I heard some of you are really STRUG-GEL-LING with your brackets. You getting beat by you roommates girl friend, who pick her winners based on criteria such as what teams uniforms would most likely appear on What Not to Where. You even overheard her say, “there’s no way Clinton would wear those awful black Purdue uniforms. He’d go with the classic UCONN look.” Or are you losing to the guy in the cubicle next to you, who has watched two college basketball games all year. The only player in the tournament he has actually heard of is Tyler Hansbrough. He picks all caulk and some crazy upset that of course happens. I can almost guarantee knowledge college basketball fans are losing to an individual such as this. Of course maybe you’re sitting in seventh place out of 32 people like me, but everyone above you has the same freaking teams left. Well, as other things I have fixed in sports (see MooN’s NCAA Football Playoff System or the MFPS for short) I have a system that will eliminate your programs. Once again I will be returning the bullet format for the sake of clarity.

· Disclaimer #1: This system only works for knowledgeable fans and only on a small scale. There’s no way this system works in your office pool in which over 100 participate. It’s too complicated and would be time consuming. You also need a group of individuals that understand how seeding and upsets work. Your cousin’s seven year old son can’t participate here. It wouldn’t work.

· Disclaimer #2: This system is for those expecting more out of their pool. It seeks to eliminate the five minute fill, the crazy upset guy, similar brackets, and going with the caulk. This is for the fan looking to take things to the next level (see Nate’s fantasy football system).

· Disclaimer #3: This system seeks to reward those, who actually make tough picks. I feel that it is unfair to reward someone for picking a #1 seed over a #16 the exact same way as someone, who picks the right #12/$5 upset. It doesn’t make sense. Seeing brackets are essentially a form of gambling they should be based on odds, right?

· Without further ado: The MooN NCAA Tourney Bracket System (copyright 2009)

· The system increasing the amount of points given per round as the teams advanced in the tourney like most systems

· 1^stx1, 2^ndx2, Sweet 16x3, Elite 8x4, Final 4x5, Championship x6

· Points are also given according to seed

· 1-2 start value= 1 point,3-4= 2 points, 5-7= 3 points, 8-10= 4 points, 11-14= 5 points, 15-16= 6 points

· Bonus 5 pts for each Elite 8 team, 10 pts per Final 4 team, 15 per Championship game team, 20 for winner

· Bonus 10 points available in each round for most games picked correctly

What do you think? I am completely open for suggestions on perfecting my system. I believe this system would greatly reduce the likely hood of losing to that guy, who asked you at the water cooler what a Zag was. It also rewards picking upsets correctly instead of going caulk, while not giving so many points that picking higher seeds is not reward. This would make strategy more important for example in a small pool it makes no sense to pick upsets when going with the 1 and 2 seeds will win 90% of the time. This system will also eliminate the likely hood of losing a bracket because of one pick made in the first or second round. I believe that people should be rewarded for picking one 5 seed in the final four correctly more than picking two 1 seeds. What’s harder to do? I bet your brother-in-law’s first wife wouldn’t know, but if you’re reading this you probably do.

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Name	Position	ESPN	Rivals	Scout	Under-Amour	Army	Early Enroll
Isiah Bell	S	81	3*	3*	X
William Campbell	DL	79	5*	5*		X	X
Vladimir Emilien	S	80	4*	3*			X
Tate Forcier	QB	81	4*	4*			X
Jeremy Gallon	WR	77	4*	3*		X
Brendan Gibbons	K	77	2*	3*		X
Cameron Gordan	WR	78	4*	3*
Thomas Gordan	S	77	3*	2*
Brandin Hawthorne	LB	78	3*	3*			X
Mike Jones	S	77	3*	3*			X
Teric Jones	RB	78	3*	3*
Anthony LaLota	DE	80	4*	4*		X	X
Talor Lewan	OL	80	4*	4*	X
Denard Robinson	ATH	81	4*	4*
Craig Roh	DE	83	4*	4*	X
Michael Schofield	OL	77	4*	4*
Vincent Smith	RB	77	3*	3*			X
Je'Ron Stokes	WR	82	4*	4*		X
Fitzgerald Toussaint	RB	79	4*	3*
J.T. Turner	DB	80	4*	5*		X
Quinton Washington	OL	82	4*	3*	X
Adrian Witty	DB	40	2*	2*

