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!
Showing posts with label chicago cubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chicago cubs. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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!
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!
Free Link Directory
Free Link Directory
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
