Ahhhh...Oooohh NFL post-season continued

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Saturday, January 3, 2009! 4:30 p.m.

Losers of four of their last six to end the season, the Cardinals need the offense to return to form, and make the most of their possessions. Arizona is dead last in the entire NFL in rushing, averaging 73.6 yards per game. That's pitiful. While Tim Hightower has 10 td's, he averages only 2.8 yds a carry. The meat and potatoes of the Cards is the passing game. They have 3 of the top 22 receivers in the game. Larry Fitzgerald ranks number 2, with 96 receptions for 1431 yds and 12tds. At 16, is Anquan Boldin, who was rocked all year by big hits and facials has 89 receptions for 1038 yds and 11 tds's. Steve Breaston ranks 22nd, with 77 rec. for 1006 yds and 3 complimentary touchdowns.
Kurt Warner was unbelievable this year! Although he may be out in the MVP race, he had the third best passer rating. He threw for 4583 yards and had 30td's to 14 int's. One of the better stories in the league full of assholes.
Cardinal defense is about as good as Atlanta's. They rank 22 to Atl's 21.

The Falcons as well are one of the better stories in the NFL. Matt Ryan(rookie) helps take Atlanta to the playoffs, along with Micheal Turner(freak), and Roddy White.
Matt Ryan ranks 13th in the league in passing, completing 61.1 % of his passes. Tony Romo(who missed the playoffs) completed 61.3. Ryan threw for 3443 yds, with 16 td's to 11 int's.
Northern Illinois alum Michael Turner was second in the NFL in rushing. I put this guy in the mix of MVP candidates. 376 carries for 1699 yds, with 17 td's. That's and average of 106.2 a game.
The Falcons have only one receiver, and that's Roddy White, who ranks 4th in the league with 88 receptions for 1382 yds and 12 td's. After him you have Michael Jenkins and others I care not too mention.
This season for the Atlanta fans was maybe the greatest ever for them. Sure, they made the Superbowl under Dan Reeves, but they didn't stand a chance, and Eugene Robinson embarrassed the whole franchise for being arrested for soliciting a prostitute.
Best season ever. In your face Vick! In your face.
So.... who wins
Again tough to predict.
If the Cardinals can stop Turner, they have a shot at this. I'm sure the Falcons game plan is to run it down their throats with Turner and Norwood, control the clock, and limit Matt Ryan mistakes. I'd double Roddy White and takes my chances.
For Arizona, the passing game is fine. They need to RUN THE BALL. I would start Edgerin James, I really would. He has the experience, and should be fresh from being in the doghouse. They get a run game to run some play-action, and I see Arizona running away with this one.
I give the slight edge to Arizona if this happens, and they can play some sort of defense.
Arizona 31, Atlanta 30!

AHHHHHHH, The Post-Season

Thanks to bloggers at I Dislike Your Favorite Sports Team.
I joined their Pro Football pick em and finished 5th out of 19. Not too shabby, but still, look at the winning percentages. Football is one of the hardest to predict winners. The winner of the pick em had a 0.539 winning percentage. I correctly picked 122/256 games. That is a winning percentage of 0.476. Almost fifty %, but not quite. My four year old could probably pick half the games right just by asking her who will win, like Houston or Chicago. MMMmmmmmm.......Houston Daddy!
So thanks again IDYFT! Also, Andrew Wice of IDYFT is now a published author. Check it out. Your book is on my list of many sir.
Now since I'm a .0476 expert at picking NFL games, let's look at the post-season and makes some educated picks!


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Saturday, January 3, 2009! @8:00 p.m.
It doesn't seem right that Indy has to travel, but San Diego is the Division winner? Well, after the Chargers really spanked the Broncos, they took over.
The Colts won nine in a row to end the season, including wins against The Patriots, Steelers, and San Diego. They also have a win versus Baltimore this year.
Joseph Addai, who was the consensus top five picks among fantasy running backs, was a dud riddled with injuries all year. 155 carrries for 544 yds and 5 td's. Dominic Rhodes has virtually the same stats, but with one more td. Rhodes also caught more passes out of the backfield: 45 to Addai's 25. Addai topped 100 yds once versus Houston, and Rhodes has the second higest with 86 yds against lowly Detroit.
So the running game is weak. Let's see if they rest up enough to be a factor.
It's been all Peyton Manning and his Wideouts. All have been sensational(including Marvin Harrsion). Manning ended the regular season with 4000 yds and 27 td's after an awful start, earning him MVP consideration.
The CHARGERS have really had a bad season defensively. They are all about offense.
Phillip Rivers completed 65% of his passes, throwing for over 4000 yds with 34 tds's, passing the great Dan Fouts for all time touchdown thrown by a Charger!
For L.T., it wasn't a bad year at all. 1110 yds rushing with 11 td's. Not his freakish self, but looked very good that last game vs. Denver.
The Charger wideouts have been good as well with a core of Chambers, Jackson(leader),Gates, and Floyd.
The Chargers did not beat any good teams this year, aside from New England, but that was early in the season, before Cassell found his horny.
Charger losses include Cardinals, Buffalo, New England, New Orleans, Pitt, INDY, Atlanta. Wins: Two wins each vs. Oakland and Kansas City, Tampa, Denver.
San Diego ranks 25th in the NFL in Defense, and only avg. 0.57 sacks a game.
Indy ranks 15th, and always seems to show up in big games.
Darren Sproles should be a factor in this game, giving San Diego great field position from kick/punt returns.
Prediction? I see this being a great, great game. Who makes the defensive stop when it's needed seems to be the story here.
I think Manning should pick apart the defense, and Adam Vinatieri kicks a field goal with under ten seconds, winning the game in regulation. Bye Bye Turner.

