Leelanau Sports Guy’s World at sportspig.com

Here’s a look at the sports year that was 2004…

Detroit Sports: A year in review – Detroit Sports Blog

The Year’s Best Sports – MLive.com

Timeline, Top Moments Month by Month – MSNBC Article

Best of ‘04: It’s a wonderful life – Yahoo! Sports article by Dan Wetzel

Rank ‘Em: Top Stories of 2004 – ESPN Sportsnation article

Detroit Free Press

Williams, Jones give Lions hope by Curt Sylvester

MSU crushes UConn, 67-51 by Free Press Staff

‘They will not destroy me’ – Name cleared, Kelso fights for old job and keeps on coaching by Mitch Albom

Detroit News

Spartans pass test with ease by Dave Dye

Billups rallies Pistons by Chris McCosky

Joey: Let’s make a deal by Mike O’Hara

MLive.com

Lions believe they’re improved over ‘03 in ways record doesn’t show by Ansar Khan

Pistons acknowledge they need to go to Rasheed earlier by A. Sherrod Blakely

Record Eagle

Boggs belongs on first ballot by Jeff Peek

My view: Big win by the MSU Women over Connecticut. To go on the road and beat the defending national champ is special. Billups hits another big shot as the Pistons prepare to host the Heat tonight in a possible Eastern Conference Finals preview. Liosn wrapup their season on Sunday and the future does look bright with the solid play of the rookies. If Rogers can stay healthy next year, watch out!

Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Los Angeles Times article by Pete Thomas

Michigan Coach Lloyd Carr told reporters this week that this was his 25th Christmas away from home.

He beamed as he spoke from his pedestal at the foot of Disneyland’s Main Street, where both teams were being officially welcomed to Southern California. He reflected on Michigan’s rich legacy; boasted of a team that has won a remarkable 842 games in its 125-year history; and added more modestly that he considered himself fortunate to have been at the helm for 95 of those triumphs, versus only 28 losses.

Read the entire article [subscription required]

Associated Press

The brawl that broke out at an Indiana Pacers-Detroit Pistons game was the No. 3 sports story of the year in voting by the newspaper and broadcast members of The Associated Press.

The AP sports story of the year was announced Wednesday.

Here’s a few articles as Michigan gets closer to it’s New Year’s Day clash with Texas in the Rose Bowl. All the Michigan fans I know aren’t sure how this game is going to turn out. The concensus seems to be that Texas will win, but I’m not so sure. It will be tough for the freshman duo of Chad Henne and Michael Hart in the beginning with all the hype and tradition, but I think that Michigan has the firepower to stay with Texas. I also think the Michigan defense will hold their own (great cliche) and help U of M prevail. It’s not easy thinking that way being a diehard Spartan fan, that’s for sure! My pick: Michigan 35, Texas 31.

Michigan alters bowl preparation – Ann Arbor New article by John Heuser

Michigan’s Defensive Keys to Victory – GoBlueWolverine.com article by Josh Turel and Sam Webb

Fun in the sun, but U-M not losing sight of goal – Detroit Free Press article by John Eligon

U-M’s Jackson corners defense – Detroit News article by Angelique S. Chengelis

Associated Press article by Jim Irwin

Don Powell has heard it all before, and not necessarily in his day job as a psychologist.

“Some things just captivate you,” he said in a recent telephone interview. “Going to these games, I was always interested in these cliches that my dad or the fans around me would use. I was intrigued by the fact that in just a few words you can create something very visual.”

Read the entire article

Order Best Sports Cliches Ever!

My view: As a coach, I have been known to throw some of these around as well. The article also features some nice cliches from some of our Michigan Sports Coaches and athletes. I haven’t read the book, but did glance at it in the bookstore, it’s on my birthday list!

By Brian Gillespie, NFL Analyst

(Sports Network) – The Detroit Lions will be represented at the 2005 Pro Bowl in Hawaii by three players, including defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, cornerback Dre’ Bly and return specialist Eddie Drummond.

Additionally, three more offensive stars — rookie tailback Kevin Jones, fullback Cory Schlesinger and guard Damien Woody — have been chosen as alternates for the Feb. 13 game in Hawaii.

My view: Rogers and Drummond deserve it, and Bly has been playing better after miss the first few games with injury. It’s exciting to see Jones named to the team. 6 Lions! That’s great. The young talent will continue to improve and if the Lions can get consistent play from Joey, they will definitely contend next year and beyond.

Will Harrington retain aggressive attitude if things go bad?

MLive.com article by Tom Kowalski

Allen Park – Screw it.

Following Detroit’s 28-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, a game in which Harrington should’ve played the hero, he admitted that he’s finished with Detroit’s conservative offensive approach.

Read the entire article.

Look for new roles next season for Lehman, Bryson

MLive.com article by Tom Kowalski

Allen Park — If the Detroit Lions look at their latest loss — their seventh in the last eight games — as a simple case of a botched point-after attempt, they’re kidding themselves.

A lot has been said about the special teams failure and Joey Harrington’s gutsy performance, but the Lions clearly have other issues.

Read the entire article.

Outfielder Alex Sanchez and utility player Brandon Inge each signed one-year contracts with the Tigers. The team also announced that it did not offer a contract to infielder Eric Munson, who will become a free agent.

Sanchez battled injuries in 2004, only playing in 79 games, but still managed to hit .322 with 19 stolen bases. He led the American League with 29 bunt singles and finished third with 37 infield hits.

Inge, the Tigers “Super Sub” played five positions including catcher, hitting .287 with 13 homers and 64 RBIs in a career-high 131 games last season.

Munson struggled at the plate only hitting .212, but did show good power with 19 home runs and 49 RBI.