For RichRod’s first class in which he had more than two months of recruiting players, you have to be impressed. There is obviously great disparity in how these kids are ranked, probably more so than in year’s past: ESPN ranks Michigan’s class #14, while Rivals has them at #7 and Scout at #11. Those of you that think U-M was being out recruited by the Spartys, you are sorely mistaken. Chris Norman is the only kid that RichRod went hard after, and, quite frankly, the kid was born and raised a Spartan. U-M also got the best player in the state, Big Will Campbell. Trust me, there isn’t even a close second. This is big seeing as in the past two years USC has came in and snagged the best in the state see: Ronald Johnson and Nick Perry. RichRod also went down and pulled 8 recruits out of the state of Florida which should bring speed and athleticism to the program. These are skills that are certainly needed to run RichRod’s system, and were lacking as you can see by last year’s game play. Unfortunately, the Wolverines lost two solid DT recruit in Pearly Graves and DeQuinta Jones that were committed until signing day. The loss of these two players will certainly be felt as the program will be lacking depth at DL next year and LB in the near future. Despite those losses, U-M bounced back with two huge commits in QB Denard Robinson and WR Je’Ron Stokes that solidified other positions of need. Brian has keep you up to date on the past de-commits and recruits so I won’t dwell on losing recruits to Tulsa (yup you read that right, It says Tulsa. You know the Golden Hurricane? Yes, they have a football team). U-M did a great job of getting kids at the positions where they lost recruits to decommits. In most cases they actually got better players to replace them (see Bryce McNeal-Je’Ron Stokes). I’ll give you a quick summary of this year’s class from a little different perspective.

Isaiah Bell 6-2/205: He impressed at the Under-Amour game playing mostly LB. He played a lot of safety in high school, but I fully expect him to grow into a LB that fits into the 3-3-5, if Greg Robinson decides to run that. He would bring some quickness to the LB corps that they have been lacking, and brings good coverage skills for a LB. Some questioned his coverage skills as a safety and U-M has had problem in the past, see: every safety U-M’s had since 2000. Bell might see playing time as a true frosh on special teams.

Next Year Prediction: Redshirt

Career Prediction: Potential 2-year starter at LB. All-Big Ten.

William Campbell 6-5/315: A flat-out stud. Check out his film if you get the chance. He is a real man-child with potential to be a Top 10 NFL draft pick. He is able to play both ways, but I expect to see him on the DT, because it’s his best position and U-M needs him there. He must keep his weight down and not fall into the trap of laziness as some past U-M DT, and also needs to focus on his fundamentals, instead of relaying on his strength. He could be special, especially when paired next to Mike Martin. Expect immediate playing time, especially if we stick with the four man front.

Next Year: Significant PT, potential starter

Career: Potential All-American

Vlad Emilien 6-1/190: Probably the only player in this class who is a true safety. His commitment sort of came out of now where and he was injured for most of his senior year. I would expect him to redshirt, but given U-M’s past struggles at safety, early playing time is there for the taking. Hopefully, he won’t see the field this year and he gets the chance to develop, but I think he has great upside.

Next Year: Redshirt or back-up special teams depending on health

Career: 2 or 3–year starter at safety

Tate Forcier 6-0.5/183: The name should sound familiar as his brother Jason transfered out when Ryan Mallet rolling into town. It’s too bad because he would have been the starter last season. Tate graduated early and had a personal QB coach so he should be further along than most freshman. The kid has a good arm, accurate both in the pocket and on the run with decent speed. His skill-set fits RichRod’s system well and will battle Threet for early PT. I expect him to be starting by the time Big Ten games roll around if not sooner. Don’t expect too much, but he will be an upgrade over last year.

Next Year: Starter by default

Career: Depends on future QB recruiting

Jeremy Gallon 5-9/175: He turned heads at the Army All-American game practices. He played mostly QB out of the Wildcat formation in high school, which means it will take some time to get used to the slot. He is the perfect slot for the spread. The talent is there and he seems to just have that “IT” factor when the ball is in his hand. His PT next season will depend on Terrence Robinson’s health, but a red shirt is unlikely. He will bring added excitement on the return teams.

Next Year: PT at the slot, KR, PR

Career: Future starter in the slot, All-Big Ten potential

Brendan Gibbons 6-0/210: U-M offered after Anthony Fera decommitted. He was an Army All-American. I like his attitude and he has potential to punt as well.

