Just a note or two

Today the White Sox are playing an old fashioned doubleheader with Seattle. Not a day/night affair but two games for the price of one. When was the last time this happened?

The Blackhawks win a playoff series for the first time since 1996. These guys are pretty fun to watch. They could win a championship before the Cubs.

I say nothing!

Well here we are on April 25th and the first official Milton Bradley confrontation has erupted. Who had this date in the pool?

As I see it Lou Piniella is somewhat responsible for this, maybe even GM Jim Hendry. When Bradley hurt his groin last week his history should have dictated to putting him on the DL. It's a lingering injury to begin with and the chilly damp weather is of no help. Nope. Lou says he'll be fine and there's Bradley barely able to run. Piniella needs a meeting with Bradley to tell him he won't play until he's healthy. I think 30,000 people in the ballpark could figure that one out Einstein.

Of course Bradley is made out to be the bad guy because he won't talk to the press. Again his past history affects him here but I do agree with him in the sense that the media puts the focus on him and will certainly miscontrue something he says and then people get mad at him. If the guy doesn't want to talk, don't bother him. If he was put on the DL like he should have been this controversy isn't taking place and I might win the pool because I had May 1st.

Looking at both teams two weeks into the season it's still tough to gauge things. The Sox are 8-7 and should probably have a couple more wins. They are tied for first place with Kansas City and Detroit.

It would appear Carlos Quentin has picked up where he left off last season and leads the majors with 7 homers. This team does have more speed and trying to utilize it with Chris Getz, Brian Anderson, and Brent Lillbridge. There have been flashes of power and speed and I think by mid May we'll have a good idea about this team.

The pitching has been fairly strong. John Danks and Gavin Floyd have been outstanding. The big surprise has been Bartolo Colon and Jose Contreras. Two veterans coming off injuries who weren't even supposed to be ready. Colon with the elbow surgery looks stronger right now. Contreras with the torn achilles is throwing good but his control is still off.

Thankfully the Mike MacDougal saga is over. It was worth one more try after a great spring training. As usual with him it didn't carry over.

The Cubs at 8-6 and in fourth place probably should be more dominating but as long as Piniella keeps hitting Ryan Theriot in the eight spot and Derek Lee third the offense will stagnate. I've only seen a little bit of the Cubs so I'll say nothing more like Bradley.
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Four no-nos in a row

I have a feeling college might wait. Unless his arm falls off.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (AP) -- A Florida high school pitcher tossed his fourth consecutive no-hitter.

Mitchell High senior Patrick Schuster did it Monday night on his home field at the suburban school northwest of Tampa.

The lanky left-hander struck out 17 to help his team beat rival Pasco High 5-0 in front of a full house of several hundred spectators.

"I never thought this would happen," he said. "I'm just having so much right now."

Schuster's streak began April 3. He's piled up 60 strikeouts in the four games, helping Mitchell to a 19-3 record. He's 7-0 on the season.

He said he was trying not to think about the streak, but late in the game he asked his outfielders to take a few steps because he didn't want to give up a bloop hit.

Mitchell coach Scot Wilcox called the performance "vintage Schuster."

"I'll tell you what, he's got command of every single pitch," Wilcox said. "His curve ball, his slider, his change-up, he was just spotting it nicely. He was keeping their hitters off balance."

Schuster said the streak has been harder on his mother, Sharon, than it's been on him.

"I've got the confidence, and she's over there biting her nails and stuff," he said. "I'm having fun with it and she's nervous. She's probably going to make me cry as soon as I see her."

Schuster, whose fastball tops 90 mph, has signed to play at the University of Florida next year but hasn't ruled out going straight to professional baseball.

The record for consecutive no-hitters in high school baseball is six.

Two bad calls

Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley has been suspended two games for arguing balls and strikes and making contact with umpire Larry Vanover.

The discipline announced Saturday by Major League Baseball stems from an outburst in Thursday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Bradley was caught looking at a called third strike with the bases loaded while pinch hitting in the sixth inning.

I saw this incident and I have to say he does not deserve a suspension. I guess his reputation will always hurt him.

Last Wednesday was Jackie Robinson Day in baseball. I think it's great to honor him every year and that his number 42 is retired by all the teams. However, I think it's stupid when every player wears 42 on his day. How does this honor his legacy? It doesn't.

