What have we learned this baseball offseason? Don't trust a Cubs employee. From Ryan Dempster to Carlos Marmol to Anibel Sanchez, the Chicago Cubs front office is closer to a group of high school girls than the frat boys they're made out to be.
Its an offseason like this that one would hope they make Life-Lock: Baseball Franchise. One would also assume that Carmine, Theo Epstein's computer system doesn't have an anti-virus program.
The Cubs haven't lost out on anything, really. They may have dodged a bullet, and a shock to the rebuilding plan had the signed Sanchez, and although it might have been nice to pull off the Atlanta deal you don't see the Braves make many mistakes when they've decided to deal players.
Baseball fans ask, who related to the Cubs has the loose lips, and apparently girls are hoping Theo and Jed Hoyer have loose lips (Theo has been known to turn some ladies eyes and Jed was named the 5th most sexy baseball GM by Yahoo! Sports).
Undeniable that the Cubs have improved their club this offseason, but at what cost? Will future bigger names think the potential deals that leaked are a negative? Will this deter or cause the Cubs to overspend in the coming years when going to the free agent market?
Well... Who knows for certain, right? I mean blown secrets are one thing and $10 million a year for 4 years is certainly another.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Where do we go now
Well, well, well, the Bears certainly have put themselves in an interesting position haven't they? The team, which didn't address their number 1 concern in the offseason, started off 7-1 and was ranked in the top 5 in all of the NFL (higher in some polls). But even with this, weren't Bears fans a little concerned? I mean there still was no offensive line, we weren't handing the ball off or taking advantage of Matt Forte in the passing game. Jay Cutler has shown signs of being erratic since arriving in Chicago, and the Bears defense wasn't exactly getting younger.
But alas, the Bears were 7-1 and in control of their destiny. The Packers, although beating the Bears early in the season, were an afterthought and the surprising Vikings were the team which posed the biggest first half threat. Lovie Smith was on pace to receive an extension to stay here for at least 3 more years, Jay Cutler would get the same. Heck! Even Brian Urlacher was possibly in line for a new deal. All things were good, and the Bears had just shalacked the Tennessee Titans 51-20.
Boom! Reality.....
The Bears faced a contender in the Houston Texans, and even though teh Bears defense kept them in the game, Houston eventually rolled on with a 13-6 victory and Jay left the game early with a concussion. We still didn't worry cause in the offseason we brought in Jason Campbell, who legitimized the Chicago back-up QB position.
San Francisco rolled on over us, with a rookie QB under center. Picking apart the Bears defense like Tom Brady himself, Colin Kaepernick (ex Chicago Cubs prospective prospect) was thrust upon the national stage, while the Bears defense looked old and Jason Campbell spent more time on the ground that his balls did in the air. Worry at this point is setting in, although chants of MVP began for Jay Cutler...
After a week of questioning if Cutler would make his return, he did, leading the Bears to their 2nd divisional win and further prompting some MVP chatter. Radio stations began to pick this up, and national guys argued for and against the notion. But, don't you worry cause that all ended abruptly as the Bears faced it's 4th contender and 3rd in the last 4 weeks, Seattle. This was a highly contested game, with the Bears leading at the half, but you felt some air leave Soldier Field when the Bears were unable to convert a 4th and 1 which would have extended a drive in their own red zone. In the 2nd half, it was time for Russell Wilson to perform his very own version of Colin Kaepernick. Running an offense which seemed unstopable, Wilson had 3 options, hand off, run it himself, or pass and all 3 would result in what seemed like 12 yard gains. The Bears showed some life with a long pass to Brandon Marshall, but losing the coin flip in overtime did the Bears in as the defense was slow and tired and has become visably old.
The next 2 weeks have gone exactly the same, looked old, tired, and just unable to compete at a professional level. Jay Cutler is under pressure and the only weapon being used, possibly more than anticipated, is Marshall. With the Bears going 3-6 against teams that currently have winning records (all 6 of their losses have been to playoff caliber or competing teams), they have placed themselves in a position which almost all is lost. Lovie's extension is torn to shreds, Cutler went from MVP candidate to maybe not receiving new money, Urlacher went from the newest member of the Bears Middle Linebacker Mount Rushmore to calling out the fans (twice this season) and possibly on his way out of Chicago. Mike Tice is sure to be replaced (his replacement will certainly be the 4th Offensive Coordinator Cutler will have while with the Bears), and if Lovie Smith is gone, the Cover-2 defense will certainly leave as well.
So I ask the questions... Should the Bears invest in Jay Cutler again? What about Lovie Smith? Should he keep his job? Is Urlacher in jeapordy of leaving Chicago? Should Matt Forte be used more in the passing game? Is it time to completely rebuild this franchise? How far can Jay Cutler take us, even with a healthy and good offensive line?
All I know is, if the Bears win a playoff berth or not. If the rebuild or not. If they fire Lovie or not. Come August the Bears will be the center of the Chicago sports world once again, and us Bears fans will scream about this or that, but proclaim that this team will win a Super Bowl.
But alas, the Bears were 7-1 and in control of their destiny. The Packers, although beating the Bears early in the season, were an afterthought and the surprising Vikings were the team which posed the biggest first half threat. Lovie Smith was on pace to receive an extension to stay here for at least 3 more years, Jay Cutler would get the same. Heck! Even Brian Urlacher was possibly in line for a new deal. All things were good, and the Bears had just shalacked the Tennessee Titans 51-20.
