Leelanau Sports Guy at sportspig.com

Former Tigers come to Cheboygan to teach baseball
Cheboygan Tribune article by Joshua Adams

Cheboygan – On Saturday, two former pitchers from the Detroit Tigers will come to Cheboygan to teach the locals the fundamentals about baseball and softball.

Event coordinator Dom Juillet said that he is expecting 130 kids to 150 kids to show up for this event. Last year the event drew in 115 children.

Read the entire article.

Tigers Corner: Ordonez expects to play today – Freep article by Gene Guidi

This has been a day all Tiger fans have been waiting for, to see how Maggs does. I can’t wait to see. If he is healthy and able to give the Tigers 150 games or so, I believe the Tigers will win the Central!
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Amaker in peril if U-M isn’t dancing next year – Freep article by Drew Sharp

I think Amaker is safe, because I believe they will make the NCAA Tournament next season. They should also contend for the Big Ten title with virtually everyone returning. Of course that hinges on the health of Lester Abram and the return of Daniel Horton.
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Stanley Cup coming to Grand Rapids – OurSports Central article

Another opportunity to see the Stanley Cup for fans. I have never taken advantage of any opportunity to see the Cup on it’s many travels, not sure why. The only time I have ever seen it was at the Hockey Hall of Fame (if you haven’t been there, get there, it’s awesome).
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Pistons Corner: Dice gives thanks to strength coach – Free article by Perry A. Farrell

I thought McDyess would be helpful, but I didn’t expect 10 points, over 6 rebounds a game and the solid play he has given. He has made everyone say Mehmet who? I feel good for him, with all of the trouble he has had the last 3 seasons, and now he has a shot at an NBA title.

Here’s the article…

Michigan Falls to Northwestern in Big Ten First Round
MGoBlue.com article by Tom Wywrot

Chicago, Ill. — The University of Michigan men’s basketball team had its season come to an end Thursday afternoon (March 10), falling 58-56 to Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at the United Center. The Wolverines held a two-point edge with less than 11 minutes to play, but the Wildcats (15-15) went on a 12-0 scoring run to regain a 51-41 lead that they would never relinquish. U-M concludes the season with a 13-18 record.

Sophomore Courtney Sims (Roslindale, Mass./Noble & Greenough School) recorded a career-high 25 points, going 8-of-9 from field, to go along with six rebounds. Sophomore Dion Harris (Detroit, Mich./Redford HS) finished with 19 points and five assists, while sophomore Brent Petway (McDonough, Ga./Griffin HS) pulled down a game-high eight rebounds and four points. Sims and Harris accounted for 44 of Michigan’s 56 points.

Read the entire article.

My view: Michigan’s tough season is over, and I am sure some are breathing a sigh of relief. Injuries and off the court problems have limited the Wolverines all season. One good thing to come from it is that the young kids have gotten alot of experience. Sophomores Sims, Harris and Petway led the way for Michigan against the Wildcats, and will be expected to do the same next season. Michigan doesn’t lose much, and no one out of their playing rotation and with a return of Daniel Horton and Lester Abram could make some noise in the Big Ten next season. I still believe if they hadn’t lost Horton, they would be playing in the NCAA Tournament this season, instead of having to wait another year.

Six Points: Early birds
Article by Cris Carter, Yahoo! Sports

6. Detroit Lions
You always need an enforcer in a collision sport like football, and the Lions found one in safety Kenoy Kennedy. Every wide receiver in the NFC had better be on notice because Kennedy is one of the hardest hitters in the NFL. Kennedy doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as an all-around player.

For two years, you didn’t know what the Lions were doing, but now you can see that they have an actual plan in place. They found an upgrade at tight end in Marcus Pollard, and if they can get a quarterback in there to create some competition and push Joey Harrington, they could be a sleeper in the NFC North now that Green Bay is getting weaker and Randy Moss is no longer in Minnesota.

Read the entire article

Johnson impresses Lions; no deal offered to vet QB
Article by Curt Sylvester, Detroit Free Press

Sources indicated that Johnson had an impressive workout at the Allen Park practice facility and the Lions have established the general parameters for contract talks but they did not make an immediate offer.

There has been speculation for several weeks that coach Steve Mariucci favors signing Garcia, who was a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback under Mariucci with the 49ers, but that others in the organization — including president Matt Millen — favor signing a quarterback with a stronger arm.

Read the entire article

My view: I agree 100%. Carter is right on.

At this point Johnson would be a good fit at backup quarterback. He’s a veteran who understands his role and can still play if needed.

