What About Mr. Big Shot?

   When the New York Knicks traded for Carmello Anthony earlier this week, you would hardly know that Chauncey Billups was even involved in the trade. Yes, I realize that Carmello is one of the best players in the game and that he was obviously the main piece in the deal, but I think that people are underestimating how important Billups will be to the Knicks success.

   Ever since the trade, all I’ve been hearing about is Carmello and Amare. Yeah, they are great players and I understand why they are getting all of the hype, but think people are forgetting how good of a player Billups has been…and still is. Everybody knows that you must have good point guard play if you’re going to compete with the best, so I believe that Billups is going to be the key for New York.

   Billups was the probably the most important player to the Pistons success during their 7 year run, which included 6 straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances, 2 NBA Finals appearances and a NBA Championship in which Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP. So, it is no coincidence the Pistons haven’t been the same since Chauncey was traded away.

   Billups is a very smart, hard nosed, sharp shooting point guard who isn’t afraid to take and make the big shot….hence the name “Mr. Big Shot”. And it’s not like the guy is washed up. Billups averaged 19.5 ppg and 5.6 apg last year while being named to the All Star team for the 5^th straight year. This year Billups is averaging a very respectable 16.7 ppg and 5.4 apg, while shooting a ridiculous 43% from 3. Chauncey has averaged 23 points and 8 assists in his first 2 games with the Knicks and will most definitely bring solidity to New York’s point guard position.

   Everybody talks about how the Heat and Celtics have the big 3 and rightfully so, but why shouldn’t Carmello, Amare and Chauncey be mentioned in the same category. Now, I’m not saying the Knicks are going to win the NBA Championship this year, but they will definitely be a team to be reckoned with come playoff time and I think that Billups will have just as much to say about that as Amare and Mello.

   If anything, the Knicks need Billups just as much as much as they need Mello, so people need to start giving him some props. After all, he is the only player on that team who is an NBA Champion.

Actually, Ronny Turiaf is too, but he doesn’t count because he sat the bench for the Lakers.

Stats provided by NBA.com

Spartans Still Hanging Around

   Three weeks ago I wrote an article about how Michigan State needed to step it up if they want to dance in March. Well…After two awful 20 point losses to Iowa and Wisconsin, the Spartans have started to pick it. They have won 2 of their last 3, including a huge win last night over Illinois last night 61-57 at the Breslin Center.

   Kalin Lucas led all scorers with 25 points as he continues to be the glue that is barely holding the Spartans together. Lucas dominated the ball, taking 19 of the Spartans 50 field goal attempts. But, I guess that’s not a bad thing considering he’s still not getting much help from his teammates.

  Durrell Summers struggled once again, only scoring 8 points, while shooting 1 of 7 from the field. That’s just not going to cut it for the Spartans. Summers is an outstanding talent, but for whatever reason, he’s still struggling. I don’t know if his confidence is shaken or what the deal is, but he needs to play better. Guard play is critical in College Basketball and can win you lots of games, especially in the tournament. If Summers can get it going down the stretch, the Spartans will be dangerous.

   Delvon Roe led the bigs with 8 points and 7 rebounds as the inside game continues to be nearly nonexistent for Michigan State. Draymond Green was held to 5 points and 6 rebounds, while only shooting 1 of 3 from the field. But, it was the tough defense and rebounding that’s been made the difference. Michigan State basketball prides them selves on tough defense and physical play. If the Spartans stay dedicated on the defensive side of the ball, they will be tough to beat.

   Turnovers have also been a big problem for the Spartans this year. In their 11 losses, they are averaging 14 turnovers a game. And it’s not Lucas…he’s taking good care of the ball this season. There is no doubt that loosing good ball handlers Hill and Lucious has hurt them, but taking care of the ball takes a conscious effort from the players. Knowing that they have problems scoring the basketball, the Spartans can’t give away possessions.

