Hot Stove Courtesy of Chet Steadman...

I gotta make this brief...

Ryan Theriot went to the Cardinals from the Dodgers. (Who cares?)

First base candidates for the Cubs: Lance Berkman, Carlos Pena, & Adam Dunn (doubt it) seem to be front runners.

Pitching interest for the Cubs: Brandon Webb, Jeff Francis, Erik Bedard, Aaron Harang. (All oft-injured players that will demand large contracts. Jim Hendry should have no problems with this one)

A deal is currently being negotiated to lock up Carlos Marmol long term. With the slider that boy throws, the Cubs should just be more concerned about his health care plan than the actual contract itself.

White Sox News...
Expect Paul Konerko to decline arbitration from the White Sox tonight. He won't be back next season with the White Sox. Trust me. I won't say this is comming from outside sources, because I AM the source.

According to the White Sox, A.J. Pierzynski was not offered arbitration. Not because they don't want him back. They just don't want to pay him north of $6.5 million.

Anybody know if Hawk Harrelson is still alive?

Never A Dull Moment with Jo...

 

Kings Were Dethroned

Bulls 96, Kings 85. Bulls were absolutely owned the first half, and absolutely did the owning in the second half. Bulls outscored Sacremento 52 to 28 in the final 2 periods. In my opinion, the Kings did a really good job shutting down Derrick Rose. You might say "but didn't Derrick have 30 points?" Well yes, he did. But the way he was attacking and getting stopped, he could've went off for an easy 40.

After 12 long years, a winning circus trip tastes great, but I have to say, this whole - being down by 20 and comming back to win it - is getting really old. I hope the Bulls are aware fans won't be mad if every game is a blowout. I don't need an entertaining, exciting comeback every...single...game. Before I sign off, I would just like to add, the Bulls had a chance to win every single one of the circus trip games. They had a late lead in everyone of them. You know what would've given us a 7-0 circus trip? Carlos Boozer. It's just a matter of time till utter dominance. Tick-Tock biatches! Stay classy San Diego.

John Lucas III Needs To Find A New Profession Immediately

Wow. The Bulls were 2 free throws away from a guaranteed winning circus trip for the first time since 97-98. John Lucas did his best to make sure this wasn't the case. First off, Thibadeou never should've put him in, in that situation in the first place. Secondly, Lucas didn't just miss TWO huge free throws, he straight up clanked them. Talk about shitting the bed and rolling over in it. You could blind fold me, spin me in a circle for 2 minutes, kick me in the crotch, an I could still shoot better free throws than that. This is one tough pill to swallow. All I can say is hopefully D-Rose comes out with a firey pissed off vengeance against Sacremento this evening.

On a more positive note, C J Watson, well done chap. Its about damn time somebody steps up like they got a set on this team (other than Rose). This game would've been over before it started had it not been for Watson.

Lakers Squeak By Bulls

With nobody willing to share any of the load with Derrick Rose the refs  Lakers defeated my Chicago Bulls last night 98-91. It's nice to say we had probably the best team in the league against the ropes for most of the game, but great teams find ways to win these games. Sure we almost took down the Spurs, the Celtics, AND the Thunder, but almost doesn't cut it. To say "well Bull's fans, be happy, at least you hung in there with the best" is the same thing as saying "well, be happy, your almost a great team." I'm still not changing my stance on this team though. I still say the Bulls are one of the top 5 teams in the league (top 3 in the East) when Boozer gets back. The Bulls desperately need that post presence and another player to shoulder some of the load. Boozer is that man.

On another note, did anybody else happen to notice announcer Neil Funk's facination with actor Chris O'Donnell last night? He calmly named off all the camera shots of Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson, Frank Robinson, potential future Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emmanuel, and CHRIS O'DONNELL! THERE HE IS, CHRIS O'DONNELL IS HERE EVERYBODY. THE FINE ACTOR CHRIS O'DONNELL! I'm not sure if Neil Funk is married and/or has kids, but I'm pretty sure if he does, it's with Chris O'Donnell. Or maybe he just reeeaaaalllllyyyy loves batman. Whatever. Get back in the kitchen and finish my turkey.

Darn You 3rd Quarter!