The Madden Cruiser has parked.

John Madden is calling it quits.

NBC said Thursday that the burly ex-coach who has been one pro football's top broadcast analysts has decided to retire. The 73-year-old Madden has been working for the past three seasons on NBC's Sunday night NFL game. His last telecast was the Super Bowl between Arizona and Pittsburgh.

Since he left coaching in 1979, the former Oakland Raiders coach has worked as an analyst for all four broadcast networks. His "Madden NFL Football" is the top-selling sports video game of all time.

Madden is reluctant to fly and often traveled to games in a specially-equipped bus. He said in a statement that he still loves all aspects of the job, "but I know this is the right time."

I always enjoyed listening to Madden do the games. When he was teamed with Pat Summerall they were the number one football announcers duo. Even when he switched to Monday, then Sunday, night football with Al Michaels they were a top three tandem.

He talked the game like he coached, simple. His skills have slipped the past few seasons so kudos to him on leaving before he became a blathering fool.

Deja Vu?

The White Sox agreed to terms on a minor league contract with outfielder Scott Podsednik, one of their 2005 World Series heroes who was recently cut by Colorado.

Death takes no holiday

What a wave of death in baseball.

Last week the Angels Nick Adenhart is hit by a car and dies.

Today, the Phillies long time announcer Harry Kallas died in the booth about an hour before their game in Washington. He had a distinctive voice that everybody knew, especially if you saw NFL films. His signature home run call was, "Outta here!" He was 73.

Then about a half hour ago, former All-Star pitcher Mark "The Bird" Fidrych has been found dead in an apparent accident at his farm in Northborough, Massachusetts. He was 54.

Worcester County district attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. says a family friend found Fidrych about 2:30 p.m. Monday beneath a pickup truck. He appeared to be working on the truck, Early said.

The colorful right-hander was the American League rookie of the year in 1976 when he went 19-9 with a 2.34 earned run average. He spent all five of his major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA.

His career was cut short by injuries.

Cubs clatter

Today is the Cubs home opener and it's odd as usual.

First, why hasn't this game been pushed to tomorrow? It's cold, rainy, and windy. It's not called yet so the Cubs can sell their concessions and make more money. Don't they care about the fans and their comfort? Probably call it when the bank hits $250k for the day and do it again tomorrow.

Early this morning some idiot hung a dead goat on the Harry Caray statue. People are stupid. Security cams are everywhere and nobody saw this happening. Cubs PR move?

Lou Piniella wake up and play Reed Johnson everyday. The guy can flat out play defense and won the game when he took the grand slam away from Milwaukee's Prince Fielder. In the end, Milton Bradley getting hurt won the game. Johnson replaced him the inning before.

Finally, they had the longest spring training ever. Good time to evaluate all the players. Last night Piniella the Cubs manager said he won’t use Kevin Gregg “in the eighth inning, because he sits here, and he goes out and his leg is a little tighter in the ninth. I wasn't aware of that." Was Lou even in Arizona the past two months?

It is just a game

The White Sox have opened the season with a wimper at 1-2 and the Cubs are a more robust 2-1. Suddenly the game of baseball means so little when tragedy strikes just as it did Thursday morning to the Los Angeles Angels.

Just a few hours after the most impressive game of his brief career, Nick Adenhart -- just seven miles from the mound where he threw six scoreless innings -- the 22-year-old right-hander was killed by an alleged drunk driver, the latest calamity in a baseball franchise haunted by a history of misfortunes.

Adenhart and two friends were killed early Thursday morning when their car was broadsided by a driver who police said had a suspended license and a previous drunk driving conviction. The news of the young pitcher's death stunned friends, teammates and fans, some driving to the Fullerton intersection to place flowers and candles in the roadway and others going to Anaheim Stadium, seemingly just to be there.

It's always a shock when a professional player dies during the season. It wakes one up and tells you, these players are human beings too. They die naturally and tragically like everyone else.

I remember when I heard Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash. The same when the Yankees' Thurman Munson died. I went to the Sox-Angels game in 1978 where their outfielder Lyman Bostock was murdered the night before in Gary, Indiana. All of them gave me that pit in the stomach feeling of shock.

