Leelanau Sports Guy at sportspig.com

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly and amazingly one isn’t about our 6-2 Lions…

1. Detroit Tigers Playoff Run – I had a blast following the Tigers bid for the World Series. Although they fell a bit short, it was a great season and the Tigers have a promising future. The rotation remains a strength and if they can get consistency from Rick Porcello and find a reliable fifth starter (Jacob Turner?) then I think they’ll compete again. As far as second base, not much to pick from out there, but maybe a platoon involving Ramon Santiago will make due! I’ll miss Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez, but both will be remembered for having great Tiger careers.

2. Tony La Russa – As much as I love Sparky Anderson, I have to say Tony La Russa is the best baseball manager of my lifetime. All he’s done is win, in the era of free agency no less, and then changed the way the bullpen is managed to create favorable matchups. Congratulations to Tony La Russa and the Cardinals!

3. NBA Lockout – I know I’m not the only NBA fan who just doesn’t seem to care they aren’t playing right now? or actually, if they ever do again? I don’t know how to explain it, but the NBA just doesn’t really excite me much anymore.

4. Michigan/Michigan State Football – Two strong seasons so far on the gridiron and it’s looking like two warm weather bowl games for both the Wolverines and Spartans. I think both teams still have alot to work on, but I like where both programs are. MSU is maintaining a high level and Michigan is almost back!

5. Diet Time – Started the old diet again (Weight Watchers, yeah!) and now just need to come up with a good workout program!

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

Interview with 2011 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee and former Michigan Wolverines Football Coach Lloyd Carr. Carr had a great career leading Michigan to a National Championship and 5 Big Ten Titles in his 13 seasons.

This is a great interview. What a classy guy.

Here’s the details from the Big Ten Network…

My early thoughts, I like it alot. A little disappointed about Michigan State and Penn State not maintaining their rivalry, but all in all it looks good to me.

Post your thoughts in the comments!

Here’s some videos from Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, Michigan State Football Coach Mark Dantonio, and Michigan Football Coach Rich Rodriguez from the 2010 Big Ten Football Media Day on the Big Ten Network.

Lots of great remarks and also features question and answer sessions from each. Lots of talk about expansion, a conference championship game, division alignment, and officiating from the Commish.

Coach Dantonio gave a nice preview of his team and talked about players to watch out for before answering questions.

Coach Rodriguez gave a quick summary of his team and jumped right into questions.

All in all, lots of great info, and more kudos to the Big Ten Network. I can’t get enough of this stuff!

Saw this video on mgoblog of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson highlights from the annual spring game. As an added bonus the highlights are sprinkled with Christopher Walken.

I think Robinson will ultimately win be the man at quarterback for Michigan. He’s quick and has a strong arm. He’ll give Michigan the best chance at getting back to a bowl this season!

Join the Yahoo! Sports Bracket Challenge to go up against the best sports minds in Leelanau County (at least in our own minds) in our annual Leelanau March Madness Pool.

Just click the following link to register, you’ll need a yahoo! account…

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joinprivategroup_assign_team?GID=157885&P=county

Enjoy March Madness!

Leelanau Sports Guy

Most everyone knows I am a Michigan State Spartan fan, but that hasn’t stopped me from being impressed with the Michigan Wolverines hoops team in coach John Beilein’s second season. The Wolverines are off to a 6-2 start with wins over UCLA and Duke being the highlights. Superstar Manny Harris hasn’t disappointed and if DeShawn Sims can play like he did against Duke against everyone else, the Wolverines will be in the upper half of the Big Ten.

Read Mailbag: What to expect from Michigan? at Rivals.com

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Tigers are done – It’s all over but the cryin’ in 2008. Another blown lead last night puts the Tigers 8.5 games back in the divsion race. Sheffield was put on waivers and the moves looking to slash payroll and ready the team for a run in 2009 will start now!

2. Kwame Brown? – The signing of Brown has brought opinions saying it’s a waste of money and that it’s a good deal for the Pistons. It’s hard to argue either side, but I think Joe D may have found another diamond in the rough and if the solid veteran leadership of Chauncey, Rip and McDyess can bring Kwame along, he could be a pleasant surpise and really help shore up the depth on the frontline.

3. Lions over .500 – That’s my official prediction, I have this weird feeling that the Lions are going to finish 9-7 and contend for a wild card berth. While this isn’t a new prediction around these parts, I think this is really, finally, positively, the year they get over that hump. I know on paper they seem less talented, but I think that head coach Rod Marinelli has finally gotten the roster where he wants it and has gotten rid of the players he’s needed to. I still think they will struggle to run the ball, but they won’t be so quick to abandon it either. A healthy Calvin Johnson is going to be huge for quarterback Jon Kitna. Johnson and Roy Williams should provide some offensive sparks this season. I’m looking forward to it!

