Tigers Wrap Up Winter Leagues

The Tigers wrapped up their winter season with a few players reaching the finals of their leagues, and another player switching not only leagues, but countries.

More found here at MLB.com...

MLB.com: Winter leagues ending for Tigers

Spartan Recruits Competitve

Not among the elite by any means, but not a bad recruiting class for John L Smith and the Spartans. Most analysts are ranking the Spartans in the 30s and given them thumbs up on their efforts with Junior College player commitments.

"It's a good class," said recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of ESPN.com. "It's a competitive class. It's just not a knockout class like Michigan's."

The highest rated player on the list is Domenic Natale of Princeton, N.J., who is rated a top 20 prospect by Lemming. "Natale's a very good quarterback. On the offensive line, they got the guys they really needed."

Freep.com: Spartans get help from junior colleges

Wolverines Rank #2 In Recruiting

Scout.com has ranked Lloyd Carr's recruiting class second in the nation behind number one Tennessee.

Among the recruits is the talented and highly sought after Antion Bass from Jackson High. Bass was a QB in high school, but will used as a wideout for the Wolverines. Bass is ranked second among skilled athletes in the nation and many feel he could make an immediate impact.

Wallace of Scout.com said "Whether a freshman ends up playing quickly or not, nobody's going to be able to tell until he hits the practice field," Wallace said. "You can never tell who the kids are that can contribute until you get them out there."

Freep.com: U-M loads up on star prospects

Lions, Tigers, and Community Service

Tigers outfielder Craig Monroe is finally over his legal woes in Florida. Monroe was charged with shoplifting after he failed to pay for a belt while shopping. Monroe will have to attend a theft prevention class and do community service.

What a fine way to treat people. Guy goes into a store, buys a bunch of things, mistakenly walks out with a belt he was trying on, and has to go to some class to learn something he already knows. What a great justice system we have.

MLive.com: Tigers outfielder Monroe reaches deal on Florida shoplifting charge

The Lions' new offensive coordinator Ted Tollner will help Mariucci revamp the west coast offense system and call the plays next year.

"The intriguing part about Ted is that he's got 27 years of experience outside the West Coast offense," Mariucci said Thursday. "So he's got a lot of systems in his mind that we could draw from if we needed to add a certain wrinkle here and there, and add a concept. He's been with a lot of good coaches -- that he worked for, that he worked with."

Some are skeptical of Tollner. He's had a mediocre winning record and some say they should have went for someone young and energetic.

Freep.com: Tollner to call Lions' plays

Pat Caputo of the Oakland Press offers a good perspective on being cautious with Ordonez.

TheOaklandPress.com: Tigers must be cautious with this one

NHL Talks End

Talks between the NHL And NHLPA have ended, again, signaling new signs of season cancellation.

"We continue to have significant philosophical differences," NHLPA senior director Ted Saskin said Thursday night. "No meetings are scheduled and we will not make further comment at this time."

The major stumbling block is the philosophical differences between financial responsibility. The players remain adamant that a salary cap is not the only answer, while the owners insist they must have one. They've swapped proposals for different salary cap and luxury tax situations, but neither side is willing to give enough to accept one.

Many players still remain optimistic, including Chris Chelios. Chelios remains under the opinion that both sides are going until the very last moment in order to get all they can out of the deal. Others, such as Manny Legace, don't feel the same way.

Regardless of who thinks what, the season is in serious jeopardy. January is coming to a close, and if a deal were to be accepted, it would have to be ratified by both sides before going into law. After that, the league start up would take another week or two too get going.

No additional talks are schedule at this time.

SI.com: NHL talks break off, no meetings scheduled

Wolverines Overmatched

The Spartans found solid play from Maurice Ager who led the Spartans to a 64-53 victory at the Breslin Center.

Dion Harris led Michigan in scoring wtih 12 pionts.

MSU's talent overmatched the Wolverines who were without Chris Hunter, Daniel Horton and Lester Abram.

ESPN.com: NCB - Recap - Michigan at Michigan State

Pistons Beat Pacers

The Pistons, behind solid defense and Chauncey's 20 points, beat the Pacers 88-76.