   The Spartans are still hanging around, but they can’t afford anymore losses. It’s easy to see what State needs to do to finish the season strong, but it’s up to the players to step up. Tom Izzo can only do so much. If the Spartans are going to extend their streak of 13 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, they are going to have to focus, dig deep and lay it all on the line. State has 4 games left in the regular season, with tough games against Minnesota, Purdue and at Michigan to end the season. If they can’t win all of them, they will most likely have to win the Big Ten Tournament to get an invite to the Big Dance.

The Lions Should Pursue Sanders

   Three years after being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Bob Sanders was cut by the Colts on Friday. Not really a surprise considering he’s only played 9 games over the past 3 seasons. Yes, he’s one of the best safeties in the league, but his injury problems have become a major concern.  So, now that he’s available, 31 other NFL teams must make a decision. Is he worth the risk?

   Bob Sanders in his prime was one of the most feared defensive players in the league and deservedly so. I mean, just look at the guy. He’s built like a linebacker! His devastating hits and playmaking ability combined with his freakish intensity earned him Pro Bowl honors in 2005, in just his second season. But, other than 05’ and 07’, Sanders hasn’t played more than 6 games in a season. With that being said, Sanders could help another team considerably if he stays healthy. Will teams be lining up for his services or will he have trouble finding a new home?

   So, should the Lions make an offer to Sanders? Absolutely! Let me tell you why. Yes, Sanders has been injury prone, but he hasn’t been dealing with the same injuries over and over. In 2006, it was a knee injury that kept him out of 12 games.  In 2008, it was a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss 7 weeks and a lingering knee injury caused to miss the last 2 games of the season.  In 2009, Sanders played the first two games of the season before being put on the IR for an elbow injury. Last year he missed the entire season due to a torn bicep. I could see how it would be very concerning if he kept having the same injury, but it just hasn’t been the case. He’s about to turn 30 in next week, but his body hasn’t taken much punishment over the past two years. He’s had 2 years for the knee to heal and I consider the elbow and bicep injuries to be freak injuries. I have no doubt that Bob Sanders will be back crushing opponents in 2011, if there’s an NFL season.

   The Lions recently signed Safety Erik Coleman from Atlanta to add depth and experience to the defensive backfield, so taking a chance on Sanders would be worth a shot. If it worked out, imagine how scary it would be for opposing offenses having Sanders and Delmas patrolling the secondary. Just look how good Pittsburgh and Baltimore’s defenses are with Troy Polomalu and Ed Reed. With all the improvements the Lions have made at D-Line, bringing in a guy like Sanders could turn a much improving defense into a great one. It might be a long shot for the Lions to actually get Sanders, but the sooner they try the better. They need to move now…it’s time for Detroit to make the next step.

Tiger's Have Questions With Starting Rotation

   After two promising seasons which ultimately ended up in disaster, missing the post-season again, the Tiger’s need a number of players to step up if they want to make a push for the playoffs in 2011.  No, it’s not easy to make the post-season in baseball and a lot of things have to go right for a team in order to do so. It seems like with the really good teams, the ball always bounces their way. Injuries are also a concern and you can only hope you don’t get hit to hard. Other than that, it all comes down to talent…And the Tiger’s have it. But, there are some questions.

   Success in the MLB always starts with starting pitching. As of now, Detroit has 2 solid starters heading into spring training. Justin Verlander is with out a doubt, one of the best pitchers in the game. Even though Verlander’s strikeouts were down a little last year, he did have the best season of his career statistically. JV had a career low 3.37 ERA last year. Verlander will be the rock at the top of their rotation for years to come, so I wouldn’t worry about Justin, he’s money in the bank.

   After briefly being sent down to the minors last season, Max Sherzer proved to be the pitcher the Tiger’s had hoped he’d be. Sherzer had a break out season, with career high’s in innings pitched (195), strikeouts (184) and ERA (3.50).  Sherzer’s vicious fastball and devastating slider made him almost unhittable at times. He averaged over 6 strikeouts per outing and had performances where he struck out 14 and 11. He’s only 26 and seems to be in the prime of his career. He’s only going to get better and from what he showed last year, I think Sherzer will be a solid #2 for the Tiger’s this season.