Next Year: Starter for FG and KO

Career: Add punter that list. Possible All-Big Ten

Cameron Gordon 6-3/210: Gordon is a heck of an athlete, perhaps the best in the state of Michigan. He is from Inkster, which is also home to top 10’ QB Devin Gardner. Plays both outside WR and LB. U-M offered pretty late as there seems to some controversy as to where he will play. His upside seems to be at LB, but as of now he’s a wide out.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: Back WR, Possible starter at LB

Thomas Gordon 5-11/205: Teammate of Big Will and Teric Jones at Detroit Cass Tech where he played QB and S. He is known in the internet community as “Prison Abs,” because he is a work out fiend. He is fairly raw at this point and I would expect a redshirt, but should make an impact on ST with a decent upside at S.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: Back-up S, special teams contributor

Brandin Hawthorne 6-0/197: He is a teammate of Vincent Smith out of Pahokee, FL. Brian seems to really like this kid, and I can’t argue that he has potential. He seems a little skinny at this point and could use a year or two in Barwis’ program. He seems like a good fit at outside LB in RichRod’s system, but needs some more development. He is a hard worker, and I expect him to reach his potential whatever it may be.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 1 or 2-year starter at outside LB

Mike Jones 6-2.5/200: He is another kid out of FL, who enrolled early. Played safety in high school, but I expect a move to LB soon. Although he might play the tweaner, a chance is there is a move to the 3-3-5, similar to the rover used by John L. Smith a couple of year’s ago. He is obviously tall and skinny, and it’s a good thing he is there early to start his Barwisizing.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 2-year starter at rover

Teric Jones 5-10/194: He is really fast and has allegedly run a sub 4.4 forty. He is listed at RB, but has excellent pass catching abilities. Don’t be surprised if he moves to the slot. He is a workout buddy of Thomas Gordon, and I think he will make a good third-down back as well.

Next Year: Redshirt (but will contend for PT)

Career: Never a starter but a solid contributor at several spots

Anthony LaLota 6-5/260: He was originally listed as a five start recruit on some sites, which is surprising considering he has only played football for two plus years. He focused on hoops early on, and he is a heck of an athlete. He seems to have a really good head on his shoulders, and being at U-M early will certainly help him. He is listed as a DE, but I would suspect a move to DT with the lack of depth there. His best position is probably somewhere on the O-Line, but he seems adamant on playing defensive.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: One year starter at DT

Taylor Lewan 6-6.5/270: He has great upside although he might need a couple of years to develop. He is tall, quick, and fits into the system extremely well. He should be an anchor on the O-Line for years to come, probably at LT. I highly doubt he plays next year, as the depth seems to be pretty good there.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 3 or 4-year starter. All-Big Ten potential.

Denard Robinson 6-0/185: He and teammate Adrian Witty committed on signing day, although he was once thought to be a FL lock. He is fast, real fast. He really wants to play QB, and will get his shot. This kid isn’t Justin Feagin; he has much better potential. I think it will be hard for him to beat Forcier or Threet out this season, but I suspect that he will get playing time in certain packages. His future will be dependent on future QB recruiting as U-M will certainly get one and possibly two more in the 10’ class. A move to CB is certainly possible, and he projects well there too.

Next Year: PT at QB in some packages

Career: Pending, but will contribute

Craig Roh 6-5/225: He is a teammate of Taylor Lewan, and has family ties to the state. His stock rose after a strong Under-Amour week, where he was constantly around the ball because of his tremendous motor and quickness. I really wish they could find a way to redshirt him, but I am not sure if they will be able to keep him off the field. DE depth is solid but not great behind Graham. He will need to shore up his run stopping ability, but can get to the QB.

Next Year: PT especially in passing situations

Career: 3-year starter. All-Big Ten

Michael Schofield 6-6/270: He is another impressive physical talent. He played in the Hawaiian All-American game, where he was fairly impressive. He will need a year or too, and won’t be rushed into playing early because of the depth they have there. He will most likely be a tackle, but that situation is certainly fluid.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 2-year starter

Vincent Smith 5-8/165: He is a small guy, but a very hard worker. He is in tremendous shape. I wasn’t so sure about his game when he first committed as U-M has been recruiting a plethora of slots and scat backs. He’s been growing on me, and I could see him playing some this year. He will probably end up as a RB and a return man.

Next Year: Special teams demon and return guy

Career: He’ll get carries, but probably never be a starter

Je’Ron Stokes 6-0.5/178: He is a great late pickup and a perfect example of RichRod’s recruiting skills. Stokes games fits either the outside spot or the slot, which gives him ample opportunity for early PT. He has very good speed, which along with his versatility creates matchup problems that RichRod will certainly exploit. He younger brother is a junior dual-threat QB with U-M interest so keep an eye on him.

Next Year: PT at both WR spots

Career: I expect him start somewhere for 2-years. Potential All-Big Ten

Fitzgerald Toussaint 5-10/185: Besides having the coolest name in this class, he also has the best film. He is a pleasure to watch and has some crazy moves. I actually like his film better than McGuffie’s last year. He just doesn’t jump over people! He will play next year in my opinion, and could return kicks as well. I think he is underrated and will surprise some people.

