The family and the day job has taken up all of my time as of late, but I plan on posting regularly (or at least as regular as I ever post) soon. That doesn’t mean I haven’t paid any attention to the ups and downs of our trusty Detroit teams…

Detroit Pistons
That was a big win in Game 4 without Chauncey Billups, and I thought it had basically clinched the series, then Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson went and guaranteed a victory. I believe that will wrap it up as all of us know only one person does guarantees around here! Now about the MVP of Game 4, Antonio McDyess, I’ll let Greg Eno tell you about that!

Detroit Red Wings
Chris Osgood and Johan Franzen have been the two great stories of this year’s playoffs, and it’s been fun so far for the Wings. It looks like Pavel Datsyuk is trying to join the party with a hat trick to lead the Wings to a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 3-0 series lead. I’ve been listening to the Wings when I can (remember no TV here!) and I have to say I am more and more impressed with Mike Babcock every game. The guy is a terrific coach and gets everything he can out of everyone on the roster.

Detroit Tigers
Ugly. That’s the word we’ve used to describe the Tigers play after most of their games this season. It hasn’t been pretty, but it is showing signs of turning around. Luckily for the Tigers everyone else in the A.L. Central has been almost as inconsistent as them, so they are right in the thick of things. If Justin Verlander and the rest of the starters can figure out how to make it through 6 innings anytime soon, then the Tigers will be in great shape. The offense is picking up and some players (like Gary Sheffield) are finally swinging the bats better. It’s still going to be a fun summer at Comerica!

Detroit Lions
Nothing too exciting about the draft and that’s probably one of the best things for the Lions. They drafted Rod Marinelli-type guys and should be faster and hopefully tougher next season. A more dangerous than it looks schedule doesn’t do them any favors, but I do an improvement on the 7-9 record of a year ago. Will it be enough to make the playoffs? In the NFC you just never know.

Well that’s it for now, I’ll be bringing you Traverse City Beach Bums updates as they begin their 3rd summer in TC. I was just told my Aunt will have her company tickets in hand this week, so I’m looking forward to picking out my games. I hope to make the All-Star Game and skills challenge, I think that will be fun!

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

ESPN.com is reporting that Mike Martz has been fired by the Detroit Lions and that Jim Colleto will be promoted to offensive coordinator and Kippy Brown promoted to assistant head coach and passing game coordinator. None of this means a whole lot if the Lions don’t improve the offensive line or find a way for the defense to actually defend, but it is news.

Read Lions fire Martz at Yahoo! Sports

On a side note, I agree with Drew Sharp!

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!

In what would be an amazing recovery from Lisfranc surgery, Lions running back Kevin Jones is looking great in practice and might be ready for a few carries in Week 3. As always Killer Kowalski is all over it…

Read Kevin Jones expected to play next week vs. Philly at MLive

My View: Great news for the Lions and my fantasy team in the Leelanau League!

Opinions on five current Detroit & national sports topics from yours truly…

1. Calvin Johnson - He’s finally signed! Yeah! This is great news and finally we can get excited about the prospect of Williams and Johnson (and Furrey, I didn’t forget you Mike!) lining up in Martz offense. It was inevitable, but still, it’s good to have the contract done!

2. Drew Stanton - Ouch, done for the year! His knee injury is serious enough to have the Lions shut him down for the season. It basically ends any chance of him challenging for a starting spot next season.

3. Tigers - Tonight would be a nice time to start playing better at home and get on a nice winning streak. Alot of people are upset the Tigers didn’t make any trades, but I’m not and am glad they didn’t give up too much (re. Maybin) for average bullpen help. Zumaya and Rodney will be enough, but if the starters don’t recover from their recent lackluster performances the 7th, 8th and 9th innings won’t be as important anyway. Plus this Gary Sheffield shoulder thing might be the biggest problem.

4. Garnett - Not exactly where I wanted him to end up and it does make the Celtics better, but the favorites in the East? Let’s see how those old legs of Ray Allen hold up, and what, if any, kind of bench they can put together. I still like the Pistons, Bulls and Cavs in the East, in that order!

5. Barry Bonds - I agree, just hit them already!

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!

I love Killer! I have really enjoyed his Scouting Reports for every Lions player and even some of the coaches. Here’s his latest post about the health of running back Kevin Jones…

According to a source close to the situation, the odds are 50-50 that Jones will be ready by the start of the regular season on Sept. 9. That might sound like a noncommital copout, but here’s why the situation is up in the air: Jones is far ahead of schedule on his recovery and he’s running at full speed, but he still doesn’t have total confidence in his cutting ability.

That sounds like good news to me though. Here’s another interesting bit…

…the coaching staff also believes a healthy Jones is the most talented back on the roster and gives them the best chance to win. When Jones is ready, he’s going to play.

I agree with the coaches. Kevin Jones gives the team the best chance to win, but the combination of Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett is a nice backup plan if Jones isn’t ready. Whoever is the starting back is going to get plenty of touches both running and receiving in the offense. I hope KJ can pull it off and get ready. Even if he is you are going to need the other two backs because Jones hasn’t shown he can play a full season. Watch for lots of fireworks from the Lions backfield in 2007!

Read Will Kevin Jones be ready Sept. 9? It’s 50-50 at Lions Insider

Photo by Sighted

Peter Schrager takes a look at some possible teams that would be interested in Miami Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper and you might be surprised who he has as #1. I know I was…

1. Detroit Lions

Mike Martz as a coordinator, two No. 1 targets at receiver, a dome setting, a potential starting role, the familiar NFC North — it’s almost too good to be true.