   What about the other 3 spots? Rick Porcello, Phil Coke and Brad Penny are the other pitchers projected to be in the starting rotation. It is crucial that these 3 guys pitch well for the Tiger’s if they are going to compete for the Central Division Title. But, each of these guys have questions entering the season.

   Rick Porcello’s rookie season was a pleasant surprise for the Tiger’s on 2009. He pitched 170 innings, posted 14 wins and had an ERA under 4.00. And who could ever forget the amazing performance he had against the Twins in the 2009 “play-inn” game. But, last season Porcello regressed a bit. After beginning the season in the starting rotation, Porcello got knocked around for the first couple months and found himself down in the minors by June. After his stint in the minors, he did begin to return to form. Over his last 10 starts of the season, he went 6-3 and lowered his ERA a full run per game. Porcello is still very young and has much room to improve. The Tiger’s will need that improvement to start this season.

   Phil Coke was one of the Tiger’s best pitchers last year…coming out of the pen. Coke never threw more than 2 innings in game last year. To his credit, he did pitch a lot of innings out of the pen and was actually drafted by the Yankees as a starting pitcher, so he did once pitch as a starter. Coke will be the only lefty the Tiger’s will roll out there, so it is key that he pitches well. Coke has a mid to high 90’s fastball and has an excellent curveball, but will he be able to sustain his stuff over extended innings? Will he be able to throw the innings expected from a starting pitcher? These are all questions that will soon be answered. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

   Finally, we come to Brad Penny. 5 years ago, Penny was in his prime and looked to be one of the better young pitchers in the game. Penny’s best seasons were with the Dodger’s in 06’ and 07’ where he combined for 32 wins. That was also the last time he pitched close to 200 innings. Since his career best year in 07’, Penny hasn’t pitched more than 130 innings in a season and has combined for only 96 IP over the past 2 seasons due to injury. The Tiger’s took a chance on Penny and hope that he can return to being the pitcher he once was. He’s only 33, so he should have a couple good years left. It will all come down to if he can stay healthy. The Tiger’s are Penny’s 5^th team in 5 seasons and if he pitches well, Detroit might just become home.

   If Detroit is going to contend for the Division Title or a playoff spot this season, the starting rotation will have to lead the way. The potential is there, but will it happen? Only time will tell…

Go Tigers!!!

P.S. just a little something I learned. 

Did you know? Carlos Guillen is set to make $13 million this year. WOW!!

Tiger Woods Far From Finished

   Just over 2 years removed from the famous car accident, Tiger Woods finds himself in a position he’s rarely experienced. He is no more the hunted. After being the #1 golfer in the PGA for several years, Tiger’s performance on the golf course has taken a significant turn for the worst and understandably so. Woods has since dropped to #3 in the world and for the first time I can ever remember, people are writing him off.

   The other day I was watching the Jim Rome Show and he talked with a guest about “if Tiger will ever get back to the Tiger we once knew”. I can’t remember who the guest was, but I have seen him on the show before. Anyways, this guy proceeded to say how Tiger was getting old and was past his prime. He talked about how he doesn’t have the hunger anymore and he will never regain his form of the past. “He’ll be lucky to get a couple more majors before he’s done” he says. Are you kidding me?! Now, if we were talking about just an average or good athlete, I might be able to agree with that…but we’re not. Tiger Woods has never been just an average or good athlete…he is the greatest golfer to ever walk the earth. He’s Tiger Woods for god sake!!

