Chicago & Illini Sports
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Chicago Cubs fans, forget June 30, 2007. Eat a gallon of ice cream and two slices of cheesecake tonight. Tomorrow’s conclusion of the current series will be the biggest game of the year so far.
How to end the blues over the Chicago Bulls’s first-round pick, Joakim Noah.
It’s simple.
Watch Noah run.
Watch Noah jump.
Watch Noah block.
It’s simple.
Watch Noah run.
Watch Noah jump.
Watch Noah block.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Chicago Cubs fans, remember these Wowies
June 25, 2007 Cubs vs. Rockies
1st
M Holliday singled to center, K Matsui scored.
1
0
1st
M DeRosa singled to left, D Lee scored, A Ramirez to second.
1
1
1st
A Pagan homered to left, A Ramirez and M DeRosa scored.
1
4
3rd
M DeRosa grounded out to third, M Fontenot scored, A Ramirez to second.
1
5
5th
M DeRosa grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop, M Fontenot scored, D Lee out at second.
1
6
6th
R Spilborghs singled to right, G Atkins and B Hawpe scored, Y Torrealba to third.
3
6
6th
M Fontenot singled to center, R Theriot scored.
3
7
8th
M Fontenot doubled to left, R Theriot scored.
3
8
9th
T Helton doubled to deep left, K Matsui scored, M Holliday to third.
4
8
9th
G Atkins singled to left, M Holliday scored, T Helton to third.
5
8
9th
B Hawpe singled to right, T Helton scored, G Atkins to second.
6
8
9th
T Tulowitzki homered to center, G Atkins and B Hawpe scored.
9
8
9th
A Soriano singled to right center, J Jones and K Hill scored
9
10
June 29, 2007 Cubs vs. Brewers
1st
B Hall singled to right, J Hardy scored, R Braun to third, P Fielder to second.
1
0
1st
J Estrada hit sacrifice fly to right, R Braun scored.
2
0
1st
K Mench homered to right, P Fielder and B Hall scored.
5
0
4th
C Floyd grounded out to first, D Lee scored, A Ramirez to third.
5
1
4th
A Ramirez scored on Y Gallardo's wild pitch.
5
2
7th
M Fontenot singled to left, F Pie scored, A Pagan to second.
5
3
9th
D Lee hit sacrifice fly to right, A Soriano scored.
5
4
9th
A Ramirez homered to left, M Fontenot scored.
5
6
Only one word can describe them.
Unbelievable!
June 25, 2007 Cubs vs. Rockies
1st
M Holliday singled to center, K Matsui scored.
1
0
1st
M DeRosa singled to left, D Lee scored, A Ramirez to second.
1
1
1st
A Pagan homered to left, A Ramirez and M DeRosa scored.
1
4
3rd
M DeRosa grounded out to third, M Fontenot scored, A Ramirez to second.
1
5
5th
M DeRosa grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop, M Fontenot scored, D Lee out at second.
1
6
6th
R Spilborghs singled to right, G Atkins and B Hawpe scored, Y Torrealba to third.
3
6
6th
M Fontenot singled to center, R Theriot scored.
3
7
8th
M Fontenot doubled to left, R Theriot scored.
3
8
9th
T Helton doubled to deep left, K Matsui scored, M Holliday to third.
4
8
9th
G Atkins singled to left, M Holliday scored, T Helton to third.
5
8
9th
B Hawpe singled to right, T Helton scored, G Atkins to second.
6
8
9th
T Tulowitzki homered to center, G Atkins and B Hawpe scored.
9
8
9th
A Soriano singled to right center, J Jones and K Hill scored
9
10
June 29, 2007 Cubs vs. Brewers
1st
B Hall singled to right, J Hardy scored, R Braun to third, P Fielder to second.
1
0
1st
J Estrada hit sacrifice fly to right, R Braun scored.
2
0
1st
K Mench homered to right, P Fielder and B Hall scored.
5
0
4th
C Floyd grounded out to first, D Lee scored, A Ramirez to third.
5
1
4th
A Ramirez scored on Y Gallardo's wild pitch.
5
2
7th
M Fontenot singled to left, F Pie scored, A Pagan to second.
5
3
9th
D Lee hit sacrifice fly to right, A Soriano scored.
5
4
9th
A Ramirez homered to left, M Fontenot scored.
5
6
Only one word can describe them.
Unbelievable!
Wow! many Chicago Bulls fans have reacted rather strongly to the team’s first-round pick yesterday, 6-11-7-1 Joakim Noah.
They don’t like his hair style.
They don’t like his wisecracks.
They don’t like his game.
Picky, picky, picky.
In Paxson we trust.
How long will it take Noah to win fan respect? Probably 10 to 20 minutes of his first game.
They don’t like his hair style.
They don’t like his wisecracks.
They don’t like his game.
Picky, picky, picky.
In Paxson we trust.
How long will it take Noah to win fan respect? Probably 10 to 20 minutes of his first game.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
With no early monster trades, the 2007 NBA Draft followed threads of most gurus.
The Chicago Bulls selected 6-11, 230 Joakim Noah of NCAA champion Florida with the ninth pick of the first round.
We like the choice. Last year, he was slated to go second in the draft but went back to school for another NCAA championship run.
Not the offensive force the team was seeking, Noah is a force on defense. He’s a top shot blocker and rebounder and has a nonstop motor running the court. He’s also a forceful dunker who will be fun to watch, especially when he’s flying down the court with his clone, Tyrus Thomas.
Now who does Noah remind you of? Bill Russell? Or Tyson Chandler?
Actually, another Dennis Rodman would be just fine.
The Chicago Bulls selected 6-11, 230 Joakim Noah of NCAA champion Florida with the ninth pick of the first round.
We like the choice. Last year, he was slated to go second in the draft but went back to school for another NCAA championship run.
Not the offensive force the team was seeking, Noah is a force on defense. He’s a top shot blocker and rebounder and has a nonstop motor running the court. He’s also a forceful dunker who will be fun to watch, especially when he’s flying down the court with his clone, Tyrus Thomas.
Now who does Noah remind you of? Bill Russell? Or Tyson Chandler?
Actually, another Dennis Rodman would be just fine.
The surge is working.
The Chicago Cubs’s current rush to judgment has got fans excited.
The Cubs will take six straight wins into the gladiators arena at Wrigley against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers tomorrow. We’ve been waiting for the Brewers to hit a cold spot, but they continue to sizzle, along with the Cubs.
So, the Cubs still sit 7 ½ games back and hope to continue their run.
Unfortunately, the Cubs enter this crucial three-game series with several concerns. One is that Derrek Lee isn’t getting many clutch hits. Another is that closer Ryan Dempster, who has pitched very well, is on the DL. Perhaps the top concern is that the guys in the pen seem to be good for only one or two outs—and then they collapse. This condition has turned manager Lou Piniella into a chessmaster. In recent series, he’s made the right moves.
Can he keep it up against the Cubs’s toughest opponent in the North Siders’s most important series so far?
Why not?
The Chicago Cubs’s current rush to judgment has got fans excited.
The Cubs will take six straight wins into the gladiators arena at Wrigley against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers tomorrow. We’ve been waiting for the Brewers to hit a cold spot, but they continue to sizzle, along with the Cubs.
So, the Cubs still sit 7 ½ games back and hope to continue their run.
Unfortunately, the Cubs enter this crucial three-game series with several concerns. One is that Derrek Lee isn’t getting many clutch hits. Another is that closer Ryan Dempster, who has pitched very well, is on the DL. Perhaps the top concern is that the guys in the pen seem to be good for only one or two outs—and then they collapse. This condition has turned manager Lou Piniella into a chessmaster. In recent series, he’s made the right moves.
Can he keep it up against the Cubs’s toughest opponent in the North Siders’s most important series so far?
Why not?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Things we noticed about the Chicago Cubs recently:
They’re playing great, but can’t seem to pick up much ground on Milwaukee.
Alfonso Soriano continues to sparkle. Think he’s got the swagger manager Lou Piniella is looking for?
What’s happened to Derrek Lee’s clutch hitting? Maybe the suspension is coming at the right time.
The fielding by everyone, including the pitchers, has been sensational.
Looks like the position players are finally set. Barring injuries, it’s Bowen at catcher; Lee at first; DeRosa, Fontenot, Theriot, and Soriano at second; Theriot and DeRosa at short; Ramirez and DeRosa at third; Soriano in left, Pie in center, and Floyd and Pagan in right.
No need for further upgrades there. Izturis and Jones are expendable.
It’s that unpredictable and volatile bullpen that’s the scary part.
They’re playing great, but can’t seem to pick up much ground on Milwaukee.
Alfonso Soriano continues to sparkle. Think he’s got the swagger manager Lou Piniella is looking for?
What’s happened to Derrek Lee’s clutch hitting? Maybe the suspension is coming at the right time.
The fielding by everyone, including the pitchers, has been sensational.
Looks like the position players are finally set. Barring injuries, it’s Bowen at catcher; Lee at first; DeRosa, Fontenot, Theriot, and Soriano at second; Theriot and DeRosa at short; Ramirez and DeRosa at third; Soriano in left, Pie in center, and Floyd and Pagan in right.
No need for further upgrades there. Izturis and Jones are expendable.
It’s that unpredictable and volatile bullpen that’s the scary part.
The NBA Draft begins tomorrow.
The team most likely to make trades the day of the draft is Atlanta, which has the third and 11th picks in the first round.
We suggest the Chicago Bulls trade up to get the third pick, who could be just what the doctor ordered: low-post scorer, power forward Al Horford of NCAA champion Florida.
Horford, a 6-10, 244-pounder, stole the limelight last season from his more well-known teammate Joakim Noah.
The difference between the two was that Noah did not significantly develop his offensive skills. But Horford did, and would seem to be the scorer the Bulls need. (Although Noah is still a defensive beast and is ready to play NBA defense.)
So, to get Horford, the Bulls should offer any or all of the following: the 9th pick, Andres Nocioni, Viktor Khyrapa, and Thabo Sefolosha.
If this deal isn’t made, the Bulls should draft, in this order, Noah, Jason Smith, Thaddeus Young, or Acie Law.
Also, we noticed that All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups might be available. Get him, please, and pair him with Ben Gordon. Even if it costs Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, and Thabo Sefolosha.
The team most likely to make trades the day of the draft is Atlanta, which has the third and 11th picks in the first round.
We suggest the Chicago Bulls trade up to get the third pick, who could be just what the doctor ordered: low-post scorer, power forward Al Horford of NCAA champion Florida.
Horford, a 6-10, 244-pounder, stole the limelight last season from his more well-known teammate Joakim Noah.
The difference between the two was that Noah did not significantly develop his offensive skills. But Horford did, and would seem to be the scorer the Bulls need. (Although Noah is still a defensive beast and is ready to play NBA defense.)
So, to get Horford, the Bulls should offer any or all of the following: the 9th pick, Andres Nocioni, Viktor Khyrapa, and Thabo Sefolosha.
If this deal isn’t made, the Bulls should draft, in this order, Noah, Jason Smith, Thaddeus Young, or Acie Law.
