Wow! The Blackhawks are still mathematically in the hunt! 3 games left, 4 points out.....if they win out, including 2 vs the Dead Wings, er..Red Wings....they could slip in the backdoor and grab the 8th spot in the West. It was a pleasure seeing the home game on national TV as well, looking forward, to seeing many more next year.
PS. Happy Birthday, Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. He turns 80 today.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Let's Play Two
"It's a great day for baseball........let's play two!"
Finer words won't describe baseball, and one of it's all time fans, Chicago great, Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks.
Banks has been enshrined in a statue located on the famous intersection of Clark and Addison in front of Wrigley field. A fine gesture by the Cubs, for a fine ambassador of the game, Ernie Banks. Cubs greats, along with Hammerin' Hank Aaron were on hand to witness the unveiling of the statue which immortalizes the Cub great.
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
Finer words won't describe baseball, and one of it's all time fans, Chicago great, Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks.
Banks has been enshrined in a statue located on the famous intersection of Clark and Addison in front of Wrigley field. A fine gesture by the Cubs, for a fine ambassador of the game, Ernie Banks. Cubs greats, along with Hammerin' Hank Aaron were on hand to witness the unveiling of the statue which immortalizes the Cub great.
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tampering
Ok!
Bears bump up to the # 7 pick in Round 3, up from #12. While this may not be a big deal.....the Bears have had a lot of success in the lower rounds...remember Devin Hester in the 2nd round?
Poor 49ers - they tampered with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs.
They also lose a 5th round pick. Some controversy...sounds like the Niners only called Drew Rosenhaus, Brigg's agent....but claim it was only to talk about another player.
And did you hear about the talk of requiring haircuts in the NFL? ....what about the classic 70's afros?
Bears bump up to the # 7 pick in Round 3, up from #12. While this may not be a big deal.....the Bears have had a lot of success in the lower rounds...remember Devin Hester in the 2nd round?
Poor 49ers - they tampered with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs.
They also lose a 5th round pick. Some controversy...sounds like the Niners only called Drew Rosenhaus, Brigg's agent....but claim it was only to talk about another player.
And did you hear about the talk of requiring haircuts in the NFL? ....what about the classic 70's afros?
Monday, March 24, 2008
We got Wood
Well Woody made the closer role. Let's just hope he doesn't throw out is arm like the power pitcher he can be. Wonder how much finesse he'll have? He can hit the mid 90's so, I think he's hoping to have people leave the bat on their shoulder.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter
Hope everyone has had their fill of college b-ball this weekend. It was nice to go 14-16 my first day in my bracket, then to get it smashed by the all of the upsets on Friday! 2 13 seeds and a 12seed advanced. Duke fell on Saturday, and there were some great matchups....Marquette-Stanford game was awesome. Good luck to the rest of you.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Wood - sore back? That can't be true
Kerry wood injury report.....suggestions are that it was true, just sore! Kerry pitched fine the next day, hasn't walked anyone yet this preseason, and looks to be the forerunner for the cubs closer role on opening day.
This should be taken with a grain of salt, as Wood has a lifetime membership to the DL. The Cubs have been notorious in misleading the press and fans about injuries.....notably Woody and Mark Prior. Time will tell, but fantasy owners take note...
This should be taken with a grain of salt, as Wood has a lifetime membership to the DL. The Cubs have been notorious in misleading the press and fans about injuries.....notably Woody and Mark Prior. Time will tell, but fantasy owners take note...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
World Travelers
I just got back from Dublin, I had went over for Saint Patrick's Day. It was huge, much bigger then the Chicago Loop and the Chicago South Side parade combined. Reports say that there were 870,000 people in attendance....imagine the Guinness that poured that day!!!! I did my fair share to help.
But, low and behold, who was the first band in the parade? None other than the Marching Illini! Since there wasn't going to be a NCAA tourney appearance this year....alas, neither a NIT appearance....they were spectacular! They had the flag corps there, followed by the full band. They sounded good. They played some popular parade patriotic songs while they passed me, (I was situated on Dame St. just across from Temple Bar district. What a joy. I saw them in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl in January and now in Dublin. Ironically, I didn't see them in Champaign this year. How funny. Enjoy the video clip.
But, low and behold, who was the first band in the parade? None other than the Marching Illini! Since there wasn't going to be a NCAA tourney appearance this year....alas, neither a NIT appearance....they were spectacular! They had the flag corps there, followed by the full band. They sounded good. They played some popular parade patriotic songs while they passed me, (I was situated on Dame St. just across from Temple Bar district. What a joy. I saw them in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl in January and now in Dublin. Ironically, I didn't see them in Champaign this year. How funny. Enjoy the video clip.