Next Year: This year’s version of Shaw in terms of PT

Career: I don’t think he is the starter type but will get a lot of carries

J.T. Turner 6-2/185: Early commit out of Ohio (that isn’t easy by the way), whose stock rose over the year. He was debatable the top DB at the Army game. He can play either safety or corner. It will depend on the development of others, as I expect Warren and Cissoko to be the starters. He could be starting at one of the safety spots, and possibly slide to corner on passing downs with him on the outside and Cissoko covering the slot. Either way, he will see the field early and often and might be our best recruit.

Next Year: Starter or a lot of PT at DB

Career: 3-year starter. All-American

Quinton Washington 6-4/322: I think he has the most potential in this class behind Campbell and Turner. I would call him a sleeper as a 3* on Scout, but ESPN has him as U-M’s top recruit making for an unfair assessment. He has a chance to be in the two deep this year, but like the other O-Linemen a redshirt would be ideal. He is the most physically ready of the three to play early, expect a major impact.

Next Year: Backup and will see some time

Career: 3-year starter if he doesn’t redshirt. All-Big Ten and possibly All-American potential

Adrian Witty 6-1/185: I can’t really give a fair analysis of him. U-M didn’t just offer him because of his connection with Denard Robinson though. They would have taken him even without a Robinson commit. He is fairly athletic and can play receiver as well. My guess is they will try him in at DB, as it is a more pressing need.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: Special Teamer, depth

Overall, this class is a definite top ten with top stud recruits in Campbell and Turner and two QB’s, which was the programs biggest need. U-M also has several players on the O-Line that could become multiple year starters. They also brought in several players that are much better fits on offense for what RichRod is trying to do, as well as some great athletes on the defensive side of the ball. U-M’s class varies in ranking by the services quite a bit (although MSU has about 20 spots difference depending on where you look). It’s probably not as high as Rivals ranks them and not as low as Scout does. These recruiting services have there own agendas in mind when ranking these kids and classes (I will post on that some day). What is important is that you fill your team’s need with quality players. Even if the class is lower ranked, filling needs makes the class more valuable to the school. I am extremely happy with this class especially considering the 3-9 season and the negative recruiting surrounding the RichRod and the program. For those that took shots at the program last year, you might be eating your words in the very near future (paging Mark Dantonio…..)

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Last night, I was privileged enough to attend the first major NBA contest that I have been since the Pistons vs. Lakers in Kobe’s rookie year and Shaq’s first year with the Laker show, 1996-1997. The Pistons weren’t every good, but were led by GHill, who was probably my favorite player at the time - so in my opinion it was a big deal. I am planning on doing this blog in bullet form and hope to make each one a sentence or two, but you're not allowed to hold me to that. The strategy here is to give you insight as to the actual event rather than a play-by-play synopsis of the game.