Also, we noticed that All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups might be available. Get him, please, and pair him with Ben Gordon. Even if it costs Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, and Thabo Sefolosha.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Notable comments on the 2007 Illini football team from Sporting News magazine:
Finish in Big Ten: 6-6, 8th
Bowl: Insight
National rank: 57
Most dangerous scrambler in conference: Juice Williams
Hardest-hitting linebacker in conference: J Leman
Newcomers in conference to watch: Arrelious Benn
Hey! Notice the magic word “bowl?”
Finish in Big Ten: 6-6, 8th
Bowl: Insight
National rank: 57
Most dangerous scrambler in conference: Juice Williams
Hardest-hitting linebacker in conference: J Leman
Newcomers in conference to watch: Arrelious Benn
Hey! Notice the magic word “bowl?”
Two more days until the NBA draft.
General manager John Paxson of the Chicago Bulls:
On the possibility of acquiring Kobe Bryant: “Those things are so out there that it’s not worth commenting on. There’s nothing going on, that’s just the reality of it.”
Bummer!
General manager John Paxson of the Chicago Bulls:
On the possibility of acquiring Kobe Bryant: “Those things are so out there that it’s not worth commenting on. There’s nothing going on, that’s just the reality of it.”
Bummer!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tonight’s game between the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies was…
Ron Santo called it “devastating” when the Rockies scored six runs in the top of the ninth to wipe out an 8-3 Cub lead and go up 9-8.
In the bottom of the ninth, with two outs, the mother of all miracles occurred. Alfonso Soriano singled in two runs, and the Cubs won 10-9.
Santo called it “unbelievable.’’ And he was right.
Now what does this all mean? That destiny thing? We’ll see.
Ron Santo called it “devastating” when the Rockies scored six runs in the top of the ninth to wipe out an 8-3 Cub lead and go up 9-8.
In the bottom of the ninth, with two outs, the mother of all miracles occurred. Alfonso Soriano singled in two runs, and the Cubs won 10-9.
Santo called it “unbelievable.’’ And he was right.
Now what does this all mean? That destiny thing? We’ll see.
Three more days until the NBA draft.
The trade talks seem to be sizzling, and so players drafted may be switching teams rapidly.
What about the Chicago Bulls? Our guess is that general manager John Paxson wants to trade or package the ninth pick for a current NBA player. The Bulls seemingly need only a consistent low-post scorer to be a serious contender, and there is probably nobody in the draft that looks ready to go from the start. Paxson doesn’t want to spend another year training a new player.
Other teams are in the same position, while still others are willing to go the developmental route for a few years.
Which means nothing will be as it seems with the first-round picks. They’ll probably be flying all over the place before the smoke clears. And the smoke may not clear until the free-agency stuff gets sorted out in the following few weeks.
So if you’re depending on a crystal ball, don’t. It won’t work this year.
Best bet for the Bulls? Pick whomever they consider the best player available. And good luck.
The trade talks seem to be sizzling, and so players drafted may be switching teams rapidly.
What about the Chicago Bulls? Our guess is that general manager John Paxson wants to trade or package the ninth pick for a current NBA player. The Bulls seemingly need only a consistent low-post scorer to be a serious contender, and there is probably nobody in the draft that looks ready to go from the start. Paxson doesn’t want to spend another year training a new player.
Other teams are in the same position, while still others are willing to go the developmental route for a few years.
Which means nothing will be as it seems with the first-round picks. They’ll probably be flying all over the place before the smoke clears. And the smoke may not clear until the free-agency stuff gets sorted out in the following few weeks.
So if you’re depending on a crystal ball, don’t. It won’t work this year.
Best bet for the Bulls? Pick whomever they consider the best player available. And good luck.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The NBA draft, starting Thursday.
Meet Nick Fazekas
Fazekas has great height for a power forward at 6-11 combined with average athletic ability. He runs the court fairly well for a big man, and will score points in transition due to his high basketball IQ and how hard he usually plays.
His offensive game is what makes him a special prospect at the next level, having quite a complete package of polished offensive skills; being able to score from both inside and out.
At first some might consider him strictly a perimeter oriented big man due to his extremely thin build; however, he has improved his low post scoring and arsenal to the point that he can be quite dangerous down low as well. He knows how to get low and establish good post position to make up for his lack of bulk; and has a very quick release that makes it hard for slower big men to block his shot. Fazekas has a knack for finding open space around the hoop, and is always moving to get open in the post and rarely stands still if he isn’t able to do so.
In terms of consistency, ever since Fazekas was a freshman at Nevada when they made that famous NCAA tournament run, he has always showed the ability to score the basketball. He has been very consistent on offense and has developed into a regular 20 point per game scorer over the past two seasons.
An aspect of his offensive game that is quite unique is his ability to tip in shots when jumping in the air. Unlike some players who go to dunk these type of rebounds in, Fazekas gets offensive rebounds to fall softly off his fingertips. He is remarkably skilled at using a variety of finger rolls or set shots when close to the basket. That ability effectively demonstrates his overall hand eye coordination and basketball IQ. Even though he is not a great ball handler, he can create shots off short dribbles and is comfortable with the ball in his hands even when pressured.
Fazekas also has the ability to step away from the basket and hit jump-shots. He has a very good looking jump-shot and is not above using the glass every now and then either. Considering how fundamentally sound his jump-shot looks, one would think his shooting percentage would be better. Nonetheless, he has great touch shooting the basketball. His jump shots are quick and very effective. He shoots the ball on his fingertips and it shows in the rotation he gets.
In terms of post scoring, what makes Fazekas an effective post player at the college level is the fact that he has a variety of different moves he uses. He has a very fine jump-hook shot with either hand out to about 12 feet, and uses his thin frame to slither his way around the post and gain position. The jump-hook shot is his go-to move offensively; he executes it quickly and fluidly and gets a very high release point on it which makes it difficult to block. It’s obvious he has worked long and hard to perfect this move to the point that it’s become automatic.
Fazekas also has a very effective turnaround jump-shot that adds to his arsenal down low. When post defenders try to get physical with him, it does not always affect his game, as he is surprisingly effective finishing after contact. Fundamentally, he is well-schooled; keeping the ball above his shoulders in the post and always putting himself in a triple threat position on the perimeter. He knows how to get his shot off in difficult situations, and shows quick decision making when doing so. He gives his defender very little time to make up his mind how he wants to guard him.
On top of that, Fazekas can also pass the ball very effectively. He is wonderful at using the bounce pass, and can also find cutters effectively from either the post or the perimeter. He is also skilled at passing out of double teams. When pressured, he does not get flustered because he is quick when passing the basketball and accurate. He is generally a very intelligent player with an excellent feel for the game.
Fazekas is also a solid rebounder at the college level despite being so skinny; mostly thanks to his height, excellent hands and long arms. He is a sneaky rebounder, using his footwork to get around a box out, or just anticipating better than the opponent and getting to the basketball before they do. Fazekas is not above hitting the floor either; as he will dive for loose balls and sacrifice his body.
The big question about Fazekas, and the reason that he might be kept out of the 1st round is his physical strength. Even though he puts up great numbers, they are usually against weaker competition. He is not the ideal physical specimen most teams look for in a power forward. Because of that he might have trouble against superior athletes at that position.
His lack of athleticism is also an issue. Fazekas is just an average leaper at the college level, and noticeably lacks quickness. He runs the floor fairly awkwardly as well. Defensively, this lack of strength and footspeed is a major concern. Laterally, his feet are likely not quick enough to stay in front of perimeter oriented power forwards, while in the post it’s hard to see him matching up very well with bruising back to the basket types. Fazekas is already an average defender at best, so one has to question what to expect out of him at the next level.
The ironic part about Fazekas’s ability to shoot the basketball is the fact that while his jumper looks excellent, his shooting percentages from the 3-point line have gone down since his freshman year. As a freshman he was truly a perimeter big man that could really hit 3-point shots. However, as defenses have paid closer attention to him, his 3-point shooting has gone down.
Even though his arsenal of post moves is quite developed, he might have trouble against players that are almost always going to be strong than him. Will he still be able to get off the same type of shots he did in college at the next level, and will he be able to adapt his game to a different type of defender? He will also have to learn how to get post position against players that will physically not let him set up and get the ball freely.
Meet Nick Fazekas
Fazekas has great height for a power forward at 6-11 combined with average athletic ability. He runs the court fairly well for a big man, and will score points in transition due to his high basketball IQ and how hard he usually plays.
His offensive game is what makes him a special prospect at the next level, having quite a complete package of polished offensive skills; being able to score from both inside and out.
At first some might consider him strictly a perimeter oriented big man due to his extremely thin build; however, he has improved his low post scoring and arsenal to the point that he can be quite dangerous down low as well. He knows how to get low and establish good post position to make up for his lack of bulk; and has a very quick release that makes it hard for slower big men to block his shot. Fazekas has a knack for finding open space around the hoop, and is always moving to get open in the post and rarely stands still if he isn’t able to do so.
In terms of consistency, ever since Fazekas was a freshman at Nevada when they made that famous NCAA tournament run, he has always showed the ability to score the basketball. He has been very consistent on offense and has developed into a regular 20 point per game scorer over the past two seasons.
An aspect of his offensive game that is quite unique is his ability to tip in shots when jumping in the air. Unlike some players who go to dunk these type of rebounds in, Fazekas gets offensive rebounds to fall softly off his fingertips. He is remarkably skilled at using a variety of finger rolls or set shots when close to the basket. That ability effectively demonstrates his overall hand eye coordination and basketball IQ. Even though he is not a great ball handler, he can create shots off short dribbles and is comfortable with the ball in his hands even when pressured.
Fazekas also has the ability to step away from the basket and hit jump-shots. He has a very good looking jump-shot and is not above using the glass every now and then either. Considering how fundamentally sound his jump-shot looks, one would think his shooting percentage would be better. Nonetheless, he has great touch shooting the basketball. His jump shots are quick and very effective. He shoots the ball on his fingertips and it shows in the rotation he gets.
In terms of post scoring, what makes Fazekas an effective post player at the college level is the fact that he has a variety of different moves he uses. He has a very fine jump-hook shot with either hand out to about 12 feet, and uses his thin frame to slither his way around the post and gain position. The jump-hook shot is his go-to move offensively; he executes it quickly and fluidly and gets a very high release point on it which makes it difficult to block. It’s obvious he has worked long and hard to perfect this move to the point that it’s become automatic.
Fazekas also has a very effective turnaround jump-shot that adds to his arsenal down low. When post defenders try to get physical with him, it does not always affect his game, as he is surprisingly effective finishing after contact. Fundamentally, he is well-schooled; keeping the ball above his shoulders in the post and always putting himself in a triple threat position on the perimeter. He knows how to get his shot off in difficult situations, and shows quick decision making when doing so. He gives his defender very little time to make up his mind how he wants to guard him.
