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2008-12-29T16:42:00.001-08:00

Live BLOG

2008-12-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

Coach Ditka

2008-07-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Go Away and Who Cares

2008-07-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

By Dubs

I can’t remember ever hating sports news (ESPN) as much as I do right now. There are very few things I loathe more than Brett Favre and the New York Yankees (aka Derek Jeter, you overrated ass-fingering, baby-eating, period-licking, dickfor. On the other hand, he does ball hot chicks).

This may be Satan’s way of letting us know the world is coming to an end.

With the continued saga of Favre’s un-retirement and the AS game being played at “historic” Yankee Stadium, I am bombarded with a literal shitstorm of contrived sentimentalism. I might just be hung-over, but I can hear my soul throwing up and its asshole begging for a break from the constant shit-love for these two sports “icons”.

We all know that Favre is the secret love-child of hokey, misinformed, traditionalist, white sports writers and John Madden, but the level of coverage and adoration shown to Douchey McDouchebag is as painful to watch and listen to as this:

The coverage of Favre’s un-retirement has gotten to a level I never thought it would get to…I agreed with Stephen A. Smith. SAS is one of those things I hate more than Farve and the Yankees (Jeter). So for me to agree with him actually makes me physically ill. Again, it could be the hangover, but I don’t think so. For me to actually agree with SAS is on par with cutting my soul’s throat (my soul is really taking an ass beating today).

I am just so sick of hearing about how “he plays like a kid.” Well, no. If he played like a kid he would just heave the ball in the general direction of a player on his team and hope for the best…wait, so maybe he plays like a kid, but common. The guy was a good quarterback, but do we really need to make him out to be the Holy Spirit of Football? Find something else to talk about so I don’t kill something…thanks ESPN.

Moving on…I hate the Yankees and anything Yankee related.

I am having a lot of trouble listening to all this shit about the last this and the last that at Yankee Stadium. Who gives a shit? For you Yankees fans (ESPN), enjoy, have a great time during the All-Star Game, but leave the rest of us out of it. We don’t need to hear about all the amazing shit that happened there. We get it, the Yankees are awesome, Jeter is the best, GO YANKEES!

I mean, what is going to happen when the season is over? New York is just going to sell a whole bunch of the supposed meaningful shit (I say shit in the most literal sense, because they will be selling urinals and toilets and shit) to the highest bidder that, you, New York sheet stains will buy with open, retarded arms.

Go be stupid, just leave us alone, please. And Favre, go fuck yourself…unless you become a Bear, then you are awesome.

Down on the Farm: Andrew Cashner

2008-06-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

This isn't the first time Andrew Cashner has been drafted, but it appears to be the last. The 19th overall pick has been drafted four times. First in 2005 out of high school by the Braves, then in 2006 by the Rockies, next in 2007 by the Cubs and then, finally, again by Chicago yesterday.

"It has been a long process," Cashner said. "I've come a long way since high school, and I think this year is finally the first year I have grown into my body and matured in a baseball standpoint....I left high school at 5-9, and I left TCU at 6-6, 190 pounds so I have come a long way."

Cashner has made tremendous strides physically in the past year, putting on weight and developing a 98-mph fastball and mid-80s power curve that has helped his stock rise from a 29th-round pick last year to a first-round pick 12 months later. The flame thrower attributes his success to a new diet and workout plan that awaited him after he transferred to Texas Christian University in the fall.

"[TCU] put me on a meal plan and a nutrition plan, and I sat down with our nutritionist and gained some weight. Then the strength coach helped me out a lot, and I put on a lot of muscle and got a lot stronger this year."

Bigger and stronger, Cashner has electric stuff, but it didn't fully translate into production until Cashner was made TCU's closer after being a lifetime starter. TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle made the decision because of the lack of depth in the Horned Frogs bullpen.

At first, the move worried Cashner.

"To be frank, [Cashner] wasn't so sure," Schlossnagle said. "Most starting pitchers...feel that the pen is a demotion. We tried to convince him that if he can be really good at this, the elite college closers have done really well in the draft, and if they stay in the bullpen, they move to the big leagues real quick."

It only took one outing for Cashner to be convinced.

"In his very first opportunity against Cal State Fullerton in our second game of the season...he was 97-99 [mph] and needless to say he bought in pretty quick."

So far Schlossnagle has been right. Cashner was the first relief pitcher taken in the draft, and if he continues to grow as a pitcher, the green ivy of Wrigley Field could be on the horizon.

Tim Wilken, the Director of Amateur and Professional Scouting for the Cubs, couldn't agree more, but he is biding his time to decide what role the big righty will take.

"I think we are going to let this one take its own pace," Wilken said. "His delivery is pretty darn sound and is probably one of the better ones in this draft....He is comfortable in what he is doing...but he has started in the past.

"I think he's got good versatility and can go either way. We are very happy."

And what does the Texas native know of Chicago?

"I know that Wrigley Field is awesome and that they are in first place, and Lou Piniella is doing a great job with them."

Couldn't have been said much better.

-- Zach Martin

Top Ten Reasons the why low budget MLB teams are doing well this year

2008-06-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

Teams like the (payroll ranking) Marlins (30), Rays (29), Athletics (28), Twins (24) and Diamondbacks (23) have always interested me as someone who studies baseball. They are winning despite having some of the lowest payrolls in MLB. These are the top ten reasons that they are succeeding. Check out my interview with Pat Listach, the Manager of the Iowa Cubs, on Micah Hoffpauir at the Vine Line’s Cubs Club Blog.

10. Bomb Droppers
This doesn’t apply to all the teams because power does come late for many young hitters and most of these teams are extremely young, but for the more developed teams like the Marlins who are second in the NL and the Diamondbacks who are fourth, the home run is a major part of how they score runs with low team batting averages.