Dear Chicago Bulls: WTF!!
While I admit I am not a Bulls fan, if I had to root for a team, it would be them. I just don't like pro basketball. I did get caught up in the Michael Jordan era, what Chicagoan didn't? But, once these players graduate...(or at least leave college---wink wink) and go pro...that's the end of the line for me.
Now, I read today that Bulls are raising ticket prices. Here is an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune.
Now, I read today that Bulls are raising ticket prices. Here is an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune.
According to invoices obtained by the Tribune and confirmed by team officials, 18 percent, or those seats in the corners of the 100 level and between the baskets on the 200 level, will cost $5 more. Fifteen percent of the seats, those representing prime real estate, will be hit harder.
Seats between the baskets on the 100 level jump to $135 from $120, or 12.5 percent. Main floor seats go to $250 from $225. And courtside seats increase to $950 from $850.
All 300 level seats cost the same, as do corner seats on the 200 and end-zone seats on the 100 and 200 levels.
Steve Schanwald, the Bulls' executive vice president/business operations, said 500 seats in the 300 level still will be sold for $10 per game.
What!!!???
The line that really irked me is their justification for the ticket price raise......and during a mediocre year at that....
"We don't relish the thought of increases but we have to keep pace," Schanwald said. "From 1999-2005 we didn't raise ticket prices one dollar."
Keep pace? With who? The Nicks, the Lakers? Ha! They should have just said..."team sucks, we don't really sell much merchandise, tickets, playoff tickets, parking, so we need to pillage our fan base for some extra capital. 'We aren't making as much money as the big boys, we're the 3rd largest market in the country...so we should be making top 3 money......This team doesn't have a star, it has a bunch of slackers, wannabe's, has-beens and a couple rookies, who wants to pay more for that! What a joke.
My biggest issue with basketball players is that they are all in it for the money. No? tell me how many players have played for the same team from start to finish (over 10 years in the league) ?? I don't follow basketball close enough, but I know it is not many.....heck, even Jordan tainted his career by playing for the Wizzards. Corporations should boycott this mess, and just pick up tickets on Ebay or Stubhub for 1/2 price on the day of the game, like 80% of the fans.
Congratulations Bulls Management....you've won "alienation of the fans award" of the year.
Seats between the baskets on the 100 level jump to $135 from $120, or 12.5 percent. Main floor seats go to $250 from $225. And courtside seats increase to $950 from $850.
All 300 level seats cost the same, as do corner seats on the 200 and end-zone seats on the 100 and 200 levels.
Steve Schanwald, the Bulls' executive vice president/business operations, said 500 seats in the 300 level still will be sold for $10 per game.
What!!!???
The line that really irked me is their justification for the ticket price raise......and during a mediocre year at that....
"We don't relish the thought of increases but we have to keep pace," Schanwald said. "From 1999-2005 we didn't raise ticket prices one dollar."
Keep pace? With who? The Nicks, the Lakers? Ha! They should have just said..."team sucks, we don't really sell much merchandise, tickets, playoff tickets, parking, so we need to pillage our fan base for some extra capital. 'We aren't making as much money as the big boys, we're the 3rd largest market in the country...so we should be making top 3 money......This team doesn't have a star, it has a bunch of slackers, wannabe's, has-beens and a couple rookies, who wants to pay more for that! What a joke.
My biggest issue with basketball players is that they are all in it for the money. No? tell me how many players have played for the same team from start to finish (over 10 years in the league) ?? I don't follow basketball close enough, but I know it is not many.....heck, even Jordan tainted his career by playing for the Wizzards. Corporations should boycott this mess, and just pick up tickets on Ebay or Stubhub for 1/2 price on the day of the game, like 80% of the fans.
Congratulations Bulls Management....you've won "alienation of the fans award" of the year.
Nice move for the fans.....
Chicago Blackhawks lured away John McDonough and made him team president.
This was a nice move, as he made some great advances with the Chicago Cubs.
McDonough has developed the Chicago Blackhawks convention, an off-season meet and great, rally, new player introduction event over several days. The Cubs Convention has been very popular with the Cubs fans in the past, and we hope the tradition will continue. The Chicago Blackhawks have been very fan friendly, even while the team has been down and out. They have had numerous signings at stores around town, last year they tried fan business cards, where the players could hand a fan a business card, which would get him an autograph at a later time, and the always popular "Jersey off our backs" nite for the fan appreciation final game.
