Leelanau Sports Guy’s World at sportspig.com

By AJ Petronzi
In Play Magazine

In a goal scoring affair, the Detroit Red Wings have defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 in Chicago.

Chicago broke out to an early lead with goals from Duncan Keith and Andrew Ladd. Then, after a Chicago goal was called back, the Red Wings scored five goals from Brian Rafalski, Nicklas Lidstrom, Jason Williams, Valtteri Filppula, and Pavel Datsyuk. Chicago came storming back with a pair of goals from Ladd to give him a hat-trick, but they couldn’t catch the Wings.
This game was all Detroit after the goal by Dustin Byfuglien was called back because of incidental contact (A bad call that was almost identical to the goal called back on Detroit on Monday against Colorado). Detroit played a great game in the last 40 minutes, but the first 20 were terrible. Todd Bertuzzi left the game with a lower body injury in the second after an odd, but clean, check from Ben Eager.

In Play! Man of the Game: Todd Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi, although leaving with an injury, was the only Red Wing who played well in the first. He was also very active offensively, setting up three goals although he only was credited with two assists.

I heard on ESPN around the middle of February that it was okay to start talking and thinking about March Madness. Well, I’ve been able to almost make it to March, so now it’s time to start thinking March Madness Predictions.

Here’s my top five teams to watch during March Madness 2010!

Kansas – I had a hard time, picking between Kansas and Kentucky, but I went with Kansas because of the experience factor. The Jayhawks have been dominant at times this year with only one stumble, a loss at Tennessee in early January. Lots of weapons on offense and a defense that can apply shut-down pressure, the Jayhawks look like a lock for the Final Four!

Michigan State – Coach Tom Izzo is one of the best at preparing his team for opponents during the tournament. That being said, this year his team has been up and down and lacks experience on the frontline that has been a staple of Spartan teams in the past. I still like there chances and they are most likely looking at 3, 4 or 5 seed depending on how the rest of the season shakes out.

Rhode Island – Not alot of people know much about the Rams this season, but they are quietly putting together a terrific season. A couple of losses to top-25 ranked Temple have kept them out of the rankings, but they are right on the edge. A deep team with explosive offensive capabilities. A very possible 10, 11, or 12 seed who could make a run to the Sweet Sixteen.

Pittsburgh – I love the physical teams, but this isn’t your ordinary physical team. The Panthers can score points, lots of ‘em, and play that up-tempo style some physical teams don’t like to play. A well-coached team and battle-tested from the tough Big East competition, I think Pitt is peaking at the right time this year and has a successful March ahead of them!

Purdue – I know, I know two Big Ten teams? Are you crazy? The Big Ten was very solid in the tourney last year and Purdue might be better then any of those teams last year. A experience front-line and a team with great leadership, look for Purdue to match-up well with anyone they meet in the tourney and with their current 9-game winning streak, they are gaining confidence and momentum at the most crucial time of the year.

Wow! That was a word I was using alot in the 4th quarter of the Class D Quarterfinal game between Ellsworth and defending state champion Muskegon West Michigan Christian at Traverse City Central on Tuesday night. Overcoming a 24 point third quarter deficit with a never quit attitude and some clutch shots, the Ellsworth Lancers cut the lead to 3 with 1:17 to go. I don’t believe I have ever seen a team play harder then the Lancers did and I give them tons of credit for that. Muskegon WMC also impressed me very much, especially their clutch free throw shooting and big-time 3-point shots in the first half.

When the score was 49-33 at the half in favor of WMC, the only thought on my mind was if the Warriors would make it to 100 points. Needless to say with Ellsworth’s half court trap and some scrappy rebounding they made it a game and had the entire gym on it’s feet.

Ellsworth was led by Jarod Steenwyk’s five early three-pointers (he finished with 22 points) and Jared Danbert with a game-high of 24 points. All-Stater Tyler Ingalls finished with 18 points, all in the 2nd half. Muskegon WMC was led by Evan Bruinsma’s 23 points (including a couple of big 3-pointers) and London Burris’ 20.

Congrats to both on a great game, I’m glad I got to see it.

Read Ellsworth’s late rally falls short in the Record Eagle

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

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!

I love The Onion and the made-up news stories, so it’s only fitting that I would love the fake sports stories as well. The editor from eTrueSports.com, sent me this little gem…

Read Sheffield Wins $5,000 A Month Sweepstakes Prize at eTrueSports.com

My View: Great stuff, very funny! I liked this one, too!

