor myself believe MLB will step in (assuming the Tigers take him to rehab, which is what will happen).

 

[Ty Burna]

I know no one here watches Nascar, but just making a note it's been 10 years to the day that the greatest driver ever Dale Earnhardt passed away in that fateful crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500. Most of my family were big Earnhardt fans, so it's kind of eerie thinking that it's been 10 years since that happened. Sad thing is it was probably the only Daytona 500 my dad missed.

 

[The Crock]

I know no one here watches Nascar, but just making a note it's been 10 years to the day that the greatest driver ever Dale Earnhardt passed away in that fateful crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500. Most of my family were big Earnhardt fans, so it's kind of eerie thinking that it's been 10 years since that happened. Sad thing is it was probably the only Daytona 500 my dad missed.

I'm not a fan, but watching ESPN and stuff I catch up on the stats and stuff. I was watching when Earnhardt crashed. I watch a race or two a year, only because I'm bored off my ass, and I happened to be watching that day. Horrifying.

 

[Megatron]

Also, taken from the Detroit Free Press's website:

Florida legal experts told the Free Press that a first-time offender convicted of DUI is not required to spend time in jail and many don't, but it's still possible. A suspension is unlikely because Major League Baseball does not have a personal conduct policy that stipulates discipline in such legal matters -- unlike the NFL.

I know I seem quite defensive in this sitation, but it would be hypocritical of the MLB to suspend him.

 

[Buffalo Dave]

I know no one here watches Nascar, but just making a note it's been 10 years to the day that the greatest driver ever Dale Earnhardt passed away in that fateful crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500. Most of my family were big Earnhardt fans, so it's kind of eerie thinking that it's been 10 years since that happened. Sad thing is it was probably the only Daytona 500 my dad missed.

I went to the Loudon NH summer race that year. That year every third lap was silence with everyone holding up three fingers in honor of him. Fucking what a site to see 100,000 people doing that.

I know I seem quite defensive in this sitation, but it would be hypocritical of the MLB to suspend him.

It is just stupid on the MLB's part for not making a push to tighten down on things like this, no matter who it is. It's sad to say, but it's gonna take someone seriously injuring themselves or someone before it happens. That's when the Tigers themselves need to step up and get him help on their own, irregardless if the MLB doesn't do anything.

 

[jmt225]

I don't watch or know a lot about baseball, but I know Miguel Cabrera has always come off as a great guy and complete class act. I know he fucked up big time here, but I hope he gets as minimum of punishment as possible, from both the law and the league. He obviously has a drinking problem, which in my opinion is a disease, not a "bad habit." Hopefully he can receive the help he needs here and recover from this mishap.

Also, Reggie Miller not being a first ballad Hall of Famer is a fucking JOKE. If that guy doesn't qualify as a first ballad, then NOBODY should.

 

[Megatron]

It is just stupid on the MLB's part for not making a push to tighten down on things like this, no matter who it is. It's sad to say, but it's gonna take someone seriously injuring themselves or someone before it happens. That's when the Tigers themselves need to step up and get him help on their own, irregardless if the MLB doesn't do anything.

While I agree MLB needs to be more stricter like the NFL, what I'm saying is you can't suspend Cabrera after the incidents that I listed above didn't get anything. Not until they implement a sort of 'Code of Conduct'. Had they implemented one then a day after Cabrera got a DUI, fine, go suspend him. But with no guidelines of code of conduct you can't suspend Cabrera today. It's just a major contridiction.

And I agree. The Tigers have to worry about this guys health first, playing time later. Get him into rehab, get him clean, and get him a coach to make sure he doesn't make stupid mistakes like this again (like Hamilton has).

I don't watch or know a lot about baseball, but I know Miguel Cabrera has always come off as a great guy and complete class act. I know he fucked up big time here, but I hope he gets as minimum of punishment as possible, from both the law and the league. He obviously has a drinking problem, which in my opinion is a disease, not a "bad habit." Hopefully he can receive the help he needs here and recover from this mishap.

Also, Reggie Miller not being a first ballad Hall of Famer is a fucking JOKE. If that guy doesn't qualify as a first ballad, then NOBODY should.