All five starters were in double digits tonight. Detroit shot 47.1 percent from the field, 73.1 percetn from the free throw line, and 35.7 percent from the field.

Indiana was led by Jermaine O'Neal who had 27 points.

ESPN.com: NBA - Recap - Pistons at Pacers

Ordonez A Tiger?

* Update, 11:32 PM: Agent Scott Boras has been instructed to make an offer to the Tigers and he has done so. The ball is in the Tigers' court.

Luke Walton's Forehead is reporting that Magglio Ordonez told his agent he wants to play in Detroit.

Ordonez is a career 300/30/100 hitter and could add power hitting and a better outfield option for the Tigers. He could be the one piece they need to be strong contenders against Minnesota in the central.

The reported deal from Chicago was five years, $70 million. I would imagine the Tigers' deal would be of similar structure.

Lions Jokes

I realize this is breaking away from our serious business of talking sports, but I just had to share these Lions jokes.

Q. What do you call 47 millionaires around a TV watching the Super Bowl?
A: The Detroit Loins

Q: How do you keep a Detroit Lions out of your yard?
A: Put up goal posts.

Q: Where do you go in Detroit in case of a tornado?
A: To Ford Field - they never get a touchdown there!

Q: What do you call a Detroit Lion with a Super Bowl ring?
A: a thief.

Q: Why doesn't Grand Rapids have a professional football team?
A: Because then Detroit would want one.

Q: What's the difference between the Detroit Lions and a dollar bill?
A: You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q: How many Detroit Lions does it take to win a Super Bowl?
A: Nobody knows and we may never find out.

Q: What do the Detroit Lions and possums have in common?
A: Both play dead at home and get killed on the road

Preview: Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers

In their second meeting since the famous November 19 brawl at the Palace, the Pacers play host to the Pistons tonight at 7 PM.

Stephen Jackson makes his return for the Pacers. The Pacer were 13-17 without Jackson. They also hope to have Tinsley back in the lineup who was out with the flu.

The Pistons come into this game after a commanding win over the Nuggets in which they allowed only 70 points. I would expect more of Prince guarding Miller, and Hamilton having a big scoring game. Emotions will be high as the Pistons look to regain their winning ways and calm down their coach.

ESPN.com: NBA - Preview - Pistons at Pacers

Preview: Michigan vs Michigan State (NCB)

A familiar in-state college basketball rivarly resumes tonight in East Lansing as the Michigan Wolverines visit the Breslin Center to take on the #13 Michigan State Spartans.

The Spartans have dominated the Wolverines on their home court. They've won the last six meetings at home vs Michigan, and have won eight in a row against others this season.

Michigan's point guard Daniel Horton is currently serving an indefinite suspension, and forwards Chris Hunter and Lester Abram are out with injuries.

Brent Petway will likely see more minutes tonight. Petway is coming off his second career double-double in which he scored 10 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, and blocked five shots.

Dion Harris will also have to step up his game if the Wolverines want to win. Harris is leading the team in scoring with 13.8 points per game.

Michigan State's Maurice Ager is leading the Spartans in scoring with 13.7 points per game. Ager, along with Davis, has been criticized all season for below average play.

Paul Davis needs to take advantage of the wounded Wolverines tonight and try and regain some confidence and solid play that has been dormant much of the season.

Game time is 7:00 PM and can be seen ESPN.

ESPN.com: Preview - NCB - Michigan at #13 Michigan State

NHL Talks Continue

The NHL and NHLPA met Wednesday in Toronto with hopes of salvaging the season. Although no details were granted this time around, the two sides said they would meet again later this week.

"The meeting has concluded for the day and we will meet again this week. We have no further comment at this time," said Bill Daly, Executive VP for the NHL.

Bettman and Goodenow were again not invited. Sources close to the talks have reported that talks are going very well, but it is too early to get our hopes up. Could it be that the silence means that something is cooking?

DETNews.com: NHL talks continue at dreary pace - 1/27/05

Pistons Mid-Season Report

The mid-season is here, and the Detroit Pistons are the center of criticism from their coaches and the media. They’ve been accused of not playing hard, but have shown at times that they can rattle off lengthy win streaks.

So let’s take a look at how they are doing individually with a mid-season report. Also, instead of a letter grading system, let me introduce a rating system.