Of course, the Detroit brass loves the Kitna/Stanton mentor-apprentice situation. They look for Kitna to do the same thing with Stanton that he did with Carson Palmer in Cincinnati — show the kid the ropes, and pass the reins on when the student is ready.

But the thought of Culpepper throwing those trademark deep balls to Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams is pretty darn tempting. Does he have anything left? Detroit may be just desperate enough to take a gamble and find out.

Odds: As good as you’ll find out there.

I like Kitna, but it would be tempting to have Culpepper throwing those deep passes to Williams and Johnson like he did to Moss. His knee is still a question mark and he hasn’t been healthy in a couple of years. Although bringing him in as a backup, keeping Stanton at third-string and having some big-time insurance if something happens to Kitna sounds like a pretty good plan to me. Of course that means the Lions and Millen probably won’t do it.

Read Who will take a chance on Culpepper? at FOXSports.com

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Marissa Treece - The Glen Lake senior captured 3 more state titles on Saturday, giving her 10 in her track/cross-country career. She heads to Notre Dame this fall and we will follow along as she looks to star at the NCAA level.

Read Ten titles for Treece in the Record Eagle

2. What’s next for Pistons? - Lots of ideas are being talked about by fans including: Firing Flip, Trading Sheed, trying to trade for Kevin Garnett or Zack Randolph, and on and on. Not sure what Joe D is going to do, but I would definitely call Minnesota and see what they want for Garnett.

3. Beach Bums - A slow start to the season has the Bums in last place in the Central Division, 5.5 games back. It’s not going to get easier with 4 games against Kalamazoo looming, but the Bums are playing better and have lost a couple of close games.

4. Lions Scouting Reports - I don’t know if you have been following Killer Kowalski’s scouting reports as he is scouting a different Lion player every day, but I have and it’s been some great info. Kevin Jones is today, go check it out!

5a. Tigers finally beat Indians - Now everyone can relax a bit as the Tigers took the final two games in Cleveland to get within 2 1/2 games of Cleveland in the A.L. Central. The Tigers are showing what they are made of as they battle with injuries and keep getting big performances from Maggs and Sheffield.

5b. Two Near The Dugout, Please - Great article by Gren Eno looking back at some run-ins with Eric the ticket taker on his trips to Tiger Stadium.

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!

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

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

The NFL Draft - I am in a NFL Draft contest again this year (last year I got 1 right) and I have absolutely no idea who is going where. The Lions have many options and they have to wait to see what the Raiders are going to do before they can get really serious about the draft. I like the Lions to trade down to #4 and then get Gaines Adams. It’s the position they need the most and Adams appears to be an impact player. Read Dan Wetzel’s column The misadventures of Millen if you want to laugh and be scared at the same time!

Maggs - Is it me, or is Magglio Ordonez quietly having a great start to 2007. He’s first on the Tigers in RBI’s, 2B’s, Runs, OBP, SLG & OPS, and he’s second in HR’s and BA, but no one’s talking about him. This is the Maggs that people weren’t sure we would ever see again, but he appears to be healthy and back to normal. I now it’s early, but Maggs playing like this is huge as Sheffield and the bottom of the order struggle.

Wings vs. Sharks - The Wings are in for a tough series, that should go seven games, and I like there chances with home-ice. They struggled against the Sharks during the regular season, losing 3 of 4, but they played two very solid games to finish off Calgary and will hopefully carry that momentum into tonight’s game. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost tonight either. It’s just going to be that kind of series.

Pistons vs. Magic - If Detroit is going to lose one, tonight’s the night. I just don’t see it happening. I think they will sweep the Magic and get some rest for the Bulls. Chicago is going to be the toughest team (and series) in the Eastern Conference.

High School Baseball - If you aren’t busy on Saturday, head over to Wuerfel Park to watch Lake Leelanau St. Mary take part in the inaugural Beach Bums Division 3 & 4 Invitational Tournament. The Eagles face Traverse City St. Francis at 10 AM, followed by Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart and Gaylord St. Mary’s at noon. A consolation and championship game will follow. Tickets are $5 for the entire day, and let me tell you Wuerfel Park is not a bad place to watch a game!

Random Stuff - Could less people be excited that Barry Bonds is now at 741 home runs? Seriously, no one cares outside of San Francisco. There’s not much better than Fantasy Baseball. Winning or losing, it’s just fun! I can’t wait for the Beach Bums season to start, it was exciting (and well played) baseball to watch last summer, and I look for more of the same as the Bums have added some good talent along with their “new” coach! Lots of people have Drew Stanton going very high in the draft, and I think be a good pick and could be a legitimate starter in the NFL!

A look at some of the great, and not-so-great drafts by NFL teams. Of course our beloved Lions have lots to choose from in the worst draft pick department, Andre Ware comes to mind, but the author went with a more recent pick than that…

Read Best and worst draft picks: NFC at Fox Sports

At this point I have no idea who the Lions are going to take with the #2 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. There is still the possibility of trading down and getting more picks too, but I believe they are going to keep the pick. I haven’t been able to decide between tackle Joe Thomas, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, one of the quarterbacks or a defensive player. But the Lions Insider Killer Kowalski thinks they should address their #1 need and that’s defensive end, so that means Gaines Adams. It’s not a popular pick by many, but it might be the right pick.

Read With the No. 2 selection, I would take … at the MLive.com Lions Insider Blog

Photo from Scout.com