Yes, Cabrera is a very good character guy. He's just made some dumb acohol-related decisions. He bounced back from it last year and was playing as good as anyone. I think, and I hope, he can stay clean for the rest of his life and can live up to the enormous potential that he has. Because he really has the talent and ability to become not only one of the greatest Tigers ever but also one of the greatest MLB players ever. If there's an equivalent of Pujols in the AL, it's Cabrera.

I pray this guy gets clean. He's too good of a person and too good of a player to waste it on booze.

 

[The People's Peep]

Any thoughts on the Carmelo stuff?

 

[Buffalo Dave]

The Melodrama is hopefully coming to an end soon. NY is giving up an awfully lot to get him, with 2-3 starters and a bench player and possible draft pick. Billups name has been tossed around in going with Melo to NY now as well. With the amount of people NY is giving up to get Melo and possibly Billups, they should be trying to get Lawson out of it instead of a declining Billups for giving up as many players as they are. A lot of people are going nuts saying the Knicks are offering to much, but reality wise they wouldn't be able to sign all the players they are giving up in the next year or two anyways. So they're in a tough situation.

Then theres Jersey, they're in, they're out on the Melo talks, who knows?

 

[Stormtrooper]

EDIT: Rant upcoming:

The real drama is not in Denver, but in New York.

Apparently, Isiah Thomas (sadly, yes Isiah Thomas) is actually running things unofficially, and is behind getting this trade done (along with owner James Fucking Idiot Dolan, who is going over Donnie Washes head). Donnie Walsh made this team respectable after Isiah fucked it up, and (Useless Piece of Shit) Isiah sold (Useless Piece of Shit) Dolan the idea that he can relate to the players and make them want to play for the Knicks (sorry, but money, The Garden, etc does more then ISIAH FUCKING THOMAS, who sucks, in that regard) and he is behind Dolan agreeing to give up the entire team to get a guy who told his team he WANTS to play for the team anyway.

I LOVE getting Billups in the Melo deal, but as long as the Knicks don't have to give up Landry Fields or draft picks. Billups is still a clutch player (not to mention a good player), and can help this team in this run, and next year maybe. And the Knicks have traded away more first round picks in the past decade then they've actually made, so keeping 1sts would be nice for a change.

This whole fucking thing, especially if it involves losing Donnie Walsh (which is likely) is gonna make me turn on this fucking team. I can live with Isiah's incompetence once, but to fire him, only for him to never be out of the picture, is gonna make me give up this fucking team, and take my fandom to fucking Brooklyn, where the Russian isn't fucking incompetent.

...End rant...

 

[Stormtrooper]

Melo is a Knickerbocker. Officially. 3 Team deal also involving Minnesota.

Denver gets:
Wilson Chandler
Raymond Felton
Danilo Gallinari
Timofey Mozgov
2014 First Round Pick
a couple undisclosed picks (from who or what round/year is unknown)

New York Gets:
Carmello Anthony
Chauncey Billups
Sheldon Williams
Anthony Carter
Renaldo Balkman
Corey Brewer (from Minnesota)

Minnesota Gets:
Yokozuna..... I mean Eddy Curry
Anthony Randolph

Knicks get the 2nd star they needed, Denver gets a bunch of pieces, Minnesota gets a Sumo Wrestler... I mean Eddy Curry (Randolph is pretty good I think).

The Knicks got what they needed, and didn't give up the ENTIRE team (they kept Landry Fields and most of their 1st round picks, which was important). I just wish they went about this trade much differently, and not involving Isiah Thomas.

 

[Buffalo Dave]

a couple undisclosed picks (from who or what round/year is unknown)

The undisclosed are two 2nd round picks, one being from Golden State for the David Lee deal, So I'd imagine they're 2011 picks. 3 million in cash as well.

 

[Big Sexy]

Also, Reggie Miller not being a first ballad Hall of Famer is a fucking JOKE. If that guy doesn't qualify as a first ballad, then NOBODY should.

This X1000000. It's a crime he wasn't a first ballot guy. He made a lot of enemies as a player but this is just ridiculous.