After cruising past the Miami Heat in four straight games, can the Chicago Bulls pull off another sweep in the NBA playoffs?
Why not? They beat the division champion Detroit Pistons three out of four games this season. And lost the one game 95-93 after almost coming back from about 20 points down.
The Bulls have several advantages. They are peaking at the perfect time—only two losses in about the last 15 games.
The Bulls are showing a lot of energy. Gives ‘em a good chance to outrun and outrebound the Pistons.
The Bulls’s perimeter shooting has been terrific.
Luol Deng and Ben Gordon are scoring machines. And the Bulls once even beat Detroit when Gordon scored only two points.
Ben Wallace plays like a man possessed against his former team.
And, finally, the X Factor. The energizer bunny. Andres Nocioni. Plays for the Bulls—along with an entire roster of nonstop motors. Sound like a winning recipe in The Motor City?
Chicago & Illini Sports
Monday, April 30, 2007
How come the Chicago Bears seem to have made some promising draft picks and, yet, we’re getting bad vibes about the team’s prospects?
Let’s review some questions and see if our anxiety is premature.
The schedule is tougher.
The O-line wasn’t improved much. No new starters are on the horizon barring injuries. The Colts manhandled the Bears’s offensive line. Will Greg Olsen make a difference?
Olin Kreutz’s waggle is still banned.
How much better a receiver can Greg Olsen be than Desmond Clark?
Is miniature runner Garrett Wolfe--5-7 and 180 pounds--capable of taking an NFL pounding? Seems his best position is as a kick returner. But the Bears already have a pretty good one.
Can Cedric Benson put up Thomas Jones numbers? Did the Bears keep the wrong guy?
When the Bears play the Vikings, the two opposing running backs could both be named Adrian Peterson. Wonder which one is better? What if the Bears’s Peterson is better than the Bears’s Benson? Yikes.
Why do we feel Lance Briggs will not be playing for the Bears next season. Hello Michael Okwo. Okwho?
Why are Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye nervous about a rookie nicknamed Buzz? Maybe they also heard Dan Bazuin is also called Buzz Saw. We like The Bazooka.
The Bears’s starting quarterback will be Rex Grossman.
Arggggghhhhh! There’s the rub.
Let’s review some questions and see if our anxiety is premature.
The schedule is tougher.
The O-line wasn’t improved much. No new starters are on the horizon barring injuries. The Colts manhandled the Bears’s offensive line. Will Greg Olsen make a difference?
Olin Kreutz’s waggle is still banned.
How much better a receiver can Greg Olsen be than Desmond Clark?
Is miniature runner Garrett Wolfe--5-7 and 180 pounds--capable of taking an NFL pounding? Seems his best position is as a kick returner. But the Bears already have a pretty good one.
Can Cedric Benson put up Thomas Jones numbers? Did the Bears keep the wrong guy?
When the Bears play the Vikings, the two opposing running backs could both be named Adrian Peterson. Wonder which one is better? What if the Bears’s Peterson is better than the Bears’s Benson? Yikes.
Why do we feel Lance Briggs will not be playing for the Bears next season. Hello Michael Okwo. Okwho?
Why are Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye nervous about a rookie nicknamed Buzz? Maybe they also heard Dan Bazuin is also called Buzz Saw. We like The Bazooka.
The Bears’s starting quarterback will be Rex Grossman.
Arggggghhhhh! There’s the rub.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Strange series: Chicago Bulls win 92-79 and sweep the defending champion Miami Heat out of the playoffs. Who would have thunk it?
Method of execution: sticky defense, sharp three-point shooting (9-21) , Ben Gordon, 24 points; Luol Deng, 22 points. You would figure Little Ben converting 9 of 10 free throws. But Big Ben hitting 7 of 8?
Other highlights: Deng, 12 rebounds; Big Ben, 11 rebounds, 13 points; Andres Nocioni, 11 points.
The road to the prize continues next week in Detroit.
The emotions should run high since the Bulls’s big offseason acquisition was former Piston Ben Wallace.
So, should the Bulls be especially fearful of the Pistons?
Not really.
During the season, Wallace had some of his best games against his former teammates. The Bulls beat the Pistons in three of their four meetings, 106-89, 83-81, and 106-88. The Pistons won 95-93.
Hope the Bulls won’t get too cocky. But a little is okay.
Method of execution: sticky defense, sharp three-point shooting (9-21) , Ben Gordon, 24 points; Luol Deng, 22 points. You would figure Little Ben converting 9 of 10 free throws. But Big Ben hitting 7 of 8?
Other highlights: Deng, 12 rebounds; Big Ben, 11 rebounds, 13 points; Andres Nocioni, 11 points.
The road to the prize continues next week in Detroit.
The emotions should run high since the Bulls’s big offseason acquisition was former Piston Ben Wallace.
So, should the Bulls be especially fearful of the Pistons?
Not really.
During the season, Wallace had some of his best games against his former teammates. The Bulls beat the Pistons in three of their four meetings, 106-89, 83-81, and 106-88. The Pistons won 95-93.
Hope the Bulls won’t get too cocky. But a little is okay.
Busy, busy, busy. General manager Jerry Angelo went into his Dr. Strangedraft mode and traded the Chicago Bears’s second-round draft pick (37th overall) to the Chargers in exchange for San Diego’s picks in the second round (62nd overall), third round (93rd) and fifth round (167th) this year and the Chargers’ third-round pick next year. And all nine of his draftees, of course, were high on the Bears’s want list and are perfect fits for the team. What a haul for the drafting genius.
Best draft since….er, guess we’ll have to wait a couple of years to answer that question.
The most alarming results are that the draft’s best wide receiver and best running back both ended up in the Bears’s division—passcatcher Calvin Johnson in Detroit and tailback Adrian Peterson (no relation to the Bears’s player of the same name) in Minnesota. This means a lot more pressure on the Bears’s defense.
Five of the nine Bear picks were on defense. In addition, the Bears recently picked up a free agent safety who is expected to play significant minutes, and they will welcome back Mike Brown, Tommie Harris, and Dusty Dvoracek.
None of the defensive draftees is expected to start, but Hunter Hillenmeyer may face strong opposition. The Bear pass rushers Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye could come in for some competition as well. Mark Anderson did the most damage in rushing the passer last year.
Perhaps the two most interesting draft picks were the first pick, TE Greg Olsen, and the third pick, tailback Garrett Wolfe. Olsen could beat out Desmond Clark, and the Mighty Mouse in Wolfe’s clothing could be this year’s Devin Hester.
Could the Bears be that lucky?
They may have to be.
Best draft since….er, guess we’ll have to wait a couple of years to answer that question.
The most alarming results are that the draft’s best wide receiver and best running back both ended up in the Bears’s division—passcatcher Calvin Johnson in Detroit and tailback Adrian Peterson (no relation to the Bears’s player of the same name) in Minnesota. This means a lot more pressure on the Bears’s defense.
Five of the nine Bear picks were on defense. In addition, the Bears recently picked up a free agent safety who is expected to play significant minutes, and they will welcome back Mike Brown, Tommie Harris, and Dusty Dvoracek.
None of the defensive draftees is expected to start, but Hunter Hillenmeyer may face strong opposition. The Bear pass rushers Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye could come in for some competition as well. Mark Anderson did the most damage in rushing the passer last year.
Perhaps the two most interesting draft picks were the first pick, TE Greg Olsen, and the third pick, tailback Garrett Wolfe. Olsen could beat out Desmond Clark, and the Mighty Mouse in Wolfe’s clothing could be this year’s Devin Hester.
Could the Bears be that lucky?
They may have to be.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Chicago Bears drafted a tight end, 6-6, 254-pounder Greg Olsen, with their first-round pick today in the NFL draft. Why Olsen? Well, Olsen was the highest ranked tight end in the draft. He will challenge Desmond Clark, who had a pretty good year in 2006-07.
General manager Jerry Angelo and his scouts know the why behind the pick, and that’s good enough for us.
If one general manager could get Devin Hester and Mark Anderson in one draft, the guy knows what he’s doing, and alas, doesn’t need our help. So we won’t comment on Olsen.
Anyhow, the Bears’s main weakness is the inconsistency of quarterback Rex Grossman, and the Bears are not going to address that problem through the draft. So, we'll be satisfied to watch how the Bear geniuses at drafting make deals to get extra picks and come up with another exciting class of rookies.
General manager Jerry Angelo and his scouts know the why behind the pick, and that’s good enough for us.
If one general manager could get Devin Hester and Mark Anderson in one draft, the guy knows what he’s doing, and alas, doesn’t need our help. So we won’t comment on Olsen.
Anyhow, the Bears’s main weakness is the inconsistency of quarterback Rex Grossman, and the Bears are not going to address that problem through the draft. So, we'll be satisfied to watch how the Bear geniuses at drafting make deals to get extra picks and come up with another exciting class of rookies.
Did you see what Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella did in the ninth inning of yesterday’s game against St. Louis?
He let reliever Ryan Dempster, who was 0-9 last season, attempt to finish the game. The Cubs were leading 5-3 at the time. Dempster had entered the game with two outs in the eighth. So at the beginning of the ninth, we looked to see who was warming up in the bullpen.
There was no one warming up! Yikes, we thought. In other words, it was Dempster’s game to win or lose. He finished the game with no further scoring.
Today, Piniella marched to the mound when Carlos Zambrano got in trouble late in the game with the Cubs leading St. Louis 8-1. Piniella left El Toro in to finish the inning. Zambrano got out of the inning.
What is going on here? Has Piniella gone goofy or what?
We think it’s the “or what.”
And the “or what” is that he is developing self-confidence in his pitchers. He’s leaving them in as long as possible so they can gain experience in working through their own problems. He’s actually benefiting from not knowing his pitchers, that is, how bad they were last season.
So, in a sense, he’s told all his pitchers that he is not interested in their performances last season . Just show him what they’ve got this season.
And this approach has begun to work. The Cubs are currently enjoying a three-game winning streak, and both starting and relief pitchers have looked good.
And Sweet Lou is back.
He let reliever Ryan Dempster, who was 0-9 last season, attempt to finish the game. The Cubs were leading 5-3 at the time. Dempster had entered the game with two outs in the eighth. So at the beginning of the ninth, we looked to see who was warming up in the bullpen.
There was no one warming up! Yikes, we thought. In other words, it was Dempster’s game to win or lose. He finished the game with no further scoring.
Today, Piniella marched to the mound when Carlos Zambrano got in trouble late in the game with the Cubs leading St. Louis 8-1. Piniella left El Toro in to finish the inning. Zambrano got out of the inning.
What is going on here? Has Piniella gone goofy or what?
We think it’s the “or what.”
And the “or what” is that he is developing self-confidence in his pitchers. He’s leaving them in as long as possible so they can gain experience in working through their own problems. He’s actually benefiting from not knowing his pitchers, that is, how bad they were last season.
So, in a sense, he’s told all his pitchers that he is not interested in their performances last season . Just show him what they’ve got this season.
And this approach has begun to work. The Cubs are currently enjoying a three-game winning streak, and both starting and relief pitchers have looked good.
And Sweet Lou is back.
Friday, April 27, 2007
It’s the eve of one of pro football’s most important days, the NFL draft. Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo and coach Lovie Smith plan their strategy in picking players who will help get them to the final step—Super Bowl champions.
Since the Bears are picking 31st, it’s impossible--although fun—to speculate on the Bears’s first choice. Tradtionally, the players picked in the first three rounds have become starters by the end of the season. And Angelo has been lucky to trade down for multiple picks who made an impact.
But why is there such a mystique about picking draft choices. The NFL and each club ranks each player—best to worst, top to bottom. So when your pick comes up in each round, you simply chose the best player available, regardless of positions needed. Seems easy enough. A first grader could do it.
One of the questions that puzzles us, however, is why club officials and the gurus think the Bears need help at wide receiver. We’ll go to war with Bernard Berrian, Muhsin Muhammad, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, and occasionally Devin Hester, anytime. This unit has to be the strongest group on the team.
But the biggest open question involves the firing off defensive coordinator and former Bear Ron Rivera. Rivera, who applied unsuccessfully for several open head coaching jobs—supposedly with Smith’’s blessing—said he never saw his firing coming. Huh? Not even a hint?
Smith said he wanted to take the defense in another direction. Would that direction be downward? Who would argue that Rivera’s defense has been outstanding in spite of the losses of Mike Brown and Tommie Harris for long periods.
It’s the not knowing and the not telling parts that bother us.
Hope the new system works as well as the old one.
Since the Bears are picking 31st, it’s impossible--although fun—to speculate on the Bears’s first choice. Tradtionally, the players picked in the first three rounds have become starters by the end of the season. And Angelo has been lucky to trade down for multiple picks who made an impact.
But why is there such a mystique about picking draft choices. The NFL and each club ranks each player—best to worst, top to bottom. So when your pick comes up in each round, you simply chose the best player available, regardless of positions needed. Seems easy enough. A first grader could do it.
One of the questions that puzzles us, however, is why club officials and the gurus think the Bears need help at wide receiver. We’ll go to war with Bernard Berrian, Muhsin Muhammad, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, and occasionally Devin Hester, anytime. This unit has to be the strongest group on the team.