9. No overpriced fading former stars
Without black holes in their lineups, i.e. players that can’t be released because of hefty contracts and are worth nothing on the trade market (Carlos Delgado), they can use their free money on locking up their young talent to long term contracts (Evan Longoria), being able to afford players they trade for (Dan Haren) or in player development (B.J. Upton). Now they can go after free agents where need-be and make a real run at the World Series (like the Marlins and Diamondbacks do).

8. They win at home
All these teams play extremely well at home and by winning at home they make it less important to win on the road, which can be very tough for many young teams.

7. Have developed players in system or traded for top prospects
Instead of trying to buy World Series through free agencies or through trading away young talent, these teams have taken the time to develop their draft picks (Tampa Bay, Arizona) or trade for other teams top prospects (Florida, Oakland). This way they can use the five years of arbitration before they can get a free agency contract. This is key for these low budget teams if they don’t decide to sign their young players to long-term “cheap” contracts (Longoria, Hanley Ramirez).

6. They score despite bad batting average
Without a ton of firepower these teams have shown they can put up enough runs to win. The Twins rank fourth, the Rays rank fifth and the A’s rank sixth in runs scored in the AL. Also the Diamondbacks and Marlins rank third and sixth in the NL. Now these are not huge rankings but they are scoring enough to win games, which is all that matters.

5. They get on base
These teams do not hit the ball very much, but they have made those hits count because they increase their scoring chances by getting on base. The Athletics are first in the AL in walks, while Tampa Bay is fifth in OBP. Arizona has also separated itself by ranking third in the NL in walks.

4. They win in their own division
Every team but Oakland has a winning record in their division and teams like the Diamondbacks have absolutely dominated their division, separating themselves from everybody else in it. By winning in your own division you not only get a win but push the teams you beat even farther back making the division title even more likely

3. Limiting free base runners
The next two are the most important thing that these teams have learned to do…pitch. They do not let runners on for free, or in other words via the walk or HBP. Minnesota is first and Oakland is third in the AL in walks given up, while Tampa Bay is first in HBP. While in the NL Arizona gives up the fewest walks. All these teams don’t hit for high averages and need to keep the other teams out of as many scoring chances as possible (runners), so by limiting free bases these teams decrease the chances of runs allowed and increase their chances of winning.

2. Don’t allow runs
Because of this trend these low budget teams do not give up a ton of runs. Tampa Bay is fifth and Oakland is third in AL ERA, while Arizona is second in the NL. By decreasing the number of runs allowed these low budget teams can still win without top-level talent on offense. Or in other words without scoring a ton of runs.

1. What separates the Rays from the rest: Fielding
What makes the Rays the best team in the AL? They field the ball. Tampa Bay has committed the fewest errors in the major leagues. They do not make mistakes that put base runners on and advance others on the base paths. Their solid fielding ability is what the other low budget teams need to emphasize in order to make that next step that the Rays have.

Down on the Farm: Pat Listach on Micah Hoffpauir

2008-05-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Pat Listach, manager of the Iowa Cubs, about what he expects to see from Micah Hoffpauirin Chicago. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.

What to expect when expecting Hoffpauir

Chicagoans have been expecting Hoffpauir to join the Cubs for some time now, and after a herniated disc sidelined Daryle Ward, Hoffpauir finally got his shot. The 28-year-old had a monstrous 2007 Triple-A campaign, hitting .319 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs, but a knee injury cut his season short, limiting him to only 82 games. Unfazed, the lefty followed that up by posting even better numbers in spring training. After a stint on the DL early this season, he continued to hit: In nine games for Iowa this year, Hoffpauir hit .324 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs.

Count Pat Listach, the manager of the Iowa Cubs, as a believer that Hoffpauir will continue to mash in Chicago.

"He's going to hit." Listach said. "He's been a really good hitter the last few years, and I think he's going to hit up there as well. He is going to provide some power from the left side of the plate."

Hoffpauir's hitting skills are proven, but some still question whether he is ready to play a major-league outfield after taking up the position this year. However, Hoffpauir has shown his Triple-A manager that he is more than ready for the challenge.

"You know what, he's a good athlete," Listach said. "He gets good jumps on the ball, he's not a blazer, and he doesn't have great speed. But he gets good jumps, and he makes the plays. If he gets to the ball, he catches it. He has no problem with that. He looks like a natural out there to be honest."

Spending six years in the minors has been tough on Hoffpauir, and he is ready to make a name for himself at the major-league level. Listach and his staff have worked hard with Hoffpauir to make this next step and are glad the 2002 13th-round pick is finally getting a chance.

"He's a great kid," Listach said. "I couldn't be happier for him. He's really earned it, and he's worked hard and has battled through some injuries. He's finally there, and he's playing good. He got a couple hits [the other day]. So we are really happy for him."

Hoffpauir recorded his first major-league start (in leftfield) and base hit on May 21 in Houston. The hit, a double down the leftfield line was the first of two for the game. Since being called up on May 18, the Texas native has gone 5-for-11, and he recorded his first RBI last night, pinch-hitting in the eighth inning. Hoffpauir looks to be comfortable with his new surroundings and seems to be catching the eyes of everyone he plays around.

-- Zach Martin

Top Ten Foreign Born Chicago Athletes (Current)

2008-05-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Chicago is full of foreign born studs and these are the top ten...

10. Israel Idonije

http://www.israelhighway.org/highway-images/football-player.jpg

Idonije was born in Lagos, Nigeria and has been killing people ever since. Need I say more?

9. Cubs Rookies

http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0f/02/20080428015509990013

Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto have been playing lights out this year. Fuk has brought his Japanese game over to America and has filled the five-hole void nicely. Even though he doesn’t hit a ton of HR’s, he gets on base and seems to get the clutch hit every game. Soto, a Purto Rican, has separated himself as the best offensive catcher in the MLB. As a rookie he is just putting up stupid numbers and is playing a solid catcher as well.