On top of that, Fazekas can also pass the ball very effectively. He is wonderful at using the bounce pass, and can also find cutters effectively from either the post or the perimeter. He is also skilled at passing out of double teams. When pressured, he does not get flustered because he is quick when passing the basketball and accurate. He is generally a very intelligent player with an excellent feel for the game.
Fazekas is also a solid rebounder at the college level despite being so skinny; mostly thanks to his height, excellent hands and long arms. He is a sneaky rebounder, using his footwork to get around a box out, or just anticipating better than the opponent and getting to the basketball before they do. Fazekas is not above hitting the floor either; as he will dive for loose balls and sacrifice his body.
The big question about Fazekas, and the reason that he might be kept out of the 1st round is his physical strength. Even though he puts up great numbers, they are usually against weaker competition. He is not the ideal physical specimen most teams look for in a power forward. Because of that he might have trouble against superior athletes at that position.
His lack of athleticism is also an issue. Fazekas is just an average leaper at the college level, and noticeably lacks quickness. He runs the floor fairly awkwardly as well. Defensively, this lack of strength and footspeed is a major concern. Laterally, his feet are likely not quick enough to stay in front of perimeter oriented power forwards, while in the post it’s hard to see him matching up very well with bruising back to the basket types. Fazekas is already an average defender at best, so one has to question what to expect out of him at the next level.
The ironic part about Fazekas’s ability to shoot the basketball is the fact that while his jumper looks excellent, his shooting percentages from the 3-point line have gone down since his freshman year. As a freshman he was truly a perimeter big man that could really hit 3-point shots. However, as defenses have paid closer attention to him, his 3-point shooting has gone down.
Even though his arsenal of post moves is quite developed, he might have trouble against players that are almost always going to be strong than him. Will he still be able to get off the same type of shots he did in college at the next level, and will he be able to adapt his game to a different type of defender? He will also have to learn how to get post position against players that will physically not let him set up and get the ball freely.
Can a sweep of the Chicago White Sox by the Chicago Cubs, climaxed by today’s 3-0 win at the Cell, be important?
Probably not.
But the next seven days will be. The Cubs collide with the Colorado Rockies and the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers are 9-2 in their last 11 games and have kept the Cubs at arms length (now 7 ½ games).
So, a disastrous week, and the Cubs could be history. Here’s where we find out whether the Cubs are likely to have a rendezvous with destiny or just destined for a sub-.500 finish.
Man, this is heavy stuff.
On a lighter note, then, does Mike Fontenot remind anyone else of Glenn Beckert?
Probably not.
But the next seven days will be. The Cubs collide with the Colorado Rockies and the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers are 9-2 in their last 11 games and have kept the Cubs at arms length (now 7 ½ games).
So, a disastrous week, and the Cubs could be history. Here’s where we find out whether the Cubs are likely to have a rendezvous with destiny or just destined for a sub-.500 finish.
Man, this is heavy stuff.
On a lighter note, then, does Mike Fontenot remind anyone else of Glenn Beckert?
Illini football recruiting for 2008 got a big, big boost (6-6, 313-pounds) when offensive tackle Graham Pocic accepted coach Ron Zook’s offer yesterday.
The commitment was monumental to Illinois, which beat out Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida for the Lemont (Ill.) Township player’s services.
Scout.com's recruiting rankings list Pocic among the five 4-star football players in Illinois. The others are Steve Filer, LB Mount Carmel; Jason Ford, RB Belleville; Garrett Goebel, DT Montini Catholic; and Mile Leshoure, RB Champaign.
What we especially like is Pocic’s reasons for selecting Illinois over its more high-profile rivals.
“Some of my finalists were very negative about the other schools I was looking at and only pointing out what was bad about the other schools to me. That really turned me off quickly because the Illinois staff always told me that all of the schools I had offers from brought something great to the table. They just told me what was good about their school and stuck to the positive side of things which really helped.
“Relationships with the coaching staff also played a big role. Coach (Curt) Mallory had been recruiting me since last year and then both Coach (Ron) Zook and Coach (Eric) Wolford did a great job with me this year. All of the coaches were very down to Earth and they interact with their players off the football field as well as on it. They care about your life away from football too and that shows what they are all about.
“The opportunity to play early, how close they were to home and the fact that Illinois is a program on the rise also played a big part. They have brought in two great recruiting classes in a row and are on the way to having another great one this year. I am going to do my best to help the staff recruit guys like Garrett Goebel and Tyler Sands.”--Scout.com.
Couldn’t you just read his views over and over and over? Hope other recruits do.
The commitment was monumental to Illinois, which beat out Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida for the Lemont (Ill.) Township player’s services.
Scout.com's recruiting rankings list Pocic among the five 4-star football players in Illinois. The others are Steve Filer, LB Mount Carmel; Jason Ford, RB Belleville; Garrett Goebel, DT Montini Catholic; and Mile Leshoure, RB Champaign.
What we especially like is Pocic’s reasons for selecting Illinois over its more high-profile rivals.
“Some of my finalists were very negative about the other schools I was looking at and only pointing out what was bad about the other schools to me. That really turned me off quickly because the Illinois staff always told me that all of the schools I had offers from brought something great to the table. They just told me what was good about their school and stuck to the positive side of things which really helped.
“Relationships with the coaching staff also played a big role. Coach (Curt) Mallory had been recruiting me since last year and then both Coach (Ron) Zook and Coach (Eric) Wolford did a great job with me this year. All of the coaches were very down to Earth and they interact with their players off the football field as well as on it. They care about your life away from football too and that shows what they are all about.
“The opportunity to play early, how close they were to home and the fact that Illinois is a program on the rise also played a big part. They have brought in two great recruiting classes in a row and are on the way to having another great one this year. I am going to do my best to help the staff recruit guys like Garrett Goebel and Tyler Sands.”--Scout.com.
Couldn’t you just read his views over and over and over? Hope other recruits do.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
If we coulda given Sweet Lou Piniella of the Chicago Cubs a hug today, we would have.
That’s because the brainy Cub manager called for a suicide squeeze play in the ninth inning, and Ryan Theriot executed it perfectly. Theriot’s bunt allowed Angel Pagan to easily score the Cubs’s second run and gave the North Siders a 2-1 win over the South Siders.
Now we know something about spring training: the Cubs learned at least one of the fundamentals.
The Cubs pulling off a successful suicide squeeze! Never thought we’d see that.
That’s because the brainy Cub manager called for a suicide squeeze play in the ninth inning, and Ryan Theriot executed it perfectly. Theriot’s bunt allowed Angel Pagan to easily score the Cubs’s second run and gave the North Siders a 2-1 win over the South Siders.
Now we know something about spring training: the Cubs learned at least one of the fundamentals.
The Cubs pulling off a successful suicide squeeze! Never thought we’d see that.
Back up the truck. They’re doomed!
Of course, we mean the lowly Chicago White Sox, who dropped another game to the lowly Chicago Cubs today, 2-1 at the Cell.
It’s over for the bewitched South Siders.
And if the Cubs sweep the three-game series, Sox fans may start wearing bags over their heads to protect their identities.
And if the Cubs go south via the upcoming series against the Rockies and Brewers, their goal for the season changes from making the playoffs to finishing at.500.
Then Cub fans who attend games may also wear the spooky disguises.
Of course, we mean the lowly Chicago White Sox, who dropped another game to the lowly Chicago Cubs today, 2-1 at the Cell.
It’s over for the bewitched South Siders.
And if the Cubs sweep the three-game series, Sox fans may start wearing bags over their heads to protect their identities.
And if the Cubs go south via the upcoming series against the Rockies and Brewers, their goal for the season changes from making the playoffs to finishing at.500.
Then Cub fans who attend games may also wear the spooky disguises.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Six days to go until the NBA draft.
Who is 6-6, 200 G/F Nick Young?
Young is a throwback player who really understands how to employ the mid-range jumper … Ball handling ability is above average … Will use a number of spins, hesitation moves and crossovers to gain separation for his pull-up jumper … When he moves without the ball he shows solid ability to work off screens and convert catch and shoot plays … Creative player who makes even the most difficult shots look easy … Has three-point range on his jump shot … Not a bad finisher when he drives to the basket … Has a good set of physical tools to be a competent defender on the next level with long arms, size and decent athleticism … Possesses a solid understanding of the game and is very fundamentally sound … Post up skills are advanced as he welcomes the opportunity to shoot his turnaround jumper … Defensively when motivated Young can be a real force playing the passing lanes for easy steals … Fearless player with a great deal of confidence in his ability … An above average rebounder for his position thanks to his long arms …
Goes through periods in the game where he will settle for the jumper instead of driving to the basket and drawing fouls … Doesn’t get to the line as much as he should because of this … Doesn’t always maintain a high level of intensity on defense … Some questions have been raised as to weather he has the killer instinct and toughness to consistently compete … He isn’t a mind blowing athlete, but above average … Has a bad habit of standing around at times instead of moving without the ball … When guarded by a great athlete Young lacks the explosive first step needed to get full separation from his defender … Could stand to work on adding more upper body strength to his frame as he doesn’t always finish after contact … While he has three-point range he can go through periods of inconsistency … Defensively he has a bad habit of reaching for steals instead of concentrating on his footwork … Often Young can get himself into foul trouble.
Who is 6-6, 200 G/F Nick Young?
Young is a throwback player who really understands how to employ the mid-range jumper … Ball handling ability is above average … Will use a number of spins, hesitation moves and crossovers to gain separation for his pull-up jumper … When he moves without the ball he shows solid ability to work off screens and convert catch and shoot plays … Creative player who makes even the most difficult shots look easy … Has three-point range on his jump shot … Not a bad finisher when he drives to the basket … Has a good set of physical tools to be a competent defender on the next level with long arms, size and decent athleticism … Possesses a solid understanding of the game and is very fundamentally sound … Post up skills are advanced as he welcomes the opportunity to shoot his turnaround jumper … Defensively when motivated Young can be a real force playing the passing lanes for easy steals … Fearless player with a great deal of confidence in his ability … An above average rebounder for his position thanks to his long arms …
Goes through periods in the game where he will settle for the jumper instead of driving to the basket and drawing fouls … Doesn’t get to the line as much as he should because of this … Doesn’t always maintain a high level of intensity on defense … Some questions have been raised as to weather he has the killer instinct and toughness to consistently compete … He isn’t a mind blowing athlete, but above average … Has a bad habit of standing around at times instead of moving without the ball … When guarded by a great athlete Young lacks the explosive first step needed to get full separation from his defender … Could stand to work on adding more upper body strength to his frame as he doesn’t always finish after contact … While he has three-point range he can go through periods of inconsistency … Defensively he has a bad habit of reaching for steals instead of concentrating on his footwork … Often Young can get himself into foul trouble.
Chicago Cubs we might get to like—Mike Fontenot, he looks like a pesky hitter and slick fielder who can play on the major league level; Rob Bowen, we were impressed with the way he was picking up throws in the dirt today by Carlos Zambrano.
And what a great stop-the-bleeding 5-1 victory by Zambrano! Especially following the 1-0 game he lost recently. Isn’t it time to upgrade his contract and get that issue out of the way? If Zambrano keeps pitching the way he has recently, he’ll ask for Roger Clemens money.