But the biggest open question involves the firing off defensive coordinator and former Bear Ron Rivera. Rivera, who applied unsuccessfully for several open head coaching jobs—supposedly with Smith’’s blessing—said he never saw his firing coming. Huh? Not even a hint?
Smith said he wanted to take the defense in another direction. Would that direction be downward? Who would argue that Rivera’s defense has been outstanding in spite of the losses of Mike Brown and Tommie Harris for long periods.
It’s the not knowing and the not telling parts that bother us.
Hope the new system works as well as the old one.
More good news on the Illini basketball front—the apparent 2007 walk-on status of Jeff Jordan, he of the famous father.
So what does this mean for Illinois? Jeff Jordan seems to have been widely recruited but not highly recruited. But he seems like a good fit for Illinois.
The disadvantages: Being overshadowed by the point guards present and future. Coach Bruce Weber possibly receiving a “suggestion” or two from time to time from the famous father. Could be a high-profile disaster if Michael doesn’t think Weber is handling his son correctly.
The advantages: Bringing a lot more attention and credibility to the U. of I.’s basketball program. The Jordans must like Weber as a man and as a coach, which says something about Weber to other families looking at sending their kids to Illinois. Getting a real contributor.
Let’s focus on the last advantage. Jordan was an excellent point guard in high school. He may not be as fast or energetic as Chester Frazier but may be a better shooter. He can just about hold his own against Demetri McCamey and may even be better than Trent Meacham right now. Jordan also will benefit from “two” coaches. You know Michael will get his ear as well as Weber’s.
And if Jamar Smith doesn’t play or gets suspended for many games, Jordan’s playing time may increase significantly.
In fact, don’t be surprised to see Jordan start at point guard.
So what does this mean for Illinois? Jeff Jordan seems to have been widely recruited but not highly recruited. But he seems like a good fit for Illinois.
The disadvantages: Being overshadowed by the point guards present and future. Coach Bruce Weber possibly receiving a “suggestion” or two from time to time from the famous father. Could be a high-profile disaster if Michael doesn’t think Weber is handling his son correctly.
The advantages: Bringing a lot more attention and credibility to the U. of I.’s basketball program. The Jordans must like Weber as a man and as a coach, which says something about Weber to other families looking at sending their kids to Illinois. Getting a real contributor.
Let’s focus on the last advantage. Jordan was an excellent point guard in high school. He may not be as fast or energetic as Chester Frazier but may be a better shooter. He can just about hold his own against Demetri McCamey and may even be better than Trent Meacham right now. Jordan also will benefit from “two” coaches. You know Michael will get his ear as well as Weber’s.
And if Jamar Smith doesn’t play or gets suspended for many games, Jordan’s playing time may increase significantly.
In fact, don’t be surprised to see Jordan start at point guard.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Okay, Mount Lou Piniella. You can breathe now, and shut off the lava flow of tongue lashings.
The Chicago Cubs have a one-day winning streak.
And continue to hold those closed-door meetings to keep the focus on winning.
Now, about the lineup changes. Glad to see Ryan Theriot in the starting lineup. But why play him at short? Sure, he played there in the minors last year. However, it seems that Mark De Rosa has the stronger arm of the two and should switch with Theriot.
Also, we hope to see Theriot leading off when Alfonso Soriano returns to the lineup. It seems as if it is going to take Soriano more time to get acclimated to NL pitching, so drop him down until he begins hitting with consistency. Also drop Cliff Floyd to the middle of the order. He just doesn’t hit for a high enough average to bat in the No. 2 slot.
Instead, move the whole order up a notch, with Derrek Lee hitting second behind Theriot. Follow with Aramis Ramirez. The thought of Lee and Ramirez both hitting in the first inning will give opposing pitchers the heebie-jeebies, and believe me, that’s something no pitcher wants.
The rest of the order can be Floyd or Jacque Jones, Michael Barrett, Soriano, DeRosa, and Felix Pie. Sweet ending, huh?
The Chicago Cubs have a one-day winning streak.
And continue to hold those closed-door meetings to keep the focus on winning.
Now, about the lineup changes. Glad to see Ryan Theriot in the starting lineup. But why play him at short? Sure, he played there in the minors last year. However, it seems that Mark De Rosa has the stronger arm of the two and should switch with Theriot.
Also, we hope to see Theriot leading off when Alfonso Soriano returns to the lineup. It seems as if it is going to take Soriano more time to get acclimated to NL pitching, so drop him down until he begins hitting with consistency. Also drop Cliff Floyd to the middle of the order. He just doesn’t hit for a high enough average to bat in the No. 2 slot.
Instead, move the whole order up a notch, with Derrek Lee hitting second behind Theriot. Follow with Aramis Ramirez. The thought of Lee and Ramirez both hitting in the first inning will give opposing pitchers the heebie-jeebies, and believe me, that’s something no pitcher wants.
The rest of the order can be Floyd or Jacque Jones, Michael Barrett, Soriano, DeRosa, and Felix Pie. Sweet ending, huh?
The Illinois basketball and football teams are inactive now, but their recruiters sure aren’t. In fact, the next three or four months are a busy time for both football coach Ron Zook and hoops coach Bruce Weber. Both are on the road scouting and trying to get verbal commitments for the 2008 rosters.
Weber is following the travel team tournaments that abound from now to the end of summer, including AAU action. Most of the top players like to get the commitment stuff out of the way before high school starts in the fall. Ditto for many top football players although many of them do not commit until December.
So, for lots of fans, this time is as exciting as the games themselves as they wait with baited breath to see how Zook and Weber are recruiting against their arch rivals in the Big Ten and, of course, Notre Dame.
At this tme, no verbals for Weber, who is hot on the trail of DeAndre Liggins of George Washington and Michael Dunigan of Farragut, among several others.
Football verbals are starting to come in, and Zook has recruited two top players from Chicago Simeon, quarterback Jack Ramsey and defensive lineman Nate Palmer. Good start, Mr. Zook. Keep that Chicago area pipeline flowing.
On the other hand, Illinois’s poor finish last year in football is being reflected in the projections for the NFL draft this weekend. No Illinois player is projected being taken before the 7th and last round. Best hopes are for tailback Pierre Thomas and safety Alan Ball. It’s hard to believe, however, that either of these guys won’t be snatched earlier. Otherwise, they will both be top free-agent prospects. Good luck, Illini.
Weber is following the travel team tournaments that abound from now to the end of summer, including AAU action. Most of the top players like to get the commitment stuff out of the way before high school starts in the fall. Ditto for many top football players although many of them do not commit until December.
So, for lots of fans, this time is as exciting as the games themselves as they wait with baited breath to see how Zook and Weber are recruiting against their arch rivals in the Big Ten and, of course, Notre Dame.
At this tme, no verbals for Weber, who is hot on the trail of DeAndre Liggins of George Washington and Michael Dunigan of Farragut, among several others.
Football verbals are starting to come in, and Zook has recruited two top players from Chicago Simeon, quarterback Jack Ramsey and defensive lineman Nate Palmer. Good start, Mr. Zook. Keep that Chicago area pipeline flowing.
On the other hand, Illinois’s poor finish last year in football is being reflected in the projections for the NFL draft this weekend. No Illinois player is projected being taken before the 7th and last round. Best hopes are for tailback Pierre Thomas and safety Alan Ball. It’s hard to believe, however, that either of these guys won’t be snatched earlier. Otherwise, they will both be top free-agent prospects. Good luck, Illini.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
A lot of NBA observers are surprised at the ease with which the Chicago Bulls have dispatched the Miami Heat in the first two games of their playoff series.
Why is that? After all, the teams played in the friendly confines of Chicago’s United Center. The Bulls lost only 10 of 41 home games.
And the Bulls got to play without doing any traveling, unlike the Heat. In addition, Heat star Dwayne Wade has been slowed by injury.
Now the action shifts to Miami. And so do some advantages for the Heat. Does anyone expect the Bulls to shoot as well there as they did in Chicago? Let’s face it, we’re not going to see Bulls raining three-pointers as often as they did in the United Center. The Bulls also lose the cheering crowd that energized them at home.
And somehow we expect that Shaq, Wade, and their supporting cast will find the spring in their steps that went AWOL in Chicago. The Heat compiled a 27-14 record at home. Thus, we don’t see a sweep.
So let’s enjoy our advantage today. And look forward to closing out the series in Game 5 in Chicago.
Why is that? After all, the teams played in the friendly confines of Chicago’s United Center. The Bulls lost only 10 of 41 home games.
And the Bulls got to play without doing any traveling, unlike the Heat. In addition, Heat star Dwayne Wade has been slowed by injury.
Now the action shifts to Miami. And so do some advantages for the Heat. Does anyone expect the Bulls to shoot as well there as they did in Chicago? Let’s face it, we’re not going to see Bulls raining three-pointers as often as they did in the United Center. The Bulls also lose the cheering crowd that energized them at home.
And somehow we expect that Shaq, Wade, and their supporting cast will find the spring in their steps that went AWOL in Chicago. The Heat compiled a 27-14 record at home. Thus, we don’t see a sweep.
So let’s enjoy our advantage today. And look forward to closing out the series in Game 5 in Chicago.
Sometimes you just stumble into things.
Like yesterday when Chicago Cubs manager Mount Lou Piniella held a closed-door meeting with his players. Piniella’s stated goal was to get the Cubs to lighten up. He said a lot of funny things to press his point.
Today, the Cubs beat the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers 9-3. So Piniella achieved his overall purpose—to get the Cubs back on the winning track. Should Piniella now keep stressing that the Cubs should simply go out and have fun?
Nah. What he said didn’t have anything to do with the win.
It was what he did that mattered.
That is, he held a closed-door meeting. Now, regardless of the sport, when a manager or a coach holds a closed-door meeting, you know what’s really on his or her mind. The leader is serious about winning. The manager, such as Piniella, may try to mask his frustration in jokes, but everyone knows he’s really unhappy, and things better change soon.
Therefore—man, we’re glad to get this problem fixed—the recipe for division, league, and World Series titles is clear: Hold closed-door meetings every day.
Even on off days.
Like yesterday when Chicago Cubs manager Mount Lou Piniella held a closed-door meeting with his players. Piniella’s stated goal was to get the Cubs to lighten up. He said a lot of funny things to press his point.
Today, the Cubs beat the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers 9-3. So Piniella achieved his overall purpose—to get the Cubs back on the winning track. Should Piniella now keep stressing that the Cubs should simply go out and have fun?
Nah. What he said didn’t have anything to do with the win.
It was what he did that mattered.
That is, he held a closed-door meeting. Now, regardless of the sport, when a manager or a coach holds a closed-door meeting, you know what’s really on his or her mind. The leader is serious about winning. The manager, such as Piniella, may try to mask his frustration in jokes, but everyone knows he’s really unhappy, and things better change soon.
Therefore—man, we’re glad to get this problem fixed—the recipe for division, league, and World Series titles is clear: Hold closed-door meetings every day.
Even on off days.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Chicago Cubs manager Mount Lou Piniella held a closed door meeting with the players after yesterday’s 5-4 loss. He should have exploded with a blast of tough love. Instead, he left out the “tough” part.
What did Piniella say?
What was that blather about?
Just how should the players have fun? And what about the guys who don’t have wives? Or dogs?
So don’t expect any of those roads to produce results.
However, there are a couple of ways to reduce pressure that might bear fruit. We mentioned one in our blog yesterday, and TV analyst Bob Brenly touched on another during the game last night.
We argued against playing the percentages. That is, every guy wants to play every game, and if a player knows that he will be subject to the percentage game, he is less apt to feel a full commitment to the team and more apt to resent the manager.
In addition, you put tremendous pressure on the players when you say the guys with the hot hand or sure glove will play. As Brenly--a former manager--pointed out, if the guy at bat or in the field knows he must produce or he will be benched, he tends to play over aggressively and dives for uncatchable balls and swings at unhittable pitches.
Your approach might work, Lou. Just get wives for everyone. Or dogs.
But, please, no more of the let’s have fun stuff.
What did Piniella say?
What was that blather about?
Just how should the players have fun? And what about the guys who don’t have wives? Or dogs?
So don’t expect any of those roads to produce results.
However, there are a couple of ways to reduce pressure that might bear fruit. We mentioned one in our blog yesterday, and TV analyst Bob Brenly touched on another during the game last night.
We argued against playing the percentages. That is, every guy wants to play every game, and if a player knows that he will be subject to the percentage game, he is less apt to feel a full commitment to the team and more apt to resent the manager.
In addition, you put tremendous pressure on the players when you say the guys with the hot hand or sure glove will play. As Brenly--a former manager--pointed out, if the guy at bat or in the field knows he must produce or he will be benched, he tends to play over aggressively and dives for uncatchable balls and swings at unhittable pitches.
Your approach might work, Lou. Just get wives for everyone. Or dogs.
But, please, no more of the let’s have fun stuff.
The best is yet to come for the Chicago Bulls. The building blocks for a dynasty are falling into place.
If not this year, surely next year.
The Bulls have a solid core of Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon at guard, a rising superstar in Luol Deng, and the NBA’s best sixth man, the energizer bunny Andres Nocioni.
The Bulls’s main problem now is inexperience. That goes away next season. With P. J. Brown probably calling it a career at the end of the playoffs, Tyrus Thomas, hopefully with an improved array of short jump shots, would replace Brown.
