Rob Parker's at it again

[racosun]

Detroit News sports writer Rob Parker is on the attack as usual, this time going after Dave Dombrowski. His opinions are so far out there that he has become the Jerry Garcia of Detroit sports journalists. He bashes the Jeff Weaver deal, saying that Weaver is a much better pitcher than Jeremy Bonderman, who isn't "ace" material in Parker's book. He also harps on the fact that the Tigers have lost too many games during his tenure, without any improvement whatsoever. I guess he never paid much attention to how bad they were before DD got here (and he obviously still doesn't pay attention).

According to Parker, Verlander and Zumaya are big "ifs" and still wouldn't deliver any success to Dombrowski's tenure regardless. Parker blatantly omits several facts that would destroy his arguments, instead choosing to focus strictly on the negative aspects of the franchise. I guess acquiring Placido Polanco had no effect on the team, or the fantastic trade for Carlos Guillen. Parker doesn't mention these moves. He mentions how Carlos Pena isn't the everyday starter HE envisioned when we acquired him. He omits the fact that DD stashed away Chris Shelton for a year, then watched him develop into the future at first base. It's hilarious how rightous Parker feels when he's in attack mode. I've never read one article by him that casts anybody in a good light.

Every franchise has good points and bad points. It is my opinion that the Tigers are currently in a better position to put a talented team on the field than they were in the Randy Smith era. Randy Smith's "5 Year Plan" set us back TEN. Our drafts are much better, and our farm system is the most successful top-to-bottom of all current clubs. That says something. That says Rob Parker is once again out of his tree.

Here is the link to his article at DetNews.com:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060216/SPORTS08/602160345/1129/SPORTS0104

[moldyoldie]

I've found Rob Parker's column to have "entertainment value" and little else. I suppose the sports world needs gadfly columnists to help keep things in perspective.

I, too, was disappointed in the Weaver trade, but also realized at the time that the team was not about to contend for anything anytime soon. All three of the players we received in the trade are still on the roster, which is more than can be said for Weaver and the Yankees. I'm not certain of the relevance of that fact, but it might be fair to say that Weaver has also disappointed so far in his career.

[Twisted Wicker]

Rob Parker's kind of like Donald - good for entertainment value, but you shouldn't really read too much into whatever they say.

I think Parker just wants some attention.

[NShlain]

Detroit News sports writer Rob Parker is on the attack as usual, this time going after Dave Dombrowski. His opinions are so far out there that he has become the Jerry Garcia of Detroit sports journalists. He bashes the Jeff Weaver deal, saying that Weaver is a much better pitcher than Jeremy Bonderman, who isn't "ace" material in Parker's book. He also harps on the fact that the Tigers have lost too many games during his tenure, without any improvement whatsoever. I guess he never paid much attention to how bad they were before DD got here (and he obviously still doesn't pay attention).

According to Parker, Verlander and Zumaya are big "ifs" and still wouldn't deliver any success to Dombrowski's tenure regardless. Parker blatantly omits several facts that would destroy his arguments, instead choosing to focus strictly on the negative aspects of the franchise. I guess acquiring Placido Polanco had no effect on the team, or the fantastic trade for Carlos Guillen. Parker doesn't mention these moves. He mentions how Carlos Pena isn't the everyday starter HE envisioned when we acquired him. He omits the fact that DD stashed away Chris Shelton for a year, then watched him develop into the future at first base. It's hilarious how rightous Parker feels when he's in attack mode. I've never read one article by him that casts anybody in a good light.

Every franchise has good points and bad points. It is my opinion that the Tigers are currently in a better position to put a talented team on the field than they were in the Randy Smith era. Randy Smith's "5 Year Plan" set us back TEN. Our drafts are much better, and our farm system is the most successful top-to-bottom of all current clubs. That says something. That says Rob Parker is once again out of his tree.

Here is the link to his article at DetNews.com:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060216/SPORTS08/602160345/1129/SPORTS0104

Number 1. Rob Parker is by far the worst sports writer in the state of Michigan.
Number 2. Verlander and Zumaya are big "ifs", so is every prospect.
Number 3. Don't hate Rob for being negative, hate Rob for not doing any research and being a total retard all the time.
Number 4. Randy Smith is a worse GM than Matt Millen.
Number 5. Having our fram system be good means nothing right now, all that matters are wins at the big league level. It is good for the future, not anything now.
Number 6. The Jeff Weaver thing is so wrong. DD had to trade him. Weaver had a proplem with proffesionalism and another P word that rymes with lot.

