Report: Tigers snag Ordonez

ESPN is reporting that Magglio Ordonez will sign with the Detroit Tigers. The deal would call for $75 million over five years, and have an out if Ordonez's osteochondritis occurs.

ESPN.com: Report - Ordonez agrees to contract with Tigers

Is It Over?

Is it more false hope? Could it be that the league and the players are finally agreeing on things? A nine hour meeting has to tell us something, but speculation of a season cancellation is still there.

The NHL and NHLPA invited Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA President Bob Goodenow back to the negotiation table yesterday. The result was a nine hour meeting that led to the scheduling of another meeting today.

Although there is no reports of what deals are being discussed, the only consistent factor remains the salary cap. The league started out with a $31 million salary cap proposal and has moved to a ranged cap situation that would require the owners to spend at least $32 million, but no more than $42 million. In addition to the cap would be a 50-50 profit sharing plan.

NHL player Jeremy Roenick admitted that a lot of the players in the league would accept a salary cap, but it would have to be more in the range of $45-50 million. When the lock out first began, some of the younger players in the league said they would accept a salary cap. They were quickly corralled into a meeting where Goodenow, and others, brainwashed them, and cast out the demons of salary cap.

In January, both sides of the table decided to host talks without their leaders. Bettman and Goodenow were left home and other senior members of the league and union started bargaining again. It was viewed as a last ditch effort, but more progress was being made than before. Still, no deal had been reached.

After a few more days of silence, the league called for another meeting. They had prepared yet another offer for the union. Although rejected on Wednesday, there must have been something there they liked. Bettman and Goodenow were summoned. This is where we stand today.

The sense of hope was all but gone after an ESPN report came out yesterday that one owner said the season cancellation would be announced within 24 hours. Although it was not a shock to hockey fans, it wasn’t something they wanted to hear either. Most felt there was time for a shortened season and a playoff. To not award the Stanley Cup would be a disgrace and the NHL couldn’t possibly afford to lose an entire season.

So here we are on a Friday morning. I look out my window and see the snow and ice. It’s 20 degrees outside, and I have my hockey stick next to my desk. The season for hockey is here. A winter without one of the greatest sports in the world is no winter at all. I hope this feeling engulfs everyone at the bargaining table. I hope that something hits them. I hope we have watch players hoist the Stanley Cup this summer.

Pistons Role, Michigan Skids

Pistons Extend Win Streak

The Detroit Pistons beat the Hawks 99-84 last night at the Palace. Chauncey Billups led all scoring with 27 points. Tony Delk led the Haws with 20 points.

The Pistons fell behind by eight points, but overcame their poor playing and turned the game completely around. At one point, Detroit led by as many as 19.

"We struggled at the start, but once we got warmed up, it turned the game around," Billups said. "We took control and kept control."

The Pistons seem to have gotten their game together. They've won five in a row and are playing the type of basketball that won them a championship last season.

"It all starts with solid defense," Wallace said. "When we got rolling on defense, everyone gets involved on offense."

The Pistons head to New Jersey to take on the Nets this Saturday. Elden Campbell could be part of the team by then.

Michigan Loses to Minnesota

The Wolverines continued their struggles last night against Minnesota. Behing Jeff Hagen's 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, Michigan was defeated 71-54.

It was a night of no defense. A night of poor shooting in which Michigan's only double-digit scorer was Chris Hunter, who just returned from an injury this week. They let Minnesota get ahead early, and never were able to contain them.

A season that started with the intensions of returning to the NCAA tournament, will likely turn into another NIT run. With Horton and Abram out, the Wolverines don't seem to be able to find enough players to make a difference. Even with them, they struggle with clutch shooting, free throws, and holding leads down the stretch.

Even with Horton, the Wolverines would have to win the Big Ten title at this point to get into the tournament. No chance there.

Spartans Silenced

AmericaJr.com is featuring my recap on the Illinois/MSU game from last night.

