to be a sports fan. Here’s a list of the highlights:

Pistons even series with Celtics
Chauncey Billups looked like himself and the rest of the Pistons fell into their normal roles and it all added up to a 103-97 win over Boston to even the Eastern Conference Finals at 1 game each. The best part for me was that Boston’s “Big 3″ had great games, but no one else stepped up. The Pistons balance and depth showed it’s strengths and it was too much for the Celtics role players to handle.

Tigers sweep Mariners
It’s not exactly sweeping Boston or the Chisox, but it’s a start. Good pitching and clutch hitting with runners in scoring position has been a rare sight this year, so I’ll take it!

Marinelli likes his team
Killer Kowalski has this story about Lions head coach Rod Marinelli and his improvements to the roster. One word he uses alot is “speed”.

Beach Bums improve to 2-0
Yours truly was in attendance and we saw a great pitching performance by Ryan Gehring as the Traverse City Beach Bums defeated the Midwest Sliders 4-2. It was cold, but alot of fun. I highly recommend a “Bum Burger” - delicious!

The Traverse City Beach Bums begin year 2 of the Jon Cahill era tonight as they host the Midwest Sliders at Wuerfel Park at 7:05 pm. Here’s a quick look from the Record Eagle at what Cahill learned in his first year at the helm. Yours truly will be in attendance for Game 2, so expect a full report on Friday!

Read Bums kick off season tonight in the Record Eagle

The Traverse City Beach Bums split a pair of exhibition games in Gary, Indiana yesterday as they ready for their May 21st season opener. The Beach Bums lost to the Gary Railcats 6-4 and defeated Windy City 3-2. Jared Locke picked up the win.

Read Beach Bums split exhibitions in the Record Eagle

The family and the day job has taken up all of my time as of late, but I plan on posting regularly (or at least as regular as I ever post) soon. That doesn’t mean I haven’t paid any attention to the ups and downs of our trusty Detroit teams…

Detroit Pistons
That was a big win in Game 4 without Chauncey Billups, and I thought it had basically clinched the series, then Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson went and guaranteed a victory. I believe that will wrap it up as all of us know only one person does guarantees around here! Now about the MVP of Game 4, Antonio McDyess, I’ll let Greg Eno tell you about that!

Detroit Red Wings
Chris Osgood and Johan Franzen have been the two great stories of this year’s playoffs, and it’s been fun so far for the Wings. It looks like Pavel Datsyuk is trying to join the party with a hat trick to lead the Wings to a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 3-0 series lead. I’ve been listening to the Wings when I can (remember no TV here!) and I have to say I am more and more impressed with Mike Babcock every game. The guy is a terrific coach and gets everything he can out of everyone on the roster.

Detroit Tigers
Ugly. That’s the word we’ve used to describe the Tigers play after most of their games this season. It hasn’t been pretty, but it is showing signs of turning around. Luckily for the Tigers everyone else in the A.L. Central has been almost as inconsistent as them, so they are right in the thick of things. If Justin Verlander and the rest of the starters can figure out how to make it through 6 innings anytime soon, then the Tigers will be in great shape. The offense is picking up and some players (like Gary Sheffield) are finally swinging the bats better. It’s still going to be a fun summer at Comerica!

Detroit Lions
Nothing too exciting about the draft and that’s probably one of the best things for the Lions. They drafted Rod Marinelli-type guys and should be faster and hopefully tougher next season. A more dangerous than it looks schedule doesn’t do them any favors, but I do an improvement on the 7-9 record of a year ago. Will it be enough to make the playoffs? In the NFC you just never know.

Well that’s it for now, I’ll be bringing you Traverse City Beach Bums updates as they begin their 3rd summer in TC. I was just told my Aunt will have her company tickets in hand this week, so I’m looking forward to picking out my games. I hope to make the All-Star Game and skills challenge, I think that will be fun!

Traverse City Beach Bums pitcher Jared Locke has been signed by the Philadelphia Phillies. Locke joined the Beach Bums last summer and appeared in 21 games out of the bullpen and finished with a 1-1 record, a 3.42 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. He also recorded 2 saves.

“We are very excited for Jared to have this opportunity,” said Jason Wuerfel, the Beach Bums’ Director of Baseball Operations. “He is a 6′6″ lefty, throws in the low 90s with great movement, and he is only 23 years old. The sky is the limit for Jared and I believe he will be successful anywhere the Phillies put him.”

Locke was originally signed out of college by the Texas Rangers.

Read Phillies sign Beach Bums lefty Jared Locke at TCBeachBums.com

The Traverse City Beach Bums have agreed to home and home exhibition games versus the Gary RailCats, champions of the Northern League in 2005 and 2007. The Beach Bums will travel to Gary, Indiana on Tuesday, May 13th for a 3:00 PM exhibition game at the U.S. Steel Yard. The RailCats will make the trip to Traverse City in 2009.

“This is a great opportunity and challenge for our 2008 team,” said Jason Wuerfel, the Beach Bums’ Director of Baseball Operations. “Gary has set the standard for good baseball in the Northern League and it will be a great test for our players and evaluation tool for our coaching staff.”

