The Chicago Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry may have had the most underrated offseason in 2008. First let's highlight some of the most important moves he made.
The biggest splash the Chicago Cubs made this offseason was signing Kosuke Fukudome out of Japan. Fukudome had a strong showing in the World Baseball Classic and has been a proven leader in Japan for years. He is the left hand batter the Chicago Cubs line up so badly needed. He also plays right field which was a spot the Chicago Cubs needed to fill. And after a few seasons of fundamentally poor baseball Kosuke comes with the experience and hard work on the fundamentals that we need.
In my opinion the next biggest offseason move was the signing of former Chicago Cub John Lieber. Lieber didn't make the starting rotation for the Chicago Cubs out of spring training but has handled the relief role with professionalism. Unlike Chicago Cubs 5th starter Jason Marquis, who early in spring training said if he wasn't going to start the Chicago Cubs should trade him. Lieber in the bullpen gives the Chicago Cubs a lot of options. He can be the long relief guy for now, can spot start if needed due to injury, and can set up some potential trades down the line. As we all know Marquis is only decent in the first half, and after the All Star break it will be nice to know that the Chicago Cubs can turn to Lieber if needed.
The last move I'll mention is the signing of Reed Johnson. He was picked up very late in Spring Training after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays. He was originally signed to back up Chicago Cubs youngster Felix Pie in center field. He was definitely going to be played against left handed pitchers where Pie struggles. through the early going of the season though Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has played him more then expected. He has been swinging a great back and always plays the game hard.
All in all none of these signings this offseason were of blockbuster caliber. But I believe before all is said and done Chicago Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry's moves will prove to have been the most valuable in all the major leagues. Hopefully the team he has put together, along with the potential moves he's set himself up to be able to make will put the 2008 Chicago Cubs deep into the playoffs!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Chicago Cubs Are The Last Hope
After yet another disappointing loss by our Chicago Bulls its official that the Chicago Cubs are the last hope for a playoff run for Chicago sports teams this year.
Let me just start by saying the Chicago Bulls are a disgrace to this city. I have nothing but negative feelings about them. I've never disliked a Chicago sports team as much as I do the 08 Chicago Bulls. Not even a Chicago Cubs team in the last 100 years has been this disliked by myself. It's not just that they didn't make the playoffs, its the whole attitude the organization seems to have. This is no longer a team of young players who just couldn't get over the hump. From the beginning of the season they have just not seemed to have any heart. You might be able to blame this ugly start of the season, that seemed to carry over the entire season, on the non acceptance of new deals from Luol Deng and Ben Gordon. It seems to me that they didn't get enough money and didn't play hard from that point on. In my opinion I am happy they didn't sign and the Bulls should sing and trade them as soon as they possibly can. They make millions of dollars and blew this season because of hard feelings. I'm not implying they purposely lost games, I am just saying they set the wrong tone, for the team and for the season. There were other player on this team that contributed to the disappointment as well. Ben Wallace never seemed to fit, and caused locker room problems. Jokim Noah decided he was too good to show up on time on multiple occasions. As did Chris Duhon. I only hope that next year we find a coach who will bring discipline to this team, and we need to have some major roster shake-ups. For now though I'll turn my attentions to the Chicago Cubs and forget this disgrace of a team.
On a more positive note I am extremely excited about the Chicago Cubs 08 season. As I've described in my past posts this team has some real potential. With no game on Tuesday I have to admit I was somewhat bored! I think in my next post I will talk about the job General Manager Jim Hendry did this off season. Stay tuned to Chicago Sports Post for more on the Chicago Cubs!
Let me just start by saying the Chicago Bulls are a disgrace to this city. I have nothing but negative feelings about them. I've never disliked a Chicago sports team as much as I do the 08 Chicago Bulls. Not even a Chicago Cubs team in the last 100 years has been this disliked by myself. It's not just that they didn't make the playoffs, its the whole attitude the organization seems to have. This is no longer a team of young players who just couldn't get over the hump. From the beginning of the season they have just not seemed to have any heart. You might be able to blame this ugly start of the season, that seemed to carry over the entire season, on the non acceptance of new deals from Luol Deng and Ben Gordon. It seems to me that they didn't get enough money and didn't play hard from that point on. In my opinion I am happy they didn't sign and the Bulls should sing and trade them as soon as they possibly can. They make millions of dollars and blew this season because of hard feelings. I'm not implying they purposely lost games, I am just saying they set the wrong tone, for the team and for the season. There were other player on this team that contributed to the disappointment as well. Ben Wallace never seemed to fit, and caused locker room problems. Jokim Noah decided he was too good to show up on time on multiple occasions. As did Chris Duhon. I only hope that next year we find a coach who will bring discipline to this team, and we need to have some major roster shake-ups. For now though I'll turn my attentions to the Chicago Cubs and forget this disgrace of a team.