I don't know these players personally but as a fan of the game it's just a certain sadness that hits and a reminder that life can be taken from anyone at anytime. Enjoy life while living.
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Put it on the board!

The thrill of yesterday's White Sox home opener still resonates within me. There aren't too many more exciting things in baseball than a three run home run late in a game to snatch victory from defeat. Jim Thome's blast off former Cubs closer Kyle Farnsworth was majestic on it's flight to left center and catapulted the Sox into first place with the 4-2 win over Kansas City.

I know it's only game one but it's still nice to be on top. If this is how it's going to be all season then Hawk Harrelson is right when he says, "Strap it down!" I know I won't be able to sit back and relax though.

Mark Buehrle really struggled. How he only allowed two runs shows why good pitchers can pitch bad and keep you in a game. Josh Fields making a nice play and forcing a runner at home was the play of the game.

It's way too early to criticize, good or bad, right now but one thing I would like to see is somebody stop AJ Pierszynski from trying to leg out doubles. Somebody did a base running analysis and AJ came out as the worst base runner in the league last year. He's going for the title again.

It was really great to hear Steve Stone do the game. He explains the game so effortlessly and works well with Harrelson. Only thing, Hawk needs to quit calling him Stone Pony 20 times a game. Once is enough.

It's a beeeeeautiful sunny day for a game. Temps in the 50's. But no, they're playing a night game so everyone can freeze their asses off. I never understand that scheduling.
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Some this some that

Just some tidbits from the world of sports.

Michael Jordan was elected into the Hall of Fame today. Truly the best basketball player in the history of the NBA. I saw him in person and on TV. Not much else to say but WOW.

Tonight is the NCAA Championship game. North Carolina against Michigan State. I'm shocked MSU is there. My prediction, Tar Heels 84-76.

Jose Canseco has a theory why Manny Ramirez had a hard time getting a contract. He's one of the 104 guys on the steroid list. Interesting thought.

The Blackhawks finally make the playoffs for the first time in seven years. To the deceased Bill Wirtz, "See what you were missing all those years."

How ironic that Jay Cutler wears number six on his jersey. One of the best Bears ever wore it too, Kevin Butler. What are the odds of that one? A Butler/Cutler combo.

That's all for now

Play (snow)Ball!

Opening Day for baseball. The only time of the season where every team is tied for first place.

Each team's fans just know this is their year to win the whole thing. But they give up four runs in the first and that's it for the season, wait til next year!

I can't explain the excitement of the home opener. No other sport comes close to the feeling. Living in the Chicago area, the opener is rarely a nice day. Today's White Sox opener was pushed to Tuesday because of three inches of snow, temps in the 30's, and 30mph winds. Tomorrow will be much better when it hits 40.

Still the fans want to be there. I remember my dad and I going to the old Comiskey Park in the early 80's and being part of the biggest opening day crowd ever. Over 52,000 saw the Sox lose to Milwaukee on a brutal day for baseball. The electricity of the crowd seemed to block out the drizzle and chill.

The first game at US Cellular had hopes for the resurgance of the Sox. Frank Thomas, Robin Ventura, Carlton Fisk, and Jack McDowell. Another frigid day and the Sox got killed 11-0 by Detroit.

The most memorable opener was 2006. The night the World Series championship banners were raised. It was at that time where it sunk in to me that my team was the champs. It was chilling and brought tears to my eyes. The Sox beat Cleveland 2-1 that night and the repeat was on. Cubs fans would never be able to handle the Sox winning two series in a row. By June the Sox were in first and something went wrong and the repeat was not going to happen.

So tomorrow begins another season. Is this the year they return to take back the trophy? I'm hoping it is. If not, just one game better than the World Series less Cubs will suffice.

Yankee stadium good, Cubs bad

I saw the New Yankee stadium on TV this weekend and I have to say they did a real nice job. I'm impressed.

The company who built it should rebuild Wrigley Field. Seriously.

Oh yeah the Cubs showed how good they are getting beat 7-4 and 10-1. The long season begins Monday.

What? Bears come out of hibernation.

I was hoping to stick on baseball and continue trying to explain to Cubs fans why their team won't be so hot, but the Chicago Bears did something they rarely do and that was to make a stunning trade.

