Spring is here and it’s time to kick off the season. This week we will talk about Fraser softball’s first week of the season as well as Fraser Girls’ soccer season opener, along with the sweet 16, and your Detroit Tigers.

1. Softball Is Back

This Tuesday kicked off the year for all Fraser spring sports when the Big Reds of Chippewa Valley faced the Fraser Ramblers at home for the first varsity softball game of the year. The Ramblers did not lack effort, but they did lack offensive and pitching. This cost them a win against a young Chippewa Valley team as they went on to lose by a score of 12-3. While the score looks very lopsided, the talent between these teams isn’t. The Ramblers look to be a pretty good team this year, but they lack experience in the outfield. The play of their outfielders and pitchers are what caused this team to get trounced by the Big Reds. The Ramblers picked it up Wednesday at home against Warren Woods-Tower. They won 6-1 in part because of sophomore pitcher LeAnna Garbula’s gem. She allowed only 3 hits while striking out 6 batters. Senior Heather Maracle went 2-4 in this MAC Crossover game. This team can hit, they just seem to have had a rough outing against a good pitcher in Chippewa’s Laura Miller. If the team can pitch better and minimize their mistakes in the outfield then they should be able to have a stupendous season. The Ramblers are now 1-1 on the season and face Chippewa Valley High School at Chippewa Friday at 4 pm.

2. Fraser Soccer Wins Season Opener

Wednesday night was Fraser girls’ soccer first game of the year and was the first win of many this season. Fraser played Wayne County school Dearborn Crestwood in a non league game. They came away with a 4-0 victory. Strong defensive efforts by senior goalie Julia Stewart and the Lady Ramblers back line are what helped to shutout the visiting Chargers. Casey Denys, Tyler Ledford, Liz Girard and Jensen Van Gampelaere each scored a goal for the Ramblers in the contest. The Ramblers (1-0) will travel to Sterling Heights Stevenson (1-1) on Monday to take on the lady titans. Their schedule can be found below.

http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/fraser-ramblers-(fraser,mi)/girls-soccer-spring/schedule.htm

3. Fraser Baseball Season Opener Friday

Fraser baseball starts up their season Friday afternoon at home against Clintondale. The game starts at 4 pm at Fraser and is a non conference game for these two teams. The Ramblers are coming off a season in which they were smashed by the Stevenson Titans to open up District play. Most thought that the Ramblers could’ve went farther had they not had to face top ranked Stevenson. This season should be a good one as most of Fraser’s starters are seniors and a few have recently accepted scholarships from Macomb Community College.

4. High School Basketball 

As spring arrives, winter sports come to an end. This is the last week for high school basketball as teams will play their semi final and championship games towards the end of the week. Class A is the highest of all divisions in the state and features four of the best teams in the state. The two games that will be played Friday are Lansing Everett vs. Saginaw Arthur Hill at 1 p.m and Detroit U-D Jesuit vs. Detroit Western at 2:50 p.m.

Lansing Everett is led by Oregon University-bound big man Trevor Manuel, who just helped lead his team to victory over Mr.Basketball’s Deyonta Davis and his Muskegon Vikings Tuesday night. They take on a strong team in Saginaw Arthur Hill that is led by Eric Davis. Davis finished as the runner up in the Mr.Baskeball voting and will be attending the University of Texas in the fall. This game should be a close one, but Eric Davis and co. should be able to pull out a win Friday afternoon at the Breslin Center.

The second matchup of the two will feature Detroit U-D Jesuit and Detroit Western. Western beat U-D Jesuit earlier this month by a score of 58-49 so the Cubs are definitely looking for some revenge in Friday afternoon’s semi final. U-D Jesuit is led by their uncommitted junior star Cassius Winston. He scored 34 of the team’s 56 points in Tuesday’s game and assisted on the final play of the game that gave the Cubs a two point victory. Detroit Western is led by senior and University of Detroit Mercy commit Josh McFolley. He scored 18 points Tuesday night at University of Detroit Mercy’s Calihan Hall and is looking to win two more games to give Western International an undefeated season. Cassius Winston seems like too much for any player at this point and should help Jesuit win to advance them to Saturday’s Championship game.