8. Aramis Ramirez

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/em_swift/11/21/cubs.tribune/t1_aramis_si.jpg

This Dominican third basemen picks up the necessary base runners everyday. He is an RBI machine and has played a solid third base the last couple years. Plus he loves to fight cocks.

7. Carlos Marmol

http://z.about.com/d/baseball/1/7/v/4/-/-/cubs20.jpg

This Dominican is 100% lights out. When Marmol steps into the game, it is pretty much over. He has the ability to K anybody in the league. Oh and he has a 1.69 ERA and 46 K’s in 32 innings.

6. Patrick Sharp

http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2007-w46/img.75523_t.jpg

Oh Canada, thanks for our future. Unfortunately for the Hawks once Rose comes to Chitown hockey will become obsolete again.

5. Alfonso Sorianohttp://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper736/stills/v351z49o.jpg

I had no idea where to put him on this list because of his streakiness, but this Dominican can literally become the scariest offensive force in the big leagues so being in the middle seems to fit his two sided offensive attack.

4. Jonathan Toews
http://www.fanatique.ca/images/_profils/image/90_jonathantoews3.jpg

As a rookie he led all rookies in goals…the sky is the limit with this Canadian and next year will be a big year for the Toews and the Hawks as they look to move from a young team to a consistent playoff team.

3. Luol Deng
http://www.jamati.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/deng.jpg

A member of the Dinka tribe of Sudan, he was raised in Great Britain and learned basketball from Manute Bol in Egypt…interesting, right? Anyway, until this year the Bulls have put their franchise hopes on his back and it will be interesting to see if he can turn into something special.

2. Javier Vazquez
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44080000/jpg/_44080971_javier_getty.jpg

I was shocked to see the lack of players from other countries on the Sox. Sure there are players like Cabrera, but he has not played up to his capabilities so Vazquez seemed like the only viable candidate. His 3.52 ERA and 5-3 record prove the he is the man. To add to that he has strucken out 67 and only walked 15 in 71.2 innings.

1. Carlos Zambrano
http://mydobber.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/CarlosZambrano.jpg

7-1 with a 2.47 ERA. Pretty good, right? Now that Brandon Webb has lost his second game in a row, Zambrano might have taken the lead in the NL Cy Young voting. The Venezuelan has dropped his K numbers but he is attacking the strike zone and limiting his walks, leading to a low ERA and high win percentage. And don't forget "Big Z" also drops bombs...he's just good.

Down on the Farm: Pat Listach, Manager of the Iowa Cubs

2008-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Pat Listach, manager of the Iowa Cubs, about the challenges of managing a Triple-A team. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.

Listach_Pat.jpgSince Opening Day, Chicago has made 11 transactions with its Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs. That is the equivalent of roughly one transaction every four games. The Cubs have had to deal with inconsistent play and injuries, and they have used the I-Cubs as their very own Hans Brinker, the legend who plugged leaks with his thumbs as they appeared. For Iowa manager Listach, the amount of moves can be daunting, but he does everything he can to get his players ready for their chances at the big leagues.

"We have a lot of player movement already, and I think for the most part [our] players are major-league ready. It's our job as a staff down here to make sure they are ready when they go to Chicago," Listach said. "We are not too concerned about winning in Iowa but making sure they get their repetitions in and get their work in so that they are ready when Lou Piniella and his staff up there call for them."

Listach managed at Double-A Tennessee last year and has changed his philosophy a little to better coincide with more experienced players, but he maintains the basics are the same.

"We are still teaching fundamentals and teaching them how to play the game and how to prepare for the game." Listach said. "[But] when you look around and you have a team with Sean Marshall, Rich Hill, Sean Gallagher and Kevin Hart, you approach things a little differently because they've been in the major leagues and they know what they need to do to get back there. [My role is] just being available for them to get their work in."

Even so, long bus rides and years of minor-league play can wear down any seasoned ballplayer, especially at the Triple-A level, where most of the players are in their fourth or fifth seasons. But Listach sees the ivy, red brick and green scoreboard as enough incentive for his players to continue to work hard.

"We've got some three and four o'clock in the morning wakeup calls, and we have to do some things different as far as getting work done on those travel days because everybody's exhausted." Listach said. "[But] at one point we counted that 17 players out of the 24 had been in the major leagues. ... It's pretty easy to motivate when they can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

-- Zach Martin

Down on the Farm: Oneri Fleita on Kevin Hart and Rich Hill

2008-05-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Oneri Fleita, Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel, about how Kevin Hart and Rich Hill will find their ways back to Chicago. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.

The old baseball adage "It's harder to stay in the majors than get there" rings true even for successful players -- just ask Kevin Hart and Rich Hill.

Hart was a September call up last year and was a key ingredient in the Cubs playoff run. He posted a 0.82 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Hill also broke out in 2007, winning 11 games, leading the Cubs in strikeouts with 183, and ranking fifth in the National League in batting average against (.235). But both have struggled this year and were optioned to Triple-A Iowa to work out their problems.

Hart.jpgFor Hart, Fleita believes, it might have been an issue of familiarity.

"[Hart's] a young guy who was brought up and asked to throw out of the bullpen, and did a nice job," Fleita said. "But because of his lack of experience with irregular work, it was hard for him to stay in sync...."

Fleita believes the key to getting Hart back to Chicago is by getting him back in a familiar role as a starting pitcher, something that may even lead to other opportunities for the big righty.

"Hart has been put back [into the rotation], to get him back on track," Fleita said. "Putting him in the rotation gives us, as an organization and him individually, the opportunity to be a starter, should that need arise. And if not, it will give him the opportunity to get in sync so that the next time he comes up he will be back where he was last year throwing out of the 'pen."