 

Can somebody please explain what happened? I’m baffled, flabbergasted, appalled, disappointed, and confused. (To name a few) How do the Spurs score just 37 points in the entire first half, and then go off for 37 in the third quarter alone?!? Equally as puzzling, how do the Bulls manage just 12 points in the third quarter? Maybe the Bull’s were distracted knowing Eva Longoria is back on the market. I bet that’s it. What a distraction. Those poor Bulls. How can anybody be harsh on them after that loss? It’s like asking me to play Mozart with Jessica Biel sitting on top of the piano. Well, I’m just happy that they’ve gotten this loss out of their system, and now we can focus on destroying Dirk Nowitzki (who reminds me of the guy from the movie The Mask. The original…not the one with Jim Carrey) and the Dallas Mavericks.

Bull's Rim...

Has a lid on it in the second half. That's the only logical explanation I can offer. Outscored 31-8 with 2 min left in the 3rd. This one's ova!

Spurs Favored by 7.5

While tonight's game against the 8 and 1 San Antonio spurs will be a wee bit tougher than last night's; I fully anticipate a close game and/or yet another Bull's victory. This is only the second time thus far this season the Bulls have had to play on back to back nights, so their legs may be a bit tired. I am expecting a lot more out of Luol Deng tonight. SOMEBODY has to step up and be another scorer on this team. It certainly doesn't seem to be Ronnie Brewer or C.J. friggen Watson. Rose can't just keep carrying the load night after night. The Spurs play great defense and will not allow the Bulls to run up and down the court like wild banshees. The Bulls MAY lose this game tonight, but it will not be by more than 7.5 points. If Chicago can get the W, they will prevent the greatest start to a season in Spur's history.

Speaking of the Spurs....There's a little distraction on that team by the name of Tony Parker. Apparently this dumb-shit has been cheating on his wife Eva Longoria, so today she filed for divorce. It get's better. He's been cheating on her with the wife of a teammate!  If it's Tim Duncan's wife, consider this game a lock for the Bulls. Tim Duncan would murder Tony Parker on the court with his bare hands, then slam dunk his head. More importantly, why in the hell does Tony Parker feel the need to cheat on Eva Longoria?!?!? He must know something we don't know to do something this dumb. My guesses are the following: A. She grew a penis. B. She grew a tail (like the guy in Shallow Hal) C. She has SARS, West Nile, AND Swine flew. D. She grew a penis. Whatever it is, I feel Tony truely owes it to society to share his reason with the rest of us. What a jerk. Go Bulls.

Too Big, Too Fast, Too Strong...Too Good!

The D-Rose train is headed full steam ahead into San Antonio tonight on part two of the 7 game road trip. But before I get ahead of myself, allow me to backtrack to yesterdays game. First off, Derrick Rose is an animal. I'd say beast, but he's more than a beast. He's bar-none thee best point guard in the league. Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo, yeah I know, blah blah blah. Rose's speed and ability to take over during any point in the game are second to none. Plain and simple, the Bulls are not a good team without him. With Derrick sitting, Houston managed to go on a 13 to 4 run. They put Derrick back in and the Bulls go on an 18-0 run, with Rose scoring 14 of those 18. If you read the article below, I was pretty much dead on with that game. 4 wins in a row, first place in the central, 3 games over .500. Let's keep this gravy train rollin!

Let The Games Begin

Tonight marks the beginning of the annual circus trip for the Chicago Bulls. The annihilation of the Houston Rockets tips of at 7:30 PM. Houston is favored by two. This will not cover. You heard it, yet again, from me first. The Bulls will win this game with ease. Derrick Rose is going to shoulder a lot of the load with this game. Expect him to put on a clinic. Da Bulls are red hot, rolling, and ready to kick ass and take names. So listen, I gotta go. I have pre / during / and post game celebration to ensue regardless of the outcome. Expect a lot from CSBblabber tomorrow. Hang in there, and see you on hump day.

I'm In Love

Basketball Rapid Fire - Watch more Funny Videos

Monday Aftnoon Headlines.

Mr. 3 pointer, Kyle Korver, will not be around for at least the beginning of the annual circus trip (starting Tues in Houston). Apparently he has a boo-boo in his knee and is getting an MRI sometime soon. There are no other details than that. I’m sure we’ll find out more once the MRI is complete.

