Leelanau Sports Guy at sportspig.com

By: Rich Bergeron

Major League Baseball is gearing up to suspend at least 20 players for up to 100 games according to recent reports by ESPN regarding a Florida anti-aging clinic that allegedly distributed performance enhancing drugs to multiple major leaguers. The now-defunct clinic run by Anthony Bosch is being investigated by MLB officials and could wind up being the target of a federal government probe before the dust settles. Bosch reportedly consulted with attorneys and gathered documents for a sit down last Friday with MLB representatives, though there have not been any reports detailing exactly what he had to offer.

Yankee Alex Rodriguez and Brewer Ryan Braun top the list of players with purported connections to Bosch, but the scandal also implicates additional players with some reportedly referenced in Bosch’s records under code names. Braun also is adamant that he only consulted with Bosch’s Biogenesis clinic for advice regarding a positive drugs test he successfully appealed, which is a claim Bosch himself confirmed. 

Bosch apparently decided to cooperate with MLB officials due to bounting debt from legal fees resulting from a tortious interference lawsuit filed against him by the league. Players implicated could sit out for as much as 100 games if they previously gave dishonest answers about using PEDs and Bosch can confirm they were using banned substances.

ESPN reported last week that discussions between Bosch and MLB were put on hold while Bosch’s lawyers spoke to the U.S. Attorney’s office to get a sense of what sort of criminal legal penalties Bosch might face. Before he would agree to a deal, he reportedly sought assurances that MLB could help mitigate any criminal charges that may result.

Major League Baseball became aware of Bosch’s potential link to PEDs in 2009, and officials have had access to a list of 20 names connected to Bosch and Biogenesis for over a month. Recent reports suggest that as many as 25 players could wind up in serious trouble if Bosch can pinpoint exactly what banned substances they used and when.

Bosch’s connection to this growing scandal exploded last summer after Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon, and Yasmani Grandall were slapped with 50-game suspensions for testing positive for excessive testosterone levels. ESPN dug into the positive tests and asked MLB officials about a potential connection to Bosch, so MLB launched a full investigation. Minor league player Cesar Carillo also wound up in hot water when he denied having any connection to Bosch or Biogenesis despite being confronted with documented evidence to the contrary. He already received a 100-game suspension, but at the minor league level there is no appeals process. Major leaguers implicated in the scandal will most likely file lengthy appeals and fight any huge suspensions through arbitration, which is why MLB officials have been treating this investigation with special care.

In addition to Bosch, the league’s investigators are also interviewing associates and colleagues of Bosch, other witnesses to the PED program operating through Biogenesis, and players themselves. In this situation a player will not escape punishment by not testing positive for any banned substance. The league would be enforcing a policy that outlaws the mere possession or attempt to possess such substances. Any players who at any point denied connections to Bosch and his clinic could also be ensnared by other records being sought through subpoenas like phone and shipping records.

Players who may face suspensions currently include: Ryan Braun (Brewers), Everth Cabrera (Padres), Melky Cabrera (Blue Jays), Francisco Cervelli (Yankees), Bartolo Colon (Athletics), Nelson Cruz (Rangers), Fautino de los Santos (Free Agent), Yasmani Grandal (Padres), Fernando Martinez (Astros), Jesus Montero (Mariners), Jordan Norberto (Free Agent), Jhonny Peralta (Tigers), Cesar Puello (Mets), and Alex Rodriguez (Yankees). More names could be added to the list upon corroboration from Bosch and other evidence confirming his confessions.

When the dust settles this could be one of the most widespread PED cases to ever impact major league baseball, and it could have a significant effect on Hall of Fame inductions in the future when these players retire. Unfortunately, any records set by these players while under the influence of banned substances aren’t likely to be erased. One of two outcomes is likely to follow in the wake of the epic player suspensions that will come out of this case: either more players will shy away from using banned substances for fear of being named and shamed, or players who do choose to cheat will become way more careful about who and what they work with to achieve their baseball goals through PED use.  

After coaching stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, Maurice Cheeks is getting a third shot as an NBA head coach. For the past four seasons, he was an assistant in Oklahoma City. The team announced Monday that Cheeks has agreed to take over the responsibilities of Lawrence Frank.