   Yes, he has struggled significantly over the past two years, but how can you blame the guy. With everything going on in his life and having it forced to the forefront of the media, I can’t imagine how much of a distraction that would be. I understand he did what he did and got what was coming to him, but the question isn’t about his character as a person…it’s about his ability and future as a golfer. I’d like to compare this to Michael Jordan’s situation. Jordan was the greatest player in his sport when he retired. He came back when he was ready and never skipped a beat. Obviously not the same situation, but my point is, he dealt with a very emotionally taxing situation and came back as strong as ever. And yes, I’m putting Tiger in the same category as Jordan, as they both once dominated their respective sports. Anyways, guys like these are one in a 100 million and I most certainly would never bet against them or count them out.

   I guess what I’m saying is…never underestimate what we as people can overcome in our lives and what we can ultimately accomplish. And most definitely never underestimate the heart of a champion. The Tiger I know as a golfer has been one of the most intense, determined and focused athletes I have ever seen in my 20 plus years of following sports. There is no doubt in my mind that Tiger will rise from the ashes and put all of the “naysayers” to rest. Before the year is over, Tiger will be right back on top and we’ll all be talking about what an amazing comeback story it is. Just wait and see. Oh…he’ll be back! Guys like Tiger Woods just don’t fade away…

Michigan Back On Track

   After wins over Michigan State and Iowa this week, the Wolverines basketball team is slowly starting to get their confidence back. After starting 10-2, Michigan’s youth and inexperience has been quite evident since the start of the Big Ten season. The Wolverines had lost 6 of 7 games in the conference, including 6 in a row overall before their wins against State and Iowa. Now after back to back wins, Michigan is looking to build on their recent success and possibly towards a spot the NCAA Tournament.

   Yeah…it’s not looking good for the Wolverines to make the tournament, but they have done some good things year. If you really think about it, Michigan has played well for the most part of the season. Their record might not reflect that, but it’s true. After only loosing 2 games during their non-conference schedule, (1 being a 3 point loss at Syracuse) the Wolverines had reason to feel good about themselves. Since then, the losses have started to pile up, but…they have been playing good competition. Top to bottom, I think the Big Ten is stronger than expected. Michigan’s losses so far include Purdue, Ohio State, Kansas, Wisconsin and Minnesota…all ranked teams. Not to mention how well they played against Kansas and Ohio State…who are both top 5 teams. Another loss was to a Penn State team who has beaten Michigan State, Illinois and Wisconsin. So their schedule has been pretty tough over the last ten games. Should they have won some of those games? Probably, but they are one of the youngest teams in the Big Ten and it’s going to take some time before they learn how to win games.

   Individually, there have been some players who have showed promise going forward for the Wolverines. Sophomore Darius Morris has shown tremendous ability to play the point guard position. Morris is leading the team in points and assists averaging 15 and 7. He actually had a triple double against Iowa on Sunday with 12 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. There is no doubt he is their best player and is the reason Michigan has had the success they have had. Freshman Tim Hardaway Jr. has also played well in his first season. He is averaging 12 points and 4 rebounds a game and has shown amazing athletic ability and good outside shooting. He will most definitely be a big part of Michigan’s future. Another freshman, forward Jordan Morgan has also played well the Wolverines. His numbers aren’t spectacular by any stretch, (9 points and 6 boards per game) but he has held his own, pretty much being Michigan’s only big guy. So there is no question Michigan has some talent…it’s just going to take some time before it translates into wins.

   The big picture is that Michigan is young. There’s not one senior on the team. The only juniors who play are Douglas and Novak. Besides that, the team is full of freshman and sophomores. I don’t think that Michigan’s season should be judged on wins and losses as much as it should be judged on potential. Over the next 9 games Michigan has to keep the pedal to the metal and keep showing improvement. Whether or not it that translates into wins…I don’t know. But, Michigan will certainly be a better team at the end of the season.

  Out of Michigan’s 9 games remaining, 5 are on the road. That’s the negative. The positive is... they will only face 3 more ranked teams, starting with Ohio State on Thursday in Columbus. If the Wolverines can get a couple quality wins down the stretch, they may still have a shot at the tournament. The chances are unlikely, but you never know. If not, there are definitely some things they can be excited about looking forward to the future.