Free Press Sports with Carlos and Shawn

This rebroadcast of "Days of Roar" originally aired 7/15/24 The Detroit Tigers selected high school shortstop Bryce Rainer with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft, followed by high school pitchers Owen Hall and Ethan Schiefelbein at Nos. 49 and 72, respectively. Tyler Jennings, the director of draft content at Prospects Live, joins the podcast to share his evaluation of the three players. After that, Mark and Evan discuss the Tigers' red-hot offense entering the All-Star break and how president of baseball operations Scott Harris should approach the July 30 trade deadline. They also take a look at Jack Flaherty's return from his back injury and Kenta Maeda's transition to the bullpen. To wrap up, Mark and Evan share what stands out about the way the Tigers have approached the MLB draft with Harris, assistant general manager Rob Metzler and scouting director Mark Conner running the show in the last two drafts. Follow Mark on X/Twitter here. Follow Evan on X/Twitter here.  Read Evan's most recent work here. 

Carlos and Shawn talk the surprising off-season interest in the Detroit Pistons so far and discuss the larger cultural significance the NBA has over other sports. After that discussion, the guys take a look Cade Cunningham's max contract extension offer and debate if the move was the best choice for the rebuilding Pistons. After the break, Carlos and Shawn cover the buzz around if the Detroit Tigers should trade their pitching ace Tarik Skubal. Can trading Skubal help the ball club's desperate need for hitting or is the pitcher the kind of cornerstone that the team should build around? Read Carlos' most recent work here Read Shawn's most recent work here

This rebroadcast of "The Pistons Pulse" originally aired 7/02/24. Bryce and Omari cover the whirlwind of recent personnel changes made by the Detroit Pistons. First the guys have you covered with what you need to know about new coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Is he the right type of hire for such a young team? Later in the pod, the guys break down the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade and react to the signing of free agent Tobias Harris. What kind of influence can the vets have on the scoring and floor spacing needs of the team? Towards the end of the pod, the guys take on listener questions including what roster gaps still need to be filled.  Follow Bryce on Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Follow Omari on Twitter: @omarisankofa Pick up your "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

This rebroadcast of "Days of Roar" originally aired 6/17/24. Another week of fair to disappointing baseball has led Mark and Evan to seek outside expertise on the Tigers' woes. To help out, the guys welcome back Tigers radio analyst and former MLB player Bobby L. Scales II to the show. The trio try to make sense of the team's wildly inconsistent run production. After the break, the show focuses in on the expectations surrounding Riley Greene. What can we learn about Greene's potential from his walk rate? The trio also discuss Colt Keith's struggles and if the second baseman is finally starting adjust to the major leagues. Later in the pod, Mark and Evan cover health updates on Javier Báez, Kerry Carpenter, and Jackson Jobe's upcoming rehab start.  Follow Mark on X/Twitter here. Follow Evan on X/Twitter here.  Read Evan's most recent work here. 

This rebroadcast of "Days of Roar" originally aired 6/10/24. Another 3-3 week for the Detroit Tigers has the "Days of Roar" crew contemplating some tough questions for the ball club. After discussing how the team looks without Kerry Carpenter, Mark and Evan focus in on comments made by president of baseball operations Scott Harris on the MLB Network. How far away are the Tigers from having an established core and what does that timeline even look like? After the break, the guys also examine Scott Harris' comments on Javier Báez. Although the conversation on Baez's diminished hitting seems all but exhausted, Evan has some potentially intriguing data on the struggling shortstop's swing. Later in the pod, the guys cover Kirk Gibson's recent call with 97.1 The Ticket. Are we all being a bit too negative on a team that's only a few games out of a wildcard spot?  Follow Mark on X/Twitter here. Follow Evan on X/Twitter here.  Read Evan's most recent work here. 

The great Dave Birkett once again joins Carlos and Shawn to walk us through their general impressions of the team so far in their preparations for the new season. The guys focus in on Levi Onwuzurike. As the defensive tackle enters his contract year, is he closer to being Brad Holmes' first significant draft bust rather than inking a new deal? Beyond player analysis, the guys get Dave's perspective regarding their favorite evergreen debate on Dan Campbell vs. Ben Johnson's influence on the team.  Read Carlos' most recent work here Read Shawn's most recent work here

This week, Carlos and Shawn have the Lions' defense on their mind as they discuss the pressure on defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. What kind of improvements would the defense need to make for the team to win it all? After the break, the guys focus in on wide receiver Jameson Williams and what he needs to prove this upcoming season. Is the former first-round pick on his way into developing into a viable and consistent No. 2 receiver?  Read Carlos' most recent work here Read Shawn's most recent work here

