In case you’re like me and have spent most of your time recently wondering if your bracket will still have any teams left by next weekend, I have the perfect solution for you – the quick Motown sports update. Think of this as a Cliffs note version for your water coolers, a chance to prove that you’re still on your game as the snow has thawed out.
Detroit Red Wings – The defending Stanley Cup champs won for their fourth straight time on Friday and are clearly on cruise control. When I mention cruise control for the Wings, this just means winning game after game and trying to avoid any sort of disastrous injuries. If there was ever a doubt, Detroit has clinched a playoff berth and sits one point behind San Jose in the meaningless race for the President’s Trophy. Detroit begins a quick back-to-back road trip to Alberta starting this evening. 48-15-9, 105 pts., 2nd in West, 10 games remaining
Detroit Pistons – The Pistons have had a rough go at it lately with a sudden stream of the injury bug. A loss to Miami at the Palace on Sunday also proved that the Pistons are not even in the upper-middle class of the Eastern Conference any more. Detroit has lost four of five, or six of nine, and now begins a stretch where playoff teams Chicago, Philly, Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland will take on the Pistons. This team is reeling but the good news is that time is running out on the rest of the awful East. 34-35, 7th in East, 13 games remaining
Detroit Tigers – Did you know the Tigers were no-hit in Spring Training today by the Marlins? Being no-hit in Spring Training has the feeling and meaning of losing H-O-R-S-E to nothing in some backyard hoops, except for the fact that these are supposed to be Major League hitters. The good news coming out of the game was Verlander’s command along with some nice relief efforts by non-roster invitees Rincon and Williamson. This team should begin to benefit with the Venezuelans on the team back in a Tigers uniform shortly, especially Magglio who has dealt with the jeering from his national fans. Opening day – April 6 in Toronto; Home opener – April 10 v. Texas
Detroit Lions – No, Jay Cutler is not a Lion at this time. While it is not surprising that Brett Favre’s agent is behind another QB circus, it is shocking that the Broncos do not have any other solid options. In a touching piece of news recently, the Lions announced that Corey Smith’s number 93 will not be used during the 2009 season. Following a season that saw the Lions make history, this recent news has been exceptionally hard for Lions fans to take. NFL Draft is April 25-26 in NYC