So let's take a scan and see what we find.

In Lakeland, the Tigers are going about their paces in preparation for another season. Well, at least some of the Tigers are. The Venezuelan branch of the Bengals - first baseman Miguel Cabrera, left fielder Carlos Guillen, pitcher Armando Galarraga and right fielder Magglio Ordonez - finally will re-join their big-league team for the first time in more than two weeks now that the World Baseball Classic is coming to an end. The Venezuelans played a semifinal game late Saturday and a win puts them in Monday night's final at Dodger Stadium.

While they are away, the Tigers still play. Encouraging signs are found in the throwing arm of Justin Verlander, who seems ready for a solid season start. Jeremy Bonderman had a successful outing on Thursday night, giving hope for his role as starter. And young pitching phenoms Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry continue to impress, perhaps making Jim Leyland's final roster decisions more difficult.

Downers are Joel Zumaya's sluggish shoulder, and Dontrelle Willis, who still struggles with control and confidence. When you look at the bust acquisitions of Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski, you'll see Willis' name near the top of the list. Simply put, unless Willis makes a rapid turnaround, he's a goner from the roster before the season starts.

At The Palace of Auburn Hills, one can find more Pistons in the training room than on the basketball court. Rip Hamilton (groin), Rasheed Wallace (left calf injury) and Allen Iverson (sore back) all have missed playing time or are still out. Then Tayshawn Prince tweaked an ankle this past week, something he attributes to fatigue. Rodney Stuckey missed Friday night's game with the flu. Adding to the Pistons' misfortune was the death of Mr. D, owner Bill Davidson.

This simply isn't the Pistons' year. They are seventh in the Eastern Conference which likely would earn them a first-round matchup with the defending champion Boston Celtics. If the Pistons are fortunate, they might get to play Orlando instead, giving them an outside chance of winning their first round.

Regardless, this team is going nowhere, and you are seeing the final days of Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson on the Pistons' roster.

At The Joe, don't look now but the Stanley Cup Red Wings methodically climbed back to the top of the NHL standings. With only 10 regular-season games remaining, they are the odds-on favorites to win another President's Cup for having the most points in the regular season. The best record also guarantees home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. If a conference final comes down to Game 7 against San Jose, playing at home instead of traveling to California certainly is an advantage worth fighting for.

At Allen Park, new Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew continues to raise some pleasant eyebrows with some off-season moves. The latest was the acquisition of five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson for mediocre defensive lineman Cory Redding. Now all eyes are on what will the Lions do with their No. 1 draft pick and 20th overall pick in the first round.

Mayhew attended Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford's pro day on Thursday. Other first-round possibilities are Wake Forest lineback Aaron Curry, Baylor offensive left tackle Jason Smith and Virginia offensive left tackle Eugene Monroe.

Here's hoping the Lions also look seriously at working out a trade for Denver Broncos Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler. He's only 25, and he wants out of the mountain town. Bringing him to Ford Field would be a coup for Mayhew, even if he has to give up the top pick to do so.