The guys are back this week and they focus right in on the Lions' organized team practice activities. While it's hard to predict the future based on these offseason training exercises, Carlos and Shawn talk what we may see and what questions they have for the team moving forward. After the break, Carlos and Shawn discuss the Detroit Pistons' search for new management and the hefty check owner Tom Gores may be willing to write for a new head of basketball operations. Are there any lessons the struggling hoops organization can learn from the Detroit Lions' front office in turning around the franchise?  Read Carlos' most recent work here Read Shawn's most recent work here

This rebroadcast of "The Pistons Pulse" originally aired 5/13/24. For the second year in a row, the Detroit Pistons have fallen to the No. 5 spot in the NBA draft lottery. Bryce and Omari game out what available options best suit the team at this point in the draft. The guys break down which players may fall in the draft, who the team should pursue and if the Pistons should consider trading the pick.  Follow Bryce on X/Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Follow Omari on X/Twitter: @omarisankofa Read Omari's most recent work here Pick up your "The Pistons Pulse" merch here

Days of Roar rebroadcast originally aired 5/6/24 It's a packed show today as Mark and Evan welcome on to the podcast Ryan Garko, Detroit Tigers' vice president of player development. Before the guy's get to the interview, Mark and Evan cover the impressive play of Riley Greene. Could the outfielder swing his way into the MVP discussion? The "Days of Roar" crew also continue to monitor Spencer Torkelson's lack of quality performance and they note recent comments made by A. J. Hinch on the matter. Later in the pod, Evan interviews Max Clark and delves into how the young player is progressing in the minor leagues.  Follow Mark on X/Twitter here. Follow Evan on X/Twitter here.  Read Evan's most recent work here. 

We'll have new "Free Press Sports with Carlos and Shawn" next week. In the meantime, we're re-airing our 2024 NFL draft podcast specials from last week. These pods originally aired 4/26/24 and 4/27/24. Read Carlos' most recent work here Read Shawn's most recent work here

Detroit Lions beat reporter Dave Birkett joins Carlos and Shawn to help break down all the draft moves made by the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions traded up five spots Thursday night in the first round of the NFL draft to select cornerback Terrion Arnold from Alabama. Carlos and Shawn share their reactions and analysis.

Carlos and Shawn preview the upcoming NFL draft in Detroit this week by inviting Freep Lions reporter Dave Birkett back on to the show. Dave walks the guys through his mock draft picks and hypothetical Lions drafting scenarios. How likely are the Lions to go after a cornerback? Is the team poised to trade and move up in the draft? Is it better for the team to stay put at No. 29? Carlos, Shawn and Dave analyze what could happen this week. Read Carlos' most recent work here Read Shawn's most recent work here

Despite their best efforts at the end, the Detroit Red Wings fell short of making the playoffs. Carlos and Shawn bring back Helene St. James to cover the emotional ride to the end and look forward to what needs to change for the team to clench a ticket to the post-season. The trio cover what player position Yzerman could address, playoff expectations from fans, and more. Later in the pod, Carlos and Shawn turn their attention to the end of the Detroit Pistons' historically bad season. With fan hopefulness at an all-time low and frustration boiling with the front office, the guys talk the new leadership search for the organization. As the team looks for a president of basketball operations, Carlos and Shawn discuss how much luck plays into hiring the right staff. Read Carlos' most recent work here Read Shawn's most recent work here

Carlos and Shawn continue the Red Wings conversation this week. With the amount of games remaining down to single digits, the guys review what needs to break the right way for the team to secure the second wild card spot. The guys also continue to analyze what hasn't been working well for the team, including flat first periods, lack of elite goaltending, and a defense that struggles to hold on.  After the break, the guys turn their attention to the Tigers and preview their upcoming series against their divisional rival Minnesota Twins. Can the ball club keep up their overall winning momentum?  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

With the end of the regular NHL season in sight, Helene St. James joins Carlos and Shawn to talk about the Detroit Red Wings' chances of securing the playoff spot. The trio talk the impact of Dylan Larkin's past injury, leadership needs from staff, how many points are needed to clinch a ticket to the post-season and more. After the break, the guys talk the hot start to the Detroit Tigers' 2024 season. Later, Carlos and Shawn talk the massive buzz around the NCAA women's tournament and if we're on the verge of a watershed moment for public perception on women's sports.   Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Baseball is back today! In the latter half of the show, the guys discuss the 2024 Detroit Tigers and the fan experience at Comerica Park. Before that, Carlos and Shawn catch listeners up to speed on what's been happening with U-M and MSU hoops. With the firing of Juwan Howard and hiring of Dusty May for Michigan basketball, the guys talk their overall impressions on the struggling Wolverines program. Later, Carlos and Shawn turn their attention to Tom Izzo's Spartans. With the worst four-year stretch in his tenure now apparent, the guys talk what needs to change for coach Izzo and if he'll be able to make the necessary adjustments. Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Your regularly scheduled "Free Press Sports with Carlos and Shawn" will return next week. Meanwhile, Lions reporter Dave Birkett joins from Las Vegas where he's covering the lead up to Super Bowl LVIII. Dave sits down with Executive Director of the Detroit Sports commission Dave Beachnau to break down what fans can expect from the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. Later, Dave interviews a Super Bowl champion former head-coach. Tune in to hear the perspective of a coach who's won it all on the performance of the Detroit Lions and Dan Campbell. 