Fun facts:

• Did you know at one point, the Bulls had lost 37 straight circus trip games? That’s right folks. 37. That’s almost half a season’s worth of consecutive losses. You'd think they would be called the "Detroit Bulls", because everything in Detroit sucks.
• Last year, Joakim Noah discovered from the media why the annual road trip is called the “circus trip.” ….Answer: Because the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus moves into the United Center for about two weeks, forcing the Bulls and Blackhawks to hit the road. Here was Joakim’s response to that…”“That’s why they call it the circus trip?” Noah said. “I was like, ‘Why do they always call it the circus trip? What’s so circus about it?’ I didn’t even know that.””  Gotta love Jo.

Ryne Sandberg Makes It Official: Jim Hendry is a Jackass.

Well it's been confirmed. Ryne Sandberg has accepted an offer to become the next AAA manager for the Phillies. This comming after being burned on the Cub's head managerial position, turning down the offer to return back to the Cub's farm system, and stating his goal is to manage on a major league team this year. I know that might be a lot to take in, so let me disect: Jim Hendry blew smoke up Sandberg's backside for 4 years and iced it with a dagger in the back. So fittingly, Ryne Sandberg politely displayed his middle finger and showed himself the door. Good for Ryne. I'm not sure I can trust a man whose first name is spelled wrong anyways.

Weekend Recap

• The Harry Caray statue was damaged outside of Wrigley on Friday when a vehicle accidentally clipped the side of it. Damage was relatively severe, but knowing the Cub's organization, they will most likely try to trade the damaged statue for Ryan Theriot back.
• Saturday night the Bulls did what they do best by defeating and deflating the Washington Wizards. John Wall checked back in to Reality Town as Derrick Rose showed him how da thugs from Englewood ball. Kirk Hinrich also made his first trip back to the United Center donning a Wizards uniform. He spent the evening reminding us why he is not needed in the NBA  Chicago. He went an astounding 3 for 4 totaling 1 steal, 1 block, and 8 points. And if I'm not mistaken, up until the 4th quarter, he had only even attempted 1 shot. After the game, I knelt down beside my bed, put my hands together, and thanked the Lord that sonuva bitch isn't on the Bulls anymore.
• The Blab would also like to send a very special shotout to the Chicago Bears on their biggest win of the season Sunday afternoon.

THAT IS HOW IT'S DONE.

Look out everybody, and I do mean everybody. The Bulls are on a tear, and I don't see this thing slowing down any time soon. Do you see that score?!? 120 to 90. That's one hundred and twenty to ninety. A difference of 30 points. The Warriors are lucky it was only 30. Just wait till Boozer gets back. This team is going to be unstoppable. They WILL finish in the top THREE in the East. Quote me on that. Go ahead. Get a pen and paper. It's ok, I'll wait......Good. Bulls dominated in every single facit of that game last night. If I was a member of the Golden State Warriors, I wouldn't show up for work anymore. I would head straight to the nearest community college, sign up for classes, and begin a new career. If people asked for my employment history, I'd rather say I worked at a dog shelter and spent my days putting puppies to sleep, than say I played basketball for the Warriors. What a great Friday. Bull's win, Heat lost (AGAIN), and there's beer in the fridge. Looks like it's going to be victory chicken for lunch today.

Alexei Ramirez Wins Silver Slugger

Alexei Ramirez became the first White Sox shortstop to win the Silver Slugger today. For the season he batted .282 batting average, 18 home runs, 252 total bases and a .431 slugging percentage. He was second with 70 RBIs and third with 165 hits, 83 runs and 29 doubles.

Who would've thought a 6"2 170 pound man from Pinar del Rio, Cuba, that looks like he's been dieting on insects his whole life, would win the Silver Slugger Award for the Chicago White Sox. Congrats Alexei. Job well done. When asked for a comment on receiving the award, the shortstop simply replied with a series of blinks and tongue clicks as flies landed about his face.

Grow Up You Two.

Here's what Joakim Noah had to say about Kevin Garnett on ESPN 1000's Waddle and Silvy Show....

"Kevin Garnett will not -- will not -- get a Christmas gift from me. I don't like him.""He's a very mean guy. Where's the love? None at all. Ugly, too. I had his poster in my room. I used to wear his jersey. And the truth is my rookie year, I was in admiration of this guy, and he kind of shut me down. And he was very mean to me my rookie year. And he's only mean to the young guys and the [European players], for some reason. I don't know why, but that's who he doesn't like. He's not nice. I talk a lot of trash out there, but c'mon, be a little sensitive. Be sweet."