Hill.jpgUnlike Hart, Hill was used as a starter, and instead of losing rhythm and routine, Hill seemed to lose trust in his pitches and thus his command.

"Hill has been sent [to Iowa] to gain a little confidence," Fleita said. "He struggled to throw strikes and is kind of retracing his steps. I don't think it will be a major overhaul. Sometimes players lose their confidence and get a little off track, but he threw here a couple nights ago and looks like he's right back where he was."

If that is the case then look for Hart and Hill to be back in Chicago soon, something that Fleita attributes to their team-first approach.

"The bottom line is that we are talking about two guys with great attitudes that care more about getting up there and helping us win than [they do about] themselves."

-- Zach Martin

Top Ten 2008 MLB's most interesting salaries/payrolls

2008-05-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

The average MLB player salary has jumped over 13% in the last two years and it is interesting to see where all that money is going and not going. These are the Top Ten most interesting salaries and payrolls in MLB.

10. Carlos Beltran, NYM - $18,622,809
Never has a player made so much money off of a month and a half of solid baseball than Beltran. His potential is outrageous, but the Puerto Rican has not lived up to his monstrous contract. Beltran can either look like the best player in the league or simply over matched. Not a good attribute to have when your making over 18 mil a year.

9. Jim Thome, CHW - $15,666,666
This is only an interesting contract because how poorly Thome is playing this year. Without a doubt he has lived up to his money most years but the aging slugger has lost a bit of bat speed and is not at the same value as before. GM’s should try to front end contracts so they aren’t left with 15-20 mil dollar aging liabilities like Thome appears to have become.

8. Jason Giambi, NYY - $23,428,571
2nd on the MLB money list, the one time star has been in the middle of the steroid controversy and has seen his skill deteriorate exponentially since his vision started going bad a couple years ago. The money he makes to his production is utterly embarrassing.

7. Prince Fielder, MIL - $670,000
This is kind of sad how the Brewers are treating Fielder. The man hit 50 HR last year with 119 RBI. I know you’re the Brewers but either lock his ass up or trade him for some young MLB ready talent. The problem is that not many teams are looking for a 1B right now…good luck with that Milwaukee.

6. Carlos Quentin, CHW – 400,000
Quentin is third in the MLB in RBI with 37 and tied for sixth in the MLB with 11 HR. Not bad for an outfielder who wasn’t even supposed to make the 25 man roster. Kenny do your team a favor and pay the man as soon as he proves this isn’t a fluke.

5. Mike Hampton, ATL - $15,975,184
Is 14th on the money list and has once again not thrown a pitch all year. In his career the lefty has sucked out over 122 million dollars from various teams. Hampton hasn’t thrown a ball in a major league game since 2005, when he only pitched in 12 games.

4. Barry Zito, San Francisco - $14,500,000
The one time Cy Young Award winner is pitching like a good high school pitcher…there’s nothing really to say here that hasn’t already. Zito has just been bad.

3. Tampa Bay Rays - $43,820,598
With the 29th overall payroll in MLB the Rays have dropped the Devil and are only one game behind the 133 mil dollar payroll of the Red Sox. Every win is a new record for the Rays and they have invested wisely in their top pitcher in Scott Kazmir and best prospect in Evan Longoria. It looks likes having a top three draft pick every year does pay off…who new?

2. Florida Marlins - $21,836,500
With the 30th ranked payroll, the Marlins have some how been able to take over first place in the NL East. Talent does beat ill-placed money and the Marlins have proven that year after year. When they decide to add some expensive vets to the mix in the next couple years, look for the Marlin to once again be living in post season glory.

1. NY Yankees - $209,081,579
With the highest salary in the league, the Yankees are struggling mightily. They are the proof that overpriced, under motivated old FA’s are not the way to build a franchise. The Yanks are looking to get younger and will be losing major salaries in Giambi and Mussina, but this year is looking like a disaster.

Blatant self promotion: Check out another part of my interview with Oneri Fleita, Cubs VP of Player Personnel at the Vine Line's Cubs Club Blog. Topic of the day is Rich Hill and Kevin Hart.

Top Ten Reason to Love and Hate John Paxon

2008-05-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

These are the top ten reasons to love and hate John Paxson.

Top Five Reasons to Love John Paxson

5. He played for Notre Dame

Whatever...WE ARE ND!

4. The hiring Scott Skiles

For a few years Skiles seemed to be able to get the most out of a bunch of good players. They played hard for Skiles and played balls out on both sides of the ball, which is hard to find in the NBA these days.
http://www.halfcourt.info/A55B25/HalfCourt.nsf/Scott_Skiles_001.jpg

3. He broke up the mess Jerry Krause made

Krause went from genius to complete moron. He traded an all-star team for a couple of high school centers. Nice job Jerry. However, Pax slowly and methodically traded, drafted and signed a team that was without any of Krause’s legacy and turned the Bulls into winners.

http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/krause_050819.jpg

2. The way he tried to rebuild the Bulls

So it didn’t workout in the end, but Pax had a plan and his original philosophy of building a rock solid defense-first team was the right idea and hiring Scott Skiles was the right choice for that philosophy. It looked like it was working until Skiles lost control.

http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/4/4d/Paxson1.jpg

1. The shot he drilled in the 1993 NBA Finals to beat the Suns

Can you say clutch. After Jordan forced a double, he kicked it out to Pax who hit the biggest shot of his career, topping off the bulls first three-peat.

http://www.classicathletes.com/wp-content/paxson.jpg

Top Five Reasons to Hate John Paxson

5. His middle name is MacBeth

I am assuming his parents tried to name him after the Shakespeare play, unfortunately they didn’t get it quite right. Shakespeare spelled it “Macbeth.” Honestly, it’s just a lame way to try and to make your kid sound smart.

