The White Sox signed Paul Konerko, their own free agent first baseman, to a three year deal for something around 37 million. This is on top of signing Adam Dunn, presumably to split time at first and DH with Konerko, and resigning AJ Pierzynski.
The Cubs, meanwhile, signed Carlos Pena, a LH first baseman with some power, from the Tigers. He hit only .196 last year (but had a .340 OBP), and apparently this is good enough for a 1 year 10 million dollar deal.
The Cubs are also said to be interested in dealing for Matt Garza, whom the Rays would apparently like to trade for prospects.
*****
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Ron Santo passes away...
I woke up on Friday, December 3rd, like all the other Cubs fans, to the news that Ron Santo, the team's radio "analyst" and popular ex-player, had passed away of complications due to cancer.
Santo was not the best broadcaster, let's face it. He was a total homer, and his analysis left something to be desired. Pat Hughes, an excellent play-by-play radio voice, sort of left Ron to his devices, to the amusement of the radio audience and perhaps to himself also! An aside: One time when Hughes was sick, I heard a broadcast (during spring training, I believe) where Steve Stone, a top flight analyst himself, subbed as play-by-play man in the booth. I never, never, never heard Ron Santo sound better - Stone was setting him up for real analysis, and I was surprised to learn that he really did have it in him. He was not the lovable babbling superfan that we often heard with Hughes.
But I grew up in the late 60's, and watched Santo man the hot corner for the Cubs. Back then I watched a lot of baseball, and Santo could pick it with the best of them. He was only a little behind Brooks Robinson in the field, and I'd rather have had Santo coming to bat with men on base. He was my favorite player, so perhaps I'm biased a bit, but I see him as the best NL third baseman of his era.
We learned later that he played with diabetes, and did so at a high level for many years. He was a Cubs icon, if not for his work in the booth (where many would disagree with me - they loved him as a broadcaster), then for his contributions on the field.
RIP #10. It is fitting that no other Cub will ever wear that number.
*****
Santo was not the best broadcaster, let's face it. He was a total homer, and his analysis left something to be desired. Pat Hughes, an excellent play-by-play radio voice, sort of left Ron to his devices, to the amusement of the radio audience and perhaps to himself also! An aside: One time when Hughes was sick, I heard a broadcast (during spring training, I believe) where Steve Stone, a top flight analyst himself, subbed as play-by-play man in the booth. I never, never, never heard Ron Santo sound better - Stone was setting him up for real analysis, and I was surprised to learn that he really did have it in him. He was not the lovable babbling superfan that we often heard with Hughes.
But I grew up in the late 60's, and watched Santo man the hot corner for the Cubs. Back then I watched a lot of baseball, and Santo could pick it with the best of them. He was only a little behind Brooks Robinson in the field, and I'd rather have had Santo coming to bat with men on base. He was my favorite player, so perhaps I'm biased a bit, but I see him as the best NL third baseman of his era.
We learned later that he played with diabetes, and did so at a high level for many years. He was a Cubs icon, if not for his work in the booth (where many would disagree with me - they loved him as a broadcaster), then for his contributions on the field.
RIP #10. It is fitting that no other Cub will ever wear that number.
*****
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Ryan Theriot a Cardinal!
Fan favorite Ryan Theriot was apparently signed by the St. Louis Cardinals to man a middle infield position for them. I'd guess they'll put the former fan fave at shortstop, where he has the most value - his bat is a little weak for 2nd base but strong enough to make up for his defensive limitations (not liabilities because I think Theriot is an excellent fielder, just with limits on his range and arm strength) - but he could play elsewhere. He's the kind of player they seem to like and have success with.
Good luck to The Riot. Except when you're playing the Cubs, of course...
*****
Good luck to The Riot. Except when you're playing the Cubs, of course...
*****
Monday, November 15, 2010
Chitown Sports Update
- No news, really, from either major league baseball team. We're starting to hear a name here and there that the teams might be interested in, like Jon Garland and Adam LaRoche on the north side, and of course Adam Dunn on the south side, if Paul Konerko decides to go to Arizona to finish his career. But nothing concrete.
- The Bulls appear to be improving, beating the Golden State Warriors soundly at home, then handling the Washington Wizards, also at home. Now they go on their circus trip, 7 road games in a row. Three will be in Texas, then it's on to Los Angeles and other west coast teams. This trip has been the downfall of many Bulls' teams, and was even hard for the team back in the Jordan days. But this is a new team. It will be interesting to see how they handle it. I heard one beat reporter say that he thought if they came back 2-5, they'd have to consider it a decent trip.
- The Black Hawks have looked like anything but defending Stanley Cup champs, but I think they're finally getting healthy. Dave Boland gets back soon (maybe he has already returned!) and Marion Hossa should be back soon. They too depart on their own extended road trip while the circus is in town.
- The Bears are 6-3 after beating the Vikings at home yesterday. That isn't at all bad. Certainly better than most expected. They're 3-0 in the division, tied by record for the top spot, but owning the tie breaker with Green Bay. Currently that puts them in first place in the NFC North.
- Earlier in the year I read that the Bears' offensive line would need about half the season to really get comfortable with the new scheme and with each other. They've played better the last couple weeks in victories over the Buffalo Bills and now the Vikings. And they go to Miami, on a short week, with Miami down to their third string QB, and their right tackle and their leading rusher listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game.
That's it for today, I think.
*****
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Bulls and Cubs...
The Chicago Bulls lost their opener to a pretty good Oklahoma City team, then beat the Pistons with a strong 4th quarter, and played really well against the Trailblazers. This without Carlos Boozer, who has apparently gotten his cast off and his return is at least within sighting distance.
There's talk again about a deal for Carmelo Anthony. The names being bandied about are Luol Deng (who dropped 40 on the T-Blazers) and Taj Gibson (a valuable bench front court player who has been a starter with Boozer on the shelf). I'm assuming a draft pick, or picks, would be part of the deal. I've also heard James Johnson's name mentioned.
There are guys out there, unsigned as yet, who might be able to come in and play for this team if the Bulls move too many guys (read: 3 instead of 2). But Johnson's been looking better this year, and Gibson is the sort of blue collar player that winning teams need. (Hinrich was this sort, too, in my opinion...) It would thin the Bulls' bench and rotation a lot to make this deal, but I'd still do it. The NBA is a superstar-driven league, and Anthony is pretty close to a superstar. In my eyes, he is one, but I've read others' opinions that he is NOT in that upper tier. (I have him in my top 10, in the second tier of 5 players somewhere after Bryant, James, Wade, Howard and Durant.) A starting five of Rose, Brewer/Bogans, Anthony, Boozer and Noah is as good as any in the league, including Miami, because of the types of players that are in that five, in my opinion.
*****
The Cubs part ways with Ryno, as he has declined to return as manager of triple A Iowa. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the discussion has hinged on whether Lance Berkman would be a good target for the team as a place-holder first baseman. I'm okay with that as long as the contract isn't for more than 2 years and isn't much more than 10 million total. Next year Fukudome and maybe Ramirez come off the books, along with Carlos Silva (whose contract matched Milton Bradley's contract in length) and probably one or two others.
Unfortunately, Alfonso Soriano will be around for four more years at a cost of about 72 million. Think they're going to be able to move him with that contract hanging from around his neck? I seriously doubt it, even to an AL team needing a DH. I heard it suggested on sports radio that they have him take grounders at first, to see if he can manage the position. I don't know if he'd be able to. I've seen others suggest that he might get a line drive in the face because he seems to lack focus during games in the field, and that he'd be a total butcher in the field. To that I reply that this guy was a middle infielder for most of his career, and though he wasn't a good one, he just MIGHT be able to handle the easier position of first base with less problems than he handled 2nd and short. Also, it opens left field for one of two actual Cubs' prospects: Brett Jackson and Brandon Guyer.
I'm not saying hand the guy the position right away, but if it were me, I'd give him some innings there next spring. I'd tell him to make sure he works out at first this winter. If he could be adequate there for a year or even two, it would sure help. First, they wouldn't have to spend any money to acquire a first baseman through free agency, since there are none coming up through the system who would be ready in 2011, and second, they can find out what they have in those two young outfielders. Puts them that much ahead for 2012, when they might be able to actually sign some bigger names. Plus, if Soriano can actually handle 1st base, wouldn't that make him a more attractive trade target for another team, be it NL or AL?
*****
There's talk again about a deal for Carmelo Anthony. The names being bandied about are Luol Deng (who dropped 40 on the T-Blazers) and Taj Gibson (a valuable bench front court player who has been a starter with Boozer on the shelf). I'm assuming a draft pick, or picks, would be part of the deal. I've also heard James Johnson's name mentioned.
There are guys out there, unsigned as yet, who might be able to come in and play for this team if the Bulls move too many guys (read: 3 instead of 2). But Johnson's been looking better this year, and Gibson is the sort of blue collar player that winning teams need. (Hinrich was this sort, too, in my opinion...) It would thin the Bulls' bench and rotation a lot to make this deal, but I'd still do it. The NBA is a superstar-driven league, and Anthony is pretty close to a superstar. In my eyes, he is one, but I've read others' opinions that he is NOT in that upper tier. (I have him in my top 10, in the second tier of 5 players somewhere after Bryant, James, Wade, Howard and Durant.) A starting five of Rose, Brewer/Bogans, Anthony, Boozer and Noah is as good as any in the league, including Miami, because of the types of players that are in that five, in my opinion.
*****
The Cubs part ways with Ryno, as he has declined to return as manager of triple A Iowa. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the discussion has hinged on whether Lance Berkman would be a good target for the team as a place-holder first baseman. I'm okay with that as long as the contract isn't for more than 2 years and isn't much more than 10 million total. Next year Fukudome and maybe Ramirez come off the books, along with Carlos Silva (whose contract matched Milton Bradley's contract in length) and probably one or two others.
Unfortunately, Alfonso Soriano will be around for four more years at a cost of about 72 million. Think they're going to be able to move him with that contract hanging from around his neck? I seriously doubt it, even to an AL team needing a DH. I heard it suggested on sports radio that they have him take grounders at first, to see if he can manage the position. I don't know if he'd be able to. I've seen others suggest that he might get a line drive in the face because he seems to lack focus during games in the field, and that he'd be a total butcher in the field. To that I reply that this guy was a middle infielder for most of his career, and though he wasn't a good one, he just MIGHT be able to handle the easier position of first base with less problems than he handled 2nd and short. Also, it opens left field for one of two actual Cubs' prospects: Brett Jackson and Brandon Guyer.
I'm not saying hand the guy the position right away, but if it were me, I'd give him some innings there next spring. I'd tell him to make sure he works out at first this winter. If he could be adequate there for a year or even two, it would sure help. First, they wouldn't have to spend any money to acquire a first baseman through free agency, since there are none coming up through the system who would be ready in 2011, and second, they can find out what they have in those two young outfielders. Puts them that much ahead for 2012, when they might be able to actually sign some bigger names. Plus, if Soriano can actually handle 1st base, wouldn't that make him a more attractive trade target for another team, be it NL or AL?
*****
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Bulls Lose Opener
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see much of this game. I went to bed before the fourth quarter really got underway, and was working through most of the first half. I was able to listen to Chuck and Bill on my way home, then caught the beginning of the third quarter on the tube.
From what I heard and saw myself, the Bulls look like a pretty good team, even without Carlos Boozer. Their weakness seemed to be at shooting guard. The guys they have seem to have size, and can defend, but there isn't a lot of offense coming out of that position.
That might be okay when the Bulls get Boozer back. Then they will have a low post scoring threat to go with Rose, and their team will seem a whole lot more balanced. When you think about the really good Bulls championship teams, or even the Celtics of the past few years (before last year), their scoring wasn't coming from their point guard, as the Bulls' scoring is. Rose is this team's Jordan, their version of Paul Pierce, perhaps, a player who can create with the ball in his hands. If Boozer can be their Garnett or their Pippen (the secondary scorer), and Noah can be the Rodman for this team, it could be pretty darned good. Especially if Deng can become a guy who can play the whole 48 minutes instead of giving a half of good basketball followed by a half where he isn't a factor.
I understand that the roles are very mixed. Rose handles the ball, ala Pippen, or Rondo for the Celtics. He scores ala Allen or Pierce (or Rondo now), or as Jordan did. Boozer gives the Bulls a dimension they really haven't ever had since Grant left - a big low post scorer. Jordan was a post up player at times, but it's Boozer's specialty. But the ingredients are there for this to be a very good team.
The season hinges, perhaps, on Deng's ability to perform at a high level. He's got to be more consistent and much better down the stretch than he was last year. Playing 2 or 3 quarters is not going to cut it.
It's only one game. It seems in the past I've blogged (elsewhere) about Bulls' season opening victories, only to be more or less disappointed as the season progressed. I'd rather write about a loss starting off a highly successful season. We'll see...
*****
From what I heard and saw myself, the Bulls look like a pretty good team, even without Carlos Boozer. Their weakness seemed to be at shooting guard. The guys they have seem to have size, and can defend, but there isn't a lot of offense coming out of that position.
That might be okay when the Bulls get Boozer back. Then they will have a low post scoring threat to go with Rose, and their team will seem a whole lot more balanced. When you think about the really good Bulls championship teams, or even the Celtics of the past few years (before last year), their scoring wasn't coming from their point guard, as the Bulls' scoring is. Rose is this team's Jordan, their version of Paul Pierce, perhaps, a player who can create with the ball in his hands. If Boozer can be their Garnett or their Pippen (the secondary scorer), and Noah can be the Rodman for this team, it could be pretty darned good. Especially if Deng can become a guy who can play the whole 48 minutes instead of giving a half of good basketball followed by a half where he isn't a factor.
I understand that the roles are very mixed. Rose handles the ball, ala Pippen, or Rondo for the Celtics. He scores ala Allen or Pierce (or Rondo now), or as Jordan did. Boozer gives the Bulls a dimension they really haven't ever had since Grant left - a big low post scorer. Jordan was a post up player at times, but it's Boozer's specialty. But the ingredients are there for this to be a very good team.
The season hinges, perhaps, on Deng's ability to perform at a high level. He's got to be more consistent and much better down the stretch than he was last year. Playing 2 or 3 quarters is not going to cut it.
It's only one game. It seems in the past I've blogged (elsewhere) about Bulls' season opening victories, only to be more or less disappointed as the season progressed. I'd rather write about a loss starting off a highly successful season. We'll see...
*****
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Basketball Season Begins...
The Bulls open their season tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma. Starting lineup for the Bulls, if I heard correctly, is Derrick Rose at point guard, Joakim Noah at center, Luol Deng at small forward, Taj Gibson at power forward, and Keith Bogans at shooting guard.
It's not exactly a lineup to excite someone with title hopes, especially with Carlos Boozer out for another month or so with his broken hand. But it's a solid lineup with few weaknesses. When Boozer comes back this should be a team to reckon with.
On another happy note, the Heat lost their opener to the Celtics last night. Now I don't hate the Heat, and I recognize that James, Bosh and Wade had every right to do what they did in free agency. I'm not all that pissed at them. But I don't usually root for overwhelming favorites (unless they're a hometown team) and would prefer that underdogs win more. I was happy to see the Rangers beat the Yankees, and I'll be happy if the Heat don't live up to the hype. I'm happy to see the best laid plans of these superstars not work out the way they want them to. I won't be rooting for the Heat this year one bit.
It's not exactly a lineup to excite someone with title hopes, especially with Carlos Boozer out for another month or so with his broken hand. But it's a solid lineup with few weaknesses. When Boozer comes back this should be a team to reckon with.