Wonder if Jason Marquis liked getting in baseball’s record book? No matter. He served up Sammy Sosa’s 600th homer, and baseball won’t let him forget it.
So far, it’s a June swoon for Marquis and Ted Lilly. Hope they find their former winning ways soon. With the Rockies and Brewers coming into Wrigley, the Cubs’s season could be on the line.
Will it be same old, same old by July 4th? Wait till next year.
And what a great stop-the-bleeding 5-1 victory by Zambrano! Especially following the 1-0 game he lost recently. Isn’t it time to upgrade his contract and get that issue out of the way? If Zambrano keeps pitching the way he has recently, he’ll ask for Roger Clemens money.
Wonder if Jason Marquis liked getting in baseball’s record book? No matter. He served up Sammy Sosa’s 600th homer, and baseball won’t let him forget it.
So far, it’s a June swoon for Marquis and Ted Lilly. Hope they find their former winning ways soon. With the Rockies and Brewers coming into Wrigley, the Cubs’s season could be on the line.
Will it be same old, same old by July 4th? Wait till next year.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Seven days to go until the NBA draft.
And there’s no consensus pick in the names being thrown out by the numerous online fans of the Chicago Bulls.
But if fans do agree on one thing, it’s that there is no one, or two, or three players the LA Lakers would take for disgruntled Kobe Bryant.
Okay, we agree. Now let’s go to Option B.
And deal for Kevin Garnett.
And there’s no consensus pick in the names being thrown out by the numerous online fans of the Chicago Bulls.
But if fans do agree on one thing, it’s that there is no one, or two, or three players the LA Lakers would take for disgruntled Kobe Bryant.
Okay, we agree. Now let’s go to Option B.
And deal for Kevin Garnett.
Red flag area.
The Chicago Cubs could be entering rough waters in the next two weeks. The streaky Milwaukee Brewers are starting to pull away in the division. The Cubs are close to falling behind by double digits. That’s a no-no.
General Manager Jim Hendry has sounded like the Cubs would be predators in the search for talent from losing teams this summer.
But now they look more like the prey.
The Cubs limp into the Cell tomorrow for a crucial three-game series with the slumping Chicago White Sox.
The Cubs desperately need a sweep.Carlos Zambrano will pitch, and it may be the most important game he throws all year.
Maybe the Cubs and Sox could even do some dealing. Jermaine Dye and Mark Buehrle would look good in Cub uniforms. The Sox should covet some of the young Cub talent, plus Jacque Jones.
Felix Pie was moved from second in the order to eighth. Bad, bad move.
Newly acquired catcher Rob Bowen looked good in his Cub debut. The catcher thing just might work out.
The Chicago Cubs could be entering rough waters in the next two weeks. The streaky Milwaukee Brewers are starting to pull away in the division. The Cubs are close to falling behind by double digits. That’s a no-no.
General Manager Jim Hendry has sounded like the Cubs would be predators in the search for talent from losing teams this summer.
But now they look more like the prey.
The Cubs limp into the Cell tomorrow for a crucial three-game series with the slumping Chicago White Sox.
The Cubs desperately need a sweep.Carlos Zambrano will pitch, and it may be the most important game he throws all year.
Maybe the Cubs and Sox could even do some dealing. Jermaine Dye and Mark Buehrle would look good in Cub uniforms. The Sox should covet some of the young Cub talent, plus Jacque Jones.
Felix Pie was moved from second in the order to eighth. Bad, bad move.
Newly acquired catcher Rob Bowen looked good in his Cub debut. The catcher thing just might work out.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Michael Barrett, the Chicago Cub catcher involved in several issues over the past two years, has been traded to the San Diego Padres for catcher Rob Bowen.
The Cubs argued that these issues, including a fight with franchise-type pitcher Carlos Zambrano, suggested that Barrett’s departure was good for him and the Cubs.
Maybe. But we doubt it.
Barrett was a competitor, the kind you want on your club. He was a good hitter and handler of pitchers. So what if he was only an average defensive catcher. How many top defensive catchers are there?
Barrett has a promising future.
Too bad it won’t be with the Cubs.
The Cubs argued that these issues, including a fight with franchise-type pitcher Carlos Zambrano, suggested that Barrett’s departure was good for him and the Cubs.
Maybe. But we doubt it.
Barrett was a competitor, the kind you want on your club. He was a good hitter and handler of pitchers. So what if he was only an average defensive catcher. How many top defensive catchers are there?
Barrett has a promising future.
Too bad it won’t be with the Cubs.
Sammy, Sammy, Sammy.
Once the Chicago Cubs’s fan favorite, you now thrill the fans of the Texas Rangers and will surely join the legends of baseball who have slugged at least 600 home runs.
But will your achievement require an asterisk in the records book noting allegations of cheating? Because, er, you know, that steroids issue.
You insist you never used illegal substances when you were rocketing balls into and over the Wrigley bleachers.
But there’s that cloud of doubt that lingers.
What to believe?
The asterisk record or the clean record?
We’ll stick with the old standard: innocent until proven guilty.
So, congratulations for your accomplishment, and thanks for the memories.
Once the Chicago Cubs’s fan favorite, you now thrill the fans of the Texas Rangers and will surely join the legends of baseball who have slugged at least 600 home runs.
But will your achievement require an asterisk in the records book noting allegations of cheating? Because, er, you know, that steroids issue.
You insist you never used illegal substances when you were rocketing balls into and over the Wrigley bleachers.
But there’s that cloud of doubt that lingers.
What to believe?
The asterisk record or the clean record?
We’ll stick with the old standard: innocent until proven guilty.
So, congratulations for your accomplishment, and thanks for the memories.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Chicago Bulls’s online home page is seeking assistant general managers to help GM John Paxson prior to the NBA draft June 28.
For the college kids, the fans favor drafting big guys Joakim Noah, Spencer Hawes, or Yi Jianlian. Other fans are willing to package the pick in a trade for NBA players who could include Pau Gasol, Shawn Marion, or Jermaine O’Neal.
Can’t argue with any of these plans.
But we still favor a do-anything approach to get Kobe.
For the college kids, the fans favor drafting big guys Joakim Noah, Spencer Hawes, or Yi Jianlian. Other fans are willing to package the pick in a trade for NBA players who could include Pau Gasol, Shawn Marion, or Jermaine O’Neal.
Can’t argue with any of these plans.
But we still favor a do-anything approach to get Kobe.
Main results of the recent melee between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres:
Cubs—First baseman Derrek Lee suspended for five games.
Padres—Starting pitcher Chris Young suspended for five games.
Significance: Lee misses five games. Young misses one start.
What are we missing here?
Cubs—First baseman Derrek Lee suspended for five games.
Padres—Starting pitcher Chris Young suspended for five games.
Significance: Lee misses five games. Young misses one start.
What are we missing here?
Monday, June 18, 2007
Tommie, Tommie, Tommie.
Don’t you know that there are certain topics you can kid around with, and others that you can’t?
Apparently not.
Chicago Bears joker Tommie Harris kept recommending that the Bears get his buddy Donovan McNabb to play quarterback for them. And he kept saying it to the press. Again and again. As if he were serious.
So the press pressed the news button, and all heck broke loose.
That’s why you don’t joke about religion, politics, or Rex Grossman.
Don’t you know that there are certain topics you can kid around with, and others that you can’t?
Apparently not.
Chicago Bears joker Tommie Harris kept recommending that the Bears get his buddy Donovan McNabb to play quarterback for them. And he kept saying it to the press. Again and again. As if he were serious.
So the press pressed the news button, and all heck broke loose.
That’s why you don’t joke about religion, politics, or Rex Grossman.
Kobe Bryant to the Bulls—Part 2
The debate about Kobe leaving the LA Lakers in a trade has been the talk of basketball.
Yesterday, we came down on the side of those who want to make a deal and bring Kobe to Chicago.
Surprising to us, however, the majority of Bulls fans weighing in online are against it. Their main argument is that the current Bulls are so close to becoming a championship-caliber team it would be a shame to break them up, even for a superstar like Kobe. It’s a plausible argument.
Our view is that you need a superstar, plus a good supporting cast. Like in Michael’s time.
The Bulls have the supporting cast but lack the superstar.
So we’re willing to see the Bulls torn apart--and this is what it will take--to get the superstar and start developing the supporting cast from among Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Stefolsha, Ben Wallace, and an athletic draft choice, like Mike Conley Jr. or Thaddeus Young.
But what are the chances of a deal bringing Kobe here?
Maybe five percent. Maybe.
The debate about Kobe leaving the LA Lakers in a trade has been the talk of basketball.
Yesterday, we came down on the side of those who want to make a deal and bring Kobe to Chicago.
Surprising to us, however, the majority of Bulls fans weighing in online are against it. Their main argument is that the current Bulls are so close to becoming a championship-caliber team it would be a shame to break them up, even for a superstar like Kobe. It’s a plausible argument.
Our view is that you need a superstar, plus a good supporting cast. Like in Michael’s time.
The Bulls have the supporting cast but lack the superstar.
So we’re willing to see the Bulls torn apart--and this is what it will take--to get the superstar and start developing the supporting cast from among Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Stefolsha, Ben Wallace, and an athletic draft choice, like Mike Conley Jr. or Thaddeus Young.
But what are the chances of a deal bringing Kobe here?
Maybe five percent. Maybe.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Breathe easier, Illlini hoop fans.
He’s coming back to school.
That is, Illini center Shaun Pruitt reportedly has withdrawn from the NBA draft June 28.
We are surprised, as we’ve said before, at the lack of interest. But now Pruitt can focus on achieving another goal—wining the Big 10 MVP award.
As Pruitt goes, so goes Illinois.
And it could be pretty far.
He’s coming back to school.
That is, Illini center Shaun Pruitt reportedly has withdrawn from the NBA draft June 28.
We are surprised, as we’ve said before, at the lack of interest. But now Pruitt can focus on achieving another goal—wining the Big 10 MVP award.
As Pruitt goes, so goes Illinois.
And it could be pretty far.
Kobe Bryant to the Bulls?
The key Bull in such a deal would have to be Luol Deng. The deal would probably include Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, and Kirk Hinrich.
Do it!
At age 29, Kobe the superstar is coming into his prime. Gordon proved to be stoppable in the playoffs. Hinrich is a good reserve at best. Nocioni would be a tough loss. Deng is obviously a comer, but Kobe is here and now.
The Bulls lineup after such a deal would be:
Kobe—shooting guard
Chris Duhon—point guard (or Mike Conley Jr. ,draft option)
Ben Wallace—center
Tyrus Thomas—power forward
Thaddeus Young—shooting forward (draft option) or Thabo Sefolosha
Works for us.
The key Bull in such a deal would have to be Luol Deng. The deal would probably include Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, and Kirk Hinrich.
Do it!
At age 29, Kobe the superstar is coming into his prime. Gordon proved to be stoppable in the playoffs. Hinrich is a good reserve at best. Nocioni would be a tough loss. Deng is obviously a comer, but Kobe is here and now.