 

First off, shut up. Both of you. Just shut up. First, Garnett's whole media blown cancer comment towards Piston's Charlie Villanueva, and now this. Secondly, Noah, are you seriously calling somebody else ugly. That's not even the pot calling the kettle black. That's the decayed blood sausage calling the gangrenous scrotum nasty. Joe, I can take this with a grain of salt, A. because you're right, and B. because I know you're a jokester. But you can't start anything like this with that emmotional clown. I think Joakim has got to be the A.J. Pierzinsky of basketball. You love em if you got em, and hate em if you don't. Noah might not have the future Hall of Fame career under his belt that KG has established, but I will say this...This year, and every year moving forward, I'd rather have Joakim on my team that KG. At least Noah has some credentials (and balls) to backup his mouth. If you don't know Joakim Noah or don't understand his brutal, sometimes humorous, honesty; take a look at the video below.

Eat A Fart Phil Jackson

..and I mean that with the utmost respect. Phil Jackson was quoted as saying that the Miami Heat could break the Bulls 72 and 10 record. Thanks for the love Phil. Thank you for not defending the greatest team in NBA history that YOU COACHED! I don't mind it comming from the mouths of the critics, but you, that hurts. Who cares if you think the Heat will beat the record?!?You don't actually come out and admit it when it was YOUR TEAM. I wonder if he even realizes that his current Laker team is favored OVER the Miami Heat to win it all. I just don't get this little vendeta Phil's seems to have ever since he left Chicago. It's like if I come up with the greatest invention of all time, and shortly thereafter say, "eh, somebody will probably do it better.' What a jerk. Who do the Laker's play tonight? Denver? Ok, GO NUGGETS!!!!!

Fukudome Is Bad At Baseball AND Life

Kosuke Fukudome apparently just purchased a $1.32 million condo off of Lake Shore Drive. Not too smart, dumb-ass. Apparently, you and your wife must be the only Cub fans in Chicago that don't know your team is desperately trying to rid you from this city. You see Kosuke, in American sports it goes like this...If you're awesome they want to keep you around, and if you play like, well...you, they try to get you the hell out of dodge. Do you understand now? So for future reference, to be clear, next time you are not wanted in a city, DO NOT purchase a home there. That's like buying a skateboard 2 days before you're going in for leg amputation surgery.

Paul Konerko Will Not Be A White Sock Next Season.

No, this is not fact. This is simply one man's thoughts. If Paul Konerko was going to be back next season, Kenny Williams would've already made an offer to him during the restricted free agent period. Instead, there haven't been any talks of a new contract. Kenny is always willing to look to the future and move on past fan favorites. I don't think Pauly will be any exception. Just look at Joe Crede, Jermain Dye, Tadahito Iguchi, Frank Thomas, Juan Uribe, Scott Podsednick, Jim Thome. Kenny doesn't care if these guys appeal to the crowd. Doing what the fan's want doesn't always make you a winning team. I fully anticipate Paul Konerko to be in a different uniform next season. From a baseball standpoint, I think that is probably what's best for both sides.

Sandburg Candidate for Phillies AAA Gig

Jim Hendry must've really pissed this guy off. He said F U to returning to the Cubs farm system because he wanted to find a job on a major league roster. Now all reports are saying that he's in the running to become the next AAA manager for the Phillies. Bottom line, he doesn't want anything to do with Jim Hendry's back stabbing ways and I don't blame the man.

They say that any U.S. citizen can get a law passed through legistlation. Does anybody know how I can go about making it illegal for Jim Hendry to have any affiliation with the game of baseball what-so-ever? And if Hendry were to try to come in contact with the game, the punishment wouldn't be jail time or community service. It would be a capitol punishment. What? A man can dream, can't I? Land of the free, home of the brave. Ooh Rah!

In Honor Of Joakim Noah's Improved Shooting...

Winning Is Fun

Boy was that nice for a change. Good, solid effort by the Bulls. Taj Gibson, Noah, Rose, all looked great. It's astonishing how different this team can look without Rose on the court. He seems to be thee ONLY player that can drive through the lane, and this becomes more and more evident every game.