It may take Thabo Sefolosha a little longer to become fully operational, but it’s nice to have a defender like him to come off the bench with Nocioni. And maybe, if he’s not traded, Viktor Khryapa will become a major contributor off the bench. He’s got a perimeter shot, passes well, and always seems to be around the ball.
Malik Allen, Michael Sweetney, and Chris Duhon are more than capable backups.
Therefore, if the Bulls’s first-round draft pick is around 9 or 10, how important will it be?
Not much.
So trade it in a package for another solid veteran.
If not this year, surely next year.
The Bulls have a solid core of Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon at guard, a rising superstar in Luol Deng, and the NBA’s best sixth man, the energizer bunny Andres Nocioni.
The Bulls’s main problem now is inexperience. That goes away next season. With P. J. Brown probably calling it a career at the end of the playoffs, Tyrus Thomas, hopefully with an improved array of short jump shots, would replace Brown.
It may take Thabo Sefolosha a little longer to become fully operational, but it’s nice to have a defender like him to come off the bench with Nocioni. And maybe, if he’s not traded, Viktor Khryapa will become a major contributor off the bench. He’s got a perimeter shot, passes well, and always seems to be around the ball.
Malik Allen, Michael Sweetney, and Chris Duhon are more than capable backups.
Therefore, if the Bulls’s first-round draft pick is around 9 or 10, how important will it be?
Not much.
So trade it in a package for another solid veteran.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Mount Lou Piniella wants another pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Good. Just the right time to bring up possibly the eventual closer Rocky Cherry. Cherry has been pitching well in the minors and has three saves.
The Cubs don’t need Will Ohman. Also expendable is Scott Eyre. In time, Carlos Marmol will be coming up, and Angel Guzman should get another look. The Wade Miller experiment may be ending as well.
Does anyone else dislike Piniella’s love affair with playing the lefty-righty percentages? Play your best players, Lou. That means Alfonso Soriano in left, Felix Pie in center until his batting average drops to .150, Matt Murton in right, Ryan Theriot at second, and Cesar Izturis at short.
Good. Just the right time to bring up possibly the eventual closer Rocky Cherry. Cherry has been pitching well in the minors and has three saves.
The Cubs don’t need Will Ohman. Also expendable is Scott Eyre. In time, Carlos Marmol will be coming up, and Angel Guzman should get another look. The Wade Miller experiment may be ending as well.
Does anyone else dislike Piniella’s love affair with playing the lefty-righty percentages? Play your best players, Lou. That means Alfonso Soriano in left, Felix Pie in center until his batting average drops to .150, Matt Murton in right, Ryan Theriot at second, and Cesar Izturis at short.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Taking care of business at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls began their NBA playoff run with a 96-91 victory over defending champion Miami.
The young and the restless legs and arms of rookies Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha contributed to the meltdown of the Heat. Game 2 is Tuesday, also in Chicago.
The game—it’s always nice to win the first one—also showed that the Bull’s depth might be the deciding factor in this series. It was one of the rare times when Kirk Hinrich was severely limited by fouls and contributed relatively little. Yet the team was able to overcome his missing leadership.
Stepping up, in particular, were Luol Deng, Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon, and Andres Nocioni. Deng scored from everywhere and recorded a career playoff high of 33 points. Little Ben added 24 points, Big Ben registered 14 rebounds, and Nocioni contributed 17 points.
Think Deng’s performance has greatly boosted his confidence?
Are we witnessing the birth of an NBA monster?
The young and the restless legs and arms of rookies Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha contributed to the meltdown of the Heat. Game 2 is Tuesday, also in Chicago.
The game—it’s always nice to win the first one—also showed that the Bull’s depth might be the deciding factor in this series. It was one of the rare times when Kirk Hinrich was severely limited by fouls and contributed relatively little. Yet the team was able to overcome his missing leadership.
Stepping up, in particular, were Luol Deng, Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon, and Andres Nocioni. Deng scored from everywhere and recorded a career playoff high of 33 points. Little Ben added 24 points, Big Ben registered 14 rebounds, and Nocioni contributed 17 points.
Think Deng’s performance has greatly boosted his confidence?
Are we witnessing the birth of an NBA monster?
We recently pointed out five things to look for in the Illini spring football final scrimmage. Here are the points of focus and the actual results:
1 The status of running back Rashard Mendenhall’s health. Seems as if his awesome athletic skills and his body’s ability to accommodate them are too often out of sync. (His hammie injury kept him out of the scrimmage. This is worrisome and could have enormous consequences. Interestingly, brother Walter looked pretty good.)
2 How little-used basketball player C. J. Jackson performs in pads. (He was understandably not ready for prime time. Stay tuned, although the team is well fortified at tight end. Most football recruiters wanted him for the O-line—and that incuded all the top teams in the SEC.)
3 The competition between quarterbacks Juice Williams and Eddie McGee (Williams had a good day, strengthening his claim to the starting position. Whew! Fans and coaches alike had been getting nervous. Very good news.)
4 The ways coach Ron Zook uses the multitalened Arrelious Benn. (Used as a wide receiver and a running back--and looked sensational in both capacities.)
5 Lineman Jerry Brown’s attempt to crack the starting lineup. He’s one of the defensive surprises of the camp. (He had 1 ½ sacks and one other tackle for loss among his four tackles. Will add depth to a key unit and could end up as a starter. Actually, the whole defensive crew looked terrific.)
Why are the Illini coaches smiling? They’re giddy about the arrival of such promising freshmen as Martez Wilson, Josh Brent, D’Angelo McCray, Steve Matas,, Brian Gamble, Deries Hodge, and others.
And so are we.
Giddy is good.
1 The status of running back Rashard Mendenhall’s health. Seems as if his awesome athletic skills and his body’s ability to accommodate them are too often out of sync. (His hammie injury kept him out of the scrimmage. This is worrisome and could have enormous consequences. Interestingly, brother Walter looked pretty good.)
2 How little-used basketball player C. J. Jackson performs in pads. (He was understandably not ready for prime time. Stay tuned, although the team is well fortified at tight end. Most football recruiters wanted him for the O-line—and that incuded all the top teams in the SEC.)
3 The competition between quarterbacks Juice Williams and Eddie McGee (Williams had a good day, strengthening his claim to the starting position. Whew! Fans and coaches alike had been getting nervous. Very good news.)
4 The ways coach Ron Zook uses the multitalened Arrelious Benn. (Used as a wide receiver and a running back--and looked sensational in both capacities.)
5 Lineman Jerry Brown’s attempt to crack the starting lineup. He’s one of the defensive surprises of the camp. (He had 1 ½ sacks and one other tackle for loss among his four tackles. Will add depth to a key unit and could end up as a starter. Actually, the whole defensive crew looked terrific.)
Why are the Illini coaches smiling? They’re giddy about the arrival of such promising freshmen as Martez Wilson, Josh Brent, D’Angelo McCray, Steve Matas,, Brian Gamble, Deries Hodge, and others.
And so are we.
Giddy is good.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Are the Chicago Cubs going to drive us nuts again?
Ronny Cedeno makes a bonehead play yesterday, helping kill a rally by oversliding second base and getting tagged out—on a ball four, no less. Today, he drives in two runs, one with a home run. And he looks great in the field. Go figure!
Rookie Felix Pie should have made the team as the center fielder in spring training. He didn’t. But center fielder Alfonso Soriano gets hurt, and heeeere’s Felix. To stay. Manager Mount Lou Piniella says Soriano will return as the left fielder, where he played last year. Go figure!
Jason Marquis, who beat the Cardinals today 6-0, has looked great. So has Ted Lilly. Two journeymen. Go figure!
Reliever Will Ohman finished a game successfully today. Go figure!
The team, hyped for its power, often looks helpless at the plate. The much-maligned bullpen has looked pretty good. Go figure!
The ace of the pitching staff is second-year Rich Hill. Go figure!
Ronny Cedeno makes a bonehead play yesterday, helping kill a rally by oversliding second base and getting tagged out—on a ball four, no less. Today, he drives in two runs, one with a home run. And he looks great in the field. Go figure!
Rookie Felix Pie should have made the team as the center fielder in spring training. He didn’t. But center fielder Alfonso Soriano gets hurt, and heeeere’s Felix. To stay. Manager Mount Lou Piniella says Soriano will return as the left fielder, where he played last year. Go figure!
Jason Marquis, who beat the Cardinals today 6-0, has looked great. So has Ted Lilly. Two journeymen. Go figure!
Reliever Will Ohman finished a game successfully today. Go figure!
The team, hyped for its power, often looks helpless at the plate. The much-maligned bullpen has looked pretty good. Go figure!
The ace of the pitching staff is second-year Rich Hill. Go figure!
What you need to know about today’s Illinois spring football windup:
Rejus Benn : 4 rushes for 83 yards, 4 catches for 110 yards!!!
Juice Williams to Arrelious Benn. You’re going to hear a lot this fall about this combination.
A lot!
Rejus Benn : 4 rushes for 83 yards, 4 catches for 110 yards!!!
Juice Williams to Arrelious Benn. You’re going to hear a lot this fall about this combination.
A lot!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Is there a lesson here?
Ace Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano said he was close to signing a contract extension as spring training ended.
No new contract was ever signed.
Meanwhile, Zambrano has been roughed up in early season games.
Is El Toro still close to signing a new contract? Funny, but you don’t hear anything about it these days.
Is there a lesson here?
Ace Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano said he was close to signing a contract extension as spring training ended.
No new contract was ever signed.
Meanwhile, Zambrano has been roughed up in early season games.
Is El Toro still close to signing a new contract? Funny, but you don’t hear anything about it these days.
Is there a lesson here?
Chicago Bulls’s projected first-round pick from New York Knicks in draft lottery: 9th
Key Dates:
April 29: Early Entry Eligibility Deadline
May 22: NBA Draft Lottery
June 18: Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline
June 28: NBA Draft 2007
July 6-15: NBA Summer League
Key Dates:
April 29: Early Entry Eligibility Deadline
May 22: NBA Draft Lottery
June 18: Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline
June 28: NBA Draft 2007
July 6-15: NBA Summer League
Five things to look for in tomorrow’s Illini spring football final scrimmage:
1 The status of running back Rashard Mendenhall’s health. Seems as if his awesome athletic skills and his body’s ability to accommodate them are too often out of sync.
2 How little-used basketball player C. J. Jackson performs in pads.
3 The competition between quarterbacks Juice Williams and Eddie McGee.
4 The ways coach Ron Zook uses the multitalened Arrelious Benn.
5 Lineman Jerry Brown’s attempt to crack the starting lineup. He’s one of the defensive surprises of the camp.
1 The status of running back Rashard Mendenhall’s health. Seems as if his awesome athletic skills and his body’s ability to accommodate them are too often out of sync.
2 How little-used basketball player C. J. Jackson performs in pads.
3 The competition between quarterbacks Juice Williams and Eddie McGee.
4 The ways coach Ron Zook uses the multitalened Arrelious Benn.
5 Lineman Jerry Brown’s attempt to crack the starting lineup. He’s one of the defensive surprises of the camp.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The Chicago Bulls’s 106-97 loss to the New Jersey Nets last night may not have been the worst thing that happened to the team. That might have been the Knicks’s final-game victory, which probably dropped the Bulls four or five spots in the upcoming NBA draft.
Say good-bye to their chances of getting Florida’s Joakim Noah. Sad. Too bad.
Now the Bulls most likely will get to choose around 10th and pick from among such players as Mike Conley Jr., Acie Law, Carl Landry, or Trey Johnson, all pretty good prospects. And then there’s the prospect who fits this description:
….Agile forward with size, an incredible wingspan, and great all around skills
...Has a natural feel for the game, and great physical attributes
... Competitive
... Team player, but also knows when to take over
... Clutch player. Shows the ability to raise his level of play in big games
... Makes his teammates better with his vision and ability to create
... Has a diverse offensive game with the ability to pull up off the dribble, hit from outside, and penetrate to the rim
... Shows a good stroke from outside, and excellent confidence to shoot through cold spells
... Has 3 point range
... Quick hands and feet, plus athleticism make him a potential lock down defender
... His foot speed and first step is very quick
... He has huge upside but needs to gain more experience
Notes: One of the top prospects in his age group in Europe ... Led France to win the 2006 U18 Championships in Greece ... Won MVP of the 2006 Albert Schweitzer Tournament, leading France to first place ..
He’s Nicolas Batum France 6-8 SG/SF 215 pounds
Say good-bye to their chances of getting Florida’s Joakim Noah. Sad. Too bad.
Now the Bulls most likely will get to choose around 10th and pick from among such players as Mike Conley Jr., Acie Law, Carl Landry, or Trey Johnson, all pretty good prospects. And then there’s the prospect who fits this description:
….Agile forward with size, an incredible wingspan, and great all around skills
...Has a natural feel for the game, and great physical attributes
... Competitive
... Team player, but also knows when to take over
... Clutch player. Shows the ability to raise his level of play in big games
... Makes his teammates better with his vision and ability to create
... Has a diverse offensive game with the ability to pull up off the dribble, hit from outside, and penetrate to the rim
... Shows a good stroke from outside, and excellent confidence to shoot through cold spells
... Has 3 point range
... Quick hands and feet, plus athleticism make him a potential lock down defender
... His foot speed and first step is very quick
... He has huge upside but needs to gain more experience
Notes: One of the top prospects in his age group in Europe ... Led France to win the 2006 U18 Championships in Greece ... Won MVP of the 2006 Albert Schweitzer Tournament, leading France to first place ..