The Class A Championship game will be held at the Breslin Center on Saturday at noon. Tickets to the game can be bought online or at the Jenison Field House. Phone #: 517-355-1610 or 1-800-GO-STATE

5. New Haven Perfect Season Comes To An End

The New Haven Rockets were undefeated on the season when they came into Tuesday night’s quarterfinals match up against Detroit Henry Ford. The Rockets had an opportunity to close this one out in Marysville and win their 26th game of the year. Instead they let this one slip away as Henry Ford and Western Michigan University commit Josh Davis scored 20 points for the Trojans. The win was the 20th of the season for the Trojans’ and moved them on to the Class B semi finals against Cadillac. The season is now over for the Rockets and only Detroit Western International has an undefeated record in the state. The Rockets finish at 25-1 on the year and are losing 7 seniors including both Josh and D’monta Harris.

6. Detroit Tigers Full Preview and Prediction

The Detroit Tigers are more than half way done with spring training and will finish up their spring training schedule Saturday April 4th in St.Petersburg, Fl. The Tigers start their regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on April 6th. I will be previewing this team at every position as well as a making a bold prediction for each starter and the team record. This year’s team should be one of the best teams offensively and could possibly break a few MLB records.

Catcher: Alex Avila 

Alex Avila is now in his 7th year (all with the Tigers) and is coming off a season in which he batted .218, 11 home runs, 47 runs batted in (RBI), and 151 strikeouts. That is his worst batting average as a Tiger and it has decreased every year for the last 3 years. While Avila isn’t a bad catcher he isn’t going to be the Tigers catcher by the end of the season. I think Tigers prospect James McCann will likely take over the spot by mid summer or if Avila is traded he could take over sooner. The Tigers are also possibly looking at acquiring Toronto’s Dioner Navarro, who wants to be a full time starter. Detroit has the players and cap space to get him if wanted. He’s a definite upgrade over Avila as Navarro posted a .274 batting average along with 12 home runs and 69 RBIs.

Bold Prediction: Avila gets traded before the deadline

1st Basemen: Miguel Cabrera 

Cabrera is coming off a “down” year where he batted .313 with 25 home runs and 109 RBIs. To most that’s a career year, but not Miguel. He’s had time to recover from last year’s nagging injuries and should be able to produce at his MVP level this season. This year’s lineup will be one of the best in the American League, if not in the entire league. If Cabrera can stay healthy, he will definitely be the best #3 hitter in the majors.

Bold Prediction: Cabrera hit 40 bombs and 120 RBIs

2nd Basemen: Ian Kinsler

A year later and the trade to bring Kinsler here and send Fielder to Texas looks like one of the biggest steals in recent memory. Dave Dombroski is once again sitting back somewhere, looking like a genius. Kinsler had a slash line of .275/.307/.420 and had one of his best years as a first year player in Detroit. While his batting average dropped a little, if he is able to post 17 HRs and 92 RBIs like last year then the Tigers are in for a treat. Kinsler is one of the better 2nd basemen even as he hits his early 30’s.

Bold Prediction: Kinsler’s finishes season with a batting average of .300 or better

3rd Basemen: Nick Castellanos 

In his first season as a full time starter, Castellanos hit 11 HRs and 66 RBIs. That is pretty good for a rookie who’s still very young (23 years old) and has a lot more to develop. Personally I like Castellanos and I think he’s the starter here in Detroit for the next 10 years. He’s got some power and was able to get on base (.305 OBP) enough last year. This year’s team won’t need as much offense from his as last year, but he should be able to improve his average and defense this year. Look for Castellanos to be a full time starter again just like last year when he played 159 games.

Bold Prediction: Castellanos strikes out under 100 times this year

Shortstop: Jose Iglesias

Jose Iglesias is coming off a year where he didn’t play at all because of shin splints. He has also had a few problems with his leg this spring training. As a Tiger fan it’s very concerning, but don’t worry because if needed the Tigers have two back ups who can be decent at the shortstop position. Andrew Romine and Dixon Machado are both better offensively than Iglesias, but won’t be able to make up for his spectacular defense. The shortstop position shouldn’t be too much of a problem this year as Iglesias is replaceable and there is depth behind him.