On another note, I can only hope and pray that this game was enough to motivate Carmelo to demand a trade to Chicago. He's said Chicago was one of the top spots he would want to play for. Getting beat by the team you want to be on must only enhance that feeling. This is what he had to say before the game...

"I don't want to say this in the wrong way and then ya'll take it," he began. "But anybody would love to play with a guy like Derrick Rose. A young point guard, young star, [who] gets the ball up and down the court. He's improved his game every year. You got a young big man in [Joakim] Noah. You got [Carlos] Boozer, right now Boozer's hurt, but they've got a good team right now."

I don't know about you guys, but this clearly sounds to me like this man wants to be on the Bulls. He knows that his presence would almost certainly make the Bulls title contenders. Unfortunately, this is not up to Carmelo. It's up to both front offices. Salary cap complications is going to make this trade next to impossible,  but you never know. If he wants to be in Chicago bad enough, I'm sure it'll find a way to happen. Hell, the Bears got Cutler as a quarterback, so anything's possible.

Buehrle Has Another Glove of Gold.

According to Chicagobreakingsports.com...

Buehrle received plenty of national recognition for his play April 5 when he retrieved a ball hit by Cleveland's Lou Marson that caromed off his leg and bounced into foul territory, only for Buehrle to retrieve and flip the ball between his legs to first base to retire Marson.
Buehrle picked off a major-league-best 11 runners in 2010 after nailing eight in '09, and his pickoff move was the subject of a May 26 controversy in which umpire Joe West ejected manager Ozzie Guillen and Buehrle in separate incidents after balk calls against Buehrle.

Apparently this story leaked when Mark's wife Jamie made the announcement on her facebook page. Good for Mark Buehrle. He's a good guy that's had a good career. He's the kind of man I would share my Busch Light with. It's a shame all those great Chuck Norris jokes weren't saved for him. If you don't know what "Chuck Norris jokes" I'm talking about, do us all a favor and leave this country.

Nuggets / Bulls 7:05 Tonight

It would be nice if I could write about Carmelo Anthony playing his old team tonight. Instead, he still may be facing his future team tonight. (Doubt it though) I won't even make any predictions. Who knows with this team. This comming from behind stuff is getting old in a hurry. Seems to be a bit of a trend around here to put yourself down 21 points in the second half, then battle all the way back, take a short lead, and then let it slip away just in time to lose the game. The Bulls currently sit with a record of 2 and 3. They could EASILY be 4 and 1. They need to start beating some of the better teams out there if they want to start to be taken seroiusly in this league. Tonight would be an excellent time to start against Denver. Bulls are favored by 3 in this game. If I were a betting man....ah what the hell. Take it. I say the Bulls win by 5. Just don't hold me to it. Right now, the Bulls are as predictable as the weather atop Mount Everest. (Sorry, that was stupid)

One Punch In The Face For Rose, 3 For Noah, and 13 For Officials

Bulls Vs Celtics Friday Night
Why you ask? Derrick had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation and lost control of the ball. Not a good way to raise your game.

What in the hell was Joakim thinking bringing the ball down the court with guards to his left and right?!?! Game was on the line. Dumb Dumb Dumb.

Officiating was despicable. Absolutely one sided and atrocious. Incorrect offensive fouls called against the Bulls time and time again. Sad thing to watch. You wanna see how fixed bad NBA officiating is? Watch this video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaZIAXJJDKQ

Oh My Lawd!!!!!

Me Confused.

I didn't want to post anything else until my blood stopped boiling, and I could write with a clear mind. That still doesn't look like it's going to happen. My problem here is with Tom Thibodeau. I have a few senarios as to why Deng, Rose, and Noah were on the bench with the team down by 8 with just 2 minutes left in the game, after resting most of the fourth, and the stadium chanting "we want rose!"....

1.) He legitimately was pissed at them for their lack of defense, allowing NY to score at will, and was sending a message.
2.) He was secretly resting them because he was happy with taking a knee and losing this blowout game. No reason to expend all that energy trying to win against the Knicks, when you have to play Boston (His former team) the following night, and he would rather win big in Boston.
3.) He's an absolute moron that thought it would be better to play with the bench the majority of the fourth quarter.