http://www.rdaniel.net/images/work/Macbeth.jpg

4. He was born in Ohio

After going to school in Ohio, I completely hate everything that has anything to do with that state. We get it you like the Buckeyes. I’m sorry your “professional” teams are a joke and all of your “cities” don’t even add up to half of Chicago. Just please stop taking it out on the rest of us.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa136/mgoblue2222/ohiosucks.jpg

3. He signed Ben Wallace

A defensive force and leader is what Pax saw in this specialist. What he should have seen was an aging one-dimensional liability. You can’t trust anyone with a massive fro…I knew that in the third grade.

http://www.need4sheed.com/images/jan5_ben.jpg

2. He didn’t sign Mike D’Antoni

Now I can’t completely blame Pax for this because he doesn’t control the money, but part of his job is to convince the brass to pony up the cash to get a proven winner and franchise changing coach.

www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/91443

1. He didn’t trade for KOBE BRYANT!
LONG SIGH. How can you not trade for the best player in the league for a couple of solid role players? It makes me feel O.K. about myself for loosing interest in the Bulls after Jordan. Pax, I know for a fact Bryant is your favorite player in the NBA. Why didn’t you just pull the trigger and get the deal done? Instead of looking for a new coach, you would be basking in round two of the playoffs now. This sucks.

http://jessebastien.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/559925938_5235daadc_o.jpg

Down on the Farm: Oneri Fleita, VP of Player Personnel

2008-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Glenbrook S. emerges from the shadows

2008-05-08T17:49:00.001-07:00

In years past, Glenbrook South has lived in the shadows of powerful North Suburban programs such as New Trier and Loyola.

The shadows created a culture of mediocrity -- a culture Bob Rosinski, the Titans' first-year head coach, is determined to change.

Rosinski, 29, witnessed this sentiment first-hand as a former coach for both the Trevians and Ramblers.

"[At Glenbrook South] kids take days off, and games off, and pitches off and when you do that its tough to win baseball games," said Rosinski, a former UIC standout. "It's not that they don’t want to win, I think they are comfortable just being average."

Rosinski, though, is determined to rid the Titans of the "average" mentality and to raise his players' expectations of themselves and as a team.

"We are trying to have them have a commitment to excellence, every pitch of every game," Rosinski said. "To get there you can't do it in a day and you can't do it in a year. That is something we are trying to do here, expect to be good, expect to be excellent and we are not going to settle for anything less.”

Glenbrook South has recently embraced the Rosinski's model for success, going 6-6 in its last 12 games. But it took some time for the Titans to start accepting the pressure that goes hand-in-hand with higher expectations. The Titans started off the season 3-7, reverting to their former ways.

Senior shortstop Trevor Stevens said some of his teammates faltered early as the new coaching staff demanded more.

"At first kids had trouble with the pressure," Stevens said. "But now everybody has settled in and we all are starting to understand what we are supposed to do and where we are supposed to be. It’s not a big deal anymore."

The Titans are also accepting the challenges the coaches have put upon them. Senior outfielder Ryan Schultz said he has seen dramatic changes in how his teammates approach the game, especially in how they practice.

"The practices have a lot more intensity to them and that carries over to the games," Schultz said. "Last year was more relaxed and this year we are going at it a bit more. In the past, open gyms in the winters were informal and this year we had a prescribed thing to do each day to get better."

The Titans started to see their hard work and change in philosophy pay off in an 11-10 comeback victory over one of Rosinski’s former teams, Loyola. The Ramblers have been in-and-out of the Chicago area rankings all season.

"When we played Loyola we were struggling a little bit and the kids went out and played well and that was a good a team to play," Rosinski said. "They got a good victory and that was something we could build off of."

Said junior second basemen Mike Schroeder: "It was definitely a special win. It was a team win, too. Everybody played a part and we played some small baseball to win it and it was nice to pull off a win after so many losses early in the season."

Rosinski didn't admit that the Loyola game was different from any other. Still, it was a big win for the Titans as they take another step towards changing their culture. The Titans consider the win as the turning point of their season.

"It was a big win for us," Stevens said with a smile. "It showed us that we could compete with the top teams and that we are going to be strong at the end of the season."

Top Ten Games We've Been To

2008-05-08T17:43:00.002-07:00

Living in Chicago has afforded us the opportunity to partake in some of the most memorable sports moments the city's franchises have had to offer. Everyone has their own story of a particular moment when you knew that instead of being just a spectator, more importantly, you were apart of history. So before I bore you to tears with the theatrics, here's the Top Ten Games Zach Martin and I have been to that involve Chicago sports.

In other words, it's a "My Dad can beat up your Dad" kind of thing, only this time, Martin's Dad actually might have a shot.

Z. Martin's Top 5

5. Super Bowl XLI
Bears vs. Colts

Rocking a real mustache and homemade Ditka costume, I went to Miami prepared to witness the greatest victory since the '85 Bears were doing the Super Bowl Shuffle. For the first 15 minutes, it appeared the prophecy would prove to be true. Devin Hester returned the opening kick for a 92-yard touchdown and before you knew it, the Bears had a 14-6 lead after the first quarter.
We were well on our way to becoming Super Bowl champs until the forces of nature and a total defensive collapse ruined everything.

Even though the Bears lost, it was still an amazing event to attend and I will never forget watching as Hester screamed down the sidelines and into NFL history.

4. Cubs vs. Sox
May 19, 2007
Derek Lee's Grand Slam

This glorious event foreshadowed the disaster Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox have become. In the eighth inning, Guillen went to his bullpen and brought former Cub reliever David Aardsma to hold down a 6-5 lead. Aardsma quickly gave up five hits, a walk and retired only a single Cubs hitter.