He’s Nicolas Batum France 6-8 SG/SF 215 pounds
Illini center Shaun Pruitt reportedly will test the NBA draft waters this year. Ouch!
Some observers argue that he would not get drafted in the first round. Baloney!
There aren’t that many agile big men in college today. But Pruitt is one of them. He’d be a sure-fire Round 1 pick.
If he goes, he takes Illinois’s Final Four chances with him.
Man, what a roller coaster week for IlliniNation—getting Rodney Alexander and possibly losing Pruitt.
Worst news for Illini hoop fans since Nick Anderson left early.
Some observers argue that he would not get drafted in the first round. Baloney!
There aren’t that many agile big men in college today. But Pruitt is one of them. He’d be a sure-fire Round 1 pick.
If he goes, he takes Illinois’s Final Four chances with him.
Man, what a roller coaster week for IlliniNation—getting Rodney Alexander and possibly losing Pruitt.
Worst news for Illini hoop fans since Nick Anderson left early.
Illinois’s 11th hour recruitment of JUCO star basketball player Rodney Alexander will cheer Illini fans. It will do much to remove the widely held “can’t recruit” stigma from coach Bruce Weber.
But it will not totally eliminate the stigma.
To do that, Weber needs to recruit the Mr. Illinois players, such as John Scheyer (Duke) and Derrick Rose (Simeon). This year, maybe it’s DeAndre Liggins of Washington or Michael Dunigan of Farragut.
If Weber can’t establish Illini credentials in the Chicago area, it’s like fighting with one arm tied behind his back.
Weber needs to get untied.
But it will not totally eliminate the stigma.
To do that, Weber needs to recruit the Mr. Illinois players, such as John Scheyer (Duke) and Derrick Rose (Simeon). This year, maybe it’s DeAndre Liggins of Washington or Michael Dunigan of Farragut.
If Weber can’t establish Illini credentials in the Chicago area, it’s like fighting with one arm tied behind his back.
Weber needs to get untied.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
No, no, no, no, and no.
No 50 wins for the Chicago Bulls (lost finale to the New Jersey Nets 106-97; ended regular season 49-33).
No No. 2 seed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference playoffs (the Bulls gave up that seed to the Cleveland Cavaliers).
No win for the Chicago Cubs (reliever Scott Eyre failed and North Siders lost 8-6 to the Atlanta Braves).
No-hitter for Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox (blanked the Texas Rangers 6-0).
No hatter for Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears (fined $100,000 for wearing a hat with an illegal promotion).
Ats all the no-nos for today.
No 50 wins for the Chicago Bulls (lost finale to the New Jersey Nets 106-97; ended regular season 49-33).
No No. 2 seed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference playoffs (the Bulls gave up that seed to the Cleveland Cavaliers).
No win for the Chicago Cubs (reliever Scott Eyre failed and North Siders lost 8-6 to the Atlanta Braves).
No-hitter for Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox (blanked the Texas Rangers 6-0).
No hatter for Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears (fined $100,000 for wearing a hat with an illegal promotion).
Ats all the no-nos for today.
Now that rumors of the signing of JUCO star Rodney Alexander have been confirmed, Illini hoops fans are offering coach Bruce Weber tons of advice on the starting five.
All the proposals include the 6-7, 225-pound Alexander at forward or guard. And, of course, Shaun Pruitt at center.
Filling out the starting lineup are a mix of recommendations that include any combination of Chester Frazier, Demetri McCamey, Jamar Smith, Quinton Watkins, and Brian Randle.
We say, Whoa! Hold on there. A big ingredient is missing. A very big (6-11) ingredient. Meaning Brian Carlwell.
In general, we can’t fault Weber’s coaching last season. But we were incensed at his failure to focus on developing Carlwell, who languished on the bench almost the entire season. This guy was no project. He was aggressive, had soft hands, could rebound, and could run the court. Okay, maybe he was project-lite. But Weber’s failure to develop Carlwell’s potentially beastly skills helped doom the team’s progression in the NCAA playoffs.
Hopefully, Weber won’t repeat that mistake. Carlwell may not be ready to start at the moment, but intensive play in the first half of the season should change the boy to a man.
So, we suggest:
Center—Pruit
Power forward—Carlwell
Shooting forward—Alexander
Shooting guard—Smith
Point guard—Watkins
There’s a starting lineup that’s got it all—rebounding, shooting, defense. And the supporting cast ain’t so bad, either.
With a polished Carlwell, we see Final Four.
All the proposals include the 6-7, 225-pound Alexander at forward or guard. And, of course, Shaun Pruitt at center.
Filling out the starting lineup are a mix of recommendations that include any combination of Chester Frazier, Demetri McCamey, Jamar Smith, Quinton Watkins, and Brian Randle.
We say, Whoa! Hold on there. A big ingredient is missing. A very big (6-11) ingredient. Meaning Brian Carlwell.
In general, we can’t fault Weber’s coaching last season. But we were incensed at his failure to focus on developing Carlwell, who languished on the bench almost the entire season. This guy was no project. He was aggressive, had soft hands, could rebound, and could run the court. Okay, maybe he was project-lite. But Weber’s failure to develop Carlwell’s potentially beastly skills helped doom the team’s progression in the NCAA playoffs.
Hopefully, Weber won’t repeat that mistake. Carlwell may not be ready to start at the moment, but intensive play in the first half of the season should change the boy to a man.
So, we suggest:
Center—Pruit
Power forward—Carlwell
Shooting forward—Alexander
Shooting guard—Smith
Point guard—Watkins
There’s a starting lineup that’s got it all—rebounding, shooting, defense. And the supporting cast ain’t so bad, either.
With a polished Carlwell, we see Final Four.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Reports are circulating that Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber has recruited one of the nation’s top junior college players, 6-7 small forward Rodney Alexander.
Alexander averaged about 14 points a game for Redlands Junior College in Oklahoma. His team finished with a 30-2 record last season and ranked second in a poll of junior college teams. He chose the Illini over Indiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Alexander will begin play for the Illini in the 2007-08 season.
Alexander averaged about 14 points a game for Redlands Junior College in Oklahoma. His team finished with a 30-2 record last season and ranked second in a poll of junior college teams. He chose the Illini over Indiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Alexander will begin play for the Illini in the 2007-08 season.
Chicago basketball fans, how would you like to see the Bulls draft a guy with this description?
.....Extremely long, fluid/mobile player who runs the court like a guard
… For his size (7-0), he is a surprisingly solid ball handler
… This becomes evident when he gets the ball in the high post and dribbles past his man for a lay-up
… High energy player who plays games with great passion and intensity
… Great lateral quickness which enables him to be an excellent help defender when the perimeter defense breaks down
… Great motor, constantly moves without the ball in his hands trying to get open
… Passing ability is top notch for a player at his position
… Displays good touch around the basket
… Excellent finisher in transition where he converts with ease
… Offensively he has two crucial physical tools which will facilitate his back to the basket development: long arms and good hands
… Thanks to his aggressive play, he does a good job of drawling fouls from the opposition
… Tough minded kid who possess a warrior attitude in that he loves to compete and never backs down from physical play
… Is a great rebounder who understands how to use his frame and long arms
… Shows great body control as he is able to get knocked around and still finish
… Despite being a junior, he has untapped potential
According to some draft gurus, the Bulls, picking 6th or 7th, might get a shot at him: Joakim Noah of Florida.
Wouldn’t that be nice? Can you imagine this guy running fast breaks with Tyrus Thomas?
.....Extremely long, fluid/mobile player who runs the court like a guard
… For his size (7-0), he is a surprisingly solid ball handler
… This becomes evident when he gets the ball in the high post and dribbles past his man for a lay-up
… High energy player who plays games with great passion and intensity
… Great lateral quickness which enables him to be an excellent help defender when the perimeter defense breaks down
… Great motor, constantly moves without the ball in his hands trying to get open
… Passing ability is top notch for a player at his position
… Displays good touch around the basket
… Excellent finisher in transition where he converts with ease
… Offensively he has two crucial physical tools which will facilitate his back to the basket development: long arms and good hands
… Thanks to his aggressive play, he does a good job of drawling fouls from the opposition
… Tough minded kid who possess a warrior attitude in that he loves to compete and never backs down from physical play
… Is a great rebounder who understands how to use his frame and long arms
… Shows great body control as he is able to get knocked around and still finish
… Despite being a junior, he has untapped potential
According to some draft gurus, the Bulls, picking 6th or 7th, might get a shot at him: Joakim Noah of Florida.
Wouldn’t that be nice? Can you imagine this guy running fast breaks with Tyrus Thomas?
The Chicago Cubs made some changes today, as promised by beleaguered manager Lou Piniella. Ryan Theriot was promoted to the starting second base position. But the main change was to call up Felix Pie and pencil in his long-awaited major league debut.
The Cubs still lost 4-3 in 14-innings to the Padres. Both teams used all their players except some starting pitchers. Will Ohman got the loss.
The Cubs’s relievers were good, very good. But the Padres’s relievers were better. A fairy tale finish of Pie hitting a walk-off home run didn’t happen. But signs of his potential were clear. He played a flawless center field, hit an RBI double, and threw a runner out at the plate. A hamstring injury suffered by Alfonso Soriano paved the way for Pie’s call-up from AAA Iowa.
In spite of the loss, there was some other good stuff for Cub fans. Aramis Ramirez and Mark DeRosa made sparkling plays in the field. And Michael Wuertz, who pitched two scoreless innings, continued to look like the team’s eventual closer.
Why didn’t the Cubs win today? Usual reason. It was just too cold for this traditionally warm weather team.
The Cubs still lost 4-3 in 14-innings to the Padres. Both teams used all their players except some starting pitchers. Will Ohman got the loss.
The Cubs’s relievers were good, very good. But the Padres’s relievers were better. A fairy tale finish of Pie hitting a walk-off home run didn’t happen. But signs of his potential were clear. He played a flawless center field, hit an RBI double, and threw a runner out at the plate. A hamstring injury suffered by Alfonso Soriano paved the way for Pie’s call-up from AAA Iowa.
In spite of the loss, there was some other good stuff for Cub fans. Aramis Ramirez and Mark DeRosa made sparkling plays in the field. And Michael Wuertz, who pitched two scoreless innings, continued to look like the team’s eventual closer.
Why didn’t the Cubs win today? Usual reason. It was just too cold for this traditionally warm weather team.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Is the offensive line the key to the success of the 2007 Illini football team? This question is the subject of hot debate among many Illinois football fans.
It’s hard to argue with the point that any running game depends on the offensive line. But the key to Illinois’s success? Nah. Football is very much a multifaceted game. No single unit is more important than any other.
Even if the Illini develop a strong O-line, the defense and special teams will also need to perform at a high level.
Coach Ron Zook has assembled key players for every unit of the team. It’s this diversity that will win games, not just the O-line. And somehow great runners have a way of making an offensive line look good.
Do the Illini have any great runners? Rashard Mendenhall looks like the best in a long time. And Deries Hodge sure sounds good in knowledgeable reports.
But if there is a sleeper unit, it’s sure to be the speedy receiver corps.
It’s hard to argue with the point that any running game depends on the offensive line. But the key to Illinois’s success? Nah. Football is very much a multifaceted game. No single unit is more important than any other.
Even if the Illini develop a strong O-line, the defense and special teams will also need to perform at a high level.
Coach Ron Zook has assembled key players for every unit of the team. It’s this diversity that will win games, not just the O-line. And somehow great runners have a way of making an offensive line look good.
Do the Illini have any great runners? Rashard Mendenhall looks like the best in a long time. And Deries Hodge sure sounds good in knowledgeable reports.
But if there is a sleeper unit, it’s sure to be the speedy receiver corps.
Some changes in the Chicago Cub roster will be made.
That’s what fiery Mount Lou Piniella said after the Cubbies couldn’t score even one run in their loss yesterday to the Reds.
Is panic setting in so soon? Or is it a reflection of reality?
Panic? Nah. Too early.
Reality? Let’s hope so. Piniella knows quality. He’s managed championship teams. He’s still learning about the players. Unlike the cozy, warm atmosphere of Arizona, the biting cold of Chicago is teaching Piniella truths he couldn’t learn in spring training.
He looks like he’s a fast learner. We’re happy to see him start looking for new combinations. It’s obvious that his first move is to promote Ryan Theriot to the starting lineup. Probably at second base. We don’t see Mark DeRosa scaring opposition hurlers so far.
It’s also time to give up on the Cliff Floyd experiment and get Matt Murton in the lineup.
The next moves are the sweetest. Call up Felix Pie (hitting over .400 at Iowa) and install him in center. Call up Rocky Cherry and say good-bye to Will Ohman. Soriano goes to right, and Jones replaces Ward for pinch hitting.
These changes will help. But keep a sharp eye, and a short leash, on the erratic bullpen. Most of these guys are the Cubs’s worst nightmares.
