Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman pitched to teammates on Saturday and earned strong praise. If you just chopped his head off,” Dmitri Young told the Detroit News, “you could have replaced it with Curt Schilling’s or Roger Clemens’. Same kind of body structure, same demeanor on the mound. I feel sorry for all our opponents. His stuff today was absolutely filthy.” Catcher Vance Wilson added, “He had awesome stuff. You don’t see many guys that young (22) with a bulldog, not-afraid-of-anything attitude. He obviously has what it takes to be an ace, for sure.”

FANBALL’S VIEW

We’re just one of many web sites and publications that believes Bonderman is on the brink of greatness, possibly in the manner of Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, and Jake Peavy. This news only helps generate more excitement about the youngster, and fantasy owners better know his name coming into their drafts and auctions.

SWEET!

Here’s some highlights, and of course my thoughts…

Lions resign Raiola - He’s the one lineman I have the most problems with. He’s not very consistent (he’s good friends with Joey and share this common bond), he’s undersized, and now great, I get to watch him get pushed around and get penalties for the next 5 years!

MSU gives one away to Hoosiers - Just when I was 100% on board the MSU Hoops bandwagon, they come out and do this. This was the team from earlier in the year. Turnovers and bad shots in the last 4 minutes and failing to hold a 2nd half lead looked like the Spartans from a month ago. If they play like that, they will get eliminated in the first rounds of both post season tourneys.

Pistons continue winning ways - I watched some of the game against the Lakers and the Pistons are really looking good. Very unselfish and when they play like that, they have more weapons than I think people realize. Chauncey wasn’t at his best, but when you can bring a guy like Arroyo off the bench, you don’t miss a click.

Dean Palmer to give it one more try - He’s a longshot, but you have to cheer for this guy. After the injuries he went through, and with how hard he’s worked, you hope he can make the roster. If he does (and he can hit like he used to) the Tigers would have a pleasant surprise bat of the bench and some relief for Inge at third.

Twins Hunter says Tigers are favorite in Central - It’s a classic case of putting the pressure on someone else, but the fact he picked the Tigers is pretty interesting. I think the Tigers and Twins are co-favorites and I think the Tigers have a great shot, with health being the biggest factor.

Lions want Jaguars Davis again - The Lions (and alot of the NFL) loves Jaguar strong safety Donovin Darius, and they are going to try again to make a trade for him. He would be an instant different maker on this defense, he’s one of the best in the NFL. His age (30) is a question, and the Lions have to figure out if he still has some gas left or to try to fill the position with youth.

United Press International
The WNBA’S Detroit Shock announced the re-signing of all-star forward Swin Cash to a three-contract.

“I am excited to have re-signed with the Shock for the next three years,” Cash said Thursday. “The organization’s support has been impeccable since they drafted me in 2002.”

My view: Obviously this is a good move. Locking up your superstar is key and Cash is no doubt the Shock’s superstar.

From the Detroit News
The Detroit News won four awards in the 2004 Associated Press Sports Editors contest, including being named one of the 10 best daily sports sections in the nation in its circulation category.

Girard’s project entry, Danger on the Sidelines, dealt with coaches with criminal backgrounds who are able to land youth sports jobs with little fear of being exposed because criminal background checks are incomplete or not run at all.

My view: This entire special report is a must-read for parents, athletes, potential coaches, anyone involved with youth sports.

His winning investigative story dealt with Tigers great Cecil Fielder falling into debt because of gambling. The investigative category includes all circulation sizes across the nation.

My view: It’s not a happy story, for one of Detroit’s beloved baseball stars. I used to love watching Cecil hit batting practice. It alone was worth the trip to the ballpark. I remember sitting in my favorite seat (first row of the upper deck in left) and watching the ball jump off his bat. His life is along way from that now. Gambling and poor money management claims another successful athlete.

Whew! After 12 straight losses to ranked teams and 6 straight to Wisconsin, the Spartans killed two birds with one stone in impressive fashion with a 77-64 win over the Badgers. Alan Anderson was perfect, literally, from the floor. The Spartans are peaking at the right time, and are playing much better now than a couple of weeks ago. I think this team playing like they are now, could give Illinois a run for their money in the Big Ten Tourney.