On another happy note, the Heat lost their opener to the Celtics last night. Now I don't hate the Heat, and I recognize that James, Bosh and Wade had every right to do what they did in free agency. I'm not all that pissed at them. But I don't usually root for overwhelming favorites (unless they're a hometown team) and would prefer that underdogs win more. I was happy to see the Rangers beat the Yankees, and I'll be happy if the Heat don't live up to the hype. I'm happy to see the best laid plans of these superstars not work out the way they want them to. I won't be rooting for the Heat this year one bit.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Chicago Sports News
Okay, here's the bare bones:
Bears are 3 and 1. They looked terrible in Week 4 but not bad in weeks 1 through 3. Cutler got a concussion in their loss after being sacked an NFL record 9 times in one half.
Bulls opened their preseason, and Carlos Boozer, their big signing, is already out for 8 weeks with a broken hand. They did NOT make a trade for Carmelo Anthony, and they DID sign Joakim Noah to a 5 year, 60 million dollar contract extension. Derrick Rose will come up soon enough; he'll likely command a max deal.
Cubs won a lot more under Mike Quade than they did under Lou Piniella, but still were under .500 and have a lot of question marks to address in the offseason. More about that, hopefully, as the year goes on.
Sox couldn't make that final push to stay in front of the Twins, and fell off at the end of the year. Still, not a terrible season for them. They have a couple things to address in the offseason, but they should be strong next year.
Black Hawks have a very new look except for their stars, and have not looked bad in the preseason. But they haven't looked unbeatable or anything, either. Season starts tomorrow.
And that's a wrap for today!
*****
Bears are 3 and 1. They looked terrible in Week 4 but not bad in weeks 1 through 3. Cutler got a concussion in their loss after being sacked an NFL record 9 times in one half.
Bulls opened their preseason, and Carlos Boozer, their big signing, is already out for 8 weeks with a broken hand. They did NOT make a trade for Carmelo Anthony, and they DID sign Joakim Noah to a 5 year, 60 million dollar contract extension. Derrick Rose will come up soon enough; he'll likely command a max deal.
Cubs won a lot more under Mike Quade than they did under Lou Piniella, but still were under .500 and have a lot of question marks to address in the offseason. More about that, hopefully, as the year goes on.
Sox couldn't make that final push to stay in front of the Twins, and fell off at the end of the year. Still, not a terrible season for them. They have a couple things to address in the offseason, but they should be strong next year.
Black Hawks have a very new look except for their stars, and have not looked bad in the preseason. But they haven't looked unbeatable or anything, either. Season starts tomorrow.
And that's a wrap for today!
*****
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
So what's there to talk about?
It would appear that there would be plenty to say about the world of Chicago sports. After all, the Sox are in the hunt, 4 1/2 back of the Twins and playing well still. And the Bears' season is imminent, even though they went 0-4 in the preseason.
But there is no real Bulls news right now, and the Cubs are an afterthought to most people, though I'm still interested in what they might do for their manager next year and in seeing how the young players that they've brought up are doing.
I guess I could talk about acquisitions for our teams: The Sox have gotten starting pitcher Edwin Jackson from the D-backs for prospect Daniel Hudson, and also got Manny Ramirez in a waiver deal. These would seem to have addressed their two weaknesses: a fifth starter (after Peavy went down) and some left handed power. And they have been playing well with the new guys.
On the other side of town, the Cubs traded off Derrick Lee and Ted Lilly (big contracts) and Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot (smaller contracts), and come away with one major leaguer: 2nd baseman Blake Dewitt from the Dodgers. Apparently some pretty good pitching prospects came along with DeWitt from the Dodgers, and some decent arms came from the Braves for Lee. So we're seeing a combination of Micah Hoffpauir (the time to see what he could do was two years ago probably) and Xavier Nady at 1st base and we're seeing DeWitt and Darwin Barney at second. (They're stuck with Soriano and Zambrano, so may as well just sit back and hope for the best...)
And the Bears - well, what can I say? They don't look good. But they might surprise us. Fingers crossed.
*****
But there is no real Bulls news right now, and the Cubs are an afterthought to most people, though I'm still interested in what they might do for their manager next year and in seeing how the young players that they've brought up are doing.
I guess I could talk about acquisitions for our teams: The Sox have gotten starting pitcher Edwin Jackson from the D-backs for prospect Daniel Hudson, and also got Manny Ramirez in a waiver deal. These would seem to have addressed their two weaknesses: a fifth starter (after Peavy went down) and some left handed power. And they have been playing well with the new guys.
On the other side of town, the Cubs traded off Derrick Lee and Ted Lilly (big contracts) and Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot (smaller contracts), and come away with one major leaguer: 2nd baseman Blake Dewitt from the Dodgers. Apparently some pretty good pitching prospects came along with DeWitt from the Dodgers, and some decent arms came from the Braves for Lee. So we're seeing a combination of Micah Hoffpauir (the time to see what he could do was two years ago probably) and Xavier Nady at 1st base and we're seeing DeWitt and Darwin Barney at second. (They're stuck with Soriano and Zambrano, so may as well just sit back and hope for the best...)
And the Bears - well, what can I say? They don't look good. But they might surprise us. Fingers crossed.
*****
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Topics of Interest (to me, at least...)
I was listening to the Score (WSCR, 670 AM) sports radio on my way to lunch today, and the focus seems to be on the White Sox, as it should be, and on the Bears, also as it should be, since the NFL preseason has begun and hope springs eternal.
As I listened, I thought about what I would prefer to hear discussion about, and it has everything to do with my personal likes and dislikes and much less to do with what is "hot" at the moment.
I always prefer discussion of the Cubs. I don't care what time of the year it is. It can be the dead of winter and the Bears could be in the Super Bowl, and I'd probably still prefer to hear talk about what the Cubs are doing in their offseason.
After the Cubs, my next favorite topic is the Bulls. I am always interested in what they are doing, and how they are doing and again, it doesn't matter whether it's basketball season or hockey season.
The next topic I look forward to hearing addressed on sports radio is the White Sox. I am not one of those Cubs fans who HATES the White Sox; I want them to win generally. My dream World Series is a Cubs/Sox matchup, with the Cubs winning, of course. Plus I am a baseball fan and like to hear baseball topics discussed.
After those three, I'm probably going to be split between the Bears and Black Hawks. If the Hawks are in the playoffs, as they were this year, I'd much rather hear hockey talk. If the Bears are hot, I'd much rather hear football talk.
Fortunately we have two sports talk radio stations (the Score and WMVP ESPN1000), so if I'm not getting what I want on one of them, I can flip to the other.
(And thank God that I no longer have to listen to Mike North...)
******
As I listened, I thought about what I would prefer to hear discussion about, and it has everything to do with my personal likes and dislikes and much less to do with what is "hot" at the moment.
I always prefer discussion of the Cubs. I don't care what time of the year it is. It can be the dead of winter and the Bears could be in the Super Bowl, and I'd probably still prefer to hear talk about what the Cubs are doing in their offseason.
After the Cubs, my next favorite topic is the Bulls. I am always interested in what they are doing, and how they are doing and again, it doesn't matter whether it's basketball season or hockey season.
The next topic I look forward to hearing addressed on sports radio is the White Sox. I am not one of those Cubs fans who HATES the White Sox; I want them to win generally. My dream World Series is a Cubs/Sox matchup, with the Cubs winning, of course. Plus I am a baseball fan and like to hear baseball topics discussed.
After those three, I'm probably going to be split between the Bears and Black Hawks. If the Hawks are in the playoffs, as they were this year, I'd much rather hear hockey talk. If the Bears are hot, I'd much rather hear football talk.
Fortunately we have two sports talk radio stations (the Score and WMVP ESPN1000), so if I'm not getting what I want on one of them, I can flip to the other.
(And thank God that I no longer have to listen to Mike North...)
******
Chicago Baseball
From the "Not-really-breaking News" department:
The Chisox are still in the hunt for a division title, but the Twins are currently in front by 4 games with two more left to play in their series with the Sox in Minnesota. Could they use a big left-handed bat? It appears so...and it is also painfully obvious that they had that guy in Jim Thome but didn't want to pay him.
They need to take the next two, I think, in order to get back in the race. Some have said that if they leave this series 4 down, they're okay, but I think losing the series would do more harm than where they are in the standings.
The Cubs, on the other hand, are still losing. Another 1-0 loss last night to the Padres, exposing their lack of hitting. Yes the Pads have good pitching (Jon Garland was the guy last night; he was a guy I sorta hoped the Cubs would take a look at in the offseason last year) but still.
Apparently Atlanta is looking to do a waiver deal for Derrick Lee. Lee does not want to leave Chicago, or so I thought...so would he waive his no-trade rights to go to first place Atlanta? Perhaps... I don't know what good it would do for the Cubs unless they get salary relief and plan on using that relief for the betterment of the team instead of just making the new owner's bottom line look better.
*****
The Chisox are still in the hunt for a division title, but the Twins are currently in front by 4 games with two more left to play in their series with the Sox in Minnesota. Could they use a big left-handed bat? It appears so...and it is also painfully obvious that they had that guy in Jim Thome but didn't want to pay him.
They need to take the next two, I think, in order to get back in the race. Some have said that if they leave this series 4 down, they're okay, but I think losing the series would do more harm than where they are in the standings.
The Cubs, on the other hand, are still losing. Another 1-0 loss last night to the Padres, exposing their lack of hitting. Yes the Pads have good pitching (Jon Garland was the guy last night; he was a guy I sorta hoped the Cubs would take a look at in the offseason last year) but still.
Apparently Atlanta is looking to do a waiver deal for Derrick Lee. Lee does not want to leave Chicago, or so I thought...so would he waive his no-trade rights to go to first place Atlanta? Perhaps... I don't know what good it would do for the Cubs unless they get salary relief and plan on using that relief for the betterment of the team instead of just making the new owner's bottom line look better.
*****
Monday, August 9, 2010
New Bulls -since I last wrote...
The Bulls have pretty much completed their roster by signing two last role players: Kurt Thomas and Keith Bogans.
I don't know much about Bogans, just that he's going to be the backup two guard. I think he's a decent three point shooter but not a lights-out type. He's got good size and good defensive skills, I'm told.
Thomas is a journeyman post player, a good rebounder and a guy who can give some mintues at either center or power forward. He's a little older, so his minutes will probably be limited, but he's a good bench guy.
This leaves their team looking like this:
Starting five: Rose, Brewer Deng, Boozer, Noah
Backup guards: Watkins, Bogans
Backup front court players: Gibson, Thomas, Asik, James Johnson
Swing man: Korver
I imagine there will be a couple guys on the inactive portion of the roster, perhaps Chris Richard and John Lucas. But there you have it: Our 2010/2011 Bulls.
*****
I don't know much about Bogans, just that he's going to be the backup two guard. I think he's a decent three point shooter but not a lights-out type. He's got good size and good defensive skills, I'm told.
Thomas is a journeyman post player, a good rebounder and a guy who can give some mintues at either center or power forward. He's a little older, so his minutes will probably be limited, but he's a good bench guy.
This leaves their team looking like this:
Starting five: Rose, Brewer Deng, Boozer, Noah
Backup guards: Watkins, Bogans
Backup front court players: Gibson, Thomas, Asik, James Johnson
Swing man: Korver
I imagine there will be a couple guys on the inactive portion of the roster, perhaps Chris Richard and John Lucas. But there you have it: Our 2010/2011 Bulls.
*****
Changes in Chicago Baseball...
...were few and not very inspiring...
The Cubs did complete one deadline deal, sending Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot and cash to the Dodgers for infielder Blake DeWitt and (I believe) two minor league arms. This deal made the starting rotation weaker, but didn't affect the everyday lineup very much, since DeWitt steps in where Theriot stepped out. Theriot was a fan favorite, with his attitude and his work ethic, and Lilly has been a solid starter for 3 1/2 years. When they signed him to a 4 year, 44 million dollar contract, I thought he was overpaid, but it turned out that Lilly has been worth every dollar of his deal, unlike a certain other Cub righthanded starting pitcher.
The White Sox dealt rookie Daniel Hudson to the AZ Diamondbacks for Edwin Jackson. Jackson has a ton of talent but hasn't had much success this year. His first start for the Chisox looked good, so maybe he can turn it around and help them stay in first place.
Though I didn't really expect deals for any of the bigger names on the Cubs, there were no pleasant surprises and Derrick Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Silva, and Alfonso Soriano are still all Cubs. And Adam Dunn is NOT a Chisox.
Meanwhile, the Cubs continue to lose, and the Sox had a rough weekend against a (suddenly) hot Baltimore team that just changed their manager, hiring Buck Showalter and trying to change their fortunes for the future. The Sox hold their lead by 1/2 game over the Twins with a big series coming up against them.
Go Sox!
*****
The Cubs did complete one deadline deal, sending Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot and cash to the Dodgers for infielder Blake DeWitt and (I believe) two minor league arms. This deal made the starting rotation weaker, but didn't affect the everyday lineup very much, since DeWitt steps in where Theriot stepped out. Theriot was a fan favorite, with his attitude and his work ethic, and Lilly has been a solid starter for 3 1/2 years. When they signed him to a 4 year, 44 million dollar contract, I thought he was overpaid, but it turned out that Lilly has been worth every dollar of his deal, unlike a certain other Cub righthanded starting pitcher.
The White Sox dealt rookie Daniel Hudson to the AZ Diamondbacks for Edwin Jackson. Jackson has a ton of talent but hasn't had much success this year. His first start for the Chisox looked good, so maybe he can turn it around and help them stay in first place.
Though I didn't really expect deals for any of the bigger names on the Cubs, there were no pleasant surprises and Derrick Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Silva, and Alfonso Soriano are still all Cubs. And Adam Dunn is NOT a Chisox.
Meanwhile, the Cubs continue to lose, and the Sox had a rough weekend against a (suddenly) hot Baltimore team that just changed their manager, hiring Buck Showalter and trying to change their fortunes for the future. The Sox hold their lead by 1/2 game over the Twins with a big series coming up against them.
Go Sox!
*****
Thursday, July 29, 2010
D Lee not going anywhere
As the trade deadline approaches, one of the players everyone thought might be moved to a contender was first baseman Derrick Lee, whose contract is up after the season.
Well, apparently D Lee doesn't want to go anywhere, invoking his no trade clause or his 5 and 10 rights. (I think both would apply.) He's informed the club that he wants to stay right where he is for the remainder of the season, and there is not much they can do about it. He has apparently blocked a trade to the Angels, who are about 7 1/2 games out of first right now in the AL West.
I would have thought Lee would welcome a trade to the West Coast, and the opportunity to play for something. Maybe Anaheim isn't the best destination for that, since they may not be able to run down the Rangers, but there are teams that could use him, I think.
Ted Lilly is the most likely to be traded of the guys on the Cubs with bigger contracts. I've heard that he is likely headed to the Twins. He should be able to shore up the back end of their rotation there. I thought he would be a good fit for the White Sox as a fifth starter for the rest of the way, but others (notably Jonathan Hood on ESPN 1000) have suggested that he doesn't really fit with that team, as a fly ball pitcher. Hopefully the Cubs will get something for him.
I've also heard that Ryan Theriot is likely to be traded, perhaps to the Rockies or the Tigers (though the Tigers' acquisition of Jhonny Peralta from the Indians likely puts them out of the hunt for Theriot, if there is a hunt). This deal does not make as much sense to me. Theriot doesn't make THAT much money, and the Cubs don't have a hot prospect needing to play NOW. Maybe they'll get that prospect for Theriot. If they don't, I see no reason to deal him.
We're in the home stretch before the deadline. Keeping my fingers crossed that they can find a taker for Fukudome...
*****
Well, apparently D Lee doesn't want to go anywhere, invoking his no trade clause or his 5 and 10 rights. (I think both would apply.) He's informed the club that he wants to stay right where he is for the remainder of the season, and there is not much they can do about it. He has apparently blocked a trade to the Angels, who are about 7 1/2 games out of first right now in the AL West.