Boom! Reality.....
The Bears faced a contender in the Houston Texans, and even though teh Bears defense kept them in the game, Houston eventually rolled on with a 13-6 victory and Jay left the game early with a concussion. We still didn't worry cause in the offseason we brought in Jason Campbell, who legitimized the Chicago back-up QB position.
San Francisco rolled on over us, with a rookie QB under center. Picking apart the Bears defense like Tom Brady himself, Colin Kaepernick (ex Chicago Cubs prospective prospect) was thrust upon the national stage, while the Bears defense looked old and Jason Campbell spent more time on the ground that his balls did in the air. Worry at this point is setting in, although chants of MVP began for Jay Cutler...
After a week of questioning if Cutler would make his return, he did, leading the Bears to their 2nd divisional win and further prompting some MVP chatter. Radio stations began to pick this up, and national guys argued for and against the notion. But, don't you worry cause that all ended abruptly as the Bears faced it's 4th contender and 3rd in the last 4 weeks, Seattle. This was a highly contested game, with the Bears leading at the half, but you felt some air leave Soldier Field when the Bears were unable to convert a 4th and 1 which would have extended a drive in their own red zone. In the 2nd half, it was time for Russell Wilson to perform his very own version of Colin Kaepernick. Running an offense which seemed unstopable, Wilson had 3 options, hand off, run it himself, or pass and all 3 would result in what seemed like 12 yard gains. The Bears showed some life with a long pass to Brandon Marshall, but losing the coin flip in overtime did the Bears in as the defense was slow and tired and has become visably old.
The next 2 weeks have gone exactly the same, looked old, tired, and just unable to compete at a professional level. Jay Cutler is under pressure and the only weapon being used, possibly more than anticipated, is Marshall. With the Bears going 3-6 against teams that currently have winning records (all 6 of their losses have been to playoff caliber or competing teams), they have placed themselves in a position which almost all is lost. Lovie's extension is torn to shreds, Cutler went from MVP candidate to maybe not receiving new money, Urlacher went from the newest member of the Bears Middle Linebacker Mount Rushmore to calling out the fans (twice this season) and possibly on his way out of Chicago. Mike Tice is sure to be replaced (his replacement will certainly be the 4th Offensive Coordinator Cutler will have while with the Bears), and if Lovie Smith is gone, the Cover-2 defense will certainly leave as well.
So I ask the questions... Should the Bears invest in Jay Cutler again? What about Lovie Smith? Should he keep his job? Is Urlacher in jeapordy of leaving Chicago? Should Matt Forte be used more in the passing game? Is it time to completely rebuild this franchise? How far can Jay Cutler take us, even with a healthy and good offensive line?
All I know is, if the Bears win a playoff berth or not. If the rebuild or not. If they fire Lovie or not. Come August the Bears will be the center of the Chicago sports world once again, and us Bears fans will scream about this or that, but proclaim that this team will win a Super Bowl.
Monday, December 17, 2012
We weep
I am still angry, saddened, dazed, confused, and discouraged by the horrendous actions that took place in Sandy Hook Elementary School. I feel a little uneasy today as we sent our children to school or left them in the care of others as we returned for another work week. There is a huge part of me that would like to stay home and shelter my children from all the dangers of the world. Over the next couple paragraphs I want to make abundantly clear, my thoughts and prayers, in fact I believe everyone's thoughts and prayers are with the children, their families, the brave teachers that did everything they could to save them, the kids that will live the rest of their lives with this memory, and the Newtown community.
I am discouraged because we hear about the monster that did this in Connecticut, we hear about the tragic event the same day in China, we hear about the high school basketball game later that night, and we hear about the movie theater incident just last night. As I sat down for the days work a colleague was speaking to a client in Connecticut not far from the event and his children's school was locked down due to suspicious activity at a subway nearby.
I'm not sure about you, but my wife and I decided to keep the news from our children. After all how do you explain to a 1st grader that kids his age were just rifled down in a classroom just like his? I think part of not telling him was also because it would make this event even more real to us as parents. I still sit here imagining the parents staring at their children's rooms, grasping their favorite toy, laying in their blanket. Even more so realizing that in a week it will be Christmas.
People will scream to toughen on gun laws, they already have. This isn't fixing the issue though. It is the people behind the weapon. The monster in Connecticut was a monster, gun or not. The monster in that Colorado theater was a monster, guns or not. The monsters in Columbine were monsters, guns or not. Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, so on and so on and so on. These people were the problem. Their ability to acquire the firearms were the problem. The firearms were not the problem.
To put the sports perspective on it. Brandon Marshall suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. He admittedly has suffered from this possibly his entire life. In most US states he is perfectly qualified to purchase firearms, and in some he can even fit the criteria to be approved for conceal and carry. This is a problem.