Bold Predicition: Iglesias misses half the season with injuries

Left Field: Yoenis Cespedes

Yoenis Cespedes came to Detroit in a trade this off season that saw starter Rick Porcello shipped to Boston for the Cuban outfielder. The outfield is now one of the best in the majors because of Dombrowski’s trade and seems to be the biggest strength for this team. Cespedes is entering his 4th major league season and just ended a season that saw him bat in 100 runs and hit 22 home runs. He has more power then the 22 home runs he posted last year and in the hitter friendly park of Comerica, Cespedes should be able to show off his raw power. While he’s never hit more than 28 HRs, this could be the year he eclipses 30+. If any coach can unlock a player’s full potential it’s definitely Tigers’ hitting coach Wally Joyner (see J.D. Martinez career stats). He is an everyday starter and should be the Tigers #5 batter in this year’s lineup.

Bold Prediction: Cespedes hits 35 home runs 

Center Field: Anthony Gose

The Tigers traded for Gose during the off season and projects to be an everyday starter as long as he can do one thing: hit. Gose’s defensive abilities have never come into question. His offensive abilities on the other hand is what has prevented him from being an everyday outfielder. So far Gose is batting .340 with 6 RBIs in spring training and has proven that he is improving tremendously as a batter. If he can bat somewhere in the neighborhood of .270 with some power (10 home runs), he should be able to take over the spot as a full time starter. His defense is also what will help him make up for his lack of offense. He seems to be one of the best young defensive center fielders in the majors. Last year’s center Rajai Davis will be filling in once in a while at centerfield, but this year he seems to be the back up for any of the outfield positions.

Bold Prediction: Gose finishes the year with a Gold Glove

Right Field: J.D. Martinez

Martinez is coming off a year that saw him going from Houston Astro cut to a starting Detroit Tiger outfielder. That isn’t something that happens everyday, but when you have a guy like Wally Joyner as a hitting coach, it’s hard not to bat well. Martinez posted a .315 batting average, which is way above his .272 average. He hit for some power as well with 23 dongs and 76 RBIs. I think Martinez will have a solid year like the last one, but I don’t see him having that high of a batting average.

Bold Prediction: Martinez decreases in batting average, but increases at RBIs

Designated Hitter: Victor Martinez

Martinez is coming off the best year of his career and just signed a 4 year $68 million dollar deal. That should keep him around until he retires and gives the Tigers a great hitter at the DH position. Martinez batted an AL best .335 with 32 HRs and 103 RBIs. The first two were career highs for the 36 year old catcher turned designated hitter. He seems pretty healthy, but Martinez did admit after Thursday’s spring game that he felt some soreness in his left knee, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports. If he and his knees can stay healthy, Martinez should be able to replicate last year’s success.

Bold Prediction: Martinez plays at least 140 games

Team Record Prediction: 96-66

This team doesn’t have the pitching they had last year, but with returning starters Justin Verlander, David Price, and Anibal Sanchez, along with new additions Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene, the Tigers still have one of the better rotations in the league. The bullpen is back with almost no new additions except for Bruce Rondon, who was injured last season. This team will only go as far as the hitters can take them though. This season rests upon Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Yoenis Cespedes.

7.  Elite Eight Half  Way Set

Thursday night we saw Kentucky, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Arizona all punch their tickets to the Elite Eight. The final four games are set to take place Friday night starting at 7pm. Here are the matchups and my quick predictions. All times are eastern standard.

#11 UCLA vs #2 Gonzaga

Tip off: 7:15 pm

Place: Houston, Tx

Channel: CBS

Prediction: Seeing UCLA in the NCAA tournament right now is crazy. Nearly everyone in America thought this team wasn’t making it just a few weeks ago and now they have a shot to make the Elite Eight. While UCLA is an 8.5 underdog, I think UCLA is a more talented team down low. Gonzaga doesn’t have the strength to guard Tony Parker and freshmen phenom Kevin Looney. This game will be close, but with senior guard Norman Powell leading the charge, I think UCLA takes this game by 4 points.