I would have thought Lee would welcome a trade to the West Coast, and the opportunity to play for something. Maybe Anaheim isn't the best destination for that, since they may not be able to run down the Rangers, but there are teams that could use him, I think.
Ted Lilly is the most likely to be traded of the guys on the Cubs with bigger contracts. I've heard that he is likely headed to the Twins. He should be able to shore up the back end of their rotation there. I thought he would be a good fit for the White Sox as a fifth starter for the rest of the way, but others (notably Jonathan Hood on ESPN 1000) have suggested that he doesn't really fit with that team, as a fly ball pitcher. Hopefully the Cubs will get something for him.
I've also heard that Ryan Theriot is likely to be traded, perhaps to the Rockies or the Tigers (though the Tigers' acquisition of Jhonny Peralta from the Indians likely puts them out of the hunt for Theriot, if there is a hunt). This deal does not make as much sense to me. Theriot doesn't make THAT much money, and the Cubs don't have a hot prospect needing to play NOW. Maybe they'll get that prospect for Theriot. If they don't, I see no reason to deal him.
We're in the home stretch before the deadline. Keeping my fingers crossed that they can find a taker for Fukudome...
*****
Monday, July 26, 2010
Trade Deadline Looming
As July 31st approaches, the teams on both ends of town have some opportunities. For the North-siders, the opportunity to shed some salary and move some players that aren't part of the future has to be explored and taken advantage of if possible. And for the South-siders, they are in first place and there might be a move or two that can put them over the top.
For the Cubs, the players they'd like to move include Ted Lilly (probably the most attractive of their properties), Kosuke Fukudome (it'll take a miracle) and Derrick Lee (should be attractive to some teams). Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano are likely untradable because of their huget contracts. But if someone wanted a DH and was willing to accept a pretty good part of his salary, I believe they'd trade Soriano in a heartbeat. They probably don't, however, want to pay the lion's share of that 18 million a year for the next four years to watch him DH for an AL team.
The Sox could really use a big left handed bat and maybe another starting pitcher, since Peavy is down for the rest of the year. But those LH run producers are few and far between, and will cost a lot in terms of prospects. Adam Dunn and Prince Fielder are the two who are being talked about, and both will likely cost Gordon Beckham and maybe Daniel Hudson.
How about this one? Now I don't claim to know the Sox's prospects like I do the Cubs, but what if they could put something together where the Sox get Lilly and Aramis Ramirez, and the Cubs get Dayan Visciano, the Cuban third baseman, a couple of pitching prospects and maybe a top AA prospect? Ramirez has a player option for 2011, and I believe it is only for one year at about 15 million. There was the thought that he would opt out because he could likely get more for longer, and that's still a possibility, even with his crappy start to the season. He's hitting now, and he plays a pretty good third base. Lilly is a quality middle of the rotation guy who is a free agent after the season.
The Sox get their run producer and an everyday third bagger, even if ARam is not a lefty, and another solid guy for their already very good rotation. And they don't give up either Hudson or Beckham. The Cubs get a guy with some major league experience and a lot of upside in Visciano, who can step in and play third every day, and salary relief.
The Sox would be pretty well set, and Ramirez could also step in and DH when Vizquel plays third, giving them a very potent lineup. The Cubs will likely still try to move Lee for prospects, and will likely continue to try to deal Fukudome and pay a bunch of his salary. The Fukudome move makes sense because he's only signed for one more year, and Colvin NEEDS to play now. So if it were me, I'd pay 7 or 8 million next year to move Fukudome now. Maybe even a bit more.
It will be very interesting to see what plays out in the next few days.
*****
For the Cubs, the players they'd like to move include Ted Lilly (probably the most attractive of their properties), Kosuke Fukudome (it'll take a miracle) and Derrick Lee (should be attractive to some teams). Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano are likely untradable because of their huget contracts. But if someone wanted a DH and was willing to accept a pretty good part of his salary, I believe they'd trade Soriano in a heartbeat. They probably don't, however, want to pay the lion's share of that 18 million a year for the next four years to watch him DH for an AL team.
The Sox could really use a big left handed bat and maybe another starting pitcher, since Peavy is down for the rest of the year. But those LH run producers are few and far between, and will cost a lot in terms of prospects. Adam Dunn and Prince Fielder are the two who are being talked about, and both will likely cost Gordon Beckham and maybe Daniel Hudson.
How about this one? Now I don't claim to know the Sox's prospects like I do the Cubs, but what if they could put something together where the Sox get Lilly and Aramis Ramirez, and the Cubs get Dayan Visciano, the Cuban third baseman, a couple of pitching prospects and maybe a top AA prospect? Ramirez has a player option for 2011, and I believe it is only for one year at about 15 million. There was the thought that he would opt out because he could likely get more for longer, and that's still a possibility, even with his crappy start to the season. He's hitting now, and he plays a pretty good third base. Lilly is a quality middle of the rotation guy who is a free agent after the season.
The Sox get their run producer and an everyday third bagger, even if ARam is not a lefty, and another solid guy for their already very good rotation. And they don't give up either Hudson or Beckham. The Cubs get a guy with some major league experience and a lot of upside in Visciano, who can step in and play third every day, and salary relief.
The Sox would be pretty well set, and Ramirez could also step in and DH when Vizquel plays third, giving them a very potent lineup. The Cubs will likely still try to move Lee for prospects, and will likely continue to try to deal Fukudome and pay a bunch of his salary. The Fukudome move makes sense because he's only signed for one more year, and Colvin NEEDS to play now. So if it were me, I'd pay 7 or 8 million next year to move Fukudome now. Maybe even a bit more.
It will be very interesting to see what plays out in the next few days.
*****
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sweet Lou makes it official...
He's retiring as Cubs' skipper at the end of the season.
I think this likely does a couple things. It may end up motivating the team, jump-starting them in a way that nothing much has this year. Win for Lou, so to speak.
It also preserves Lou's job; probably not going to fire him knowing he's gone. It's a good PR move. So what if he's lost the team? He's retiring! Hendry's said as much - there isn't much sense in bringing in an interim, short term manager. Just let Lou finish it out.
It also, as Hendry also pointed out, gives management the opportunity to begin searching for the next manager out in the open - no need for secrecy. That's probably a plus. Every time Ryne Sandberg flies into Chicago, we won't have to hear about him maybe being interviewed for the opening. Likewise with anyone else out there. ("Hey, didja hear Bobby Valentine's house-hunting in Lake Forest?")
So who's out there as possibilities? The media keeps suggesting Joe Girardi, but I wonder why he'd leave the Yankees' job for this one. Of course, there's Ryno - he's paying his dues in the minors and clearly wants the job. And there's analyst and former manager (and winning manager at that!) Bob Brenley, who also seems like he is interested.
I sorta like Brenley. He's tough, knowledgeable, and experienced. He also knows this team, since he's been with them for something like 6 years now. Brenley for 3 years with Ryno as his bench coach and heir apparent. Doesn't sound too bad.
*****
I think this likely does a couple things. It may end up motivating the team, jump-starting them in a way that nothing much has this year. Win for Lou, so to speak.
It also preserves Lou's job; probably not going to fire him knowing he's gone. It's a good PR move. So what if he's lost the team? He's retiring! Hendry's said as much - there isn't much sense in bringing in an interim, short term manager. Just let Lou finish it out.
It also, as Hendry also pointed out, gives management the opportunity to begin searching for the next manager out in the open - no need for secrecy. That's probably a plus. Every time Ryne Sandberg flies into Chicago, we won't have to hear about him maybe being interviewed for the opening. Likewise with anyone else out there. ("Hey, didja hear Bobby Valentine's house-hunting in Lake Forest?")
So who's out there as possibilities? The media keeps suggesting Joe Girardi, but I wonder why he'd leave the Yankees' job for this one. Of course, there's Ryno - he's paying his dues in the minors and clearly wants the job. And there's analyst and former manager (and winning manager at that!) Bob Brenley, who also seems like he is interested.
I sorta like Brenley. He's tough, knowledgeable, and experienced. He also knows this team, since he's been with them for something like 6 years now. Brenley for 3 years with Ryno as his bench coach and heir apparent. Doesn't sound too bad.
*****
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Watson is the newest Bull...
I just read on the AOL message board courtesy of Ike, that the Bulls completed a sign-and-trade for C.J. Watson. I don't know much about the kid, just that he can score at times, not much of a three point shooter, can play either guard position.
Golden State gets a future second round pick for their trouble.
*****
Golden State gets a future second round pick for their trouble.
*****
Monday, July 19, 2010
Bulls News
Well, not really Bulls' news per se, but in the last post, I mentioned that I had heard rumors that Brad Miller was leaning toward signing with Chicago.
That didn't happen. He signed a 3 year, 15 million dollar contract with the Houston Rockets. Miller would have been a good guy to have coming off the bench, but I was thinking in terms of a couple years and a couple million (maybe three million?) per year. Not 5 million a year!
So according the the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls have about 7.5 million dollars left to spend this year. I think they will be able to fill out their roster nicely with that much money.
*****
That didn't happen. He signed a 3 year, 15 million dollar contract with the Houston Rockets. Miller would have been a good guy to have coming off the bench, but I was thinking in terms of a couple years and a couple million (maybe three million?) per year. Not 5 million a year!
So according the the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls have about 7.5 million dollars left to spend this year. I think they will be able to fill out their roster nicely with that much money.
*****
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Next Year's Bulls - Part 2
Okay, so Orlando decided to go into luxury tax territory and match the Bulls' offer for J.J. Reddick. The Bulls moved swiftly and signed another shooting guard - Ronnie Brewer - a 6'7" slasher who is good defensively. He's not a great outside shooter, however, so that leaves Kyle Korver as their big threat from outside.
Korver's good, but is he major-minutes good? I don't know. I think Brewer makes sense, though, at the two where they've been deficient defensively for a while now.
This leaves the Bulls with Noah and Asik up front, Boozer and Gibson at PF, Deng and Johnson at SF, Korver and Brewer at SG, and Rose at point. I'd love to see them sign another guard, someone who can shoot from outside and spell Rose at point. I don't know who's left, though. Another option would be making Korver a SF and trading James Johnson for a J.J. Reddick type of guard to be 6th man/first guard off the bench. I've heard rumors that Brad Miller is leaning toward resigning with the Bulls, which leaves them pretty solid at center, and that leaves one spot for one last player. Will it be a backup point guard like Acie Law? A guy like Flip Murray? Another big front court PF type?
Watch this space for updates...
Oh, and in that last post, I thought that Anthony Morrow was still on Golden State. Now I've heard he's been moved to New Jersey. Guess I missed that one.
*****
Korver's good, but is he major-minutes good? I don't know. I think Brewer makes sense, though, at the two where they've been deficient defensively for a while now.
This leaves the Bulls with Noah and Asik up front, Boozer and Gibson at PF, Deng and Johnson at SF, Korver and Brewer at SG, and Rose at point. I'd love to see them sign another guard, someone who can shoot from outside and spell Rose at point. I don't know who's left, though. Another option would be making Korver a SF and trading James Johnson for a J.J. Reddick type of guard to be 6th man/first guard off the bench. I've heard rumors that Brad Miller is leaning toward resigning with the Bulls, which leaves them pretty solid at center, and that leaves one spot for one last player. Will it be a backup point guard like Acie Law? A guy like Flip Murray? Another big front court PF type?
Watch this space for updates...
Oh, and in that last post, I thought that Anthony Morrow was still on Golden State. Now I've heard he's been moved to New Jersey. Guess I missed that one.
*****
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The 2010-2011 Bulls
While this team is still in flux, we can sort of get a glimpse of what they're doing. They've got their scoring front court player in Carlos Boozer, who will team with Taj Gibson at PF. They signed a nice outside shooter in Kyle Korver, a 6'7" two guard and they've got an offer on the table for J.J. Reddick, a 6'4" two guard who can also shoot and can shift over and play some point (a little like departed Kirk Hinrich). It looks like Orlando is going to match the offer for Reddick, however (or else why would they wait the full week to match?), so I don't know what Plan B is at guard. Maybe Ronnie Brewer? Maybe Anthony Morrow in a sign and trade for a draft pick?
At center, Omar Asik joins the team from Turkey to back up Joakim Noah, and at SF, it will be Deng and Johnson.
Derrick Rose is the future superstar on this team.
It should be a good team, and quite competitive, if injuries don't kill them...
*****
At center, Omar Asik joins the team from Turkey to back up Joakim Noah, and at SF, it will be Deng and Johnson.
Derrick Rose is the future superstar on this team.
It should be a good team, and quite competitive, if injuries don't kill them...
*****
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
NBA Free Agency, or will the Bulls compete in 2010/2011?
NBA free agency begins tonight at 11pm CDT, and with it the frenzy of recruitment of some of the biggest names in the game. The Chicago Bulls, who worked hard to clear cap space in order to sign one guy to a max contract (16.5 million for 5 years) and another to nearly that (about 15 million per year for 5 years), are hoping to be real players here, and would seem to have the core of players to support a couple of big signings. But there is going to be stiff competition...
LeBron James is, of course, the biggest of the names out there, and he will get to go wherever he wants and command whatever salary he wants, within the NBA salary cap rules. The Bulls want him, but so do most of the other teams with cap space. And his own team, the Cavaliers, can resign him for 6 years instead of 5, and give him approximately 30 million dollars more than any other team.
The teams competing for the prizes are the Bulls, the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks, and the New Jersey Nets. Other teams have cap space (the Clippers, the Kings, the Thunder and the Wizards), but not enough for one max deal. However, they could become players by taking contracts from some other team wishing to become a player and clear enough cap space.
The athletes out there include James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in that first tier of players (though I'm not sure Bosh deserves to be named with the other two), followed by Dirk Nowitsky and Paul Pierce (both of whom opted out last night, I've heard), bigs Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudamire, and David Lee, and guard Joe Johnson. There are plenty of third tier names available also.
To throw a wrench in the whole thing, the Denver Nuggets have said that they will consider doing a sign-and-trade with Carmelo Anthony instead of losing him to free agency next year.
Of course I would love to see the Bulls get James and another big, but I'd also be happy with Joe Johnson and with Carlos Boozer, especially if signing the latter pair leaves enough cap space to sign a pretty good veteran at a position of need. I would also think that maybe dealing Luol Deng for Anthony might be a good move, as I put him up there with James and Wade in that upper tier. That trade would leave the Bulls with probably enough space to get Boozer AND Johnson, assuming that both of these guys will take less than the max , maybe something in the 13.5 million a year range. A lineup of Rose, Johnson, Anthony, Boozer and Noah is pretty awesome on paper. I don't know if it would be as good on the court, just because there might be too many guys needing the ball to be effective.
I will be watching the next couple weeks with baited breath..hopefully one or two of those big names will take the bait!
LeBron James is, of course, the biggest of the names out there, and he will get to go wherever he wants and command whatever salary he wants, within the NBA salary cap rules. The Bulls want him, but so do most of the other teams with cap space. And his own team, the Cavaliers, can resign him for 6 years instead of 5, and give him approximately 30 million dollars more than any other team.
The teams competing for the prizes are the Bulls, the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks, and the New Jersey Nets. Other teams have cap space (the Clippers, the Kings, the Thunder and the Wizards), but not enough for one max deal. However, they could become players by taking contracts from some other team wishing to become a player and clear enough cap space.
The athletes out there include James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in that first tier of players (though I'm not sure Bosh deserves to be named with the other two), followed by Dirk Nowitsky and Paul Pierce (both of whom opted out last night, I've heard), bigs Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudamire, and David Lee, and guard Joe Johnson. There are plenty of third tier names available also.
To throw a wrench in the whole thing, the Denver Nuggets have said that they will consider doing a sign-and-trade with Carmelo Anthony instead of losing him to free agency next year.