Here’s a couple of Free Press article…

Perfect Ending: Anderson doesn’t miss; Badgers’ dominance over - Freep article by Nicholas J. Cotsonika

For Spartans, 7th time’s a charm - Freep article by Michael Rosenberg

National focus is always elsewhere, but Detroit just keeps getting better.
Detroit News article by Bob Wojnowski

Auburn Hills — It’s still about Shaq, Shaq, Shaq. And when it’s not about Shaq, Shaq, Shaq, who now has a tricky knee, it’s about San Antonio or Phoenix or one of the other twinkly Western teams. And when it’s not about them, it’s about the plight of Jermaine O’Neal and poor Indiana, still crushed by the brawl.

Oh, and this, too: These Pistons are better than last year’s champs. Their offense is better. Tayshaun Prince is much better. And newcomer Carlos Arroyo makes them suddenly quicker.

My view: I agree. This team is deeper, has more offense, and the drive to repeat. The NBA Title still has to go through the Palace, and I don’t think Big Ben, Rip or Rasheed is ready to give it to someone else. Delfino is coming back from his injury and he will be a big plus down the stretch.

An incredible season continues as the #6 Spartans defeat Michigan 77-34 and capture at least a share of the Big Ten Title. Kelli Roehrig led the way with 21 points, and Liz Shimek added 20 and Victoria Lucas-Perry 14. Check out a couple of articles on the historic night!

MSU women celebrate - Detroit News article by David Goricki

McCallie sees her dream realized - Detroit News article by David Goricki

Nevermind says the Insider, another fake story courtesy of some wacky sports fan.

The Detroit Insider says…

4:26 PM
“Ok, disregard. I guess some hacker with a personal website ‘hacked’ into the Miami Herald’s website, copied the paper’s letterhead, and put this bogus story out there!”

3:56 PM
“Conflicting reports from the Miami Herald and ESPNEWS are saying that Shaq is out for the season. Herald says NO, ESPNEWS is saying YES.

Stay tuned…”

Friends bid to keep TC man from Spartan games
Record Eagle article by James Cook

Traverse City - Ever get that feeling that you’re a jinx to your favorite team?

Currently a law student at Valparaiso and only two months away from his degree, Campbell said he was talking to Laurie Dama, the president of the Minneapolis MSU alumni association, when he told her he wanted to go to the Purdue-State game last week.

Read the entire article.

My view: I tend to think I jinx my teams as well. My best guess would say I am under .500 if you combined the games I have gone to featuring the Tigers, Lions, Wings, Pistons, Spartans and Wolverines. One of my favorite wins was when we drove to new Comiskey Park a few years ago and cheered on our Tigers to victory. One of the worst was when the family took a trip to Detroit on Thanksgiving, but had to watch as the Oilers defeated our beloved Lions.

Trammell: Tigers ‘haven’t done anything yet’
MLB.com Baseball Perspectives by Mike Bauman

Lakeland, Fla. — This is the time of the year when managers typically produce mountains of optimism, verbally turning losers into winners, pretenders into contenders, and contenders into pennant-winners.

“We haven’t done a damn thing, we really haven’t,” Trammell said Monday, more than once.

Read the entire article

My view: I like the attitude Trammell is taking about the Tigers having to prove themselves. It’s very true. I do like how people across the country are reporting on how the Tigers are improving and looking to get better. I think a prediction of .500 is right on, and that might even be enough to win this division. Anything beyond that is gravy and setting up the Tigers for a nice little run over the next couple of seasons.

The Capital Times article by Rob Schultz

For those of you keeping score at home, it was Bo 6, Izzo 0 five weeks ago.

The “Bo 6, Izzo 0″ T-shirts donned by members of the Wisconsin student section on Jan. 16 during Michigan State’s 62-59 loss at the Kohl Center referenced the Badgers’ record against the Izzo-coached Spartans since Ryan took over as the Wisconsin coach.

Read the entire article.

My view: This would be a big win for Michigan State and continue their solid play as the tournaments approach. They have been playing Spartan basketball the last couple of weeks. Fast breaks, tough rebounding and clutch shooting have helped MSU maintain their hold on second place in the Big Ten. A win here and a good showing through the Big Ten Tourney and the Spartans can possibly lock up a three seed in the tourney. Knock off Illinois in the Big Ten Tourney, they might even pull off a two seed. But don’t look past Wisconsin, every possession is going to be a battle.

