Leelanau Sports Guy’s World

I was listening to Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio this morning and they mentioned that a poll in a Canadian newspaper that reported 40% of people polled don’t miss hockey. I said all along the NHL and it’s players were making a mistake by not working something out.

Everyone is still going to be rich, even with a cap, if that’s the hangup, what’s the big deal? They are all going to still make alot more money than average people. Just start playing and get over it.

I would not call myself a diehard hockey fan, because I love all the other sports also and I don’t have a Red Wings room or anything like that, but troubling for the NHL is I don’t miss hockey right now. And if a huge sports fan like myself doesn’t miss hockey, they will be in trouble when they do eventually start back up.

Only time will tell if hockey will ever recover (or ever start playing).

NHL season all but dead - Free Press article by Helene St. James

Players reject final NHL offer; cancellation appears imminent - MLive article by Ansar Khan

Chris Hill is back. At least Spartan fans hope. Hill led the way for the Spartans with 26 points in a 83-69 win over Ohio State. He finished 8 of 10 from the field 4 of 4 from the free throw line.

Hill breaks out of slump with six 3-pointers, 26 points in win - MLive.com article by Steve Grinczel

My view: If the Spartans are going to make any kind of postseason run, Hill will have to be at the top of his game. It would be a nice story if he could finish his career strong and maybe even hang a banner along with his fellow seniors. Moving him to the bench and bringing him in as a 6th man was a very smart move by Tom Izzo.

My Detroit Insider gave me the heads up on this…

Detroit (Ticker) - The Detroit Tigers further stocked their bullpen Wednesday, acquiring reliever Kyle Farnsworth and a player to be named from the Chicago Cubs for three minor leaguers.

Farnsworth has a 95-mile-per-hour fastball, but has struggled to live up to his potential. The Tigers hope changing leagues will help the 28-year-old Farnsworth, who had spent his entire career in the Cubs’ organization.

Read the article.

My view: Great trade! Farnsworth has always shown potential, and has a big arm. The Tigers didn’t really give up anything to take a chance on him. This could be a steal!

Not being a big Michigan fan means I don’t always watch their games. Last night however I tuned in to the game vs. #1 Illinois. I came away very impressed with Dion Harris and the Wolverine big men (namely Sims and Hunter). The Wolverines looked the best I have seen them this year and almost pulled off the upset.

Down the stretch Illinois came alive and was able to “steal” the victory. It was Dee Brown’s speed that eventually did the Wolverines in. I think Brown is a fantastic player, but he does get some breaks on his steals. On two occasions under two minutes to go, I saw him make steals while getting alot of arm on Wolverines players. One they even showed a beautiful slow motion replay of the steal - and he HIT ALL ARM! I know great players get the benefit of calls, but it might have been a different outcome with the correct call.

I still remember when I used to play basketball that our coaches always stressed to move your feet and flip up with your hands, not big swiping motions with your arms, because if the ref saw that he would just call a foul even if you didn’t get his arm. I saw the exact opposite last night. That’s my complaining for today.

Game Recap from the Free Press

San Juan, Puerto Rico (AP) — Detroit Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez denied accusations by Jose Canseco that he used steroids while playing for the Texas Rangers.

Canseco’s book, “Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big,” is scheduled for release by Regan Books on Feb. 14.

My view: Believing Jose Canseco is going to be hard for just about everyone. My belief is he is just trying to sell his book, and that alot of his book is B.S.

Here’s local response to the Tigers introducing Magglio Ordonez as their new rightfielder.

Ilitch’s new hands-on approach lands Ordonez - Free Press article by Drew Sharp

Tigers can’t afford not to connect on this big risk - Free Press article by Michael Rosenberg

Tigers hope Ordonez has Pudge-like effect - Free Press article by Gene Guidi

Ordonez super signing for ‘05 - Free Press article by Krista Latham

Ilitch hits homer with Ordonez - Detroit News article by Bob Wojnowski

Outfielder’s knee doesn’t worry doctors - Detroit News article by Lynn Henning

Sealing contract a shrewd effort - Detroit News article by Tom Gage

Here’s what they are saying in Chicago…

Ordonez deal shows Boras at top of his game - Chicago Tribune article by Phil Rogers

Maggs eager to show he’s OK - Chicago Sun-Times article

I play alot of fantasy baseball, so I am always reading Fanball.com. Here’s an article about the Tigers signing of rightfielder Magglio Ordonez and the impact he will have on the lineup and the entire team.

Maggs Moving to Motown
Fanball.com article by Ted Carlson

The Tigers made a 29-game leap in 2004, improving from 43-119 to 72-90, and now the club has their eyes on the AL Central crown. On Saturday, the team agreed to a five-year, $75 million deal with free agent outfielder Magglio Ordonez. According to the Associated Press, the contract could be worth up to $105 million over seven years.

The deal could be officially announced as soon as Monday, but neither Tiger officials nor Ordonez’s people have confirmed the deal.