It seemed to me like Ozzie had given up on the game because he only had lefty Boone Logan warming up in the pen despite the plethora of right-handed hitters that could step in for left handed hitter Jacque Jones.

Sure enough, the second Logan entered the ballgame, Jones grabbed some bench and injured Cubs first baseman Derek Lee immediately took his place. Like Kirk Gibson and other baseball legends, Lee walked wounded and battered to the plate with hopes of saving the day.

Logan did what all good relievers do; he fell behind 3-0 to guy that was leading the league with a .390 batting average. With a 3-1 count, Lee smashed a fastball over the right field fence and out of Wrigley for a grand-slam , destroying all hopes of a South Side victory.

I have never in my life heard Wrigley that loud, nor have I ever seen the Cub faithful go that crazy. That day will live forever as one of the most exciting games I have ever seen.

3. Bears vs. 49ers
October 28, 2001

The Bears trailed 31-16 with 7:47 left in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers that Sunday. Somehow, the impregnable Shane Matthews led the Bears on two scoring drives that both ended with a David Terrel (I know WTF) touchdown catch.

After Terrel's second TD, the Bears were still down two with only 26 seconds on the clock and had yet to kick the extra point. Coach Dick Jauron made a BALLSY move and called on Anthony 'A-Train' Thomas to run straight up the gut for the two-point conversion.Thomas appeared to be just short, but after a review, officials said Thomas crossed the goal-line, tying the score 31-31.

As he used to do so lovingly (prior to getting injured every third play), Mike Brown intercepted a pass off the hands of Terrell Owens and returned it for the game-winning touchdown only 16 seconds into overtime.

2. Final Blackhawks Game at Chicago Stadium
Hawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
April 28, 1994

There was nothing comparable to seeing a Hawks game at the old Chicago Stadium.

Known as the "Madhouse on Madison, fans took cheering to another level at the "Madhouse".The ice itself was smaller than regulation size, making contests here even more violent and brutal. Verbal (and sometimes physical) altercations with opposing fans, pounding on the glass and screaming during the National Anthem were the norm.

Even though the Hawks lost a well fought battle 1-0, watching the final game will always be burned into my skull as a remorseful, but special day where old Chicago Stadium was being honored.

I will always remember Jeremy Roenick being the last player on the ice, skating around saying good-bye to the screaming fans. He left the ice by throwing one last souvenir of the stadium into the stands; his stick. JR left the fans with a personal touch that could only be felt at the minuscule "Madhouse".

1. Cubs vs. Giants
One Game Playoff
September 28, 1998

I loved Neifi Perez (until he became a Cub at least). Perez lifted the Cubs into a tie with the Giants for the Wild Card in 1998. With a home-run against Rob Nen in the bottom of the ninth, Perez gave his Colorado Rockies a 9-8 win, sending the Cubs and Giants into a one game playoff.

In this game held at Wrigley Field, the Cubs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead behind the strong pitching of Steve Trachsel, who actually carried a no-no in to the seventh (another WTF).

The most memorable play occurred when Gary Gaetti extended the Cubs lead with a huge two-run homer to left. The fans demanded a curtain call and Gary delivered, taking off his helmet revealing a very large bald spot. His homer almost put the game away until the bullpen got involved.

The pen systematically gave up three runs in the ninth until the winning run was at the plate in the form of the notoriously clutch hitter, Joe Carter. Thankfully, Rod Beck used his FAT magic and got Carter to pop out to Mark Grace at first.

I will always remember the intensity of Wrigley, the methodical taunting of Barry Bonds and the two guys sitting behind me chanting 'Hail Marys' between every inning. It was a game that tops every game I have ever been to and probably will ever see.

M. Olsen's Top Five

5. Bears vs. 49ers
November 13, 2005

On perhaps the windiest day in the history of the Windy City, I got a chance to see Nathan Vasher return a missed field goal 108 yards for touchdown.

It was at the end of the first half and considering how the wind was blowing, I figured Joe Nedney's 52-yard field goal attempt was a joke and I could get a head start on the bathroom line. But as I turned to walk up the steps, the crowd in the South end zone starting going nuts and out of nowhere I see Vasher and a gang of Bears blockers flying down the sideline leading him to the promised land.

4. White Sox vs. Twins
June 3, 1990

That's the actual ticket from a White Sox game in 1990 that really didn't have any special importance. The Sox won 90 games that year, good enough for second place in the division.

But - not to get all misty-eyed on ya - this is the first game I remember my old man taking me to and the first game I actually remember attending. Carlton 'Pudge" Fisk, Lance Johnson, Robin Ventura, Ivan Calderon, Ron Kittle and Ozzie Guillen were in the starting lineup that day. 'Blackjack' McDowell was the starting pitcher and Bobby Thigpen came in for the save.

Those guys were legends to me and I'm proud to say I got a chance to see Kirby Puckett take the field at ol' Comiskey, one of the greatest ballparks the world has ever seen.

(And please, look at how much a ticket was in 1990.....almost what you pay for a beer nowadays)

3. Bears vs. Seahawks
October 1, 2006

The Bears were 3-0 heading into this NFC tilt with the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks in 2006. A win against a team like the 'Hawks would legitimize the Bears hopes of making a playoff run that eventually ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.

Seattle went up 3-0 early in the first quarter, but from then on it was all Bears. They scored 20 unanswered points and dominated in every facet of the game. Hasselbeck was sacked five times, threw two interceptions and eventually was knocked out of the game to be replaced by Seneca Wallace.

It was a good ol' fashioned ass-whoopin and a sign of things to come in '06.