Now of course there is a glaring hole in restrictions for people with mental disabilities and owning firearms. Some will say to close that hole and we can fix a lot of what's wrong. Sure, this could possibly stop an incident from happening, but it is more important to identify those with mental illnesses. In Brandon Marshall's case he wasn't diagnosed until sometime in 2011, this was after numerous incidents and outbursts. What if he happened to have a firearm on him during one of these incidents? What if he hadn't of been diagnosed and properly treated? As a 27 year old star athlete, he would have been brushed away as another poor athlete that couldn't handle the pressure of professional sports. But he was diagnosed, and we can do more to help others get treatment they need.
We need to do more to identify individuals that suffer from mental illness. We need to do more to ensure they have the proper care and treatment they need and deserve. We need to make sure that the underprivileged kid that is always starting fights isn't doing it because he has a ticking time bomb in his head. We need to make sure that rich child that has social anxiety isn't this way because he is suffering everyday from deep depression. We owe this to our children, every one of them. Most of all, parents, family members, adults, and anyone else in position of influence needs to make sure they tell and show the kids in their life that they are loved.
I mentioned before that all of our thoughts and prayers need to be with those so impacted by this tragic event. This is so true, but as a caring nation we need to also let them know that they are loved, especially in this time of need.
I am discouraged because we hear about the monster that did this in Connecticut, we hear about the tragic event the same day in China, we hear about the high school basketball game later that night, and we hear about the movie theater incident just last night. As I sat down for the days work a colleague was speaking to a client in Connecticut not far from the event and his children's school was locked down due to suspicious activity at a subway nearby.
I'm not sure about you, but my wife and I decided to keep the news from our children. After all how do you explain to a 1st grader that kids his age were just rifled down in a classroom just like his? I think part of not telling him was also because it would make this event even more real to us as parents. I still sit here imagining the parents staring at their children's rooms, grasping their favorite toy, laying in their blanket. Even more so realizing that in a week it will be Christmas.
People will scream to toughen on gun laws, they already have. This isn't fixing the issue though. It is the people behind the weapon. The monster in Connecticut was a monster, gun or not. The monster in that Colorado theater was a monster, guns or not. The monsters in Columbine were monsters, guns or not. Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, so on and so on and so on. These people were the problem. Their ability to acquire the firearms were the problem. The firearms were not the problem.
To put the sports perspective on it. Brandon Marshall suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. He admittedly has suffered from this possibly his entire life. In most US states he is perfectly qualified to purchase firearms, and in some he can even fit the criteria to be approved for conceal and carry. This is a problem.
Now of course there is a glaring hole in restrictions for people with mental disabilities and owning firearms. Some will say to close that hole and we can fix a lot of what's wrong. Sure, this could possibly stop an incident from happening, but it is more important to identify those with mental illnesses. In Brandon Marshall's case he wasn't diagnosed until sometime in 2011, this was after numerous incidents and outbursts. What if he happened to have a firearm on him during one of these incidents? What if he hadn't of been diagnosed and properly treated? As a 27 year old star athlete, he would have been brushed away as another poor athlete that couldn't handle the pressure of professional sports. But he was diagnosed, and we can do more to help others get treatment they need.
We need to do more to identify individuals that suffer from mental illness. We need to do more to ensure they have the proper care and treatment they need and deserve. We need to make sure that the underprivileged kid that is always starting fights isn't doing it because he has a ticking time bomb in his head. We need to make sure that rich child that has social anxiety isn't this way because he is suffering everyday from deep depression. We owe this to our children, every one of them. Most of all, parents, family members, adults, and anyone else in position of influence needs to make sure they tell and show the kids in their life that they are loved.
I mentioned before that all of our thoughts and prayers need to be with those so impacted by this tragic event. This is so true, but as a caring nation we need to also let them know that they are loved, especially in this time of need.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Chicago Sports: Chicago Sports on the Cubs
Chicago Sports: Chicago Sports on the Cubs: All things Cubs from the all things Chicago guys In case you all missed Darwin Barney's breakout game the other day, here's the highlight...
Do you really read this?
So, it has been some time from my last post to this one. I spent a great deal of time "redesigning" the site. I thought if I made it prettier then people will check it out more. Well that kind of worked, but I wanted more. So I began looking at other areas to generate views... Keywords? Well not exactly sure about this yet as it seems to be more for ad generation, and paying the good folks at Google x amount of dollars, when they have the dollars I already want to get.
But hell I'm going to try something. I will pimp whore this post out using all the "Super Keywords" that came back. Which in a nutshell means, what these sites tell me is most searched for is what I will tag this post with. Sure to work, right? Well we shall see.
What I do ask is this.
If you visit, click on the buttons below. They should be; Funny, Interesting, Cool
Also, post a comment. Search around to some of the other stories and post a comment on those. Share articles on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Blogger. I want to see how many of you actually read this, and I would like some friends, family, supporters, and followers to get the page out there a bit more. It would be a tremendous help!
Also... I am thinking of adding some additional content to the page. One idea I had was doing a weekly podcast, set up in a sports radio like format. I could have multiple people on, guests (which would be friends or family), and some other surprises. Another idea would be some video posts, or what the cool kids call, Vlogs...?
Either way I want to expand this a little bit as I have fun with this, but I want to make sure the people that I subject my madness to also enjoys it. So please let me know, post comments on THIS page to tell me what you like, dislike, and what you would like to see more or less of.
Thanks, that's all I gots.
But hell I'm going to try something. I will pimp whore this post out using all the "Super Keywords" that came back. Which in a nutshell means, what these sites tell me is most searched for is what I will tag this post with. Sure to work, right? Well we shall see.
