There is no reason Michigan, after reaching Final Four, can't win NCAA title

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/31/sports/doc5158c74fcf6a8276407927.txt

Ultimately, Michigan proves its better than MSU

Burke, McGary, sheer will lead Michigan into Elite Eight

Trey Burke, Mitch McGary = dynamic duo

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/30/sports/doc51565dde50bf0293124522.txt

MSU Spartans, Izzo will pick up the pieces after laying an egg vs. Duke

Gary Harris: Will he return to MSU?

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/30/sports/doc5156cf25090a4311966465.txt

On Bruce Rondon being sent to Triple-A and Detroit Tigers closer situation

Baseball clubs fall into two categories. Ones perpetually rebuilding, others expecting to win.
The Tigers fit into the latter department.
I think they have the best club in baseball myself, well, except they don't have a closer. It's like entering the fastest car in the Daytona 500, except for missing a gear.
The Tigers threw all their eggs in Bruce Rondon's basket. He is not remotely ready for

Why Michigan, MSU will have trouble carrying Big Ten flag in Sweet 16 of NCAA Tournament

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/28/sports/doc51536ad5091bc560252748.txt

Wide receiver high-risk, high-reward position in NFL Draft for Detroit Lions

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/26/sports/doc5150cc17ea0b4182439328.txt

On Michigan vs. Kansas, MSU vs. Duke

What it will take for Michigan, MSU to reach Final Four of NCAA Tournament

John Beilein: Team must do well in half-court sets

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/24/sports/doc514fae691562a783150096.txt


Coach K and Izzo: Legends of March meet again

On Michigan and MSU headed to Sweet 16 of NCAA Tournament

My updated blog:

Why VCU will be such a test for Michigan today

The perception Virginia Commonwealth is like a mid-major team that advanced one year to the Final Four based on a Cinderella Story just isn't true.
In truth, VCU has a well-established program. It is a part of a conference which is the most underrated in college basketball, the Atlantic 10, which is 6-0 in the NCAA tournament to this point. Yeah. 6-0. The A-10 has 15 percent of the victories in

Michigan seeking to gain respect, MSU maintain it

Izzo, MSU have done it in NCAA tourney, unlike Michigan

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/22/sports/doc514cbbeee370d395497481.txt

NCAA tournament another chip for MSU coach Tom Izzo's shoulder

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/20/sports/doc514a4c1c9cad4236210279.txt

Most underrated factor looming as Lions bounce back from dreadful 2012 season

On Michigan, MSU, Lions' free agency, Tigers' closer, Pavel Datsyuk

This week's live chat. We do this every Monday 1 p.m. sharp at theoaklandpress.com #OPChat. Check it out and join in:

Bruce Rondon as Detroit Tigers closer? What we really know

And so after a rocky start this spring, hard-throwing rookie right-hander Bruce Rondon has pitched better lately.
Much better, actually.
But in regard to the most important issue - by far -surrounding the Tigers entering the 2013 season, do we know any more about whether Rondon is capable of filling the closer role now than we did when spring training began?
The answer is, "No."


Bruce Rondon:

NCAA Selection kind to The Palace, Michigan, MSU

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/17/sports/doc514677471eb0b905689422.txt

Tigers have become what the Yankees still wish they were

Boesch: Yankees actually need him

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/16/sports/doc5144e7c4d929b272460329.txt

The Palace, Oakland County - treasures that will shine on NCAA tournament stage

The Palace: Has stood the test of time

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/15/sports/doc5142ab5420714535271201.txt

Detroit Tigers left field: Lot of pieces to the puzzle, but few fit

Since adding Omar Infante in a trade late last season, signing premier free agent Torii Hunter in the off season, and with the return of Victor Martinez, the Tigers have an excellent lineup top to bottom.
The exception: Left field when a left-hander is the opposing pitcher.
AAndy Dirks is a good player. And his numbers are not bad against left-handed pitching (he is left-handed hitter). But

Detroit Lions can be cured by right free agent moves, NFL Draft picks

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/11/sports/doc513e330861da1600778499.txt




Matthew Stafford: A reason Lions have a shot to contend in '13

On whether Tigers should trade Rick Porcello, Lions' free agency, Red Wings, MSU, Michigan

Replay of my live chat today. We do this every Monday at 1. You can send questions or comments in advance. Look for link each Monday on Twitter @patcaputo98

Thoughts on Michigan, MSU and Big 10 basketball

Ultimately, Michigan was just too flawed to win Big Ten title

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/10/sports/doc513d23329f269109128380.txt





Michigan: So close, yet so far away

MSU fans need not root for Michigan to beat Indiana

Izzo's team may be better off with Michigan loss Sunday

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/09/sports/doc513bc76ad7abc660505692.txt

Why not a guard for Detroit Lions in first round of NFL Draft? This is why

I'm not sure, if ranking a player strictly on his ability at his specific position, rather than taking position into account, if guard Chance Warmack from Alabama isn't the best player available in the upcoming NFL Draft.
He will play at least a decade in the league. It would surprise no one if he is eventually an All-Pro.
The Lions do have a need at guard. Why not select him fifth overall?

Plan B for Detroit Tigers closer stands for Bewilderment

Bruce Rondon: Hasn't commanded the baseball

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/05/sports/doc5135953934d48412652532.txt

The Red Wings, their chances of making the playoffs - and the wild, wild West

The Red Wings are currently a glass half-full, glass half-empty proposition.
The half-full part: The Red Wings are very much in the playoff picture (they have made the playoffs 21 straight years, the longest current streak in professional sports). Also, several promising players have emerged and given the Red Wings a much needed lift (Damien Brunner, Joakim Andersson, Brian Lashoff, Tomas Tatar),

Michigan proves it can beat MSU at its own game

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/03/sports/doc5133fab1a37b1648694544.txt




Trey Burke: Great steal essentially won game

Seems unlikely Michigan is tough enough to beat MSU

Gary Harris (left) Best Big Ten freshman

My column: http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/02/sports/doc51328f3e79724940014435.txt