Of course I would love to see the Bulls get James and another big, but I'd also be happy with Joe Johnson and with Carlos Boozer, especially if signing the latter pair leaves enough cap space to sign a pretty good veteran at a position of need. I would also think that maybe dealing Luol Deng for Anthony might be a good move, as I put him up there with James and Wade in that upper tier. That trade would leave the Bulls with probably enough space to get Boozer AND Johnson, assuming that both of these guys will take less than the max , maybe something in the 13.5 million a year range. A lineup of Rose, Johnson, Anthony, Boozer and Noah is pretty awesome on paper. I don't know if it would be as good on the court, just because there might be too many guys needing the ball to be effective.
I will be watching the next couple weeks with baited breath..hopefully one or two of those big names will take the bait!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Bulls bits...
The Bulls drafted at number 17 last Thursday, and I happened to come home just in time to actually see them make their pick. And the Bulls select...
For the Washington Wizards, apparently. The Bulls reportedly have sent Kirk Hinrich and their selection at 17 to the Wizards for...nothing! What do the Bulls get out of this pick? They get cap space! More cap space! Now they have enough money under the cap to get one max player, and one nearly max player.
Can you say "LeBron James"?
The number 17 pick was used to select Kevin Seraphin, a 6'9" 265 lb forward from France. I'd guess that he won't play in the US this year, but if he does, it won't be for the Bulls.
The number 1 pick overall was 6'4" point guard John Wall out of Kentucky, and he also went to the Wizards! Can you say "so long Gilbert Arenas"?
The Bulls' entire offseason is a gamble on which free agent will come to Chicago. After LeBron and Dwayne Wade, there is a slight dropoff to the next tier of Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudamire and Carlos Boozer. Then there are other guys like David Lee and others who will be available for whichever teams don't get the top guys.
Chicago is set up well to make a run at the top guys. Hopefully things work out better than the last time the Bulls were making a run at the top free agents (Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, Eddie Jones, et al...) That time they ended up with Ron Mercer. It better be Wade or LeBron this time...
*****
For the Washington Wizards, apparently. The Bulls reportedly have sent Kirk Hinrich and their selection at 17 to the Wizards for...nothing! What do the Bulls get out of this pick? They get cap space! More cap space! Now they have enough money under the cap to get one max player, and one nearly max player.
Can you say "LeBron James"?
The number 17 pick was used to select Kevin Seraphin, a 6'9" 265 lb forward from France. I'd guess that he won't play in the US this year, but if he does, it won't be for the Bulls.
The number 1 pick overall was 6'4" point guard John Wall out of Kentucky, and he also went to the Wizards! Can you say "so long Gilbert Arenas"?
The Bulls' entire offseason is a gamble on which free agent will come to Chicago. After LeBron and Dwayne Wade, there is a slight dropoff to the next tier of Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudamire and Carlos Boozer. Then there are other guys like David Lee and others who will be available for whichever teams don't get the top guys.
Chicago is set up well to make a run at the top guys. Hopefully things work out better than the last time the Bulls were making a run at the top free agents (Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, Eddie Jones, et al...) That time they ended up with Ron Mercer. It better be Wade or LeBron this time...
*****
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Throwing in the Towel
Okay, it's official. I've been riding the edge of that Cubs bandwagon with one foot off, and now I'm jumping.
I just don't see THIS team coming back from 9 under .500 and 9 games out of first as we near the beginning of July. I suppose anything's possible...but I'm not holding my breath.
And I'm divesting here. I don't have time to live and die with Cubs games. I'll still follow the news of what they're doing, especially at the trading deadline, and I'll still probably raise my hopes a bit with a victory, but I won't have those same hopes sagging with each defeat, because they've sagged.
So...on to the Bulls' draft tonight. Who are they going to take? Tribune mock draft suggests it will be Paul George; ESPN's Bulls guy (can't come up with the name at the moment) suggests it will be James Anderson. I guess the answer to that question will tell us a lot about what the Bulls' plans are leading up to the beginning of the Thibidoux era...
*****
I just don't see THIS team coming back from 9 under .500 and 9 games out of first as we near the beginning of July. I suppose anything's possible...but I'm not holding my breath.
And I'm divesting here. I don't have time to live and die with Cubs games. I'll still follow the news of what they're doing, especially at the trading deadline, and I'll still probably raise my hopes a bit with a victory, but I won't have those same hopes sagging with each defeat, because they've sagged.
So...on to the Bulls' draft tonight. Who are they going to take? Tribune mock draft suggests it will be Paul George; ESPN's Bulls guy (can't come up with the name at the moment) suggests it will be James Anderson. I guess the answer to that question will tell us a lot about what the Bulls' plans are leading up to the beginning of the Thibidoux era...
*****
Monday, June 21, 2010
B-ball (Base- and Basket-) Bits
Some comments on our Chicago teams in action and in the news:
The White Sox are playing like I thought they were capable of playing at the beginning of the year. They've won 6 straight and 8 of their last 9 (the one loss coming against the Cubs in the crosstown series at Wrigley). They've hit .500 and are starting to hit the ball and get some better pitching. Of course, those 9 games were against the Cubs, the Pirates and the Nationals. So how they'll do against better upcoming competition should tell us all we need to know about this year's White Sox team.
The Cubs got a decent performance out of Big Z, and everyone hit against a pretty good Angels team on Sunday. But this followed a blowout on Saturday and a tough loss on Friday. Tyler Colvin seems to be getting more at bats and is still hitting. They've been getting some better pitching and have more stability in the pen. But it hasn't been translating into wins until yesterday. Hopefully they'll start showing up more and winning some games.
The Bulls have the excitement of this year's free agent signing period, where they're planning on being players for the big names like LeBron, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudamire, and maybe even Dwayne Wade. Of course the biggest of those names is LeBron, and we have to wait and see what he does. It doesn't look to be a fast process.
Upcoming this Thursday is the NBA draft, and the Bulls will pick at 17, assuming that they don't trade the pick in a sign and trade for Bosh or Boozer. Tom Thibideux will be announced as head coach on Wednesday, as he comes off the NBA finals series with the Lakers, where his Celtics lost it in the 4th quarter of game 7. Who, and indeed, if the Bulls select at 17 should tell us something about what they feel they're going to be able to do in free agency.
Stay tuned...
*****
The White Sox are playing like I thought they were capable of playing at the beginning of the year. They've won 6 straight and 8 of their last 9 (the one loss coming against the Cubs in the crosstown series at Wrigley). They've hit .500 and are starting to hit the ball and get some better pitching. Of course, those 9 games were against the Cubs, the Pirates and the Nationals. So how they'll do against better upcoming competition should tell us all we need to know about this year's White Sox team.
The Cubs got a decent performance out of Big Z, and everyone hit against a pretty good Angels team on Sunday. But this followed a blowout on Saturday and a tough loss on Friday. Tyler Colvin seems to be getting more at bats and is still hitting. They've been getting some better pitching and have more stability in the pen. But it hasn't been translating into wins until yesterday. Hopefully they'll start showing up more and winning some games.
The Bulls have the excitement of this year's free agent signing period, where they're planning on being players for the big names like LeBron, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudamire, and maybe even Dwayne Wade. Of course the biggest of those names is LeBron, and we have to wait and see what he does. It doesn't look to be a fast process.
Upcoming this Thursday is the NBA draft, and the Bulls will pick at 17, assuming that they don't trade the pick in a sign and trade for Bosh or Boozer. Tom Thibideux will be announced as head coach on Wednesday, as he comes off the NBA finals series with the Lakers, where his Celtics lost it in the 4th quarter of game 7. Who, and indeed, if the Bulls select at 17 should tell us something about what they feel they're going to be able to do in free agency.
Stay tuned...
*****
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Cup Runneth Over...
*****
...Over to Chicago, that is!
The Black Hawks looked good in their game 6 win at Philadelphia, which gave them the series win, and therefore, the Stanley Cup! The Flyers played tough, aggressive, just as they have for most of this series. But the Hawks matched them, and their superior skill level finally brought the game home.
You could see, when the Flyers tied it up in the 3rd period, that the Hawks sort of settled back into a protection mode, not attacking the puck or the passing lanes with the same furor they had exhibited at home and in the 2nd period. But after the Flyers tied it, they woke back up and started playing aggressively and with finesse, and it carried over into the overtime sudden death. Death (for the Flyers' hopes at least) came on a laser by Patrick Kane through Leighton's legs, and for a few moments the puck was lost - lost in the folds of the net on the opposite side of the where the shot came from.
Antti Niemi played out of his mind! Yeah, he let 3 goals in, but they were hard earned goals by the Flyers, who showed the world that, as a 7th seed (I believe) they deserved to be in these finals as much as the Hawks did. Great series! Great outcome for me as a Chicago sports fan! Great for hockey, as it can't hurt to have the Cup residing in a large market like Chicago!
Congratulations, Hawks!
...Over to Chicago, that is!
The Black Hawks looked good in their game 6 win at Philadelphia, which gave them the series win, and therefore, the Stanley Cup! The Flyers played tough, aggressive, just as they have for most of this series. But the Hawks matched them, and their superior skill level finally brought the game home.
You could see, when the Flyers tied it up in the 3rd period, that the Hawks sort of settled back into a protection mode, not attacking the puck or the passing lanes with the same furor they had exhibited at home and in the 2nd period. But after the Flyers tied it, they woke back up and started playing aggressively and with finesse, and it carried over into the overtime sudden death. Death (for the Flyers' hopes at least) came on a laser by Patrick Kane through Leighton's legs, and for a few moments the puck was lost - lost in the folds of the net on the opposite side of the where the shot came from.
Antti Niemi played out of his mind! Yeah, he let 3 goals in, but they were hard earned goals by the Flyers, who showed the world that, as a 7th seed (I believe) they deserved to be in these finals as much as the Hawks did. Great series! Great outcome for me as a Chicago sports fan! Great for hockey, as it can't hurt to have the Cup residing in a large market like Chicago!
Congratulations, Hawks!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Cubs, White Sox 2010 Amateur Draft Picks
*****
The Cubs selected Hayden Simpson, a 6'0" right handed pitcher from Southern Arkansas. Baseball America ranks him 191 out of their top 200 prospects, and say that he throws a low 90's fastball and hard breaking stuff. He went 35-2 at an NCAA Division II school.
*****
The White Sox, selecting 4 picks before the Cubs (13 vs 17) selected Chris Sale, a left-handed pitcher from Florida Gulf Coast. Baseball America has Sale ranked as their third best pitcher in the draft, and fifth overall. He's 6'6" but only weighs 183, and they say he throws two plus pitches for strikes.
*****
As a Cubs fan, I have to have faith in Tim Wilken. So far he's done an admirable job of rebuilding the Cubs' farm system. Tyler Colvin and Andrew Cashner are two of his picks who are up and contributing at the major league level.
*****
The Cubs selected Hayden Simpson, a 6'0" right handed pitcher from Southern Arkansas. Baseball America ranks him 191 out of their top 200 prospects, and say that he throws a low 90's fastball and hard breaking stuff. He went 35-2 at an NCAA Division II school.
*****
The White Sox, selecting 4 picks before the Cubs (13 vs 17) selected Chris Sale, a left-handed pitcher from Florida Gulf Coast. Baseball America has Sale ranked as their third best pitcher in the draft, and fifth overall. He's 6'6" but only weighs 183, and they say he throws two plus pitches for strikes.
*****
As a Cubs fan, I have to have faith in Tim Wilken. So far he's done an admirable job of rebuilding the Cubs' farm system. Tyler Colvin and Andrew Cashner are two of his picks who are up and contributing at the major league level.
*****
Monday, June 7, 2010
Black Hawks Game 5
The Black Hawks came out with fire in their skates on Sunday night, looking like a different team than the one that lost Game 4 in Philadelphia. They were physical without catching a lot of dumb penalties. They were aggressive, quick to the puck, their passing was crisp and their defense was tough.
They didn't keep it up the entire game. There were a few defensive lapses and the Flyers adjusted and played a lot better in the second and third periods, but the damage had been done in that first period. The three goals they scored unanswered in that first period proved to be the margin of victory. Final score: 7-4. Series score: Hawks 3, Flyers 2.
Let's end this in Philly on Wednesday night!
They didn't keep it up the entire game. There were a few defensive lapses and the Flyers adjusted and played a lot better in the second and third periods, but the damage had been done in that first period. The three goals they scored unanswered in that first period proved to be the margin of victory. Final score: 7-4. Series score: Hawks 3, Flyers 2.
Let's end this in Philly on Wednesday night!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
3 Game Series...
I came in late, after the Flyers had already taken a 3-1 lead, and I figured that this one was over.
The Hawks made a late run in the third, scoring on a 5-on-3 power play, then scoring again on one that a Flyers' player held on to, sort of lost track of it, then it dribbled in without really being touched by a Hawks player. But the Flyers had already stretched the lead to 4-1, and when the Hawks pulled Niemi, Duncan Keith lost a puck at center ice and a Flyers' player took it in for a goal.
The Hawks look slow compared to the Flyers. They look unagressive, confused, and overmatched. The Flyers, on the other hand, are on every pass, every possession, skating toward the puck aggressively and staying in the passing lanes, challenging every Hawks possession. They are physical, and while the penalty disparity shows that the refs are either looking the other way, or the Flyers are simply good at picking their times to get dirty, the Hawks are not a bunch of blameless Boy Scouts when it comes to taking dirty shots. They just aren't as good at it.
It would seem to me, the uneducated Johnny-come-lately Black Hawks fan, that they have to get back to doing what they do best. They have to challenge every Flyers possession in the manner that the Flyers are challenging them. They have to be faster, and they have to be better on defense. Niemi is stopping a lot of shots, but the law of averages is coming into play.
Game 5 is now a must-win for the Hawks.
*****c
The Hawks made a late run in the third, scoring on a 5-on-3 power play, then scoring again on one that a Flyers' player held on to, sort of lost track of it, then it dribbled in without really being touched by a Hawks player. But the Flyers had already stretched the lead to 4-1, and when the Hawks pulled Niemi, Duncan Keith lost a puck at center ice and a Flyers' player took it in for a goal.
The Hawks look slow compared to the Flyers. They look unagressive, confused, and overmatched. The Flyers, on the other hand, are on every pass, every possession, skating toward the puck aggressively and staying in the passing lanes, challenging every Hawks possession. They are physical, and while the penalty disparity shows that the refs are either looking the other way, or the Flyers are simply good at picking their times to get dirty, the Hawks are not a bunch of blameless Boy Scouts when it comes to taking dirty shots. They just aren't as good at it.
It would seem to me, the uneducated Johnny-come-lately Black Hawks fan, that they have to get back to doing what they do best. They have to challenge every Flyers possession in the manner that the Flyers are challenging them. They have to be faster, and they have to be better on defense. Niemi is stopping a lot of shots, but the law of averages is coming into play.
Game 5 is now a must-win for the Hawks.
*****c
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Whoa, Hawks!
I got to watch most of last night's game.
It seemed to me that the Flyers were much more aggressive, much quicker to the puck than were the Hawks. The Hawks looked like they were content to play catch with the puck instead of attacking the Flyers' players when they were coming forward with the puck and instead of trying to outskate the Flyers' players.
The Hawks look like the better team to me. But they are not going to win it with efforts like yesterday. Their goals look effortless and almost lackadaisical. The Flyers' goals look like they're all working their butts off to get them. I'm sure the Hawks are putting in just as much effort to score but can they work a little harder? I don't know. I don't claim to be a hockey expert.
But for someone who is usually pretty uninvolved in the hockey season, I sure am getting into this playoffs.
*****
It seemed to me that the Flyers were much more aggressive, much quicker to the puck than were the Hawks. The Hawks looked like they were content to play catch with the puck instead of attacking the Flyers' players when they were coming forward with the puck and instead of trying to outskate the Flyers' players.
