Detroit Tigers: The State of Detroit sports points to optimism

Detroit Tigers fans took in part last year with the news of Spencer Torkelson being the number one overall pick. Now, Detroit Pistons fans can celebrate with their own first overall pick.

As the news was leaked today that the Detroit Pistons are selecting Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick this evening, the Detroit Tigers will find a way to show the pick when it happens live on ESPN this evening. Ironically enough, tonight’s starter Casey Mize was the first overall pick in 2018 and leads the team in bWAR with 2.8.

Last year, the Tigers selected Spencer Torkelson with the first overall pick and despite his July struggles in Erie, he is still hitting for power and he along with Riley Greene were selected for the MLB Futures Game earlier in the month of July.

Detroit Tigers and Detroit Pistons provide the best entertainment in a rebuilding climate.

The Spencer Turnbull no-hitter, Akil Baddoo’s rookie performance, Eric Haase’s power surge to the “Fetter Effect”, you can not deny how interesting the Tigers have been for being six games under .500.  The storylines go even further with the emergence of Jake Rogers and the play of free agent Robbie Grossman.

Beyond that, the fan base has been treated to some wild games this season including the 17-14 win over the Twins yesterday in which the Tigers gave up seven home runs but still won, and with three games left in the month of July, they sit at 13-10 for the month and 9-4 since the All-Star break.

Last season, the Detroit Pistons finished 20-52 under head coach Dwane Casey and the GM wizardry of Troy Weaver, who torn the team down and put out a squad that was highly competitive and fun to watch. Led by Jerami Grant and a young core that Weaver acquired via trade on draft night with Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons were able to put together a young nucleus that is ready to take another step towards the playoffs.

When Cade Cunningham made his appearance at Comerica Park, the ballpark started to chat his name in anticipation.

Ah yes, Detroit Lions camp time is here.

The Detroit Lions kicked off camp this week with a brand new front office and coaching staff. Head coach Dan Campbell was seen doing drills with the team and new GM Brad Holmes was praised for the haul received when they traded star quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams.

While the fanbase seems to be divided whether or not the Lions will be a playoff team this season, there is one thing for certain. People are stoked football is back and that provides an extra spring in most people’s step around Metro Detroit.

Trust Steve Yzerman

The Detroit Red Wings made the headlines on draft night as they traded up for picks. The first one is considered a franchise goalie in Sebastian Cossa as they traded to get him at pick number 15 and they traded up from 38 to 36. Their top pick at number six is Simon Edvinsson, who according to NHL draft experts ($), along with Cossa, could be cornerstone pieces.

The trade that caught everyone off-guard was for Calder Trophy finalist Alex Nedelikovic and then Yzerman signed him to a two-year deal.

The Tampa Bay Lighting, fresh off another Stanley Cup for the second year in a row, still has Yzerman’s fingerprints all over their roster.

The rebuilds still have ways to go but….

Just judging by the response from our recent trade articles and Twitter polls,  Detroit Tigers fans want Al Avila to stand pat at the trade deadline and it makes sense. There is an element of fun with the players. Miguel Cabrera is smiling again and manager AJ Hinch is using every bit of this roster to its fullest potential.

The lack of depth among the pitching is starting to show its signs recently but the Tigers are not out of games. They are 8-5 in extra innings games and 16-13 in one-run games, despite all the injuries to the rotation.

All four teams are poised for post-season runs in the future and are setting up to be competitive. For Detroit fans in addition to winning, they just want to see their respected teams try.

Detroit fans are as loyal as any other fan base and there is evidence to support the fact that all four teams are turning the corner. For the Pistons, another piece of the puzzle will be added this evening starting at 8 pm. You don’t have to be just a baseball fan to appreciate the energy and the talent Cade Cunningham brings not only to the Pistons but to the city.

As cliche as that last sentence was, anytime another team does well and it is shown on the big screens of Comerica Park, the energy goes up a notch. Expect everyone to be heard from Downtown Detroit at around 8:05 this evening.