On a more positive note I am extremely excited about the Chicago Cubs 08 season. As I've described in my past posts this team has some real potential. With no game on Tuesday I have to admit I was somewhat bored! I think in my next post I will talk about the job General Manager Jim Hendry did this off season. Stay tuned to Chicago Sports Post for more on the Chicago Cubs!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Chicago Cubs Week One Review
Week one for the Chicago Cubs would rank average in my book.
Biggest Surprise: The biggest surprise for the Chicago Cubs would have to be outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. I have fast come to love watching this man play the game. He had a slow spring (which may have been on purpose) but through 7 games hes batting a team leading .458 with a slugging percentage of .708 and an on base percentage of .581. He is also stolen 2 bases and laid down one of the greatest bunts I've seen in a long time, especially from a Chicago Cub.
Honorable mention for this category has to be the the Chicago Cubs late addition Reed Johnson. He has been more then productive in his three straight starts.
Biggest Disappointment: This honor unfortunately has to go to Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Through 7 games he's batting .094, slugging .188, and has an on base percentage of .147. And yes Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has moved him back to the lead off spot. Although he has one outfield assist, I wouldn't call his defense stellar. He looks to be jogging down balls, and over ran a few balls as well.
Honorable mention for this category is an easy one with Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly. Of all the Chicago Cubs starting pitchers he has the highest ERA with a 9.72 through 2 starts. He's given up 9 runs on 12 hits through 8.1 innings. As our 2nd starter this is scary!
The Chicago Cubs are currently sitting tied for third place in the NL central. They are only 1.5 games back of the division leading Brewers. The Cardinals have started hot and are in second place only a half game back of the Brewers. I would have to say the Cardinals have surprised me with their play through the first week, but they will fall off soon enough. Mark my words!
I know some of you may be saying we're only through one week, don't you think its a little early to be analyzing anything. Well after waiting 100 years for a World Series I think nothing is off limits. And besides I wouldn't be a true Chicago Cubs fan unless this early in the season I showed some sort of illogical hope and extreme panic!
Biggest Surprise: The biggest surprise for the Chicago Cubs would have to be outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. I have fast come to love watching this man play the game. He had a slow spring (which may have been on purpose) but through 7 games hes batting a team leading .458 with a slugging percentage of .708 and an on base percentage of .581. He is also stolen 2 bases and laid down one of the greatest bunts I've seen in a long time, especially from a Chicago Cub.
Honorable mention for this category has to be the the Chicago Cubs late addition Reed Johnson. He has been more then productive in his three straight starts.
Biggest Disappointment: This honor unfortunately has to go to Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Through 7 games he's batting .094, slugging .188, and has an on base percentage of .147. And yes Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has moved him back to the lead off spot. Although he has one outfield assist, I wouldn't call his defense stellar. He looks to be jogging down balls, and over ran a few balls as well.
Honorable mention for this category is an easy one with Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly. Of all the Chicago Cubs starting pitchers he has the highest ERA with a 9.72 through 2 starts. He's given up 9 runs on 12 hits through 8.1 innings. As our 2nd starter this is scary!
The Chicago Cubs are currently sitting tied for third place in the NL central. They are only 1.5 games back of the division leading Brewers. The Cardinals have started hot and are in second place only a half game back of the Brewers. I would have to say the Cardinals have surprised me with their play through the first week, but they will fall off soon enough. Mark my words!