1 - Excelling
2 - Above Average
3 - Average
4 - Below Average
5 - Disappointing

Guards

Richard Hamilton is the leading scorer of the Pistons with 20.5 points per game with 4.2 assists per game and a .440 shooting percentage. He’s been logging nearly 40 minutes per game all season and handling the task well. His shot from the sides is as good as it’s ever been. One area of concern is his streaky shooting consistency. Although I wouldn’t expect him to shoot .500 each night, there have been nights where he’s shot in the .350-.400 range. Hamilton needs look for better shots and overcome mid-game slumps. Mark: Average.

Chauncey Billups is certainly playing well in the clutch situation again this season. His assists are up and he seems to be moving the ball a little more. Unfortunately, he’s moving the ball too much. I’ve seen Chauncey with open lanes to the basket. He starts to take the steps towards it, and then he feeds the ball to someone else that isn’t expecting it. I know he’s just trying to be a good point guard and create situations, but he needs to watch the film and learn when and when not to pass the basketball. Mark: Average

Lindsey Hunter is the long time veteran of the bench. His job has been to backup Chauncey Billups. With the loss of Mike James, Hunter has been taxed with long minutes that seem to be taking a toll on him. His shots are off and he seems warm out by the middle of the game. His 4.9 points per game are a career low. Hunter must work on taking better shots. He’s shooting .355 percent this season. He’s lost focus of what a point guard is supposed to do. When he’s in coverage, he’s no longer passing, he’s battling. Better ball movement, and the help of their new point guard, will be key for Hunter in the second half of the season. Mark: Disappointing

Carlos Delfino is the newest member of the Pistons. He’s a shooting guard that stayed an extra year overseas to get his game ready for the NBA level. Expectations were high, but so was his energy when the season started. Delfino needs work on his free throws. He’s shooting .667, and bumping that up into the .750 range would add some fuel to the lax scoring of the bench. He also needs to add some assists and move the ball a little better. Carlos has been hurt all but 13 games this season. He’s off to a good start otherwise. Mark: Below Average

Horace Jenkins is a guy that is doing well in the role he’s been given. He’s appeared in six games and scored 3.7 points per game in the 7.8 minutes he was given. His shooting percentage is low at .350. Better shooting would be the ideal way for Jenkins to get noticed. He won the spot on the roster over Smush with his salary being lower. That won’t keep him here longer than this season. Mark: Below Average

Ronald Dupree has done a good job getting noticed with the time he’s been given. In 21 games he’s played 10 minutes per game with 2.6 points per game. His role has been limited, but he’s been improving each time he steps onto the court. He plays hard, moves the ball well, and has been able to make shots when needed. Although a lot of people expected more from Dupree, he’s young and his role is limited with this team. Considering all the factors, I’d say he’s been a great situational player for the Pistons. Mark: Above Average

Carlos Arroyo is hard to figure out. He’s only been a Piston for three games, and in Utah he was pushed to the end of the bench because he and Jerry Sloan didn’t get along. I will say that he’s adding a lot of energy to the Pistons bench. He’s also creating plays and scoring some points. Considering there is not enough data to give him a mark, I’ll just leave it with this: Carlos will make a difference for the Pistons in the second half.

Forwards

Tayshuan Prince has been quietly shooting .471 percent from the field. He’s also been taking care of business on the defense end with his long reach and 3.9 rebounds per game. Prince has been criticized for his 12.3 points per game. Some feel he should be at 15 or better. With a starting lineup that includes two well shooting guards, that just isn’t going to happen. His points per game average is up from last season and his shooting is better than ever. The only thing Tayshaun needs to work on is keeping that ankle in shape. Mark: Excelling

Rasheed Wallace has some of the same problems that Chauncey has. He’s so unselfish that he misses opportunities at the basket in favor of passing the ball. When he doesn’t take pass the ball, he often finds himself in bad situations and has been struggling with battles under the boards. His defense has been pretty good with 7.7 rebounds per game and a couple blocks. Sheed needs to look for better shots and regain some toughness on the offensive boards. Mark: Below Average