The Hawks look like the better team to me. But they are not going to win it with efforts like yesterday. Their goals look effortless and almost lackadaisical. The Flyers' goals look like they're all working their butts off to get them. I'm sure the Hawks are putting in just as much effort to score but can they work a little harder? I don't know. I don't claim to be a hockey expert.
But for someone who is usually pretty uninvolved in the hockey season, I sure am getting into this playoffs.
*****
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Top Five Sports Films
I was listening to Waddle and Silvy this morning on ESPN1000 and Waddle mentioned that his favorite sports film of all time was Hoosiers, which apparently was aired twice on Tuesday night on the Versus network (where you can also find NHL hockey). It made me think - what are my favorite sports-themed films?
I haven't seen a whole bunch of recent movies, or even some older ones like Remember The Titans, so I have to go back a bit. But not too far. I've also not seen some of the old movies like the one about Lou Gehrig or the one about Jimmy Piersall. Anyway, here are my top five:
It's heavy on the baseball movies; if I was to go further, I'd have included Field Of Dreams next, and then probably Breaking Away (the movie about bike racing). I don't know if I could make a list of 10 sports movies, though maybe if I thought about it long enough I could come up with more.
My guilty pleasure is a movie I haven't seen in years: Fast Break. It was a basketball movie starring Gabe Kaplan and a few pro basketball players. It also starred Michael Warren, who was, I believe, a point guard for UCLA and went on to TV stardom in Hill Street Blues. It was silly and probably not particularly well made, but something about it really resonated with me.
I'm purposely avoiding writing about the Black Hawks - after tonight's game perhaps I'll relax a bit about their quest for the cup...
I haven't seen a whole bunch of recent movies, or even some older ones like Remember The Titans, so I have to go back a bit. But not too far. I've also not seen some of the old movies like the one about Lou Gehrig or the one about Jimmy Piersall. Anyway, here are my top five:
- Bull Durham
- The Natural
- Hoosiers
- Slap Shot
- A League Of Their Own
It's heavy on the baseball movies; if I was to go further, I'd have included Field Of Dreams next, and then probably Breaking Away (the movie about bike racing). I don't know if I could make a list of 10 sports movies, though maybe if I thought about it long enough I could come up with more.
My guilty pleasure is a movie I haven't seen in years: Fast Break. It was a basketball movie starring Gabe Kaplan and a few pro basketball players. It also starred Michael Warren, who was, I believe, a point guard for UCLA and went on to TV stardom in Hill Street Blues. It was silly and probably not particularly well made, but something about it really resonated with me.
I'm purposely avoiding writing about the Black Hawks - after tonight's game perhaps I'll relax a bit about their quest for the cup...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Onto the Cup (Stanley, that is...)
I watched almost all of game 3, and the third period of game 4. Very good games, very good Hawks team. I'm totally impressed with Dave Bolland; that boy can play some hockey! I won't ever claim to be a knowledgeable hockey fan, but I can recognize that the Hawks might be something special when they're on...and even when they're not, they seem to be good enough to keep the other team down.
Crisp passing, awesome puck handling, physical play when appropriate, solid teamwork, and great goaltending have all been evident in this series with San Jose. Hopefully it continues into the next series with the winner of the Philadephia/Montreal series, and hopefully, if that happens, the Stanley Cup will be residing in Chicago for the next year...
*****
Crisp passing, awesome puck handling, physical play when appropriate, solid teamwork, and great goaltending have all been evident in this series with San Jose. Hopefully it continues into the next series with the winner of the Philadephia/Montreal series, and hopefully, if that happens, the Stanley Cup will be residing in Chicago for the next year...
*****
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Go Hawks!
The Black Hawks have been going through the Western Conference in the NHL playoffs, sometimes like a dull knife, but recently more like a warmed butter knife. They've tied a record for most consecutive road winds in the playoffs with 7, and they're up 2-zip on San Jose, who had the top seed. They've looked far better, far less tentative and mistake-prone, than they have in the other series.
They're winning as a team, and right now look to be favored to come out of the West and face the winner of the Philadelphia-Montreal series.
Go Hawks!
They're winning as a team, and right now look to be favored to come out of the West and face the winner of the Philadelphia-Montreal series.
Go Hawks!
Doug Glanville's book
I'm cross posting this from my Journalscape blog.
My friend Mills gave me a copy of Doug Glanville's book THE GAME FROM WHERE I STAND: A BALLPLAYER'S INSIDE VIEW, and I'm currently about halfway through it. It's exactly what it purports to be - an insider's look at the things that baseball players go through from the time they are drafted till they retire, with emphasis on the time spent in the majors.
Glanville was a first round pick of my Chicago Cubs, out of Ivy League Penn, so I was quite familiar with him. He ended up playing left field for the Cubs though he was a natural centerfielder, and was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies where he had his best years in CF, replacing favorite Lenny Dykstra, and eventually being replaced by (current Cubs center fielder) Marlon Byrd. He spent time in Texas with the Rangers, and then returned to the Cubs.
He discusses a lot of things in the book, including preparations for games, unwritten etiquette rules during games, and relationships with friends and family, other players, and that special relationship that one hopes to find with their significant other. I've got a lot to go, but so far I've found this an engrossing read, well written and with a gentle touch to the prose that makes it an easy read also. Glanville was a systems engineering major at Penn, so he has a lot of brains and it shows in the way he treats all of these issue.
Good book for a summer read for a baseball fan.
My friend Mills gave me a copy of Doug Glanville's book THE GAME FROM WHERE I STAND: A BALLPLAYER'S INSIDE VIEW, and I'm currently about halfway through it. It's exactly what it purports to be - an insider's look at the things that baseball players go through from the time they are drafted till they retire, with emphasis on the time spent in the majors.
Glanville was a first round pick of my Chicago Cubs, out of Ivy League Penn, so I was quite familiar with him. He ended up playing left field for the Cubs though he was a natural centerfielder, and was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies where he had his best years in CF, replacing favorite Lenny Dykstra, and eventually being replaced by (current Cubs center fielder) Marlon Byrd. He spent time in Texas with the Rangers, and then returned to the Cubs.
He discusses a lot of things in the book, including preparations for games, unwritten etiquette rules during games, and relationships with friends and family, other players, and that special relationship that one hopes to find with their significant other. I've got a lot to go, but so far I've found this an engrossing read, well written and with a gentle touch to the prose that makes it an easy read also. Glanville was a systems engineering major at Penn, so he has a lot of brains and it shows in the way he treats all of these issue.
Good book for a summer read for a baseball fan.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Re: Pittsburgh - It didn't get any better...
Inexplicably, the bats for the Cubs quieted WAY down, as the Cubs got swept in Pittsburgh. The first two were competitive games and could have gone either way, though with players making 140 million a year (all together) you'd think one of them might go the Cubs' way. The last game was an 11-1 blowout, where Randy Wells, who has been perhaps their most dependable starter this year, got shelled!
The Starlin Castro era has begun - the Cubs' shortstop prospect has come up to the big club, and he promptly got a couple of big hits, including a three run bomb. Now what do the Cubs do with Ryan Theriot? Move him to second? Platoon him? Hand him the job on a silver platter? Trade him?
I suppose that it would be nice to have a problem where you're dealing from a position of strength rather than one of weakness (having too much of something rather than being in desperate need of something). But the stat-heads say that Theriot's value is as a shortstop, where his solid defense and range go along with his ability to hit to make him an above-average player at that position, at least in terms of sabermetric calculations. His value is less as a second baseman.
I guess that means Boston and Oakland won't be trying to land the kid.
The Starlin Castro era has begun - the Cubs' shortstop prospect has come up to the big club, and he promptly got a couple of big hits, including a three run bomb. Now what do the Cubs do with Ryan Theriot? Move him to second? Platoon him? Hand him the job on a silver platter? Trade him?
I suppose that it would be nice to have a problem where you're dealing from a position of strength rather than one of weakness (having too much of something rather than being in desperate need of something). But the stat-heads say that Theriot's value is as a shortstop, where his solid defense and range go along with his ability to hit to make him an above-average player at that position, at least in terms of sabermetric calculations. His value is less as a second baseman.
I guess that means Boston and Oakland won't be trying to land the kid.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Bye Vinnie...
Everyone knew it was coming, and now it's official: The Bulls have fired Vinnie Del Negro as their head coach, and will begin a search to find their next head coach who will be charged with continuing to develop Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, and with integrating whatever free agent (they have enough for one maximum contract, or might be able to get two "lesser" free agents) they sign this summer.
So who are the candidates? The list is almost endless. Names I've heard include Mo Cheeks, Avery Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Fratello, Doug Collins, Eric Musselman, Lawrence Frank, Sam Mitchell, Eddie Jordan, Byron Scott, Mark Jackson, and many others. I'm sure I'm forgetting some, and as names come to me, I'll probably do a short article on the new candidates.
The most intriguing names are Phil Jackson and Kentucky coach John Calipari. Jackson needs no introduction in Chicago. His contract with the Lakers is up, and there is speculation that perhaps he'd be interested in coaching Derrick Rose. Jackson has all but ruled it out, but then again, Michael Jordan "all but ruled out" a return from retirement the second time he retired. He was next seen with a Washington Wizards uniform on.
Calipari has a lot of connections for those who like to connect the dots. He was Rose's college coach. He has the same agent as free agent targets Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, and is very close to Lebron James apparently. But the article on Yahoo Sports that mentioned this speculation is gone off the site, apparently, and now the reports are that he's in negotiations with Kentucky to remain their coach for a long long time!
I think that I'd be looking for a guy who stresses defense and who doesn't like to take the air out of the ball. An up tempo type coach. That would seem to rule out Fratello and maybe Avery Johnson. But then again, I don't know if it matters who the coach of the Bulls is if they do not get one of those top free agent targets.
National sports talkers name the Bulls job as the most attractive opening in the league. A budding superstar in Rose, a very good role player/energy guy in Noah, some solid building blocks in place with Gibson, Hinrich and Deng, and about 20 million in cap space might be enough to make it a plum job in itself, but then there's the history of the franchise in the 1990's and the city of Chicago, which should be a huge plus to any coach (or free agent, in my opinion).
So...on to the search!
So who are the candidates? The list is almost endless. Names I've heard include Mo Cheeks, Avery Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Fratello, Doug Collins, Eric Musselman, Lawrence Frank, Sam Mitchell, Eddie Jordan, Byron Scott, Mark Jackson, and many others. I'm sure I'm forgetting some, and as names come to me, I'll probably do a short article on the new candidates.
The most intriguing names are Phil Jackson and Kentucky coach John Calipari. Jackson needs no introduction in Chicago. His contract with the Lakers is up, and there is speculation that perhaps he'd be interested in coaching Derrick Rose. Jackson has all but ruled it out, but then again, Michael Jordan "all but ruled out" a return from retirement the second time he retired. He was next seen with a Washington Wizards uniform on.
Calipari has a lot of connections for those who like to connect the dots. He was Rose's college coach. He has the same agent as free agent targets Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, and is very close to Lebron James apparently. But the article on Yahoo Sports that mentioned this speculation is gone off the site, apparently, and now the reports are that he's in negotiations with Kentucky to remain their coach for a long long time!
I think that I'd be looking for a guy who stresses defense and who doesn't like to take the air out of the ball. An up tempo type coach. That would seem to rule out Fratello and maybe Avery Johnson. But then again, I don't know if it matters who the coach of the Bulls is if they do not get one of those top free agent targets.
National sports talkers name the Bulls job as the most attractive opening in the league. A budding superstar in Rose, a very good role player/energy guy in Noah, some solid building blocks in place with Gibson, Hinrich and Deng, and about 20 million in cap space might be enough to make it a plum job in itself, but then there's the history of the franchise in the 1990's and the city of Chicago, which should be a huge plus to any coach (or free agent, in my opinion).
So...on to the search!
Monday, May 3, 2010
3 of 4 from the D'backs...
I dunno...is this good?
The Cubs got blown out on Thursday, then proceeded to repay the D'Backs with a ton of run production in the next three games. Dan Haren was the pitcher in one of the games, and he isn't too terrible (though he didn't look great in THAT game). But is this just a case of feasting upon poor pitching?
Or are the Cubs' bats waking up a bit? Soriano has been raking it lately, and has his average up over .300, I believe. He was responsible for tying the game on Saturday, and hit two more homers on Sunday. That's what this team needs from him - offensive output worthy a guy getting 18 million a year.
But Byrd and Fukudome are both hitting well, also. Makes it hard to find at bats for Colvin or Nady.
Now if those corner infielders start hitting, we'll have something going on here. Going into Pittsburgh, it should stay pretty good...
*****
The Cubs got blown out on Thursday, then proceeded to repay the D'Backs with a ton of run production in the next three games. Dan Haren was the pitcher in one of the games, and he isn't too terrible (though he didn't look great in THAT game). But is this just a case of feasting upon poor pitching?
Or are the Cubs' bats waking up a bit? Soriano has been raking it lately, and has his average up over .300, I believe. He was responsible for tying the game on Saturday, and hit two more homers on Sunday. That's what this team needs from him - offensive output worthy a guy getting 18 million a year.
But Byrd and Fukudome are both hitting well, also. Makes it hard to find at bats for Colvin or Nady.
Now if those corner infielders start hitting, we'll have something going on here. Going into Pittsburgh, it should stay pretty good...
*****
Monday, April 26, 2010
Bulls and Cavs...
Well, the Bulls did win one game, but they trail the series 3-1 and are going back to Cleveland for game 5. I don't like their chances on the road, but they might take this next one. Every team has cold spells, and Cleveland could have one next game. Or not...
Whatever the outcome of the next game, the likelihood is that Cleveland moves on to face whoever wins the four/five matchup. And the Bulls start looking toward the big free agent class that does include LeBron James, who is sticking it to them right now...
My guess is that Lebron ends up staying in Cleveland, but if he doesn't, he'll probably go to New York. They have lots of money. So who should the Bulls focus on?
Were I John Paxson, I'd be looking at a front court player, either Bosh, Boozer or Stoudamire (if he's still available) to spend their max contract money on. The other option would be to acquire that guy in a sign-and-trade type of deal, and go for Dwayne Wade or Joe Johnson. Wade is the bigger fish, and a backcourt of him and Derrick Rose sounds like a dream. But Johnson might be the better fit. He can post up at the two guard position, he doesn't demand the ball all the time, and he can play either position. Derrick Rose seems to be developing into the type of player who needs to have the ball in his hands. Adding Wade might remove that dimension.
But who am I kidding? If the Bulls could get Dwayne Wade with their max contract, they should go for it! He's one of the 5 best in the league, probably, and immediately makes the Bulls a serious threat in the East. Sign Wade, trade for a low post scorer to go with Noah...that's the ticket!
Whatever the outcome of the next game, the likelihood is that Cleveland moves on to face whoever wins the four/five matchup. And the Bulls start looking toward the big free agent class that does include LeBron James, who is sticking it to them right now...
My guess is that Lebron ends up staying in Cleveland, but if he doesn't, he'll probably go to New York. They have lots of money. So who should the Bulls focus on?
Were I John Paxson, I'd be looking at a front court player, either Bosh, Boozer or Stoudamire (if he's still available) to spend their max contract money on. The other option would be to acquire that guy in a sign-and-trade type of deal, and go for Dwayne Wade or Joe Johnson. Wade is the bigger fish, and a backcourt of him and Derrick Rose sounds like a dream. But Johnson might be the better fit. He can post up at the two guard position, he doesn't demand the ball all the time, and he can play either position. Derrick Rose seems to be developing into the type of player who needs to have the ball in his hands. Adding Wade might remove that dimension.