I hate Rob Parker, he sucks.

The Tigers won't be good this year, but he is still insane.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I have always disliked Rob Parker, going back several years to an minor athletic problem at the college I attended, that, thanks to Mr. Parker's help with his yellow journalism, caused at least one coach and very good person to lose her job. But many columnists don't care who they hurt, because they can hide behind the first amendment because they are only publishing their opinion, and hey, they're the bulldogs of society.

He's not worth reading. He's not good enough for the Oakland Press.

[Paulmcall]

The guy likes to stir up controversy even if there is none. It's part of the sport's talk radio mindset. You need to upset people and get them talking to you if you want the ratings.
Just because a guy has a column doesn't mean what he writes is gospel.:crazy

[moldyoldie]

The guy likes to stir up controversy even if there is none. It's part of the sport's talk radio mindset. You need to upset people and get them talking to you if you want the ratings.
Just because a guy has a column doesn't mean what he writes is gospel.:crazy
Amen, Brother!

[racosun]

What silliness! Rob Parker was dissed by Dave Dombrowski recently for an interview request, and then went on to throw a hissy-fit in his latest column. Here is the part of Rob Parker's latest Detroit News column that pertains to this:

Apparently, Tigers president Dave Dombrowski has his own moles.

My peeps are telling me Dombrowski, who has been sticking out his chest and granting interviews to any who want to give him credit for the Tigers' success, also is playing hardball with those who criticized his work the previous four years.

Before the Tigers' 6-2 victory over the White Sox on Wednesday, Dombrowski refused to talk to this reporter. Instead, he started a loud argument in the dugout. It was so loud skipper Jim Leyland, who was on a cell phone sitting next to Dombrowski, got up so he could hear.

Basically, Dombrowski still is mad my moles revealed his feud with Dmitri Young .

Along with calling me a few choice words, Dombrowski did get a few extra points when he said: "My moles at The Detroit News told me why you wrote that column."

I guess Parker believes he is entitled to an interview with the GM of the Tigers, no matter what kind of words he's printed about him in the past. I find it funny that he seems to think that DD won't grant any interviews with him because of the Dmitri Young incident, and Parker's reporting on it. That's nuts. If you read the first post of this thread, you'll find a much better reason to not grant an interview to someone. Parker has always refused to acknowledge DD's imprint on this franchise, for reasons that are beyond anyone outside of the Parker residence.

The funniest part of his latest column, at least in my opinion, is the line about DD "sticking out his chest and granting interviews to any who want to give him credit for the Tigers' success." Help me get this straight, please: Rob Parker does nothing but rip DD from the day he gets here, refuses to back down in the face of overwhelming success by the team, then wonders why he can't get an interview with the guy. What in the world?!? He's a friggin' lunatic, that's what he is. I hope he gets himself fired, instead of what he's trying to do (which is get DD out of Motown). I heard he was already suspended once this year for something (either from the Detnews, or his radio gig, not sure what he did). Surely Detroit can find a better, more sports-knowledgable writer than this moron.

[2Chance]

You still picking up that pornography?

The only reason I can see for looking at one of his columns is to see if he actually IS getting more idiotic every month.

Surely Detroit can find a better, more sports-knowledgable writer than this moron.
The fourth grade is crawling with 'em.

[malt-tones]

Sounds as if this Parker fella is the Jerry Springer of Detroit journalism. However, he does generate readers, simply because we are talking about him. He seems to possess a sort of rock-band mentality; there is no such thing as bad publicity.

He kind of reminds me of the Ty Domie colloquialism; "I just want to be noticed!"

[TigersFanB406]

"I guess Parker believes he is entitled to an interview with the GM of the Tigers."

I believe he is. It's called freedom of the press. If Dombrowski wants to be in the baseball business, he needs to put his pride aside and do the interview. I don't want a child for a GM...

[George & Al]

Um... Freedom of the press does NOT mean you are entitled to interview whoever you wish. It DOES mean that you can write whatever you wish, provided it is within the laws that protect people from libel and slander.

[tigers527]

"I guess Parker believes he is entitled to an interview with the GM of the Tigers."

I believe he is. It's called freedom of the press. If Dombrowski wants to be in the baseball business, he needs to put his pride aside and do the interview. I don't want a child for a GM...