• I’m really not one to complain about drivers, but I am extremely thankful that I live in a community that at least respects other people on the road. I’ll leave that one at that.
• For those of you that are unaware, the Palace is celebrating its 20^th year of existence. The Palace remains an excellent venue and still one of the nicest in the NBA even though it is 20 years old. That’s pretty amazing and certainly a venue that was far ahead of its time 20 years ago.
• Rip hits a banker at the end of the first to give the Pistons a whooping 16 pts... to finish the quarter. Good start guys!
• Side Note: Those Rip It energy drinks, the cheap ones with way too much sugar, are all over the place on the east side of the state with two different lines of drinks. Well, they still taste like crap. Anyone see a connection….
• Stuckey’s dunk over KG was absolutely filthy. It was one of those plays where I just thought he’d go for the lay-in or a one-hander, but he thru it down with two hands and hard. More on this guy later.
• My name is KIIIIIIIIIIIIIID. Kid Rock! Detroit’s own K-I-D was honored with a banner at the Palace during the first half in recognition of his 18 sellouts. That’s pretty dang impressive considering Devil Without a Cause came out in 1998. That’s a lot of concerts - let alone sellouts. The Kid goes up to the rafters next to the likes of Bon Jovi, Alan Jackson, and well this guy. The Kid was there, didn’t leave until there was under a minute left. (more than I can say for most of the crowd), and walked around without security, but with some guy on crutches. Kid Rock is a really cross over star, who seems to be able to chill with anybody at any level, and the fact that he rocks tight white-tees in public is pretty legit. The guy however looks like he is permanently hung over. Congrats Kid!
• Sheed really likes Sam Cassell. They talked the whole time during second half shoot around. Several joined in on the convo as well. Seems like Sam was a pretty cool guy, who was rocking a sweet green cord suit coat.
• It was also a real treat to watch Ray Allen shoot around. The man’s stroke is so pure. I can certainly see why the players voted him as the best pure shooter they have ever seen in SI recently. Textbook. Especially when shooting next to Tony Allen.
• Curry really shortened the bench in the second half only playing 7 guys by my count. He wanted this one in the worse way.
• The fireworks and the game was really decided on Kendrick (I’m always just woke up from a nap or am stoned) Perkins close-lined slash head-locked Jason Maxiell. Max was promptly teed-up for the push, but the refs had to go to the monitor to check and see if that was a flagrant. Max missed both throws, but Ray Allen hit his. First of all, the officiating in the NBA is piss poor. You could see this developing as the Celts where getting away with some hard fouls. They would wrap guys up on the way to the hoop instead of actually trying to play D. It reminded me of watching old guys in rec league foul every time they get beat off the dribble. The refs let this happen and you get fouls like this as a result. Second, why would you have to look at the monitor to tell that it was a flagrant? I was twenty five feet away and it was obvious beyond a shadow of a doubt and thus, in my opinion, justifying Max’s reaction.
• KG promptly plays thug and acting like a you know what. I was hoping that Max was going to take his head off, because after reading this article, I think many around the league would want him too and the crowd certainly did. Sorry, you need insider to read it, but it’s in the Mag as well.
• The crowd was another story. The guys behind me kept saying things such as, “do you know where you are?” or “This isn’t Boston boys!” This could have easily escalated into a Malice Part Deux if the refs didn’t get in between the fight immediately, and the cops were at full alert. It was a perfect storm of atmosphere in the building. Arrogant champions vs. under achieving team that is frustrated with each other. The city of Detroit has a little built up frustration too from what I have heard.
• Paul Pierce and some fan from the “Haymaker” section were really going at it. The guy looked surprising like this guy. It went right through a time out and the free throws. I would say it took two or three minutes. The kid was relentless on Pierce and was seemingly pretty inappropriate. It was way too loud in there to see what he was saying, but Pierce seemed to be playing along with it. Security eventually went over and talked to the kid for a couple of minutes and Pierce went on to talk trash with some other guys a little closer to him. The kid was arguing with security like Pierce had started it, but he eventually went back to his seat.
• I was watching a Mavs game this past week and Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, the guy who did this, had a pretty good conversation going about 6^th man. Then Jackson says something about the Pistons should bring Stuckey off the bench and Van Gundy agrees, because AI and Rip have to adjust. Hello? Have you watched Stuckey play this year? Yup, the Pistons traded Billups, because Stuckey was ready, remember? And by ready that means to start and play major minutes, not come off the bench. They were in attendance last night and I hope they changed their tune.
• Stuckey is our best player. This is his team and Curry needs to coach like it. Stuckey scores four consecutive points in the third and then gets pulled for Rip. Stuckey doesn’t get another shot until there’s under a minute left. That can’t happen. Curry needs to call plays for him.
• I think the Pistons didn’t hit a shot from outside the paint in the second half until there was about two minutes left and they were still in the game against the best team in the East. Don’t tell me they can’t contend this year. That’s an excuse.
• Rip is being babied. Big time. Two things that related to this. Curry runs a play for him almost every other time down if not more. I don’t know if he’s trying to make him happy since he’s coming off the bench, after he said he wouldn’t remember, or he thinks he’s that good. This is causes AI and Stuckey to get fewer shots, which is not a good thing. Does anyone notice that we were playing better when Rip was out? It isn’t because Rip is bad; it’s that he takes shots away from our two best players. Rip isn’t what he used to be. The guy is slightly above average for an NBA shooting guard with limited range. He isn’t a strong defender or passer and isn’t a threat to take it to the hoop. Maybe the groin is still bugging him, but he is a completely one dimensional mid-range shooter. I think Curry needs to stop trying to make friends and just coach. That’s the whole reason he didn’t move Rip to the bench in the first place. Ps Bill Laimbeer would have been a much better coach for this team.
• We can’t play Rip, AI, and Stuckey together against a team like Boston when Pierce is in. Rip cannot guard a player as strong a Pierce.
• We really need an identity and determine how we want to play. I don’t understand why they run a small line-up with three guards and don’t push the ball. Stuckey and AI are at their best in the open court and it seems like we try and slow the pace down to play half-court ball. You’re basically taking away the strength of playing three small quick players without making the other team do anything. This is coaching and isn’t smart. I also don’t understand why you would try to play half court ball against one of the best defensives in the NBA.
• Max and McDyess rebounded like beasts, but Sheed seems to kill us on the boards late in games. He needs to put his butt on somebody. We gave up two killer offensive boards in the last two or three minutes again.
• Prince was really out of it last night - had zero intensity and probably one of the reasons we played the three guards so much. We really need Tay seeing that he really has no backup, and we have no one else that can guard Pierce.
• Overall, I wasn’t impressed with Boston either. They act as if they are entitled to win. They will need to turn it up to beat the Cavs this year.
• I’m sick of hearing about the AI trade and that this is a rebuilding year. This is a good team and should contend for an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. I really think it's Curry that is holding them back. He appears to be in over his head. He was out coached pretty badly by freaking Doc Rivers last night. Maybe Joe should just coach the team, because I just don’t see this Curry thing working out.

