Welcome to the first edition of the Motown Lowdown. The Motown Lowdown will take a look at sports going on in Detroit other than the Lions. Much like The Rundown, Pride of Detroit will depart from the everyday talk of the Lions and focus on other sports things. So, lets get right into the first edition of the Motown Lowdown and get caught up on the latest in Detroit sports.
- For the past three years Detroit's best sports team has been the Pistons. Led by big man Ben Wallace, the Pistons brought home one NBA championship and two more deep playoff runs. The starting five for the Pistons is what anchored down such strong play, especially with a record-breaking season in wins. Ben Wallace was the heart and soul of each great team, and now that heart and soul may be on its way to Chicago.
Ben Wallace is an unrestricted free agent, and is exploring his other options. The main team showing interest right now is the Chicago Bulls. They are looking for a vocal leader to be a force in a young team. Reports are the Ben met with Chicago this past weekend and is close to receiving an offer of about $15 million a year. Detroit already gave Ben an initial offer of 4 years and $48 million. It's very important that the Pistons can re-sign Wallace just because they have no one else to fill his spot. Even though his play has been on the decline as his age increases, Ben needs to come back to Detroit. (MLive)
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Update [2006-7-03 09:50:22 by Sean Yuille]: It's official, Ben is gone. Wallace has reportedly told the Pistons that he has accepted an offer from the Bulls. The contract is four-years, and worth
$52$60 million. Detroit will now have to go out and find a center that is somewhat good enough to fill number three's shoes. Darn, losing Wallace and Yzerman in one day.(ESPN)(ESPN - Updated Story) - Steve Yzerman's illustrious career has come to an end. After 22 great seasons in Detroit, the captain is calling it quits. Yzerman will go out with 692 career goals and over 1500 total points. The Red Wings won 3 Stanley Cups during Yzerman's career, which included Yzerman bringing home the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1998. Thanks for all the memories Steve. (Sportsnet)
- The biggest surprise of the MLB season so far has been the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are 56-26, and continue to play great baseball. The selections for the 2006 All-Star Game were announced yesterday, and two Tigers will be making the trip to Pittsburgh. Ivan Rodriguez was voted in by the fans at the catcher position. Kenny Rogers, who will be making his 4th All-Star Game appearance, was added to the pitching staff. Justin Verlander, the young ace of the Tigers pitching rotation, is in the "final vote." He's one of five players that could still be voted into the All-Star Game by the fans.
Kenny Rogers may be getting an even bigger honor then just being on the All-Star team. He may be the starter for the American League. Jose Contreras was expected to start the game for his own manager (Ozzie Guillen). That may change since Contreras is scheduled to start the Sunday before the game, leaving him with only two days of rest. That would be great if Rogers got to make the start as he is very deserving. (Chicago Sun Times)