Score: UCLA:68 Gonzaga:64

#8 NC State vs #4 Louisville

Tip Off: 7:37 pm

Place: Syracuse, New York

Channel: TBS

Prediction: NC State just got done beating the #1 team in their region, Villanova, last weekend and look to be one of the hottest teams left in the tournament. Louisville has a good team , but it will be hard for the Cardinals to stop the dangerous Wolfpack backcourt. NC State’s backcourt is one of the most underrated in the country and is finally getting noticed now. Made up of Trevor Lacey, Ralston Turner, and Anthony Barber, this team is no joke as these three guards are also the team’s three best scorers. Look for this backcourt to lead the way for the Wolfpack as they should clinch an Elite Eight spot Friday night.

Score: NC State: 71 Louisville: 63

#5 Utah vs #1 Duke

Tip Off: 9:45 pm

Place: Houston, Tx

Channel: CBS

Prediction: Utah has put together one of their best teams ever and Delon Wright is leading the charge. The senior guard is having an outstanding year averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebs, 5.2 asts, and 2.1 stls a game for the Utes. While I love the play this Utah team plays, Duke is better at every position. With freshmen Tyus Jones, Justice Winslow, and Jahlil Okafor at the helm, Duke seems to be in good shape to not only clinch an Elite Eight spot, but a Final Four spot too.

Score: Duke: 74 Utah: 56

#7 Michigan State vs #3 Oklahoma

Michigan State seems to be one of those teams that no matter how bad of a year they are having as long as they make the tournament they can make a run. A lot of that seems to be because of Tom Izzo, and rightfully so. They’ve made the sweet 16, 7 times in the last 8 years. While the talent level seems to be the about even, Oklahoma is a better team offensively than MSU. They have the reigning BIG 12 Player of The Year in Buddy Hield and have 5 guys avergaing at least 9 points a game. This team has many shooters, who are able to pull the trigger and get hot quick. If Buddy Hield gets hot early, it should be a long night for Michigan State. Look for Oklahoma to edge them in a tough contest.

Score: Oklahoma: 66 Michigan State: 60

8. Michigan Picks Up Another Transfer

Yeah I know what you guys are thinking. “Yay we just got Jake Ruddock”, but actually Ruddock has not yet been offered by the Michigan staff. Instead Stanford graduate cornerback Wayne Lyons has decided to call Michigan his new home as he will play his final year for the Wolverines. Lyons is coming off a tough year that saw him only get 30 tackles and not intercept one pass. While he had a bad year, he has the physical attributes to be a contributor for the Wolverines next season. Defensive backs coach Mike Zordich had nothing but praise for Lyons saying, “I think he has the right kind of body, a bigger body, a lot like Channing (Stribling). A lot of length. He’s a pretty good corner, from what I saw with him at Stanford, I thought he did pretty well.” His size and length will be a huge boost at the position for Michigan next season and we could see him as next year’s starting nickel corner.

9. 5 Star Recruit May Commit To Michigan State

2015 5 Star recruit Caleb Swanigan is a 6’8″, 275 lb center from Homestead, Indiana. ESPN has him rated as the 3rd best overall center in this year’s recruiting class. While he holds offers from the likes of Arizona, Kentucky, and Duke, it seems that Michigan State may be the school he chooses to attend next fall. 247 Sports is a site that is a site focused mostly on high school recruiting and has heard speculation Swanigan will choose Michigan State. While rumors are just rumors, Swanigan is supposed to come up to Lansing within the coming months to be scouted by the football team and meet with basketball coach Tom Izzo. Also almost every expert in the country has Caleb Swanigan going to Michigan State for basketball next season so some of these “rumors” may have some truth behind them. If he does pick Michigan State, it should help lessen the blow of the seniors leaving this year: Travis Trice, Brendan Dawson, and Denzel Valentine.

10. Dean Smith’s Legacy Lives On

While legendary University of North Carolina coach Dean Smith passed away months ago, he decided that he would leave all of this former players a small gift in his will for each of them. Each former player got a letter and $200 that told them to go treat themselves to a nice dinner. It was approximated that he gave away over $36,000. Not only was coach Smith a great coach, but he was an awesome human being. It’s nice to see that even after his death he is still impacting tons of people.

Hope you guys enjoyed this week’s column.

If you need to get a hold of me my email is [email protected]