That’s what fiery Mount Lou Piniella said after the Cubbies couldn’t score even one run in their loss yesterday to the Reds.
Is panic setting in so soon? Or is it a reflection of reality?
Panic? Nah. Too early.
Reality? Let’s hope so. Piniella knows quality. He’s managed championship teams. He’s still learning about the players. Unlike the cozy, warm atmosphere of Arizona, the biting cold of Chicago is teaching Piniella truths he couldn’t learn in spring training.
He looks like he’s a fast learner. We’re happy to see him start looking for new combinations. It’s obvious that his first move is to promote Ryan Theriot to the starting lineup. Probably at second base. We don’t see Mark DeRosa scaring opposition hurlers so far.
It’s also time to give up on the Cliff Floyd experiment and get Matt Murton in the lineup.
The next moves are the sweetest. Call up Felix Pie (hitting over .400 at Iowa) and install him in center. Call up Rocky Cherry and say good-bye to Will Ohman. Soriano goes to right, and Jones replaces Ward for pinch hitting.
These changes will help. But keep a sharp eye, and a short leash, on the erratic bullpen. Most of these guys are the Cubs’s worst nightmares.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Despite the raw weather in Chicago yesterday, the Illni football team held a satisfactory spring scrimmage at the field of St. Rita High School.
Fans wanted to see Rashard Mendenhall, leading contender for the opening tailback position. And they got their wish as Mendenhall ran for 147 yards on 20 carries.
Other pluses included:
Freshman wide receiver Arrelious Benn, who displayed power and shiftiness after the catch. A sure starter this fall barring injury. And he took the ball in the backfield on some plays and returned a kick. He’s going to draw double coverage every play. Question is: Can the double coverage keep up with him?
Benn is sure to open the field for other receivers. Wide receivers Chris James and Dere Hicks looked good at the scrimmage.
Underclass quarterbacks Eddie McGee and Billy Garza promise to offer stiff competition to Juice Williams, who also had a pretty good day considering the sharp wind.
On the defense, lineman Davd Lindquest, who led the Illini in recovered fumbles last season, also continued to attract the coaches’s attention at the scrimmage. Jerry Brown also helped his cause as a serious challenger for the opening lineup.
Overall conclusion: Jeff Cumberland and his fellow tight ends are going to love sneaking into the secondary as the opposition tries to cover Benn and the rest of the speedy receiving corps.
Fans wanted to see Rashard Mendenhall, leading contender for the opening tailback position. And they got their wish as Mendenhall ran for 147 yards on 20 carries.
Other pluses included:
Freshman wide receiver Arrelious Benn, who displayed power and shiftiness after the catch. A sure starter this fall barring injury. And he took the ball in the backfield on some plays and returned a kick. He’s going to draw double coverage every play. Question is: Can the double coverage keep up with him?
Benn is sure to open the field for other receivers. Wide receivers Chris James and Dere Hicks looked good at the scrimmage.
Underclass quarterbacks Eddie McGee and Billy Garza promise to offer stiff competition to Juice Williams, who also had a pretty good day considering the sharp wind.
On the defense, lineman Davd Lindquest, who led the Illini in recovered fumbles last season, also continued to attract the coaches’s attention at the scrimmage. Jerry Brown also helped his cause as a serious challenger for the opening lineup.
Overall conclusion: Jeff Cumberland and his fellow tight ends are going to love sneaking into the secondary as the opposition tries to cover Benn and the rest of the speedy receiving corps.
The Chicago Bulls continued to play peaking basketball in a 101—68 blowout of the Washington Wizards today. The victory was the Bulls’s 10th in their last 12 and kept them on track to nail down the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls avoided a period of freefall when they lost Andres Nocioni for a substantial time. But they took advantage of the opportunity to get more playing time for Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha, and both rookies produced admirably.
Against the Wizards, the Bulls showed why they promise to be a contender for the title: bench strength. The Chicago bench outscored Washington’s reserves 36-15. This advantage has favored the Bulls through much of the season. Now, the young and the restless legs of Thomas, Sefolosha, Nocioni, and Chris Duhon are ready to pay extra dividends.
One question being debated by many Bulls’s fans is whether P.J. Brown or Tyrus Thomas should start with Luol Deng. Brown obviously adds valuable experience. But he scores little and can limit fast starts in the first quarter. Thomas, on the other hand, offers the chance to help jump-start the offense and make the opposition play catch-up. Thomas clearly is much better now than he was at the start of the season.
But there’s always the hesitation: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.
And right now, the Bulls don’t need no fixin’.
The Bulls avoided a period of freefall when they lost Andres Nocioni for a substantial time. But they took advantage of the opportunity to get more playing time for Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha, and both rookies produced admirably.
Against the Wizards, the Bulls showed why they promise to be a contender for the title: bench strength. The Chicago bench outscored Washington’s reserves 36-15. This advantage has favored the Bulls through much of the season. Now, the young and the restless legs of Thomas, Sefolosha, Nocioni, and Chris Duhon are ready to pay extra dividends.
One question being debated by many Bulls’s fans is whether P.J. Brown or Tyrus Thomas should start with Luol Deng. Brown obviously adds valuable experience. But he scores little and can limit fast starts in the first quarter. Thomas, on the other hand, offers the chance to help jump-start the offense and make the opposition play catch-up. Thomas clearly is much better now than he was at the start of the season.
But there’s always the hesitation: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.
And right now, the Bulls don’t need no fixin’.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Since we’re historically stuck following our lovable losers, the Chicago Cubs, how about first saluting the accomplishments of a real winner, star athlete—and scholar—Claire Voris of Barrington High School.
Here’s Claire in a snapshot view:
Sport: Softball
Position: Pitcher
Won-Lost record: 12-1
Innings: 74 1/3
Strikeouts: 106
Walks: 14
Shutouts: 9
No-hitters: 2
Earned runs: None
Grade-point average on a 4.0 scale: 4.14
Way to go Claire.
And now, sorrowfully, our Cubs’s post follows.
Here’s Claire in a snapshot view:
Sport: Softball
Position: Pitcher
Won-Lost record: 12-1
Innings: 74 1/3
Strikeouts: 106
Walks: 14
Shutouts: 9
No-hitters: 2
Earned runs: None
Grade-point average on a 4.0 scale: 4.14
Way to go Claire.
And now, sorrowfully, our Cubs’s post follows.
Hey, Lou, welcome to the annual show.
That is, the Chicago Cub Follies, starring a bizarre and hapless cast of aggravating baseball players.
And guess what, they’re your players.
Like all good performers, they will make you laugh. And they will make you cry. But mostly, they will drive you bonkers.
Yesterday’s 6-5 loss to the Reds, blowing a five-run lead with your ace on the mound, was a bonkers day.
If that debacle weren’t sad, it would be funny. And if it weren’t funny, it would be sad.
Your post-game press conference was notable, too. It marked the emergence of Mount Lou. You blew the Sweet Lou moniker to smithereens and erupted with a force not seen since Dennis Green’s meltdown.
Despite your clear and serious anger, you may have noticed some snickering ripple through the room. Baffled? Don’t be. The snickerers were the oldtimers in the press corps, who have been following Cub antics for a long time and deemed yesterday’s performance fairly typical.
What was funny to them was not the nature of your explosion but the sense that you seemed surprised that such follies could occur, especially after such a good spring training camp.
But now things seem to be settling into place.
Where the season ended last year.
Last place.
That is, the Chicago Cub Follies, starring a bizarre and hapless cast of aggravating baseball players.
And guess what, they’re your players.
Like all good performers, they will make you laugh. And they will make you cry. But mostly, they will drive you bonkers.
Yesterday’s 6-5 loss to the Reds, blowing a five-run lead with your ace on the mound, was a bonkers day.
If that debacle weren’t sad, it would be funny. And if it weren’t funny, it would be sad.
Your post-game press conference was notable, too. It marked the emergence of Mount Lou. You blew the Sweet Lou moniker to smithereens and erupted with a force not seen since Dennis Green’s meltdown.
Despite your clear and serious anger, you may have noticed some snickering ripple through the room. Baffled? Don’t be. The snickerers were the oldtimers in the press corps, who have been following Cub antics for a long time and deemed yesterday’s performance fairly typical.
What was funny to them was not the nature of your explosion but the sense that you seemed surprised that such follies could occur, especially after such a good spring training camp.
But now things seem to be settling into place.
Where the season ended last year.
Last place.
Friday, April 13, 2007
What is it about the announcement of the Chicago Bears’s upcoming schedule that drives the sports media into a frenzy of prognostication? That’s what happened yesterday when all the print and broadcasting media went down the list of games and predicted the wins and losses.
The staffers’s picks ranged from 9-7 to 12-4 season records.
Get serious. There is no way, at this time—even before the draft—that anyone can know enough about any team to declare winners and losers with metaphysical certitude. Every team is different from last year. Old issues may be resolved, but new ones are sure to surface.
Injuries alone in the early season can change a team’s destiny. Is there any question how much better the Bears would have been had they not lost Tommie Harris, Dusty Dvoracek, and Mike Brown?
It wasn’t until the end of the first third of the season, with the miracle victory over Arizona, that the Bears became a favorite to reach the Super Bowl.
So how much stock should you put in yesterday’s media picks?
None.
The staffers’s picks ranged from 9-7 to 12-4 season records.
Get serious. There is no way, at this time—even before the draft—that anyone can know enough about any team to declare winners and losers with metaphysical certitude. Every team is different from last year. Old issues may be resolved, but new ones are sure to surface.
Injuries alone in the early season can change a team’s destiny. Is there any question how much better the Bears would have been had they not lost Tommie Harris, Dusty Dvoracek, and Mike Brown?
It wasn’t until the end of the first third of the season, with the miracle victory over Arizona, that the Bears became a favorite to reach the Super Bowl.
So how much stock should you put in yesterday’s media picks?
None.
Ya just gotta love this, Illini hoops fans:
“I love the State of Illinois. Illinois is an elite program. I know for a fact they have the best coach in the country in Bruce Weber and he has a great staff. I want to play for my home state and make the state and Illini fans proud. I made the right choice and I can’t wait to play with my new teammates.”
Excerpt of an interview by publisher Kedric Prince with 6-10 Peoria native Bill Cole .
Cole will be joining the Illini for the 2007-08 season.
“I love the State of Illinois. Illinois is an elite program. I know for a fact they have the best coach in the country in Bruce Weber and he has a great staff. I want to play for my home state and make the state and Illini fans proud. I made the right choice and I can’t wait to play with my new teammates.”
Excerpt of an interview by publisher Kedric Prince with 6-10 Peoria native Bill Cole .
Cole will be joining the Illini for the 2007-08 season.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
It’s great to get Quinton Watkins officially on board the 2007-08 basketball team. It answers a key question: Now that Rich McBride and Warren Carter are gone, where are the points going to come from?
Watkins, who averaged about 20 points a game, will help. He was considered one of the top five guards on the West Coast.
Hopefully, his signing will stop the “Bruce Weber can’t recruit” brigade, at least for a while.
Weber and the other Illini coaches are now working hard to scout the top players on the spring and summer amateur circuits. Wonder how many games the top prospects play in a year?
But, back to next year’s team. Most fans and gurus are limited to assessing the 2007 team in spite of Watkins’s signing. The limitations arise because of the unknown statuses of Jamar Smith and Brian Carlwell. In the best scenario, both rejoin the team, and Jamar returns to the days of the “microwave” while Carlwell develops into a beast alongside potential Big Ten Player of the Year Shaun Pruitt. Now we’re talking.
But let’s hope it becomes more than just talk.
Watkins, who averaged about 20 points a game, will help. He was considered one of the top five guards on the West Coast.
Hopefully, his signing will stop the “Bruce Weber can’t recruit” brigade, at least for a while.
Weber and the other Illini coaches are now working hard to scout the top players on the spring and summer amateur circuits. Wonder how many games the top prospects play in a year?
But, back to next year’s team. Most fans and gurus are limited to assessing the 2007 team in spite of Watkins’s signing. The limitations arise because of the unknown statuses of Jamar Smith and Brian Carlwell. In the best scenario, both rejoin the team, and Jamar returns to the days of the “microwave” while Carlwell develops into a beast alongside potential Big Ten Player of the Year Shaun Pruitt. Now we’re talking.
But let’s hope it becomes more than just talk.
Illini spring football camp has neared its long-awaited Saturday scrimmage in Chicago with a lot of stunning plays. The team practiced indoors yesterday under limited tackling procedures, and several players made strong statements that they will be ready to play starring roles in the fall.
These players included defensive lineman Jerry Brown, who has made his presence known all over the field. Fellow linemen Derek Walker and Doug Pilcher also have made numerous special plays. And this is the area where strong recruits will play after they arrive in August.
In addition, perhaps the most hyped defensive recruit, Martez Wilson, will be joining the superb linebacking corps that will be headed by bone-crushing J Leman.
On offense, receivers Arrelious Benn and Chris James are attracting special attention.
And what may be the most startling development to come out of spring camp is that the Illini may have a second quarterback who can be productive. He’s Eddie McGee, who has shown a strong, accurate arm along with an—oops!--tendency to fumble. If he can shake the fumblitis in spring camp, he could, at the least, help “inspire” Juice Williams.
Stay tuned for more spills and thrills from spring camp. The camp winds up with a team scrimmage April 21.