Former Beach Bum Mike Reese is on the RailCats roster. For more information on the RailCats and their very nice stadium, the U.S. Steel Yard, go to www.railcatsbaseball.com.

Read Beach Bums to play Northern League Champions at TCBeachBums.com

Photo The Steelyard by Z for Zano

Traverse City Beach Bums Vice President and Director of Baseball Operations Jason Wuerfel is gaining one title but losing another. Wuerfel is the Beach Bums new hitting coach but will give up his duties as “DJ Jazzy Jay”.

“I really enjoyed being DJ Jazzy Jay,” said Wuerfel, “but I’m a baseball guy. Baseball is my passion and if I can’t play anymore, I want to be coaching. I need to be coaching.”

Read Wuerfel joins Beach Bums coaching staff at TCBeachBums.com

New Beach Bums Blog!
You can now follow the latest news from the Beach Bums at their new blog www.tcbeachbums.blogspot.com.

Jonathon Cahill will return for his second season leading the Traverse City Beach Bums as he was given a 1-year contract extension for 2008. Cahill’s first season ended with a 46-50 record, as the team showed improved play over the second half of the season. Cahill was the Beach Bums hitting coach in 2006.

The Beach Bums also announced that pitching coach John Sexton will return in 2008.

Read Manager Cahill back with the Bums in the Record Eagle*
Read Bums’ Skipper Cahill signs on for 2008 at TCBeachBums.com*

*I don’t condone calling them the “Bums”.

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

I’m not including it in the five, but my overall Beach Bums record with me in attendance is now 6-1 as I attended the season finale, a 8-5 loss in 11 innings to the Windy City Thunderbolts. I thought I was going to keep my perfect record as the Beach Bums rallied for a 5-4 lead after 8 innings, but they couldn’t hold on. Congrats on another fun season in Traverse City!

1. Wolverines upset by Mountaineers - If you say it that way it doesn’t sound as bad because I could be referring to West Virginia. I am still in shock of this outcome, but I can’t say I’m disappointed, and as a State fan I loved this…

In East Lansing, after plowing for four touchdowns in Michigan State’s 55-18 beatdown of Alabama-Birmingham, Spartans running back Jeehu Caulcrick said, “It felt like we won two games today.”

Here’s a great article on the game from Michigan Football Saturdays.

2. Spartans look good in Dantonio’s debut - Mike Dantonio has some big plans for Michigan State and his Spartans got off to a good start with a 55-18 win over UAB. Lots of power football and great passing from Brian Hoyer led the way to victory. The Spartans will struggle to finish .500 this season, but Dantonio should lay the foundation for a nice turnaround in East Lansing.

3. Tigers continue to struggle - It’s looking more and more like 2007 isn’t going to be the Tigers year. They can’t seem to get a winning streak going. Inconsistent pitching, injuries, and the lack of clutch hitting have all played a big part. Rogers returns tonight and Sheffield tomorrow to hopefully give the Tigers a spark for one last run at the Indians.

4. Norsemen vs. Lakers - The Leelanau County rivals go head to head this Friday for bragging rights for the following year. Suttons Bay is off to a 2-0 start including a big win over Traverse City St. Francis. Glen Lake is 1-1 and coming off a loss. Kickoff is Friday at 7:00 in Suttons Bay.

5. Michigan In Play Magazine - Check out their latest issue featuring 2007 Roberto Clemente Award Winner Curtis Granderson on the cover. I just emailed Jack Rosenberg and told him to keep up the great work. This magazine is a great source for Detroit and Michigan sports fans!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Well, not really, but after going to the game tonight the Traverse City Beach Bums are now 2-0 this season with me in attendance. Combined with the perfect 4-0 when I attended during the inaugural season, that’s 6-0 all-time. What’s this mean? Well ultimately it means I need season tickets and to attend as many games as possible. Hmm, maybe if I send this to the Wuerfel’s…

Seriously though, I have been neglecting the Beach Bums in person and on my blog. So this post is just to remind everyone, that you can find Beach Bums news, links and info here.

Now granted when I attend the games with my entire family, I don’t get to concentrate 100% on the game, as I have to spend a minimum of 2 innings in the play room, make sure the cotton candy is stocked up, and to protect everyone from the dreaded foul ball, we had a couple of pretty close ones tonight.

In tonight’s victory the Beach Bums jumped out early and held on for a 7-5 win. Aaron Garza continued his hot streak as he went 2 for 4 with two doubles to lead the offense. Ryan Gehring picked up his 5th win of the season by going 8 strong innings. He really only had the one tough inning and looked solid and made many good pitches throughout.

Once again, the atmosphere is alot of fun and the kids had a blast. The fireworks were great, and some funny fans made it very enjoyable. At this point in time, I only have tickets for one more game this year, but hopefully I can find a way to sneak to a couple of more and help the Beach Bums try to get to .500!

The Traverse City Beach Bums have made a couple changes to the roster as they return home to Wuerfel Park for 2 games before heading back out on the road.