Shawn joins Carlos from the road this week in Minneapolis. The guys have the Detroit Lions on their minds as they evaluate the moves, or lack thereof, that the front office has made in free agency. Were the Lions good enough to win it all with what they had? Are they adequately preparing for future injuries? How effective of a team can you build through free agency? Listen in as the guys evaluate these questions and more.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos joins Shawn remotely from Lakeland, Florida this week. Using Carlos' column on the development of Spencer Torkleson as a jumping-off point, the guys talk patience of sports fans as the through line that connects the professional and collegiate sports teams of Michigan. With the historic losing season this year, how much patience should be given to Detroit Pistons' Troy Weaver or Monty Williams? What about MSU's Tom Izzo or U-M's Juwan Howard? Carlos and Shawn review these lingering questions in a broad overview of sports in Michigan. Later in the pod, the guys talk the pivotal importance of cornerbacks in the NFL.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn welcome back Free Press Red Wings beat writer Helene St. James to the show. The trio break down the team's recent winning streak and their push towards the playoffs. Do the Red Wings need to make a splash at the trade deadline to ensure their return the the postseason? Later in the pod, Carlos and Shawn debate if the Lions need to acquire a big name in free agency or continue the front office's draft/develop approach.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn have food on the mind this week after inviting restaurant and dining critic Lyndsay C. Green on to the show to discuss the upcoming "Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 New Restaurants & Dining Experiences" series. You can listen to that interview after the break but first the guys take stock of the state of Michigan basketball's program under the leadership of head coach Juwan Howard. Spoiler alert: it's not going well. With the situation seemingly not improving, does Shawn agree with Carlos that now is the time for U-M hoops to part way with their head coach? Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn are back this week to wrap up the NFL season. As the guys analyze Super Bowl LVIII, Carlos and Shawn speculate on how Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell would have called that game. Would grit and gutsy-gambles have been enough to best the Kansas City Chiefs?  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Your regularly scheduled "Free Press Sports with Carlos and Shawn" will return next week. Meanwhile, Lions reporter Dave Birkett joins from Las Vegas where he's covering the lead up to Super Bowl LVIII. Dave sits down with Executive Director of the Detroit Sports commission Dave Beachnau to break down what fans can expect from the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. Later, Dave interviews a Super Bowl champion former head-coach. Tune in to hear the perspective of a coach who's won it all on the performance of the Detroit Lions and Dan Campbell. 

Hopes and expectations are rising with the news that Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson will return for the 2024 season. However, beyond this immediate good news for Lions fans, Carlos and Shawn spar over if we should be concerned if Coach Dan Campbell can hire the right replacement should Johnson leave the team.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn join from Levi's Stadium where the Detroit Lions' playoff run ended against the 49ers. To open the pod, the guys welcome Free Press City Hall Reporter Dana Afana on the show to learn more about the fans who travelled to Santa Clara, California to witness the game. Later, Carlos and Shawn break down what worked and what fell apart for the Lions in their final matchup of the season. 

Carlos and Shawn break down the news of Michigan football's Jim Harbaugh accepting the head-coaching position for the Los Angeles Chargers. With a national championship under his belt, was this move always inevitable for the coach and will it be the right one? Later in the pod, the guys preview the Detroit Lions' upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game. Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn join from Ford Field to share their immediate reactions and analysis to Detroit Lions' victory over Tampa Bay. 

Carlos and Shawn talk last Sunday's thrilling playoff win for the Lions and the Goff vs. Stafford matchup. The guys also preview the upcoming NFC divisional round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Later, the pod focuses in on Carlos' column arguing Jim Harbaugh should stay at Michigan despite NFL interest. Does Shawn agree this is the right move for the coach?  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn join from Ford Field to share their immediate reactions and analysis on the Detroit Lions' playoff victory against the Los Angeles Rams.

Shawn, from Houston, remotely joins Carlos at Ford Field to share analysis on the Lions' win over the Minnesota Vikings and how several significant player injuries could impact next week's Wild Card matchup. 