What I do ask is this.
If you visit, click on the buttons below. They should be; Funny, Interesting, Cool
Also, post a comment. Search around to some of the other stories and post a comment on those. Share articles on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Blogger. I want to see how many of you actually read this, and I would like some friends, family, supporters, and followers to get the page out there a bit more. It would be a tremendous help!
Also... I am thinking of adding some additional content to the page. One idea I had was doing a weekly podcast, set up in a sports radio like format. I could have multiple people on, guests (which would be friends or family), and some other surprises. Another idea would be some video posts, or what the cool kids call, Vlogs...?
Either way I want to expand this a little bit as I have fun with this, but I want to make sure the people that I subject my madness to also enjoys it. So please let me know, post comments on THIS page to tell me what you like, dislike, and what you would like to see more or less of.
Thanks, that's all I gots.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Delicate truth
The world certainly ha taken over the "pussifacation" approach to many things. Guys walking around worried about their hair and only drinking bottled water. Less and less people moving into trades and into desk or retail positions. Sports becoming, well less manly.
We have seen it across the board in all sports. In basketball players could get away with more physical play to keep the offense out of the lane. Baseball pitchers are no longer allowed to pitch inside for fear of hitting someone. Hockey hits to the head and from behind are serious infractions. In football likewise, head shots are filling the commissioners office with likely fines.
People ask for a return to the good old days, when a middle linebacker could be mean and clotheslined any puny receiver crossing his space, with or without the ball. People long for the days when a hockey player with his head down was a big hit waiting to happen. People want you ace pitcher to be able to control the inside corner and put a batter on his arse if he crowed the plate. People want this, but it's just not smart any longer.
With the long term effects on head injuries, what we know about them now, and why we learn everyday, we know these leave lasting dangerous effects on people. Dave Duerson's suicide in February of 2011 a little more was learned. These players are leaving the game mentally irregular. We have read in certain publications that our great Walter Payton suffered from depression and had thoughts of suicide. Now with the news of Junior Seau's apparent suicide this news ha jumped to the forefront.
Some will tell you that these are grown men who make the conscience decision to do what they do. Well what about the 21 year old Penn State football player Owen Thomas, who was found dead hung in his dorm room? Did he make that conscience decision? Was he old enough to determine living the rest of his life with CTE (disease linked to impulse control and depression found in multiple NFL players)?
It is time for the world to notice this. With athletes being unprepared to step foot into retired life, let alone deal with mental defects caused by their sport, things need to change. Sports leagues need to prepare players from the beginning of their careers till the end on how to cope without sport. Equally important is the need to put equipment in locker rooms which will protect their heads from the effects of repeated trauma over and over. We are a delicate species, we see it at birth, we see it at death, we must now see it in-between.
We have seen it across the board in all sports. In basketball players could get away with more physical play to keep the offense out of the lane. Baseball pitchers are no longer allowed to pitch inside for fear of hitting someone. Hockey hits to the head and from behind are serious infractions. In football likewise, head shots are filling the commissioners office with likely fines.
People ask for a return to the good old days, when a middle linebacker could be mean and clotheslined any puny receiver crossing his space, with or without the ball. People long for the days when a hockey player with his head down was a big hit waiting to happen. People want you ace pitcher to be able to control the inside corner and put a batter on his arse if he crowed the plate. People want this, but it's just not smart any longer.
With the long term effects on head injuries, what we know about them now, and why we learn everyday, we know these leave lasting dangerous effects on people. Dave Duerson's suicide in February of 2011 a little more was learned. These players are leaving the game mentally irregular. We have read in certain publications that our great Walter Payton suffered from depression and had thoughts of suicide. Now with the news of Junior Seau's apparent suicide this news ha jumped to the forefront.
Some will tell you that these are grown men who make the conscience decision to do what they do. Well what about the 21 year old Penn State football player Owen Thomas, who was found dead hung in his dorm room? Did he make that conscience decision? Was he old enough to determine living the rest of his life with CTE (disease linked to impulse control and depression found in multiple NFL players)?
It is time for the world to notice this. With athletes being unprepared to step foot into retired life, let alone deal with mental defects caused by their sport, things need to change. Sports leagues need to prepare players from the beginning of their careers till the end on how to cope without sport. Equally important is the need to put equipment in locker rooms which will protect their heads from the effects of repeated trauma over and over. We are a delicate species, we see it at birth, we see it at death, we must now see it in-between.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
What it means to be a fan
I have noticed throughout the years that people tend to judge others in their fandom. "Oh I went to this many more games than you" or "I know everything about their 4th string Short Stop in Double A so I'm a bigger fan that you."
It seems that a part of enjoying sports never left second grade? "My dad can beat up your dad."
The way I see it, you just had more money and free time than I do. Sure I know a great deal about the sports I follow, I would gather to say I know more than most people I know. I also know one thing some don't, it doesn't matter who you root for, who you know, or how much you know, it only matters that you root.
People need something else in their lives, with mountains of bills, gas prices, housing crisis, wars, presidents that have lost touch with the people, your boss breathing down your neck for those damn TPS reports! URGH!