4. College Football – It’s finally almost here! I can’t wait. I like Michigan and Michigan State to both have solid years and for the first time in a while MSU will have the better record. I just love Mark Dantonio and think he’s got the Spartans heading up, up, up and will be a mainstay in the Big Ten title race for years to come. Rich Rodriguez is still looking for quarterbacks but will have his team competitive and tough to play against defensively.

5. Shock visit TC – A neat experience on Monday for some Traverse City area youth girls basketball players as the Detroit Shock (minus Katie Smith who is playing in the Olympics) visited during the Olympic break for a camp and clinic at Traverse City West. I love to see stories like this and I am sure it’s something those girls won’t forget anytime soon.

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

It’s pretty much unanimous that Ohio State is going to win the Big Ten. I haven’t found anyone saying otherwise as we get closer to the start of the 2008 College Football season. As far as my predictions, I like both Michigan and Michigan State to be in the upper half of the Big Ten and make it to warm-weather bowl games. The Wolverines will struggle at times, but I think Rich Rodriguez’s style on both sides of the bowl will be plenty good enough with the athletes they have to have a successful season. Michigan State is on the rise and should be plenty fun to watch themselves. If Javon Ringer can stay healthy then they’ll contend for the crown. They do have one of the tougher schedules in the country and the toughest Big Ten schedule by far.

My 2008 Big Ten Predictions
1. Ohio State - The most talented team in the Big Ten with 20 starters back, sorry Big Ten.
2. Illinois – Can the Juice lead the Illini to another magical season?
3. Wisconsin – Always good, but need to find a new quarterback.
4. Michigan State – We’ll see how they handle the pressure of being on the cusp of the Top 25.
5. Michigan – 4 losses wouldn’t shock me, but then neither would 1 or 2.
6. Penn State – I’m not as high on Penn State as others.
7. Northwestern – Fun to watch and will be in many games.
8. Purdue – Bowl game? Not this year.
9. Indiana – When’s basketball start?
10. Iowa – Ferentz will be done after this season.
11. Minnesota – Not a lot of talent and a horrible defense.

Read Ohio State stands out in Big Ten race at Rivals.com

The Detroit Free Press has organized some of their best photos of our favorite Detroit Sports Legends and Moments. Very cool! You can check out many photos including Justin Verlander’s No-Hitter, the Fab Five, the Best of Pistons-Bulls Rivalry, and even Joey Harrington (for lots of great sack photos!).

Visit freep.com/sportsphotos to check them out!

Above photo by the Detroit Free Press

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Lions vs. Packers – This is definitely what a Thanksgiving matchup should be! Two division rivals squaring off. The division is virtually locked up for the Packers, but a Lions win keeps some hope alive. Plus you need to watch in case Roy Williams does get 300 yards receiving!

2. Michigan State Football – That was a big win against Penn State for many reasons, but the way the Spartans did it impressed me the most. Down 24-7, they didn’t quit and that says more than anything else to me about Mark Dantonio and his staff. The future at MSU is very bright.

3. Lloyd Carr – I always enjoyed his conversations at halftime with sideline reporters, I would not have wanted to be in their shoes. He will be missed, but it was time for him to step down. I know alot of U of M fans that are happy, but if I was a Michigan fan, I wouldn’t be. He ran a great program and really coached some high-quality kids. They had better make the right decision about the next coach, and I’m not sure that means Les Miles.

4. Football at The State – Michael Moore has opened up the State Theatre in Traverse City on Saturday morning and will be showing Traverse City St. Francis playing for a state title. A great idea for those who can’t make the trip. I am sure it’s going to be a packed house.

5. Leelanau Sports Guy’s World – I plan on spending some more time getting things cranking again, so look for a new design and more frequent posts in the near future. Thanks to all who visit and send me emails, I appreciate it!

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

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Eagles hammer Lions – The Lions never play great in Philly and it looks like that trend continues. I think they can rebound with a victory over the Bears (I wouldn’t of said this a few weeks ago) and try to keep pace with the Packers. Chicago is starting Brian Griese over Rex Grossman, but the biggest key could be the injuries on Chicago’s defense. I like the Lions “O” to finally back up Roy’s talking!

2. State is 4-0 – We’ve seen this before, but I think Mark Dantonio is different from some of the previous coaches. He’s building the Spartans around defense and the running game, something lacking since George Perles left. What that means is they will be able to be more physical and keep up the intensity needed for the Big Ten. I’m not predicting a win this week, but I wouldn’t be shocked.

