DETROIT SPORTS OF MIND

It may sound like I'm the guy who gets the downloaded message tardily in those phone commercials currently airing on television, but I need to vent about what has recently transpired in the sports world of Detroit.

PISTONS

First of all, who is Lawrence Frank? Oh yes, he's the guy that was last seen leading, or misleading New Jersey to an 0-16 record before the Nets inevitably fired him.

I don't know what kind of "brotherly rivalry" that was forged between the players of the 'Bad Boys' era, but clearly Joe Dumars is set and content with one-upping or competing with his former teammates, because there is NO reason Isiah Thomas or Bill Laimbeer shouldn't be coaching the home town!

A marriage between the lowly, cellar dwelling Pistons, and one of their heroes of yesteryear as their coach is just the thing that would breathe life and revive the city as a whole with anticipation and optimism.

LIONS

Unfortunately, the injuries sustained to top draft rookies Nick Fairley (DT) and Mikel Leshoure don't come as a surprise.

Not to say the Lions organization is "snake-bitten", but when it comes to bad breaks for the Lions, I've become numb to bad news.

We all know the chronic issues of injury concerning Matt Stafford, now Fairley has broken his foot and Leshoure tore his ACL.

Fairley should be back before the season starts, but the most devastating blow will be losing Leshoure for the season. The big, bruising back was just the dynamic the Lions offense needed to move the chains, and get those tough yards in the trenches and between the tackles.

Not to discount the contributions of second year back Jahvid Best, but in today's NFL you definitely need a 1-2 punch at the RB position. Out of those two backs, you need to have that one back who's willing to carry the majority of the rushing load. Best is best-suited as a 'specialist', a la "Reggie Bush."

TIGERS

It appears the one consistent bright spot in the Detroit sports scene is illuminating from the Tigers.

But before you drink the Kool-Aid or buy the car, buyer beware!

Ever since Detroit has been under the watch of veteran and league respected skipper Jim Leyland, the Tigers have shown hints of imploding and melting down.

I won't even mention the loss in the 2006 World Series, but in that same year we squandered the Central Division title to the Minnesota Twins on the last day, and in 2009 Detroit relinquished a 10 game lead in the last month of the season, and lost to the same Minnesota Twins team in a one game playoff that decided who would win the division.

Yes that's all in the past and the team that is presently constituted is that much experienced, better, and hopefully wiser, BUT. There's always a "but" with the Tigers, just because.

Justin Verlander should be the Cy Young Award Winner and Miguel Cabrera is a perennial MVP candidate, and yet I'm still nervous. I predict a Tigers/Braves or Tigers/Phillies World Series right now, but in the meantime, I won't hold my breathe.