Sports are here for our enjoyment, and to take us away from our everyday stresses. Sure our local sports team can cause more stress, but it's a different stress. I would rather worry about the Bulls chances without Derrick Rose than worry about a clients internal mess that's somehow my fault. We need options to distract us from dirty diapers and traffic. We need places to turn to remember the joy of being young and running around the bases. We need these things.
I don't care if it is sports, soap operas, or searching the Internet for your favorite celebrity and their most recent cell phone pic that was stolen. Distractions are distractions, and they help.
There is a healthy level of being a fan. LA, you're doing it wrong. We should never revert to violence, or even dressing as one of those Raider-whatchamacallit's. I like the Cubs, I will not change my mind, but with friends we will joke about who sucks more, Cubs or Sox (the answers Sox by the way). I've never hit someone because they are a Sox fan (although it's been close for a couple of you, you know who you are), and I never will. Why should my choice of stress distraction cause me more stress, and the impending ass whooping I'd surely get? It just doesn't make sense.
I have seen too many times, drunks getting foolish at a game, starts a fight, and their kid who is at his first game is forced to sit through it all. That's the impression of sport you will leave.
I was just at the Cubs vs Cardinals game a few weeks ago. Carlos Marmol blew the save and fans went ahead and boo'd him. That's their right, but I had to explain why to my 6 year old who is just really learning baseball. What was worse is, I had to also tell him to not pay attention to the loud mouthed drunk 22 year old that was screaming profanities towards the field, like he heard you from your $3 ticket in the outfield terrace reserved section... What topped that was, Cardinal fans that made the trip from St Louis were telling him to quiet down because of the kids nearby. Classy.
I wish and hope that everyone finds a way to be a fan of something, but do it right. There needs to be an application to make sure fans and sports don't let that guy in section 204 row 22 seat 8 in. He can follow wrestling.
It seems that a part of enjoying sports never left second grade? "My dad can beat up your dad."
The way I see it, you just had more money and free time than I do. Sure I know a great deal about the sports I follow, I would gather to say I know more than most people I know. I also know one thing some don't, it doesn't matter who you root for, who you know, or how much you know, it only matters that you root.
People need something else in their lives, with mountains of bills, gas prices, housing crisis, wars, presidents that have lost touch with the people, your boss breathing down your neck for those damn TPS reports! URGH!
Sports are here for our enjoyment, and to take us away from our everyday stresses. Sure our local sports team can cause more stress, but it's a different stress. I would rather worry about the Bulls chances without Derrick Rose than worry about a clients internal mess that's somehow my fault. We need options to distract us from dirty diapers and traffic. We need places to turn to remember the joy of being young and running around the bases. We need these things.
I don't care if it is sports, soap operas, or searching the Internet for your favorite celebrity and their most recent cell phone pic that was stolen. Distractions are distractions, and they help.
There is a healthy level of being a fan. LA, you're doing it wrong. We should never revert to violence, or even dressing as one of those Raider-whatchamacallit's. I like the Cubs, I will not change my mind, but with friends we will joke about who sucks more, Cubs or Sox (the answers Sox by the way). I've never hit someone because they are a Sox fan (although it's been close for a couple of you, you know who you are), and I never will. Why should my choice of stress distraction cause me more stress, and the impending ass whooping I'd surely get? It just doesn't make sense.
I have seen too many times, drunks getting foolish at a game, starts a fight, and their kid who is at his first game is forced to sit through it all. That's the impression of sport you will leave.
I was just at the Cubs vs Cardinals game a few weeks ago. Carlos Marmol blew the save and fans went ahead and boo'd him. That's their right, but I had to explain why to my 6 year old who is just really learning baseball. What was worse is, I had to also tell him to not pay attention to the loud mouthed drunk 22 year old that was screaming profanities towards the field, like he heard you from your $3 ticket in the outfield terrace reserved section... What topped that was, Cardinal fans that made the trip from St Louis were telling him to quiet down because of the kids nearby. Classy.
I wish and hope that everyone finds a way to be a fan of something, but do it right. There needs to be an application to make sure fans and sports don't let that guy in section 204 row 22 seat 8 in. He can follow wrestling.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Most unspectacular star
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts in November of '82, Bryan LaHair played baseball and basketball for Holy Name Central Catholic and then went on to play baseball at St. Petersburg Junior College. Soon after he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 39th round.
Bryan spent 5 years in the Seattle minor league system, which saw him make an All-Star team in 2005, he finally earned a mid season call up after the Mariners released Richie Sexson in 2008. This was finally LaHair's opportunity to show he can hit at the MLB level, and do so like he has at all other stops along the way. After 136 at bats Bryan failed to impress, hitting .250 with 7 extra base hits including 3 HRs. He was back in Triple A Tacoma that next season.
Following the 2009 season LaHair faced another setback, the Mariners did not resign LaHair and for the first time in his professional baseball career there was uncertainty if, where, and when he will play again. That is where the Cubs came into the picture. Knowing Bryan had all world power, a tendency to get onbase, and had hit for average along the way, the Chicago Cubs offered LaHair a contract and an invite to Spring Training.