I know some of you may be saying we're only through one week, don't you think its a little early to be analyzing anything. Well after waiting 100 years for a World Series I think nothing is off limits. And besides I wouldn't be a true Chicago Cubs fan unless this early in the season I showed some sort of illogical hope and extreme panic!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Chicago Cubs: Wrigley Naming Rights
There has been so much talk about the The Chicago Cubs and owner Sam Zell selling the naming rights to Wrigley Field. There seems to be mixed emotions on this idea. To be honest as I begin to write this post I'm not sure where I stand.
I understand the first stance on this topic. Wrigley is a national landmark. Its a window to how things used to be. Its' "old school". And I have to admit that going to a game and not having flashing signs as the outfield walls is nice. Its just you and the game. You might ask why I am talking about inside Wrigley Field on a post about the naming rights. But let's be honest. Selling the naming rights to Wrigley Field would be the first step in commercializing the Chicago Cubs. That is what people in this school of thought fear most. Chicago Cubs fans want to preserve the one thing that has remained constant about their team over the last 100 years.
The second school of though is that if the sale of naming rights for Wrigley Field brought money to the Chicago Cubs then let's do it and sign some big free agents next year. Now this is probably the idea that would get my vote. Sprint Park at Wrigley Field I could live with if it meant signing an A-Rod type player. Anything to help the Chicago Cubs finally break the curse and win the World Series I'm all for. The issue with this idea is that Sam Zell isn't interested in putting a great product on the field. In fact he cares so little about baseball that he is selling the team. Most believe he would use the profit made from the naming writes in no way that would help the Chicago Cubs. He would pay off the debt the Tribune Company is buried in. This does not help the Chicago Cubs one ounce.
So I've come up with a solution to this problem that I believe is a win-win. Chicago Cubs fans want the name to remain Wrigley Field. Sam Zell wants to sell the naming rights to pay off debt that the Tribune Company has. There is one potential buyer that could make this happen for both sides. The Wrigley company. If they bought the naming rights and didn't change the name they would get some great PR. I think Chicago Cub fans, loyal as they are, would put down their trident and buy some Wrigley gum. Maybe they could work out a few promotional dates and a few ads throughout the season as part of the deal. If Zell had any heart he would offer them the naming rights for a little discount, but he doesn't so he won't. I still think this is the best option all around since no matter what Zell won't use the money to better the Chicago Cubs team.
So what do you say we put together some kind of petition and get the Wrigley company to buy the naming rights. If we get enough people to buy a pack of gum it just might be worth it to them.
For more Cubs talk, and Chicago Sports talk check back soon to Chicago Sports Post.
I understand the first stance on this topic. Wrigley is a national landmark. Its a window to how things used to be. Its' "old school". And I have to admit that going to a game and not having flashing signs as the outfield walls is nice. Its just you and the game. You might ask why I am talking about inside Wrigley Field on a post about the naming rights. But let's be honest. Selling the naming rights to Wrigley Field would be the first step in commercializing the Chicago Cubs. That is what people in this school of thought fear most. Chicago Cubs fans want to preserve the one thing that has remained constant about their team over the last 100 years.
The second school of though is that if the sale of naming rights for Wrigley Field brought money to the Chicago Cubs then let's do it and sign some big free agents next year. Now this is probably the idea that would get my vote. Sprint Park at Wrigley Field I could live with if it meant signing an A-Rod type player. Anything to help the Chicago Cubs finally break the curse and win the World Series I'm all for. The issue with this idea is that Sam Zell isn't interested in putting a great product on the field. In fact he cares so little about baseball that he is selling the team. Most believe he would use the profit made from the naming writes in no way that would help the Chicago Cubs. He would pay off the debt the Tribune Company is buried in. This does not help the Chicago Cubs one ounce.
So I've come up with a solution to this problem that I believe is a win-win. Chicago Cubs fans want the name to remain Wrigley Field. Sam Zell wants to sell the naming rights to pay off debt that the Tribune Company has. There is one potential buyer that could make this happen for both sides. The Wrigley company. If they bought the naming rights and didn't change the name they would get some great PR. I think Chicago Cub fans, loyal as they are, would put down their trident and buy some Wrigley gum. Maybe they could work out a few promotional dates and a few ads throughout the season as part of the deal. If Zell had any heart he would offer them the naming rights for a little discount, but he doesn't so he won't. I still think this is the best option all around since no matter what Zell won't use the money to better the Chicago Cubs team.