I don't know how much Detroit media you get off there in Windsor...but Rob Parker is a flat out TOOL, that likely, talks about the things he does just to get a reaction...and heck, he caught even the discerning me. C'ome 'on...Oh, and he has a BBWAA vote....so you wanna know why the HOF is messed up???? There is one reason.

[TigersFanB406]

Um... Freedom of the press does NOT mean you are entitled to interview whoever you wish. It DOES mean that you can write whatever you wish, provided it is within the laws that protect people from libel and slander.

I realize that. I was broadening the definition though. I think if a guy wants to be the GM of a baseball team, he owes the media an interview. It doesn't matter what he thinks or feels personally; he owes the media an interview. That's the business.

[TigersFanB406]

I don't know how much Detroit media you get off there in Windsor...but Rob Parker is a flat out TOOL, that likely, talks about the things he does just to get a reaction...and heck, he caught even the discerning me. C'ome 'on...Oh, and he has a BBWAA vote....so you wanna know why the HOF is messed up???? There is one reason.

Lots of Detroit radio and tv but I don't read the Detroit paper so I'm not familiar with his writing. No matter what one is writing, they are usually writing to get a reaction. Especially in sports I believe. I think we just have a philosophical difference. I actually like writing that causes a reaction.

[racosun]

"I guess Parker believes he is entitled to an interview with the GM of the Tigers."

I believe he is. It's called freedom of the press. If Dombrowski wants to be in the baseball business, he needs to put his pride aside and do the interview. I don't want a child for a GM...

No, he's certainly not "entitled" to an interview just because he wants one with a baseball GM. You're making it seem as if DD is completely snubbing the press, and that's not the case here. He simply snubbed Parker. He has that right, as does any professional GM in any sport. Even in Parker's own column, he acknowledge's that DD does indeed speak to reporters, just not him anymore. Parker isn't exactly a credible writer.

Maybe if some of Parker's rants were warranted (such as the Tigers not perfoming well), than DD would seem more child-like, but everything Parker rags on about DD is not true. Rob Parker says Jeff Weaver is a better pitcher than Jeremy Bonderman. Is that true? No, not even close. He said Verlander and Zumaya, regardless of their personal successes, are not the product of DD and his work. Is that true? No. DD drafted them both, so he should get some credit for that. Rob Parker is in attack mode against DD, and has been for quite some time now, so DD is in the right to not want to do interviews with him.

[HDH]

"I guess Parker believes he is entitled to an interview with the GM of the Tigers."

I believe he is. It's called freedom of the press. If Dombrowski wants to be in the baseball business, he needs to put his pride aside and do the interview. I don't want a child for a GM...

Please DD, exercise your freedoms... and don't speak to fools.

[Jackal5150]

I totally agree with the OP. I have been subjected to Parker's drival for the past five years and have come to the conclusion that he is nothing more than the "Bozo the Clown" of Sports collumists.

My feeling is the reason he is trying to run Dombrowski out of town is because he has an agenda. That agenda is that he only wants to see African Americans in charge of teams whether it is a GM position or coach.

A) He didn't want Alan Trammell or Leyland as manager of the Tigers. He wanted to see Bruce Fields promoted and take the helm before they hired Tram. He then called Leyland a "retread" when he was first hired but then warmed up to leyland a bit once he went to cover the Tigers in Spring training.

B) Parker was all over Michigan State for firing Charlie Williams as football coach. Nevermind that Williams completly lost control of his players and the team was losing.To this day, Parker regularly takes pot shots at John L Smith and his southern culture in his collumns. {Uh...maybe this is why the News suspended him?)

C) He was critical of the Redskins hiring a tired old "retread" named Joe Gibbs as the team's coach because "it denies young black coaches a chance to advance in the NFL." Nevermind that Gibbs has won Super Bowls and is a Hall of Fame caliber coach.

D) He denounced NFL Commisioner Paul Tagliabue and his office for not allowing the stupid end zone celebrations such as pulling out a cell phone from under the goal posts or signing balls after scores because "Young African Americans should be able to express their Hip Hop culture if they desire."

These are just a few examples. I could go on until my hand falls off from typing.

Parker's views on Dombrowski irritate me more than anything though. DD has been the savior of the Tigers. You don't turn around a MLB organization in one year. Especially one as screwed up as the Tigers were before he took over. DD is a baseball genius and has turned around poor franchises everywhere he has been. Ask the Marlins or the Expos what they think of DD and the job he did in those cities. I am amazed that the Tigers are going to be in the playoffs this season. A lot of credit goes to leyland and the players but DD put it all together with his plan.