During that Spring tryout, LaHair won over a lot of Cubs fans with a couple of majestic bombs. However the Cubs brass thought other players in the system were just ahead of him keeping LaHair at Iowa for the next 2 seasons. With players like Derrek Lee and Carlos Pena locking down the everyday first base jobs, and players like Tyler Colvin seemingly waiting in the wings, LaHair's chances at the big league roster in Chicago seemed fairly dim as well. Knowing this, LaHair went on to produce some extremely prolific seasons out in Iowa, hitting 25 and 38 homers in his 2 years there, and added another 15 homers last season in the Winter League.
Even through the recent success wild rumors of the Cubs being involved in Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder sweepstakes, and the trade to bring Anthony Rizzo to Chicago made even this confident hitter question if his dream of playing everyday in the Majors would ever actually happen. But current Cubs manager, Dale Sveum, anointed LaHair the guy to man first base, thus making his dream finally come true.
Through LaHair's first month as the Cubs first baseman he certainly hasn't disappointed. Leading the ball club with 5 HRs, and coming through in the clutch on multiple occasions. LaHair has also proven a lot of critics wrong as he finishes his first month as a regular with a .390 average and committing 1 error. His .471 OBP and his 1.251 OPS show that he has been patient and has found pitches he has been able to drive hard.
Even if LaHair's days are technically numbered as the Chicago Cubs first baseman, he is quickly proving to the Cubs, their fans, and the baseball world that he belongs in the majors, and will find a way into a lineup on an everyday basis. Anthony Rizzo just might be the future at first, but LaHair has finally succeeded.
Monday, April 30, 2012
By the horns or by the thorns
This was to be the season. This was going to be the one which we lifted a 7th banner to the rafters and returned to the elite team in the NBA. Our stars were to jump to the forefront, Rose was to backup his MVP 2010-2011 season, Noah was to show he is a world class allstar caliber player, and Coach Thibodeau was to motivate this team to be the 2011-12 World Champion. This year we should have been partying at Grant park with "Championships Taste Better with Hot Sauce" t-shirts.
Through the season the writing was on the wall, Rip Hamilton immediately injured, Derrick Rose hobbled all year, Luol Deng with his wrist. A magical thing happened, even with the injuries... The Bulls still managed the leagues best record.
The team's success proved even more so that this team had what it took to win it all. Finally a post Jordan championship!
Game 1 Bulls vs Sixers - up 12 with a minute 26 left on the clock Rose falls awkwardly after a hop step clutching his knee. ChicagoSports collective breathe stopped. Medical reports later confirmed our worse thoughts, Derrick Rose tore his ACL. Not only was the title dreams of Chicago out the window, the team itself lost its confidence.
The Bulls then dropped the next 3 games, and lost their on-court emotional leader Jokim Noah. The series it's officially over, but it might as well be. All that is left is a fat lady and the blame game. I don't have a fat lady, but here goes the blame....
After being exposed last season in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls #1 goal was to add a dynamic player who could create his own shot off the dribble. Our acquisition? Rip Hamilton.
Don't get me wrong, Rip was a very good pick up. Has a ton of experience. Has a very good playoff resume. Has been a very good spot shooter over his career. What he wasn't was, a difference maker who can create. That is what was needed.
The team on the court did not fail. And STOP blaming Coach Thibs for having Rose in the game. This is a Guy Foreman mistake. Point a finger at the front office and the second straight failure in free agency.
The 2012 offseason has 1 single goal - get the best player available that creates. You are down Derrick Rose until maybe late in the season, and with this roster there is NO excuse to not pick up a guy.
I am saying it now, if the Bulls do not sign that guy, and we falter again early in the playoffs in 2013, Gar-Pax, you are fired. Then the rest of the Bulls future becomes very, very cloudy.
Through the season the writing was on the wall, Rip Hamilton immediately injured, Derrick Rose hobbled all year, Luol Deng with his wrist. A magical thing happened, even with the injuries... The Bulls still managed the leagues best record.
The team's success proved even more so that this team had what it took to win it all. Finally a post Jordan championship!
Game 1 Bulls vs Sixers - up 12 with a minute 26 left on the clock Rose falls awkwardly after a hop step clutching his knee. ChicagoSports collective breathe stopped. Medical reports later confirmed our worse thoughts, Derrick Rose tore his ACL. Not only was the title dreams of Chicago out the window, the team itself lost its confidence.
The Bulls then dropped the next 3 games, and lost their on-court emotional leader Jokim Noah. The series it's officially over, but it might as well be. All that is left is a fat lady and the blame game. I don't have a fat lady, but here goes the blame....
After being exposed last season in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls #1 goal was to add a dynamic player who could create his own shot off the dribble. Our acquisition? Rip Hamilton.
Don't get me wrong, Rip was a very good pick up. Has a ton of experience. Has a very good playoff resume. Has been a very good spot shooter over his career. What he wasn't was, a difference maker who can create. That is what was needed.
The team on the court did not fail. And STOP blaming Coach Thibs for having Rose in the game. This is a Guy Foreman mistake. Point a finger at the front office and the second straight failure in free agency.
The 2012 offseason has 1 single goal - get the best player available that creates. You are down Derrick Rose until maybe late in the season, and with this roster there is NO excuse to not pick up a guy.
I am saying it now, if the Bulls do not sign that guy, and we falter again early in the playoffs in 2013, Gar-Pax, you are fired. Then the rest of the Bulls future becomes very, very cloudy.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
School in session, what's your grade?