Michigan State had the opportunity of a lifetime in hosting a number one team on their home court. With this being the only regular season match-up between the two Big Ten powerhouses, expectations were high. Unfortunately, it was a game of weak perimeter defense, a rain of three pointers, and a game where the Illini showed the nation why they are number one by beating the Spartans 81-68.

Read More: Spartans Silenced

More Tigers Talk

Jason Beck of MLB.com is busy today apparently.

Beck offers a "quick hit" of the team in preparation of spring training.

MLB.com: Tigers Spring Training quick hits

Beck also goes around the horn with the starting rotation.

MLB.com: Around the Horn: Starting rotation

MGoBlue: Football Signs 23 Individuals to National Letters of Intent

Michigan is signing away. Here's a list.

MGoBlue: Football Signs 23 Individuals to National Letters of Intent

The Year of Monroe

MLB.com's Jason Beck reports that Criag Monroe is confident and feeling better than he has before any other seasons. With his legal woes behind him, the only obstacles left are other guys in contention for the outfield positions.

This season Monroe has the chance to beat out his fellow Tigers for the starting positions of left or right field. The task at hand could also include putting the longest tenured Tiger on the bench, Bobby Higginson.

"I heard some positive things from [manager] Tram. The team has been over-supportive, so I'm very confident going into Spring Training and this season that I'm going to be fine," said Monroe before TigerFest.

The Tigers have added another potential obstacle to Monroe's plans. Power-hitting Magglio Ordonez is in negotiations with the Tigers. Ordonez would likely come into the mix in right field. That would be put Monroe in contention for the job in left field where he'd have to battle Rondell White for left field innings.

Monroe is at the crossroads of his career. He's not a rookie anymore and he's not a veteran. He's quietly improved each of the last two seasons with the Tigers, but is he poised to make this year a break out year?

All the pieces are there. He has the hitting, and he mostly has the fielding. He'll need to work hard to prove that he belongs out there each day the Tigers take the field.

Addition of Red Wings irks some in UHL

UHL Hockey player Kevin Kerr of the Flint Generals has spoken out against the signings of three Red Wings to UHL contracts.

"The hypocrisy of it is unbelievable," Kerr said. "They don't want a salary cap, but they'll come to a league that has a salary cap and take someone else's job."

I would tend to agree with Mr. Kerr. Have a read, this is very good.

Freep.com: Addition of Red Wings irks some in UHL

Sorensen Jailed

Former Tigers Pitcher and Broadcaster Lary Sorensen has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for a fifth DUI offense. Sorensen has admitted to problems with alcohol and has been sober for a little while. He will continue to get help while in jail.

DetNews.com: Ex-pitcher Sorensen draws jail sentence

National Signing Day

College football national signing day has arrived, and Michigan and Michigan State are preparing for their commitments. Among the elite, Michigan is expected to announce a powerhouse class that could rank as high as second in the nation. Michigan State is expected to make a big impact from players coming out of Junior College.

Among the signings for Michigan will be highly anticipated Antonio Bass, Marques Slocum, and five star running back Kevin Grady.

Bass comes from Jackson High School. His coach, Jack Fairly, said he was the best athlete he’d coached in 20 years. He chose Michigan over LSU, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and others. He runs the 40 in 4.44 seconds.

Kevin Grady, a 5-10, 230 lbs running back, comes to Michigan from East Grand Rapids. He’s a hard worker, and runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds. He has high expectations for himself, and should be a terrific backup, and replacement when he leaves for the NFL, to Michael Hart.

Marques Slocum comes from West Catholic in Philadelphia. He’s 6-4, 331 lbs, and runs the 40 in 5.06 seconds. He has natural size, and is the best two-way lineman in the state coming out of high school this year. He has a lot of potential, and has started strengthening himself.

You can see the entire list by visiting: MLive.com.