Antonio McDyess was one of the heavily anticipated additions to the bench. With health concerns out of the way, Dice had the hype to come in here and score 50 points per game. Although that didn’t happen, and a bad leg kept him out of a couple games, he’s been a great backup for the Wallace brothers. He’s tough under the boards, shoots a high .535 shooting percentage, but is weak with his free throws. He can make a difference in a game when called on. He’s athletic and has a good vision of where the ball is going. Mark: Above Average

Darvin Ham has been one of the most disappointing guys on this team this season. He showed so much promise last year with his athleticism and ability to score. Ham has been in 30 games for seven minutes with less than a point per game. He can hit three pointers and make free throws, but has made no impact on the game, even in situational roles. Mark: Disappointing

Centers

Ben Wallace is still the lifeline of this team. Putting aside the fact that he’s the strongest defensive player in the league, Big Ben’s free throw percentage his dipped a little bit. His blocks are down, but his field goal percentage is rising. Overall Ben is continuing to make a difference on this team. Without him, they give up 100 points per game. With him, they gave up less than 90. Ben continues to work hard each game and press teams under the basketball. Mark: Above Average

Elden Campbell is in Utah now, but he was a part of this team in situations. He was the force against Shaq that helped slow him down. Campbell has seen better days, and only appeared in 21 games this season. He logged 10.8 minutes per game and shot poorly. He didn’t rebound well, didn’t block shots, and wasn’t one you could count on. Mark: Disappointing

Darko Milicic got in the game a few times this season. With suspensions and injuries, Darko has managed to get into 17 games and play 6.6 minutes per game. It is hard to get a handle on this guy. At times he looks to be making progress. Other times, he’s the same old Darko. He comes into games and fouls out in five minutes. Darko needs to continue to develop himself into an NBA player. He must work hard in practice and value each minute he gets during games. Mark: Average

The team is coming together just fine. They have been mostly average, but that isn’t going to win another Championship. They need to play more like a team, work on their ball movement, and get that hunger for winning back in them.

Pistons Top The Nuggets

Ben Wallace had 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Pistons to an 87-70 win over the Denver Nuggets. The win breaks a four game skid.

Shooting on both sides wasn't spectacular, but the Pistons took care of Denver on the defensive side, and kept a most steady pace in the second half to close out the game.

New comer Carlos Arroyo added 12 points off the bench. McDyess contributed wtih 12 points. Ronald Dupree was a surprise off the bench. Dupree scored eight points.

ESPN.com: NBA - Recap - Nuggets at Pistons

Tram Welcomes Ordonez

Tigers Manager Alan Trammell is more than open to the idea of having Magglio Ordonez on the team his season.

"He would be a great addition to our club, or any club," the Tigers manager told SI.com Tuesday during a telephone interview. "In our game, you go on track record, and he's been an All-Star and a .300 hitter who drives in well over 100 RBIs a year."

Ordonez is a career .307 hitter with five seasons of 99 or better RBIs with 29 or better homeruns. Last year was his first season injured.

The best thing would be a performance based contract to protect both sides. A healthy Ordonez could be a solid replacement for Higginson or Monroe and would add power and depth to the lineup.

SI.com: Tigers' Trammell hopeful about Mags

Baas In The Senior Bowl

Michigan offensive lineman and All-American David Baas has been named to the North Roster for the Senior Bowl.

Baas, mostly playing Center, became the catalyst for the Wolverine's offensive line this season. He was a leader both on and off the field and should see himself drafted in the first or second round of the NFL draft.

All-America Center Baas on North Roster for Senior Bowl

Michigan State Busted?

According to a former high school coach, Michigan State offered money for one of his top football players back in 2000.

Lynn Lang, former coach of Trezevant High School, received the money on behalf of Alabama from Logan Young, a Memphis millionaire. Lang said he took the money to convince defensive lineman Albert Means to sign with Alabama.

Freep.com: Ex-prep coach says Michigan State offered money for player

Optimism, Excitement, Determination

Legace Not Optimistic

Detroit Red Wings backup goalie Manny Legace isn't sharing in Chris Chelios' outlook for a season. "I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't think there's enough time," said Legace from the the NHL and NHLPA meetings in Toronto.

