How much money can owner Jerry Reinsdorf throw at the Chicago White Sox?  He went out an acquired Jake Peavy, a former Cy Young winner with the Padres.  Peavy went 3-0 in his short stint as a starter this season.  Peavy looked like an All-Star caliber pitcher.  He pitched great against Detroit in the last series of the season.  If he stays healthy, he will be a big help with the Sox.  The other question is Alex Rios, the player the Sox acquired from Toronto.  Rios did not have a good season with the Sox.  He may have the tools, but didn't showcase them enough with Chicago.  If the Sox part ways with Jermaine Dye, who again had a nice year, then Rios would start in rightfield.  Is Rios a power hitter who can hit to all fields? or a guy who can hit his way on base?  Can he drive in runs?  That's what the Sox need.

Continue reading "Chi Sox Need An Attitude Adjustment"

After the Los Angeles Angel's escape act in Fenway Park the other night, didn't figure to see almost a replica of Philadelphia's big rally in the 9th with two outs versus Colorado.  As Yogi said, "It ain't over till it's over."  And, that is the truth.  That is the magic of baseball.  You can be one strike from going home, but manage to put a man on base, and another, then someone comes up with a big hit, like Ryan Howard of the Phillies did a few days ago.  And Jason Werth drove him home with a neatly placed single to right field. That was some hitting.  That rally silenced the white flag fans in chilly Denver. But the Rockies' ride is over and the Phils try for a repeat over the stubborn Los Angeles Dodgers, who refuse to lose. 

The Angels - Yankee Series will be a test of wills. It will come down to a matter of execution.  Who will drive in a run with two outs and a man on second?  Who will make a heads up base-running play?  What pitching staff will have good outings from their starters?  Then there's always A-rod who is hot as the 4th of July.  It is nice to see a player who is great, perform that way in the post-season.  No matter what one thinks of A-rod, he is a supremely talented power hitter.  It's him and then there's everyone else.  Look for Yankees in 6 games.

Continue reading "9th Inning Heroics Highlight MLB Playoffs"

The Bears lost a tough game to the Atlanta Falcons, 21-14 Sunday night in Atlanta.

This game reminded me of the Jerry Senfeld comedy show.  Nothing happened.  The Bears scored in the 4th quarter to tie the game, only to see Atlanta move down the field at will, and score late with just over 3 minutes in the game.

I turned off the game as the Falcs moved into position to score the touchdown.  Not only did I think the Falcons were going to win the game, which they did. I did not think the Bears had it in them to rally.  Which they didn't.

A penalty incurred when the Bears were feet away from the end-zone, snuffed out a rally. Clearly,

the team doesn't know how to win on the road against the good team and a smart coach in Mike Smith, and quarterback in Matt Ryan.  The Bears got out of the running game and it became a shoot-out. Take the home QB.

Continue reading "Bears Lose To the Falcs, 21-14."

The season is still young. Teams are hitting their stride.  The Bears are 3-2 and have aspirations to make some noise in the NFL this year.  Their seismic trade to obtain Jay Cutler spoke volumes of management's desire to field a winning team.

But somewhere along the way, the Bears forgot their rushing game. While Cutler has been impressive, except for his propensity to throw an interception, Chicago seems to have forgotten what made the Bears rough and tumble.  They play smash mouth football, and can stop the other team from scoring.  Lately, the team hasn't played enough smash-mouth and when the game is on the line, look like matadors on defense. Oh, you want to pass 18 yards for a first down. Move the cape, senor.  Want to score with less than a minute in the game?  Move the cape, and step out of the way.

Continue reading "Bears Have To Find A Way To Beat Bengals"

When the Chicago Bears are losing 31-0 at half-time, that is an indication that something is wrong with the team.

When Matt Forte, can only gain 24 yards, that is also an indication that something is wrong with this team.  And, when QB Jay Cutler throws 3 interceptions, that is not good as well.  Meanwhile, Kyle Orton looks like John Elway and as of now, Denver is undefeated.  You prepare for a week on this team, you know that Cedric Benson is going to run like he has daggers in his eyes.  Carson Palmer of the Bengals threw 5 TD passes against a team that has spent a lot of time and effort on improving the pass rush.  Pack in the season, the Bears look like they need a hibernation.  I used to have season tickets to the Bears.  Saw many games.  I am glad I don't have them now.  Actually, the Bears were losing 45-3 but the Bears scored a late TD. Quite simply, this was a slaughter.

Continue reading "Bears Get Blasted in Cincy, 45-10"