Hey, fans. As you read this, you're probably anticipating the matchup of the century: Kansas vs. Memphis. Unfortunately, because this year's Final Four consisted of all No. 1 seeds, there was little way I could spin either of the games as errors, big mistakes or calamities.
While there's no more mention of March Madness in this week's column, we will cross the spectrum of sports, analyzing a baseball team in need of some smiles, two NHL teams who simply blew it and a difficult story to stomach from the NFL.
3. In need of a Motor City miracle. The Detroit Tigers are stacked. A fantastic offseason that landed the team such big names as Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera only added to an already sweet roster that boasts Magglio Ordóñez, Justin Verlander and everyone's favorite temper, Gary Sheffield.
But with baseball season now underway, the Tigers are faced with quite a problem - they can't seem to get over that big hurdle and win a game. And it's not like they've been playing the Yankees, either. Detroit opened the season at home against Kansas City, a club consistently known for being a joke. The Royals, however, dropped the Tigers in all three games at Comerica Park.
Detroit then remained at home to face the White Sox, but couldn't turn it around in the next three. An 0-6 start to the season isn't necessarily something to freak out about, but if the streak continues, manager Jim Leyland may have some considerable explaining to do. For now, however, I'll generously let the Tigers off with six errors.
2. So close, yet so far. Just two short weeks ago, the Vancouver Canucks were fighting for the NHL's Northwest Division title. But last Thursday night, the team's popular goaltender Roberto Luongo tried to hold back the tears when addressing the media after Vancouver was officially eliminated from playoff contention. What happened? The Canucks lost seven of their last eight games, all to division rivals, that's what.
Move to the other side of the continent for a moment. On Friday night, all that stood between the Carolina Hurricanes and a Southeast Division title was a home game against the Florida Panthers. But alas, one late shorthanded goal at the hands of the Panthers - who had nothing to play for - and the Canes were booking tee times at the golf course for the NHL's postseason.
This week, I salute the Canucks and Hurricanes because they both managed to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs in a truly painful fashion. Try a little harder next time, guys, because when you're that close to the easiest professional tournament to qualify for (16 of 30 teams make it) and still fall short, it's nothing less than a calamity.
1. NFL problems continue. One of the saddest NFL stories since Michael Vick's legal problems broke this week, as the Cincinnati Bengals were faced with little choice but to cut their talented but troubled young wide receiver, Chris Henry. Detained on charges of assault and criminal damaging, Henry dealt with his fifth arrest in less than three years before being released on bail last Friday.
We know that the NFL has programs for players who can't seem to avoid turbulent situations. Yet it seems the crime wave always thickens in the league, a situation that often leaves owners, coaches, teammates and fans dumbfounded. Hopefully Henry can make a comeback, although when he does, it most likely won't be with Cincinnati. Right now, however, his circumstances are nothing short of a calamity.
Jeremy Strauss is a sophomore majoring in environmental studies. He can be reached at Jeremy.Strauss@tufts.edu.