The two sides are deep into the 11th hour, and if a deal is to be struck it must be quickly. Manny is looking at these meetings as a public relations ploy by the league. "It's just something for them before they declare an impasse," said Legace

Head Coach Davis Lewis remains upbeat, "As long as they're talking, there's a chance for an agreement."

No one can deny that the NHL is in trouble. The sides are still miles apart and no one seems to have answers. Its a battle over a salary cap that could go deep into next season. If it does, there will be long term damage to the league.

T.O. Not Cleared

Terrell Owens' doctor said he will not clear the receiver to play in the Super Bowl. Regardless, TO says he's gonna play. "Spiritually I've been healed and I believe that I'll be out there on that field Sunday, regardless of what anybody says."

DETNews.com: Doctor says he won't clear Owens for Super Bowl

Morningweg Regrets Nothing

Haw does Marty feel about moving from the Lions to the Eagles?

"Pretty good rebound, huh?" he said with a small smile. "The two years in Detroit, that was kind of like a little speed bump, I guess.

"Detroit's in the past. We're moving on."

DETNews.com: Mornhinweg rolls with punches

Tollner Will Coordinate

Steve Mariucci has hired Ted Tollner to be the next offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Tollner, with the 49ers in the same role last season, was one of six candidates for the job. Tollner replaces Sherman Lewis, who has retired.

Freep.com: Lions settle on Tollner

Horton Benched

Michigan Point Guard Daniel Horton has been suspended from the basketball team after being charged with domestic violence for allegedly choking his girlfriend.

The charges state that Horton choked his girlfriend, rendering her unconscious, and then choked her again when she woke up. The two sat down and worked it out, and Horton agreed to seek help. The Police originally were going to file a felony charge against Horton, but opted for the misdemeanor instead.

"I understand the severity of the situation I'm in," Horton said in a statement released by the school. "I feel embarrassed about it and I'm very sorry that my family, team and school have to deal with it too. I understand why the consequences happened and I will continue to do whatever I can to help the situation."

"Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the situation, we feel it is in everyone's best interest that we suspend Daniel pending further review," coach Tommy Amaker said in a statement. "We feel this is the right course of action at this time."

If convicted, Horton could face up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Michigan's basketball team was just starting to get into a groove and didn't need this. Especially on the eve of a Michigan-Michigan State game in the always-tough Breslin Center.

Urbina's Mother Believed Alive

It looks like Urbina's mother could still be alive. The kidnappers have asked for $3 million to release the mother of the Tigers' pitcher.

"The trail has not been lost. We sometimes work with kidnappings that last a year, that have lasted seven months," Joel Rengifo, head of the national investigative police anti-kidnapping unit, told Reuters in an interview.

More from Reuters and ESPN.com on this...

ESPN.com: Investigators believe his mother is alive

Around The Horn

Tigers Meet Ordonez

The Tigers are in Miami to talk to Magglio Ordonez about joining the team. Ordonez is capable of 30 homerun, 100 RBI seasons, but is coming off a knee injury severe enough that it is raising questions to whether he can regain his health or not.

I think Ordonez is a good sign if the contract is performance based and not real lengthy. He could be an asset to the Tigers weak outfield situation, and could fill that power hitter gap in the lineup.

Bonderman Wants No 1

The time is now? Could Bonderman be the number one pitcher the Tigers need? Bonderman says, "I want it now. I think I am that No. 1 guy, and I know a lot of the staff believes it. I believe it. That's all that matters."

At this stage in his career I'd still put him number three behind a number two Jason Johnson and a number one Mike Maroth. Maroth is a little more experienced and has better durability to go long innings. Bonderman is young and still working on his game consistency.

Bob Wojonowski of the Detroit News talked with Bonderman...

Bonderman says he's ready to be No. 1 in rotation, help Tigers win

Clark Heads West

Former firstbaseman Tony Clark is headed to Arizona. Clark signed a one year deal with the Diamondbacks to backup Chad Tracy at first base.

Clark, 32, spent last season with the Yankees. Before that he spent time with the Mets and Red Sox. He played with the Tigers from 1995-2001 until injuries to his back forced the Tigers to release him.

I miss Tony Clark being a solid player for the Tigers. I think he was a great hitter with a lot of potential. Some say his mechanics at the plate cause the terrible strain on his back that ultimately railroaded his career.

