Just a quick post to note that the Bears drafted OL Kyle Long out of Oregon with their 20th pick in the first round of the NFL draft.
Seems that it was a bit of a surprise. I heard one guy saying that the two surprises of the first round were Buffalo taking the QB they took and the Bears, who everyone thought would either go for Tyler Eifort if he was there, or a defensive player, probably a linebacker like T'eo (from Notre Dame) or Alec Ogletree, but maybe the corner (Trufant) who was drafted two picks later.
As of the end of the first round, T'eo and Kevin Minter are still on the board, along with some fairly highly thought-of QB's and a bunch of other guys who were at least discussed as potential first rounders.
The Bears only have 5 picks, and have to make every one of them count. Round Two starts tonight at 6:30 pm CDT, and the Bears once again have the 20th pick.
What are the chances of T'eo or Kevin Minter dropping to them?
Should they consider a QB if Barkley or Smith drop that far? (That might not be such a bad idea...especially if their new coach really likes one of these guys...)
*****
Friday, April 26, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Loyola jumps to a new conference...
...but not that all-Catholic school conference.
They are dropping out of the Horizon League and going to the Missouri Valley Conference.
I hope it helps with recruiting. At Loyola's level currently, upgrading the players/talent is all that's really going to help them.
*****
They are dropping out of the Horizon League and going to the Missouri Valley Conference.
I hope it helps with recruiting. At Loyola's level currently, upgrading the players/talent is all that's really going to help them.
*****
Who are these guys?
Admittedly, I haven't been following along during this Cubs' offseason as carefully as I have in years past, but when they read off the lineup card, I'm surprised by how little I know about most players on the Cubs.
I know a few of them were there last year, guys like Valbuena (the third baseman) and Camp (the pitcher), but most of their bullpen and some of their rotation and even the free agents - I don't know much about them.
So, what do they have, going forward? Who's a part of this team when they're actually trying to be good again? I'd guess Castro, Rizzo, Samardzija, maybe Castillo (the catcher), maybe Barney, maybe Travis Wood and Jeff Russell. DeJesus, Schuerholz (sp?), Ian Stewart and Scott Hairston are probably elsewhere as soon as next year. We can only hope that Marmol and maybe even Soriano are elsewhere as well. And Edwin Jackson got a sizable contract but he's not untradable either.
To tell you the truth, I'm not even sure about Castro and Rizzo. We have to see what Rizzo can do for an entire season. And Castro so far looks better at short, but as late as the end of last year, there was discussion as to whether that was his position or not. (No questions about Castro's hitting.) Soler and Baez are coming, but can they be counted upon to be impact players? We've seen Josh Vitters and Ryan Harvey and a score of others come through and not make any impact. We've seen players like McGehee and Hinske be given up on by the Cubs and go on to have relatively (compared to other Cubs prospects) productive careers elsewhere. I know it's a new regime in charge of everything, including player development, but so far I haven't seen anything to inspire a ton of confidence in this team's player development.
To tell you the truth, as a Cubs fan for over 40 years, I'm really tired of watching, investing time and emotion in the Cubs, and ... of just WAITING TILL NEXT YEAR...
*****
I know a few of them were there last year, guys like Valbuena (the third baseman) and Camp (the pitcher), but most of their bullpen and some of their rotation and even the free agents - I don't know much about them.
So, what do they have, going forward? Who's a part of this team when they're actually trying to be good again? I'd guess Castro, Rizzo, Samardzija, maybe Castillo (the catcher), maybe Barney, maybe Travis Wood and Jeff Russell. DeJesus, Schuerholz (sp?), Ian Stewart and Scott Hairston are probably elsewhere as soon as next year. We can only hope that Marmol and maybe even Soriano are elsewhere as well. And Edwin Jackson got a sizable contract but he's not untradable either.
To tell you the truth, I'm not even sure about Castro and Rizzo. We have to see what Rizzo can do for an entire season. And Castro so far looks better at short, but as late as the end of last year, there was discussion as to whether that was his position or not. (No questions about Castro's hitting.) Soler and Baez are coming, but can they be counted upon to be impact players? We've seen Josh Vitters and Ryan Harvey and a score of others come through and not make any impact. We've seen players like McGehee and Hinske be given up on by the Cubs and go on to have relatively (compared to other Cubs prospects) productive careers elsewhere. I know it's a new regime in charge of everything, including player development, but so far I haven't seen anything to inspire a ton of confidence in this team's player development.