Tomorrow I will go over Atlanta at Arizona, and Baltimore at Miami.

The Greatest Fans in Sports

It was horribly cold on Sunday. One of those days if you're walking, the wind blows straight through you and you're face is numb instantly. The kind of cold where you walk backwards to avoids the winter gust. My car was stuck in the ice and spent 45 minutes out there. I would like to thank the Saint that pulled over with a metal shovel to get mine out, and then sticking around to help the guy parked in back of me. Again, thank-you. When I got back inside, I could not move my fingers and I had that pins in my heart feeling. My hands, my skin are dry and raw a little earlier this year, as winter has truly come full force this season. Leaving the house sucks, whether if it's to go to work, shop, eat, etc.

That brings us to Monday. Monday Night Football. Green Bay at Chicago Bears.
I was actually fortunate enough to be up for the regulation comeback, and Robbie Gould field goal to seal victory in overtime.

Good for them. A win next week at Texas, coupled with a Vikings loss, will qualify the bears for the playoffs.

Too my point though. Football fans are hard core. I would never imagine going to a game in these conditions. I have never been to a football game, and never will. I hate the cold and refuse to subject myself to that. Take off my shirt and pour liquids over myself. Chicago, Green Bay, Ohio, Pitt, Philly, Buffalo and the like. The fans will show up no matter what, and for that they have to be the greatest fans in the world(all due respect to the crazy soccer fanatics, props to you too).

I couldn't find very good cold weather Bears footage, so i bring you......
FOREIGNER!!!!!!

Someone Has to Say It

Hey man. Yo, T.O. I'm hungry bitch. What are you doing. Don't tell me you're sitting at Starbuck's again, trying to write your way out of Dallas. Do me a favor before you go? Put some food in my dish. Water in my bowl. Jolly my ass.
I called Romo and Witten. They were at IHOP drawing up plays brother. You got no one. Just me. Meow. Just come home and let me lay on you and make you clean up hairballs.
I really wished you turned off the TV. It doesn't soothe me. Thanks for leaving ESPN on. You are tired son!!!
I don't know why no one will come out and say it. They are cowards.
Here's the skinny:
You are a jerk. A low life. You kill every team you have ever played for. You are a cry baby and a sore loser. You are selfish, greedy, and have no idea what football is about. You are a pain in everyone's ass, and don't get me started on the Hall of Fame. Who's gonna vote for you. Meow. You care more about your media coverage than running crisp routes, and waiting for the ball to come your way. You're old too bro. You are getting soooo old. You don't have too much left in the tank. Everyone in the league hates you. Go dance with the stars or some shit. You haven't won a danm thing in your life and never will with your horribly childish attitude. Don't worry, Drew Rosenhaus loves you though. He will defend you to the end. The end of your dough. Meow.
I feel bad for Dallas. I mean, not that bad, they did have one of the best teams in the 90's. The gots lotsa Superbowls and are America's team. You gotta feel for Romo and Witten though. They look like they enjoy what they do. Even if you do have a great game, score a touchdown, and Dallas wins Sunday, it doesn't matter. You're like Dennis Rodman when he played for the Spurs. They'll win when you are gone.

HI!!!! I'm Drew Rosenhaus, and I'm a Dick. I spend too much time on Sportscenter. I'm rich. I don't care. I'm a liar and I'm fine with that. I have no compassion for mankind. Did I mention I'm rich. Richer than you.....asshole. Oh man.. Hawaii kicks ass this time of year. How's that car warming up. Get your Christmas shopping done yet? Ha Ha Ha. Go on with your bad self. I'm getting my people strap ons.

WINTER MEETINGS

AHHHHH. Beautiful. Warm. Home.

Well here we are, 12 months later, deep in a recession that is slowing down activity during the GM meetings in California, and now the winter meetings in Las Vegas.
One story has come out the the agent for Rafael Furcal has been quoted as saying he doesn't believe teams don't have the money to dump on free agents. While that may be true, aside from a few of the big market teams, everyone has to be careful with money, or they may really find themselves in a huge hole if the economy is a slow healer.

That being said C.C. Sabathia reportedly will sign the most lucrative pitching contract in history with who else? The Yankees. 7 years/160 million. It seems ridiculous yes, but I feel it's a great move for them. I mean it does tie up even more money, but Yankee pitching has been terrible for them and everyone is desperate to get back to the World series and compete with the Red Sox again. Sabathia's arm might fall off, and the team could finish last in the great Al East, but it's always worth a shot to the Yanks.
Of the top ten free agents available according to ESPN, only one has signed. The aforementioned C.C. Sabathia.
Teixeira, Manny, A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, Furcal, Adam Dunn(Hendry loves him I think, but too expensive, and too many K's), Milton Bradley, Oliver Perez, and Pat Burrell are still waiting for the dominoes to fall.