NHL, NHLPA Give One More Try

The Associated Press is reporting that the NHL and NHLPA will meet in another undisclosed location on Wednesday to give it one final effort. Here's more from Fox Sports.

FOXSports.com: Report - NHL owners to make final proposal

Pistons Top Wizards

The Detroit Pistons, behind heavy scoring from four starters, topped the Washington Wizards 105-96.

Chauncey Billups led all scoring wtih 28 points. Backing him up was Tayshaun Prince with 25, Rip Hamilton wtih 23, and Rasheed Wallace with 18.

The Pistons shot well throughout the first half. They were ahead 52-47. They struggled a bit in the third, but surged into the fourth and never looked back.

Washington played a fine game as well. They got 26 points out of Antawn Jamison and 21 points out of Gilbert Arenas. They lacked rebounding and had trouble with fouls.

Detroit improves to a 27-18 record that puts them 1/2 game up over the Cavaliers for first place in the Central division.

ESPN.com: Recap - Pistons at Wizards

MSU In Hot Water

A former Michigan State assistant coach told a federal court that he was told money had been paid to a high school coach to influence a top Memphis recruit.

This is bad news for Michigan State.

Could the water be ready to boil over?
Could an NCAA investigation be next?

Freep.com: Former Michigan State coach says he was told of recruiting payoff

Tuesday Sports Wrap-up

Ordonez Watch Update, Sign Six

With the Cubs reportedly near a deal with Jeremy Burnitz, the Tigers might be in a position to land free agent outfielder Magglio Ordonez without any competition.

While waiting, the Tigers have signed Curtis Granderson, Byron Gettis, Ryan Raburn, Roberto Novoa, Fernando Rodney, and Mark Woodyard to one year contracts. Previously, they were all protected on the Tigers roster, which gave the Tigers the option of renewing their contracts if they were unable to reach an agreement.

MLB.com: Six Tigers agree to terms

Michigan A Year Away?

Could Michigan be another year away from an NCAA bid? They are if you ask Jim Carty of MLive.com.

Injuries and suspensions have taken toll on the Wolverines. At best, they are a bubble team. Another NIT run might be more fitting.

MLive.com: Michigan will earn its NCAA bid next year

Mechanics Press Release

The Mechanics have an official statement posted regarding the signing of their new coach and Red Wings. Warning though, their site has been up and down all day.

The Official Site of the Motor City Mechanics

One Last Effort

The NHL is going to give it one last effort. They have come up with an adjusted salary cap offer for the NHLPA. This offer would call for a $32 million floor and a $42 million ceiling, plus a 50-50 profit sharing plan.

This is the last offer than the league will make. The players should take this. It is the best offer that has been given so far.

ESPN.com: Cap crazy? NHL proposal includes $42M ceiling

Preview: No, 1 Illinois at No. 12 Michigan State

3 PM Update: Prediction, Illinois 72, Michigan State 64

Michigan State will host Illinois tonight in East Lansing, marking the first hosting of a number one team in two decades.

Its a matchup -- and the only one between these two teams this season -- between two NCAA basketball powerhouses. Both teams talked highly of and poised for a final four run, it should be a game for the ages.

"Anytime you can bring a No. 1 team that has been so dominant, it's a great opportunity," Izzo said Monday. "I hope this place is like it never has been."

And don't expect the Spartans to let his opportunity to go by without them bringing their finest game. Everything is in their favor. Illinois is due for a loss, the Spartans have been playing better basketball, and they're in East Lansing, where the Spartans have no lost yet.

The Spartans are going to need better play out of Maurice Ager and Paul Davis. Davis sat out the last game to rest his healing sprained ankle, and, like Ager, has been disappointing at best this season. Point guard Chris Hill believes they have some things they can take advantage of with Davis and forward Alan Anderson.

Illinois will need to bring their best game to East Lansing. They shoot well, pass well, but do not rebound exceptionally well. They have a strong outside game and play mediocre defense.