“After spending some time with Maurice, I was very impressed not only with his basketball knowledge but his communication and leadership skills,” Pistons owner Tom Gores said in a statement. “We are very excited to have someone of his experience and talent help take this franchise into the future.”

Cheeks has a career coaching record of 284-286, consisting of three first-round playoff exits in his six seasons as head coach. Hawks coach Larry Drew, former Blazers head coach Nate McMillan, former Suns interim coach Lindsey Hunter, Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer and Knicks assistant Darrell Walker are others that were interviewed for the position.

While the Euroleague basketball season is in the off season, it is a good time to study up on tips for placing successful wagers on the sport. As with most sports, Euroleague basketball can have several different kinds of wagers placed on it. While many bettors understand betting on the winners of each game, there are actually other kinds of bets to consider. However, it is prudent when placing sports bets to never place a type of bet you do not understand. This could end up being a costly mistake.

Many bettors are unaware of totals bets, which can also be known as over and unders. Actually, this is a simple type of bet to make. The focus is simply on the combined total score of the game. Prior to the commencement of a game, a sportsbook will place a line for that game. Bettors have two choice. They can opt to bet on the final score being over this line or under this line. Ties do not occur with this kind of bet because an exact number is not used but rather a decimal which can never be a resulting total score. For instance, a sportsbook might list an over/under line as 157.5. The over bets win if the total score is 158 or more whereas the under bets win if the total score is 157 or less. While brushing up on your betting tips during the off season, you can also enjoy some fun basketball themed games at online casinos.

One such game would be a scratch card game known as Slam Funk. This game is a good choice to also to play during a televised Euroleague game. It’s quick to play and requires little concentration, and you can find the game in http://www.luckynuggetcasino.com/au/online-pokies/. Since the game moves along rather quickly, it is easy to get several games in even if during a commercial break or timeout. Another time saving option of this game is that it offers a reveal all button. Rather than clicking each panel individually, this button will reveal all of the hidden symbols at once.

Yesterday, the 2013 NFL schedule was finally released which, in a football starved community, had all the reverberations of a major holiday. When the veil was finally lifted, however, it was revealed the Detroit Lions might have a very tough road to hoe after a miserable 2012 year, including a Monday Night Football clash with the defending champion Baltimore Ravens. If you’re looking to find out the odds of your team hoisting the Lombardi Trophy be sure to read topbettingreviews.com sportsbooks list.

Let’s delve in to next year’s schedule, go game by game and make some predictions. At this point, given the tough nature of Detroit’s start and finish, there’s no reason to expect anything better than 8-8.

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings. The Lions dropped both games to the Vikings last season, including a closely contested game at Ford Field where Percy Harvin’s kickoff return made all the difference. It will be a huge test out of the chute for Detroit, who will have to show they can stop Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder on defense right away. The Lions will win, though, and atone for last fall. Detroit, W (1-0)

Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals. Detroit makes a return trip to the desert, where they were embarrassed late last season, meaning this isn’t a game to take lightly. The Cardinals have made a few significant changes, both at quarterback and coaching. The Lions need to view this game as a must win, given their big loss there in December 2012. In the end, the Lions have a few too many play makers and are properly motivated. Detroit, W (2-0)

Week 3: at Washington Redskins. A second straight road test comes for the Lions in the form of Robert Griffin III and Washington, a surprise playoff team last season. This will be tough for the Lions, and they’ll struggle to keep up in a tough road environment. This leads to the first loss of the season. Washington, W (2-1)

Week 4: Chicago Bears. Another team the Lions lost twice to last season, the Bears will have a few notable holes defensively without Brian Urlacher, but will keep their offensive potency. This helps to do Detroit in, as they struggle to get over the top at home against a classically tough rival. Chicago, W. (2-2)

Week 5: at Green Bay Packers. The Lions haven’t won in Green Bay since 1991, and fortunately, this season, they’ll play the Packers at a time when the weather should be much better than last December. That doesn’t matter, though, as Detroit cant’ seem to get over the hump at Lambeau Field. What else is new, the Lions lose on the road. Green Bay, W (2-3)

Week 6: at Cleveland Browns. Finally, a “break” in the schedule. The Lions make a regular season trip to Cleveland, where they’ll find a Browns team with a few players to watch. Detroit has the better, more complete team, though, and wins going away. Detroit, W (3-3)

Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals. The second straight AFC North matchup comes against the Bengals, who come to Detroit for the first time since the “Millen Man March” in 2005. These Lions are different than those, and they prove it to the Bengals with an offensive outpouring and some tough defense. Detroit, W (4-3)

Week 8: Dallas Cowboys. Finally, the Cowboys visit the Lions at Ford Field, and Tony Romo gets a rude awakening. Detroit’s defense pressures him, and Dallas loses a shootout in Detroit which could be critical for NFC playoff positioning. Detroit, W (5-3)

Week 9: Bye Week

Week 10: at Chicago Bears. Another bad location where the Lions just don’t win is Soldier Field. That trend continues, as Detroit earns a season split with Chicago thanks to a tough, blowout fashion loss. Chicago, W (5-4)

Week 11: at Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a rough road game even though the Steelers have been taking a step back during this offseason. Pittsburgh’s defense is still too elite, and the weather in November likely won’t be fantastic for this sloppy outdoor game. The Lions lose again and slip back to the pack. Pittsburgh, W (5-5)

Week 12: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A tough home game, the Lions respond to two losses by smothering the Bucs at home. They’ve had Tampa’s number the last few years, and respond well by grabbing a big comeback win. Detroit, W (6-5)

Week 13: Green Bay Packers (Thanksgiving Day). These games haven’t been kind to the Lions in the past, but Detroit manages to get the job done this Thanksgiving and atone for plenty of past sins on the holiday. Their passion carries them against a good Packer team, and Lions’ fans can give thanks for a holiday win once again. Detroit, W (7-5)

Week 14: at Philadelphia Eagles. The Lions gutted out a big win against the Eagles last season, and this year’s version of the team will be going through a lot of turnover. Detroit’s experience and stability pays off in this one, and they get a big road win nearing the end of the season. Detroit, W (8-5)

Week 15: Baltimore Ravens (Monday Night Football). The defending champions enter the jungle on Monday Night Football, and had better be prepared for a fight. They’re the deeper, more physical team, though, and teach the Lions a lesson in front of a revved up crowd. Baltimore, W (8-6)

Week 16: New York Giants. Another stern test visits Ford Field in the form of the Giants, and the second Super Bowl champion takes Detroit to task. The Lions lose a critical, late season NFC game and begin to leak plenty of oil down the stretch. New York, W (8-7)

Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings. Quite possibly, the Lions will be fighting Minnesota for playoff positioning, and that sets up a huge final game in our scenario. Detroit got back to their losing ways in Minnesota last year after breaking an elongated curse, and they are unable to get the job done on the road again. A hot and cold season comes to an end with a season ending loss which kicks the Lions from playoff contention. They finish .500, but the results could have been much better. Minnesota, W, (8-8)

Max DeMara is the managing editor of Lions 101. You can find him on his personal Twitter account @SportsGuyTheMax or on this site’s Twitter @detroitlions101

Check out other great articles at Sports Media 101.

This was one of the best games I’ve ever attended in person. It was an amazing finish!

Was just talking about this game last night with a buddy of mine and had to pull it up on Youtube and share. Amazing!

And here’s a look back at the hero Chris Coles…

In 1997 I worked in Louisville, Kentucky for about 3 months managing a sports memorabilia store. Louisville was a cool town with lots to do, but the one thing I’ll never forget is how big of a deal the Kentucky Derby was and still is. While I didn’t get to attend the actual race, being in town the two months leading up to it was amazing.

Over the years of all the major professional sports I have attended more Detroit Tigers game than any other. My favorite memories are of sitting in the upper deck in left field at old Tiger Stadium. I did attend a few Detroit Lions games in the Silverdome when it was sold out and that was a fun time as well. I was able to attend a parade celebrating a Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Championship, but none captured the electricity going on in Louisville that spring.

I’ll never forget the excitement in our store and downtown everywhere you went. Signs were up everywhere and everyone was talking about the upcoming race. I remember many people talking about two horses one named “Silver Charm” and the other named “Free House”. Needless to say they didn’t disappoint and here was what I watched while working…

…and I wasn’t alone. Our store was packed with people watching on our TV’s. It was amazing, and it was an great race with Silver Charm pulling out a win by inches. I don’t follow much horse racing, but I always pay attention to the Kentucky Derby and this year will be no different. I’m following the horses at 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders and I’m still not sure who my pick will be yet, but I’m leaning towards “Hear the Ghost”. Let me know in the comments who you think will win the Derby this year.

