Michigan Hoops At A low?

Since the entrance of then-Head Coach Tommy Amaker, the University of Michigan has been touting their return to the NCAA tournament is imminent. After beating a sanction ruling, and winning the NIT, it looked like the big tournament was the next stop for the Wolverines.

Too bad it never happened.

Seasons came, and season went. Every year they seemed to take a step forward, but when it came time for the tournament to call, the phone never rang. Even a trip to another NIT tournament ended early for Amaker's team.

So now we're in the John Beilein era, and things seem to be more dismal than ever before. Sporting a fresh four game losing streak, Michigan stands at 3-6. Losses to Western Kentucky, Boston College, Duke, and Georgetown are easy to stomach. The loss at Harvard isn't.

So what's the problem?

I don't think its a question of what's wrong. I think its a matter of where are they going. The team is young, and appears to be talented. Beilein has taken a view of "we're learning", and I think I like that. He has a new system. Freshman players, and a job of returning Michigan to the NCAA Tournament.

One of the things you hear about every year is how Michigan's facilities can't compete with other schools. True as it may be, they've still managed to collect talent along the way, and have a potential to step that talent up with some more consistent winning.

The truth is, Beilein comes at a time where the program is at its lowest point. His first job is to build a program worthy of mention. After that, his agenda will switch to winning games. Sure, we all want them to win now. They may even get completely beat up in big ten play, but the truth is, the future with Beilein is bright.

Tejada Traded

Orioles' SS Miguel Tejada was traded today to the Houston Astros for a group of young prospect pitchers. Good move for the O's, bad move for the 'stros. Sure, Tejada brings strong numbers. He also brings baggage and club turmoil. How long until he demands a new coach or another "get me out of here" demand?

Lions To Trade Rogers?

I guess the rumor mill needs to talk about this since it could very well happen. Word out of Lions camp is that the Lions are about done with Shawn Rogers. He's touched (or gone over) the weight limit for a long time. He's been very good, yet very bad. And since I have no faith that the Millen group can do anything to get his head straight (and weight), I wouldn't be surprised if they traded him for a 4th string kicker.

Mitchell Report Due Tomorrow @ 2 PM!

But should we really take it serious, or with caution? Sure, players like Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, and Palmiero will be on there, but what's this talk about 100 names? How would you react if Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez ended up on that last? Remember, he did noticeably shrink a couple years ago. He claims better eating and training. I tend to believe him. He's never hit for a lot of home run power, but hey, he seems to be caught in this. Also, another name on that list could be Sheffield. We all know about his knee rehab woes. Was he framed or setup? Probably. I can't wait to see the report myself. More on this tomorrow.