To tell you the truth, as a Cubs fan for over 40 years, I'm really tired of watching, investing time and emotion in the Cubs, and ... of just WAITING TILL NEXT YEAR...
*****
Thursday, March 14, 2013
New conference of Catholic schools...
Two posts in one day? Some kind of record for me recently...
I wanted to touch base on the report that several schools, including DePaul, St. John's, Marquette, and Notre Dame, are forming a new conference made up of all Catholic schools.
This is where Loyola should be. I know they're a founding member of the Horizon League. I was there when they formed it. It was then called the Midwestern City Conference, and included Butler, Oklahoma City, Oral Roberts, Detroit, Xavier, Evansville and Loyola, and maybe one or two more. That's right, Xavier. They were a founding member of this conference also. They didn't let that keep them from joining a better conference. Back then, they were often in the NCAA tourney as a representative from this conference when they went to that automatic bid system. They were good. They've gotten better because they're in a better conference. Of course, now Butler's gone too.
Loyola isn't good. But if they were playing ND and St. John's regularly, they might be. They might be able to recruit better players, and do better things.
Maybe there's going to be a requirement that the team play in a certain sized stadium, and the Gentile Center won't be big enough. But if they can, they should move to that conference.
Hey, a Jesuit is now pope, so why shouldn't LU embrace their religious background and play in this much better conference?
*****
I wanted to touch base on the report that several schools, including DePaul, St. John's, Marquette, and Notre Dame, are forming a new conference made up of all Catholic schools.
This is where Loyola should be. I know they're a founding member of the Horizon League. I was there when they formed it. It was then called the Midwestern City Conference, and included Butler, Oklahoma City, Oral Roberts, Detroit, Xavier, Evansville and Loyola, and maybe one or two more. That's right, Xavier. They were a founding member of this conference also. They didn't let that keep them from joining a better conference. Back then, they were often in the NCAA tourney as a representative from this conference when they went to that automatic bid system. They were good. They've gotten better because they're in a better conference. Of course, now Butler's gone too.
Loyola isn't good. But if they were playing ND and St. John's regularly, they might be. They might be able to recruit better players, and do better things.
Maybe there's going to be a requirement that the team play in a certain sized stadium, and the Gentile Center won't be big enough. But if they can, they should move to that conference.
Hey, a Jesuit is now pope, so why shouldn't LU embrace their religious background and play in this much better conference?
*****
Harry Teinowitz gone from ESPN 1000
I noticed it a couple weeks ago and meant to find out why ESPN 1000 had gotten rid of afternoon co-host Harry Teinowitz from the show Carm, Jurko and Harry. I liked Harry. I thought he injected levity and irreverence into an otherwise not-very-attractive grouping. Yes, some of his jokes fell flat, but some didn't, and I thought the show was better for his input.
It seemed, however, that his co-hosts didn't like him much. First Dan MacNeal, who seemed to be happy to throw insults Harry's way, and didn't like it much when Harry returned fire. Now John Jurkovic (I don't know if I'm spelling that correctly), who does the same thing. When I'd listen, it would sound a little like bullying with Carmen trying to smooth things over and keep things focused on sports, which is where Carmen always seems to be focused.
I guess that the common denominator was Harry in these little on-air feuds...so maybe his personality in person was a problem. But over the air, it sounded like he just was being made the brunt of jokes. And the other two, especially Jurko, were a little too happy when he was gone and they were on their own.
I liked them, with Harry, as an alternative to the insulting and arrogant Bernstein and Boers on WSCR. I think Bernstein and Boers both are very intelligent, but I think they got the idea that their schtick of ripping their callers for their opinions is worth listening to. I know I switch over, even though I like their insights. Too uncomfortable listening to them trashing another fan as knowing nothing, or however they can belittle the caller's opinion.