The Bears got Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and a fifth round draft pick for quarterback Kyle Orton, this year's first and third round draft picks, and next year's first round draft pick. Considering how well general manager Jerry Angelo has done with first round picks maybe this is a good deal.

However, is the one year pro bowler Cutler the answer to an anemic Bears' offense? I'd say yes and no.

I say yes because he is more mobile than Orton. Can throw a deeper pass which should better utilize the speed of Devin Hester. Has always wanted to be a Bear. We don't hear too many guys say they want to play for the Bears. These are all positives.

Now the reason I'm leaning towards Cutler not being the answer is simple, offensive coordinator Ron Turner. The Bears have no real idea on developing quarterbacks and who is going to guide the talented Cutler to the next level? I really thought Rex Grossman was a steal when the Bears drafted him from Florida and he helped get the Bears to the Super Bowl. But for some reason he regressed and that reason was Turner who didn't know how to utilize his skills and the lack of a good quarterback's coach to teach him. Grossman and his confidence were so beaten down by the fans and the media he may never play again.

The fans and media have been clamoring for a franchise quarterback. The reality is no quarterback will truly thrive here. Do you think Peyton Manning would be who he is if he was a Bear? Absolutely not. The organization doesn't have the quarterback mentality because they always focused on running the ball.

Cutler will be an upgrade if they utilize his arm strength and get away from the pointless two yard pass play. They also need some real receivers. Greg Olsen should get better and the never used Earl Bennett was Cutler's favorite receiver at Vanderbilt. Did you get that Mr. Turner? Hester is a threat but they need a bonafide pass catcher.

Finally, the Bears made a free agent signing I know will help when they lured offensive tackle Orlando Pace to the team. My friend Mike thinks he's too old at 33. This seven time all-star, despite recent injuries, is the answer to the retirement of John Tait. His leadership on the line should only help last year's number one pick Chris Williams.

Still everything on offense will come down to Turner and his play calling. Players won't matter.

Cubs not fine in 2009!

Here it is April Fools Day and our topic couldn't be better, the Chicago Cubs. The team that's been playing a joke on it's fans for 100 years and counting.

Last year the Cubs won the World Series, in February. Remember the fans celebrating like crazy. Fukudome and Carlos Zambrano hugging each other. Shouts of the curse being over. Finally the Cubs had won the championship after 100 long years of waiting. The season didn't start until April however.

Last year by all accounts the Cubs had a very good ballclub. They won 97 games and had the second best record in baseball. They were ready to steamroll right to the Series. For the second straight year they couldn't even win one playoff game.

Here we are in 2009 and on paper the Cubs once again look like they'll blow through the NL Central like a tornado in Will county. The fans are more subdued so far but again many think it's in the bag. Well Cubs fans it's not your year again. As a matter of fact you'll be downright sorrowful when they finish 81-81.

This team still has plenty of talent but if injuries occur they have nothing of value or talent in the minors. Injuries and the loss of Mark DeRosa are what bring this team down.

In spring training there have been rumblings that Derek Lee has been hurt, Rich Harden is still having problems with his shoulder, and even Zambrano hasn't been quite right. They signed Milton Bradley who always gets hurt or suspended. Even their supposed god like closer, Carlos Marmol, is wounded. His ego is anyway as manager Lou Piniella named Kevin Gregg his closer. Marmol thought the job was his but I guess he forgot how The Netherlands knocked him around in the WBC. So now he'll sulk but I like Lou's approach to Marmol, "Quit yer cryin' and pitch."

DeRosa being gone will be their biggest loss. When Fukudome sucked DeRosa filled in at right. If Aramis Ramirez was tired or hurting he'd go to third, or short, or second. He always seemed to get the big hit. This year they don't have anybody close to him. Aaron Miles is solid but not even close to DeRosa.

Piniella also needs a different lineup. Here's mine: Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, Soriano, Ramirez, Lee, Bradley, Geovany Soto (great catcher), Reed Johnson, and let Zambrano hit everyday. Lee has killed many big innings batting third by hitting into far too many double plays and Soriano should avoid the double play better.

The central may have a surprise the veteran heavy Houston Astros. Veteran teams are dangerous. Sorry Cubs fans but your .500 team won't be good enough. Cardinals or Astros.