Glen Lake honors coaching legends
Miller, Swierad won 950 games
Record Eagle article by Jeff Peek

Maple City - The best kept secret in Leelanau County involved two of the best high school basketball coaches in state history.

Miller and Swierad combined to win 950 of 1,267 games - a winning percentage of .750. Their teams played in 12 Final Fours, and each won a state title - Miller’s boys in 1977 and Swierad’s girls in 1978.

Read the entire article.

My view: When you think of Glen Lake Boys and Girls Basketball these are the two names everyone knows and will always remember. In my opinion Don Miller is the best boys basketball coach in Northern Michigan history. And if not for Larry Glass, Ted Swierad would be for girls basketball. I just have to give the edge to Larry because they have both had some great teams, but Larry has done amazing things with not so great teams too. Just going to coach Miller’s summer basketball camps you could pick up so much. Both of these guys coached the game the right way and it shows with the type of people and players they helped build. Congrats to both on great careers. They will always be remembered.

TC North Stars have first season ticket holder
Traverse City man ‘thrilled’ about new NAHL team
Record Eagle article by James Cook

Traverse City — The Traverse City North Stars don’t have their first player yet, but they have their first season ticket holder.

Peacock wasn’t a season ticket holder for the TC Enforcers, and said the North Stars were more attractive to him because of the stability and reputation of the USA Hockey-sanctioned league. The Enforcers and their Continental Elite Hockey League folded last year.

Read the entire article.

My view: More proof that northern Michigan loves it’s hockey. This should be a fun team to watch, they play in a competitive and established league.

Another busy weekend around the world of Detroit Sports (even without hockey, or at least hockey games). I watched a little of the All-Star game and saw highlights of the Slam-Dunk contest, Josh Smith was sick! Here’s the top headlines.

Ordonez outstanding in his field - Mending Tiger aces first test on defense - Freep article by Gene Guidi
This is a very good start to spring training for the Tigers. Add to it how Guillen is feeling, and the Tigers will have one of the most potent offenses in the AL.

MSU women top OSU for record crowd - No. 9 nips No. 2 before 14,066 at Breslin; Big Ten title close - Freep article by Mick McCabe
I will be the first to admit I don’t watch alot of women’s sports, but my wife’s grandpa was over and he loves to watch because of the local girl Liz Shimek. The way he chears you would think it was his own granddaughter playing. Anyway, this Lady Spartan team is fun to watch. They can run and love to shoot the three, but they can also play tough and dominate down low. Look for them to make a nice tournament run.

Dumars, Dantley are Hall of Fame finalists - Freep article by Perry A. Farrell
Dumars to me is a no-brainer and Dantley was a scoring machine in his day, but couldn’t really guard anyone.

Did Trammell jump the gun? Manager might have waited a bit before he settled on Johnson for opener - Detroit News article by Lynn Henning
It’s hard to say if Trammell will hold to this or not. I could see it though giving Johnson another crack at #1, which would keep some of the pressure off the youngers guys once again. If Johnson looks strong this spring, I say start him on opening day.

Farnsworth gets plenty of praise - Tigers reliever, who is not even at top speed, shows ‘game-quality stuff’ - Detroit News article by Tom Gage
It’s always good to read something like this after saying this trade could be a steal.

Tigers want to be like Central champ Twins - Trammell preaches on need for Detroit to play selflessly to contend in division - Detroit News article by Tom Gage
There are worse teams to model yourself after then the Twins. I think Trammell is a great fit for this Tiger team and I think he will me Tigers manager for a long time.

Players should now try to get best deal possible — before it gets worse - MLive article by Ansar Khan
Very true. It’s only going to get worse for the players the longer this goes on.

Lions’ top defensive need is strong safety - MLive article by Tom Kowalski
This has been a problem the last couple of seasons. If they can find a quality veteran to fill this void, the rest of the defense will fall into place.

My Detroit Insider ran into Red Wings coach Dave Lewis on Saturday and talked for ac couple of minutes about the Lockout/Cancellation of the season.

Lewis told him, “don’t plan on any season.”

Which brings me to a thought. Who are some of the athletes/celebrities you have ran into and had a short conversation with?