My schedule is starting to settle down a bit, so here’s some more updates…

Lions cut radio team, hire Miller – Longtime duo Champion and Brandstatter released – Freep article by Curt Sylvester

No one knows the reasons for sure yet, but I know I am going to miss Mark Champion and Jim Brandstatter. They called a great game and really loved the Lions. Good luck to both. Their replacement Dan Miller is mostly known for his play-by-play on Fox Regional coverage.
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Living a dream – Freep article by Mark Snyder

A nice article on Oakland University head coach Greg Kampe. It talks about his career and his team’s recent struggles and how they make their first ever NCAA Tourney.
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Oakland’s victory is the essence of college basketball in a wild March – Detroit News article by Bob Wojnowski

A team like Oakland really does add to March Madness. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best sports moments every year. The Golden Grizzlies might have to play in the “play-in game” but they still make the tournament. It’s March Madness, anything can happen.
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Pistons pacify Warriors – Freep article by Helene St. James

Antonio McDyess and Tayshaun Prince led the way with 20 points each. It was a difficult game to watch, as I found myself not able to pay attention. It wasn’t a great game, but it was important to stop the losing streak.
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MSU’s Davis staying – Freep article by Vince Ellis

Paul Davis isn’t ready for the NBA, and I am glad he has noticed. Next year he will be the man at MSU. and that will help ready him for the next level. With a solid nucleus of Davis, Shannon Brown, and Maurice Ager, the Spartans will be a title contender. This is the best for Davis and for MSU, which has been getting burned by early defections in the last few seasons.
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Look out! Illinois, MSU big targets – Freep article by Nicholas J. Cotsonika

I for one am hoping for an Illinois, MSU rematch in the Big Ten Tourney final, but both will have their hands full in getting there. Indiana, Minnesota and Iowa, all know they have to win at least one game to secure a berth in the Big Dance, and will be playing extra hard to make that happen.

In Girls Volleyball Quarterfinals last night, Suttons Bay managed to put away a tough Iron Mountain squad 25-15, 25-23, 25-23. The Lady Norsemen (now 42-9-6) will face Blissfield (45-6-4) at 3:45 pm in the Class C Semifinals on Thursday (Mar 10) at University Arena, Kalamazoo. In Class D, Leland (65-7) defeated Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 25-22, 25-14, 25-17 and will meet Adrian Lenawee Christian (34-16-1) at 2 pm in Kalamazoo. Finals are on Saturday — here’s hoping both are still in the hunt! In the Class D Boys Basketball Regionals last night, Northport played tough but ultimately fell to Bellaire 72-56. Congratulations Wildcats!

Here’s some recent articles posted by fellow Detroit Sports bloggers…

Ahhh… a little grapefruit and the Olde English D. – written by The Sports Dude

Lions Set With Joey? – written by Dan Joseph, Detroit Sports Central

* Interview: Tigers Central – written by Tamaz, Detroit Sports Squad

Major Conference Tourney Predictions – written by SkyBoot, yoco college basketball

Quote-worthy – written by billfer, The Detroit Tiger Weblog

So there you have it some of the best from the Detroit Sports blog world.

It was an exciting night for the state of Michigan college hoops fans. Oakland University fans were very excited as their team earned it’s first ever ticket to the Big Dance. University of Detroit fans will have to wait another year, as the Titans fall just short.

Here’s a couple of articles…

Dukes’ trey puts OU in Big Dance for the first time – Freep article by Mark Snyder

Late rally tips Titans, ends season in tournament final – Freep article by Annette VanDeCar.

My view: Oakland upgraded their non-conference schedule big time and as coach Greg Kampe has said it really helped them last night. The Golden Grizzlies will draw a #1 seed most likely, but could make a game interesting. When Brandon Cotton first transferred to U of D, I was disappointed that it didn’t work out at MSU, but after watching a couple of his games toward the end of the season, he made the right move. He is a real good player who could play anywhere and will help put U of D back on the map. Watch out for the Titans next year.

One word sums up this win, defense. MSU won this game by playing suffocating defense. They held Minnesota scoreless for the last 4 minutes and 16 seconds and held Gophers All-American Janel McCarville to two points and 1-for-17 from the field. This might be enough to give MSU a #1 seed in the upcoming women’s tourney. Glen Lake’s Liz Shimek led the Spartans with 15 points.

I created a group at tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com.

If you want to go up against the Detroit Sports bloggers and show us what you have, please signup.

It’s group name: Detroit Sports Group (id# 20569)
and password: detroit1

Let’s see who’s the best in this year’s March Madness!