If senario 2 or senario 3 are true, I'm going to be a very very very angry little boy. After the game, Joakim Noah said he felt like they were being sent a message by the coach. Deep down, I feel like that is the case. I understand the starters weren't getting the job done earlier in the game, but now, you have well-rested starters, 2 minutes to go, and you're only down by EIGHT!!! OK coach, you got your point across, now put them in and win this thing!!! Why would you cost us a game just to make a point. Not smart Thibs. Not smart at all.
On another note, at least I was right about the Korver thing. He had an awesome game shooting 7 for 10 and 4 for 6 behind the 3 point line for 18 points. I apologize for being as wrong as animal cruelty about the Bulls winning this game in a landslide, but let's be honest, did ANYBODY actually expect the starters to get benched, and NY to shoot an insane 16 for 24 from the 3? Didn't think so.

Amazed it was even this close with your heads in your asses.

Good news, bad news. Good news...the Bulls didn't lose this game. Bad news...THEIR HEAD COACH DID!!! I've seen better performances on MTV's 'The Hills'. More to come tomorrow morning. I need Jack Dawson to cut these handcuffs before I drown in my own tears.

D-Rose Is Bigger Than T.V.

No, I don't mean an actuall T.V. I'm talking about television in general. When asked about missing his taping in New York City for CBS' show "The Good Wife" on Tuesday here's what he had to say...

"Oh my God, I overslept. It's nothing big. You can ask anybody I work with was I a problem on set or did I have a problem showing up? I always show up early. I'm sorry I missed it. That's not my character where I big-time that type of show. If anything, I'd love to be on that show. They put a whole another twist on the story where (a driver) was ringing my (door)bell or somebody came out and said I wasn't going in a disrepectful way. It wasn't nothing like that. We had a game (Monday) night, Rose said. We went to go eat. After that, you have to wake up at 6 a.m. to catch a flight? That's tough, definitely tough."

Mr. Rose shouldn't ever have to explain himself like this. If I were a member of the media and I was questioning Derrick about this, I would be perfectly fine with the following response..."Why wasn't I there?!?! Because I'm Derrick friggen Rose. That's why! How about you mind your damn business?!? If they're so concerned about getting me on their T.V. show, they can fly the set out here and film me! And they damn well better change the name from "The Good Wife" to The Derrick Rose Show!"...Yeah, that'd be just fine by me. I'd respond with "Yes Sir, Mr. Rose. I'm very sorry for disrespecting you. Please allow me to punch myself in the eye socket as a token of my penance."

Bulls-Knicks

Bulls are favored by 7 tonight at home. If I were a betting man, I would take that spread. The Bulls are perfect at home thus far and I expect them to stay that way. By nights end, I fully anticipate the Bulls to be 3 and 1, and the Knicks to be 1 and 3. Kind of funny the Bulls and Knicks are the only teams in the Eastern Conference to have only played 3 games so far; yet, the Bulls are also in first place in the Eastern Central. First place in the Central division is where I expect them to be the rest of the year. What a shame they don't have Boozer. They would be just plain filthy good with him. Expect a big game from Amar'e Stoudemire tonight from the Knicks. He will also be a big presence in the paint, so expect the Bulls to do a lot of shooting. I forsee a good game from Korver. Deng should have another real good one if he can knock down the shots, and you can put Rose down for about 22 points and 7 or 8 assists. This game should be a blowout as long as we can hit our shots.