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If this is what happens when I don’t post for a month, maybe I should consider doing it (or lack of doing it) more often! Seeing that the cool thing to do, is dedicate oneself to posting one day a week, maybe I should do the same. If my calculations are correct, that would give the masses what they have been clamoring for, and provide a little help to make it through your work week (aka a post a day).

We have a new look! You got to love Nate’s dedication to making constant improvements to this site. It seems as if the site's appearance is changing faster than Ashlee Simpson’s. The masses must also be McLovin the new URL, as well. For those of us that don't bookmark this site and for some reason still enter the URL manually, you were treated to this fantastically awesome blog when we forgot to double the S (ie Sport Spice not SportS Spice). I was not sure how to take this news when I came upon it. But soon it became obvious that Nate has a fascination with this young lady, who is a member of this group of fine young ladies. Hence the dedication of his blog to Sporty Spice, aka Mel C. Now if your wondering how I knew this Spice Girls information let alone their Spice names, it took awhile to piece this thesis together, but my love for the Herb Ladies is also becoming extremely evident, so I’ll move on to my actual topic.

I’m going with the obvious one here: The Super Bowl. I tossed around a blog idea on my love for Australian Open tennis, but trying to stay awake and watch the 3:30 matches has really gone to my head and thus affected my creativity with the subject matter. I really can’t bring myself to talk baseball until I at least see the sun for over 5% of the day (no offense to those that can). And quite frankly, no one wants to hear my rumblings on the Pistons , not yet anyway. So I decided to mail it in, paging newspapers writers that ask themselves questions and then promptly answer them in their own articles; you know who you are Brian VanOchten.

So here we are less than less than 72 hours (and ticking) away from the biggest advertising day of the year and biggest one day gamble-a-thon known to man. Where the over one billion people of all races, creeds, and colors will be subject to blatant commercialism, while placing a bet on what color boxers Ben Roethlisberger is wearing, and love it! I know I do. I’m hoping for a commercial involving Chuck Norris, a Clydesdale, and the girls from a Double Shot of Love. I have the copyright to that idea too; you know who you are Dane Cook. There is an actual game to be played involved with the whole trying to sell of us stuff process, and for Lions fans another reason to wallow in our self-pity. The FREAKING ARIZONA CARDINALS are in the SUPER BOWL! Note the caps. That might be the dumbest thing I have ever heard. A team, that moved from Chicago and St. Louis, two of the best sports cities in the U.S., to a state that doesn’t actually have anyone born there, is in the Super Bowl. A team, that is owned by someone less competent than William Clay Ford, is in the Super Bowl. A team, that abides by Matt Millan’s draft guide, is in the Super Bowl. A team, that has a quarterback who should be the Lion’s quarterback in Mike Martz had his way, is in the Super Bowl. A team, that had been without a title game appearance longer than the Lions, is in the Super Bowl. A team, that plays in the worst division in football, is in the Super Bowl, A team, that fail to live up to expectations, is in the Super Bowl. Not only are the Cardinals in the Super Bowl, but that have a chance to beat what is possible the most dominant franchise in NFL history, on their way to redemption. The table is set for one team’s Cinderella story and the Lion’s Nightmare of Elm Street.

The actual game is the typical match-up involving a high octane offense vs. the unbreakable defense. I actually like both of these teams, which make the game a little less fun because I have no one to root against (see Duke, New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers, etc.). While I have no rooting interest in the game itself, the half-time show is another story. I’ll be a happy man if Brue Springsteen can save us from spewing his typical political jargon.

The Cards D is the real reason for their turn around and the fact that I can no longer benefit from Larry Fitzgerald’s fantasy points (see Bill Simmons fantasy league). I would win that thing in a landslide, by the way. The Steelers are a Dennis Green to a T. Oh, the irony.