On the Cubs front: All indications lead to the conclusion that Jake Peavy is the top priority along with a left-handed hitting outfielder. This trade is even more complicated than the Brian Roberts trade rumors of last off-season. The Cubs will be trading players, prospects and the like for Peavy. A third or forth team is to be included for this deal to happen.
Jake Peavy costs a lot of money. 4 years/63 million with an option in 2013 for 22 million.
Jason Marquis and his 9.875 million needs to go in order for this to go down, or so I've heard all this morning. Padres may seem willing to take him on if the Cubs eat a few million of his salary. The Phillies and Orioles are named as the teams involved in this 3 or 4 way trade. I hate to report what I've been reading, but one of the rumors is Cub favorite and heart breaker Mark DeRosa going to the Phillies. He was arguably one of the best players for the club last year, but it is a cost cutting move to acquire Peavy, and also make room for that left handed bat in right field.
Get it? I don't.
Personally, I would love to have Peavy and a lead off hitter. A couple of lefty's in the line-up would be nice for balance, but with all this chatter the Cubs middle infield would be Theriot and Fontenot. I'm not too hot about that. Offensively, both have been better than expected, but the defense will be shaky.
Have the Cubs soured on Kosuke Fukudome already? Hey, coach him. They spent 40 mill. on a guy who's great defensively, runs the bases well, but has a gaping hole in the swing. Are you telling me he cannot eradicate his mistakes? I don't know why we need a left handed right fielder when we just signed him. Trade him then, find someone who will take him. There's always someone out there.
Besides that, I'd still want Brian Roberts if DeRosa goes.

Long post I know, but I might not right on the Cubs for a while if activity is slow.

Second option for the Cubs is signing Randy Johnson for one year, and I repeat, a left handed hitting right fielder. The Peavy trade is the first order, and I expect this to happen before Christmas, so both teams can look elsewhere and not be left out of the rest of the free agents.
Alright, I'm done with that.

Let's wrap it up, with some trades and free agent signings that have already taken place.

Matt Holiday traded to the A's for Huston Street.
Catcher Gerald Laird traded from Texas to Detroit for prospects.
catcher Ramon Hernandez traded from Baltimore to the Reds for utility man Ryan Freel.
Javier Vasquez traded by the Sox to the Braves for prospects.(I believe I heard this morning that Ozzie said he hoped Javier dies! No kidding!)
SS Edgar Renteria signs with the Giants.
Pitcher Mike Hampton signs with the Astros. Clickety Clack.
Mike Lamb(3B) signs with Brewers. Who cares.
Casey Blake signs with the Dodgers, and Mark Loretta I think as well.
SS Khalil Green traded to the Cardinals from San Diego.
RP Alan Embree signs with the Rockies.
Dustin Pedroia signs six year contract with Boston
Closer Francisco Rodriguez signs 3 year/37 million contract with the Mets. Have fun missing the post-season K-Rod!
Kerry Wood has a deal in place, but no announcement yet with the Indians. 2 years/21 million. Good for you buddy. Good for you.

Hope you come back to read more. If you made it this far, thank-you.

Cuts Like A Knife

A report from the Chicago Sun-Times came out December ninth that Derek Rose needed stitches for his arm, from an injury he sustained in bed by a knife.

This is one of the silliest accidents you can have. Aside from sneezing and throwing out your back ala Sammy Sosa.
My only question? How high was this guy?
Do you cut and prepare food in bed? I don't. I usually leave that to the kitchen, and I almost never eat food in bed. Rose got up to get a bottle of water, and when he went back to bed, forgot the knife was there, thus lacerating himself.
I believe him, I do. I was talking to a friend who made a good point. He's 20 years old. Excited. Lively. A great rookie.
He most likely got that bottle of water, was pretending to dribble it on the way back to his room, and then jumped in bed like he was executing a slam dunk, while saying "I'm so rich bitch!".

He wasn't talking about crosschecks

This is Sean Avery. NHL. Now this will probably be the last time I talk about hockey unless we have a reunioun of sega hockey.(awesome game) I was running on the treadmill yesterday and caught this clip which made me laugh out loud, which made me an even creepier young man at the gym watching all the boobies bounce.
I've seen all the shows(i.e. pti, around the horn, Rome,) and they all hate this guy. The league kinda hates this guy. He's Dennis Rodman essentially.
I don't watch hockey. I like it, but you know....the NFL, MLB, NBA
May I be the first to say it?(although it's sounds like he's jealous and his feeling were hurt) You rock Sean Avery! College kids around the world love if now!


Well that was that. Funny huh? Sloppy seconds is a phrase uttered eternally everywhere. It's embarrasing to hear him say this, but hilarious.
Here is a montage of Avery, with a cover of "I don't wanna grow up", by Tom Waits.

Thank-You Mom!

Beautiful isn't it? The Lombard Falcons. A local Park District team for all age groups and levels. Just look at those colors. I loved them. Purple and white with a falcon on the helmet.
Like many kids my age way back when, I loved Football. I remember waking up on Sunday mornings at my Grandparents, opening up the Trib or Times, and circling all the teams I thought would win that day, while eating my eggs, sauasage and wheat toast. They still do it sometimes today, but it was usually just the helmets of teams going up against each other and some info and stats, and of course the point spread.
I was an active child. I played soccer, baseball, played football in the field all day, tag, you name it. When I saw these kids in these uniforms though, I really wanted to join the Falcons.
NO WAY! UH Uh! NEVER! Those were probaly some of the things my Mom said when I asked to play. My Grandma was in agreement. I may have cried alone somewhere, and I didn't really bother them much after that. I knew when no was no. They talked about the risk of injury, that I wasn't big enough for those other kids, etc..
Who knows if I had gotten hurt, but I do know this: Being 34 years old, my body has general aches and pains and the like. If I had played and maybe worked out like these guys do, played high school football(yeah right, that would never happen, I am tiny, my Mom was right,) I would definitley be in way more pain than I'm in now.
College and into the NFL. My Lord! Many of these players have poor quality in their lives, can't walk, diabetes, heart disease, early death. All for playing the game they love, and I can't blame them. It's awesome! As a child, it produced a lot of great times and memories, whether watching it on the television, or playing with my friends on Jackson Field.
So thank-you Mom for saying No! I love you for that.
I would not have wanted to get hit like this poor fellow.