Parker has of late held back on the social and racial issues he used to bring up in his collumns but he still makes ridiculous comments and it wouldn't surprise me is he gets himself fired fairly soon. He is clueless.

To the poster who said Dombrowski owes Parker an interview: No he really doesn't. He has the right to grant them to whoever he pleases. For the record, Dombrowski is one of the more vocal and press friendly GMs the Tigers ever had. He is constantly being quoted in the paper.

He just doesn't want to talk to the idiot Parker is all.

[tigers527]

Nice post Jackal5150, and welcome to the BBF. With well thought out posts like that you will go far here (whatever that means...lol), or at least stand out from the bulk of the things I post. :D

[Jackal5150]

One other thing regarding the Weaver trade: One of the reasons DD traded Weaver is because Weaver lost the respect of his teamates. The incident where Weaver beaned Mike Sweeney of the Royals. Sweeney charged the mound and the other Tigers didn't even intervene on Weaver's behalf. That alone should speak volumes about Weaver and why he NEEDED to be traded.

Bonderman is already a superior pitcher to Weaver and will only get better once they force him to learn how to throw a Changeup.

Meanwhile, Weaver is moving from team to team like a gypsy. He had one good year for the Dodgers but that is one of the more pitcher friendly ballparks in the Majors. Even then, the Dodgers didn't feel he was worth the money he and his agent was asking.

Bonderman has much more upside.

Sure Pena and German didn't work out but that is the way it goes.

[Jackal5150]

Thanks Tigers527. I actually found this forum because I was looking for reader reaction about Rob Parker and to see if his readers dislike him as much as I do.

When I found this thread, I just HAD to register...lol

[racosun]

Thanks Tigers527. I actually found this forum because I was looking for reader reaction about Rob Parker and to see if his readers dislike him as much as I do.

When I found this thread, I just HAD to register...lol

Welcome to The Fever, buddy! :waving Your quality points were expressed in a quality post. As for Parker: I bet if the Detroit News took a poll asking it's readers whether it actually enjoyed the content of his columns or not, it would be a landslide in favor of "nay."

[TigersFanB406]

Please DD, exercise your freedoms... and don't speak to fools.

I got my education where I got it. You don't have to be so rude, but then, the fact that you thought you had to speaks volumes about your education.

Now...you saw my explanation of "freedom of the press". Don't knock my education because you couldn't comprehend it...:rolleyes:

[TigersFanB406]

racosun, we'll have to agree to disagree. He is entitled to an interview in my opinion. That's the business. If DD can't suck it up and do the friggin' interview, then maybe he shouldn't be in the business.

[2Chance]

Jackal,

Your calling Parker the "Bozo the Clown" of sports journalists is an affront to clowns.

Seriously, welcome to the Fever.

[Jackal5150]

"racosun, we'll have to agree to disagree. He is entitled to an interview in my opinion. That's the business. If DD can't suck it up and do the friggin' interview, then maybe he shouldn't be in the business."
Reply With Quote




TigerfanB406, I don't understand your views on this.

So Dombrowski should "not be in the business" because he has decided to deny one attention grabbing idiot who has been bashing him in the paper AND on TV for four years an interview?

1) He turned around the Tigers in just a few years after people such as Randy Smith and John McHale put the franchise in such a hole that I thought I would be dead before I saw another playoff series which included the Tigers.

2) He has restocked a barren Minor league system which Smith clearly screwed up. He hired his own scouts and finally got a flow of decent prospects in the pipeline.

3) He grants interviews to just about anyone who asks him a question. After every trade DD has made, he comes out and explains to the press why he did it and what he is thinking.

But he shouldn't be in the business because he won't give Parker an interview? Uh....okay. ;)

Actually, I look at it from a reverse angle. If Parker cannot gain interviews with the importaint people in the Detroit sports arena because they feel he is only causing trouble and not reporting the truth, then maybe he shouldn't be in HIS business.

[Jackal5150]

Oh and thanks for the "welcome" Rac and 2Chance. :)

I have been a Tigers fan since 1979 when i was a kid and first started watching baseball and have been a reader of the Detroit News for just as long.

I shouldn't let what Rob Parker writes irritate so much that I am actively seeking out forums so i can bash the guy but unfortunately , his column is right on the front of my Sport's page so it is a little hard to avoid it.