Higginson Wants To Win

Now how great is that? Higginson wants to play for a winning team. He's even willing to play for free after this season on a winner. So were you, Mr. Higginson, the last four season?

Higginson is the most disappointing Tiger in the last decade. He's helped define the losing tradition that we've been seeing, and he's done nothing to help it but complain. Now in his latest revelation, he declares he wants to play for a winner, even if it means for free.

Higginson is in the final season of a $40 million contract. Since he signed the deal, he's been hurt, non-existent at the plate, and has done more whining than a discontent toddler. He's proven he's a contract year player, and I say sit him on the bench all 162 games. Don't let him have the chance to earn another contract.

Aren't I nice?

Chelios Optimistic

Chris Chelios of the Red Wings is remaining positive as talks continue between the NHL and NHLPA.

"Almost everybody is starting to think something is going to happen now that there are some talks," Chelios said Monday after an informal workout. "Most of the guys, I've talked to Steve (Yzerman) and read what he said in the newspapers, he still believes there's a deal to get done. It's still not to the final minute where it's do-or-die."

Although they are still miles apart, the two sides have scheduled more meetings and want to get a deal done.

DETNews.com: Chelios remains hopeful

Pistons Drop Fourth

Pistons Drop Fourth

Led by Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves beat the Pistons 86-83. Rip Hamilton watched on the sidelines with a bruised thigh and Tayshaun had to leave the game early with a sprained ankle as the Pistons lost their fourth into a row. Chauncey Billups led the Pistons with 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

It was a night of poor shooting, little turnovers, and poor officiating. At the end of the game, Carlos Arroyo was clearly goal tended, but the call wasn’t made. McDyess entered the second half with zero fouls and then was whistled four times in four minutes.

Minnesota continued to find fuel from their bench. Wally Szczerbiak contributed with 15 points and Eddie Griffin added 14 more points with 10 rebounds. Hudson and Hoiberg contributed a combined total of 16 points to help the Wolves’ bench outscore the Pistons’ bench 45-25.

Detroit played a good defensive game, as did Minnesota. In the end, Larry Brown wasn’t happy. "It's not fair. It's a joke. This has been happening too much," Brown said.

The Pistons trailed by 14 in the first half before storming back within one. Without Hamilton in the lineup, it’s hard for them to win. Hamilton is their catalyst on offense averaging 20.8 points per game and assisting 4.2 per game.

Overall I think they played a tough game. Yes, scoring was a problem, but it was one of those games. Compared to Minnesota’s sub-par scoring effort, the Pistons played fine. The difference was just in Rip’s absence and questionable officiating.

The Denver Nuggets are up next for the Pistons. They will play host on Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Denver, 17-23 overall, has struggled on the road with a 5-14 record. They’ve had trouble scoring and have been giving up a lot of points. Kenyon Martin and Carmelo Anthony will be the focus on the game. Containing these two will shut down both their inside and outside game.

Gutierrez Checks Out

Former Detroit Tiger Cesar Gutierrez is dead at the age of 61.

Gutierrez was a Venezuelan shortshop who tied an American League record for consecutive hits without an out in 1970. In a game on June 21, 1970, Gutierrez had six singles and a triple in seven at bats.

Gutierrez was with the Tigers from 1969-1972.

No Contest, Your Honor

Charlie Haddad, the fan who was punched to the ground by Jermaine O'Neal in the November 19 brawl, has pleaded no contest. Haddad, 21, was charged wtih violating a local ordinance that prohibits fans from entering the court.

The punishment for such an offense is $500 fine or 90 days in jail. Alvin Shackelford was also present, and a jury trial in his case was set for February 11. He faces the same charges.

Horton Turns Himself In

Many thanks to James Muir for this lead.

Michigan point guard Daniel Horton has turned himself in and been arraigned on charges of domestic violence. The warrant alleges the incident happened on December 10. Horton has been released on bond.

This is news Michigan hoops could do without. They've struggled with injuries and have counted on Horton to be there. No word from Amaker yet, but I would look for a suspension soon.

Pistons Continue Skid

Larry Brown is down on his team and with good reasons. The Pistons aren’t playing up to potential, they’re passing sloppy, and they’re collapsing late in nearly every game and lost two more games to continue their skid this weekend, and increase their losing streak to three games.

