SB Nation Detroit: All Posts by Brandon Klinehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48919/detroit-fave.png2013-01-01T10:24:39-05:00https://detroit.sbnation.com/authors/brandon-kline/rss2013-01-01T10:24:39-05:002013-01-01T10:24:39-05:00Lions sign Carmen Messina, Conroy Black
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<p>The Detroit Lions re-signed two defensive players from their practice squad on Monday.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> have wasted no time in preparing for next season, signing linebacker <span>Carmen Messina</span> and cornerback <span>Conroy Black</span>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/davebirkett/status/285927607571193857">according to Dave Birkett</a>. Both players served on the Lions' practice squad in 2012.</p>
<p>Fans may remember Messina from his strong performance in August. The undrafted rookie was very impressive in several preseason games. Messina came out of nowhere and almost earned a roster spot, but the Lions' surplus of linebackers made it difficult to justify a spot for him on the roster. Still, the fact that Detroit is bringing Messina back indicates that the team will likely be giving the young linebacker another look in 2013. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2012/6/3/3061117/carmen-messina-scouting-report-lions-undrafted-free-agents">Here's a scouting report of Messina, compiled on Pride of Detroit.</a></p>
<p>Black also spent most of the year on Detroit's practice squad, but didn't join the Lions <a target="_blank" href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2012/9/18/3353266/lions-practice-squad-conroy-black-stephfon-green">until Sept. 18</a>. The speedy corner was originally signed by Oakland, but the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> dropped Black after two preseason games. Black reportedly ran a 4.3 40-yard dash and had four interceptions for Utah during his senior season in 2011.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/lions/2013/1/1/3824328/detroit-lions-carmen-messina-conroy-blackBrandon Kline2013-01-01T09:51:55-05:002013-01-01T09:51:55-05:00Buster Olney: Tigers have best rotation in MLB
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<p>The Tigers got to the World Series last year thanks, in part, to their excellent starting rotation. Buster Olney at ESPN thinks that Detroit's pitching will only improve in 2013.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog/_/name/olney_buster/id/8795627/detroit-tigers-washington-nationals-two-10-best-starting-rotations-mlb">Buster Olney recently ranked</a> the best starting rotations entering the 2013 season, and the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> finished at the top of his list. Currently the starting rotation is projected as: <span>Justin Verlander</span>, <span>Max Scherzer</span>, <span>Doug Fister</span>, <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> and <span>Rick Porcello</span>. But Olney suspects that Porcello could still be traded, in which case <span>Drew Smyly</span> would fill in.</p>
<p>In addition, Olney believes that the combination of adding <span>Torii Hunter</span> and removing <span>Delmon Young</span> and <span>Brennan Boesch</span> will improve the team's defense. This would benefit all Detroit pitchers.</p>
<p>Personnel-wise, the Tigers' rotation won't look any different than it did at the end of 2012, but Olney expects the improvement of Max Scherzer and a full season with Anibal Sanchez will make the difference. Scherzer had a rough start to his 2012 campaign, but showed encouraging signs of improvement in August, September, and October.</p>
<p>Right behind Detroit on Olney's list was the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Nationals</a>' staff, which includes <span>Stephen Strasburg</span>, <span>Gio Gonzalez</span>, <span>Jordan Zimmermann</span>, <span>Ross Detwiler</span>, and the newly acquired <span>Dan Haren</span>. Last season, the <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Rays</a> had the lowest team ERA in baseball, but they traded away <span>James Shields</span> in the offseason. Olney ranks Tampa Bay sixth.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/tigers/2013/1/1/3824248/detroit-tigers-rotation-mlb-2013Brandon Kline2013-01-01T08:44:08-05:002013-01-01T08:44:08-05:00Pistons look to stay hot vs. Kings
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Pistons are attempting to salvage their season after a poor start. Charlie Villanueva's strong play of late has helped Detroit during its recent winning streak.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> will go for a fifth win in six games when they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a> on Tuesday night. For the Kings, this contest kicks off a four-game road trip. Sacramento is a woeful 1-12 on the road this season. The Pistons, meanwhile, have won three straight games at The Palace.</p>
<p>Detroit is coming off big victories over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a>. Sacramento has also notched two consecutive wins over formidable opponents, having defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a>.</p>
<p>Part of Detroit's recent success can be attributed to the reemergence of <span>Charlie Villanueva</span>. The veteran power forward had averaged just 6.8 points in his first 19 games, but Villanueva has scored 15.5 points per game in his last four contests</p>
<p>In November, the Pistons lost in Sacramento, 105-103. But the difference between the Kings' home and away performances is staggering. Sacramento averages nearly 10 fewer points per game when on the road.</p>
<p><b>Date/Time</b>: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 7:30 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>TV</b>: FSD</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/pistons/2013/1/1/3824132/detroit-pistons-sacramento-kings-previewBrandon Kline2012-12-18T10:43:21-05:002012-12-18T10:43:21-05:00Michigan State vs. Bowling Green Preview