So the Ricketts family purchased the Cubs 3 short years ago and Cubs fans rejoiced in the fact that fans now own our beloved team. We praised the family that was to bring a championship to the Northside when they shook the hands of Cub fans on opening day. Where has that praise been lately? How would you grade the first 3 years of Ricketts ownership?
After purchasing the team, the Ricketts have really done little to get results on the field, and it has seemed like they struck out off the field a much as they have on it. Failing to up the teams budget was a huge mistake in a lot of Cubs fans' minds, and their overestimation that the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois would hand over as much tax dollars as they have asked for was a large business error in others eyes. For a family that grew a large corporation in TD Ameritrade with tactical and business savvy decisions, they have really put a sour taste in a lot of people's mouths.
Cubs fans thought the offseason of 2011 would promise to be fulfilling. The team had free agent options to solidify the club, and big decisions on the future of Jim Hendry and the hiring of a new on field manager, this would finally determine how Cubs fans would think about the ownership team. Again, in a lot of fans eyes they struck out again. Failing to land a big named free agent, keeping Jim Hendry, and allowing him to hire the wrong manager (Mike Quade as opposed to Ryne Sandberg), this ship was sinking fast. What a lot of Cubs fans didn't realize is the team achieved one of its best drafts ever, with some of the highest ceiling players the Cubs system has.
Midsummer 2011. The Ricketts had decided to part ways with Jim Hendry. This was the first time Cubs fans thought this organization might move in the right direction since the family bought the team. The team had shipped off payroll as well, sending off players like Fukudome, and finally getting Milton Bradley/Carlos Silva cash off the books. The team also sent Carlos Zambrano home after his tirade in Atlanta, and were in a position to drop additional payroll in Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena. The biggest question... Who would be in charge of the next decisions?
Offseason of 2012...
The Cubs hired Theo Epstein to be the President of Baseball Operations, and then turned to San Diego for Jud Hoyer to be the next General Manager. These 2 Moneyball/Sabermetrics students have had success in other places, relying on statistical numbers and equations that 10 years ago had no place in the game. One area a lot of people overlook is Theo and Jud's ability to build an efficient and productive minor league system.
The Cubs again have spoken about new stadium improvements, which would surely need tax payers money. We have yet to see or hear the full details, but will this be the same as the last bid they put in? We are also hearing that a TV deal for a Cubs Network could be in the works. Sounds like an additional $150-$200 million a season would pull into the Cubs organization.
After just a couple of short years I see this organization with a bright future. Lots of young talent in the minors, lots of revenue with promises of a lot more in the future, and a couple of executive that are primed to lead them ball club for years to come. Sure class is in session, but sports is a tough game to grade, what is gold one season is fool's gold the next. whatever this turns into, I sure hope it's a fun ride.
After purchasing the team, the Ricketts have really done little to get results on the field, and it has seemed like they struck out off the field a much as they have on it. Failing to up the teams budget was a huge mistake in a lot of Cubs fans' minds, and their overestimation that the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois would hand over as much tax dollars as they have asked for was a large business error in others eyes. For a family that grew a large corporation in TD Ameritrade with tactical and business savvy decisions, they have really put a sour taste in a lot of people's mouths.
Cubs fans thought the offseason of 2011 would promise to be fulfilling. The team had free agent options to solidify the club, and big decisions on the future of Jim Hendry and the hiring of a new on field manager, this would finally determine how Cubs fans would think about the ownership team. Again, in a lot of fans eyes they struck out again. Failing to land a big named free agent, keeping Jim Hendry, and allowing him to hire the wrong manager (Mike Quade as opposed to Ryne Sandberg), this ship was sinking fast. What a lot of Cubs fans didn't realize is the team achieved one of its best drafts ever, with some of the highest ceiling players the Cubs system has.
Midsummer 2011. The Ricketts had decided to part ways with Jim Hendry. This was the first time Cubs fans thought this organization might move in the right direction since the family bought the team. The team had shipped off payroll as well, sending off players like Fukudome, and finally getting Milton Bradley/Carlos Silva cash off the books. The team also sent Carlos Zambrano home after his tirade in Atlanta, and were in a position to drop additional payroll in Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena. The biggest question... Who would be in charge of the next decisions?
Offseason of 2012...
The Cubs hired Theo Epstein to be the President of Baseball Operations, and then turned to San Diego for Jud Hoyer to be the next General Manager. These 2 Moneyball/Sabermetrics students have had success in other places, relying on statistical numbers and equations that 10 years ago had no place in the game. One area a lot of people overlook is Theo and Jud's ability to build an efficient and productive minor league system.
The Cubs again have spoken about new stadium improvements, which would surely need tax payers money. We have yet to see or hear the full details, but will this be the same as the last bid they put in? We are also hearing that a TV deal for a Cubs Network could be in the works. Sounds like an additional $150-$200 million a season would pull into the Cubs organization.