The Crow is supposed to eat anything with fur

SEND IN THE CLOWNS

Clowns could play better.
That little girl that can dribble three balls is already a better ball handler than Ben Gordon.

Quite simply: The Chicago Bulls are a horrible team, and as I viewed last night's pounding by Portland, I wondered if we are one of the worst Franchises in the NBA.
I hate this team.
I hate watching this team.
I was there during the Tim Floyd era. My lord that was awful. Scott Skiles? He was doing well, until the team got sick of him. Now with Vinny, the Bulls are even more terrible. At this point, the first pick in the draft, Derek Rose, is the best player we have. I say we start dumping every single person on this team, except Rose, so we don't scar him with continual losing and ill attitudes. I know financially this is a pipe dream, but in hypotheticals, it makes sense.
It is time for John Paxson to exit. His drafts have been poor, and his dedication to his players is weak. Sports is the business of winning. I'm so glad Pax decided to hold onto Deng, instead of getting Kobe.
There is so much wrong with this team, where do you start really?
Ben Gordon plainly sucks. Sure, he can score 30 points every now and again, but he cannot dribble, pass, defend, and when he goes to the hole "strong", he gets mutilated.
Deng can't get to the hole. Nocioni is now scared of it, and just chucks up three pointers. Tyrus Thomas could be a beast, but where is the coaching and hard work?
Kirk Hinrich is injured, and not very good anyway, Larry Hughes and his 12 million a year is another overpaid chucker.
Joakim Noah? You're kidding me right? A bench player at best right now, whose shot is 10 times uglier than a Cartwright free throw. Florida is that way you spoiled little brat.
Thabo is nothing at all. A non-factor game in and game out.
Wow, who have I missed. Drew Gooden. A starter yes, but he can be better utilized somwhere else.
Kudos to Aaron Grey, who is getting better, and looks to be working his butt off.
Welcome Lindsey Hunter, a champion and veteran. I hope this experience doesn't make you retire mid-season.
I loved Paxson as a player, and as a person has always seemed sincere and hardworking. As a player he ran guys out of the gym. As a General Manager it is vice versa. The hiring of Vinny Del Negro is mind boggling. The Bulls don't need a first year coach on a team that has no identity, awareness or cohesiveness.
It is time for Pax to step down. He had his chance. A rookie GM tried his best, and I'm sure this run will make him way better in the future if anyone gives him another shot, because I'm sure as hell not paying a single dime until they put a team out there I enjoy watching. I actually haven't been to a game in years.
One more thing. Time to bring the hammer down on appearance. I'm not a stickler for this. I'm all about self expression and being yourself, but all the players need to clean up. They have not earned the right look like idiots, just because they play like them. Noah, Nocioni, cut you hair and trim that face. Thabo, get rid of the rows. Gooden, get rid of that shit. No one in the league takes any of you seriously.

A stat that needs to be looked at

Last night in the bottom of the seventh the Cubs have a 5-2 lead. Carlos Marmol comes in to give up three runs on a Ray Durham bomb! Then Fontenot hits a solo shot to give the Cubs a 6-5 lead. Kerry Wood comes in for the save, and Carlos Marmol gets the win? There's something wrong with that. It happens all over the league, and it's mind boggling. I believe that win should go back to the starting pitcher. Dempster in this case. Or perhaps Kerry Wood should get the win AND the save. Or shit, give the win to Mike Fontenot. Marmol did nothing to earn that win. Nothing! Any perspective on this from any readers, please share.

The Cubs have won two out of three at AT&T Park against the Giants. Can they beat Tim Lincecum? This kid(and I mean kid,) is unreal.
He's 9-1, with a 2.38 era, and 114 strikeouts to 43 walks. Opponents are batting a shabby .233 off him.
Sean Gallagher takes the mound for the Cubs. His last outing was poor, and I see a Cubs loss tonight against this young phenom for San Fran. The Cubs bats are great this year, but with Aramis away and Soriano on the D.L. still, we lose quite a bit.
Jim Hendry has been one of the better General Managers around the league as far as picking up players at the break. His off-season moves for free agents has been superb as well, considering the Cubs buy many free agents and trade for players. Right now we have Soto and Theriot playing well out of the minor leagues. Who else is there? The Cubs just can't get it together down there.
The Cubs rotation is was a mess without Zambrano in it. I feel no confidence throwing Dempster, Gallagher and Marshall in a series. You saw what the White Sox did to them! I give all the credit in the world to "Dumpster", who is still looking for his first road win. He's been great this year, and I believe he can continue his success, but if you have a series when Gallagher and Marshall pitch two of the three, you're done for. No question about it. Add Marquis in the mix? Shit man.