For tons of info on the 2013 Kentucky Derby visit KentuckyDerbyOnline.com.

Before we know it we’ll be hearing the famous “…and down the stretch they come!”

Here are three updates from Draft Sharks about the Detroit Lions. Draft Sharks is one of the best fantasy football sites out there! Check them out if you get a chance.

The first update is about one of the Lions best players…

Lions insider Chris McCosky has learned that WR Calvin Johnson played through 2 fractured fingers “most of last season.” It’s unclear exactly when the injury occurred, but it only makes Megatron’s record-breaking 2012 campaign even more impressive. His 122 catches were a personal best, and his 1,964 receiving yards were the most in NFL history. It is worth noting that Johnson was charged with a career-high 14 drops. The broken fingers likely had a lot to do with that. Johnson will be ready for the Lions’ offseason program, though, and the injury won’t be a factor in 2013. He’s the clear-cut #1 WR in fantasy football.

Like McCosky says it makes Johnson’s 2012 season even more impressive. If any receiver is going to pass 2,000 yards in a season it will be Johnson. A healthy Johnson means the Lions have a shot.

Lions HC Jim Schwartz wants to see more explosion from RB Mikel Leshoure in 2013. “He flashed enough highs that gives us optimism that he can (be explosive), but he also had enough inconsistency to say that he’s not there yet,” Schwartz said. “We still have high hopes for him and expect him to make a big jump.” Leshoure’s longest run all last year was just 16 yards. He averaged a sluggish 3.7 yards-a-pop. But remember that he tore his Achilles in August of 2011 — an injury that’s tough to return from. It’s certainly possible that Leshoure regains some explosion as he puts that injury further in his rear-view mirror. This guy averaged 6+ yards per carry in each of his final 2 college seasons, with 7 runs of 40+ yards.

If Leshoure can find his “explosive” side again and make some big plays, then he could be the guy in the backfield. If he ends up with a low yards per carry, then look for the Lions to find an answer for some speed at the running back spot.

Lions WR Nate Burleson has agreed to a restructured contract. It means he’s more than likely to remain in Detroit for 2013, which wasn’t the case with the $4.5 million he was originally scheduled to make. Burleson will turn 32 this August and is coming off a broken leg suffered last October. He hauled in 73 balls in 2011, though, and was on an early pace for 83 before going down last year. With Titus Young gone and Ryan Broyles recovering from a torn ACL, Burleson will be counted on to play a significant role again in 2013.

Smart move by Burleson. It makes it likely he will be in Detroit for the year now and also makes him the #2 receiver to Megatron. If he stays healthy he could put up some big numbers and land one more decent contract. Maybe not from Detroit, but somewhere else. So he’s motivated and that’s a good thing!

Go Lions!

I’ve been waiting for this game now for a couple of weeks. Michigan State and Michigan are both battling for the Big Ten lead with the first of two regular season meetings at the Breslin Center in East Lansing on Tuesday night. While the 2013 March Madness tournament bracket will be here before we know it, both of these teams take very seriously in winning the Big Ten regular season crown. Michigan has been ranked in the top 5 in the last few weeks, even holding down the #1 spot briefly, while Michigan State has slowly climbed up to the edge of the top 10. The two key players in this matchup are at the point guard position, the Wolverines Trey Burke and the Spartans Keith Appling. Both help run their teams in the half-court and get them running as well. I’m predicting a fairly low scoring game with great defense and physical up-front play, but the offensive execution by the two point guards will be fun to watch.

As we get closer to live betting on March Madness the Big Ten should come down to the wire. The Big Ten has seen some great basketball and that should continue as the great teams, Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State, will continue to battle and as shown by their great coaching staffs, get better and stronger as we get closer to the tournament.

Should be a fun game on Tuesday night and I’m hoping for a Spartans win!

ATLANTA — With 16 seconds left, MSU guard Keith Appling drove past Kansas big man Jeff Withey and finished with a dazzling left handed lay-up to give the No. 21 Michigan State Spartans a 67-64 victory over the No. 7 Kansas Jayhawks.

