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!

This is a great interview. What a classy guy.

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!

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!

Click here to view the embedded video.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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Above photo by the Detroit Free Press