I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Jim Hendry is quoted as saying that he and the organization is not handcuffed by potential buyers on trades, pick-ups and spending more money. We need to get somebody in here for the second half. I don't see the end of the century of pain with this staff. Now, I understand pulling off a deal like this can be difficult, considering the Indians might not like any players we could package for him. We could give him an extension though, as opposed to let's say the Brewers. Erik Bedard might be on the block, and he has one more year on his contract, which would be more desirable.
Will we see Jeff Samardzija get a start this year?
Cubs are slumping and limping into the All-Star break. A three game series at the Cardinals ends the first half for the Cubs.
They should be healthy and ready to go after that, and I'm reaaly looking forward to the trade deadline................ Obviously.

Around Sports

Brett Favre "itching to come back"? I hope he decides soon for all us fantasy geeks. What a "fuck you" that would be to Aaron Rodgers. What a "fuck you" that would be to rest of the NFC North. Sick em' Bears!

The Seattle Super-Sonics are paying 75 Million to leave the city. They have been there 41 years, winning a championship in 1979. This whole deal was soooooo shady, with David Stern going along with it. Seattle should be furious. What a bunch of dicks. I always liked the Sonics team colors, and I'm sorry to see them go. The team of Gary Payton, Kemp, Detlef(however you spell it), Hawkins, Sleepy Sam, etc, was as exciting of a team that I ever witnessed. I am sorry to see them go, even though I am in bed for most of those games at home.

Coming Soon

Fantasy football fun!!!!

Cubs look to sweep the O's as well

Classic Lou and Oz.

I fully expect the White Sox to get some sort of revenge at U.S. Cellular field this upcoming weekend, after being decisively swept by the Cubs in Wrigley. The Cubs will throw Gallagher, Dempster, and then Marshall. Not ideal, but with they way Aramis, Lee, Edmunds, and others are swinging the bat, the Cubs may be able to keep it up in a homerun field. Everyone on the Cubs is playing well. Soto is struggling a bit at the plate, but already looks like a veteran behind the dish. He calls a great game, and pitchers seems pleased to have him.

The Cubs start host the Baltimore Orioles tonight at 7:05. Sean Marshall(0-0), makes his first start againt Jeremy Guthrie(3-7).
The three starters for Baltimore this series is a combined 10-12 with 5.00 earned run averaged, as opposed to the Cubs 13-8 and 4.43.
Baltimore is 21st in MLB in batting with an average of .257, and 18th in pitching, with an e.r.a. of 4.14. The Cubs are 2nd in MLB in batting and 4th in pitching.
The odds say we at least win this series, but Baltimore really spreads the power around. Home-run leaders for the O's include Huff(14), Markakis(12), Luke Scott912), Kevin Millar(11), and Melvin Mora with 10. Brian Roberts is a true threat on the bases, so Marshall will really have to watch his stretch on the mound.
Marshall had pitched well in the minors, and earlier this year has given us some help from the pen. His carrer e.r.a. is over 4.5, but he's been here before, and his help with Zambrano out is critical. I've always been down on his cardiovascular fitness. He doesn't cover first fast enough, and always seemed to be "winded" by the fourth or fifth inning, but that's just my impression. I've never heard management address that. Good luck to him tonight.
The Cubs throw Lilly on Wednesday and Marquis on Thursday.

With the Brewers starting to come on, and the Cardinals hanging around, there will be no easy road before the All Star break. The Cubs have a heavy road schedule until the end of July, so it's important to get all the players at full health for Lou to manage.

GO Cubs Go!

Sweet Lou Whitaker

I took my daughter to the pool today and noticed I had left my copy of "Lonesome Dove" in the city. Damn! I pulled out the old reliable Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract revised, published in 2001. Great book to have lying around to learn about each decade of baseball since 1870. He also rates the top 100 players at each position, gives history, opinion and analysis. The analysis is not something I'm crazy about. Gimmee the plain stats. No sabermetrics, win shares and other goofy mathematical formulas. I don't need to think about it that hard.
That being said, Sweet Lou Whitaker is rated as the 13th best second baseman. I looked at his career stats as I am home now, and believe he is got to be on the cusp of THE Hall of Fame.
Here is some basics.
19 seasons
5 time All-Star
World Series Champion
2369 hits
420 doubles
65 triples
244 home-runs
1084 r.b.i.'s
.276 lifetime batting average.

I won't go into comparisons, you can do that for yourself. Believe me, he compares. I remember him well as a player I knew when I was a kid, first starting to watch the game. This awesome, awesome game.

What really caught my attention was the description by James that Whitaker was known as being an airhead.
Here is the exact excerpt by James on Whitaker:

One time he showed up in the All Star game wearing an ill-fitting sort of uniform purchased from a souvenir stand, since he had forgotten to take his uniform to the game. Another time, when an airplane buzzed Tiger Stadium, Whitaker dived to the ground, and was so shaken up that he had to come out of the game. He was a hell of a player, though, and he knew how to play the game. He ranks ninth among all second basemen in runs scored, in RBI, and in total bases, and he was an above-average fielder.

That made me laugh out loud today, and thought I would share that.

Nice Sweep of the Chicago White Sox by the Cubbies this weekend baby!!!!!!!!!