I usually keep the posts related to our great state of Michigan and this one is loosely, if I mention ex-Spartan Maurice Ager and ex-Piston Jerry Stackhouse were traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the New Jersey Nets for Jason Kidd. Ager and Stackhouse, along with Devin Harris, Devean George, Desagna Diop, $3 million, and TWO future 1st round draft picks now belong to the Nets. The Nets threw in Malik Allen for fun, but seriously this trade is very one-sided, and a big advantage to the Nets. Devin Harris is an up-and-coming star in this league and to get rid of the headache of Kidd (that’s not what I meant!) and get 4 players, cash and two 1st round picks, well, great job Rod Thorn!

Read Kidd traded to Dallas in latest blockbuster deal at Yahoo! Sports

UPDATE
Apparently Devean George has blocked the trade for the short-term. Jerry Stackhouse’s mouth might have blocked it for the long-term!

Read League to look at Stackhouse’s comments at Yahoo! Sports

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!

*No, not really. Although after reading what he wrote over the weekend, it sure would be interesting!

I was out of town this weekend for a wedding and missed this article by Chris McCosky…

Read Bloggers just aren’t journalists in the Detroit News

He basically calls out the bloggers and offers his opinion on what it takes to be a journalist. Last time I looked I don’t remember any of the bloggers I read ever claiming to be journalists, so not sure where McCosky is going with this. Maybe he’s jealous, or threatened, either way, it’s a big world, can’t we all just get along!

You can read responses from some of my fellow Detroit bloggers, led by Billfer at The Detroit Tiger Weblog.

Read Newsflash: Reporter hates bloggers at The Detroit Tiger Weblog

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!

They are calling it the The Final Countdown it’s basically a…

A recap of yesterday’s best stories, photos, fan posts, YouTube clips and other notables

Go check it out!

Read THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: A recap of yesterday’s best stories, photos, fan posts, YouTube clips and other notables in the Freep

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!

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!

The Major League Baseball All-Star Break is actually a little past the midway point of the season, but I thought I would give my two cents on some surprises and disappointments on this 2007 season. Most of the are obviously Tigers related, hey it’s my blog!

Top 5 Surprises

5. Curtis Granderson’s 15 Triples – The number doesn’t surprise me except that he has hit most of them on the road and not in spacious Comerica Park. Granderson is really coming into his own as a potential All-Star.

4. Dmitri Young – I still have some love for Young from his Tiger days and to see him hit almost .340 and help the Nationals is great. I thought he might be done, but he’s proving he can still hit for average and power.

3. Justin Verlander – It’s not a surprise to many, but it is for me. I thought he might have a “sophomore slump” after winning last year’s rookie of the year award. Was I ever wrong. He’s thrown a no-hitter, might get the start in the All-Star Game and has been the Tigers best pitcher this year. He’s a great pitcher who is on pace to win 20 games in only his second season.

2. Milwaukee Brewers – The N.L. Central might be the worst division in baseball, but the way the Brewers jumped out of the gate to take control impressed me. They have some great young players led by Prince Fielder and a solid pitching staff, so I think they could be this year’s Tigers. The Brewers have slowed as of late, but still should hold on for the division crown.

1. Magglio Ordonez – This was an easy one. I knew having Gary Sheffield batting in front of him would give him some good pitches to hit, but I didn’t expect a .370 batting average and among the league leaders in just about every offensive power category.

Top 5 Disappointments

5. No Tiger Games In Person – I’ve also only been to one Traverse City Beach Bums game so far as well. I have to get my act together.

4. Roger Clemens – I’ve never been a Roger Clemens fan, I admire his career and he seems to have a great work ethic, but to keep coming back for what amounts to a little over half a season, making a ridiculous amount of money drives me insane. Just call it a career and you can ride off to Cooperstown quicker! He’s 2-3 and just lowered his ERA to below 5 with 8 solid innings against the Twins, but enough is enough.

3. Andruw Jones – To think that Jones is batting .199 and making Brandon Inge look like a batting champ is beyond me. Usually guys blow up in contract years but Jones has done the exact opposite. I still think he can have a strong second half, but to think that the career .263 hitter can’t get to .200 is baffling.

2. Tigers Bullpen – One of the teams strengths last season has become their biggest weakness this year. Todd Jones has been inconsistent, although as of late he is coming on stronger. Joel Zumaya’s injury and Fernando Rodney’s inconsistency (and now injury) have put some young pitchers into roles they weren’t used to. I don’t know if a major trade is out there, but I think the Tigers need to try to bring in a veteran just in case both guys don’t come back healthy and regain their magic of 2006.

1. New York Yankees – That payroll along makes me sick, but to think they are under .500 paying that amount of money is insane. Take away A-Rod and they might be 10 or 15 games under .500.