2. Bulls vs. Kings
February 28, 1997

There's not much to be said about the Bulls dynasty that hasn't been said already so I'll keep this one short and sweet. I feel blessed to be able to say I saw Michael Jordan on more than one occasion during his career with the Bulls and will never forget the goose-bumps I got during the introductions. "ANNNNNNNNNDDDDD NOWWWWWW!!!!!!!"

M. Jeff lit it up against the Kings that night like we always expected him to. He finished with 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists and teammate Scottie Pippen did some damage with 29 points of his own.

Watching the Bulls of today makes me miss those times more than ever.

1. Bears vs. Packers
September 29, 2003
1st Game at Remodeled Soldier Field

Let's see.
Sunday night game?
Check.
Bears vs. Packers?
Check.
First game ever in the newly remodeled Soldier Field?
Check.

This will always go down in my mind as the most ridiculous event I have ever been to. The atmosphere inside Soldier Field before kickoff was something I'll never forget and the pomp and circumstance that went along with it made the game that much sweeter.

I was at the game this year when the Vikings' Adrian Peterson shredded the Bears for over 200 yards. I've seen Devin Hester return a kick for a touchdown and witnessed his version of the 'SupaMan' dance. I've seen comebacks and heartbreaks.

But nothing will ever compare to the night I was locked into a historical moment with the franchise that has meant so much to me over the years and the thousands of like minded individuals that surrounded me.

Top Ten Chicago Logos

2008-05-08T17:43:00.001-07:00

10. The Chicago Steel
A strong and bold logo is perfect for this hockey club.

9. The Chicago Bandits
It might be chick softball but it is a sick logo.

8. The Chicago White Sox
It's an average logo but the South Siders are a staple of Chicago.

7. The Chicago Fire
I know it's soccer but it does rep the Chicago FD.

6. The Chicago Wolves
Don't piss off this wild beast.

5. The Chicago Bulls
You mess with the bull you get the horn.

4. The Chicago Shamrox
Even though it is lacrosse, this logo rocks hard.

3. The Chicago Cubs
Simple and powerful.

2. The Chicago Bears
The combination of the colors and the bear is simply badass.

1. The Chicago Blackhawks
It is the greatest logo in sports.

Top Ten Tag Teams (1985-1990)

2008-05-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

As a child I would always have to hide from my mom whenever wrestling was on. She would run to whatever room I was in and turn it off. To my mom it was as bad as scrambled porn… maybe worse. So this list is a dedication to all the nervous nights I spent anxiously hiding from my mother. This is my Top Ten WWF Tag Teams of the 90’s.

10. The British Bulldogs

When you think of the British Bulldogs you think of Davey Boy Smith with his flamboyant bicep things that made you want to kill him. It also hurt his street cred that he was from Britain. But he did play a good clean-cut asswhipe that the crowd loved to hate.

9. Harlem Heat

Like the Bulldogs the Heat were represented by one man Booker T and whoever else was on his arm. This team set the record with ten titles. It also helps to wrestle for nine hundred years. I think Booker T is still chugging along in Mexico somewhere.

8. Money INC

Made up of legendary wrestler Ted DiBiase and resident douche Irwin R. Schyster (IRS). I always got made fun for liking these two by my friends but I was so impressed by IRS’ ability to where a tie and still stomp ass.

7. The Dudley Boyz

Easily the funniest combination of all time. Whenever you add a redneck racist and black dude it equals gold. They were the first blue collar TV before it got all-queer with Jeff Foxworthy. This team made wrestling enjoyable with a slight hint of racial awkwardness.

6. New Age Outlaws

Made up of Kip and BG James, these two dominated the sport for a while and eventually added the likes of many of the D-Generation X crew. At one point they were the third most popular people in wrestling behind the Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Plus look at those tight shorts, how cant you root for that.

5. The Nasty Boys

Simply put Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags were fat and wore leather… You can’t go wrong with that combo.

4. Demolition

Made up of the three-way combo of Ax, Smash and Crush, this dynamic combination destroyed anyone that got in their way. Plus they wore face paint, which is only cool at a carnival and in the wrestling ring.

3. The Hart Foundation

Probably the most classic and well respected wrestler was Bret Hart. He teamed up with Jim Neidhart to form one of the best tag teams in the history of the WWF. They had it all, athleticism, size and sweet accents. They rocked as hard as men in leotards can.

2. The Steiner Brothers

When these two came out in their Michigan letterman jackets and their ear guards, my friends and I would loose it. Not because we like Michigan (hate them) but because they were a real combination of brothers that gave it their best and were two solid dudes that the crowd could relate to.

1. The Road Warriors/The Legion of Doom

Members: Hawk and Animal
They had spikes in their shoulder pads… is there anything else I need to say?

Top Ten Kid Athletes in Movies

2008-05-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Now that I am getting old, I have decided to relive the greatest moments of my childhood. My last post was an ode to the Top Ten Tag Teams (1985-90). This week I will give props to the greatest kid athletes in movies…the ones that inspired, the ones that took their teams from shit to legit, the ones that hit puberty before any other kids in town. This is my Top Ten Kid Athletes in Movies

*editors note: Only one character per movie, otherwise there would be like seven characters from "The Little Giants" and "The Mighty Ducks". Also, by kids I mean not in high school. No Jimmy Chitwood’s on this list.

10. Jarius “G-Baby” Evans – Hardball
“Kofi say, "You a cheatin' bitch.". No wait. Kofi say, "You a motherf - "”(www.boxofficeprophets.com/ hollis/hardball.asp)

G-Baby may not have been the best athlete, but he got shot and that gives him some major street cred. He was shot on the Chicago South Side. Thank God that doesn’t happen anymore. Right?