Catcher/Third Baseman Takeshi Yamamoto was activated from the IR and rookie outfielder R.C. Dickerson was resigned after being cut in spring training. To make room on the roster the Beach Bums released former MSU pitcher Craig Brookes and outfielder LaFringe Hayes. Brookes asked to be released as he prepares for workouts for affiliated teams.

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Marissa Treece - The Glen Lake senior captured 3 more state titles on Saturday, giving her 10 in her track/cross-country career. She heads to Notre Dame this fall and we will follow along as she looks to star at the NCAA level.

Read Ten titles for Treece in the Record Eagle

2. What’s next for Pistons? - Lots of ideas are being talked about by fans including: Firing Flip, Trading Sheed, trying to trade for Kevin Garnett or Zack Randolph, and on and on. Not sure what Joe D is going to do, but I would definitely call Minnesota and see what they want for Garnett.

3. Beach Bums - A slow start to the season has the Bums in last place in the Central Division, 5.5 games back. It’s not going to get easier with 4 games against Kalamazoo looming, but the Bums are playing better and have lost a couple of close games.

4. Lions Scouting Reports - I don’t know if you have been following Killer Kowalski’s scouting reports as he is scouting a different Lion player every day, but I have and it’s been some great info. Kevin Jones is today, go check it out!

5a. Tigers finally beat Indians - Now everyone can relax a bit as the Tigers took the final two games in Cleveland to get within 2 1/2 games of Cleveland in the A.L. Central. The Tigers are showing what they are made of as they battle with injuries and keep getting big performances from Maggs and Sheffield.

5b. Two Near The Dugout, Please - Great article by Gren Eno looking back at some run-ins with Eric the ticket taker on his trips to Tiger Stadium.

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

The Traverse City Beach Bums have had a rough beginning to the 2007 season, starting 0-2, but look to change their fortune tonight as they ready for the home opener with the visiting Kalamazoo Kings. The Kings have had the Bums number so far, but a packed house at Wuerfel Park could be just what the home team needs!

Read 2007 Season Preview at the Record Eagle

The NFL Draft - I am in a NFL Draft contest again this year (last year I got 1 right) and I have absolutely no idea who is going where. The Lions have many options and they have to wait to see what the Raiders are going to do before they can get really serious about the draft. I like the Lions to trade down to #4 and then get Gaines Adams. It’s the position they need the most and Adams appears to be an impact player. Read Dan Wetzel’s column The misadventures of Millen if you want to laugh and be scared at the same time!

Maggs - Is it me, or is Magglio Ordonez quietly having a great start to 2007. He’s first on the Tigers in RBI’s, 2B’s, Runs, OBP, SLG & OPS, and he’s second in HR’s and BA, but no one’s talking about him. This is the Maggs that people weren’t sure we would ever see again, but he appears to be healthy and back to normal. I now it’s early, but Maggs playing like this is huge as Sheffield and the bottom of the order struggle.

Wings vs. Sharks - The Wings are in for a tough series, that should go seven games, and I like there chances with home-ice. They struggled against the Sharks during the regular season, losing 3 of 4, but they played two very solid games to finish off Calgary and will hopefully carry that momentum into tonight’s game. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost tonight either. It’s just going to be that kind of series.

Pistons vs. Magic - If Detroit is going to lose one, tonight’s the night. I just don’t see it happening. I think they will sweep the Magic and get some rest for the Bulls. Chicago is going to be the toughest team (and series) in the Eastern Conference.

High School Baseball - If you aren’t busy on Saturday, head over to Wuerfel Park to watch Lake Leelanau St. Mary take part in the inaugural Beach Bums Division 3 & 4 Invitational Tournament. The Eagles face Traverse City St. Francis at 10 AM, followed by Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart and Gaylord St. Mary’s at noon. A consolation and championship game will follow. Tickets are $5 for the entire day, and let me tell you Wuerfel Park is not a bad place to watch a game!

Random Stuff - Could less people be excited that Barry Bonds is now at 741 home runs? Seriously, no one cares outside of San Francisco. There’s not much better than Fantasy Baseball. Winning or losing, it’s just fun! I can’t wait for the Beach Bums season to start, it was exciting (and well played) baseball to watch last summer, and I look for more of the same as the Bums have added some good talent along with their “new” coach! Lots of people have Drew Stanton going very high in the draft, and I think be a good pick and could be a legitimate starter in the NFL!

Traverse City Beach Bums broadcaster Chad Cooper is moving to affiliated baseball after accepting a position with the Vero Beach Devil Rays of the Florida State League. Cooper was the Frontier League Broadcaster of the Year in 2005. This will be his eighth season in professional broadcasting.

“When people ask me what my ultimate career goals are, I would tell them that I was no different from the players in the Frontier League,” said Cooper. “I want to be a Major League broadcaster and this is a large step in trying to achieve that goal.”

Read Cooper moves to affiliated broadcasting at TCBeachBums.com
Read A Letter to the fans, from Chad Cooper at TCBeachBums.com
Visit the Vero Beach Devil Rays Official Site at VBDRays.com