So how is it that Michigan State is supposed to win? Izzo has one thought -- "The one weakness they might have is they're not a great defensive team. If they have a weakness, that's it."

That's a big if at that. The Illini are giving up 62.8 points per game. They're scoring 81.5 points per game. Izzo's task will be tough, but it can be done.

MSU has done a good job of holding opponents under 65 points per game. Like Illinois, against tougher opponents, they've been able to use their defense to hold teams down enough to have a comfortable lead. Can this be done against a team like Illinois? Probably, but at a different degree. Holding a team like Illinois in the 70s could be compared to a holding a team like Penn State into the 50s.

The Spartans need production out of their starting five. They must get off to a good start and not waste possessions away bouncing the ball off the rim. They must play tough against the likes of Luther Head and Deron Williams. They must also find a way to contain Roger Powell Jr. They must also work to stop Illinois unselfish play, and not focus on just one person.

"I have never seen a team as unselfish as Illinois," Oakland University head coach Greg Kampe said. "They've got three lottery picks possibly. You would think they would be fighting for the ball, but they don't. They share it better than any team I have ever seen."

Emotions will be high tonight at the Breslin Center. Illinois is positioned for an undefeated season and Michigan State has a chance to make a statement to the entire nation. Regardless of the outcome, both will make their mark on this season and could be seen in the final four come March.

Mechanics Get Help

Signaling the end of the NHL season, Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher have signed with the Motor City Mechanics, Detroit’s United Hockey League team in Frasier.

The move comes after a dismal start for the Mechanics. In addition to Hatcher and Chelios, Chris Draper and Kirk Maltby are also considering joining the team. In addition to the new players, a new head coach will be introduced and that head coach Gary Unger is moving into the front office as V.P. and Director of Hockey Operations.

But what about the guys who get pushed off the roster? It’s a business and a business has to sell tickets to survive. No one ever said business is fair.

The UHL is equivalent to a class-A baseball level. You have players with promise for the future and you have players making their final tour. They a team salary cap of $260,000 and the rules state that each team can only have seven veterans in each game. Veteran tags come after 280 professional games and the Mechanics already have seven of these players.

"It's just a mutual decision amongst ownership to shake it up a little bit," Tull said. "We're 10-29."

Hatcher and Chelios could join the team as soon as Wednesday in Flint, or Friday at home against Rockford.

Legace Leaves Russia

Red Wings backup goalie Manny Legace didn’t care for the situation in Russia, and has decided not to play for anyone else. He was also surprised to hear that some of his teammates might be playing for the Mechanics. No other North American teams have contacted Legace.

Arroyo Repaired

Detroit Pistons guard Carlos Arroyo had his nose surgically repaired today and is listed as doubtful for the next two games. Arroyo sustained the break Saturday during the team's win over New York. Arroyo was inadvertently hit in the face by Trevor Ariza. Arroyo will wear a max similar to that of teammate Rip Hamilton.

Freep.com: Arroyo has nose surgery

Brown Staying Put

Pistons Coach Larry Brown has spoken. "Even if they offer me the job at the end of this season, I am not going to go coach the Knicks," Brown said. This comes two days after he called New York his dream job. We all have dream jobs, but that doesn't always mean we take them when they're presented.

Brown's problem is he has a history of moving from team to team after he feels he has nothing left to offer. Some criticize him for such antics, others admire him for knowing when to go. I've always been under the opinion that if a coach has done all they can with a team, and wants to move on to help another grow, that is fine.

The Pistons (26-19) are in second place behind Cleveland. Larry Brown has been largely unsatisfied with what he calls a lack of effort on the court. His team has lost games they should have won, and have barely won games they should have lost. He was also very upset with the brawl.

These are not reasons why a head coach would ultimately quit.

"I told the guy I'm going to coach in Detroit and this is going to be my last coaching job," Brown said. "My statement to him was I'm not coaching anywhere else, this is my last coaching job. My goal is to finish here and hang with my family."

