Opinions on four current sports topics and one random topic from Norm the Detroit Insider…

1. Rod Marinelli - There seems to be rave reviews so far based on the first mini-camp. Millen says he sees Paul Brown on the sidelines in Marinelli. Personally, I see Tom Coughlin and he sure does have a great track record with his players, doesn’t he?

2. Ben Wallace - I think there is more to this “blow-up” than what is being led on. He should have been discplined for one game just to send a statement.

3. Chris Shelton - Unbelievable start for the Tigers. Can he pitch too?

4. President’s Trophy - Doesn’t mean a thing. Look at the last 10 President’s Cup winners and see how well they have done in the playoffs. Plus, I’m burnt out on the Wings, even after a year off.

5. Favorite Easter Candy - Chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate. I personally hate jelly beans though!

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

Better get there early, as all indications I have seen show that Beach Bums games are going to be the hot ticket in Traverse City this summer. On April 22nd starting at 8 am, individual game tickets go on sale including opening day tickets. Some are also going to be available via the web, but only a select number. Manager Jeff Isom and several players will meet fans and sign autographs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Read First Annual Beach Bums Fan Fest at TCBeachBums.com
See the 2006 Beach Bums Promotions

It’s not looking good as the White Sox have taken a 7-1 lead after three in Detroit. Verlander was knocked out in the second.

The Tigers need to get back on track as Cleveland gets set to come to town for a 4 game weekend series.

The Traverse City Alliance Rugby team opened it’s fifth season of play behind strong performances from Elliott Gallagher and Daisy Dalzell for a 41-0 win over Grandville. The team consists of students from the Traverse City High Schools, as well as Suttons Bay, Glen Lake and Lake Leelanau St. Mary.

Read T.C. Alliance 41, Grandville 0 in the Record Eagle [you will have to scroll down]

just ran into the “busy week” and haven’t had a chance to post. No baby yet, but I can at least say I am ready.

Lots of stuff has been happening since the Tigers hot start, I am blaming my father-in-law for the Opening Day loss since he made the trip without me.

Even though the Tigers are on a two game losing streak and Podsednik just doubled to right to start the game today, I am still very excited about the Tigers start!

I am sick of all the Ben Wallace not entering the game talk. Move on, obviously the Pistons have.

Glad to see Marinelli getting the attention of the young wide recievers, from what I can tell it looks like Mike Williams might be getting it, but Charles, who knows?

The Red Wings clinched the Presdent’s Trophy for the league’s best record and can now rest for the playoffs. They have an excellent chance to bring home the Cup, not that anyone is really paying attention.

Sucks to be a sports star and have your life be public knowledge, huh Darren McCarty?

I don’t like what happened with the Duke Lacrosse situation and I never like to see anyone get hurt, but I am incredibly sick of it hogging up my sports sections and favorite sites. Let me know when something has been decided for sure then I might care again.

The Record Eagle’s Jeff Peek caught up with Liz Shimek to talk about her thoughts on the WNBA draft and how she is looking towards the upcoming season.

Read Shimek ready to learn in the Record Eagle

Haley Korson had 4 hits in Game 1 and Mary Lingaur had 3 hits in Game 2 as Lake Leelanau St. Mary posted a doubleheader sweep of Manistee Catholic 10-0 and 13-5.

Glen Lake swept Benzie Central 13-3 and 16-6 behind the pitching of Danielle Noonan who picked up both wins. Noonan struck out seven in the first game. Leading the Lakers offense was Chelsea Klumpp and Jessica Odziana.

Sarah Allington hit a grand slam, among her three hits to help Leland defeat Forest Area 24-14. Ashley Maleski picked up the win for the Comets.

Read Lake Leelanau St. Mary’s sweeps softball twinbill in the Record Eagle

Changes are coming for the Northwest Conference as Manton has decided to leave and join the Highland Conference. That leaves the Northwest with five schools - Kingsley, Suttons Bay, Glen Lake, Mesick and Frankfort - as the conference tries to decide how to move forward.

Read Manton leaves Northwest Conference in the Record Eagle

Not alot of time today but I had to post about our 3-0 Tigers! 7 Homeruns! Awesome. The Tigers topped the Rangers 10-6, how’s that for run support Nate?

Other notable Detroit sports news…

Pistons crush the Heat. I just don’t see how they are going to matchup with the Pistons in the playoffs. Wade and Shaq aren’t enough to beat the Detroit “team” in a seven game series.

The 2006 Lions Schedule is out, and it’s pretty tough. I hope Rod has the boys ready because Seattle will be here for Game 1 and a trip to Chicago looms for Game 2.

That’s it, gotta get back to work…

As much as I love Detroit sports, the Tigers are far and away my favorite sports team. Tiger Stadium was the first professional sports stadium I ever saw a game at. Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker are my all-time favorite athletes (with Joe D and Stevie Y next on the list). So needless to say I get very excited when the Tigers start 2-0 behind two dominating pitching performances and lots of offense from all over the lineup.

Some after 2 games thoughts…

• Old Pudge is back. If he has seriously put 2005 behind him and can stay healthy Tiger fans will be very happy.

• Bonderman. He had awesome stuff and controlled the game. The Royals had no idea what was coming next.
• Lineup. Is going to be tough and score some runs. Sure there will be games where they get 2 hits among them, but there should also be plenty of run support for the Tigers starters.
• 2-0. I just can’t help myself, I am damn excited!

GO TIGERS!

It was a crazy day for Liz Shimek but in the end it all worked out as she is in the WNBA and a member of the Houston Comets.

Here’s what the official site of the Houston Comets says about their draft…

Entering Wednesday’s draft, the Houston Comets had three picks among the top-30 selections. They finished Wednesday with four players selected in the top-30 headlined by Michigan State’s Liz Shimek.

Read Houston Comets Add Four in 2006 Draft at WNBA.com
Official Site of the Houston Comets
Read Drafted, then dealt in the Record Eagle

In what is becoming a crazy day for Liz Shimek, the Phoenix Mercury have traded Shimek (18th pick) and Mistie Williams (21st pick) to Houston for the (15th pick) Ann Strother.

Welcome to the wacky world of the WNBA Draft!

The Phoenix Mercury drafted Glen Lake grad Liz Shimek with the 18th pick overall (2nd round) of the 2006 WNBA draft. Congrats to Liz as she joins a young team that includes former UConn star Diana Taurasi and center Kamila Vodichkova.

See the entire draft board.

Liz Shimek has had amazing high school and college careers and now looks to add a pro basketball career to her resume. The 2006 WNBA Draft is set for 1 PM today and Shimek is expected to go in the late first round. Shimek scored 9 points and grabbed 6 boards in 20 minutes of action at the WNBA Pre-Draft Camp on Monday.

Follow the 2006 WNBA Draft at WNBA.com
Read Liz Shimek’s Draft Profile at WNBA.com
Read Shimek awaits draft call in the Record Eagle

Shimek also was named an honorable mention All-American for the second straight year.

Read Liz Shimek Earns Honorable Mention All-America Honors at MSUSpartans.com

Oh yeah!!! My friend Norm was at Wrestlemania in 1987 at the Silverdome, he said it was crazy!

Read Wrestlemania Coming to Michigan at WLNS