Lots to get to today, so read up while you eat your oatmeal.
- MSU guard Chris Allen has been suspended indefinitely by coach Tom Izzo for academic problems (or so we’re told). KJ has more analysis at The Only Colors. I don’t see this as too big of a deal for the Sparties this weekend. They’re already going to the NCAA tournament and don’t have a shot at the #1 seed. If anything, it gives Izzo a chance to play some of the young guns in a non-garbage-time situation before the Big Dance.
- Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan will likely need season-ending Tommy John surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow. Nathan is a perfect 30-for-30 in saves against the Tigers throughout his career. This could definitely be a big factor in deciding the AL Central this season.
- I haven’t given much thought to the smaller conference championship games so far, mostly because none of my favorite teams are on the bubble this year. However, Oakland University punched it’s ticket last night with a 76-64 win over IUPUI. Pravato will probably have more analysis later. Some other notable dancers are Cornell, Northern Iowa, Siena, and Wofford, this year’s cherry-popper of the NCAA tournament.
- Over at Motown Wings, Chris Hollis tried his best to reverse the D4L-cursed Jersey Number Countdown. While it’s a great idea in principle, this year’s Red Wings just can’t be trusted. The Wings let another third period lead slip away, losing 4-2 to the Flames. A recap-in-pictures (for the not-too-queasy) is here. I still think they will make the playoffs, but I don’t see them going too much further this year. Maybe they need this girl for a motivational speech.
- It looks like I’m not the only person excited about the new NBA Jam game set to be released later this year. Thunder Treats has their Top 10 potential Jam lineups for next season. I’m surprised that Chris Bosh didn’t find his way into this list, I would have definitely taken him over the Celtics lineup. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker would also make a pretty effective combo.
- Stephen Strasburg (or Baseball Jesus, as anointed by Deadspin) debuted yesterday and pitched well in two scoreless innings of work. However the Tigers proved that the Nationals will still suck this year, beating them 9-4 in the other seven innings. The Tigers’ version of a new savior, Austin Jackson, is having a very strong spring thus far.
- Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press speculates that Rodney Stuckey’s collapse on Friday night was due to dehydration, not another health condition. While possible, there probably would have been cramps or other warning signs beforehand. I hope the Pistons take a look at all possibilities before letting him back in the lineup. It’s not worth risking his long-term health, especially for a team with no playoff hopes. [via Piston Powered]
- Make sure to check out Balls Out, a new sports blog covering just about anything (with an emphasis on Michigan football) in the sports world. Writer/contributor/whatever-you-want-to-call-him Will Doyle is one of my good friends (and a great writer), even though he’s from Ohio. Head over and drop a comment or two.
Rob’s Highlight of the Day
I know it’s only Spring Training, but there’s baseball being played in American again. The first baseball highlight of the year had to go to a Tiger, so make sure to click here for Magglio Ordonez’s three-run homer in yesterday’s win over the Nats.
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