These players included defensive lineman Jerry Brown, who has made his presence known all over the field. Fellow linemen Derek Walker and Doug Pilcher also have made numerous special plays. And this is the area where strong recruits will play after they arrive in August.
In addition, perhaps the most hyped defensive recruit, Martez Wilson, will be joining the superb linebacking corps that will be headed by bone-crushing J Leman.
On offense, receivers Arrelious Benn and Chris James are attracting special attention.
And what may be the most startling development to come out of spring camp is that the Illini may have a second quarterback who can be productive. He’s Eddie McGee, who has shown a strong, accurate arm along with an—oops!--tendency to fumble. If he can shake the fumblitis in spring camp, he could, at the least, help “inspire” Juice Williams.
Stay tuned for more spills and thrills from spring camp. The camp winds up with a team scrimmage April 21.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Chicago Cubs are streaking.
Three straight losses, in themselves, shouldn’t be cause for alarm in the 162-game season. But the Cubs are up to some of their old, bad tricks, which could be an omen.
Like the 4-2 loss to the struggling Houston Astros yesterday. Three errors in one game by Gold Glover Cesar Izturis? Brings memories of the antics last season of Ronny Cedeno. Alfonso Soriano misplaying a fly ball (and we had just complimented him on his defense). Seemingly paralyzed by cold weather. Mounting losses in April.
And what about manager Lou Piniella’s assertion that being down by a couple of runs in the first inning “hinders us as to what we can do offensively.” Huh?
The most disappointing development so far? No sighting of the hyped offensive powerhouse.
Still, we’ve got to ask who else but Soriano could score from second base on an infield error? Okay, we’ll tune in tomorrow.
Three straight losses, in themselves, shouldn’t be cause for alarm in the 162-game season. But the Cubs are up to some of their old, bad tricks, which could be an omen.
Like the 4-2 loss to the struggling Houston Astros yesterday. Three errors in one game by Gold Glover Cesar Izturis? Brings memories of the antics last season of Ronny Cedeno. Alfonso Soriano misplaying a fly ball (and we had just complimented him on his defense). Seemingly paralyzed by cold weather. Mounting losses in April.
And what about manager Lou Piniella’s assertion that being down by a couple of runs in the first inning “hinders us as to what we can do offensively.” Huh?
The most disappointing development so far? No sighting of the hyped offensive powerhouse.
Still, we’ve got to ask who else but Soriano could score from second base on an infield error? Okay, we’ll tune in tomorrow.
Since the Chicago Bulls are switching first-round draft picks with the sinking New York Knicks, we find ourselves watching the Knicks’s scores as much as Bulls’s results. And we like what’s happening.
The Bulls clobbered the Knicks yesterday in Chicago to doubly help their own cause. The Knicks had to play without five of their six top scorers, and the sixth, former Bull Eddy Curry, was practically a no-show. The draft-pick switch comes courtesy of the Bulls’s trade of Curry.
The Knicks have four games left, including three on the road. Heh, heh! The Knicks’s first-round draft pick will range from No. 5 to No. 11.
The projected top 4 picks, in order, are Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Brandan Wright, and Al Horford. The next projected picks, not in order, include Center Roy Hibbert, Forward Joakim Noah, Forward Corey Brewer, Forward Julian Wright, Guard Mike Conley, and Center/Forward Tiago Splitter.
The Bulls don’t seem to need more guards, but it would be hard to pass up Conley if he’s available. Another strong forward to complement Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas would be nice. So the 7-foot power forward/center Splitter might be the choice.
But the better approach is to deal with the Suns to get 6-10, power forward Al Horford.
The Bulls clobbered the Knicks yesterday in Chicago to doubly help their own cause. The Knicks had to play without five of their six top scorers, and the sixth, former Bull Eddy Curry, was practically a no-show. The draft-pick switch comes courtesy of the Bulls’s trade of Curry.
The Knicks have four games left, including three on the road. Heh, heh! The Knicks’s first-round draft pick will range from No. 5 to No. 11.
The projected top 4 picks, in order, are Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Brandan Wright, and Al Horford. The next projected picks, not in order, include Center Roy Hibbert, Forward Joakim Noah, Forward Corey Brewer, Forward Julian Wright, Guard Mike Conley, and Center/Forward Tiago Splitter.
The Bulls don’t seem to need more guards, but it would be hard to pass up Conley if he’s available. Another strong forward to complement Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas would be nice. So the 7-foot power forward/center Splitter might be the choice.
But the better approach is to deal with the Suns to get 6-10, power forward Al Horford.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Illini basketball insider Bleeding on B88 talks about the three definite Illini recruits, Mike Tisdale. Bill Cole, and Demetri McCamey:
Tisdale is a legit 7'0" with excellent offensive skills. He has excellent hands and footwork around the basket, can shoot a hook shot with either hand, is an above average FT shooter, and has range out to the three point line. He'll need to gain more weight and also more stamina to really earn good minutes. He is a good passer, above average dribbler for a big man, and will instantly be the most skilled offensive big man on the team next year IMO. Tisdale is also a very good natural shot blocker. There will be obvious questions about how he will fare against better competition, but he more than held his own in scrimmages against Alex Tyus at IL in the fall of 2005 when they played against one another.
Cole is a 6'9" PF who is one of those players that seems to do lots of things well. He's very slight and needs lots of weight, but he reminds me of a young James Augustine, though he's probably not the same sort of athlete as Augie. He is a good ball handler, good shooter, pretty good passer. I think he needs to learn how to play hard all of the time, but he'll learn that or sit in Weber's system. He has the athleticism to drive slower PFs batty, but I'm still not sure where the ceiling is with Cole. He could be a star or he could be a bust IMO.
McCamey is a 6'3" PG. He claims he's weighing 210 these days and that Weber has told him he needs to weight 205 when he gets to campus. But don't be surprised if he weighs 190 or 195 after all the running they do in September/October. McCamey is a solid guy. The muscles are there, but he's just got some layers to him as well. Don't worry about the size though, because McCamey is an athlete. He has very good end to end speed and exceptional hops. His first steal and dunk will truly bring the AH house down.
My biggest concern with McCamey is his focus. He can get lazy with some of his passes, especially over the top against a zone, and on defense. When he is motivated, he is a truly special player. He'll just need to learn how to stay motivated for long stretches. His jump shot has really improved. He still has a bit of a hitch and still shoots from the hip a bit too much for my liking, but it is night and day compared to last year. McCamey is a good rebounder and a very, very good passer. He will instantly add a dimension to the Illinois offense that we've been lacking for two years: the ability to drive the lane for points or to dish the ball to a big man. Pruitt and Randle are going to LOVE McCamey, but both better be prepared to catch some bullets because McCamey's passes aren't for the timid.
Tisdale is a legit 7'0" with excellent offensive skills. He has excellent hands and footwork around the basket, can shoot a hook shot with either hand, is an above average FT shooter, and has range out to the three point line. He'll need to gain more weight and also more stamina to really earn good minutes. He is a good passer, above average dribbler for a big man, and will instantly be the most skilled offensive big man on the team next year IMO. Tisdale is also a very good natural shot blocker. There will be obvious questions about how he will fare against better competition, but he more than held his own in scrimmages against Alex Tyus at IL in the fall of 2005 when they played against one another.
Cole is a 6'9" PF who is one of those players that seems to do lots of things well. He's very slight and needs lots of weight, but he reminds me of a young James Augustine, though he's probably not the same sort of athlete as Augie. He is a good ball handler, good shooter, pretty good passer. I think he needs to learn how to play hard all of the time, but he'll learn that or sit in Weber's system. He has the athleticism to drive slower PFs batty, but I'm still not sure where the ceiling is with Cole. He could be a star or he could be a bust IMO.
McCamey is a 6'3" PG. He claims he's weighing 210 these days and that Weber has told him he needs to weight 205 when he gets to campus. But don't be surprised if he weighs 190 or 195 after all the running they do in September/October. McCamey is a solid guy. The muscles are there, but he's just got some layers to him as well. Don't worry about the size though, because McCamey is an athlete. He has very good end to end speed and exceptional hops. His first steal and dunk will truly bring the AH house down.
My biggest concern with McCamey is his focus. He can get lazy with some of his passes, especially over the top against a zone, and on defense. When he is motivated, he is a truly special player. He'll just need to learn how to stay motivated for long stretches. His jump shot has really improved. He still has a bit of a hitch and still shoots from the hip a bit too much for my liking, but it is night and day compared to last year. McCamey is a good rebounder and a very, very good passer. He will instantly add a dimension to the Illinois offense that we've been lacking for two years: the ability to drive the lane for points or to dish the ball to a big man. Pruitt and Randle are going to LOVE McCamey, but both better be prepared to catch some bullets because McCamey's passes aren't for the timid.
It’s a great idea for the Illini to hold a spring football scrimmage Saturday at St. Rita, in the heart of the Catholic League (and Notre Dame recruiting grounds).
But we hope coach Zook understands that lots of Illini alums and potential top recruits live in the northern and northwestern suburbs. Schedule another spring scrimmage at Niles West High School in Skokie—home school of the Mendenhalls—and you get an attendance of 50,000. Minimum.
And why stop there? Schedule other spring scrimmages in Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida? Sounds like a plan to us.
But we hope coach Zook understands that lots of Illini alums and potential top recruits live in the northern and northwestern suburbs. Schedule another spring scrimmage at Niles West High School in Skokie—home school of the Mendenhalls—and you get an attendance of 50,000. Minimum.
And why stop there? Schedule other spring scrimmages in Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida? Sounds like a plan to us.
Monday, April 09, 2007
The Chicago Bears are finished hibernating. Coach Lovie Smith said the players will assemble tomorrow in the first team planning activity of the 2007-08 season.
You know the season. The one in which the Bears will be on a mission to finish their goal from the previous season.
Smith said the Bears need tweaking.
We agree. Here are the ways we would tweak as the NFL draft approaches (end of April):
Safety: The Bears addressed that position in the offseason. So it’s not as high a draft priority as other positions.
Running back: Cedric Benson will replace the departed Thomas Jones. Need another backup.
Defensive line: Will Tommie Harris be completely recovered? How much will Tank Johnson play? How good will Dusty Dvoracek be?
Linebacker: Could be the first priority if Lance Briggs doesn’t play for the Bears.
Offensive line: The Colts manhandled the Bear O-line in the Super Bowl.
And last, but not least, Quarterback: Can the Bears find anyone better than Rex?
Happy tweaking!
You know the season. The one in which the Bears will be on a mission to finish their goal from the previous season.
Smith said the Bears need tweaking.
We agree. Here are the ways we would tweak as the NFL draft approaches (end of April):
Safety: The Bears addressed that position in the offseason. So it’s not as high a draft priority as other positions.
Running back: Cedric Benson will replace the departed Thomas Jones. Need another backup.
Defensive line: Will Tommie Harris be completely recovered? How much will Tank Johnson play? How good will Dusty Dvoracek be?
Linebacker: Could be the first priority if Lance Briggs doesn’t play for the Bears.
Offensive line: The Colts manhandled the Bear O-line in the Super Bowl.
And last, but not least, Quarterback: Can the Bears find anyone better than Rex?
Happy tweaking!
As they have done so many times, the Chicago Cubs lost a home opener. And that hurts, to put it mildly, even though the game today was competitive (5-3). But still, losing the home opener this season. That's unthinkable. Because Cub fans have sky-high hopes. And to lose the opener? In this historic-to-be season? Bummer.
And what do fans care about all the special pregame activities? And those paratroopers? What was that all about? The loss was unjust. Did you see the floating strike zone of the home plate umpire? Blindest ref we ever saw.
Since there was a high degree of injustice, can’t there be a law that the home team must be allowed to win its opener? The later losses don’t seem to sting as much as defeat in an opener.
Are we giving up on the Cubs so soon? Nah.
We’ll give ‘em until the end…of April.
And what do fans care about all the special pregame activities? And those paratroopers? What was that all about? The loss was unjust. Did you see the floating strike zone of the home plate umpire? Blindest ref we ever saw.
Since there was a high degree of injustice, can’t there be a law that the home team must be allowed to win its opener? The later losses don’t seem to sting as much as defeat in an opener.
Are we giving up on the Cubs so soon? Nah.
We’ll give ‘em until the end…of April.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
A surprise in the world of Illini basketball recruiting? Illinois has one scholarship available for 2007, and this week opens a period for accepting letters of intent by recruits.
Quinton Watkins, a sharpshooter from California, apparently will make his commitment official. But who else is on coach Bruce Weber’s radar screen?
The last few times Weber has finalized late choices, the Illini added Calvin Brock and Trent Meacham. They didn’t help much.
Rather than making a reach, the Illini should roll over the scholarship to 2008.
Quinton Watkins, a sharpshooter from California, apparently will make his commitment official. But who else is on coach Bruce Weber’s radar screen?
The last few times Weber has finalized late choices, the Illini added Calvin Brock and Trent Meacham. They didn’t help much.
Rather than making a reach, the Illini should roll over the scholarship to 2008.
The Chicago Cubs are going up for sale. How much are the Cubs and Wrigley Field worth? About $750 million? A billion?
You mean if the Cubs end the season with 90 0r more wins?
Or even if they end the season with a percentage of about .500?