Friday night they lost in Milwaukee 89-86 behind a 20 point effort from former Piston and current Bucks backup point guard Mike James. James put in 28 minutes off the bench that included 6-9 shooting and four assists. Detroit’s defense was ineffective against the Bucks’ shooting. They led by as many as seven, but couldn’t sustain it, resulting in their loss.

Saturday night they hosted the Bulls at the Palace. The Bulls came into this game one game below .500 after starting the season 0-9. Again, the Pistons failed to execute solid defense and suffered a 100-89 loss. Kirk Hinrich led the Bulls with 24 points and nine assists. Hamilton led the Pistons with 32, including 11 out of 12 from the free throw line.

On Friday, the Pistons acquired point guard Carlos Arroyo from the Utah Jazz for a conditional first round pick after 2006 and Elden Campbell. Although Larry Brown doesn’t want to put the pressure of turning the team around on Arroyo’s shoulders, he was brought here to help solve the problems at point guard. This alone won’t solve all of the Pistons’ problems, but it sure is big part of it.

Arroyo is averaging 8.1 points per game and 5.1 assists. Saturday he scored five points and assisted five times. He seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on and fit in rather well. His solid passing and vision of the court will make him a strong asset on the court as the Pistons prepare to head into the second half of the season.

Carlos Arroyo alone is not enough for this team to win.

The Pistons much continue to work hard and regain the type of game that helped them beat the Bucks, Nets, Pacers, and Lakers. They simply cannot afford to let games slip away, especially games that they start off ahead. They have to learn to share the ball properly and not just share it because Larry Brown insists they do.

One of the weaker areas I see from this team is when to pass and when to shoot. Sure, we all love to see a team move the ball around and setup great plays. We understand the right way to play the game is with a team effort. We also understand that if someone is 10 feet in front of an open basket they should take the shot. If you’re going for the net, and no one is in your way, the best thing to do is take the shot. Passing could lead to a disruption in the play, catch someone off guard who thought you had it, and result in a turnover. I’ve seen this all too much this season, especially from Rasheed Wallace.

We must continue to be patient with the Pistons. With the near-complete rebuild of the bench, they are going to need time to get Arroyo up to speed and find a place in the mix. McDyess has come alive and Lindsey Hunter will only benefit from the lesser minutes that he will see. Delfino should be back next month. I like what I see in the McDyess-Wallace-Wallace rotation and I like the new four guard situation. This will take pressure of Chauncey Billups. He may even learn a thing or two about running the point from Arroyo’s play.

Let’s get another thing straight. Larry Brown isn’t going anywhere. Yes, he’s down on the brawl. Yes, he’s down on the losing. No, he’s not just going to give up. Larry Brown has a history of moving from team to team, but only after he believes he’s risen and fallen and has nothing more to accomplish. I believe Larry Brown will coach through this season and next season, and if the isn’t in a position to win another title, then he may very well retire.

With Arroyo filling a void on the bench and the Pistons getting back to their defensive game, they will be strong contenders in the East come playoff time.

Wolverines Lose, Spartans Win

Michigan played host to Wisconsin Saturday afternoon. The result was a 72-61 loss. Michigan played well in the first, but went to sleep in the second. Horton also was carried off the floor with an injury to his knee.

DETNews.com: Injury problems mount in defeat for Michigan

The Spartans got a road win against Minnesota on Saturday. The Spartans won 69-55. Michigan State had trouble with turnovers, 21 of them, and Paul Davis was in foul trouble throughout the game.

Spartans get huge road win

Pistons Not Happy With Fouls

Billups, Wallace, and Wallace all received technical fouls within 20 seconds of each other during Detroit's 100-89 loss to the Bulls Saturday night.

The Pistons, struggling against the Bulls this season, weren't able to take control of the game and get things don.e

"Things in our minds went against us, and then we figured out a way to pack it in," Pistons Coach Larry Brown said. "I think we're about rock bottom right now."

"It's frustrating -- having control of the game or having it right there in striking distance and not being able to execute down the stretch," Billups said.

DETNews.com: Pistons cry foul in loss