But who am I kidding? If the Bulls could get Dwayne Wade with their max contract, they should go for it! He's one of the 5 best in the league, probably, and immediately makes the Bulls a serious threat in the East. Sign Wade, trade for a low post scorer to go with Noah...that's the ticket!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Big Z in the pen
Well, if this move is a "warning shot across the bow" to both Carlos Zambrano and the whole team, I think it might work. I definitely think there is something to the "fat and happy" state of mind of some pro athletes. They play hard, get their big contract, are set for life, and now the motivation isn't there anymore. So I don't know what Big Z will do, but the team has won two of three since the move.
I still think the move will be very temporary. I'd be surprised if Zambrano misses more than two starts. Because I think the rotation is better with Zambrano in it, no matter how well Silva and Gorzellany are pitching right now.
But the issue isn't only the rotation, it's the team. And I also think it's possible the team would be better, not with Big Z in the pen, but with Big Z traded to another team in a deal where the Cubs come away with some veteran middle relief help and much needed salary relief. If that's the real agenda behind this move, so be it.
*****
I still think the move will be very temporary. I'd be surprised if Zambrano misses more than two starts. Because I think the rotation is better with Zambrano in it, no matter how well Silva and Gorzellany are pitching right now.
But the issue isn't only the rotation, it's the team. And I also think it's possible the team would be better, not with Big Z in the pen, but with Big Z traded to another team in a deal where the Cubs come away with some veteran middle relief help and much needed salary relief. If that's the real agenda behind this move, so be it.
*****
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Big Z to the pen?
The announcement came across yesterday that Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs' 91.5 million dollar pitcher, who is paid like an ace and to BE an ace for their staff, has been moved to the role of set-up man out of the pen.
Here's my thoughts on the Cubs' reasoning:
1. The organization is trying to get Carlos mad enough to waive his no trade clause. Maybe there's already a deal in place with the Red Sox or the Yankees or some team that has payroll space and can use a starter of Zambrano's quality.
2. This is a shot across the bow to both Big Z and the entire team - no one's big enough or paid enough to keep their job if they don't produce. In this case, I'd guess the demotion lasts 1 or 2 starts at the most.
3. Lou meant to say Carlos Silva is going to the pen, and got him mixed up with Big Z. I mean, he was laughing in the sound bite they played about having to make sure he lets them know in the pen which Carlos he wants warming up - Marmol or Big Z. Maybe he meant Big S.
Otherwise, the move makes absolutely no sense. Zambrano isn't and hasn't been the problem with this team, other than perhaps his attitude on the field. He isn't the 6th best starter on this team. At worst he's the third or maybe fourth best. (You can pick out which guys you think are better than him...) On the other hand, that 15+ million a year would really help in buying some bullpen arms and maybe even an offensive player.
We'll see...
Here's my thoughts on the Cubs' reasoning:
1. The organization is trying to get Carlos mad enough to waive his no trade clause. Maybe there's already a deal in place with the Red Sox or the Yankees or some team that has payroll space and can use a starter of Zambrano's quality.
2. This is a shot across the bow to both Big Z and the entire team - no one's big enough or paid enough to keep their job if they don't produce. In this case, I'd guess the demotion lasts 1 or 2 starts at the most.
3. Lou meant to say Carlos Silva is going to the pen, and got him mixed up with Big Z. I mean, he was laughing in the sound bite they played about having to make sure he lets them know in the pen which Carlos he wants warming up - Marmol or Big Z. Maybe he meant Big S.
Otherwise, the move makes absolutely no sense. Zambrano isn't and hasn't been the problem with this team, other than perhaps his attitude on the field. He isn't the 6th best starter on this team. At worst he's the third or maybe fourth best. (You can pick out which guys you think are better than him...) On the other hand, that 15+ million a year would really help in buying some bullpen arms and maybe even an offensive player.
We'll see...
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sports Bits from Chitown
Here it is, already April 16th! We're a couple weeks into the baseball season, the NHL playoffs have started, the NBA playoffs start tomorrow, and the NFL draft is coming up. We have representative teams in both of these playoffs, though the expectations for the Hawks and the Bulls are polar opposites - the Hawks are expected to go deep and compete for the Stanley Cup, and the Bulls are expected to be one and done versus Lebron and the Cavaliers.
In baseball, so far our mediocrity is showing on both sides of town. The Cubs are 4 and 5 through yesterday, and their middle relief is the problem so far. They are at a payroll point where they cannot add any more veterans, so instead are depending on names like Justin Berg, Esmail Caridad (currently injured), Jeff Gray, and Jeff Samarzidja (spelling?). All young players, all unproven, all potentially inconsistent.
The problems on the South Side look to be their 5th starter and perhaps their offense. Freddy Garcia has been rocked a couple of times now, I believe, and I have my doubts that he can get better. He might just be done. I personally believe that their offense will be okay in the long run. It looks like Andruw Jones has something left in the tank, and if Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez can hit, they should be fine. Juan Pierre made a boneheaded baserunning blunder yesterday against the Blue Jays, but offensively he'll be fine for them. They just need to come together.
I won't expose my ignorance about the Bears any more than I have to, but they do not pick until the third round in the upcoming college draft. There is a slim chance that they are going to deal tight end Greg Olsen and that could produce another pick, maybe even as high as a second rounder. But in this uncapped year, it looks like they've done what they're going to do. We shouldn't be too upset - they did get the best player out there in Julius Peppers, and filled other needs with a blocking tight end and a running back (Chester Taylor).
So here we go. Hold onto your hats, the real action is coming up!
In baseball, so far our mediocrity is showing on both sides of town. The Cubs are 4 and 5 through yesterday, and their middle relief is the problem so far. They are at a payroll point where they cannot add any more veterans, so instead are depending on names like Justin Berg, Esmail Caridad (currently injured), Jeff Gray, and Jeff Samarzidja (spelling?). All young players, all unproven, all potentially inconsistent.
The problems on the South Side look to be their 5th starter and perhaps their offense. Freddy Garcia has been rocked a couple of times now, I believe, and I have my doubts that he can get better. He might just be done. I personally believe that their offense will be okay in the long run. It looks like Andruw Jones has something left in the tank, and if Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez can hit, they should be fine. Juan Pierre made a boneheaded baserunning blunder yesterday against the Blue Jays, but offensively he'll be fine for them. They just need to come together.
I won't expose my ignorance about the Bears any more than I have to, but they do not pick until the third round in the upcoming college draft. There is a slim chance that they are going to deal tight end Greg Olsen and that could produce another pick, maybe even as high as a second rounder. But in this uncapped year, it looks like they've done what they're going to do. We shouldn't be too upset - they did get the best player out there in Julius Peppers, and filled other needs with a blocking tight end and a running back (Chester Taylor).
So here we go. Hold onto your hats, the real action is coming up!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Colvin goes north
Manager Lou Piniella has apparently announced that Tyler Colvin, the first of Tim Wilken's first round draft picks, has won a spot on the big club and will be coming north when the team breaks camp soon. Colvin is a lefthanded hitting corner outfielder who can play some center as well, and he won the job by hitting in the high .400's this spring. How much of that was against major league pitching, I don't know...but I think it was a significant amount.
With Nady unavailable for outfield duty for probably another month or two, Colvin could see more than just late inning mop-up duty. Cub fans are predictably excited about this kid, and he comes with far less hype than their last two big outfield prospects, Corey Patterson and Felix Pie. A lot of us would love to see Colvin be given a shot in left if Soriano falters at the beginning of the season, something that's roughly got the same chances as aliens visiting Earth this year. (Soriano is in the fourth year of an eight year deal, paying him about 18 million per year. He's virtually untradable and can't really play anywhere but left anymore.)
Congratulations to Tyler Colvin!
*****
With Nady unavailable for outfield duty for probably another month or two, Colvin could see more than just late inning mop-up duty. Cub fans are predictably excited about this kid, and he comes with far less hype than their last two big outfield prospects, Corey Patterson and Felix Pie. A lot of us would love to see Colvin be given a shot in left if Soriano falters at the beginning of the season, something that's roughly got the same chances as aliens visiting Earth this year. (Soriano is in the fourth year of an eight year deal, paying him about 18 million per year. He's virtually untradable and can't really play anywhere but left anymore.)
Congratulations to Tyler Colvin!
*****
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
No news = ? News...
I haven't been posting anything here, because I haven't had much to say about Chicago sports at the moment.
The Cubs have had an okay spring, and apparently will start the season with Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzellany in their rotation. The Sox look good to me, regardless of their spring record. The Hawks are playing okay again after a bit of a slump after the Olympic break. The Bulls won a game with Noah back in limited minutes. I don't even know what they did in their last game. And the Bears made a huge splash in free agency, signing Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor and a couple others.
Nothing really bad, nothing really good (except the Bears news, which was really good, I think). So...no new posts. I'll probably get back to posting more here soon.
*****
The Cubs have had an okay spring, and apparently will start the season with Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzellany in their rotation. The Sox look good to me, regardless of their spring record. The Hawks are playing okay again after a bit of a slump after the Olympic break. The Bulls won a game with Noah back in limited minutes. I don't even know what they did in their last game. And the Bears made a huge splash in free agency, signing Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor and a couple others.
Nothing really bad, nothing really good (except the Bears news, which was really good, I think). So...no new posts. I'll probably get back to posting more here soon.
*****
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sometimes I wish I was a Sox fan...
And today is one of those days.
The Cubs have noted injuries to key RH reliever Angel Guzman and fourth OF Xavier Nady (oh, Nady's is that he isn't healed from last year's rotator cuff surgery). This leaves a questionable bullpen even more questionable and a serious kink in the backup plans for the outfield.
If I was a Sox fan, though, I could be anticipating one of the best rotations in the majors, with Peavy, Buehrle, Danks and Floyd heading it up, and decent options for their fifth starter. I'd be celebrating a solid offensive and defensive club, made strong up the middle with Beckham moving to second and Vizquel backing up the middle infield, and having options in the outfield which currently would start Juan Pierre in left, Alex Rios in center and Carlos Quentin in right, with Mark Kotsay and Andruw Jones in the wings with John Danks' little brother Jordan a dark horse candidate. I could be bragging about a solid pen with Jenks, Thornton and Putz heading it up, and decent names to look to in other roles. I could be looking to the future if catcher AJ Pierzynski doesn't continue to produce (no reason he shouldn't, actually) with guys like Tyler Flowers and other young players at other positions.
I could be gloating that the Twins have a serious problem at the back of their bullpen now. I could be feeling pretty good about my team's chances in the AL Central this year.
Instead, I'm a Cubs fan, stuck with plenty of question marks and Alfonso Soriano's albatross of a contract for another 5 years...
*****
The Cubs have noted injuries to key RH reliever Angel Guzman and fourth OF Xavier Nady (oh, Nady's is that he isn't healed from last year's rotator cuff surgery). This leaves a questionable bullpen even more questionable and a serious kink in the backup plans for the outfield.
If I was a Sox fan, though, I could be anticipating one of the best rotations in the majors, with Peavy, Buehrle, Danks and Floyd heading it up, and decent options for their fifth starter. I'd be celebrating a solid offensive and defensive club, made strong up the middle with Beckham moving to second and Vizquel backing up the middle infield, and having options in the outfield which currently would start Juan Pierre in left, Alex Rios in center and Carlos Quentin in right, with Mark Kotsay and Andruw Jones in the wings with John Danks' little brother Jordan a dark horse candidate. I could be bragging about a solid pen with Jenks, Thornton and Putz heading it up, and decent names to look to in other roles. I could be looking to the future if catcher AJ Pierzynski doesn't continue to produce (no reason he shouldn't, actually) with guys like Tyler Flowers and other young players at other positions.
I could be gloating that the Twins have a serious problem at the back of their bullpen now. I could be feeling pretty good about my team's chances in the AL Central this year.
Instead, I'm a Cubs fan, stuck with plenty of question marks and Alfonso Soriano's albatross of a contract for another 5 years...
*****
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Cubs Questions
I was reading another forum yesterday, and someone posted the following list of question: (I'm paraphrasing)
To that I would add:
I personally think that the outfield will be fine, even if Soriano goes to the DL all season. I think that Nady could probably slide over and play left, or they could slot a youngster into that position pretty quickly - maybe Colvin. Nady, Byrd and Fukudome would likely be a pretty solid if unspectacular outfield. The danger is if Soriano stays "healthy" (whatever that means at this point for him) and puts up 2009 numbers. That said, this team needs a healthy and productive Alfonso Soriano for a couple more years at least, if not all 5 remaining years.
As far as the rotation goes, it is what it is...Zambrano, Lilly (when he's ready), Dempster and Wells round out the first four, and the fifth spot will go to Gorzellany or Samardzija. Jeff Samardzija is the wild card - a guy with a great arm and a ton of talent who hasn't shown he can do it consistently at upper levels of the minors. But what if he lives up to some projections and becomes that middle to upper rotation guy, in the fifth slot? That would certainly help.
That's what championship teams need. Everything doesn't go as planned, and if you don't get some good to go with the bad, you don't usually make it all the way. We aren't all the Yankees or the Red Sox in terms of revenue.
I'm looking forward to the start of this season, which begins (in a way) today with their first spring training game...
***
1. When is Zambrano going to earn his money as an ace, or will he ever do so?
2. Is Soto a flash in the pan, a one year wonder? What if he is?
3. What about the horrible back end of the rotation?
4. What will Marlon Byrd do when the drunken racists out in the bleachers start getting on him?
5. Will Carlos Marmol be able to close games out without walking the world?
To that I would add:
6. Is Alfonso Soriano, age 34 (we think), on his way down, permanently?
7. Will Ted Lilly return to form after his off-season shoulder procedure?
8. Can Derrick Lee put up numbers again like he did last year?
9. Which Ryan Dempster is the real one: 2008 or 2009?
I personally think that the outfield will be fine, even if Soriano goes to the DL all season. I think that Nady could probably slide over and play left, or they could slot a youngster into that position pretty quickly - maybe Colvin. Nady, Byrd and Fukudome would likely be a pretty solid if unspectacular outfield. The danger is if Soriano stays "healthy" (whatever that means at this point for him) and puts up 2009 numbers. That said, this team needs a healthy and productive Alfonso Soriano for a couple more years at least, if not all 5 remaining years.
As far as the rotation goes, it is what it is...Zambrano, Lilly (when he's ready), Dempster and Wells round out the first four, and the fifth spot will go to Gorzellany or Samardzija. Jeff Samardzija is the wild card - a guy with a great arm and a ton of talent who hasn't shown he can do it consistently at upper levels of the minors. But what if he lives up to some projections and becomes that middle to upper rotation guy, in the fifth slot? That would certainly help.
That's what championship teams need. Everything doesn't go as planned, and if you don't get some good to go with the bad, you don't usually make it all the way. We aren't all the Yankees or the Red Sox in terms of revenue.
I'm looking forward to the start of this season, which begins (in a way) today with their first spring training game...
***
Monday, March 1, 2010
Black Hawks in the Olympics
It was a good year for the Black Hawks in the Olympics. Patrick Kane was the only Hawk on the US team, but there were three Hawks on the gold-medal Canadian team, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews. Sports talkers were saying that he appeared to be the BEST player in the tournament, and that's something to crow about: Possibly the best player in pro hockey is playing for the CHICAGO BLACK HAWKS!!!
I know that other Hawks were playing for their countries as well, though the only one I know for sure was Marian Hossa.
Congrats to the Canadians for winning the gold, and congrats to the United States team for taking the silver and for playing well enough to have won it all!
*****
I know that other Hawks were playing for their countries as well, though the only one I know for sure was Marian Hossa.
Congrats to the Canadians for winning the gold, and congrats to the United States team for taking the silver and for playing well enough to have won it all!