Or if they repeat last season and lose 90 or more games?
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
The sky’s the limit.
As long as the attendance figure keeps topping 3 million a season.
You mean if the Cubs end the season with 90 0r more wins?
Or even if they end the season with a percentage of about .500?
Or if they repeat last season and lose 90 or more games?
Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter.
The sky’s the limit.
As long as the attendance figure keeps topping 3 million a season.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Things we’re liking about the Chicago Cubs in the opening week of the baseball season:
Manager Lou Piniella’s aggressive style of play on offense.
The outfield defense, especially Alfonso Soriano’s, may not be a “concern” at all.
The starting pitching has been sensational.
The bullpen has been pretty effective, surprisingly.
The Cubs are winning with a lot of hits that don’t include home runs.
Watching Derrek Lee swing. Reminds us of Billy Williams.
Aramis Ramirez jumping off to a strong start.
The surprise of the week is the hitting of Mark DeRosa.
Almost, or maybe even more surprising, is the all-around play of Cesar Izturis.
When Ronny Cedeno can hit a pinch home run.
Can you believe all this stuff?
Manager Lou Piniella’s aggressive style of play on offense.
The outfield defense, especially Alfonso Soriano’s, may not be a “concern” at all.
The starting pitching has been sensational.
The bullpen has been pretty effective, surprisingly.
The Cubs are winning with a lot of hits that don’t include home runs.
Watching Derrek Lee swing. Reminds us of Billy Williams.
Aramis Ramirez jumping off to a strong start.
The surprise of the week is the hitting of Mark DeRosa.
Almost, or maybe even more surprising, is the all-around play of Cesar Izturis.
When Ronny Cedeno can hit a pinch home run.
Can you believe all this stuff?
Things we’re liking about the Chicago Bulls in the closing games of the regular NBA season:
The Bulls are peaking. Good timing.
The Bulls can win without Ben Wallace. Really, they can.
The Bulls are especially dangerous when Wallace is playing. Particularly against the Pistons.
Luol Deng is having a breakout year. And just think what lies ahead!
The Bulls smartly refused any trade with the Grizzlies that included Deng and Ben Gordon.
When Little Ben is flinging in rainbow bombs.
That Andres Nocioni is returning to action tomorrow.
That Tyrus Thomas is becoming close to being a dominator in the post area.
That Thabo looks better every game.
That Kirk Hinrich is one of the most underrated players in the league.
The Bulls are peaking. Good timing.
The Bulls can win without Ben Wallace. Really, they can.
The Bulls are especially dangerous when Wallace is playing. Particularly against the Pistons.
Luol Deng is having a breakout year. And just think what lies ahead!
The Bulls smartly refused any trade with the Grizzlies that included Deng and Ben Gordon.
When Little Ben is flinging in rainbow bombs.
That Andres Nocioni is returning to action tomorrow.
That Tyrus Thomas is becoming close to being a dominator in the post area.
That Thabo looks better every game.
That Kirk Hinrich is one of the most underrated players in the league.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Batting average, move over and say hello to the BOP.
The BOP stands for base-out percentage, another statistical way to measure batting proficiency. It was invented by Barry Codell, a Chicago baseball researcher. You get a player’s BOP by dividing the total number of bases a player collects by the number of outs the player makes.
Total bases include all those accumulated by hits, walks, stolen bases, sacrifices, and hit by pitches. So a home run accounts for four bases. Outs are those from batting and caught stealing. Hitting into double plays count for two outs. A BOP of .600 is considered good.
We’ll compare the batting averages and BOP’s at various times during the season for the Chicago Cubs.
Here are some early returns (through the first four games):
Player.... BOP ..... Batting ave
DeRosa .... 2.000 ... .462
Ramirez.... 1.111... .500
Izturis.... .900.... .364
Lee .... .818.... .333
The BOP stands for base-out percentage, another statistical way to measure batting proficiency. It was invented by Barry Codell, a Chicago baseball researcher. You get a player’s BOP by dividing the total number of bases a player collects by the number of outs the player makes.
Total bases include all those accumulated by hits, walks, stolen bases, sacrifices, and hit by pitches. So a home run accounts for four bases. Outs are those from batting and caught stealing. Hitting into double plays count for two outs. A BOP of .600 is considered good.
We’ll compare the batting averages and BOP’s at various times during the season for the Chicago Cubs.
Here are some early returns (through the first four games):
Player.... BOP ..... Batting ave
DeRosa .... 2.000 ... .462
Ramirez.... 1.111... .500
Izturis.... .900.... .364
Lee .... .818.... .333
The Chicago White Cubs kicked off the baseball season yesterday with an amazing show of ineptitude. It was a performance that brought tears of disbelief, even from long-time suffering fans.
Hopes for the lovable losers had been high because of an influx of several new players. But after only one day, the enthusiasm took a direct hit. It’s gone. Now it is back to enjoying the beer and ambience.
The collapse came quickly. Lefty Nowakowski’s first pitch hit the batter, “Screamer” Jones. Lefty’s second pitch eluded the glove of veteran catcher Bill “Daffy” Dell. Passed ball. Jones to second. Then Mike "Swifty" Lotus coaxed a walk out of the ruffled Nowakowski. So did the next batter, Jim “Jimmy” Marotta.
In the dugout, White Cubs manager Dan “Danny” Potter threw his cap to the floor and was stomping it with both feet. You could see him mouthing the words, I hate walks.
Clean-up hitter Jorge Parello strode to the plate. Potter called time out and strode to the mound. “Nowakowski, you’ve got a lot of food on your plate.”
The pitcher had no idea what the manager was talking about but said, “I’ll take care of it.”
Potter thought, You’d better, and did another strode back to the dugout.
On the next pitch, Parello cleared the bases with a rocket that hit the building across the street from Wrigley.
Potter changed pitchers.
But if you can believe it---believe it—bad went to worse.
The next eight men reached base. Error. Double. Single. Error. Walk. Hit batter. Error. Home run. On one of the errors, a fly ball hit outfielder Nick “Hands” DeLaRosa on the head and knocked him unconscious.
Eventually, the White Cubs ended the inning.
In their half of the first, the White Cubs got two men on base. Both were picked off base.
Manager Potter said he had theater tickets that evening and was running late.
He forfeited the game.
Hopes for the lovable losers had been high because of an influx of several new players. But after only one day, the enthusiasm took a direct hit. It’s gone. Now it is back to enjoying the beer and ambience.
The collapse came quickly. Lefty Nowakowski’s first pitch hit the batter, “Screamer” Jones. Lefty’s second pitch eluded the glove of veteran catcher Bill “Daffy” Dell. Passed ball. Jones to second. Then Mike "Swifty" Lotus coaxed a walk out of the ruffled Nowakowski. So did the next batter, Jim “Jimmy” Marotta.
In the dugout, White Cubs manager Dan “Danny” Potter threw his cap to the floor and was stomping it with both feet. You could see him mouthing the words, I hate walks.
Clean-up hitter Jorge Parello strode to the plate. Potter called time out and strode to the mound. “Nowakowski, you’ve got a lot of food on your plate.”
The pitcher had no idea what the manager was talking about but said, “I’ll take care of it.”
Potter thought, You’d better, and did another strode back to the dugout.
On the next pitch, Parello cleared the bases with a rocket that hit the building across the street from Wrigley.
Potter changed pitchers.
But if you can believe it---believe it—bad went to worse.
The next eight men reached base. Error. Double. Single. Error. Walk. Hit batter. Error. Home run. On one of the errors, a fly ball hit outfielder Nick “Hands” DeLaRosa on the head and knocked him unconscious.
Eventually, the White Cubs ended the inning.
In their half of the first, the White Cubs got two men on base. Both were picked off base.
Manager Potter said he had theater tickets that evening and was running late.
He forfeited the game.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Illini football fans are starting to get excited about the team’s prospects next season. And why not? The incoming class was ranked among the top recruiting classes in the country.
The “concern,” however, is that the team will be very inexperienced. Some Illini observers base their enthusiasm on the fact that the team has 18 starters returning. Unfortunately, we know that seeming plus does not translate into victories. Illinois had 20 returnees last year, and what good did that do?
Ohio State had to replace its whole defense and did so quite efficiently. So it’s quality, not quantity, that is the key factor.
But there is hope for next season, meaning that Illinois has a group of about six or seven outstanding players returning. This group includes Rashard Mendenhall, J Leman, Derek Walker, Chris Norwell, Vontae Davis, and John Reda. The other players range from good to fair.
The incoming class could help give the Illini a good shot at six wins, and maybe more under certain conditions.
Conditions like these:
Clearly, the most important, the maturation of Juice Williams. You can probably forget about a bowl game if he’s not ready.
Improvement in the punting game. Has Illinois recruited a punter? Haven’t seen one. Without major improvement by Kyle Yelton, the team will be dealing with short fields for opponents again.
At least five or six of the top incoming players become impact players. It’s crucial that one of these be Regis Benn, the speedy wide receiver, who is producing smiles at spring camp.
Some surprises from any part of the roster. Like maybe running back Deries Hodge and/or defensive lineman Jerry Brown?
Can Illinois contend for the Big Ten title? Sure, If all the above conditions can be met.
The “concern,” however, is that the team will be very inexperienced. Some Illini observers base their enthusiasm on the fact that the team has 18 starters returning. Unfortunately, we know that seeming plus does not translate into victories. Illinois had 20 returnees last year, and what good did that do?
Ohio State had to replace its whole defense and did so quite efficiently. So it’s quality, not quantity, that is the key factor.
But there is hope for next season, meaning that Illinois has a group of about six or seven outstanding players returning. This group includes Rashard Mendenhall, J Leman, Derek Walker, Chris Norwell, Vontae Davis, and John Reda. The other players range from good to fair.
The incoming class could help give the Illini a good shot at six wins, and maybe more under certain conditions.
Conditions like these:
Clearly, the most important, the maturation of Juice Williams. You can probably forget about a bowl game if he’s not ready.
Improvement in the punting game. Has Illinois recruited a punter? Haven’t seen one. Without major improvement by Kyle Yelton, the team will be dealing with short fields for opponents again.
At least five or six of the top incoming players become impact players. It’s crucial that one of these be Regis Benn, the speedy wide receiver, who is producing smiles at spring camp.
Some surprises from any part of the roster. Like maybe running back Deries Hodge and/or defensive lineman Jerry Brown?
Can Illinois contend for the Big Ten title? Sure, If all the above conditions can be met.
Wow! 106-88 on the road at Detroit. Wow again!
Did the Chicago Bulls make a statement with their blowout yesterday or what? Can’t we start the NBA playoffs tomorrow?
With wins in six of their last seven games, the Bulls are peaking at the perfect time. And the hoped-for plan for the season is on track—develop team chemistry in the first half of the season, accelerate in the middle section by giving the rookies more playing time, and then sprint to the finish line.
Yesterday’s victory against the conference-leading Pistons was the most satisfying win of the season. It featured good shooting, intense defense, tenacious rebounding, and good all-around performances by rookies Tyrus Thomas and, finally, Thabo Sefolosha. Thomas, who has been a sparkplug of the current victory streak, scored 13 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. Sefolosha may have played his best game so far, scoring 11 and getting 10 rebounds.
And with Andres Nocioni ready to return, it seems as if everything—offense, defense, and coaching—is coming together at the deadline.
Hold on to your hats, Bulls fans. This might be the start of something good. Something real good.
106-88 on the road at Detroit. Wow!
Did the Chicago Bulls make a statement with their blowout yesterday or what? Can’t we start the NBA playoffs tomorrow?
With wins in six of their last seven games, the Bulls are peaking at the perfect time. And the hoped-for plan for the season is on track—develop team chemistry in the first half of the season, accelerate in the middle section by giving the rookies more playing time, and then sprint to the finish line.
Yesterday’s victory against the conference-leading Pistons was the most satisfying win of the season. It featured good shooting, intense defense, tenacious rebounding, and good all-around performances by rookies Tyrus Thomas and, finally, Thabo Sefolosha. Thomas, who has been a sparkplug of the current victory streak, scored 13 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. Sefolosha may have played his best game so far, scoring 11 and getting 10 rebounds.
And with Andres Nocioni ready to return, it seems as if everything—offense, defense, and coaching—is coming together at the deadline.
Hold on to your hats, Bulls fans. This might be the start of something good. Something real good.
106-88 on the road at Detroit. Wow!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
You can always spot a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.
Like fellow blogger Guynicolucci, who made this insightful observation:
“Tribune Co. said it will sell the team at the end of the season. The company shouldn’t have to wait too long because the Cubs’s season is usually over by June."
Like fellow blogger Guynicolucci, who made this insightful observation:
“Tribune Co. said it will sell the team at the end of the season. The company shouldn’t have to wait too long because the Cubs’s season is usually over by June."
Illinois’s spring football camp is the first opportunity to see one of coach Ron Zook’s recent recruiting gems, wide receiver Regis Benn. And so far, it’s been smiles all around as Benn has caught several long passes and has also been used as a slot receiver. In addition, he has taken plays as an option pitchout and as a punt returner. He’s shown his much hyped speed and explosive running after a catch.
This is good news because the passing game needs an upgrade. Dropped balls plagued the Illini last season. One way to pep up this aspect is to get running back Rashard Mendenhall more involved. Mendenhall has already made some impressive catches in spring camp.