So what do you say we put together some kind of petition and get the Wrigley company to buy the naming rights. If we get enough people to buy a pack of gum it just might be worth it to them.
For more Cubs talk, and Chicago Sports talk check back soon to Chicago Sports Post.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Chicago Cubs Lineup Fiasco!
The Chicago Cubs Line-up Troubles Begin with Game 3!
The Chicago Cubs have not started the season as Cubs fans would have hoped. There has been a lot of talk about the quick line-up change by manager Lou Pinella. Although he downplays the meaning behind such a quick change, you have to wonder if he is a little panicked. The " big shake-up" involved switching the first two hitters Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot. The thinking being that Soriano is more comfortable and thus more productive in the lead off spot. Although most Chicago Cubs reporters and even Chicago Cubs fans think Soriano should be anywhere but the one hole... I don't believe this part of the Chicago Cubs line-up is the most important. I don't care where Soriano hits. There is however one major flaw in the Chicago Cubs line-up.
Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. For emphasis let me repeat: Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. Batting him 5th with Mark DeRosa behind him does him no justice. He is the Chicago Cubs hottest hitter, is patient, and can hit for power. It will not take very long for teams to pitch around him in the 5th spot to get to DeRosa. Listen I love DeRosa, I think he is a critical part of the team, but he doesn't provide the protection that Lee would.
One final thought. I was at Wrigley for the Chicago Cubs second game this year. Late in the game Chicago Cubs slugger (not speedster) Aramis Ramirez was on first with Fukudome up to bat. As usual he drew the count to 3 balls 2 strikes . Now I can't be sure but it seemed as though Lou put on the Hit and Run. (why else would Ramirez be running?) What was the result? Fukudome was forced to swing at a ball way out of the zone to protect the runner and struck out, and Ramirez was thrown out by a mile. now Why in the world would Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella put on the hit and run in that spot. I understand the basic strategy behind the hit and run, but in that spot it makes no sense. Fukudome is too good a hitter, and Ramirez too slow a runner. Had he not done that Fukudome undoubtedly walks and advances Ramirez into scoring position with no outs and Lee coming up.
Now I love Lou as much as I love the Chicago Cubs but we have to be smarter then that. So please Lou for the sanity of all Chicago Cub fans Please Please Please put Fukudome in the 2 hole!
For more Chicago Cubs rants please check back often!
The Chicago Cubs have not started the season as Cubs fans would have hoped. There has been a lot of talk about the quick line-up change by manager Lou Pinella. Although he downplays the meaning behind such a quick change, you have to wonder if he is a little panicked. The " big shake-up" involved switching the first two hitters Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot. The thinking being that Soriano is more comfortable and thus more productive in the lead off spot. Although most Chicago Cubs reporters and even Chicago Cubs fans think Soriano should be anywhere but the one hole... I don't believe this part of the Chicago Cubs line-up is the most important. I don't care where Soriano hits. There is however one major flaw in the Chicago Cubs line-up.
Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. For emphasis let me repeat: Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. Batting him 5th with Mark DeRosa behind him does him no justice. He is the Chicago Cubs hottest hitter, is patient, and can hit for power. It will not take very long for teams to pitch around him in the 5th spot to get to DeRosa. Listen I love DeRosa, I think he is a critical part of the team, but he doesn't provide the protection that Lee would.
One final thought. I was at Wrigley for the Chicago Cubs second game this year. Late in the game Chicago Cubs slugger (not speedster) Aramis Ramirez was on first with Fukudome up to bat. As usual he drew the count to 3 balls 2 strikes . Now I can't be sure but it seemed as though Lou put on the Hit and Run. (why else would Ramirez be running?) What was the result? Fukudome was forced to swing at a ball way out of the zone to protect the runner and struck out, and Ramirez was thrown out by a mile. now Why in the world would Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella put on the hit and run in that spot. I understand the basic strategy behind the hit and run, but in that spot it makes no sense. Fukudome is too good a hitter, and Ramirez too slow a runner. Had he not done that Fukudome undoubtedly walks and advances Ramirez into scoring position with no outs and Lee coming up.
Now I love Lou as much as I love the Chicago Cubs but we have to be smarter then that. So please Lou for the sanity of all Chicago Cub fans Please Please Please put Fukudome in the 2 hole!