The Bulls overall through 3 games - B

Omer Asik - Still rather impressed with hussel. Needs to learn though, this is not Turkey. You can not hit people whenever you feel like it. Stay out of foul trouble.
Keith Bogans - You'd think somebody that's been in the league 7 years would know how to be effective at putting a ball through a hoop.
Carlos Boozer - Get well soon. Please!
Ronnie Brewer - Rose and Deng are eventually going to need some help at some point. Please assist.
Luol Deng - Longest tenured Bull. Rough first 2. Need to realize you're the go to guy when Rose is sitting. Hope things keep up like they were against Portland.
Taj Gibson - Has a real veteran presence even though only in year 2. No sophmore slump thus far. Keep up the hustle.
James Johnson - Where did you come from? Not sure if you are becomming a real asset to this team, or quality trade bait for the Carmelo deal. Either way. I'm loving it.
Kyle Korver - Great preseason. Terrible start. Great at finding the open shot comming of the screen, terrible at knocking it down thus far. We can live and die by your threes.
Joakim Noah - What can I say about this monster? Double-Double night in and night out. Worked his way to one of the top 3 centers in the league. Couldn't ask for much else except maybe a better post up game. But that's what Boozer is for.
Derrick Rose - I got goosebumps in the game against Detroit when he's at the free thrown line and the UC is chanting "MVP MVP MVP!" Like Derrick said "why not him?" He's really starting to come out of his shell and realize that he IS (i don't care what ANYBODY says) the best point guard in the league. Keep working on that 3 point shot and you'll be putting up 30+ pts a game. Guarenteed.
Brian Scalabrine - Coach on the court. Love this guy. Good energy. Takes his roll seriously even when no one takes him seroius. Seems to be a good replacement for Brad Miller. Has a championship ring, has played with great players, and knows what it takes to win.
Kurt Thomas - A good minute eater during blow-out games. Big body to attack the boards. Good veteran experience.
C.J. Watson - Waaaaay to streaky. Needs to be more consistent and play with more confidence. I'm not impressed through the first 3 games what-so-ever.
Coach Thibodeau - Holds players accountable. Definitely not a pushover like Skiles and Del Negro. The emphasis on defense has paid dividends, but he must not forget the importance of a good offense. Move the ball, create an open shot, DO NOT force shots. There's been way too much of that going on. Have to execute better in the 4th quarter and maintain energy for all 48 minutes. I love the intensity. Seems to have a good feel for substitutions.

Jumbotron at Wrigley?

Cubs.com is taking a survey to determine customer satisfaction and improvements that can be made in and around the ball park. One such suggestion is..."Wrigley Field does not currently incorporate a video replay board. If a video board does not impact or obscure the current center-field scoreboard, would you be in favor of a video replay board to bring you replays and game content?"

- Opposed
- In Favor
- Indifferent

...I wish "go to hell" was a viable option to select. That's like putting a chandelier in a haunted house. Wrigley doesn't need a big screen. Wrigley Field is special, in a sense, because of the things it lacks. (Kind of like Heidi Montag and a brain) Besides, more improvements at Wrigley means more money out of fan's pockets. As if $6.50 isn't enough already for a damn Old Style. How bout you install URINALS for the men. I thank God I'm not a female or child every time I go to Wrigley. I couldn't imagine what the conditions are like for them every time they need to drain the bladder. I mean, if the Rickett's are all about 'getting with the times', how about you make us stop knocking elbows while pissing in a metal tub. Wrigley doesn't need a Jumbotron, it just needs to crawl out of the 19th century.

WAIT A MINUTE!!!...I GOT IT!!!...I think what the fans truly care most about is the product ON THE FIELD. So how about you let the fans do a survey on what they think of the job being done by ownership and the general manager (particularly in relation to payroll). Maybe then it'll be seen what's actually wrong with this organization. No nevermind. That makes too much sense.

Brilliant

Wow. No sooner than approximately 4 hours after I wrote about Kenny Williams signing geriatrics, he decided to resign 44 year old Omar Vizquel to a $1.75 million, one year deal. Omar hit a very respectable .276/.341/.331 in 391 plate appearances for the White Sox this past season.

In relating news, Kenny also offered contracts to 85 year old left fielder Minnie Minoso, 76 year old Luis Aparicio to backup Omar at shortstop, and 63 year old Carlton Fisk to fill the void behind the plate. Team warmups will now consist of different variations of physical therapy, and there will be free pudding in the clubhouse following every home win. The jury is still out on batting practice. Many members of the White Sox have been complaining that "those young punks just throw that ball too damn fast."