Listening to Carm and Jurko the last few days on my drive home has NOT been as entertaining. Carm is likeable but Jurko just comes off as, well, kind of a jerk. At least they're not condescending and downright insulting to their callers, so I'll probably keep listening to them. But it won't be as fun. I'd rather listen to Waddle and Silvy. Or J. Hood. (Always have really liked Hoodie. He can be condescending at times, but usually he's pretty respectful of his callers/listeners. He's smart, informative, opinionated, and funny.) Or Lawrence Holmes on the Score. Thank God for Mully and Hanley and for Mac and Spiegs in the morning.
*****
It seemed, however, that his co-hosts didn't like him much. First Dan MacNeal, who seemed to be happy to throw insults Harry's way, and didn't like it much when Harry returned fire. Now John Jurkovic (I don't know if I'm spelling that correctly), who does the same thing. When I'd listen, it would sound a little like bullying with Carmen trying to smooth things over and keep things focused on sports, which is where Carmen always seems to be focused.
I guess that the common denominator was Harry in these little on-air feuds...so maybe his personality in person was a problem. But over the air, it sounded like he just was being made the brunt of jokes. And the other two, especially Jurko, were a little too happy when he was gone and they were on their own.
I liked them, with Harry, as an alternative to the insulting and arrogant Bernstein and Boers on WSCR. I think Bernstein and Boers both are very intelligent, but I think they got the idea that their schtick of ripping their callers for their opinions is worth listening to. I know I switch over, even though I like their insights. Too uncomfortable listening to them trashing another fan as knowing nothing, or however they can belittle the caller's opinion.
Listening to Carm and Jurko the last few days on my drive home has NOT been as entertaining. Carm is likeable but Jurko just comes off as, well, kind of a jerk. At least they're not condescending and downright insulting to their callers, so I'll probably keep listening to them. But it won't be as fun. I'd rather listen to Waddle and Silvy. Or J. Hood. (Always have really liked Hoodie. He can be condescending at times, but usually he's pretty respectful of his callers/listeners. He's smart, informative, opinionated, and funny.) Or Lawrence Holmes on the Score. Thank God for Mully and Hanley and for Mac and Spiegs in the morning.
*****
Thursday, February 14, 2013
No Rose?
So the news the last couple of days has surrounded Derrick Rose's comments in an interview with USA Today that he may sit out the entire season. That's disappointing. I had sort of thought he'd be back shortly after the All Star Break (now) in a limited role to begin preparing him for the playoffs. But maybe we're just out of luck for this year.
I'm of two minds. I'm not sure the Bulls have enough to take the Heat in the playoffs, let alone the Pacers, this year. Rose coming off a serious injury probably won't be at 100% by the playoffs, and even though Rose at 80% probably makes the Bulls a better team just by changing the rotations, I'm thinking that it won't make them good enough. And then there's the injury factor...no one wants him coming back too soon and screwing something else up. When you favor or protect one joint or limb, you tend to put more stress on something else. Will that something else give him problems that he might not get if he waits it out and just comes back next year at full strength?
Then there's the matter of the Bulls' finish in the division. Can they finish low enough to get a draft pick that can contribute? Or be valuable enough to deal for the right piece? I'm not suggesting that they throw the season away, but maybe they end up with only the 8th or 10th best record instead of the 3rd or 4th by virtue of Rose's absence? One of these years that Bobcats' pick will actually become the Bulls' pick without strings, and if it was this year, could the Bulls perhaps package a couple picks for another really useful player?
On the other hand, Deng is having a good year. Noah has up until now been pretty healthy. They picked up Hinrich specifically as a backup to Rose, and they still have Hamilton and Butler's emerging. Boozer's been good, and Gibson is solid as usual. (They have a dropoff on their bench at center.) Could they give the Heat a run for their money? Another part of me wants to see just what this Bulls team can do in the playoffs at full strength.
So what will it be? Stay tuned to find out...
*****
I'm of two minds. I'm not sure the Bulls have enough to take the Heat in the playoffs, let alone the Pacers, this year. Rose coming off a serious injury probably won't be at 100% by the playoffs, and even though Rose at 80% probably makes the Bulls a better team just by changing the rotations, I'm thinking that it won't make them good enough. And then there's the injury factor...no one wants him coming back too soon and screwing something else up. When you favor or protect one joint or limb, you tend to put more stress on something else. Will that something else give him problems that he might not get if he waits it out and just comes back next year at full strength?