Appling finished the game with a game-high 19 points, eight of which came in the final seven minutes of the second half.

Freshman Gary Harris put on an offensive clinic for the Spartans as he went 7-of-12 from the field for 18 points, and showed that he can put the ball in the bucket in more ways than one.

Harris scored two back-to-back buckets with just over four minutes to play that cut the Kansas lead to 59-58 and jump started an 8-0 run by the Spartans.

Kansas guard Elijah Johnson buried two free throws after a Harris foul to end the Spartans 8-0 run and cut the MSU lead to 62-61 with 1:47 left in the game.

On the next possession, Appling came off a pick and drilled a three-pointer to give MSU a 65-61 lead with 1:38 left. The junior point guard finished the game shooting 3-of-3 from deep, and those that follow the program closely know how huge that this shooting performance is for him.

Appling and Valentine celebrating after Appling’s late three-point shot. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Appling told isportsweb.com that he made 500 three-pointers a day during the summer, and with a three-point shooting percentage of nearly 63 percent in two games, it’s evident that hard work pays off.

While MSU sophomore back-up point guard Travis Trice sat out of today’s game with concussion symptoms, many were watching 6-5  freshman guard Denzel Valentine closely. The freshman continued to show that he is the best passer on the team with some eye-popping passes into the post, and he even improved his defense tremendously from the first game.

Still, the Spartans are struggling to not turn the ball over, as they’ve had two games of 15 turnovers this season, many of which are unforced.

The Kansas Jayhawks did a good job of doubling in the post, and it caused a total of nine turnovers from the MSU big men. Derrick Nix led the Spartans in turnovers with four, and Adreian Payne added three.

Both Nix and Payne have struggled thus far in the season, and if the Spartans plan on having success come March they need these two to play smarter.

Nix looked lost at times on offense whether it was handling the ball at the top of the key or not knowing where to pass when the double team came. Payne has been the Spartans best interior defender in their first two games, but only played 17 minutes tonight due to foul trouble.

This win was a victory that the Spartans needed, badly. For years, Tom Izzo has tested his team with early season match ups against college basketball’s elite on the biggest of stages, and for the most part they haven’t prevailed. In 2008, the Spartans lost big to North Carolina, but were able to beat a very good Texas team in Houston. In ’09, they lost to North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. 2010, they lost to UConn, Syracuse, Duke, and Texas. Last year, they fell to North Carolina and Duke.

Sorry to bring up the past, but we need to dwell on it a little to realize how important this victory could potentially be. This Michigan State team is young, and a victory against a No. 7 Kansas team after a dog fight against a good UConn team in Germany four days earlier shows the character that this team possesses.

As the clock was winding down it was clear that the MSU players were getting very excited and jumping around, as they should be, but if you looked at Appling you would’ve seen him give his teammates a calm down signal as if he was saying, “Act like you belong here.” That act of leadership by Appling continues to show that he put in a lot of work this summer, and not just on the court, but as a leader.

Izzo has this team going in the right direction early, which is important. Games like this are tremendous confidence boosters, and with a victory of this magnitude on a national scale this early in the season, the future is looking very bright for a young Michigan State basketball team.

Be sure to check out other great articles at isportsweb.

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Detroit Lions – The Lions are half-way through the season and have battled back to a 4-4 record. After starting 1-3, the Lions have gone 3-1 to hold on to hope of capturing an NFC Wild Card bid. QB Matthew Stafford has found his touch and as long as Calvin Johnson’s injuries don’t get any worse this offense should continue to click. The game this Sunday at Minnesota is big if the Lions wish to stay contenders.

2. Detroit Pistons – A tough start to the season (0-5) has Pistons fans grumbling, but a solid young nucleus is being formed. The Pistons are still another year away (at least) to seriously challenge for a playoff spot, but with Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe they have two potential stars to build around. They’ll be fortunate to win 25 games this year, but if everything keeps moving like it is, they’ll be back in the playoffs in another couple of years.

3. Thanksgiving – Going to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving and can’t wait to hang out and watch some football. If anyone has any sites I should see while there, please email me below.

4. Fantasy Football – Ugly. I have three teams and all three are underachieving. I’ll be lucky to make the playoffs in all of them. I keep waiting for Cam Newton to turn it on like last year, but I have a feeling that’s not going to happen. A top 5 pick is in my future for next year’s draft in all three leagues!