That's it till next week. Simpson Addict I Am

C.O.P.'S VOMIT OF THE WEEK

Carlos Marmol's slider was HORRIBLE. A painful bottom of the seventh. What gets me more is that Blanco kept calling for it. Bad job, Blanco. We needed that win. Fastballs only at that point stupid!
If you didn't see the Cubs vs. Rays last night, the Cubs had a 3-1 lead before Marmol comes in to walk two batters and then hit two of them. After Scott "Stevie" Eyre comes in to relieve him, Carl "The Shit" Crawford makes em' pay with a salami.
And to that, here is C.O.P.'S vomit of the week.

C.O.P.'s random Simpsons Clip

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The good news is the Cubs are still up 3.5 games on the Cardinals in the central, despite losing the first two games versus the Rays. The Cardinals have lost two one run games to the Royals, and man what a shame we couldn't even pick up one on them.
That's really it for the good news right now.
The Bad and Ugly:
Carlos Zambrano was taken out by Lou Pinella after 6 2/3 after experiencing shoulder discomfort. He has flown back to Chicago and will undergo a M.R.I. today. At 106 innings pitched already, I'm not surprised he has a little soreness! He is on pace to shatter 220 innings pitched this year, and even if he is cleared, it might be a good idea to skip his next start based on what the Cubs can do against the White Sox this week-end.
Jim Edmunds is suffering from plantar fasciitis. He wore gym shoes at times on the turf in Toronto. I have plantar fasciitis. It hurts bad. At times it is almost unbearable, and the only cure is good support and rest. This guy is old anyway, but has proven to be productive with the Cubs, and his veteran experience may be needed if continues to play the way he has.
Reed Johnson has back spasms. Any body part that ends with the word "spasm" is no good. So what do we have?
Matt Murton.
I've seen this guy play right field twice at Wrigley, and he's a disgrace out there. He can't read the ball off the bat very well, and is often just running blind out there. Sure, his bat is nice if he can catch up again, but I'd really like to see him packaged in a trade to the American League. I almost consider Murton bad luck for the team, but that's just foolish superstition of course. I believe he takes away mojo.
The Cubs struggles should not be long. They still own the best record in baseball based on winning percentage, and just have to much talent to go on an extended losing streak.
They are the Only team in the National league that has not lost three in a row. An impressive accomplishment.
Sean Gallagher(3-3) vs. James Shields(4-5). Game time is 6:10(central).
D. Lee needs to break out of it. He is batting .283, and Soriano has more home-runs(15), and has seen the D.L. twice. I expect at least a .310 batting average.
WHAT TO WATCH:
The baseball trade deadline is July 31. I always look for Jim Hendry to be active. The Cubs should be appealing to anyone who wants out. A.J. Burnett is a cry baby, quoted as saying "please" trade me. I'd take a chance on him. C.C. Sabathia is the gem everyone has their eyes on. Hendry says he is not restricted by future owners as far as trading and spending, so go get him. I'm sure if the Indians dealt him, the National League would be a good chance, based on what they can get in return.
The Cubs are almost there people, but if we can get a match for Zambrano, it could put them over the top.

Is He Killing that Guitar Daddy?

What the hell is Peter Gammons doing to that 6-string man?!!!!
I'm all for the seventh-inning stretch and all, but now it's getting a little embarrassing. I can't tell what he's playing. Is that guitar? It's really bad. Just report you Hall of Famer you.

The Most Exciting Event?

I was up very early this morning and have listened to two different radio shows on ESPN 1000, Chicago. Mike and Mike in the morning, and Waddle and Silvy. Let me say this: Golf is not the most exciting sport to watch. If I had to choose between golf and soccer, I would choose to watch On Golden Pond. All these radio personalities just raved how there is was nothing like the U.S. Open in all of sports, and if they had the choice they would watch that over any other event. This event is what gets them off the most.
I watched the last 5 holes of Saturday night's coverage, and had it on at work on Sunday before the NBA Finals. You know who I was watching? Tiger Woods. That's it. That's all. Yes, it was exciting, but over the Giants beating the Patriots? No way. Is it more exciting than let's say the Chicago Cubs winning a World Series? Absolutely not folks. How about game seven possibility in the NBA Finals with two of the most storied franchises? Never. As much as don't care for soccer, what if The United States won the World Cup?
Do you believe in miracles?
Tiger is why golf is so popular right now. I will not be watching the playoff. I'll find out later. If Tiger wins my reaction will be, "Well that's what he does, he's the best." If he loses, "Wonder what happened to Tiger?" In the newspapers and radio and blogs, the headlines won't even mention the winner if Tiger Loses.
Everybody can play golf, so I understand that there is a deep connection to the sport, and it is great. I love to play it myself, but come on, does everyone want a make-out booth here. Step right up to french Phil, Tiger, Els, etc!
Tiger makes this sport happen.
Tiger will continue to make this sport happen.
Let's not fill airtime with your idiocy.

Kerry Wood Leads League

Stayed up for the whole game last night, and it was amazing. A friend called me later and told me Ron Santo was a wreck. Saying "Why are they doing this to me". I understand that fully. The Cubs had the game in the bag early, but Dempster lost it, and still awaits his first road win.