The Bulls lineup after such a deal would be:
Kobe—shooting guard
Chris Duhon—point guard (or Mike Conley Jr. ,draft option)
Ben Wallace—center
Tyrus Thomas—power forward
Thaddeus Young—shooting forward (draft option) or Thabo Sefolosha
Works for us.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Here’s another review of potential Chicago Bulls’s picks in the first round of the NBA draft June 28.
Mike Conley point guard 6-1, 180
An ultra-quick lefty point guard with a solid feel for running a team … His ability to get by opposing guards and into the paint is on the elite level … Very cerebral, shows excellent decision making ability, especially considering his age … His near 3/1 assist to turnover ratio is outstanding for a freshman pg … A great passer with excellent vision … Understands how to feed the post well, and can hit post players with excellent dishes off the dribble drive … At 6-1, he has average size for the point guard position, but has good length in his arms allowing him to play bigger … Above average athletically, his father (Mike Conley Sr.) is a world class track athlete, and the apple did not fall far from the tree … Defensively he plays the passing lanes well and his great foot speed allows him to be an excellent on ball defender … Thrives in the open floor, using his great speed to push the basketball … Has a nice assortment of midrange runners and shots in the paint going towards the rim … His dribble penetration is very difficult to contain as his first step and ball handling ability are tremendous.
The biggest knock against him is his age and level of experience entering the league at the point guard position. Many feel the development at the point guard position is much more difficult at the NBA level than in college. His outside shooting is still a major question mark. He has solid form and can hit shots from the perimeter, but must gain better consistency and add range … Shot just 30% from college 3, but did show some improvement at the end of the year … Besides his tremendous NCAA tourney performance, he's somewhat unproven offensively ...
Notes: He’s got the qualities to become an excellent NBA point guard, but entering after just his freshman year means he will likely take some time to reach his full potential, making him a riskier pick.
Mike Conley point guard 6-1, 180
An ultra-quick lefty point guard with a solid feel for running a team … His ability to get by opposing guards and into the paint is on the elite level … Very cerebral, shows excellent decision making ability, especially considering his age … His near 3/1 assist to turnover ratio is outstanding for a freshman pg … A great passer with excellent vision … Understands how to feed the post well, and can hit post players with excellent dishes off the dribble drive … At 6-1, he has average size for the point guard position, but has good length in his arms allowing him to play bigger … Above average athletically, his father (Mike Conley Sr.) is a world class track athlete, and the apple did not fall far from the tree … Defensively he plays the passing lanes well and his great foot speed allows him to be an excellent on ball defender … Thrives in the open floor, using his great speed to push the basketball … Has a nice assortment of midrange runners and shots in the paint going towards the rim … His dribble penetration is very difficult to contain as his first step and ball handling ability are tremendous.
The biggest knock against him is his age and level of experience entering the league at the point guard position. Many feel the development at the point guard position is much more difficult at the NBA level than in college. His outside shooting is still a major question mark. He has solid form and can hit shots from the perimeter, but must gain better consistency and add range … Shot just 30% from college 3, but did show some improvement at the end of the year … Besides his tremendous NCAA tourney performance, he's somewhat unproven offensively ...
Notes: He’s got the qualities to become an excellent NBA point guard, but entering after just his freshman year means he will likely take some time to reach his full potential, making him a riskier pick.
The Chicago Cubs lost another heartbreaker today, 1-0 to the weak-hitting San Diego Padres at Wrigley.
Carlos Zambrano pitched another gem, allowing only two hits and taking a no-hitter into the eighth. Unfortunately, one of those hits was a home run.
But Cub fans can’t be too disappointed.
As we said yesterday, the keys to success in baseball are pitching, pitching, and pitching.
And the Cubs seem to have it.
Oh yeah. There was a bench-clearing melee, and Derrek Lee got the thumb for fighting. Supposedly, Lee got plunked because the Padres didn’t like Alfonso Soriano standing at home plate yesterday gleefully watching his home run ball clear the bleachers.
We don’t get it. Every sport features some kind of celebration marking a score.
But that doesn’t call for a kind of retaliation that can end a player’s career.
Carlos Zambrano pitched another gem, allowing only two hits and taking a no-hitter into the eighth. Unfortunately, one of those hits was a home run.
But Cub fans can’t be too disappointed.
As we said yesterday, the keys to success in baseball are pitching, pitching, and pitching.
And the Cubs seem to have it.
Oh yeah. There was a bench-clearing melee, and Derrek Lee got the thumb for fighting. Supposedly, Lee got plunked because the Padres didn’t like Alfonso Soriano standing at home plate yesterday gleefully watching his home run ball clear the bleachers.
We don’t get it. Every sport features some kind of celebration marking a score.
But that doesn’t call for a kind of retaliation that can end a player’s career.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Reflecting the weather, the Chicago Cubs are sizzling, with a 4-1 record on the homestand (which is sizzling for the Cubs).
Today’s 4-1 win over the San Diego Padres was notable on several fronts.
Ted Lilly’s work was superlative.
Mike Fontenot continues to silence those who preferred the Cubs bring up Eric Patterson.
Derrek Lee: four hits! On the comeback trail.
Mark DeRosa, an octopus at third.
Ryan Dempster: looking good with 15 saves.
Alfonso Soriano: if he doesn’t make it in baseball, he should try golf.
Ryan Theriot: not too shabby at short since his regular position is… er, we forgot, he has no regular position.
Stats to study:
The Padres are next to last in the majors in hitting (.244)
The Cubs are ninth at .269
The Padres are first in the majors in pitching ERA 2.97
The Cubs are eighth at 3.83
The Cubs and Padres are tied for fifth in the majors in fielding at .986 (the Rockies are first at .990)
So what does it all mean? Pitching is the name of the game.
Today’s 4-1 win over the San Diego Padres was notable on several fronts.
Ted Lilly’s work was superlative.
Mike Fontenot continues to silence those who preferred the Cubs bring up Eric Patterson.
Derrek Lee: four hits! On the comeback trail.
Mark DeRosa, an octopus at third.
Ryan Dempster: looking good with 15 saves.
Alfonso Soriano: if he doesn’t make it in baseball, he should try golf.
Ryan Theriot: not too shabby at short since his regular position is… er, we forgot, he has no regular position.
Stats to study:
The Padres are next to last in the majors in hitting (.244)
The Cubs are ninth at .269
The Padres are first in the majors in pitching ERA 2.97
The Cubs are eighth at 3.83
The Cubs and Padres are tied for fifth in the majors in fielding at .986 (the Rockies are first at .990)
So what does it all mean? Pitching is the name of the game.
The Sporting News Top 99 for 2008 has the following Illinois players,
all undecided
26 Mike Dunigan
37 DeAndre Liggins
38 Iman Shumpert
81 Matt Humphrey
96 Jeremiah Kelly
98 Josh Crittle
all undecided
26 Mike Dunigan
37 DeAndre Liggins
38 Iman Shumpert
81 Matt Humphrey
96 Jeremiah Kelly
98 Josh Crittle
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A newspaper story about trading Chris Duhon of the Chicago Bulls is a real nonstarter. Who cares about Duhon?
His presence just doesn’t matter to the future of the Bulls.
Now throw in the names of Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich, and you’ve got plenty to ponder. We can easily see Hinrich leaving as part of a trade, but what’s he worth? He’s reached the top of his skill development, and those skills don’t rank him in the top echelon of NBA guards. He’s useful, however, coming off the bench.
Gordon’s value? Substantially higher than Hinrich’s. Might be best to return him to the sixth man-fourth quarter roles. But he’s a definite asset. Keep him aboard.
The Bulls could get lucky in the draft and get to pick from among such impact players as Acie Law, Thaddeus Young, and Joakim Noah.
But we still think the free-agency pool offers the Bulls the best way to keep improving.
His presence just doesn’t matter to the future of the Bulls.
Now throw in the names of Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich, and you’ve got plenty to ponder. We can easily see Hinrich leaving as part of a trade, but what’s he worth? He’s reached the top of his skill development, and those skills don’t rank him in the top echelon of NBA guards. He’s useful, however, coming off the bench.
Gordon’s value? Substantially higher than Hinrich’s. Might be best to return him to the sixth man-fourth quarter roles. But he’s a definite asset. Keep him aboard.
The Bulls could get lucky in the draft and get to pick from among such impact players as Acie Law, Thaddeus Young, and Joakim Noah.
But we still think the free-agency pool offers the Bulls the best way to keep improving.
Whew!
Nary a syllable about Illini hoopster Shaun Pruitt leaving school for the upcoming NBA draft. The deadline for withdrawing from the draft is Monday, and we haven’t seen Pruitt’s name on any mock draft.
We admit we thought he’d get some nibbles. But, hey, the NBA’s loss is Illinois’s gain.
Can’t see the Illini doing anything next year without him. We hope the fans will give him a big welcome back.
Nary a syllable about Illini hoopster Shaun Pruitt leaving school for the upcoming NBA draft. The deadline for withdrawing from the draft is Monday, and we haven’t seen Pruitt’s name on any mock draft.
We admit we thought he’d get some nibbles. But, hey, the NBA’s loss is Illinois’s gain.
Can’t see the Illini doing anything next year without him. We hope the fans will give him a big welcome back.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Whatever it takes.
So what if the Chicago Cubs now have a jumper as well as a hopper—and don’t forget the sand kicker.
The latest Cub to display an odd sort of exuberance on the field is Carlos Zambrano, who celebrated some good pitching yesterday by jumping up and down to the amazement of players and fans.
We loved it.
In fact, Carlos should show other Cubs how to do it. And then when the Cubs come off the field each inning, they should all get together and exit the field like a conga line.
And take the field doing the bunny hop!
So what if the Chicago Cubs now have a jumper as well as a hopper—and don’t forget the sand kicker.
The latest Cub to display an odd sort of exuberance on the field is Carlos Zambrano, who celebrated some good pitching yesterday by jumping up and down to the amazement of players and fans.
We loved it.
In fact, Carlos should show other Cubs how to do it. And then when the Cubs come off the field each inning, they should all get together and exit the field like a conga line.
And take the field doing the bunny hop!
Yet another in a series of reviews of possible draft choices of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls pick ninth in the first round of the NBA draft June 28:
Jason Smith 7-0 240 power forward
Shows solid mobility, able to run the court with no problems … Active player who constantly works the blocks to get open … Has developed into an above average rebounder … Underrated post passer who does a good job of recognizing double teams and reacting to them … Fundamentally sound player with few bad habits … Does a good job of keeping the ball high and not putting it on the floor after receiving the ball … For his size Smith is an adequate ball handler … Once Smith gets position in the post he makes his body wide giving his guards a bigger target … Great post footwork, and moves with good fluidity … Offensively he has range out to 18 feet when facing the basket … Excels at taking advantage of size mismatches … Back to the basket skills are still developing but have improved greatly … Owns a nice turnaround jumper in the post … Mobility allows him to be a sufficient help defender … Shows good touch around the basket where he is a solid finisher … Better athlete than he's given credit for as he is more than capable of getting off the floor quickly … Does a great job of creating contact and getting to the free throw line …
Back to the basket moves have greatly improved but are still very much a work in progress … Needs to continue to add more upper body strength … Struggles to establish position against physical defenders as he can easily get pushed off the blocks … Rebounding has improved greatly this year but he needs to focus on boxing out better … Doesn’t always finish strong after absorbing contact … Above average shot blocker in college but likely will not be as fortunate in the NBA … Will need to upgrade his foot speed while adding weight, which could be a challenge … Athletic opponents tend to frustrate him defensively on the perimeter … Needs to take care of the ball better when making offensive moves … Lacks the killer instinct to consistently dominate games.