For more Chicago Cubs rants please check back often!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Chicago Sports Blog Salutes the Blackhawks
Chicago Sports Blog would like to congratulate the Chicago Blackhawks on a great season. It's been a long long time since we played all but two games that meant something. this team has come a far way not only on the ice but also in the front office. WGN and Comcast Sports Net announced this week that all Home and Away games will be televised next season. I really can't believe that this took so long but the Chicago Sports world sure thanks you. I think next year we have a lot to look forward to. We have a lot of young stars, most notably Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. I hope to see Kane win the rookie of the year this year. I went to a few games this season (more then in past years despite them being televised) and there is great energy back in the UC. You have to love Denis Savard as well. He is always in his players corner and has really made quite the turn around with this team this year. The Blackhawks are back my friends and I can’t wait till next year! We sure did miss the Blackhawks in the Chicago Sports arena for quite sometime.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Chicago Sports: Whiner of the Year
Chicago Sports Biggest Althete Whiner goes to:
My choice for Chicago Sports athlete whiner of the year was not a hard choice. The Bulls have had a terrible year and given the fans much to whine about. But players who make millions of dollars to play a simple game should give a better show on the court. There is nothing that will annoy me more then watching guys complain about fouls over and over and over again. Some of you may think I'm talking about a different Chicago Bull. But no, this athlete even out whines Kirk Hinrick. I've watched Chicago Sports more then most and no one comes close to whining as much as Andre Nocioni. Every time he is called for a foul he puts on a big show. It drives me nuts. I honestly turn the channel. Nocioni is somewhat of a fan favorite in the Chicago Sports world and I just don’t get it. I think defensively he is terrible, and although he sometimes gets hot offensively he is nothing special. I get why people in Chicago a blue collar town want to love the guy. He gives the impression of a grinder but lets be honest. If you went to work and showed passion for all the mistakes that you made, would that make you loved around the office? He needs to play the game hard and understand that fouls happen. Even if it’s a bad call let it go. The Chicago sports world needs more players who just shut up and play. Do you remember Michael Jordan complaining about fouls? And that certainly doesn’t mean that he didn’t play defense. I think he won around 9 defensive player awards. And when was the last time you saw an official change a call? Why waste your breath? It doesn’t stop them from calling a foul next time either by the way. If anything I think they head hunt for the players that are constantly in their ears to get them even more riled up. So please Nocioni have some integrity and play the game hard but for the sake off all Chicago Sports fans…quit whining.
My choice for Chicago Sports athlete whiner of the year was not a hard choice. The Bulls have had a terrible year and given the fans much to whine about. But players who make millions of dollars to play a simple game should give a better show on the court. There is nothing that will annoy me more then watching guys complain about fouls over and over and over again. Some of you may think I'm talking about a different Chicago Bull. But no, this athlete even out whines Kirk Hinrick. I've watched Chicago Sports more then most and no one comes close to whining as much as Andre Nocioni. Every time he is called for a foul he puts on a big show. It drives me nuts. I honestly turn the channel. Nocioni is somewhat of a fan favorite in the Chicago Sports world and I just don’t get it. I think defensively he is terrible, and although he sometimes gets hot offensively he is nothing special. I get why people in Chicago a blue collar town want to love the guy. He gives the impression of a grinder but lets be honest. If you went to work and showed passion for all the mistakes that you made, would that make you loved around the office? He needs to play the game hard and understand that fouls happen. Even if it’s a bad call let it go. The Chicago sports world needs more players who just shut up and play. Do you remember Michael Jordan complaining about fouls? And that certainly doesn’t mean that he didn’t play defense. I think he won around 9 defensive player awards. And when was the last time you saw an official change a call? Why waste your breath? It doesn’t stop them from calling a foul next time either by the way. If anything I think they head hunt for the players that are constantly in their ears to get them even more riled up. So please Nocioni have some integrity and play the game hard but for the sake off all Chicago Sports fans…quit whining.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Chicago Sports Blog Welcome
Welcome to the Chicago Sports Blog. This site will have commentary on the major sports teams as well as some of the not so popular team. Bulls, Cubs, Blackhawks, White Sox, Bears. I look forward to posting about each of these teams and hearing your feedback! Again welcome to the Chicago Sports Blog!
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