Kerry Wood, while at times gets into a lot of trouble, manages save 17, to lead the National League. His line so far looks like this. He's 2-1, with an e.r.a. of 2.70. This includes 17 of 21 save chances, with 7 walks to 38 strikeouts. As far as I can see, Woody looks great on the mound. He seems confident with the breaking ball again, and his fastball has plenty of bite at the end. Right now I can't question his health or confidence. Great call by Lou Pinella to name him the closer during spring training. People were screaming for Carlos Marmol to close, and might eventually be put there, but he is such a great set up man. He can pitch multiple innings, as opposed to Wood, who will not pitch more than 20 pitches.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
Carlos Zambrano has pitched 86 innings. Dempster has 82 and Lilly 72. All of them are on pace for 200 plus this year. It's going to get hot soon around the nation, and these guys will hit the wall at some point, especially Dempster, who hasn't done this in a handful of years. Our Bullpen is going to get taxed more. The solution? I have no idea. It's possible that Marshall will get called up to spot start, along with Lieber, to maybe give these three a six day rest between starts. It would be nice if Gallagher could go until the seventh tonight. Carlos Zambrano goes tomorrow, and if the Cubs offense can build a huge lead, I'd like to see "Z" come out early, letting Hart take the rest. He's fresh, and so is Cotts, who has looked very sharp out of the pen thus far.
Lou Pinella and his staff has managed this team great. He's a good leader, well respected, and reminds me of my grandpa. I just wanna hug him.
Mark Derosa has had a nice road trip so far. 5-14, with 3 home-runs.
Geovanny Soto might want to move to the bench a couple games and let Blanco play tonight and Sunday. He's looking worn out, swinging and missing, swinging and missing. Something is ailing. Perhaps his hands or wrist. He is an All-Star, leading in voting, so let's give the guy a break, Blanco has been tearing the leather off the ball.
Stat Note: Carlos Marmol has just as many strikeouts as Carlos Zambrano. 57.
Go Cubs Go!

I stayed up as long as I could

Those west coast games can kill a 34 year old like me. Anyone who has a child knows staying up past eleven-thirty on a Monday night is out of the question. Heck, up after ten is not good, but I actually bit the bullet and made it until the top of the eighth. Looks like Kerry Wood had to earn his 15th save after Carlos Marmol gave up 3 earned runs. That guy needs a break. Our pitchers just can't go past 6 innings most the time, and it seems anything past that is a bonus.

Carlos Zambrano had another wonderful game. 4 scoreless innings in total, along with three hits, including a triple, a sac bunt that went for a hit, and he picked off Villa Park native Jody Gerut. Sorry Jody, that's what you get for homering off our guy at Wrigley with your first at bat from the minors. Good luck to you though, when healthy you are a solid player.

Jim Edmunds refuses to be cut by the Cubs. Dare I say it looks as if he may be getting some bat speed back. Do we have a player here? He goes for two doubles that plates two for us. Cub killer no longer Jim. You kill for us now. Good luck. I hope you are over the hump and can flourish at the center-field platoon.

Ryan Theriot continues to impress. I'm starting to be confident that he will have this consistency all year. Sure, he will go through a slump like everyone else, but overall here are a few stats. In the National League he ranks sixth in hits with 69 dude. He is tied for 20th with base on ball at 29, and only struck out 20 times, while posting .325 batting average. Last night he goes 3-5, including an r.b.i.

The Cubs have 16 more games in June on the road, and only 9 more at home. With last night's win, they improve ti 11-13 on the road. I fully expect two more wins against the Padres, which would bring us to .500. The Cubs are currently 3 1/2 up on the Cardinals and 7 games up on both Houston and Milwaukee. This month is a great test for the Cubs, who with a great road trip this month could see us really start to pull away from divisional foes.

Bulls to Hire Dog Collins? Again........Shit!

I have no idea why the Bulls would hire Doug Collins back here again. So What? He gets to coach our young nucleus and then be let go after a few years for some other coach to hoist the banner? He's a cry baby and a quitter. It makes me sick.

Rick Monday saves the Day

The Cubs come back from behind victory yesterday afternoon was nothing short of inspiring. I could almost cry. A 10-9 win over Colorado. Jim Edmunds lives to play another day in Cubbie Blue. A home-run and a double, topped off with Derosa's go ahead homer. Nice work out of the pen, and a great way to make Ted forget that one. I was sent this e-mail, and thought this is worthy of a watch. Rick Monday of the Cubs saves the day.

Cubs look good at home, need to improve on the road

Today the Cubs go for a sweep against the Dodgers at home with Carlos Zambrano on the bump. They also have the Best record in the National League with a handful of teams right there as well. What is alarming is the Cubs 21-8 record at home during very cold months in April and May. Impressive for them. They are in dire need to improve on the road at 10-13. Divisional rivals St. Louis and Houston are hanging around, much to the disgust of Cub fans. The Cards and Astros are a combined 28-26 on the road, and truly a thorn in our side.

The Cubs have been explosive on offense, and have exceeded expectations on the mound. The Cubs lead the N.L in batting with a .284 team batting average, and a team on base percentage of .366. They are first in hits with 523 and look to have all the confidence in the world. I don't doom players coming to bat in pressure situations this year. If unsuccessful, they will get em' next time.

I will break down but one pitcher, and that is Sean Gallagher, who in four starts is 2-1 with a 4.5 e.r.a. He gave up only one run last night, and averages 6 strikeouts per game. Already better than Marquis in my opinion, and should be allowed to stay in the rotation as long as these results keep coming. I fully expect Jim Hendry to try and trade for a reliable starter sometime after the All-Star break. Greg Maddux has been rumored, and I would be just fine with that. In overall pitching, the Cubs are 3rd in the N.L. They own the third best e.r.a. with a 3.62, and are third in strikeouts with 380. Walks are a trouble spot, and complete games are a relic. The rotation has to go deeper a couple times a week to give a break to this bullpen which any team in the league should be envious of.