*****
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Cubs predictions
I picked up two baseball magazines yesterday, wanting to see what they had to say about our Chicago teams. I was a faithful reader of Street and Smith's, and had those yearbooks going back to something like 1972, but I can't find them anymore. (Are they out of business?)
Anyway, Athlon Sports yearbook has the Cubs third behind the Cardinals and the Brewers, in the NL Central. They have the White Sox second behind Minnesota in the AL Cental.
Lindy's Sports yearbook has both Chicago teams second in their divisions, behind the Cards and the Twins respectively.
I felt that Athlon had a bit of a bias against the Cubs, placing Derrick Lee at the bottom of the second tier of major league first baggers (13th overall), for their fantasy projections. They admit that his numbers from last year would place him firmly in their so-called "first tier" players, but that his age should lead to diminished expectations. Aramis Ramirez heads up the second tier of third baemen, and then admit that it is because of his injury filled 2009 season that he's here. Stil I can't fault them ranking him as the fifth best third baseman in the majors...that sounds about right.
They have Ted Lilly ranked as the 30th best starter in MLB, placing him in the middle of the tier 3 guys, but admit that he would be higher, solidly tier 2, if he wasn't coming off shoulder surgery. The surprising thing to me was that they rank Carlos Zambrano near the bottom of the tier 3 guys, at number 46. Okay, the guy has been a head case in the past, but his numbers support him being better than this, I believe. Ryan Dempster is at 63, in the middle of the tier 4 guys. And Randy Wells is a tier 5 guy, at 89.
Then again, they rank Mark Buehrle, who will start the season on opening day for the Sox, as the 38th best starter, surpassed on his own team by Jake Peavy, John Danks and Gavin Floyd. I understand these are fantasy rankings, and that they don't necessarily relate to how valuable these guys are to their teams, but I still think Zambrano should be higher up than 46.
Anyway, spring training is in full swing and it promises to be an interesting season on both sides of town.
Anyway, Athlon Sports yearbook has the Cubs third behind the Cardinals and the Brewers, in the NL Central. They have the White Sox second behind Minnesota in the AL Cental.
Lindy's Sports yearbook has both Chicago teams second in their divisions, behind the Cards and the Twins respectively.
I felt that Athlon had a bit of a bias against the Cubs, placing Derrick Lee at the bottom of the second tier of major league first baggers (13th overall), for their fantasy projections. They admit that his numbers from last year would place him firmly in their so-called "first tier" players, but that his age should lead to diminished expectations. Aramis Ramirez heads up the second tier of third baemen, and then admit that it is because of his injury filled 2009 season that he's here. Stil I can't fault them ranking him as the fifth best third baseman in the majors...that sounds about right.
They have Ted Lilly ranked as the 30th best starter in MLB, placing him in the middle of the tier 3 guys, but admit that he would be higher, solidly tier 2, if he wasn't coming off shoulder surgery. The surprising thing to me was that they rank Carlos Zambrano near the bottom of the tier 3 guys, at number 46. Okay, the guy has been a head case in the past, but his numbers support him being better than this, I believe. Ryan Dempster is at 63, in the middle of the tier 4 guys. And Randy Wells is a tier 5 guy, at 89.
Then again, they rank Mark Buehrle, who will start the season on opening day for the Sox, as the 38th best starter, surpassed on his own team by Jake Peavy, John Danks and Gavin Floyd. I understand these are fantasy rankings, and that they don't necessarily relate to how valuable these guys are to their teams, but I still think Zambrano should be higher up than 46.
Anyway, spring training is in full swing and it promises to be an interesting season on both sides of town.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bulls' state for Free Agents...
So how did the trades of Salmons and Thomas affect the Bulls for this summer's free agent frenzy?
As previously noted, the trade of Salmons removes the possibility of the player exercising his 5.8 million dollar option. Thomas's trade leaves the Bulls with an extra first round pick in the future, and no decision to be made at the end of the season regarding his status, as to whether he should be resigned or not.
This leaves the Bulls with about 21 million dollars under the cap, possibly a little less. (They have about 32 million dollars committed to six players - Hinrich, Deng, Rose, Noah, Gibson and James Johnson, last year's other first round pick. The best case scenario sees the cap at about 53 million dollars.) That's enough for one maximum contract of 16.5 million dollars. They will also have a draft pick in the 1-1.5 million dollar range. (Let's assume about 1 million here.) That leaves 3.5 million to fill four roster spots.
I believe the minimum salary is around 500 thousand a year, if you take three of those, you come up with about 2 million left for one middlin' veteran.
Let's say that the veteran they pursue is Chris Bosh, and that they are successful in getting him. Next year's Bulls team would look something like this: Starting lineup would be Noah, Bosh, Deng, Rose and Hinrich. Taj Gibson and James Johnson would have to come off the bench, along with their first round pick next year. The other four spots will be taken up with perhaps a second round pick and two more minimum salary guys, and then a veteran player, maybe even Flip Murray or someone of that ilk.
Is that a good enough team to compete in the East? Well, it certainly is on the starting 5. But there isn't much depth on this team.
It will be an interesting summer.
As previously noted, the trade of Salmons removes the possibility of the player exercising his 5.8 million dollar option. Thomas's trade leaves the Bulls with an extra first round pick in the future, and no decision to be made at the end of the season regarding his status, as to whether he should be resigned or not.
This leaves the Bulls with about 21 million dollars under the cap, possibly a little less. (They have about 32 million dollars committed to six players - Hinrich, Deng, Rose, Noah, Gibson and James Johnson, last year's other first round pick. The best case scenario sees the cap at about 53 million dollars.) That's enough for one maximum contract of 16.5 million dollars. They will also have a draft pick in the 1-1.5 million dollar range. (Let's assume about 1 million here.) That leaves 3.5 million to fill four roster spots.
I believe the minimum salary is around 500 thousand a year, if you take three of those, you come up with about 2 million left for one middlin' veteran.
Let's say that the veteran they pursue is Chris Bosh, and that they are successful in getting him. Next year's Bulls team would look something like this: Starting lineup would be Noah, Bosh, Deng, Rose and Hinrich. Taj Gibson and James Johnson would have to come off the bench, along with their first round pick next year. The other four spots will be taken up with perhaps a second round pick and two more minimum salary guys, and then a veteran player, maybe even Flip Murray or someone of that ilk.
Is that a good enough team to compete in the East? Well, it certainly is on the starting 5. But there isn't much depth on this team.
It will be an interesting summer.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Chicago sports and Tiger
So I'm on my way to work this morning, and I flip on my radio, tuned to WSCR. Before 9, I listen to Mike Mulligan (a Loyola Chicago grad, just like me!) and Brian Hanley, because WMVP, ESPN's Chicago affiliate, carries a nationally syndicated show called Mike and Mike (which is good, but not Chicago focused - like most ESPN stuff, it's mostly concerned with East Coast stuff and big stories).
Wanting to get my fix of Chicago sports news, because, after all, the Bulls made two deals yesterday and I wanted to hear about how this affects their offseason free agent shopping. Wanted to hear how it might affect their team now. What these guys thought about Hakeem Warrick and Flip Murray and Acie Law and Joe Alexander, because the truth is I don't know that much about them yet.
And all I hear is Tiger Woods.
So I flip over to the national show on ESPN1000, and of course, it's the same crap over there.
Okay, I get it. The guy's probably the best golfer ever. He got caught after having numerous extra-marital affairs. Some sponsors dropped him, and he hasn't been back on the links yet. That's the story. The rest of this - gossip. Save it for OK Magazine, or US, or even the Enquirer. I've heard enough.
Please just give me Chicago sports talk again. Obviously some people are interested in this story, because some people were calling into Mully and Hanley, but I'm not. I wanted info on the Bulls, the Cubs, the White Sox, the Hawks, the Olympians, and even the Bears.
Didn't get a word of it.
Wanting to get my fix of Chicago sports news, because, after all, the Bulls made two deals yesterday and I wanted to hear about how this affects their offseason free agent shopping. Wanted to hear how it might affect their team now. What these guys thought about Hakeem Warrick and Flip Murray and Acie Law and Joe Alexander, because the truth is I don't know that much about them yet.
And all I hear is Tiger Woods.
So I flip over to the national show on ESPN1000, and of course, it's the same crap over there.
Okay, I get it. The guy's probably the best golfer ever. He got caught after having numerous extra-marital affairs. Some sponsors dropped him, and he hasn't been back on the links yet. That's the story. The rest of this - gossip. Save it for OK Magazine, or US, or even the Enquirer. I've heard enough.
Please just give me Chicago sports talk again. Obviously some people are interested in this story, because some people were calling into Mully and Hanley, but I'm not. I wanted info on the Bulls, the Cubs, the White Sox, the Hawks, the Olympians, and even the Bears.
Didn't get a word of it.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thomas, Salmons traded
The Bulls have apparently finished up two draft deadline deals, trading John Salmons to Milwaukee for two expiring contracts, Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander. The Bucks will also have the right to swap first round draft position with the Bulls in the 2010 college draft (unless the pick is in the top ten), and they receive two second round picks.
In a separate deal, Tyrus Thomas was dealt to the Charlotte Bobcats for the expiring contracts of Acie Law and Flip Murray. The Bulls also receive a future, protected first round pick from the Bobcats.
The Salmons deal makes the Bulls players for one max-contract guy, and I'm sure they'll be aiming at Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudamire. Salmons had the right to "opt in" for 5.8 million dollars in 2010/2011, which would have left the Bulls either needing to renounce Thomas or not be able to offer a max contract.
The Thomas deal makes less sense. The Bobcats apparently have no first round pick in the 2010 draft, so the protected pick probably will be a 2011 pick. Since the Bulls no longer needed to renounce Thomas to get enough under the cap for a max guy, I don't quite see the urgency in terms of the cap. They could decide at the end of the year what to do with him. And the draft pick is not going to help this year, unless they use it to trade for another pick.
The only other thing is that perhaps the Bulls just want to get rid of Thomas' attitude and inconsistency. I suppose that's a good reason for moving him, though I would have thought he would have more value than he apparently did.
We'll see what the future brings for this franchise.
In a separate deal, Tyrus Thomas was dealt to the Charlotte Bobcats for the expiring contracts of Acie Law and Flip Murray. The Bulls also receive a future, protected first round pick from the Bobcats.
The Salmons deal makes the Bulls players for one max-contract guy, and I'm sure they'll be aiming at Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudamire. Salmons had the right to "opt in" for 5.8 million dollars in 2010/2011, which would have left the Bulls either needing to renounce Thomas or not be able to offer a max contract.
The Thomas deal makes less sense. The Bobcats apparently have no first round pick in the 2010 draft, so the protected pick probably will be a 2011 pick. Since the Bulls no longer needed to renounce Thomas to get enough under the cap for a max guy, I don't quite see the urgency in terms of the cap. They could decide at the end of the year what to do with him. And the draft pick is not going to help this year, unless they use it to trade for another pick.
The only other thing is that perhaps the Bulls just want to get rid of Thomas' attitude and inconsistency. I suppose that's a good reason for moving him, though I would have thought he would have more value than he apparently did.
We'll see what the future brings for this franchise.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Black Hawk Talk...
I have to admit that I don't know much about hockey. The Black Hawks have been so irrelevant in Chicago that I lost interest.
But that isn't really much of an excuse either. The truth is, I lost interest a long time ago. I got interested in college basketball, then both college and pro basketball, then concentrated on the Bulls as they got good in the early nineties thanks to a certain guy with the initials M.J. A lot of my friends were big football fans, and when the Bears won the Super Bowl in 1985, I started following them more. And of course, there was always baseball, and the Cubs.
I used to watch hockey in my youth, when it was Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, Cliff Korral (sp?) and Keith Magnussen and Tony Esposito. I was dimly aware of the team when they had Jeremy Roenicke and Eddie Balfour, but I didn't follow the sport closely.
But guess what? We're back to having a Hawks team where I know a bunch of names! Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marion Hossa, Antty Niemi (sp?) and Troy Brouer and Dave Bolland, those are names I hear often on Chicago sports chat, and I recognize immediately now.
Maybe these guys are relevant again. They are certainly GOOD. That's good to see.
*****
But that isn't really much of an excuse either. The truth is, I lost interest a long time ago. I got interested in college basketball, then both college and pro basketball, then concentrated on the Bulls as they got good in the early nineties thanks to a certain guy with the initials M.J. A lot of my friends were big football fans, and when the Bears won the Super Bowl in 1985, I started following them more. And of course, there was always baseball, and the Cubs.
I used to watch hockey in my youth, when it was Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, Cliff Korral (sp?) and Keith Magnussen and Tony Esposito. I was dimly aware of the team when they had Jeremy Roenicke and Eddie Balfour, but I didn't follow the sport closely.
But guess what? We're back to having a Hawks team where I know a bunch of names! Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marion Hossa, Antty Niemi (sp?) and Troy Brouer and Dave Bolland, those are names I hear often on Chicago sports chat, and I recognize immediately now.
Maybe these guys are relevant again. They are certainly GOOD. That's good to see.
*****
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Derrick Rose injury!
I wasn't able to watch the game last night versus Orlando, but I saw the highlights, and was dismayed to watch Derrick Rose take a hard foul as he drove to the basket from Dwight Howard. He went down and did not return to the game.
Bulls fans everywhere were in full panic mode this morning while speculating on what could be the worst case scenarios. The Bulls' staff announced this morning that while they weren't ruling out a fracture, it was very unlikely, and it appeared to be a bone bruise.
Later in the day, discussion centered on whether Rose should play in the All Star game this weekend, with most weighing in that he should not be allowed to play. Too much is riding on Rose's continued health; he looks like he might be a dominant guard in the league, maybe before this season is over.
You hate to tell a kid that he can't go to his first All Star game, even though you know he'll probably have many more chances to experience the event. Were I advising the Bulls, I think I'd suggest that he be allowed to go, to suit up, but that his play be limited, that is, if Rose himself still wants to go or feels good enough to play. He has to understand that the Bulls' future is on his shoulders, and he needs to do everything in his power to stay healthy.
*****
Bulls fans everywhere were in full panic mode this morning while speculating on what could be the worst case scenarios. The Bulls' staff announced this morning that while they weren't ruling out a fracture, it was very unlikely, and it appeared to be a bone bruise.
Later in the day, discussion centered on whether Rose should play in the All Star game this weekend, with most weighing in that he should not be allowed to play. Too much is riding on Rose's continued health; he looks like he might be a dominant guard in the league, maybe before this season is over.
You hate to tell a kid that he can't go to his first All Star game, even though you know he'll probably have many more chances to experience the event. Were I advising the Bulls, I think I'd suggest that he be allowed to go, to suit up, but that his play be limited, that is, if Rose himself still wants to go or feels good enough to play. He has to understand that the Bulls' future is on his shoulders, and he needs to do everything in his power to stay healthy.
*****
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Bulls' Forward Tyrus Thomas blows up
Old news by now, but Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas was suspended for one game for cussing out his coach, Vinnie Del Negro, behind closed doors. Apparently Thomas was upset that he isn't starting. He has some legitimate beefs. He seems to have lost his starting role due to injury. His statistics are better than his replacement, though they are mostly logged against second teamers. And he is a very athletic shot blocker and since he's returned from the injured list, the Bulls have played better and won more.
On the other hand, Tyrus looks to be two different players...or should I say indifferent? At times he harnesses all that athletic ability and puts together dominant stretches of floor time, but at other times, "indifferent" is maybe the best way to put an attempt to describe his play. He will be in the wrong place, he won't hustle, he won't help when he should. There are times, also, where it looks like Tyrus is all about "me", when he takes ill-advised shots, makes moves for the sake of making moves, and tries to block a shot by leaving his man, who then scores easily. Maybe that should have been that he looks to be THREE different players.
He came back against the Indiana Pacers, who are not a very good team, and played well by all accounts, though I didn't see the game. He started, too, and that of course led to speculation as to who is calling the shots here.