5. Big Ten Basketball – The Big Ten is being called the best conference in college basketball with 4 serious contenders for the Big Ten Crown as well as a run at the National Championship. Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State are all getting lots of national attention and deservedly so. If I had some extra cash I’d be looking at betting on one of these 4 to cut the nets down in March. If you want to learn more about the March Madness odds you can get a launch bonus at CarbonSports.ag and start placing your bets today!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Gary Harris is the name Michigan State fans are hoping can lead the Spartans back to the top of the Big Ten and the Final Four. Harris is just a freshman, but from what I’ve seen so far, he is a very special player, the kind of talent Coach Tom Izzo is going to put in position to make things happen. Michigan State opens the season in Germany on Friday with a game against Connecticut at 6 PM Eastern time as part of the Armed Forces Classic at Ramstein Air Base.

The Spartans are being picked by some to be a Final Four contender, but might be a bit of a sleeper in the tough Big Ten. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State are getting the headlines so far, but Izzo has a great recruiting class to join up with his returning big men. Here’s some of what some people are saying about the Spartans…

Michigan State

2011-12: 29-8 (13-5)

Coach: Tom Izzo (412-169, 17 seasons)

Changes: The departure of captain and All-American Draymond Green hurts, but it’ll open the offense for freshman Gary Harris . Harris, a McDonald’s All-American and Indiana’s Mr. Basketball, is joined by Denzel Valentine , Matt Costello and the injured Kenny Kaminski in the freshman class.

Outlook: It’s hard to underestimate one of Izzo’s teams, but the defending Big Ten Tournament championships and regular-season tri-champs, get a facelift trying to establish a new identity without all-everything Green. Captains Derrick Nix and Russell Byrd will look to take on bigger roles, as will Keith Appling and Adreian Payne.

From The Detroit News: Men’s college basketball preview: Big Ten

So 4th place in the Big Ten, but some see the Spartans reaching the Final Four…

Five college basketball experts at ESPN made their Final Four and national champion picks, and one, Seth Greenberg, thinks Michigan State will win it all.

Greenberg also has Gonzaga, Kansas and Louisville in the Final Four.

Writes Greenberg: “Last season, Louisville knocked off the Spartans with a suffocating matchup zone defense that held them to 44 points. One thing I know about (Tom) Izzo is that he learns from his mistakes.”

From The Detroit News: One analyst picks MSU for national title, another has U-M in Final Four

So basically it is a normal season for the Green & White. If you are the betting type, you can find the Spartans and other teams odds for march madness betting and bet on your favorite team! For more info visit SportsBettingWorld.com.

As the disappointment of the Detroit Tigers conclusion to the 2012 season sets in, it’s time to shift focus to next year. GM Dave Dombrowski has already made several major announcements. Among them:

• Jim Leyland and his entire coaching staff (including co-hitting coaches Toby Harrah and Lloyd McClendon) will all be back.
• Jhonny Peralta’s $6M option for 2013 has been picked up. Barring a creative offseason trade, he will be the starting shortstop again next year.
• Detroit also picked up the option for Octavio Dotel. His contract is valued at $3.5M for next year. Arguably, Dotel was Detroit’s most consistent reliever in 2012.

This helps clear up a few things heading into the offseason, but none of these moves were particularly unexpected.

Bye, bye Delmon Young. And thanks for the memories.

Several players are no longer under contract, which will temporarily relieve (pending arbitration raises) some of the $133M payroll the Tigers forked out in 2012. Jose Valverde and his $9M contract will be quietly escorted out of town. Delmon Young, a virtual steal at $6.75M, will test free agent waters and not return due simply to lack of available space as Victor Martinez will occupy the DH role. The $5.5M the Tigers paid for Brandon Inge’s services also come off the board. Gerald Laird becomes an unrestricted free agent as well but is someone the Tigers will consider re-signing for another 1-year deal. If they don’t bring Laird back, then you can expect Bryan Holaday to be the backup catcher next year.