A couple players of note besides great production From D. Lee and Aramis Ramirez.

Ryan Theriot currently is second in the N.L. in singles with 49, only behind the 53 from future hall of famer Chipper Jones. Not before Ron Santo you don't Jonsey! Great job, and perhaps may solidify that 2 hole.

The real story to me is Geovanny "Han" Soto. He is making a case right now for the All-Star game. Brian McCann seems to be the starter right now, but I see Soto easily being the Reserve. Look at the Stats. 52 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, 35 rbi's and 29 walks. His strikeouts are a bit high at 47, but hey, he's a rookie after all. .304 batting and .403 on base percentage. Both better than Derrek Lee, and right round Aramis. Impressive, truly impressive numbers. Go Cubs, Go!

Home Run Replays? How Can You Say No?

Major League Baseball should implement the instant replay on home-runs.
Come on Man, How can you say no to this face.

One day I hope play in the World Series man. Not with Texas of course, we stand no chance man. Maybe in that World Series I hit walk off home run in game 7 man. I would not want that to be double. Double bad. Maybe next batter strike out to end game and lose series bro. Then Blue Oyster Club closed for Ramone. Even with handsome mustache. So please go with replay, I don't want to have to stick the Joker on you.

He bad man, man. He loco. He will really mess you up bro.
Instant replay be easy thing man. First of all I love tennis. Roddick, Roger, Nadal, rock solid man. Don't you love tennis too? Look at my eyes and tell me you don't. Anyway, in tennis, they have a machine that can detect when the ball hit the net for a let ball or faults like that man. Can't we run the same way along the outfield wall? If go over clean it beep or some shit, and if doesn't it is in play. Or we can get a couple of two of those ball boys and make them representitives to major baseball. Ramone like that idea to have one in left and one in right to watch the foul pole's no? Yes!!! Ramone would welcome such boys with open arms. Or we can hire more fat umpires and add more cameras in appropriate places, but would be boring.
One more thing before my cappuccino this fabulous morning. Let us not turn our umpires into NFL referees man. In NFL, referee cowards, letting a penalty go they may not be sure on. They wait for coach to throw flag for replay to get ref of hook. This is no way to behave man. In MLB, home-run instant replay will be easy for the insertion, restoring honor back to our umpires man.
See you after the game.
Stay thirsty my friends.

Love, Ramone

Welcome to Century of Pain

Thanks for coming by and checking out COP. These posts are from a site I started a week ago through google, and is having difficult being approved so I can start making cash. That site is still up, but blogger is so much better. You will get plenty of THE CUBS here, as well as sports in general. Have you fucking seen this yet?


As much as I hate All the Cardinals, Albert Pujols has always been a class act. Motherfucker, that was one of the scariest things I've ever seen. Did somebody say Jesus?

I've Got 99 Problems and The Nets are One!

I've got 99 problems but the Bulls aren't one. If you got the tenth pick I feel bad for ya son.
The most unbelievable, inprobable occurence happened last night. The Chicago Bulls landed the first pick in the NBA draft lottery. We will be drafting Derek Rose out of Memphis, or Michael Beasley from Kansas State. I was talking to a friend yesterday and asked at what pick this year could the Bulld land a good player. He said top three. I was in agreement. There is always talent in the draft, but this year there is no bonafied "monster" as we call it. No manchild. No Lebron, Kobe, Howard, Garnett. We will take it though. In your face Jay-Z. In your face! You've got 99 problems and the Nets are definitely ONE with your 10th pick. Thank-you to DJ Dangermouse on his Grey Album. I liked the black album a lot, but this mix with The Beatles makes the Black Album outta sight. Enjoy.

Jim Hendry Aqusition Makes No Sense

With the back end of the Cubs pitching rotation in question, and proving difficult to trade for quality before the All-Star Break, Jim Hendry decides to tinker with an offense that is clicking , while weakening the defense at the same time. Jim Hendry signs Jim Edmunds Wednesday night. Cub Killer. World Series Winner. He is now our back-up centerfielder? This risk is one that makes no sense at all.
At 37 years old, Jim Edmunds is a stone’s throw from a wheelchair and a frontal lobotomy. In 2006, Edmunds suffered from post-concussion syndrome. He played 110 games that year. In 2007 his toe hurt, and more importantly his shoulder went out. This season he started on the DL with a strained calf. Upon coming back, all reports say he cannot hit the fastball, and his arm is weak. The last time I checked, Felix Pie in the least could hit a fastball, and is the Cubs best defensive outfielder. Reed Johnson has an on base percentage of .341! Edmunds obp is .265, even lower than Pie’s .286.
In 90 at bats this year, Edmunds is hitting .178, with 16 hits and 6 rbi’s. Felix Pie has 63 at bats, 14 hits and 7 rbi’s, while batting .222. Reed Johnson has been very serviceable in 121 at bats, with an average of .256, and on base percentage of .341, with 31 hits and 17 rbi’s. Reed has also plated three times as many runs with 19.
The stats don’t lie, and Lou Pinella likes to play the percentages. Why demote Felix, whose only problem is hitting in a lineup that makes up for him? He destroys the minor leagues now. He needs to be here.
In the end, I am not in the front office, but simply a fan. With a winning record, I suppose I can weather the acquisition for now, and root for our new Cub. The question is how much better can he really be?