The Traverse City Beach Bums have had a rough beginning to the 2007 season, starting 0-2, but look to change their fortune tonight as they ready for the home opener with the visiting Kalamazoo Kings. The Kings have had the Bums number so far, but a packed house at Wuerfel Park could be just what the home team needs!

Read 2007 Season Preview at the Record Eagle

I’m not entirely shocked the Detroit Tigers are clinging to first place in the A.L. Central over the Cleveland Indians with the Chicago White Sox not far behind, but I am shocked at how they have done it. With injuries to some of the starters, a struggling bullpen, cold bats, and Jose Mesa pitching, they have been able to put together a strong case to make it back to the World Series. Sure they just lost 3 out of 4 to the A.L. East leading Boston Red Sox, but the bats just weren’t clicking in Beantown. They did manage to take 2 out of 3 from the A.L. West leader, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

I don’t look for the standings to change much before the All-Star Game.

I still think the Tigers will claim another American League Pennant, but who their opponent is going to be is anyone’s guess. My top 3 picks for the National League rep in the World Series are: New York Mets - the most balanced team in the NL; Atlanta Braves - looking to return to the postseason; and Milwaukee Brewers - are they this year’s Tigers?

The 2007 season isn’t even a third of the way done, but some of the teams above are flexing their muscles. It should be a great summer! Don’t forget if you are looking to catch a game at the ballpark this year, visit Ticket Solutions to secure top-quality tickets for your favorite team!

Killer’s on top of all-things Lions as usual, here’s a couple of interesting things in my opinion…

Kevin Jones didn’t take part in any team activities, but he was running along the sideline. Jones, who has already had the final two screws removed from his foot, wasn’t running at full speed, but he was running. I’m not a doctor — I don’t even play on on TV — but considering this is the middle of May, I’ve got to believe that’s a very good sign.

That is a very good sign. A healthy Kevin Jones, to go along with Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett, will give the Lions lots of explosiveness in the backfield. Of course someone could be traded, but with Jones injury history, the more the better in my opinion.

Before the hamstring injury, Roy Williams looked like he was in mid-season form. He was quick, his routes were good and he caught the ball — over the middle and tip-toeing the sideline — every time it was thrown to him.

The injury was minor according to Killer, so the fact that Roy is ready to roll means that this offense is going to be clicking early and often. I can’t wait for opening kickoff!

Read Impressions after first minicamp practice at MLive.com blog: Lions Insider

The Detroit Athletic Club has named Glen Lake track/cross-country star Marissa Treece as their 2007 Female Athlete of the Year. Treece was one of six finalists for the award. It’s the second year in a row a Leelanau County athlete has won with Alisha Glass winning last year.

“I think it’s pretty exciting,” said Treece, who has won four state titles in track and three in cross country. “All six of us are qualified. It’s just exciting that I got something like that.”

Treece is headed to Notre Dame this fall.

Read Treece state’s top athlete in the Record Eagle

Do yourself a favor Tiger Fans and head on over to Brian’s site TigerBlog for some great Tiger coverage. He’s going to be running a contest starting Monday, May 21st, so be sure to get your trivia skills ready!

Read Ten Days, Ten Questions and a Way To Help Out Your Favorite Tiger Website at TigerBlog

Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups was named to the All-NBA Third Team today. Billups averaged 17 points, 7.2 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in leading the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference and another Central Division Title.

Read Chauncey Billups Named to All-NBA Third Team at Pistons.com
Read Nash, Stoudamire both on All-NBA first team at Fox Sports

I don’t know how Big Al does it, but he finds a way to get access to Matt Millen’s private emails to Lions officials and coaches. The latest answers some of the 2007 NFL Draft questions and selections…

Read Matt Millen explains the 2007 draft at The Wayne Fontes Experience