His reporting is like a carwreck. You can't look away even though you know you shouldn't look at it. Maybe I just like reading to see what kind of dumb things he is going to say next. If that is the only way he can get people to read his column though, that is pretty sad.

How I long for the days of Jerry Green and Joe falls. Columnists who had their opinions but were fair and interesting to read rather than spewing downright slander.

[TigersFanB406]

Jackal, we'll have to agree to disagree. Have a nice day.

[tigers527]

We need FOX to bring back celebrity boxing...and then make an exception to allow the barely celebs Mitch Albom and Rob Parker duke it out. The winner being asked to leave the Detroit "scene", and the loser also being told to leave. We can give both Albom and Parker to the DesMoine Register (or whatever the paper is called there?).

Oh, and Parker can take his "moles" with him.

[Jackal5150]

Mitch Albom doesn't bother me even though he is another big attention whore. I actually enjoy a majority of this columns though I don't always agree with everything he says and he tries to be too clever.

Speaking of Albom. Ive noticed his column has taken Parker's usual spot in the sports lately. I wonder if our buddy Rob has been demoted or reprimanded. Parker used to have a column six days a week and now it is down to like once a week....lol

[tigers527]

I've already stated my feelings about Rob Parker, Rob Parker is a TOOL...There really isn't much more you can say, it just amazes me that a fellow that practises "journalism" like he does could of crashed and burned in NY. Those NYers seem to love journalism like his?

Mitch Albom is the fellow that I can't stand, his whole holier then thou attitude just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it is that silly sports writer award he wins year after year, by shooting fish in a barrel, "kid beats cancer, to start on varsity team." Writers that do stories like that should have friend of the court take 1/2 of that colomns paycheck and give it to the family of said cancer kid (that means you too RICK RILEY). I really loved the prefab MSU alumni at the final four story, that blew up in Mitchs face, as they weren't there. It also disgusts me that Mitch took his mentor and Mitch being human, for a change, actually helped him through his bout with cancer, and profited from it. Tuesdays with Morrie, should of been called MITCH ALBOM Spent a Few Tuesdays, a Few Years Ago, With a Guy, Named Morrie, Isn't Mitch Great?

[racosun]

We need FOX to bring back celebrity boxing...and then make an exception to allow the barely celebs Mitch Albom and Rob Parker duke it out. The winner being asked to leave the Detroit "scene", and the loser also being told to leave. We can give both Albom and Parker to the DesMoine Register (or whatever the paper is called there?).

Oh, and Parker can take his "moles" with him.

This is a fantastic idea. As for Parker's "moles", I'm pretty sure they're attached to his neck, arms, buttocks, and everywhere else, so he really has no chance to ditch them without surgury. He should be fired for even talking to his moles. If my grandma had been talking to her moles and basing sports columns around those conversations, she'd have been locked up in the looney bin.

[HDH]

I started a thread a couple years back that was titled something like: "Detroit Radio Hosts are Pinheads..." I have XM now and rarely listen to the stupidity. That goes for Mitch Album. I remember when he 1st came to Detroit in the mid-80s, sucking up to pop music, and misrepresenting Motown music.

Lets talk about freedom... I'm a disabled vet and I feel I have earned a right to exercise some freedoms. One of these freedoms is the freedom of speech. Therefore, if I feel an individual or group mindlessly bashes me, especially for their own profit, I have no intention of participating in any activity (interview) with that individual or group. There is no such right as "Freedom of Press". Keep in mind, media is entertanment first, edited news 2nd. I did not a become a disabled vet in order to condone such nonsense as "Freedom to be Obnoxious" by the press.

[TigersFanB406]

I respect the fact that you are a veteran. However, every citizen of your country (and mine) have freedoms GIVEN to them. Nobody has to earn them.

That said, I think you took me way too seriously. I will try my hardest to remember not to have a little fun when discussing things with certain people. Burn Parker at the stake!!:rolleyes:

[Captain Cold Nose]

I respect the fact that you are a veteran. However, every citizen of your country (and mine) have freedoms GIVEN to them. Nobody has to earn them.

That said, I think you took me way too seriously. I will try my hardest to remember not to have a little fun when discussing things with certain people. Burn Parker at the stake!!:rolleyes:
TigersFan, have all the fun you'd like. But the only thing funny about Rob Parker is not only someone has given this man a job but he gets national exposure. The fact he writes a column does not entitle him to anything.
Mitch Albom is overcompensating because he's short.