Most of the core of the Tigers’ roster remain completely under team control. The following players are arbitration eligible this offseason:

• Max Scherzer – he will get a substantial raise from $3.75M. Probably in the $6-9M range.
• Doug Fister – welcome to being a millionaire Doug! He made $575K last year. He’ll likely get $4-7M in arbitration.
• Rick Porcello – he made $3.1M this year and will get a bump to around $5M.
• Phil Coke – he’ll get a slight raise from the $1.1M he made in 2012.
• Alex Avila – he pulled in $510K and will join the millionaire club along with Fister. Probably between $1.5-2M.
• Don Kelly made $900K this year and is arbitration eligible. The Tigers have made the decision to remove him from the 40-man roster. His bat vanished in 2012. Not a good sign for a bench player. Hopefully he catches on somewhere else.
• Brennan Boesch – he made $502,500 in ’12 and is another player Detroit had to ponder. But the Tigers will tender him a contract this offseason. He’s still cheap, young, and loaded with potential. If Detroit can bring him back mentally, he could be a huge asset in 2013. To me, he has too much upside at this point to sell while his value is at its lowest point, and Detroit recognizes that.
• Austin Jackson – Jackson made $500K last year and isn’t due for just arbitration, he’s due for a long-term contract. The Tigers need to lock him up with something resembling a 5-year, $40M contract.
• Ryan Raburn – his 2-year deal has expired, making him arbitration eligible. The Tigers will have to think long and hard about using up a roster spot with him again next year. Bet on that not happening.

Among other things at Dombrowski’s presser today, he indicated that they would love to re-sign Anibal Sanchez. He is going to be a hot commodity on the free agent market but clearly fit in well with the team after joining up in late July. It went so well in fact that he might settle for a few less pennies to stay in Detroit. If Sanchez does go elsewhere, the Tigers will most likely fill the rotation in the same way that they did to start 2012 with Drew Smyly as the 5th starter.

Dombrowski also mentioned minor league reliever Bruce Rondon as a likely member of the 2013 bullpen. He may end up as the closer sooner than you think. Maybe even Opening Day.

On the injury front, Omar Infante will be off from baseball activities for 4-6 weeks but will be ready for spring training. Alex Avila’s arm also checks out fine. After some rest, he should be ready to roll as well and hopefully improve on a disappointing 2012 season. Victor Martinez should also be fully healed for spring camp. There are no other injury issues of note.

Be sure to check out other great articles at isportsweb.

With just seconds remaining and trailing by a field goal, Matthew Stafford connected with wide receiver Titus Young, lifting the Detroit Lions to a 28-24 win over Seattle.

Stafford and Young connected with just 20 seconds remaining, sealing the win for Detroit in comeback fashion.

Both Stafford and Young played their best game of the season, solidified by the clutch play that capped off the game-winning 80-yard drive.  Stafford was at his best in the final minutes, completing 10 passes for 75 yards in the final drive.

Stafford finished the game with 352 yards and three touchdowns through the air as well as a one-yard rushing touchdown.  Stafford finally looked confident in this game, andhe made the difference for Detroit.

Stafford was once again magical in the fourth quarter, leading the Lions to 14 fourth-quarter points.  But it was Stafford’s good play early that set the tone and allowed the Lions to stick with their game plan for all four quarters.

Young’s heroics culminated with nine catches for 100 yards and two TDs, his best game this year by a long shot.  Plagued by inconsistency and drops this season, Young needed to step up in this game and did in a big way.  With Nate Burleson out for the year, it is now Young’s responsibility to get open when defenses key on Calvin Johnson.  In this game, Young was able to do exactly that, reeling in all nine of his targets.

This was Detroit’s best game of the year, and they made just a handful of mistakes.  While the mistakes weren’t numerous, they were costly.  Their first big blunder was allowing running back Marshawn Lynch to rumble 77 yards untouched for a score.  Then, in the second half, Stafford threw his only interception, an ill-advised throw that Seattle safety Earl Thomas came down with deep inside Seattle territory.

The interception was another troubling turnover in opposing territory, something the Lions need to remedy.

That said, Detroit played a solid game overall, moving the ball on offense and containing the Seahawks’ offense save the one big run.

Now standing at 3-4, the Lions aren’t quite dead.  Remember, the defending Super Bowl champs were 7-7 at one point last year, and when Green Bay won two seasons ago, they were that same 7-7.

If the Lions can pick up momentum from this win and continue playing the kind of football they played today, it is possible (although highly unlikely) that they can get on a streak and move up in the NFC North standings.

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