Ordonez, 31, carries a big bat and big injury concerns to Motown. He injured his left knee and calf in a collision with Willie Harris on May 19. He eventually underwent surgery in early June to repair torn cartilage in the knee. After rehab, Ordonez returned to action on July 9, but he developed bone marrow edema and appeared in only 10 more games.

Read the entire article

What a weekend. Besides my birthday (Best Buy here I come!) it was a great weekend for sports. The Super Bowl was close, MSU looked good at Iowa and the Tigers signed Magglio Ordonez to a 5 year deal. There of course was the bad, the Pistons and Michigan both lost ugly games on the court. That’s enough from me, let’s get started.

The Good…

Tigers sign Ordonez

A great move by the Tigers to sign outfielder Magglio Ordonez. They protected themselves in the contract in case of a recurrence of his knee injury and got a great hitter in return. This will continue to help their climb to the top of the Central Division. The best part, taking a star from a division rival. Gotta love that! Check out the headlines.

Pitch from Ilitch was big hit with new rightfielder Ordonez - Free Press article by Gene Guidi

Heady negotiating nabs another injured star to heal wounded club - Free Press article by Drew Sharp

Ordonez passes physical, takes final swings at Sox - Free Press wire services

Spartans hold off late Iowa rally in big win

MSU nearly blew all of a 20 point second half lead in the final minutes, but managed to hold on to stay in second place behind Illinois in the Big Ten. The Spartans hit some clutch shots and free throws down the stretch and looked like a different team then the one a couple of days earlier against the Illini.

“We were playing so tentatively because of the foul trouble we were in we had everybody and their uncle in foul trouble and no one got into the flow of the game,” coach Tom Izzo said.

#12 Michigan St. 75, Iowa 64 - Article by Todd Dvorak, Associated Press Writer

My Super Bowl Pick and Commercials

Well it wasn’t 100% good, I did pick the correct final score of the game, just the wrong winner. I enjoyed the Super Bowl and all of the commercials and new movie trailers. Loved the Batman Begins TV promo and the GoDaddy commercial. You can check out the complete commercial on their owners blog at (www.bobparsons.com. I also liked the Bud Light commercial with the skydivers and CareerBuilder.com “working with monkeys” commercials.

As far as the game, I was impressed with both teams, but once again find it hard to watch some teams 2 minute offenses. That’s the best the Eagles could do in the final minutes. What happened to the phrase “hurry up”. I have a feeling we are going to see these same two teams in Detroit next season for a rematch.

The Bad…

Nets blow out Pistons

The Pistons had no answer for Vince Carter as he led the way for the Nets with 41 points. Tayshaun Prince led the Pistons with 17 points.

“Nothing went right today. We were flat,” Prince said. “We managed to cut it to two at halftime, but it was a bad third quarter. We weren’t doing what we’re supposed to do on defense, and that’s what creates chaos.”

Nets 107, Pistons 85 - Article by Chris Sheridan, AP Basketball Writer

and the Ugly…

Michigan’s loss to Ohio State was ugly. So ugly I can’t even write any more about it.

Jones finalist for NFL Rookie of the Year

The award ended up going to the deserving Ben Roethlisberger, but Kevin Jones had an amazing year as well. He led all rookie running back with 1,133 yards and five touchdowns. It’s amazing to imagine what he might have done had he been healthy for the entire season. He is an amazing back, with good vision, and can run with power. Look for him to continue to improve next season.

Free Press remembers 1980 NHL All-Star Game

With no NHL, and some people still wanting to hear about hockey, the Free Press has reminded us of the 1980 All-Star Game at Joe Louis Arena. It featured Gordie Howe vs. a young Wayne Gretzky and a total of 15 future Hall-of-Famers. I saw an interesting poll on ESPN last night that said around 70% of people polled don’t have a problem with no hockey this season, or something to that effect. If I was the NHL and it’s players, I would be finding any way possible to get back on the ice. End of story.

Free Press’ Rosenberg says MSU needs to focus on underclassmen

A good article with interesting ideas, that could help MSU salvage the season. I like Chris Hill and hate to see him go out like this. He deserves better and coming off the bench could be the answer. Although starting Drew Neitzel at point guard will be hard to watch at times, I think it’s the way to go.

Free Press: Super Bowl Chess Match

The big game is getting closer and I can’t wait. The menu is set and the drinks are already being chilled. Sunday can’t get here fast enough. The only thing better is if the Super Bowl was on Saturday, so I had the next day off. Oh well, one can dream, or take a sick day!

Ann Arbor, Michigan (Ticker) - An otherwise stellar National Signing Day for Michigan coach Lloyd Carr was dampened Wednesday when he announced that the career of linebacker Lawrence Reid is over because of a nerve condition.

“Lawrence played the last half of the season with a lot of discomfort, a nerve problem, and the doctors have advised him not to play,” Carr said. “He will not be competing any longer. He’ll stay in school, finish up his degree next fall.”