9. Mathew/Martha – Lady Bugs
“No, he's not a stranger. He's just strange.”
(www.sportsinmovies.com/ soccer/ladybugs.asp)

What is better than a really good girl soccer player? Nothing. Wrong! A really good boy soccer player, playing in the girl’s league. Mathew or Martha played in the girl’s league for coach Chester Lee (even the character that Dangerfield plays sound creepy). He methodically scored goal after goal dodging awkward yet hilarious situations on his way to getting a period for being a bitch.

8. Jaun Morales – “Big Green”
(www.ultimatedisney.com/ biggreen.html)

The only reason I like this movie is because my 80’s comedy icon is in it…Steve Guttenberg (he rocks hard). However, once the group of misfits gets Morales on their team, they can do no wrong.

7. Gian Piero/Massimo – “Kicking and Screaming”
“Prima la carne, prima la carne.”(http://www.themoviespoiler.com/Spoilers/kickingandscreaming.html)

Once coach Phil Weston got these two Italian soccer saints, his team could not be stopped. Gian Piero and Massimo weaved through the defense like TTCS writer Phil Barnes weaves his way through traffic on his way to McDonalds…unstoppable.

6. Billy Heywood – “Little Big League”
“If Joe can paint a house in three hours and Sam can paint the same house in five hours, how long will it take to paint it together?”

(www.tvguide.com/movies/ little-big-league/129913)

Technically Heywood never played baseball except on the Little League diamond, but the kid made GMing and coaching look so easy that he must make this list. For many Chicago franchises, making the playoffs is a challenge and Heywood took a cellar Twins team within one sick catch by THE Ken Griffey Jr. from going to the playoffs. Here’s to you Heywood and lets hope Pax takes a page from Heywood's grandfather when he makes his coaching decision.

5. Kelly Leak – “The Bad News Bears” (1976)
“There's nice ass at the field, that's why I always hang around it.”(http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/category?blogid=22&cat=546&o=60)

This longhaired-motorcycling badass took some twisting of the arm to play ball, but when he did all he did was drop bomb after bomb…a complete stud.

4. Adam Banks – “The Mighty Ducks”
“Do me a favor. Kick some Hawk butt.”(http://yzak.nu/fan/banks/)

This “cake eater” might have been from some richy rich neighborhood but the kid could play. He was the turtleneck wearing tight-ass that Coach Gordon Bombay needed to make the “flying V” a success. Thank God they rezoned the district!

3. Henry Rowengartner – “Rookie of the Year”
“Pitcher's got a big butt! Pitcher's got a big butt!”
(http://hyspace.progressiveboink.com/rowengartner.jpg)

He might be the most annoying character on this list, but Rowengartner was the man and he pitched for the Cubs. He went from his class loser to Cubs Ace in just eight weeks (his arm had to heal properly). From striking out Bonds to the immaculate floater, Rowengartner had it all. Plus he went on later to become the guy from “American Pie.”

2. Spike – “Little Giants”
“Is Spike mistaken, but aren't you a girl?” (http://www.childrenofsalem.com/days/kids/briabrit/littlegiants1.jpg)

Can you say steroids? Spike dominated pee-wee football. Listed at 6-2, 200 (numbers may be off), Spike could tear through anything, except an Ice Box, even though he had already carried one on his back earlier in the movie. Basically Spike is everything I want in a son. If I had Spike’s size I would definitely go back to grade school and beat up the bully that picked on fellow TTCS writer Ricky O’Donnell. Maybe he wouldn’t be so mean.

1. Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez – “The Sandlot”
“Anyone who wants to be a can't-hack-it pantywaist who wears their mama's bra, raise your hand.”
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/5/9750972_2e6fd4096c.jpg)

Benny destroyed all the kids that he played against in the Sandlot. Nobody could match his speed, power and arm strength. He stole bases without conscience and hit home runs like Ruth. Plus, Benny made the Majors and stole home…sick!

Honorable Mentions
Patrick Renna – The fat redheaded kid in “The Sandlot” and “Big Green”
Ice Box and Junior – “Little Giants”
Goldberg and Charlie Conway – “The Mighty Ducks”

Top Ten Chicago Mascots

2008-05-08T17:38:00.001-07:00

My editor for the Cubs wrote a little piece on the Mascots in the Cubs minor league system in our Cubs blog and it spurred my interest in Chicago sports teams mascots. Thus, this is my tribute to the greatest mascots in Chicago...enjoy!

10. Grabowski
( stations.espn.go.com/.../ story?id=mascots)

Kind of a random mascot, Grabowski does work for Iron Mike and should be well versed in ass kicking.

9. Blue Demon
(http://www.jamd.com/search?assettype=g&assetid=56946539&text=blue+demons+mascot)

He is a Blue Demon...it is weird looking but he does look like a bad ass blue Jamaican hard ass.

8. Southpaw

(homerderby.com/ archives/1003)

Not quite sure why the White Sox allowed this thing to roam their field but that is the south side for you.

7. Lou Wolf

(hoopedia.nba.com)

The first Wolf on the list...but this wolf ain't got skates...no balls!

6. Sparky the Firedog

(home.att.net/ ~hattrick-dals/)

Kind of a lame mascot, but it does fit the lameness of the soccer team.

5. The Sky Guy

(basketballfusion.com/)

He looks a lot like a Beer Drinking Simpson's character. Hey whatever puts seats in the empty building.

4. Tommy Hawk
( stations.espn.go.com/.../ story?id=mascots)

He has a sick look and probably could whoop your ass. Tommy's the man.

3. Skates
(www.dailyherald.com/.../ images/skates.JPG)

He can skate in a freagin' wolf suit...that is sick!

2. Staley Da Bear

(raymond.mlblogs.com)

He has "Da" as a middle name. That's cool.

1. Benny the Bull( bullsbrasil.wordpress.com)

Must be number one after DUI, drug charges and breaking a man's arm. Nobody can beat that.