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<p>The young Spartans have struggled away from home this season, going just 1-2 in games outside of East Lansing.</p> <p>The Michigan State Spartans will attempt a fifth-consecutive victory when they visit the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/bowling-green-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Bowling Green Falcons</a> on Tuesday night. Although the Spartans (9-2) haven't lost in roughly three weeks, all of their struggles this year have come on the road. Aside from an impressive victory over Kansas in Atlanta, Michigan State has fallen to UConn and Miami (FL) in its other two away contests.</p>
<p>But Bowling Green does not seem as threatening as UConn or Miami. The Falcons have notched just two winning seasons in the last decade and have not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 1968. Nonetheless, Bowling Green is not to be completely overlooked. The Falcons are 4-1 at home this year, and their defense has looked great recently. In their last two games, the Falcons have held opponents to 41 and 42 points.</p>
<p>Still, Michigan State appears capable of mounting a formidable offensive attack. Most recently, the Spartans put up 92 points against Tuskegee. The Michigan State offense is led by junior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123904/keith-appling" class="sbn-auto-link">Keith Appling</a>, who averages 15.5 points and 4.4 assists per game.</p>
<p><b>Time</b>: 7 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>TV</b>: ESPNU</p>
<p><b>Radio</b>: Spartan Sports Network</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-basketball/2012/12/18/3780180/michigan-state-bowling-green-basketball-2012Brandon Kline2012-12-18T09:39:39-05:002012-12-18T09:39:39-05:00Sanchez chose Detroit over more money
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>Anibal Sanchez could have signed with another team for more money, but the pitcher opted to stay in Detroit.</p> <p>Before signing a five-year, $80 million deal with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a>, <span>Anibal Sanchez</span> reportedly received an offer worth more money from an unnamed team, <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20121217/SPORTS02/121217059/1050/sports02?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreepDetroitTigers+%28freep.com+%7C+Detroit+Tigers%29" target="_blank">according to the Detroit Free Press</a>. The veteran starting pitcher and his agent, Gene Mato, apparently considered a larger offer during the winter meetings. The two also weighed a five-year offer from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> that was worth $75 million. But Sanchez ultimately decided that he did not want to make a decision purely based on money.</p>
<p>Still, Sanchez's average yearly salary over the next five years, $16 million, is double what he made in 2012. Last season, the right-hander was traded from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Miami Marlins</a> to Detroit in late July. Sanchez, 28, finished with a combined ERA of 3.86. In the postseason, Sanchez was especially clutch for Detroit. He delivered a quality start in all three of his playoff outings and had a 1.77 ERA, although the Tigers ended up losing two of those games.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/tigers/2012/12/18/3779940/anibal-sanchez-detroit-tigersBrandon Kline2012-12-11T11:56:35-05:002012-12-11T11:56:35-05:00Danny Cleary hoping for Jan. 1 start to NHL season
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<p>Danny Cleary believes that the NHL season can still be salvaged, but concede that the sides still have a ways to go.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/">Detroit Red Wings</a>' forward <span>Danny Cleary</span> remains somewhat optimistic that there will be an NHL season beginning in January. "Let's hope for a Jan. 1 start,'' the veteran right winger <a href="http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2012/12/nhl_cancels_all_games_through_1.html" target="_blank">said on Monday</a>. He and many Detroit teammates have been practicing several times a week at the Troy Sports Center. If a deal were reached, he and his teammates would immediately ramp up the intensity of their training.</p>
<p>More specifically, Cleary spoke positively about negotiations. "I feel we've made good strides,'' <a href="http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2012/12/nhl_cancels_all_games_through_1.html" target="_blank">Cleary said</a>. "When you agree on money, that's a big stride." Still, the two sides cannot seem to agree on a maximum length for player contracts. The league has proposed a five-year contract limit, but would allow teams to resign players for up to seven years. Players, however, have not offered anything less than an eight-year limit.</p>
<p>While many players are hoping for a Jan. 1 start, they have said that Jan. 15 is the absolute latest that they envision the season starting. If the two sides cannot agree to a deal before then, the season will likely be lost.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/red-wings/2012/12/11/3754838/nhl-lockout-2012-detroit-red-wings-danny-clearyBrandon Kline2012-12-11T10:06:20-05:002012-12-11T10:06:20-05:00Michigan goes for 10th consecutive victory
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In their only previous meeting, Michigan defeated Binghamton, 59-46, in 2004.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/michigan-wolverines" class="sbn-auto-link">Michigan Wolverines</a> will go for their 10th consecutive victory when they host the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/binghamton-bearcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Binghamton Bearcats</a> on Tuesday night. At 9-0, the No. 3 Wolverines are off to their best start since 1988, when they began the season at 11-0 and eventually went on to win the NCAA Championship.</p>
<p>Michigan has gone fairly untested so far this season, with just one win over a ranked opponent (then-No. 18 N.C. State). In nine games the Wolverines have won by an average margin of 19.9 points. They are led by a trio of guards, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke" class="sbn-auto-link">Trey Burke</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123897/tim-hardaway-jr" class="sbn-auto-link">Tim Hardaway Jr</a>., and Nik Stauskas. The three combine for 46 points per game.</p>