ESPN.com: Brown's nix: Detroit 'is my last coaching job'

White House Visit, Campbell In New Jersey

The Pistons are visiting George W. Bush at the White House today. Rasheed Wallace can't wait. "I don't have (bleep) to say to him. I didn't vote for him. It's just something we have to do."

Aww now, putting politics aside, it would to be nice to meet the President as a world champion, and I'm sure Rasheed knows that.

Elden Campbell is apparently going to be with the Nets for the remainder of the season. Campbell is touted by some as the stopping force of Shaq for the Pistons. Although it was nice to have him pushing Shaq around, the real key to the Heat is stopping the ball route to Shaq. Specifically, pressure Wade and take him out of his one-on-one comfort zone that he so much enjoys.

Carlos Delfino is back in Detroit and could be activated wtihin a week. "We need him," Chauncey Billups said. "Once we get him back we should be ready to make a move."

Freep.com: PISTONS CORNER: Rasheed disdains political basketball

Tigers, Ordonez Still Working On Deal

The Tigers feel confident in signing Ordonez so far. They have done their homework on his knee and I would suspect they would structure a deal that would revolve around the health of Ordonez Knees.

It appears the only snags are that of health and years. Some reports have Ordonez wanting seven years and others have the Tigers offering only four. Even if they are both true, they are obviously just starting points to a negotiation.

The Cubs, who are waiting on league approval to send Sosa to Baltimore, could also be in the hunt for Ordonez. With the departure of Sosa leaves a void of 40+ homeruns and an outfielder.

The Tigers remain the favorites. I would expect a yay or nay from either side this week.

DetNews.com: Tigers patiently pursue Ordonez

Michigan State Pounds Oakland

The Spartans crushed overmatched Oakland this weekend. Maurice Ager scored a team high 22 points. Brown, Hill, and Torbert added 13 each. Paul Davis was out with a sprained ankle, and will return against Illinois.

This was the first game MSU allowed more than 64 points since December 4.

MSUSpartans.com: Michigan State Outscores Oakland, 92-75

Pistons Win, Wolverines Lose

Pistons Win, Lose Arroyo

It was a busy weekend for the Pistons. Saturday night, the Pistons beat the Knicks 91-61. Richard Hamilton led all scoring with 18 points and Chauncey Billups added 10 assists.

The Knicks struggled from all areas with a 36.1 percent field goal percentage, 10 percent from the three point line, and 53.3 percent from the free throw line. Jamal Crawford led the team in scoring with 14 points.

Bad news came in the third quarter. Ariza inadvertently clocked Carlos Arroyo, breaking his nose. Carlos is expected to have surgery on the nose and will miss the Pistons’ next game. After that I’d look for Arroyo to show up in a mask for the remainder of the season.

Larry Brown, coaching with the flu, didn’t appear before the media to denounce rumors of him going to New York. "I've got the flu," Brown said in a brief interview with The Associated Press on his cell phone from his office. "Sorry, that's all I have to say."

Rumors continue to swirl around Brown taking the Knicks the job. Brown said the Knicks was his dream job and praised the job Isiah Thomas has done in New York. It is still hard to tell if Isiah would wait for Brown next year, if the Pistons would release Brown, or if Brown would want to take the job. Still, you have to wonder, and wonder how the team is handling the comments.

Wolverines Blown Out

Michigan fell to 12-9 with a loss to Purdue 84-55 on Sunday.

Matt Kiefer led the Boilermakers with 19 points and eight rebounds. Chris Hunter and Graham brown added 11 points for the Wolverines.

It was another day of dismal shooting. The Wolverines shot 39.6 percent from the field and 50 percent from the free throw lines. They are without Horton and Abram, two of the most important players on the team, and lack someone they can call clutch. They also struggle consistently from the free throw line.

Next up for Michigan is Minnesota in Ann Arbor on Wednesday.