Michigan State vs. Michigan

     I know I just wrote about Michigan's victory over UCONN, but how do you not write about the great rivalry? Michigan State came into Ann Arbor with a 7 - 0 record in the Big Ten. They left with an 8 - 0 record. The game was back and forth for much of the game until late, when MSU started pulling away. Michigan came back to take a 56-55 lead until MSU's Kalin Lucas hit a jumper with 3.5 seconds left. That shot put them ahead for good. It was a 57-56 victory for the Spartans. Raymar Morgan led the way with 20 points.

     Michigan State has been playing extremely well this year, with the exception of 3 losses to some of the best teams in college. Michigan on the other hand, has not. They are in danger of not making the NCAA Tournament. They have been a huge letdown this year after starting in the top 20. If they can put a run together though, they have a chance.

The Wolverines Get Much Needed Signature Win

     The Wolverines were the underdog, big time. They overcame that though and earned a big time 63-58 win over 15 ranked Connecticut. Manny Harris scored 18 with 8 rebounds while Stu Douglass scored 13. Michigan came into the game wit ha 9-7 record. Way below expectations at the beginning of the year (started season 15th ranked). This win could show a glimmer of hope for the Wolverine faithful, but they have 3 very difficult games coming up. At Wisconsin, at Purdue, and home against Michigan State. Not a lot of hope there. If they win two of those games, they would have a good chance at the tournament.

Detroit Tigers

     The Detroit Tigers are really changing their team around this offseason. Their big trade was a 3 team deal that included trading Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson. They did receive the players Austin Jackson, Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, and Phil Coke. These players will become very effective in a few years, just not this season as much because some of them have never set foot in a major league game. 


     The Tigers just recently signed Jose Valverde, one of the better closers in the league, to a 2 year contract. He should provide a little more stability in the back of the bullpen. At least, more than 2 hits an inning Fernando Rodney! I do give Rodney some credit though. He only blew one save all of last year.


     If the Tigers are going to make one more adjustment to their team, it will probably be an outfielder with some power or a lot of speed. They lost Granderson, who had both of those skills. Magglio Ordonez's production dropped drastically last year. Plus, they do not have a true left fielder, even though Ryan Raburn can play it well. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Welcome To My Blog!

Thanks to everyone who is reading this right now. I am just starting Michigan Sports Derby, so this is what it will be about. During the week, I will highlight a team from Michigan, such as the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, and the Michigan State Spartans on Thursday. (These teams will not go in any order so check in often!) On the weekends, there will be a general topic of sports around the country. Special thanks to my mom, who helped me set this up. Her website is www.thebeadgirl.etsy.com Go check it out!

Tomorrow I will write an entry about the Detroit Tigers!