Carlos and Shawn have the Detroit Lions' dramatic loss to the Cowboys and Michigan football's overtime victory against Alabama directly on their minds this week ... along with a side conversation on Jack in the Box. Beyond the fast-food of their youth, the guys also take time to consider the likelihood of Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan after this season. How much could winning it all affect the coach's potential decision to leave?  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

This week, Shawn joins Carlos remotely from AT&T Stadium. The pair share their immediate reactions and analysis on the Lions' tough loss to the Cowboys. 

With a division title now clenched for the Detroit Lions, Carlos and Shawn break down how Coach Dan Campbell, by remaining true to who he is as a person, has endeared himself to his team, fans, and the media. The guys also look towards the remaining matchups for the team, possible playoff scenarios, and what kind of window to win is available. Later in the show, Carlos and Shawn discuss the Pistons and where the team stands at the precipice of a historic NBA record losing streak.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn welcome Free Press Red Wings beat writer Helene St. James back to the pod this week. The trio talk the Wings recent slide and if the team can still make a push for the playoffs. Later, Carlos and Shawn preview the Lions' upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. How worried should we be over the team's offensive line? Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn join from Ford Field to share their thoughts and analysis on the Lions' decisive victory over the Broncos.

This week, after a heated debate over the quality of the Chicago Bears, Carlos and Shawn dive deep into the struggles plaguing the Detroit Lions. With lingering issues on both sides of the ball and injuries, can the team make the needed adjustments to clinch a playoff win? The guys put Ben Johnson's offense, Aaron Glenn's defense and Dan Campbell's whole troupe under the microscope. Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

It's another packed week for Carlos and Shawn. The guys talk Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland's election to the Baseball Hall of Fame and his leadership similarities to Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell. Carlos and Shawn also contrast the continued poor performance of the Detroit Pistons against the improved Detroit Red Wings. The guys also briefly touch on Michigan football's upcoming matchup against Alabama.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Shawn from Detroit Metro Aiport is joined by Carlos at the Superdome and together the guys break down Detroit Lions' victory over the Saints. 

What do you do when there are too many big sports stories to keep track of? You talk about them all, of course! Carlos and Shawn do a "lightning round" for the five biggest sports stories in the Mitten right now, starting with the Detroit Lions looking for redemption against the New Orleans Saints. Then, the guys talk about Michigan knocking off Ohio State, Michigan State introducing Jonathan Smith as its next coach, the lowly Detroit Pistons and their 14-game losing streak, and the Detroit Red Wings signing NHL legend Patrick Kane.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn join us once again from Ford Field to share their immediate thoughts and reactions to the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving letdown loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Carlos and Shawn join from Ford Field to share their immediate thoughts and reactions to the Lions' late game rally and victory over the Bears.

This week, Carlos and Shawn debate over the effectiveness of  Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glen. Does he have the tools he needs to get the job done and can he do it? Later in the pod, the guys continue the conversation around the Michigan sign-stealing controversy. Was Jim Harbaugh's three-game suspension the right call and was it enough?  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos and Shawn join us from SoFi Stadium to share their reactions to the Detroit Lions' win over the Chargers. 

Carlos joins Shawn from L.A. this week to continue the conversation around the Michigan sign-stealing saga. The guys talk Gregg Doyel's column on J.J. McCarthy's Heisman trophy eligibility, the coaching staff's plausible deniability around Conor Stalions, and if ultimate responsibility should fall upon Jim Harbaugh's shoulders. Later in the pod, the guys preview Detroit Lions' upcoming matchup against the Chargers and if expectations for the team have changed since the start of the season.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Free Press Lions Reporter Dave Birkett sat down with Detroit Lions rookie Quarterback Hendon Hooker. Dave asks how Hooker is progressing on his injury recovery, what the transition to the NFL has been like and more! 

This week, Carlos and Shawn go over the heated debate over the Detroit Lions' approach at the trade deadline. Was this the moment to go all in?  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.    

Carlos and Shawn break down comments made by head coach Dan Campbell following Sunday's surprising blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Later in the pod, the guys talk the NCAA's second investigation on the UM football program.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.

Carlos joins Shawn from his home to discuss the Lions' tough loss to the Ravens. We also hear the fan perspective and reaction to the loss from Shawn's son, Sam. 

This week, Carlos and Shawn talk the consistent impressiveness of Detroit Lions' QB Jared Goff. Did the team ever expect this level of performance? Later in the pod, the guys preview Saturday's Michigan vs. Michigan State football matchup.  Read Carlos' most recent work here. Read Shawn's most recent work here.