Teams That Have Sucked The Longest

Seasons	Team	Last championship
102	Chicago Cubs	1908
62	Cleveland Indians	1948
50	Texas Rangers (Washington Senators)	never (franchise started in 1961)
49	Houston Astros (Houston Colt .45s)	never (franchise started in 1962)
42	Milwaukee Brewers (Seattle Pilots)	never (franchise started in 1969)
42	San Diego Padres	never (franchise started in 1969)
42	Washington Nationals (Montreal Expos)	never (franchise started in 1969)
34	Seattle Mariners	never (franchise started in 1977)
31	Pittsburgh Pirates	1979
27	Baltimore Orioles	1983
26	Detroit Tigers	1984
25	Kansas City Royals	1985
24	New York Mets	1986
22	Los Angeles Dodgers	1988
21	Oakland Athletics	1989
20	Cincinnati Reds	1990
19	Minnesota Twins	1991
18	Colorado Rockies	never (franchise started in 1993)
17	Toronto Blue Jays	1993
15	Atlanta Braves	1995
13	Tampa Bay Rays	never (franchise started in 1998)
9	Arizona Diamondbacks	2001
8	Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim	2002
7	Florida Marlins	2003
5	Chicago White Sox	2005
4	St. Louis Cardinals	2006
3	Boston Red Sox	2007
2	Philadelphia Phillies	2008
1	New York Yankees	2009
--	San Francisco Giants	2010

Happy Free Agency Day...

The San Francisco Giants were able to do what many teams seem to be doing these days, except the Cubs....end a championship drought. So a tip of the cap to them. With the never ending baseball season finally in the books, today marks the official beginning of free agency. In other words...today marks the day Jim Hendry will spend the next several months finding the improper fit at first base for the Cubs, along with unsuccessfully trading Fukudome, not adding a solid arm in the rotation, and not fix the constantly ignored hole at 2nd base. Rest assured, whatever free agents he does land, they will be grossly overpaid, and given no-trade clauses which will clog up the payroll and farm system for years to come.

Today also marks the day Kenny Williams will begin his search for the next big washed up player whose career he will try to revive. To his credit, sometimes it actually works. (Omar Vizquel) It drives me absolutely bananas how frequently he tries to fit squares into circles by bringing up no-name underdeveloped talent too soon, then trading them away, and signing old players that other teams just won't give a chance. It's like he wants people to say "what is he thinking?!?" so that if it does pan out, he'll look like a genious.

Who knows what this off season has in store. Should be interesting none the less.

I DONE TOLD YOU SO!!!

If you take a gander below, you clearly will see yet another correct prediction regarding last night's Bull's game. Portland walked in undefeated and left with a fresh notch in the loss column. Da Bull's did a fantabulous job shutting down Brandon Roy, Andre Miller, and Rudy Fernandez. LaMarcus Aldridge was a monster, putting up 33 points and grabbing 9 boards. (For the Record, in 2006 the Bulls traded the draft rights for Aldridge AND a future second round pick to Portland for Tyrus Thomas. You can thank the genious of John Paxson for that shit-show.)

Speaking of monsters. How bout' that Luol Deng character. I guess we can put to bed the whole "off to a slow start" business. He set a career high 40 points, going 3 for 5 behind the arc. It was also nice to see Kyle Korver knock down a few jumpers for a change. D-Rose finally got a little break, not having to carry the team on his shoulders (16 pts 5 reb). He managed to dish out a career high 13 assists. Yesterday was a very solid team effort. As a writer from Yahoo sports said last week..."if there was a GPA in basketball, the Bull's would have the highest average in the league." Next up on the kill list is the New York Knicks, Thursday in Chicago. Consider that one a lock as well.

Here's Some Boring News

Pat Listach will be hired as the Cubs new bench coach, replacing Alan Trammell. Trammell joined Kirk Gibon's staff over in Arizona. Listach has always been a favorite of Jim Hendry, and was even considered for the head manager position. I won't continue to bore you any longer. So here is a link to a video that demonstrates why you kids should not be allowed to play with matches... http://www.break.com/index/fire-explodes-in-little-kids-face-1945341

In 9 hours the Bulls will be 2 and 1

My miracle Bulls (see: Piston's game Saturday night) play tonight on TNT against borderline scary Greg Oden and the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland comes into the UC tonight as one of the few undefeated teams thus far at 3 and 0. If I was a betting man, I'd bet the bank that Portland leaves town at 3 and 1.
But back to Greg Oden. Seriously. Have you seen this gargoyle? He's only 22 years old, yet looks like he's spent the past 54 years digging ditches in Namibia. He could have a charity set up in his name FOR HIM. Help raise money for Greg Oden's new face. Call it The Greg Oden Ugly Face Foundation for Greg Oden. He looks like an actual Neaderthal. Just google it. You'll see. Speaking of Ugly people, I hope everyone had a great Halloween. I know I did.