My View: Good move by the Tigers. They haven’t hit it big in the free agent market this season, and I think this is a good insurance policy move if they can’t find their centerfielder. Both Inge and Sanchez can play center, and Inge has the skills to play anywhere. Munson has been a diappointment both offensively and defensively and needs a change of scenery. Of course now he will probably pull an ex-Tiger (see Juan Encarnacion) and have some good years somewhere else.

Lions: Just when you thought you’ve seen everything, they do this. A botched PAT attempt and the Lions lose by a point. Unbelievable (well, not for a Lions fan)! There was lots of good things about the game, including: Joey Harrington looked solid, and led a great potential game-tying drive in the final minute, looked like he had a chip on his shoulder, which is how he has to play; Roy Williams made some great plays and shows that the Lions made a good decision on draft day. They landed two potential Pro Bowlers (Williams and Kevin Jones) and they both should be even better next year; The Defense is often soft, but at times against the Vikings looked like a very solid and productive defense. A couple of breakdowns on third down cost them, but a good performance.

Pistons: Carlos Delfino is on the injured list. Ben Wallace took 19 shots (making 7) in the loss to the Trailblazers. About 9 shots too many if you ask me. I was talking with one of my buddies over the weekend and we agreed that the Pistons are built for the playoffs, so there is nothing to really worry about. In a 7 game series you won’t get the best of Brown and this team.

Tigers: Now it sounds like Beltre took less money to go to Seattle instead of Detroit. If not for Percival this offseason would be a complete bust and it might be considered that anyway, the way things are going. Lowe and Drew are not at the top of the Tigers list.

Red Wings: See you in October 2005…

Spartans Hoops: Rebounding is hurting this team right now and with UCLA on the horizon they better get it fixed quick.

Wolverines Hoops: A tough loss to UCLA, but I think this team will overall be okay. They are getting some young guys some quality minutes, which will help in the upcoming Big Ten season and March Madness.

League draft for new NAHL team will be in May
Record Eagle article by Dennis Chase

Traverse City – Mike Stapleton’s association with Scott Gardiner dates back almost 20 years when the two were opponents in the Ontario Hockey League.

So is Gardiner, who will be the team’s coach and general manager.

Read the entire article.

My view: This seems like an exciting opportunity for area hockey fans to catch some good hockey and to see some potential stars. It’s nice to see Stapleton involved.

MLive: Stanton recovering from shoulder surgery

I know how important Drew Stanton is to MSU. With his rushing ability and his improving passing, he is a major threat in the backfield. Just how important didn’t hit me until I read this:

The Spartans ended the season with a 5-7 record, but were 4-4 in games started by Stanton, and 4-2 in games he started and finished.

Amazing! If he manages to stay healthy, I believe MSU can reach 8 wins and continue it’s climb to respectability.

Read the MLive.com article by Steve Grinczel

Mlive: McMahon not happy

Lions head coach Steve Mariucci refused to name a starting quarterback on Monday for Sunday’s game against Minnesota, fueling speculation that McMahon might replace Joey Harrington. Mariucci, though, announced on Wednesday that Harrington would remain the starter.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” McMahon said. “There were other opportunities this year when I thought he might (make a change). If he didn’t do it then, why would he do it now?”

Read the MLive.com article by Tom Kowalski

My view: I am not really suprised either. Harrington is getting the big bucks and so I would hope the Lions would do anything they can to try to get him playing better. McMahon shouldn’t really be complaining. It’s Joey’s team. It has been since he got here. Hopefully one of these days Harrington will realize it and take control and become the leader this offense needs.

If you miss the NHL and Detroit Red Wings, head on out to Gaylord for this great high school hockey tourney! Lots of great teams in this two day tournament.

Gaylord hosts loaded hockey tourney
Five of top 10 D3 teams in field
Record Eagle article by James Cook

Gaylord – Ten of Michigan’s outstanding Division III high school ice hockey programs will gather in Gaylord Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Division III Challenge.

Five of those 10 teams are also currently in the D-III top 10 in the first coaches’ association poll released this week. Riverview is No. 3, East Grand Rapids No. 6, Grosse Ile No. 7, Gaylord No. 8 and Flint Powers No. 9.

Read the entire article and view game schedule.

Free Press article by Curt Sylvester

Joey Harrington, who has started the Lions first 13 games of the season, will be their starter again Sunday in the game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Harrington has struggled after a fast start in which he was near the top of the NFL’s quarterback ratings with a 94.9 passer rating six games into the season. After completing five of 22 passes at Green Bay, he hit a season-low 77.2 passer rating and his completion percentage slipped to 54.9.

My view: He is the best quarterback on the roster, so might as well stick with him. Mike McMahon isn’t the long-term answer and most likely won’t be with the team next season anyway. What the Lions need to do is sign a veteran quarterback to compete for the starting job with Joey next season. Harrington knows there isn’t anyone any better on this team, and isn’t being pushed because of it. We still owe Harrington alot of money so the Lions need to do anything they can to get the most out of him.

Time for Joey to ride the pine by Michael Rosenberg

My view: I agree 100% with this article. The Lions have dug themselves a deep hole having basically 3 bad quarterbacks on their roster. I never thought I would ever say this, but Drew Brees would look in a Lions uniform.

Wolverines have record number of grid All-Americas by Staff Reports

My view: The Wolverines were loaded with talent this season, but two diappointing games prevented them from the National Title hunt. If you Spartans best player is a punter, you know you’re in trouble.

Tigers’ pen set up; Guillen OK with 3B by John Lowe

My view: I love that Guillen will do anything to help the team. If you move Guillen to third, add Renteria at short, and with Infante and Pena rounding out the infield, this is a much improved area. The Tigers can then worry about their centerfielder and starting pitching.