3. Michigan is 2-2 – I’ve been telling everyone who will listen that Michigan is still going to win the Big Ten. They have a nice schedule and Henne is coming back (although some would argue that is a minus).

4. Tigers season almost over – No playoff run this year. Sure I’m a bit disappointed, but it was still a great season that still has a shot to finish with 90 wins! It’s been a great two years to be a Tiger fan and I think it’s going to continue. Watch out in ’08!

5. Asterisk Wins – I voted to send it like it was to the Hall of Fame, but at least it’s not going to space!

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

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

I’m not including it in the five, but my overall Beach Bums record with me in attendance is now 6-1 as I attended the season finale, a 8-5 loss in 11 innings to the Windy City Thunderbolts. I thought I was going to keep my perfect record as the Beach Bums rallied for a 5-4 lead after 8 innings, but they couldn’t hold on. Congrats on another fun season in Traverse City!

1. Wolverines upset by Mountaineers – If you say it that way it doesn’t sound as bad because I could be referring to West Virginia. I am still in shock of this outcome, but I can’t say I’m disappointed, and as a State fan I loved this…

In East Lansing, after plowing for four touchdowns in Michigan State’s 55-18 beatdown of Alabama-Birmingham, Spartans running back Jeehu Caulcrick said, “It felt like we won two games today.”

Here’s a great article on the game from Michigan Football Saturdays.

2. Spartans look good in Dantonio’s debut – Mike Dantonio has some big plans for Michigan State and his Spartans got off to a good start with a 55-18 win over UAB. Lots of power football and great passing from Brian Hoyer led the way to victory. The Spartans will struggle to finish .500 this season, but Dantonio should lay the foundation for a nice turnaround in East Lansing.

3. Tigers continue to struggle – It’s looking more and more like 2007 isn’t going to be the Tigers year. They can’t seem to get a winning streak going. Inconsistent pitching, injuries, and the lack of clutch hitting have all played a big part. Rogers returns tonight and Sheffield tomorrow to hopefully give the Tigers a spark for one last run at the Indians.

4. Norsemen vs. Lakers – The Leelanau County rivals go head to head this Friday for bragging rights for the following year. Suttons Bay is off to a 2-0 start including a big win over Traverse City St. Francis. Glen Lake is 1-1 and coming off a loss. Kickoff is Friday at 7:00 in Suttons Bay.

5. Michigan In Play Magazine – Check out their latest issue featuring 2007 Roberto Clemente Award Winner Curtis Granderson on the cover. I just emailed Jack Rosenberg and told him to keep up the great work. This magazine is a great source for Detroit and Michigan sports fans!

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

Hey Michigan fans don’t miss this neat opportunity at Borders in Traverse City!

Who: John U. Bacon has written for TIME, the New York Times, ESPN The Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, among others, earning national honors for his work. The author of five books on business and sports, he also teaches at the University of Michigan, gives speeches across the country, and hosts a weekly radio program. Together with the late Bo Schembechler, he has written Bo’s final book.

What: Bacon discusses and signs his book, “Bo’s Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches the Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership.”

When: Wednesday, September 5 at 7 p.m.

Where: Borders, 2612 Crossings Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684, (231) 933-0412

For more info about the book or to order click here.

Brian Wittkop Sr. loves electric football, so much that he wants to start a league in Northern Michigan. Wittkop has 25 game boards and teams from the NFL and college, many he painted himself.

Electric football pits two players head-to-head using plastic players with bases (some can be adjusted) that will move them in a desired direction. Little foam footballs can be thrown or carried by the players and field goals can be kicked. I had better settle down, or I won’t be able to work this afternoon.

“There’s a quaintness to this and it’s social,” said Wittkop, 48, who belonged to a league when he lived in Monroe.

Wittkop is among tens of thousands of people who now play it, said Ira H. Silverman, a spokesman for Miggle Toys Inc. of Highland Park, Ill., which sells the sets and accessories online and elsewhere.

“When the Internet came around, guys in Florida, Texas or Michigan started talking to each other about it,” Wittkop said. “I keep in touch with guys all over the country. I have an e-mail list of about 200.”

I have many fond memories of playing electric football and I still have my field in the basement, the 1985 Super Bowl Bears vs. Patriots edition. I might just have to set it up soon and play a game. Maybe even practice up enough to join the NMEFL (Northern Michigan Electric Football League).

Read Good vibrations on the gridiron in the Record Eagle
Purchase Electric Football Sets/Equipment at Miggle Toys
Visit Brian Wittkop Sr.’s Electric Football Web site

You can even watch video of Electric Football action…