Spring camp provides an opportunity for redshirt freshmen and sophomores to step up and challenge for starting positions. Despite the fact that Illinois has many returning starters, coach Zook is looking for improvement on both offense and defense.
One development seems certain. Quarterback Juice Williams will have a bevy of better receivers this season.
What is uncertain is whether he can get them the ball.
This is good news because the passing game needs an upgrade. Dropped balls plagued the Illini last season. One way to pep up this aspect is to get running back Rashard Mendenhall more involved. Mendenhall has already made some impressive catches in spring camp.
Spring camp provides an opportunity for redshirt freshmen and sophomores to step up and challenge for starting positions. Despite the fact that Illinois has many returning starters, coach Zook is looking for improvement on both offense and defense.
One development seems certain. Quarterback Juice Williams will have a bevy of better receivers this season.
What is uncertain is whether he can get them the ball.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
"Can coach, but can't recruit."
This is a stigma that has been attached to many high profile coaches. And today it’s being applied to former Kentucky coach and new Minnesota coach Tubby Smith and Bruce Weber of Illinois.
Fans and athletic directors have long debated the question. Which is more important—coaching or recruiting? Or, do more coaches get fired because they can’t coach or can’t recruit?
There’s no question that Fighting Illini basketball coach Weber can do the X’s and O’s. But the recruiting failures are hard to swallow. Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose, Sheron Collins, Jon Scheyer come to mind.
Some Illini fans are already out for Weber’s scalp. They insist that any Illini coach must be able to recruit from the Chicago Public League.
We say, lighten up. Twenty-three wins last year wasn’t chopped liver! Especially when you consider just the flurry of medical problems.
Perhaps the Final Four team has spoiled us. We expect it—some demand it—now. But teams that make it to that level are special. So let’s see how Weber’s new recruits do before we start blaming Weber for anything less than a Final Four team.
Might be surprised.
This is a stigma that has been attached to many high profile coaches. And today it’s being applied to former Kentucky coach and new Minnesota coach Tubby Smith and Bruce Weber of Illinois.
Fans and athletic directors have long debated the question. Which is more important—coaching or recruiting? Or, do more coaches get fired because they can’t coach or can’t recruit?
There’s no question that Fighting Illini basketball coach Weber can do the X’s and O’s. But the recruiting failures are hard to swallow. Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose, Sheron Collins, Jon Scheyer come to mind.
Some Illini fans are already out for Weber’s scalp. They insist that any Illini coach must be able to recruit from the Chicago Public League.
We say, lighten up. Twenty-three wins last year wasn’t chopped liver! Especially when you consider just the flurry of medical problems.
Perhaps the Final Four team has spoiled us. We expect it—some demand it—now. But teams that make it to that level are special. So let’s see how Weber’s new recruits do before we start blaming Weber for anything less than a Final Four team.
Might be surprised.
Confirmed. Chicago billionaire Sam Zell bought Tribune Co. yesterday. Tribune Co. owns the Chicago Cubs and announced that the lovable losers would be sold after the 2007 baseball season.
That announcement promises to create more excitement and wild speculation than the season itself. The issue, of course, is who would buy the Cubs?
The sale at the end of the season is supposed to free the team of distractions. Yeah. Sure. Tell that to every player who is looking for an extension or a new contract. Even people with contracts have been known to get released.
So, on the day the season starts, the game of who will be in the new ownership also begins. The people involved include the media and the fans—even bloggers. This is the stuff of debates around the coffeemaker. It will cost corporations millions off dollars in lost time. The media will benefit the most. On a slow sports day, for example, they can always dredge up the ownership question.
Our early contribution is that we hope a group of Chicagoans, rather than carpetbaggers, gain the ownership. Especially Cub fans, not just investors. We need emotional commitment, not financial commitment. As a result, it is crucial that the group consist entirely of lifelong Cub fans.
That is because we need people who have one goal in mind: creating a team that can—or will—win the World Series. That’s it. Nothing else counts.
Not even the millions it will cost.
That announcement promises to create more excitement and wild speculation than the season itself. The issue, of course, is who would buy the Cubs?
The sale at the end of the season is supposed to free the team of distractions. Yeah. Sure. Tell that to every player who is looking for an extension or a new contract. Even people with contracts have been known to get released.
So, on the day the season starts, the game of who will be in the new ownership also begins. The people involved include the media and the fans—even bloggers. This is the stuff of debates around the coffeemaker. It will cost corporations millions off dollars in lost time. The media will benefit the most. On a slow sports day, for example, they can always dredge up the ownership question.
Our early contribution is that we hope a group of Chicagoans, rather than carpetbaggers, gain the ownership. Especially Cub fans, not just investors. We need emotional commitment, not financial commitment. As a result, it is crucial that the group consist entirely of lifelong Cub fans.
That is because we need people who have one goal in mind: creating a team that can—or will—win the World Series. That’s it. Nothing else counts.
Not even the millions it will cost.
Monday, April 02, 2007
The New York Knicks are rising—in the NBA draft lottery.
That’s too bad for them.
And very good for the Chicago Bulls, who probably will clam the Knicks’s pick in the draft lottery.
Our recommendations for the pick, assuming it will be around No. 10.:
1. Carl Landry, SF, Purdue
2. Trey Johnson, Sg, Jackson State
3. Acie Law, SG, Texas A&M
That’s too bad for them.
And very good for the Chicago Bulls, who probably will clam the Knicks’s pick in the draft lottery.
Our recommendations for the pick, assuming it will be around No. 10.:
1. Carl Landry, SF, Purdue
2. Trey Johnson, Sg, Jackson State
3. Acie Law, SG, Texas A&M
Comments from a visitor:
Has Mark Prior ever gotten over being the losing pitcher in Game 6 of the 2003 playoffs? I know last season was his first one with a losing record, but how can somebody put that game out of their mind? Isn't it pathetic that he lost a spot in the rotation to a pitcher who hasn't won a game in more than a year? I don't think he'll ever be a dominating pitcher again.
I think the Cubs will contend for the division because of the man in the dugout as well as the players that they've acquired. I'm reminded of the 2001 Mariners as well as the 1990 Reds. The '01 Mariners team won 116 games after trading two future Hall of Famers, Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson. Of course, the Reds' World Series win is considered one of the great upsets. I believe that Lou Piniella is worth at least 10 victories a season by himself.
I'm not sure Greg Oden will leave Ohio State for the NBA. Will the team that drafts him have a point guard as good as Mike Conley Jr.? Oden and Conley have been teammates for five seasons, a long time in college ball. How good of a player is Oden without Conley? And the Buckeyes don't get to the final game without the last-second shot by Ron Lewis against Xavier.
Has Mark Prior ever gotten over being the losing pitcher in Game 6 of the 2003 playoffs? I know last season was his first one with a losing record, but how can somebody put that game out of their mind? Isn't it pathetic that he lost a spot in the rotation to a pitcher who hasn't won a game in more than a year? I don't think he'll ever be a dominating pitcher again.
I think the Cubs will contend for the division because of the man in the dugout as well as the players that they've acquired. I'm reminded of the 2001 Mariners as well as the 1990 Reds. The '01 Mariners team won 116 games after trading two future Hall of Famers, Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson. Of course, the Reds' World Series win is considered one of the great upsets. I believe that Lou Piniella is worth at least 10 victories a season by himself.
I'm not sure Greg Oden will leave Ohio State for the NBA. Will the team that drafts him have a point guard as good as Mike Conley Jr.? Oden and Conley have been teammates for five seasons, a long time in college ball. How good of a player is Oden without Conley? And the Buckeyes don't get to the final game without the last-second shot by Ron Lewis against Xavier.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
ZELLS BUY CUBS
In the mother of blockbuster deals in Chicago sports, Tribune Co. has sold the Chicago Cubs to zillionaire Chicagoan Sam Zell.
Zell, who admits he knows little about baseball, announced that he in turn has sold the historic North Side team to his two children, Sam I and Sam II, both zealous fans. Sam (short for Samuel) I, 32, is a lifelong Cub fan. Sam (short for Samantha) II, 29, is a lifelong White Sox fan.
In a stunning press conference held early this morning in Wrigley Field, the Zells explained their plans for the Cubs. Thousands of reporters and other representatives of sports media created pandemonium as they tried to elbow themselves into position to ask questions.
Chicago police on horseback tried to enforce order but were having a hard time among the vicious media. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley was seen for a few moments before the boisterous crowd swallowed him up.
The press conference, as you would expect for such a stunning development, produced one stunning announcement after another. The crowd responded with lots of oohs and ahs.
The biggest stunner occurred when the younger Zells announced that they had agreed to also buy the Chicago White Sox and merge the two ballclubs. The new team would be called the Chicago White Cubs. It would replace the current Sox team in the American League. It would play half its home games at the Cell and half at Wrigley.
Boos and hisses came from everywhere.
Undaunted, the Zells kept producing stunning announcements. Like, Ozzie and Sweet Lou would serve as co-managers of the new White Cubs.
And, the combined 25-man roster would not be a 25-man roster. A female, 23-year-old University of Illinois strikeout artist April Fuel, would be joining the relief corps. Fuel, a first-team all-America, has averaged 23 strikeouts a game during her career at Illinois. She has thrown fastballs timed as high as 109 mph and sinkers that drop two feet.
The reporters became giddy and increasingly unruly. The press pleaded to the Zells to stop their string of stunning announcements.
But the Zells, by then even more excited by the stunning developments and proud as peacocks, insisted that they had to announce the rest of the roster. It went like this:
First base—Derrek Lee
Second—Ryan Theriot
Short—Cesar Izturis
Third—Aramis Ramirez
Left—Jim Thome
Center—Alfonso Soriano
Right—Jermaine Dye
Catcher—Michael Barrett
DH—Paul Konerko
Reserves—Tadahito Iguchi, A.J. Pierzynski, Scott Podsednik, Cliff Floyd, and Matt Murton.
The pitchers, besides Ms. Fuel, were Carlos Zambrano, Jose Contreras, Javier Vazquez, (by this time, the crowd was so stunned, it was amazingly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop on home plate), Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Rich Hill, Bobby Jenks, Ryan Dempster, and Scott Eyre.
At the end of the press conference, everyone was, well, still stunned.
Some reporters thought the plan to create the Chicago White Cubs was brilliant.
Others considered that, at least today, it seemed foolish.
In the mother of blockbuster deals in Chicago sports, Tribune Co. has sold the Chicago Cubs to zillionaire Chicagoan Sam Zell.
Zell, who admits he knows little about baseball, announced that he in turn has sold the historic North Side team to his two children, Sam I and Sam II, both zealous fans. Sam (short for Samuel) I, 32, is a lifelong Cub fan. Sam (short for Samantha) II, 29, is a lifelong White Sox fan.
In a stunning press conference held early this morning in Wrigley Field, the Zells explained their plans for the Cubs. Thousands of reporters and other representatives of sports media created pandemonium as they tried to elbow themselves into position to ask questions.
Chicago police on horseback tried to enforce order but were having a hard time among the vicious media. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley was seen for a few moments before the boisterous crowd swallowed him up.
The press conference, as you would expect for such a stunning development, produced one stunning announcement after another. The crowd responded with lots of oohs and ahs.
The biggest stunner occurred when the younger Zells announced that they had agreed to also buy the Chicago White Sox and merge the two ballclubs. The new team would be called the Chicago White Cubs. It would replace the current Sox team in the American League. It would play half its home games at the Cell and half at Wrigley.
Boos and hisses came from everywhere.
Undaunted, the Zells kept producing stunning announcements. Like, Ozzie and Sweet Lou would serve as co-managers of the new White Cubs.
And, the combined 25-man roster would not be a 25-man roster. A female, 23-year-old University of Illinois strikeout artist April Fuel, would be joining the relief corps. Fuel, a first-team all-America, has averaged 23 strikeouts a game during her career at Illinois. She has thrown fastballs timed as high as 109 mph and sinkers that drop two feet.
The reporters became giddy and increasingly unruly. The press pleaded to the Zells to stop their string of stunning announcements.
But the Zells, by then even more excited by the stunning developments and proud as peacocks, insisted that they had to announce the rest of the roster. It went like this:
First base—Derrek Lee
Second—Ryan Theriot
Short—Cesar Izturis
Third—Aramis Ramirez
Left—Jim Thome
Center—Alfonso Soriano
Right—Jermaine Dye
Catcher—Michael Barrett
DH—Paul Konerko
Reserves—Tadahito Iguchi, A.J. Pierzynski, Scott Podsednik, Cliff Floyd, and Matt Murton.
The pitchers, besides Ms. Fuel, were Carlos Zambrano, Jose Contreras, Javier Vazquez, (by this time, the crowd was so stunned, it was amazingly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop on home plate), Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Rich Hill, Bobby Jenks, Ryan Dempster, and Scott Eyre.
At the end of the press conference, everyone was, well, still stunned.
Some reporters thought the plan to create the Chicago White Cubs was brilliant.
Others considered that, at least today, it seemed foolish.
By Warren Silver, a lifelong resident of the Chicago area (except when he was attending college at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) and a newcomer to blogging. Comments are welcome at wsilver9735@yahoo.com.
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