A new change implemented should help draw back some of the old time Blackhawks fans who may have been disenchanted over the last decade. Recently Hawks’ legendary goaltender Tony Esposito, whose jersey has been retired, was honored at last nite's pre-game ceremony. He becomes the third team ambassador, joining Blackhawk's greats Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. Nice move McDonough, now keep the ticket prices down, get with Rocky Wirtz to get all of the home games on TV next year, and the fan base will come back, and grow with these skilled rookies the team has developed this year. Good Job Dale Tallon.
This was a nice move, as he made some great advances with the Chicago Cubs.
McDonough has developed the Chicago Blackhawks convention, an off-season meet and great, rally, new player introduction event over several days. The Cubs Convention has been very popular with the Cubs fans in the past, and we hope the tradition will continue. The Chicago Blackhawks have been very fan friendly, even while the team has been down and out. They have had numerous signings at stores around town, last year they tried fan business cards, where the players could hand a fan a business card, which would get him an autograph at a later time, and the always popular "Jersey off our backs" nite for the fan appreciation final game.
A new change implemented should help draw back some of the old time Blackhawks fans who may have been disenchanted over the last decade. Recently Hawks’ legendary goaltender Tony Esposito, whose jersey has been retired, was honored at last nite's pre-game ceremony. He becomes the third team ambassador, joining Blackhawk's greats Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. Nice move McDonough, now keep the ticket prices down, get with Rocky Wirtz to get all of the home games on TV next year, and the fan base will come back, and grow with these skilled rookies the team has developed this year. Good Job Dale Tallon.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Great Job Hawks!
Thanks for folding down the stretch, 4 Losses in a row, sitting 12th in the conference now....they'll need to win out save some miracle now. Guess the kids will learn that it is better to win early.
Although, injuries have hurt us, Havlat is gimpy, Khabibuln has not performed up to his past performance either.....go get another top draft pick Dale Tallon.
Although, injuries have hurt us, Havlat is gimpy, Khabibuln has not performed up to his past performance either.....go get another top draft pick Dale Tallon.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Unbalanced Schedule
Ok now, who made up the Chicago Cubs schedule this year?
Running down the Schedule:
49 home games before the All-Star break.
32 home games after the All-Star break.
Now, this seems to favor a good pitching staff, and small ball clubs.
The Cubs are not built for small-ball, although the addition of Fukudome does help.
The Cubs have big bats. Chicago is cold in the spring, there as been snow at some early games in the last few years. The big bats warm up in the summer, and the Cubs have big bats...Ramirez, Lee, Soriano, and now Fukudome looks like he has some pop....
Are the scheduling gods unfair to the cubs?
The Cubs do have a decent staff....but the last few years (contract talks aside) big Z, Carlos Zambrano doesn't start heating up until it warms up.
So, we'll see how Lou Pinella manages the club with this in mind. He's got the small ball players to work with...Theriot, Fontenot, DeRosa & Cedeno.....how nice would Brian Roberts fit in here.....
Running down the Schedule:
49 home games before the All-Star break.
32 home games after the All-Star break.
Now, this seems to favor a good pitching staff, and small ball clubs.
The Cubs are not built for small-ball, although the addition of Fukudome does help.
The Cubs have big bats. Chicago is cold in the spring, there as been snow at some early games in the last few years. The big bats warm up in the summer, and the Cubs have big bats...Ramirez, Lee, Soriano, and now Fukudome looks like he has some pop....
Are the scheduling gods unfair to the cubs?
The Cubs do have a decent staff....but the last few years (contract talks aside) big Z, Carlos Zambrano doesn't start heating up until it warms up.
So, we'll see how Lou Pinella manages the club with this in mind. He's got the small ball players to work with...Theriot, Fontenot, DeRosa & Cedeno.....how nice would Brian Roberts fit in here.....
Monday, March 10, 2008
Playoff push?
Can the Blackhawks make the run to the playoffs after a huge drought?
They are sure trying!
These kids are the real deal - Patrick Hane, and Jonathan Toews are going to be lighting the lamp over and over.Now that the team is gelling, they have gone 9-4-1 in their last 15 games.
With 13 games left, they are just 5 points out of the 8th playoff spot in the west. These kids got spirit and grit....just check out Toews face after a vicious check behind the net.
Keep that head up!
They are sure trying!
These kids are the real deal - Patrick Hane, and Jonathan Toews are going to be lighting the lamp over and over.Now that the team is gelling, they have gone 9-4-1 in their last 15 games.
With 13 games left, they are just 5 points out of the 8th playoff spot in the west. These kids got spirit and grit....just check out Toews face after a vicious check behind the net.
Keep that head up!
Welcome to Chicago Sports Chat Blog
Hi all. I've started this blog to toss in my two cents about Chicago Sports.
Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox to the Rush, Wolves, Sky or Shamrox, I'll hit them all. Even college too. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy.
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