I’m not one to pick games, because A) I suck at it and B) If I got good, I would end up losing money on it. The Cards are the obvious underdog, but yet the trendy pick, especially with the points. The only way I see them winning this game is if they get up by two scores early and hang on for dear life. If it’s a close game all the way through, I just don’t think any team is capable of beating the Steelers at their own game (except that team that has the one guy that shot himself on it). The Cards won’t be able to run the ball without the lead. The story will really be if the Steelers can stop Fitzy early on, and if they do I think they win the game.

After all that, I’ll go against my prediction and say the Cards go up early leading 14-3 at the end of one and 17-10 at half. Roethlisberger then leads the Steelers to two 3^rd Quarter touchdowns and the lead 24-20 at the end of three. Parker gets a big TD run in the fourth essentially ending the game, before a late score by Steve Breaston on a slant followed by a failed onside kick attempt. Put It in Stone Final Score: 31-27 Steelers with the win and the Cards with the cover. This result will cause Lions fans around the world to breathe a little bit easier for at least the next six months.

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According the mlive.com, the Detroit Tigers have made their boldest off season move yet by signing Matt Treanor. This appears to be Dave Dombrowski’s greatest effort to fill Copa (The House that Jones Built) in 2009. After last year’s hot stove league surprises which brought the Tigers Renteria, Willis, and Cabrera action was needed to put fannies in the seats for 2009. The lagging season tickets sales are a result of a lack of optimism from the fans is no surprise. The team still has not filled its greatest need. Basically, “crooked hat” is still our “designated guy we put out there to blow saves,” and Brandon Inge is still allowed to bat.

DD needed to take the bull by the horns and that is exactly what he did. There’s no need for a closer when you can have Matt Treanor on your team. Now Treanor is probably a solid backup catcher. He isn’t expected to put up .275, 10, 50 type numbers after all the guy was released by the Marlins so they could put a Rule 5er on their roster. He just needs to handle the pitching staff and be a disciplined hitter. Why is this such a great move? I am not here to give you the analysis of the baseball aspect of the signing ( I will leave that to Nate), but rather show you the real reason or this real reason the move was made.

The celebrity couple that I will dub Tristy (I am taking the copyright on this one). For those that do not know or willing to check out my hyperlinks, Matt Treanor is married to beach volleyball superstar Misty May (May-Treanor). Misty is an accomplished athlete, who has won countless tournaments and two Olympic gold medals with her partner, Kerri Walsh. Typically, this wouldn’t be a big deal seeing that May season coincides with her husbands and she typically would make very few games. However, Walsh is pregnant and is due this spring. This means we should see a lot more of May around the D and Copa (The House that Fick Built) in 2009. I expected a similar reaction to the one that took place last off season. Season ticket sales should go through the non-existent roof. The 3 million fan mark of last year will be shattered by at least 500,000. All this for an expected one year $750,000 contract, what a bargain! Those extra revenue driving fans will bring millions of dollars in disposable income into Copa at a very low cost. The extra money can then be used in the future to sign a third baseman or shortstop, who can actually hit, and bullpen help. Who needs to win now? Just fill the seats baby! The wins will come. This move to bring in Tristy just further proves the genius that is Dave Dombrowski.

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After constant harassment from my fellow Put in Stoners (has a nice ring to it, eh?). I have finally decided to get off my lazy behind and add a post. The truth is that since Elliot has finally gotten around to it I was feeling somewhat embarrassed by my lack of participation. While I refuse to make excuse as to why it took my so long to make that post everyone has been eagerly anticipating, the main problem was trying to find that perfect topic to make my debut with. I didn't want to make my presence known by quietly going about my business. No, I want to make the big bang. I wanted to be like Chris Jericho interrupting the Rock on Monday Might Raw in 1999. My presence needed to be known by the best of the best, you see. I tossed around several ideas that started with Rob Parker letting his racism shine though by accusing a college kid of a felony without any hard evidence. I thought this would have truly let my brilliance shine through. The thing is Rob Parker gives us at least one reason every time he's on First and 10, and honestly making up stories isn't anything outside of the norm for the Detroit sports media. There were several other ideas being tossed around in this fantastic head of mine and when I had settled on the genius that is MSU wide receivers that look like aliens (see Plaxico "Cheddar Bob" Burress) someone else beats me to the punch. And then suddenly while driving to class today it hit me. And I bet you really want to know what it is....

Cuthery!