Jason Smith 7-0 240 power forward
Shows solid mobility, able to run the court with no problems … Active player who constantly works the blocks to get open … Has developed into an above average rebounder … Underrated post passer who does a good job of recognizing double teams and reacting to them … Fundamentally sound player with few bad habits … Does a good job of keeping the ball high and not putting it on the floor after receiving the ball … For his size Smith is an adequate ball handler … Once Smith gets position in the post he makes his body wide giving his guards a bigger target … Great post footwork, and moves with good fluidity … Offensively he has range out to 18 feet when facing the basket … Excels at taking advantage of size mismatches … Back to the basket skills are still developing but have improved greatly … Owns a nice turnaround jumper in the post … Mobility allows him to be a sufficient help defender … Shows good touch around the basket where he is a solid finisher … Better athlete than he's given credit for as he is more than capable of getting off the floor quickly … Does a great job of creating contact and getting to the free throw line …
Back to the basket moves have greatly improved but are still very much a work in progress … Needs to continue to add more upper body strength … Struggles to establish position against physical defenders as he can easily get pushed off the blocks … Rebounding has improved greatly this year but he needs to focus on boxing out better … Doesn’t always finish strong after absorbing contact … Above average shot blocker in college but likely will not be as fortunate in the NBA … Will need to upgrade his foot speed while adding weight, which could be a challenge … Athletic opponents tend to frustrate him defensively on the perimeter … Needs to take care of the ball better when making offensive moves … Lacks the killer instinct to consistently dominate games.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Another in a series of reviews of possible draft choices of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls pick ninth in the first round of the NBA draft June 28:
Thaddeus Young 6-8 217 small forward
Elite level athlete ... Extremely fluid and explosive ... Blessed with incredible gifts ... Prototypical small forward ... Has the advantage of being left handed, making him tougher to defend ... Has great length for a wing player ... Strong competitor ... Outside shooting and shot off the dribble have shown solid improvement ... Foot speed and length make him a terrific pressure defender ... Triggers the press defense well with his speed and quickness ... Great attitude, hard worker. Excels in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA ... His potential is incredible, but he still needs to gain confidence in his abilities and body strength ...
Still a bit inconsistent shooting the ball from outside, but showing vast improvement ... Skills are still raw ... Ball handling can be sloppy at times ... Needs to add a great deal of weight, right now he can get pushed around inside. Another 20 pounds of muscle will make him a lot stronger on the glass and finishing in traffic.
Thaddeus Young 6-8 217 small forward
Elite level athlete ... Extremely fluid and explosive ... Blessed with incredible gifts ... Prototypical small forward ... Has the advantage of being left handed, making him tougher to defend ... Has great length for a wing player ... Strong competitor ... Outside shooting and shot off the dribble have shown solid improvement ... Foot speed and length make him a terrific pressure defender ... Triggers the press defense well with his speed and quickness ... Great attitude, hard worker. Excels in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA ... His potential is incredible, but he still needs to gain confidence in his abilities and body strength ...
Still a bit inconsistent shooting the ball from outside, but showing vast improvement ... Skills are still raw ... Ball handling can be sloppy at times ... Needs to add a great deal of weight, right now he can get pushed around inside. Another 20 pounds of muscle will make him a lot stronger on the glass and finishing in traffic.
The Chicago White Sox have been on the down escalator recently.
They started the day nine games behind Central Division-leading Cleveland.
You know things are going bad when you compare Sox and Chicago Cub stats:
Record—Cubs, 28-34 (.452); Sox, 27-33 (.450)
Games behind—Cubs, 5 ½; Sox, 9.
Batting—Cubs, .265; Sox, .232.
RBI’s—Cubs, 273; Sox, 225.
Home runs—Cubs, 61; Sox, 59.
ERA—Cubs, 3.97; Sox, 4.48.
Most frustrated manager: Tie, Ozzie Guillen, Lou Piniella
“Everybody in baseball is probably surprised how they haven’t hit.” –Frequently heard statement about…
both teams these days.
Go figure!
They started the day nine games behind Central Division-leading Cleveland.
You know things are going bad when you compare Sox and Chicago Cub stats:
Record—Cubs, 28-34 (.452); Sox, 27-33 (.450)
Games behind—Cubs, 5 ½; Sox, 9.
Batting—Cubs, .265; Sox, .232.
RBI’s—Cubs, 273; Sox, 225.
Home runs—Cubs, 61; Sox, 59.
ERA—Cubs, 3.97; Sox, 4.48.
Most frustrated manager: Tie, Ozzie Guillen, Lou Piniella
“Everybody in baseball is probably surprised how they haven’t hit.” –Frequently heard statement about…
both teams these days.
Go figure!
Monday, June 11, 2007
A possible choice of the Chicago Bulls, picking ninth in the first round of the NBA draft June 28:
Spencer Hawes, 6-11, 250
Hawes is very long and has very good hands. He runs the floor very well for his size. His ball-handling is fantastic, especially in the open court, as he played a lot of guard before his reaching his full height. Hawes is very smooth on the court, and has a great, soft touch around the basket. He possesses good shooting form, and has range out to three-point distance, but is only consistent to about 18 feet.
He is very fundamentally sound, with excellent footwork in the post. He will immediately be one of the best passing big men in the country, whether it’s out of the post, double team, in the open court, or on the perimeter. He is a decent shot-blocker, but does position himself well on defense.
Definitely needs to bulk up more for life in the paint. He needs to develop alternate post moves. He lacks great quickness. He will occasionally settle for taking outside shots instead of attacking from the post. His rebounding skills could be improved. Spencer is not an amazing athlete and has trouble with smaller quicker opponents. He could improve his overall defense.
Spencer Hawes, 6-11, 250
Hawes is very long and has very good hands. He runs the floor very well for his size. His ball-handling is fantastic, especially in the open court, as he played a lot of guard before his reaching his full height. Hawes is very smooth on the court, and has a great, soft touch around the basket. He possesses good shooting form, and has range out to three-point distance, but is only consistent to about 18 feet.
He is very fundamentally sound, with excellent footwork in the post. He will immediately be one of the best passing big men in the country, whether it’s out of the post, double team, in the open court, or on the perimeter. He is a decent shot-blocker, but does position himself well on defense.
Definitely needs to bulk up more for life in the paint. He needs to develop alternate post moves. He lacks great quickness. He will occasionally settle for taking outside shots instead of attacking from the post. His rebounding skills could be improved. Spencer is not an amazing athlete and has trouble with smaller quicker opponents. He could improve his overall defense.
The Chicago Cubs blew a two-run lead in the eighth inning yesterday, falling 5-4 to the Atlanta Braves.
Aterward, we heard these famous last words from Cubs manager Lou Piniella:
“We were in position to win the game. We battled hard and just came up short.”
We know what happened, Lou. We want to know why?
How often are we going to hear that the Cubs came up “short”?
In many ways, short is good. But not in baseball.
Aterward, we heard these famous last words from Cubs manager Lou Piniella:
“We were in position to win the game. We battled hard and just came up short.”
We know what happened, Lou. We want to know why?
How often are we going to hear that the Cubs came up “short”?
In many ways, short is good. But not in baseball.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The 2007 Chicago Cubs are looking like the White Sox at the end of the 2006 regular season. The Detroit Tigers went into a funk at the end of the year and seemed to be giving the Sox, day after day, the opportunity to overtake them.
But the Sox refused the offers, and the rest is history.
The same thing could be happening to the Cubs.
Like Detroit, the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers are playng uninspired ball. But the suddenly resurgent Cubs can’t make much headway.
This is not good. And one player stands out for his lack of production: Derrek Lee. Lee went 1-17 in the series against the Atlanta Braves. His batting average has drooped recently from a league-leading .380’s range to a current average near .325.
We don’t even want to think of the repercussion of a prolonged slump for the usually reliable slugger.
Remember 2006 without Lee? Ouch!
But the Sox refused the offers, and the rest is history.
The same thing could be happening to the Cubs.
Like Detroit, the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers are playng uninspired ball. But the suddenly resurgent Cubs can’t make much headway.
This is not good. And one player stands out for his lack of production: Derrek Lee. Lee went 1-17 in the series against the Atlanta Braves. His batting average has drooped recently from a league-leading .380’s range to a current average near .325.
We don’t even want to think of the repercussion of a prolonged slump for the usually reliable slugger.
Remember 2006 without Lee? Ouch!
If the reported Illini football roster is accurate, it’s great news for both the gridders and the hoopsters.
The football roster lists a new 6-8, 260-pound tight end, C.J. Jackson, who apparently has switched from basketball to football.
That’s good because he didn’t seem to have a basketball future. He had been a highly rated football recruit in Georgia, but took Bruce Weber’s offer of a basketball scholarship.
Shifting over to football, he gives Ron Zook another quality big man at tight end.
And that frees up a basketball scholarship.
And that helps Weber widen his recruiting base.
And everybody’s happy!
The football roster lists a new 6-8, 260-pound tight end, C.J. Jackson, who apparently has switched from basketball to football.
That’s good because he didn’t seem to have a basketball future. He had been a highly rated football recruit in Georgia, but took Bruce Weber’s offer of a basketball scholarship.
Shifting over to football, he gives Ron Zook another quality big man at tight end.
And that frees up a basketball scholarship.
And that helps Weber widen his recruiting base.
And everybody’s happy!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Alfonso Soriano has started to earn his $136 million deal from the Chicago Cubs.
And just in time.
Only a few days ago, the Cubs looked like they were ready to drop anchor on the season. Players were fighting among themselves, and manager Lou Piniella got ejected from a game, as well as being suspended.
Then Soriano got sore.
At the Cubs? Nah. At the voters who dropped him from third place to fourth place in the All-Star Game balloting among the National League outfielders.
Bad idea for the voters. Soriano’s been on a rampage the last few days, climaxing, you’d think, with a three-homer and four-hit game in a 9-1 victory yesterday over the Atlanta Braves.
Anything we could do to get the voters to drop Soriano to the fifth slot in the race among outfielders? Or the sixth?
And just in time.
Only a few days ago, the Cubs looked like they were ready to drop anchor on the season. Players were fighting among themselves, and manager Lou Piniella got ejected from a game, as well as being suspended.
Then Soriano got sore.
At the Cubs? Nah. At the voters who dropped him from third place to fourth place in the All-Star Game balloting among the National League outfielders.