Then there's the matter of the Bulls' finish in the division. Can they finish low enough to get a draft pick that can contribute? Or be valuable enough to deal for the right piece? I'm not suggesting that they throw the season away, but maybe they end up with only the 8th or 10th best record instead of the 3rd or 4th by virtue of Rose's absence? One of these years that Bobcats' pick will actually become the Bulls' pick without strings, and if it was this year, could the Bulls perhaps package a couple picks for another really useful player?
On the other hand, Deng is having a good year. Noah has up until now been pretty healthy. They picked up Hinrich specifically as a backup to Rose, and they still have Hamilton and Butler's emerging. Boozer's been good, and Gibson is solid as usual. (They have a dropoff on their bench at center.) Could they give the Heat a run for their money? Another part of me wants to see just what this Bulls team can do in the playoffs at full strength.
So what will it be? Stay tuned to find out...
*****
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Chicago Sports Bits
Just a few notes that have struck me as 2013 takes over...
The Bears, despite finishing 10-6, didn't make the playoffs and promptly fired coach Lovie Smith. Their coaching search has extended to 13 different names, including 7 current NFL offensive coordinators. Lovie was a decent coach, but did not seem to have the ability to develop a consistent offense, and it was definitely time to move in a different direction.
The Cubs signed Edwin Jackson, a guy who seems to have been on most of the teams in MLB, to a relatively long term contract. Four years, I think...and something around 52 million total, if I recall correctly.
The White Sox said goodbye to A.J. Pierzynski, their long time catcher and one of the few holdovers from their 2005 world championship team. A.J. was looking for a big money committment and the Sox have a younger player, Tyler Flowers, who is ready and needs the opportunity. As long as A.J. was here, he wasn't going to get it. He may flop, but that's the way of the world. Out goes the old, in comes the new. Can't wait till it is too late...
The Black Hawks will apparently have a few games to play this season, since the strike appears to be settled. By this time, however, are there enough people left who care?
And finally, the Bulls have held their own without Derrick Rose, going something like 19-12 up until today. Apparently it projects to a 49 win season without Rose, who is coming back soon. Guys like Gibson and Jimmy Butler are stepping up their game a little, which is a very good thing. Hinrich and Nate Robinson will be an upgrade in the backcourt over last year's C.J. Watson/John Lucas tandem, and though Kyle Korver was better overall, I think this Belinelli kid seems to be getting a little more comfortable and he too can be a three point threat.
Have a happy new year!!!
*****
The Bears, despite finishing 10-6, didn't make the playoffs and promptly fired coach Lovie Smith. Their coaching search has extended to 13 different names, including 7 current NFL offensive coordinators. Lovie was a decent coach, but did not seem to have the ability to develop a consistent offense, and it was definitely time to move in a different direction.
The Cubs signed Edwin Jackson, a guy who seems to have been on most of the teams in MLB, to a relatively long term contract. Four years, I think...and something around 52 million total, if I recall correctly.
The White Sox said goodbye to A.J. Pierzynski, their long time catcher and one of the few holdovers from their 2005 world championship team. A.J. was looking for a big money committment and the Sox have a younger player, Tyler Flowers, who is ready and needs the opportunity. As long as A.J. was here, he wasn't going to get it. He may flop, but that's the way of the world. Out goes the old, in comes the new. Can't wait till it is too late...
The Black Hawks will apparently have a few games to play this season, since the strike appears to be settled. By this time, however, are there enough people left who care?
And finally, the Bulls have held their own without Derrick Rose, going something like 19-12 up until today. Apparently it projects to a 49 win season without Rose, who is coming back soon. Guys like Gibson and Jimmy Butler are stepping up their game a little, which is a very good thing. Hinrich and Nate Robinson will be an upgrade in the backcourt over last year's C.J. Watson/John Lucas tandem, and though Kyle Korver was better overall, I think this Belinelli kid seems to be getting a little more comfortable and he too can be a three point threat.
Have a happy new year!!!
*****
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