Detroit Tigers: Are Fans Ready for a New Group of 'Bad Boys'?

Today I find myself in an interesting position.

As I have spoken of ad nauseum on this site, I no longer live in the greatest state in this or any union, Michigan. The economic crash of 2008 chased me and mine out west to the state of Oregon and the incredibly alien Portland.

As a fan of all things Michigan, I essentially wear my fandom on my sleeve...and on my head, pants, etc.

If you live in downtown Portland and you come across me, you will know my allegiances.

As such, I have become the go-to person in this town for all things Michigan. When the Lions were chasing infamy, people came to me to ask my take. When the Pistons began to blow up, I was asked about it. And when Armando Gallarraga was robbed, I was quick to weigh in.

Typically, I have something to say that supports my teams. When people complain that Isiah Thomas is a terrible human being, I can counter with tales of his amazing basketball prowess. Likewise for any number of great Michigan athletes.

But a funny thing happened this week. When people started asking me about the incidents in Detroit involving Jered Weaver, Justin Verlander, et al, I wasn't so quick to defend them.

I point out that I wouldn't exactly brag about getting a bunt hit to break up a no-no, but it doesn't violate any unwritten rule in my eyes. It's just kind of a pansy play.

And when it came to the Carlos Guillen antics, I had to point out that it was in retaliation for Weaver's screams directed at the innocent Magglio Ordonez, easily one of the classiest players in baseball. Guillen and his mates look up to Maggs, but they also want to defend his honor.

That was the reason for Guillen's move, nothing else. Guillen is a vocal leader, and he was sticking up for the quiet, classy man.

Weaver is a hot head, and there is no excuse for throwing at Alex Avila's head.

But we all know Weaver; he is, as a matter of fact, the brother of our old favorite hot-head, Jeff. Jeff Weaver was a knucklehead, and his brother is exactly the same.

The blame rightfully should be put on us, but that might just be okay.

We loved our Bad Boys in Detroit. The Pistons of the late 80's were the villains of all of basketball. Nobody liked them, but we loved them. We took pride in knowing that we had some tough guys that were willing to kill the opponent in order to win, and they were willing to kill their entire family if their teammates were offended.

This could be good for the Tigers, a team that has been searching for an identity. Why not be the villain? I know, this doesn't fit with Tigers baseball, but it could. We could harness this into an "us against the world" mentality.

I would love it if the players came out and owned their comments and actions from the other day. Embrace it, and let the press run with it.

Let's bring back the Bad Boys!