Grand Prize: A congratulatory email from Dan Joseph.
Runner-up: The satisfaction of being 2nd best and not having to read an email from Dan Joseph.

Not many updates lately, have been incredibly busy at work and home. But enough about that, here we go…

Lions sign Pollard, Kennedy in one day – Freep article by Curt Sylvester

These are great moves by the Lions. Kenoy Kennedy is exactly the type of player the Lions needed to man the strong safety spot. He’s young (27) and has been a four-year starter for the Denver Broncos. In Marcus Pollard, the Lions have added an tight end with good hands and blocking ability. He had 29 receptions for 305 yards last season with six touchdowns.

Now the Lions will continue looking for a veteran backup quarterback, a left guard and an experienced wide receiver. I am not a big fan of any of the free agent quarterbacks, but a name that has recently been added to the list is Jay Fiedler, who I have always thought received to much blame in Miami. As far as veteran wide receivers, I would love it if they could take Jerry Rice into being the number three wideout and helping Roy Williams and Charles Rogers in his last season. One can dream. And being Lions fans we are good at that.

MSU earns its first Big Ten women’s hoops title – Freep article by Mick McCabe

One word sums up this win, defense. MSU won this game by playing suffocating defense. They held Minnesota scoreless for the last 4 minutes and 16 seconds and held Gophers All-American Janel McCarville to two points and 1-for-17 from the field. This might be enough to give MSU a #1 seed in the upcoming women’s tourney.

Ilitch says he’ll keep spending until club wins – Freep article by Gene Guidi

It’s always good when your owner is all about winning (finally) and willing to go the extra mile (and dollar) to improve your team. He is finally taking the same approach with the Tigers he has had with the Red Wings over the years.

Here’s some other Tiger Spring Training articles:

Ordonez aces another test; debut is on deck – Freep article by Gene Guidi

Yeah! Can’t wait to see him.

Tigers’ Shelton tries to hit his way to the big leagues – Detroit News article by Dana Wakiji

Tracking the Tigers – MLive.com article by Danny Knobler

Percival’s words at an early stage might make you believe in Tigers
Detroit News article by Bob Wojnowski

You can’t believe a thing you hear coming out of Florida and Arizona this time of year. Not a thing.

Fair enough. As the roster looks today, as the exhibition season begins, the Tigers aren’t favorites in the A.L Central. But if you inspect closer, and listen to the feisty new ace closer, you’re permitted to think they have a shot.

Read the entire article.

My view: I am glad this guy is a Tiger. As important as it was to get Maggs, Percival is going to be the key to the Tigers season. If he still has it and judging by last year he does, then the Tigers can look to improve on their record of last year and possibly compete in the Central. Wojo points out the Tigers bad showings in blown save opportunities and one run games and how Percival and the rest of the revamped bullpen can help in this area. I believe they will compete in the Central this season and have an outside chance of winning it. It will start with the bullpen. All good playoff teams have a bullpen that shuts down hitters and holds on to leads. Let’s hope Percival can pull it off for a couple of more years…

Here’s the Shock’s preseason schedule in this historic ninth season of the WNBA…

Sat. May 7 – Detroit @ Minnesota – 7:00 PM at Municipal Auditorium Arena -
Kansas City, MO.
Sun. May 15 – New York @ Detroit – 3:30 PM at Pepsi Arena – Albany, NY

Opening day will feature the 2004 WNBA runner-up Connecticut Sun visiting the Palace.

See the entire WNBA Preseason Schedule

The Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock coaching staffs will be joining for a Chalk Talk Coaches’ Clinic and On-Court Demonstration on Thursday, March 31 at The Palace at 6:00 p.m. This will be a chance for coaches around the area to hear coaching tips and philosophies from some of the best professional basketball coaches in the nation.

The $20 registration includes Chalk Talk & On-Court Demonstration with Larry Brown and the Detroit Pistons staff & Detroit Shock Head Coach Bill Laimbeer and the Detroit Shock staff and two tickets to the Shock Home Opener vs. defending Eastern Conference Champion Connecticut Sun on Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m.

More Information and Registration

My view: As a youth coach, you can’t miss out on stuff like this. Great price includes 2 tickets to the Shock home opener. Check it out!

Look what they found

Ferndale couple discovers baseball cards in basement that might be small fortune – Freep article by George Sipple

Being a sportscard collector myself, I always love to hear about a story like this, and wish that something like that would happen to me! Multiple old Ty Cobb cards, man, that’s awesome! I love it when old cards are found, especially some of the old tobacco cards. I used to have a couple of these cards in the baseball card store I managed, they were very cool.