The Bulls need Tyrus to play well. They also need for their coach, who I am not too fond of, to play him and leave his apparent dislike of Tyrus out of the equation. They need these things because they probably have to trade Tyrus soon, before the deadline. He's a number 4 overall pick, traded to the Bulls for the number 2 overall pick (LaMarcus Aldridge) and someone who is forgotten by now. He can be an expiring contract if the Bulls renounce his rights this offseason; he would be a restricted free agent if they don't. But the Bulls really don't want to get nothing out of that draft except for cap space, I believe. They want to get something of value for Tyrus.
I don't know if that's possible anymore, but it will be with some interest that we watch what happens with Thomas over the next couple of weeks.
*****
On the other hand, Tyrus looks to be two different players...or should I say indifferent? At times he harnesses all that athletic ability and puts together dominant stretches of floor time, but at other times, "indifferent" is maybe the best way to put an attempt to describe his play. He will be in the wrong place, he won't hustle, he won't help when he should. There are times, also, where it looks like Tyrus is all about "me", when he takes ill-advised shots, makes moves for the sake of making moves, and tries to block a shot by leaving his man, who then scores easily. Maybe that should have been that he looks to be THREE different players.
He came back against the Indiana Pacers, who are not a very good team, and played well by all accounts, though I didn't see the game. He started, too, and that of course led to speculation as to who is calling the shots here.
The Bulls need Tyrus to play well. They also need for their coach, who I am not too fond of, to play him and leave his apparent dislike of Tyrus out of the equation. They need these things because they probably have to trade Tyrus soon, before the deadline. He's a number 4 overall pick, traded to the Bulls for the number 2 overall pick (LaMarcus Aldridge) and someone who is forgotten by now. He can be an expiring contract if the Bulls renounce his rights this offseason; he would be a restricted free agent if they don't. But the Bulls really don't want to get nothing out of that draft except for cap space, I believe. They want to get something of value for Tyrus.
I don't know if that's possible anymore, but it will be with some interest that we watch what happens with Thomas over the next couple of weeks.
*****
Monday, February 8, 2010
An Exciting Super Bowl - from a Bears fan perspective
I really enjoyed this Superbowl between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. Though I was rooting for the Saints, I thought the Colts would win it. Were I a betting man, I would have put money on the Colts, not the Saints. Great game, all the way through it.
But what I was thinking as I woke up this morning was that the Bears beat the Saints in 2005, on their way to the Super Bowl. And of course they lost to the Colts in the big game. Here it is, 5 years later. The Bears have not been back to the playoffs since. The Colts are almost always there, and that's got a lot to do with having Peyton Manning as their QB. And there are those Saints, a different team than the one the Bears beat, to be sure, but isn't that what forward progress is about? Changing things for the better?
The Bears, on the other hand, were nowhere near the playoffs this year. It's telling that these particular two teams are already back on top as the Bears flop around aimlessly. Their offense was dismal, and they sacrificed the offensive coaching staff, even though the front office failed to provide much of an offensive line, receivers, and staked their hopes at running back on a second year guy who may or may not be much more than servicable in the future. Yes, they went out and got the "franchise" quarterback. But it goes to show that one player doesn't make the team if he has no weapons around him.
Next year we'll be hoping that Mike Martz can right the ship offensively, and that Rod Marinelli can concentrate on the defensive schemes that coach Lovie Smith, who doubled as defensive coordinator last season, wants to run but couldn't because of his head coaching duties. Lovie doesn't like to tell anyone anything; he gave a press conference back that the beginning of the offseason that the d-coordinator would come from outside, and that he hadn't considered Marinelli for the position, but then after they announce that Marinelli will in fact take that job, he said he has been envisioning him in that role all along. It's pretty close to lying outright about his intentions, but I guess if he's comfortable with the lying, we shouldn't worry about it all that much.
Now comes the hard work of finding some players for this team. With no draft picks in the first three rounds (I think they gave up their third round pick this year for Cutler), it's going to be a tough job.
But what I was thinking as I woke up this morning was that the Bears beat the Saints in 2005, on their way to the Super Bowl. And of course they lost to the Colts in the big game. Here it is, 5 years later. The Bears have not been back to the playoffs since. The Colts are almost always there, and that's got a lot to do with having Peyton Manning as their QB. And there are those Saints, a different team than the one the Bears beat, to be sure, but isn't that what forward progress is about? Changing things for the better?
The Bears, on the other hand, were nowhere near the playoffs this year. It's telling that these particular two teams are already back on top as the Bears flop around aimlessly. Their offense was dismal, and they sacrificed the offensive coaching staff, even though the front office failed to provide much of an offensive line, receivers, and staked their hopes at running back on a second year guy who may or may not be much more than servicable in the future. Yes, they went out and got the "franchise" quarterback. But it goes to show that one player doesn't make the team if he has no weapons around him.
Next year we'll be hoping that Mike Martz can right the ship offensively, and that Rod Marinelli can concentrate on the defensive schemes that coach Lovie Smith, who doubled as defensive coordinator last season, wants to run but couldn't because of his head coaching duties. Lovie doesn't like to tell anyone anything; he gave a press conference back that the beginning of the offseason that the d-coordinator would come from outside, and that he hadn't considered Marinelli for the position, but then after they announce that Marinelli will in fact take that job, he said he has been envisioning him in that role all along. It's pretty close to lying outright about his intentions, but I guess if he's comfortable with the lying, we shouldn't worry about it all that much.
Now comes the hard work of finding some players for this team. With no draft picks in the first three rounds (I think they gave up their third round pick this year for Cutler), it's going to be a tough job.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Bulls trade rumor
This trade rumor is a couple of days old now. It's been going around that the Bulls and Celtics might be discussing a deal for Ray Allen and his 19+ million dollar expiring contract. The names being suggested for the Bulls to send to the Celtics are Kirk Hinrich and John Salmons.
If I'm the Bulls I do it. I've read assertions that they'll be better (because Ray Allen is a big two guard who can shoot the lights out) and that they'll be worse (because Ray Allen can't defend as well as Hinrich and can't back up the point - he can pretty much play only one position at this point in his career, and his age is catching up with him this year).
But I suppose that does not matter in the end. This Bulls team is not a championship team. The regret I'd have with dealing Hinrich is that I think he could be an important part of a championship team, as a third combo guard. But I wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice him for that sort of cap space. Hinrich is, I believe, signed through 2012, and his yearly dollar amount decreases (instead of increasing) each year. Salmons has an opt-out for next summer which the Bulls probably hope he exercises, but, with the way he's playing this year, he's likely to elect to take the 6 million and stay with the Bulls. I'm sure they'd need to include some cap filler, maybe Jerome James, to get to where Allen is, salary-wise, but it does clear several million dollars that otherwise won't be going anywhere, and would likely allow the Bulls to pursue two quality free agents.
The question is why the Celtics would do this. Do they really feel that Allen's skills are dimishing so much that they need to get rid of him right now? And why not just keep him and not resign him? I don't know what the impact of the Celtics simply letting him go would be but it probably would not give them the full 19 million like it would the Bulls, since they have to match salaries in order to make the deal. And if they're going for it this year (as I'm sure they are), do they feel that Hinrich (or Salmons) provide something valuable that Allen can't provide at this point? Defense (in Hinrich's case)?
It's an interesting rumor, and if I were the Bulls GM and this is seriously on the table, I think I'd be doing it.
If I'm the Bulls I do it. I've read assertions that they'll be better (because Ray Allen is a big two guard who can shoot the lights out) and that they'll be worse (because Ray Allen can't defend as well as Hinrich and can't back up the point - he can pretty much play only one position at this point in his career, and his age is catching up with him this year).
But I suppose that does not matter in the end. This Bulls team is not a championship team. The regret I'd have with dealing Hinrich is that I think he could be an important part of a championship team, as a third combo guard. But I wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice him for that sort of cap space. Hinrich is, I believe, signed through 2012, and his yearly dollar amount decreases (instead of increasing) each year. Salmons has an opt-out for next summer which the Bulls probably hope he exercises, but, with the way he's playing this year, he's likely to elect to take the 6 million and stay with the Bulls. I'm sure they'd need to include some cap filler, maybe Jerome James, to get to where Allen is, salary-wise, but it does clear several million dollars that otherwise won't be going anywhere, and would likely allow the Bulls to pursue two quality free agents.
The question is why the Celtics would do this. Do they really feel that Allen's skills are dimishing so much that they need to get rid of him right now? And why not just keep him and not resign him? I don't know what the impact of the Celtics simply letting him go would be but it probably would not give them the full 19 million like it would the Bulls, since they have to match salaries in order to make the deal. And if they're going for it this year (as I'm sure they are), do they feel that Hinrich (or Salmons) provide something valuable that Allen can't provide at this point? Defense (in Hinrich's case)?
It's an interesting rumor, and if I were the Bulls GM and this is seriously on the table, I think I'd be doing it.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Cubs 2010
I'm sure I'll write a few posts with this title. That's okay, right?
Anyway, it is looking like our Cubs team for 2010 is fairly set. The only thing that would seem to still be on the to-do list is to add a veteran arm to the rotation.
For this post, I'd like to write a bit about their apparent outfield:
In left, the 136 million (or some other obscene amount) dollar man, Alfonso Soriano. Bad year last year. He just did not perform up to his norms in any category, or so it seems without looking up his statistics. His biggest weakness at the plate is his inability to lay off pitches low and outside (WAY low and outside). In the field he just appears to take bad routes and get bad jumps, but he makes up for some of that with athleticism and speed. I get the impression that he's afraid of the wall out there, as he seems tentative on the hard-hit deep liners that are catchable.
Soriano's going to strike out more than his share, and he's going to make some boneheaded plays in left, but if he's feeling okay, he should hit better than last year, and hopefully for more power. I don't think he's their leadoff man this year, but who knows what Lou might end up doing? His best position (aside from DH, but this is the NL) is where he is - left field.
In right field, it looks like a platoon with lefty Kosuke Fukudome and righty Xavier Nady. I like this situation; it could be very prductive. Fukudome had a pretty fair year last year. Did he earn his 12+ million? Maybe not, but he wasn't bad either. His OBP was decent, and he played decent defense in center. He's moving back to right, and probably will bat 2nd or 7th. (It would make sense to lead him off, but I can't see Lou doing that.)
Nady is a guy I've always liked, from when he was drafted (by San Diego, I think) and on to his days in Pittsburgh. He was injured last year, and had Tommy John surgery to fix him up. He's not a pitcher, so I don't know how much it will affect him. I suspect he'll be okay this year. He's got a good bat and a decent glove in right.
In center the newly signed Marlon Byrd takes over. Byrd hit for some power last year in Texas, and has a little speed. When they first signed him, I thought he would lead off, but I'm not sure he's cut out to do that nowadays. I don't know yet where they plan to bat him, but he should be an improvement over Bradley in terms of demeanor if nothing else.
Reserves (probably spending the year at Iowa) will include Sam Fuld and Tyler Colvin. Colvin is the former first round pick (Tim Wilken's first as the guy in charge of the amateur draft) who started out great but has tailed off in recent years. He's had good years, but it seems they've usually come after repeating a level. I'm interested to see what he can do, but not so much this year.
Fuld is a sparkplug type, an all out player who will crash into walls and dive to make plays, leg out hits and be a bit of a pest on the bases. He might be a good 5th outfielder when they need one of them.
It isn't the greatest outfield in the world, but it's decent and uncontroversial. It's also highly paid, thanks to Soriano and Fukudome. But it isn't a weak spot exactly. I don't mind them going to battle with these guys.
*****
Anyway, it is looking like our Cubs team for 2010 is fairly set. The only thing that would seem to still be on the to-do list is to add a veteran arm to the rotation.
For this post, I'd like to write a bit about their apparent outfield:
In left, the 136 million (or some other obscene amount) dollar man, Alfonso Soriano. Bad year last year. He just did not perform up to his norms in any category, or so it seems without looking up his statistics. His biggest weakness at the plate is his inability to lay off pitches low and outside (WAY low and outside). In the field he just appears to take bad routes and get bad jumps, but he makes up for some of that with athleticism and speed. I get the impression that he's afraid of the wall out there, as he seems tentative on the hard-hit deep liners that are catchable.
Soriano's going to strike out more than his share, and he's going to make some boneheaded plays in left, but if he's feeling okay, he should hit better than last year, and hopefully for more power. I don't think he's their leadoff man this year, but who knows what Lou might end up doing? His best position (aside from DH, but this is the NL) is where he is - left field.
In right field, it looks like a platoon with lefty Kosuke Fukudome and righty Xavier Nady. I like this situation; it could be very prductive. Fukudome had a pretty fair year last year. Did he earn his 12+ million? Maybe not, but he wasn't bad either. His OBP was decent, and he played decent defense in center. He's moving back to right, and probably will bat 2nd or 7th. (It would make sense to lead him off, but I can't see Lou doing that.)
Nady is a guy I've always liked, from when he was drafted (by San Diego, I think) and on to his days in Pittsburgh. He was injured last year, and had Tommy John surgery to fix him up. He's not a pitcher, so I don't know how much it will affect him. I suspect he'll be okay this year. He's got a good bat and a decent glove in right.
In center the newly signed Marlon Byrd takes over. Byrd hit for some power last year in Texas, and has a little speed. When they first signed him, I thought he would lead off, but I'm not sure he's cut out to do that nowadays. I don't know yet where they plan to bat him, but he should be an improvement over Bradley in terms of demeanor if nothing else.
Reserves (probably spending the year at Iowa) will include Sam Fuld and Tyler Colvin. Colvin is the former first round pick (Tim Wilken's first as the guy in charge of the amateur draft) who started out great but has tailed off in recent years. He's had good years, but it seems they've usually come after repeating a level. I'm interested to see what he can do, but not so much this year.
Fuld is a sparkplug type, an all out player who will crash into walls and dive to make plays, leg out hits and be a bit of a pest on the bases. He might be a good 5th outfielder when they need one of them.
It isn't the greatest outfield in the world, but it's decent and uncontroversial. It's also highly paid, thanks to Soriano and Fukudome. But it isn't a weak spot exactly. I don't mind them going to battle with these guys.
*****
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Let's talk Chicago sports...
Being from the Chicago area, I love my Chicago sports teams. I admit, however, that most of my passion is reserved for the Cubs and the Bulls, though I'm interested also in the White Sox and the Bears. I'm excited about the Black Hawks this year, but I can't say I know much about hockey, so I won't pretend to write on that subject with any authority.
I also like following a few college teams, namely, my alma mater, the Loyola Ramblers, and my second alma mater, the U.I.C. Flames. My interest in these college sports is pretty much limited to basketball, however.
From time to time I may have a comment or two about one of the local minor league teams, especially the Joliet Jackhammers. While I am no longer a season ticket holder, I follow them loosely, and maybe a little more intensity if they do well.
Mostly I figure this blog will be my opinions and analysis about baseball and basketball. We'll see where it goes for now. My other blogs, Disney Fan Ramblings, and Rambler (on Journalscape) are not frequently updated, but I try. Sports might be an easier topic to write about. If you've found me here, thanks for reading!
I also like following a few college teams, namely, my alma mater, the Loyola Ramblers, and my second alma mater, the U.I.C. Flames. My interest in these college sports is pretty much limited to basketball, however.
From time to time I may have a comment or two about one of the local minor league teams, especially the Joliet Jackhammers. While I am no longer a season ticket holder, I follow them loosely, and maybe a little more intensity if they do well.
Mostly I figure this blog will be my opinions and analysis about baseball and basketball. We'll see where it goes for now. My other blogs, Disney Fan Ramblings, and Rambler (on Journalscape) are not frequently updated, but I try. Sports might be an easier topic to write about. If you've found me here, thanks for reading!
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