Cuthery is right up there with Benifer, Brangelina, and Spidey. Well, in case you hadn't heard, Sean Avery made some remarks about his ex, the mega-hottie Elisha Cuthbert. First, let's set the context.

Cuthbert is dating Dion Phaneuf, defensemen for the Calgary Flames. In fact, Phaneuf is a beast. The only defensemen in the NHL who rival him at this point, are Nic Lidstrom and Chris Pronger. Anyway, Cuthbert has what you would call a past of dating hockey players. Basically, Cuthbert is the Alyssa Milano of the NHL. Sean Avery is just a above average NHLer who just really wants to be famous more than he wants to play hockey. He actually got his start with the Wings back in the day and was a solid player. Eventually, Avery was traded for Matty Scheneider in 2004. In addition, Avery was what you would call and agitator on the ice and had some decent skills. Avery makes some money and some celeb friends in LA and is then traded to the Rangers in 2007. He goes on to intern at Vogue and work his way out of the hockey dime light and into the limelight. Apparently, his lack of dedication to the game led him to sign with the Dallas Stars in the off season on a 4-year 15.5 milllllllllion dollar contract. Let's put it this way, if Avery had an offer in any city of significance in the limelight world (LA or NY), he would have taken it. No one wanted him because at this point everyone in hockey except Brett Hull knew what Avery's real intentions are. This brings us to the comments. Avery calls Cuthbert his, "sloppy seconds," before a game against Calgary to piss off his opponents most notably Phaneuf, which is basically Avery's game on the ice. Draw some penalties, score a goal here or there, and get in fights. Apparently, Gary Bettman did not take too kindly to this and suspends Avery for 6 games, which in and of itself is stupid. Listen the guy calls his ex, "sloppy seconds." That's it. Yes, it is disrespect full to Cuthbert, but since when did Bettman and the media become Dr. Phil? It is not like Avery swore. Our society allows certain words to be said on radio airways and the FCC lets cable go uncensored after 1 AM on the weekends. Yet, everyone seems to be defending the league for the suspension. This is dumb because if he would have played against Calgary, people would have actually watched an NHL game outside of Canada and the D, but that’s another story completely.
And don't give me that it was disrespectful to women crap. I agree that it was disrespectful, but our society accepts an industry like pornography. In addition, advertising uses sex to sell, especially during sporting events. As a result, sporting leagues and teams have absolutely no right to censor the viewing audience's "delicate, virgin ears," because they are already profiting from risque material.
Sunday night, Avery, who served his 6 game suspension, would have been eligible to play. But, Brett Hull had other ideas; he's not playing for the Stars ever again. Hull is thanking his lucky stars, pun intended, that he is getting out a terrible contract with his former teammate. That's what this really is about. Hull found out what everyone else in the NHL knew: that Avery did not care about hockey as much as he did about his celebrity. But, what really yanks me is the media acting like the Stars are setting some new moral standard for the sports. Give it a break. Avery does not do drugs from what we know. He doesn't hurt people physically. He just doesn't put his job number one on his list. Is that a crime? Most of us are the same way. Isn't it Hull's fault for signing the guy? Doesn't anyone have a problem with someone getting the scarlet letter for saying, "sloppy seconds," when this guy is allowed to play again.
Sean Avery isn't a bad guy. Ask Chris Chelios. He was on a local sports talk show promoting his appearance with a our local minor league team and talked about when he and Avery played in Flint during the lockout, and how the two of them paid for all their teammates to go out. What a jerk that Sean Avery is! He merely made a comment about a woman that he shouldn't have. But you know what? Avery was paid to be an agitator on ice, but when he does it off ice that's not allowed. The NHL, the media, and Brett Hull are an absolute joke for playing the moral high road card in this situation. Did anyone suspend Darren McCarty for his problems, which are mostly reprehensible and illegal? Nope, he just could not get signed because he sucked on ice. No one wrote stories about what a jerk McCarty was. He only gets praised when he came back (God bless him for it). My point is when guys in the NHL have problems behind closed doors but the produce no one says anything. Yet, when they say things publicly, like Avery, the media and the NHL enforce a moral high ground theory. Isn't the moral high road suspending the guys who do have off the ice problems too? Everyone knew about McCarty's problems but no one did a thing until his game suffered because he was such a "nice guy." Avery's game was suffering. Not to mention, he's a jerk, so it became convenient for the Stars to part ways with him. That's not the moral high road. They should not be praised and the media has no right to point fingers at this guy when they make money off the very same thing Avery represents, if not worse. Avery's punishment does not fit the crime, or even come close to it, in this case. So pull the wool off your eyes and see what's really going on here before you decide to judge the man.

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