After just a couple of short years I see this organization with a bright future. Lots of young talent in the minors, lots of revenue with promises of a lot more in the future, and a couple of executive that are primed to lead them ball club for years to come. Sure class is in session, but sports is a tough game to grade, what is gold one season is fool's gold the next. whatever this turns into, I sure hope it's a fun ride.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Once Touched
It would be the trip of a lifetime, a couple of lifelong Chicago Cubs fans driving to Cooperstown to witness the induction of their favorite player, Ryne Sandberg. I vividly remember the drive, often times along side other Cubs fans making this same hike. I also remember the tire on my car blowing and we needed to buy a new one. I remember so many things about this trip, but one thing continues to stick out. Buck O'Neil.
I honestly knew very little about Buck before this trip. I knew he was a player from the Negro Leagues, and I had an inkling that he was pretty good. I didn't know however, who he really was.
You see, induction week at the Baseball Hall of Fame is unlike anything else. The sport that immortalizes it's greats more than any other sport, one walk down the short 3 or 4 block town that is Cooperstown one can easily become overwhelmed. You see Cooperstown, NY isn't unlike any other small town in America, there is the town Post Office, a General Store, a couple of nice Bed and Breakfast's, and oh yeah, the Baseball Hall of Fame. Induction week however, this town is also littered with baseball fans, media, and Hall of Famers.
The first time I walked up the street I looked at a nice table with groups of people standing around and Yogi Berra just happened to be sitting down with... Willie Mays. It really doesn't take much for one to understand that this is Baseball's heaven, and I was instantly in awe.
I visited Cooperstown for the induction of my favorite baseball player, Ryne Sandberg, the last great player I can remember that displayed class day in day out, as well as never put himself above the base of baseball. He would later that week give one of the best Hall of Fame induction speeches ever given, but there is another event I remember as more rewarding.
As my friend and I were walking the Cooperstown streets one day, an elderly gentleman pointed at my hat and mentioned that we must be here to see Ryno. We replied we were, at which point he went on to talk about baseball, his role in the Cubs organization, and why we were all here. I have heard people talk about baseball before, and they may have been more eloquent when doing so. I have never heard someone talk about baseball with the passion in which Buck O'Neil talked about baseball. Every word spoken, every glance away, this man truly loved this game. Everything that was buck O'Neil, was baseball.
Our conversation and meeting was extremely brief, but it has lasted within me for six and a half years. I walk away from that week with a lot of memories, some of the best times I have ever had. Most importantly I walk away knowing that I spoke to a true legend of the sport. One that has impacted so many others players and others alike. Reggie Jackson once said, "He was a blessing for all of us. I believe that people like Buck and Rachel Robinson and Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa are angels that walk on earth to give us all a greater understanding of what it means to be human."
I leave you with one last quote, from Buck himself, "I can't remember a time when I did not want to make my living in baseball or a time when that wasn't what I get to do."
Buck and I met but once, for a brief moment, but my take away from him is if you have a dream go after it with as much passion as humanly possible. When you think you've run out, reach back for more and continue to attack.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Glory Days
Do you remember sports when you were little? I mean really, really think back to when the game was special, magical if you will. Those days when if you were lucky enough to go to a game it seemed as though the air was electric, and the field was sparkled with mysticism. Not only that, the players were larger than life. Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, Rick Sutcliffe, I didn't even have words to explain them.
The game was still a game then. It wasn't about the players next multimillion dollar contract, or which national sponsorship they could gain. It wasn't about pointing to the camera, or showing up another team or player. This was a time when the game was played for the game.
Recently I was talking with a friend about old days and nowadays, and how everything is so much more different and magnified. We talked about how we would take John Elway's comeback wins over any performance Aaron Rodgers has given us. We would take Joe Montana's Super Bowl wins over Tom Brady's, and I would take Ryne Sandberg's play over Alex Rodriguez everyday of the week.
It might be due to the over hyped and over-analyzed sports stars of today. It could be due to the 24 hour sports networks and constant criticism on sports radio. It could be the over abundance of "dirty" stars, constantly getting into trouble. It could be the fact that we are just older now, and have other things in life more important to us.
Either way, I find myself constantly longing for the days of old. The days when the game meant something more, if not to the players, but to myself. The days when just walking into Wrigley Field would send chills down my spine, and they wouldn't go away until we were long on the tollway home. I mostly want this feeling to be passed down to my children, and to their children. I want that love to be passed along, felt, developed, and kept.
I want sports to mean more again.
The game was still a game then. It wasn't about the players next multimillion dollar contract, or which national sponsorship they could gain. It wasn't about pointing to the camera, or showing up another team or player. This was a time when the game was played for the game.
Recently I was talking with a friend about old days and nowadays, and how everything is so much more different and magnified. We talked about how we would take John Elway's comeback wins over any performance Aaron Rodgers has given us. We would take Joe Montana's Super Bowl wins over Tom Brady's, and I would take Ryne Sandberg's play over Alex Rodriguez everyday of the week.
It might be due to the over hyped and over-analyzed sports stars of today. It could be due to the 24 hour sports networks and constant criticism on sports radio. It could be the over abundance of "dirty" stars, constantly getting into trouble. It could be the fact that we are just older now, and have other things in life more important to us.
Either way, I find myself constantly longing for the days of old. The days when the game meant something more, if not to the players, but to myself. The days when just walking into Wrigley Field would send chills down my spine, and they wouldn't go away until we were long on the tollway home. I mostly want this feeling to be passed down to my children, and to their children. I want that love to be passed along, felt, developed, and kept.
I want sports to mean more again.
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