<p>Binghamton seems like an unlikely candidate for an upset. The Bearcats are just 2-8 this season, and they have lost four games in a row. Since joining Division I in 2001, Binghamton is 0-8 against Top 25 opponents. Still, Binghamton's 2-8 start has to be seen as an improvement over last year's 0-26 start. Last season, the Bearcats didn't earn their second victory until March 1. One of Binghamton's bright spots has been freshman guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/178647/jordan-reed" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Reed</a>, who leads the team with 18.3 points and 10 rebounds per game.</p>
<p><b>Binghamton at Michigan</b></p>
<p><b>Time</b>: 7 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>TV</b>: Big Ten Network</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-basketball/2012/12/11/3754400/michigan-binghamton-basketball-2012Brandon Kline2012-12-04T10:02:27-05:002012-12-04T10:02:27-05:00Alex Avila, Victor Martinez won't play in 2013 WBC
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<figcaption>Kevork Djansezian</figcaption>
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<p>Victor Martinez competed with Venezuela in the 2006 WBC, but will not be allowed to do the same in 2013.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> have asked <span>Alex Avila</span> and <span>Victor Martinez</span> to skip the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Neither player met the request with much resistance, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121203/SPORTS0104/212030430/1129/rss15">Tony Paul of the Detroit News</a>.</p>
<p>Avila struggled with several nagging injuries in 2012, appearing in only 116 games. The catcher's production was also disappointing, as he hit just .243 with nine home runs. Many were expecting a strong followup performance to his impressive 2011 campaign in which Avila slugged 19 homers and hit .295 in 141 games. Curiously, Avila - who was born in Florida - was claimed by team Spain.</p>
<p>Victor Martinez, the catcher turned first baseman turned designated hitter, missed all of the 2012 season with a knee injury that required surgery. He is expected to be ready for spring training, but the WBC would place extra strain on Martinez. The DH is entering the third year of a four-year, $50 contract, and the Tigers are not taking any chances with Martinez's health.</p>
<p>Tigers' slugger <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> is expected to compete with Venezuela, though official rosters will not be announced until January.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/tigers/2012/12/4/3726392/world-baseball-classic-2013-alex-avila-victor-martinezBrandon Kline2012-12-04T09:22:39-05:002012-12-04T09:22:39-05:00Michigan DL Nathan Brink to forgo 5th year
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan celebrated Nathan Brink's college career on Monday night at the team's postseason banquet.</p> <p>Michigan defensive lineman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76881/nathan-brink" class="sbn-auto-link">Nathan Brink</a> will not return for a fifth season with the Wolverines. Coach Brady Hoke made the announcement on Monday at the team's postseason banquet. Brink's decision was strongly influenced by injury struggles this season, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Mark__Snyder/status/275762887946039297" style="background-color: #ffffff;">according to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press</a>.</p>
<p>Brink missed Michigan's final eight games after suffering an undisclosed injury at a practice some time in late September. The Michigan native served as a backup defensive tackle, playing in four games this season. He is not expected to play against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. Last season Brink appeared in 11 games for the Wolverines. Brink finishes his career with three tackles.</p>
<p>Brink walked on as a freshman, and earned a scholarship this season. He is expected to graduate in the spring with a degree in sociology. The news of Brink's departure was expected, as the defensive lineman participated in Michigan's Senior Day festivities last month.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-football/2012/12/4/3726266/nathan-brink-injury-michigan-footballBrandon Kline2012-11-27T11:53:31-05:002012-11-27T11:53:31-05:00NFL keeps Lions/Packers on Sunday night in Week 14
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<figcaption>Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Lions and Packers will each appear on national television five times during the regular season.</p> <p>The NFL will keep the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> in primetime when they take on the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> in Week 14 (Dec. 9). The NFC North showdown could have been flexed out of Sunday Night Football, but <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ttwentyman/status/273166216309374976">the league has elected to keep the matchup on national television</a>.</p>
<p>Although the Lions are just 4-7 this season, they have kept games close. Five of their seven losses were by seven or fewer points, and their worst defeat was by only 10 points. In addition, their star players like <span>Calvin Johnson</span> and <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> will help attract a large audience.</p>
<p>Week 14 will be Detroit's fourth time on national television this season; they have lost their first three games in primetime. The Lions are also scheduled to appear on ESPN on Sat. Dec. 22 against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a>.</p>
<p>The game won't just be about a division rivalry or history, as the Packers will be fighting for a playoff spot. Green Bay currently has a one-game lead for the first NFC wild-card spot. They also trail the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a> by one game in the NFC North.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/lions/2012/11/27/3697554/nfl-week-14-schedule-lions-packersBrandon Kline