Bad idea for the voters. Soriano’s been on a rampage the last few days, climaxing, you’d think, with a three-homer and four-hit game in a 9-1 victory yesterday over the Atlanta Braves.
Anything we could do to get the voters to drop Soriano to the fifth slot in the race among outfielders? Or the sixth?
In case you’re not counting, it’s 83 days (Saturday, September 4) until the Illini football team opens what many observers expect to be the most exciting season in years.
At this early point, here’s how the Illini might go (ranked from most winnable to least winnable):
1. Western Illinois-Home-Game 2 Zook should get to see everyone
2. Ball State-Home-Game 9
3. Northwestern-Home-Game 12 Payback game
4. Syracuse-Away-Game 3 A win here gets Illini on the map
5. Indiana-Away-Game 4 The Illini beast comes out
6. Minnesota-Away-Game 10
7. Penn State-Home-Game 5
8. Missouri-Neutral-Game 1
A loss here would be unthinkable
9. Wisconsin-Home-Game 6
10. Michigan-Home-Game 8
A win here attracts major bowl
11. Iowa-Away-Game 7
12. OSU-Away-Game 11 A win here excites recruits
At this early point, here’s how the Illini might go (ranked from most winnable to least winnable):
1. Western Illinois-Home-Game 2 Zook should get to see everyone
2. Ball State-Home-Game 9
3. Northwestern-Home-Game 12 Payback game
4. Syracuse-Away-Game 3 A win here gets Illini on the map
5. Indiana-Away-Game 4 The Illini beast comes out
6. Minnesota-Away-Game 10
7. Penn State-Home-Game 5
8. Missouri-Neutral-Game 1
A loss here would be unthinkable
9. Wisconsin-Home-Game 6
10. Michigan-Home-Game 8
A win here attracts major bowl
11. Iowa-Away-Game 7
12. OSU-Away-Game 11 A win here excites recruits
Friday, June 08, 2007
Many Illini basketball fans, including us, are wondering what’s taking the prep blue chippers so long to make their verbal commitments. All the top players in every state have received offers from the schools recruiting them, and many have made unofficial and official visits.
One of these highly rated preps ignited a round of controversy recently when he said it was now up to the coaches to “sell their programs.” He implied that the coaches were all viewed favorably, and so the players are looking for something more.
What blather!
Nothing is the same. The coaches differ in the style of play they prefer, and in how successful they are. And the educational programs vary widely, in case anyone is actually interested in them.
We see two reasons for the delays.
First, these kids are like rock stars. They love all the attention and enjoy seeing schools compete for their “services.”
Second, the main thing they want from the coaches are commitments for playing time.
Unfortunately, many of them are stupid enough to believe they can get such a commitment from a top coach. And they’re willing to wait until they bring around some coaches who are under great pressure to sign up the best homegrown talent.
How would you like to have Illini coach Bruce Weber’s job right now, as he waits for the top prepsters in his talent-laden state to make up their minds?
That is, the ones who have minds at all.
One of these highly rated preps ignited a round of controversy recently when he said it was now up to the coaches to “sell their programs.” He implied that the coaches were all viewed favorably, and so the players are looking for something more.
What blather!
Nothing is the same. The coaches differ in the style of play they prefer, and in how successful they are. And the educational programs vary widely, in case anyone is actually interested in them.
We see two reasons for the delays.
First, these kids are like rock stars. They love all the attention and enjoy seeing schools compete for their “services.”
Second, the main thing they want from the coaches are commitments for playing time.
Unfortunately, many of them are stupid enough to believe they can get such a commitment from a top coach. And they’re willing to wait until they bring around some coaches who are under great pressure to sign up the best homegrown talent.
How would you like to have Illini coach Bruce Weber’s job right now, as he waits for the top prepsters in his talent-laden state to make up their minds?
That is, the ones who have minds at all.
The Chicago Cubs are getting to be fun again—that is, in an exciting way.
Or ways:
The Cubs won a one-run game yesterday—2-1 against the Atlanta Braves. Yep, they really did.
One of their prize young pitchers, Rich Hill, looked like the old Carlos Zambrano while recording 11 K’s and limiting the Braves to three hits in eight innings. Yep, he really did.
Alfonso Soriano, back at leadoff, is on fire. Finally!
The franchise’s current jewel in the crown, Felix Pie, is batting higher than Mr. Clutch, Ryan Theriot. Yep, he really is.
Hey! Hey! Let’s play two today!
Or ways:
The Cubs won a one-run game yesterday—2-1 against the Atlanta Braves. Yep, they really did.
One of their prize young pitchers, Rich Hill, looked like the old Carlos Zambrano while recording 11 K’s and limiting the Braves to three hits in eight innings. Yep, he really did.
Alfonso Soriano, back at leadoff, is on fire. Finally!
The franchise’s current jewel in the crown, Felix Pie, is batting higher than Mr. Clutch, Ryan Theriot. Yep, he really is.
Hey! Hey! Let’s play two today!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
With the June 28 NBA draft fast approaching, teams are bringing in prospects for in-house workouts.
Why is this necessary? We assume scouts have been watching whole seasons’s worth of games.
Anyway, the Chicago Bulls, who have the ninth pick in the first round, have begun their reviews, too.
The big surprise of the players called in is a small guy named Acie Law, a point guard from Texas A&M. That is, small by pro standards—6-4, 186 pounds.
Here’re some comments from observers:
Law has wonderful body control and the ability to shift gears and change directions almost instantaneously reacting to what defenses throw at him, not being afraid to thread the needle with a lightning quick bounce pass on the drive and dish or take matters into his own hands when the situation calls for it.
His offensive game inside the arc is amazingly complete, starting with his excellent mid-range game pulling up on a dime off the dribble with a nifty fadeaway using the glass and continuing with his patented floater that he sinks smoothly with either his left or right hand. His 3-point shot has improved by leaps and bounds this season despite his awkward shooting mechanics—getting virtually no lift on his jumper (a far cry from his mid-range shot), shooting the ball flat with an odd sidespin and his left elbow flailing out and sporting a fairly slow release as well. It goes in for him regardless at a great clip, 45% on the season--which is all that matters--and much higher than that in the clutch.
Seems worth a look.
Why is this necessary? We assume scouts have been watching whole seasons’s worth of games.
Anyway, the Chicago Bulls, who have the ninth pick in the first round, have begun their reviews, too.
The big surprise of the players called in is a small guy named Acie Law, a point guard from Texas A&M. That is, small by pro standards—6-4, 186 pounds.
Here’re some comments from observers:
Law has wonderful body control and the ability to shift gears and change directions almost instantaneously reacting to what defenses throw at him, not being afraid to thread the needle with a lightning quick bounce pass on the drive and dish or take matters into his own hands when the situation calls for it.
His offensive game inside the arc is amazingly complete, starting with his excellent mid-range game pulling up on a dime off the dribble with a nifty fadeaway using the glass and continuing with his patented floater that he sinks smoothly with either his left or right hand. His 3-point shot has improved by leaps and bounds this season despite his awkward shooting mechanics—getting virtually no lift on his jumper (a far cry from his mid-range shot), shooting the ball flat with an odd sidespin and his left elbow flailing out and sporting a fairly slow release as well. It goes in for him regardless at a great clip, 45% on the season--which is all that matters--and much higher than that in the clutch.
Seems worth a look.
The Chicago Cubs chose a high school third baseman known for his hitting in today’s MLB draft.
His name is Josh Vitters. He’s got big stats as you would expect.
The analysts at Baseball America like him a lot, so that’s good enough for us.
But since he’s not going to replace Aramis Ramirez in the near future—or ever—don’t get too excited.
However, if you want to be optimistic, think of another star prep infielder who actually succeeded with the Cubs—Shawon Dunston. Drafted in 1982, came up to the Cubs in 1985, played with them to 1997, and retired after 18 seasons.
Ah! Those were the good old/bad old days.
His name is Josh Vitters. He’s got big stats as you would expect.
The analysts at Baseball America like him a lot, so that’s good enough for us.
But since he’s not going to replace Aramis Ramirez in the near future—or ever—don’t get too excited.
However, if you want to be optimistic, think of another star prep infielder who actually succeeded with the Cubs—Shawon Dunston. Drafted in 1982, came up to the Cubs in 1985, played with them to 1997, and retired after 18 seasons.
Ah! Those were the good old/bad old days.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The Chicago Bears signed another wide receiver, Timon Marshall of the Arena Football League.
Guess they’re not confident about that position. The other guys there now are:
David Ball
Bernard Berrian
Mark Bradley
Rashied Davis
Mike Hass
Devin Hester
James Drisan
Muhsin Muhammad
Brandon Rideau
Good luck, Timon.
And if you can’t make it in football, the Chicago Cubs are looking for a steady right fielder.
Guess they’re not confident about that position. The other guys there now are:
David Ball
Bernard Berrian
Mark Bradley
Rashied Davis
Mike Hass
Devin Hester
James Drisan
Muhsin Muhammad
Brandon Rideau
Good luck, Timon.
And if you can’t make it in football, the Chicago Cubs are looking for a steady right fielder.
Five reasons to like the Chicago Cubs now:
1 Carlos Zambrano looks like El Toro of 2006.
2 Sean Marshall has locked up the fifth starter slot in the rotation.
3 Felix Pie appears ready to fulfill his promise.
4 They’ve gained confidence by winning the series against first-place Milwaukee.
5 Alfonso Soriano is looking more like the $136 Million Man than the $36 Man.
1 Carlos Zambrano looks like El Toro of 2006.
2 Sean Marshall has locked up the fifth starter slot in the rotation.
3 Felix Pie appears ready to fulfill his promise.
4 They’ve gained confidence by winning the series against first-place Milwaukee.
5 Alfonso Soriano is looking more like the $136 Million Man than the $36 Man.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Major League Baseball holds its 2007 draft on Thursday and Friday.
The draft is like a cricket match. It goes 50 rounds.
The Chicago Cubs have the third pick in the first round. Big deal. Maybe he’ll make it up to the Big Show in five or six years.
Or, more likely, he won’t.
The draft is like a cricket match. It goes 50 rounds.
The Chicago Cubs have the third pick in the first round. Big deal. Maybe he’ll make it up to the Big Show in five or six years.
Or, more likely, he won’t.
A visitor reports on Illini basketball recruiting:
According to Scout.com, Illinois has five blue chip basketball prepsters graduating after next season. The two five star players are Michael Dunigan and Iman Shumpert. The four star players are Matthew Humphrey, Verdell Jones, and DeAndre Liggins. That would be a top 10 recruiting class without leaving the state. If Weber can sign Dunigan and any two of the others he
will be a hero.
Dunigan, Humphrey, and Jones look like the best bets.
Keep plugging, Bruce. You can do it.
According to Scout.com, Illinois has five blue chip basketball prepsters graduating after next season. The two five star players are Michael Dunigan and Iman Shumpert. The four star players are Matthew Humphrey, Verdell Jones, and DeAndre Liggins. That would be a top 10 recruiting class without leaving the state. If Weber can sign Dunigan and any two of the others he
will be a hero.