My view: I hate when a young athlete has to stop playing because of injury and can’t stop playing on their own terms. Reid had worked hard to earn a starting spot and was a big part of the defense. He will be missed.

Here’s today’s top headlines:

Complete football recruiting coverage - Detroit Free Press special section

The Wolverines are ranked by most as a top 5 recruiting class and #1 in the Big Ten. MSU is ranked in the top 30 and middle of the Big Ten. Both teams got what they were looking for and should see immediate results this fall.

Pistons 99, Hawks 84

I watched some of this, but it was the Hawks so I couldn’t handle the entire game. The Pistons continued their recent style of play, get down early and then make a run to take control. This time the run came at the end of the second quarter and essentially the game was over. An interesting part of this game, was that Rasheed Wallace was held scoreless for I believe, only the second time in his NBA career.

Minnesota 71, Michigan 54

The story of this game was shooting. Minnesota made 27 of 43 shots (62.8 percent) and U-M only 19-for-47 (40.4 percent). Enough said. Forward Chris Hunter led the way with 17 points and was the only Wolverine in double figures.

Super Bowl Preview from The Sports Dude

I am ready to make my prediction. After countless hours of watching, reading and listening to the experts, my pick is……….

Eagles 24, Patriots 21

After the Red Sox victory, I figure it’s time for another city to realize their dreams. One of these years I just hope it’s the city of Detroit and our beloved Lions. Maybe next year with the Super Bowl at Ford Field? Can you imagine?

The Sports Dude has his Super Bowl matchup breakdowns all week long on his site. He has 3 of the 4 parts up. Go check it out!

Kramer: Harrington needs to improve footwork
Ex-Lions quarterback says the current one has no consistent finishing point to his passes
Article from the Detroit News

Jacksonville, Fla. — Erik Kramer, the starting quarterback in the Lions’ only playoff victory in the last 47 years, doesn’t see much wrong with Joey Harrington.

In Kramer’s mind, there is nothing that can’t be fixed — and there is no reason Harrington cannot be a winner with the Lions.

Harrington has not been a consistently accurate passer in his three pro seasons. His career completion percentage is .542 and was .560 in 2004 — when the NFL average was .598. Harrington’s critics — there are a few of them — say he isn’t decisive enough in his throws, and it leads to inconsistency.

For Kramer, the problems start with the feet, not the mind or the arm.

“From what I’ve seen, it all stems from his footwork,” Kramer said Tuesday. “He’s a better athlete and should have better footwork than he does. He’s athletic enough to have better footwork than he does. There is no consistent finishing point to his throws.”

Read the entire Detroit News article

The Pistons continued their solid play with a 105-96 win over the improved Washington Wizards. It’s the Pistons 4th straight win and put them back into first place in the Central, a 1/2 game ahead of the Cavs. The Pistons got great performances from Chauncey Billups (28 points), Tayshaun Prince (25 points), and Rip Hamilton (23 points). Read the Free Press article.

Ouch! That game hurt. MSU was in it early and made a late run, but in between Illinois was much too good for the Spartans. The Fighting Illini made 13 out of 24 three-pointers and created Spartan turnovers that led to each baskets. Chris Hill struggled at the point guard spot. Shannon Brown was inconsistent. Paul Davis was a stud early and then disappeared. None of these are new problems for the Spartans. Read the Free Press article.

Just saw this on ESPN’s Daily Quickie! Crazy!

Paid-to-Braid! In one of the most innovative NBA marketing ploys in the last decade, General Motors has paid Rip Hamilton to braid his hair to look like their new Assurance TripleTred tire. He started wearing the look a few days ago, and will keep it for another week or so. Check it out.

MSU hosts #1 Illinois

I will be on my couch, soda and Sun Chips nearby and hopefully the kids in bed early (yeah right) and hopeful of an upset. How MSU can be favored by one, I don’t know, but they do have a shot. Here’s the five things MSU must do to win this game and pull off the upset:

1. Chris Hill will have to get out of his current funk and start hitting some shots again.

2. MSU MUST WIN the turnover battle.

3. Maurice Ager will have to continue his dynamite play.

4. Defense must limit Illinois guards penetration into the lane.

5. Paul Davis must step it up.

Most are obvious, I am not going to pretend to know more than anyone else, but these are some key areas. MSU will have to play their best game of the year and then some to stop Illinois.

For more info, check out this Free Press article by Jemele Hill.

Pistons visit President Bush at the White House

It’s tradition for sports champions to visit the President and that’s what the Pistons did on Monday. I would love to see George Bush and some of the other past President’s memorabilia collections, I am sure they are amazing.

Read the Free Press article by Perry A. Farrell.

Red Wings suiting up for…Mechanics?

Derian Hatcher and Chris Chelios have signed on to play for the Motor City Mechanics, and Kris Draper might join them. Fans looking to see some hockey will not get a chance to see some of their Red Wing stars and luckily close by.

Read the Free Press article by George Sipple.