Mini-camp matters
1. Ernie Sims is the kind of player that Tigers manager Jim Leyland likes -- a hitter who doesn't complain.
Sims played most of the second half of last season with an injured right shoulder. He kept it quiet, didn't miss practice or games, and had surgery after the season. Sims is still reluctant to discuss the injury in any detail, but he's looking forward to the start of training camp.
Sims is a spectator during mini-camp drills. Next season, he'll be an active participant -- a hitter.
2. The more I see Calvin Johnson, the more impressive he is. He has great physical skills, and he works. Receivers are at the mercy of the offense. If Jon Kitna gets protection this year, Johnson will have a break-out year.
3. Roy Williams is at mini-camp and looks good, but there is a question about his future. He is on the last year of his contract. I made the odds 1 in 53 that Williams will be a Lion in 2009. That's no better than any of the 53 players on the active roster when the regular season starts. The Lions are certain to put the franchise tag on Williams and listen to trade offers.
4. Whenever the coaches are asked about QB Drew Stanton, the answer is the same -- a variation of "he's improving." The real test for Stanton will be in live action, not drills. He can make plays with his legs. Accuracy will be an issue for a long time. I don't think Mike Martz helped him last year. The season was a step back for Stanton.
5. Speaking of Martz, if you gave every player on offense a shot of truth serum, the overwhelming feeling would be that they're glad he's gone. Too often, the offense looked confused and unprepared on game day. Having said that, Jim Colletto has to get it in a groove -- and fast.
6. Kevin Smith looks like a natural runner, with one serious concern. He runs upright. Tacklers will try to punish him. The Lions may have gotten role players with two fifth-round picks -- wide receiver Kenneth Moore and fullback Jerome Felton. Felton has a natural body lean, gets low and is comfortable catching the ball. Moore caught punts with ease in the wind on Tuesday.