Dunigan, Humphrey, and Jones look like the best bets.
Keep plugging, Bruce. You can do it.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Chicago Bear defensive tackle Tank Johnson got the official word today for his violations of NFL policies: Suspension of the first eight regular season games, or the first six if he becomes a model citizen and takes counseling. Johnson can participate in individual workouts while he’s suspended.
Johnson said he’s confident it will be a six-game penalty. The games would be home games against Kansas City, Dallas, and Minnesota and road games against San Diego, Detroit, and Green Bay.
So who will be in better shape at the completion of the suspension period, Johnson or the Bears?
We’d bet on Johnson.
Johnson said he’s confident it will be a six-game penalty. The games would be home games against Kansas City, Dallas, and Minnesota and road games against San Diego, Detroit, and Green Bay.
So who will be in better shape at the completion of the suspension period, Johnson or the Bears?
We’d bet on Johnson.
Okay, Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella’s meltdown the other day was funny.
But it also got pretty ugly. While most fans thought it was a hoot, the reality was scary.
The ex-Sweet Lou is no longer a spring chicken, and yet there he was, spilling his guts over a disputed call in a baseball game.
And the fans cheered him on to, what? A heart attack or stroke before their eyes? We could see Piniella’s veins from our TV in the suburbs, and we don’t have HD. It was awful.
We saw the enemy, and it was partly us—the sports media. We’ve been egging on Piniella to go into one of his infamous rants ever since we figured that approach was the only one left to use in shaking up his pathetic team.
And so he did it. For us. For general manager Jim Hendry. For the team. For the fans.
Piniella thinks he’s got shoulders big enough to carry all the problems of his players. But he doesn’t. We hope he gets the message.
But it also got pretty ugly. While most fans thought it was a hoot, the reality was scary.
The ex-Sweet Lou is no longer a spring chicken, and yet there he was, spilling his guts over a disputed call in a baseball game.
And the fans cheered him on to, what? A heart attack or stroke before their eyes? We could see Piniella’s veins from our TV in the suburbs, and we don’t have HD. It was awful.
We saw the enemy, and it was partly us—the sports media. We’ve been egging on Piniella to go into one of his infamous rants ever since we figured that approach was the only one left to use in shaking up his pathetic team.
And so he did it. For us. For general manager Jim Hendry. For the team. For the fans.
Piniella thinks he’s got shoulders big enough to carry all the problems of his players. But he doesn’t. We hope he gets the message.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
New Chicago Bears who bear watching as promising wide receivers include Drisan James and David Ball.
James signed on as an undrafted free agent and has impressed coaches with his hands, speed and run-after-the-catch ability during offseason workouts.
“He’s a smooth athlete,” said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. “He runs good routes, has really good hands and has good quickness. I’m not really surprised because you watch his college tape and I don’t know how he wasn’t drafted. I had a good grade on him. He’s a good player.”
Ball is the most prolific scorer in NCAA Division 1-AA history. He not only shattered NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's career record of 50 touchdown receptions (Mississippi Valley State, 1981-84), but he also tied Rice's all-time Division 1-AA mark of gaining at least 100 yards receiving in 23 contests.
The Atlantic Ten Conference's career record holder with 304 receptions, he just missed in passing another of Rice's national records, as Ball gained 4,685 yards, 8 shy of Rice's total of 4,693. He has caught at least one touchdown pass in 28 games, one short of the Division 1-AA all-time record of 29 by Eric Kimble of Eastern Washington (2002-05).
A two-sport star at New Hampshire, Ball also performed on the track team as a high jumper.
Remember those names.
James signed on as an undrafted free agent and has impressed coaches with his hands, speed and run-after-the-catch ability during offseason workouts.
“He’s a smooth athlete,” said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. “He runs good routes, has really good hands and has good quickness. I’m not really surprised because you watch his college tape and I don’t know how he wasn’t drafted. I had a good grade on him. He’s a good player.”
Ball is the most prolific scorer in NCAA Division 1-AA history. He not only shattered NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's career record of 50 touchdown receptions (Mississippi Valley State, 1981-84), but he also tied Rice's all-time Division 1-AA mark of gaining at least 100 yards receiving in 23 contests.
The Atlantic Ten Conference's career record holder with 304 receptions, he just missed in passing another of Rice's national records, as Ball gained 4,685 yards, 8 shy of Rice's total of 4,693. He has caught at least one touchdown pass in 28 games, one short of the Division 1-AA all-time record of 29 by Eric Kimble of Eastern Washington (2002-05).
A two-sport star at New Hampshire, Ball also performed on the track team as a high jumper.
Remember those names.
We all knew it was coming, just not when.
It came yesterday in the eighth inning at Wrigley Field: Chicago Cubs manager Mount Lou Piniella finally blew his top.
It was classic Piniella as he disputed an umpire’s call at third base that went against the Cubs.
Pow! Out came the verbal tongue-lashing.
Plop! Down came the cap.
Swish! The kicking sand over the ump’s pants.
Bang! The cap-kicking.
Piniella got the umpire’s attention as they went belly to belly. And he also drew wide approval from the fans during his tirade. They loved it. For it was an outlet for their frustration, too, as the Cubs were mired in a five-game losing streak headed for six.
Piniella, of course, was ejected. And he was suspended for today’s game.
To support their fiery commander, the Cubs won the series finale against the Atlanta Braves today 10-1. Do you see the outline for a new Cubs strategy?
And Piniella got a cleaning bill from the umps. But it was worth it!
It came yesterday in the eighth inning at Wrigley Field: Chicago Cubs manager Mount Lou Piniella finally blew his top.
It was classic Piniella as he disputed an umpire’s call at third base that went against the Cubs.
Pow! Out came the verbal tongue-lashing.
Plop! Down came the cap.
Swish! The kicking sand over the ump’s pants.
Bang! The cap-kicking.
Piniella got the umpire’s attention as they went belly to belly. And he also drew wide approval from the fans during his tirade. They loved it. For it was an outlet for their frustration, too, as the Cubs were mired in a five-game losing streak headed for six.
Piniella, of course, was ejected. And he was suspended for today’s game.
To support their fiery commander, the Cubs won the series finale against the Atlanta Braves today 10-1. Do you see the outline for a new Cubs strategy?
And Piniella got a cleaning bill from the umps. But it was worth it!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Fighting Illini Day at Wrigley Field.
It was a match made in heaven.
Head football coach Ron Zook’s doormat Illini and manager Lou Piniella’s fighting Chicago Cubs.
Losers as far as the eye could see.
The Cubs are trying to improve on their last-place finish in the Central Division. The Illini gridders have the same objective in the Big Ten.
The Cubs have made little or no progress lately, with six straight losses and two intrasquad fights.
The Illini have a few more months before they introduce their latest product.
Like the Cubs, the Illini will start the season with high hopes.
Oops! Did we have to say, like the Cubs?
It was a match made in heaven.
Head football coach Ron Zook’s doormat Illini and manager Lou Piniella’s fighting Chicago Cubs.
Losers as far as the eye could see.
The Cubs are trying to improve on their last-place finish in the Central Division. The Illini gridders have the same objective in the Big Ten.
The Cubs have made little or no progress lately, with six straight losses and two intrasquad fights.
The Illini have a few more months before they introduce their latest product.
Like the Cubs, the Illini will start the season with high hopes.
Oops! Did we have to say, like the Cubs?
Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he might open the team’s coffers to help the Cubs challenge for the division lead.
But he might have to do it to keep the Cubs from descending to last place.
Or, he might consider other options, like backing up the truck. It’s clear now that, for the position players, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez must stay as the core players.
Other keepers should include Ryan Theriot, Cesar Izturis, and Mark DeRosa as a reserve.
The problem players, who don’t produce consistently, are Alfonso Soriano, Jacque Jones, and, er, everyone else.
At some point soon, someone close to team purchaser Sam Zell might point out that the team’s value is eroding at warp speed. Then Hendry won’t get to make any more decisions.
He’ll get the ax.
But he might have to do it to keep the Cubs from descending to last place.
Or, he might consider other options, like backing up the truck. It’s clear now that, for the position players, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez must stay as the core players.
Other keepers should include Ryan Theriot, Cesar Izturis, and Mark DeRosa as a reserve.
The problem players, who don’t produce consistently, are Alfonso Soriano, Jacque Jones, and, er, everyone else.
At some point soon, someone close to team purchaser Sam Zell might point out that the team’s value is eroding at warp speed. Then Hendry won’t get to make any more decisions.
He’ll get the ax.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Would you trade LA superstar Kobe Bryant to the Chicago Bulls for rising superstar Luol Deng?
That’s the question of the day, considering that Kobe said he wants out of LA.
Most fans—like 99 percent—would answer: are you nuts? No way we trade Kobe—for anyone.
It’s coincidental that the question should come up as another superstar was at work.
Here’s what LeBron James did in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to an extraordinary 109-107 double overtime win over the Detroit Pistons in an NBA playoff game yesterday:
--Scored 29 of Cleveland’s last 30 points from the fourth quarter to the end of the second overtime.
--Scored the winning drive to the hoop with 2.2 seconds left.
--Scored Cleveland’s last 25 points.
--Scored a total of 48 points.
Answer to question above? You never trade a superstar who is still in his 20’s. Never.
That’s the question of the day, considering that Kobe said he wants out of LA.
Most fans—like 99 percent—would answer: are you nuts? No way we trade Kobe—for anyone.
It’s coincidental that the question should come up as another superstar was at work.
Here’s what LeBron James did in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to an extraordinary 109-107 double overtime win over the Detroit Pistons in an NBA playoff game yesterday:
--Scored 29 of Cleveland’s last 30 points from the fourth quarter to the end of the second overtime.
--Scored the winning drive to the hoop with 2.2 seconds left.
--Scored Cleveland’s last 25 points.
--Scored a total of 48 points.
Answer to question above? You never trade a superstar who is still in his 20’s. Never.
We have seen the enemy, and, surprise surprise, it’s us.
Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella gave slumping catcher Michael Barrett a “mental health” day off Wednesday to get some R&R after some shoddy play.
Didn’t work.
In today’s 8-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves, Barrett and teammate Carlos Zambrano exchanged punches and hot words in the dugout after more inept play.
That left Piniella scratching his head again. “It happens,” he offered in defense.
We understand the players’s frustrations, considering the southerly direction the Cubs are heading.
On the positive side, however, you’d think the Cubs have hit rock bottom and are likely to reverse course.
On the other hand, ever hear of “June swoon?”
Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella gave slumping catcher Michael Barrett a “mental health” day off Wednesday to get some R&R after some shoddy play.
Didn’t work.
In today’s 8-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves, Barrett and teammate Carlos Zambrano exchanged punches and hot words in the dugout after more inept play.
That left Piniella scratching his head again. “It happens,” he offered in defense.
We understand the players’s frustrations, considering the southerly direction the Cubs are heading.
On the positive side, however, you’d think the Cubs have hit rock bottom and are likely to reverse course.
On the other hand, ever hear of “June swoon?”
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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