Top Ten Corrupt Chicago Athletes

Yesterday, our proud Governor Rod Blagojevich (pictured above holding "Blagojevich Sucks" shirt) was arrested. Now I won't get into details as to what happened, I will let the Sun-Times explain it, but it is ANOTHER case of corrupt Illinois politics.

Now you may ask, "what does this have to do with sports?" Absolutely everything. There are many Chicago athletes currently stealing the fans hard-earned dollar by playing poorly and being more of a disgrace to us then we already need. Here are the top ten corrupt Chicago athletes who are stealing our money.



10. Brent Sopel (making $7 million over the next three years)

Sopel seduced the Blackhawks brass into giving him an extension with his solid play last season. Now that Sopel has earned his fair share of healthy scratches and played poorly he is being shopped around to any team that will take him. We also know that Sopel hasn't spent any of that $7 million on a reasonable looking haircut.



9. Jose Contreras (made $10 million this year or $2 million a start)

To be fair, Contreras was hurt. But $2 million dollars a start is not reasonable for any pitcher, especially one with a 4.54 ERA that may or may not be 47 years old.



8. Rex Grossman (making $3 million this season)

You know the franchise is not making money on Grossman in merchandising so this is a lot of money to just throw down the drain on the most hated player in Chicago.



7. Kirk Hinrich (making $36.5 million over next four years)

Hinrich was awful last year and is not even playing this season thanks to a bum thumb. He falls under my theory of things to play for. It's really a simple theory. If a player has gotten married (yes in Hinrich's case) and has financial stability (yes again in Hinrich's case) then he really has nothing to play for since he already has a woman and money. The only thing that can overcome those two powerful equalizers is pride and based on last season's showing we know Kirk has little of that.



6. Derrek Lee (making $13.25 million a year through 2010)

The Cubs could pay the TTCS crew half of this to strike out in our plate appearances instead of grounding into offense-killing double plays. For good show we would also go through prolonged power outages for weeks at a time and have sissy fights with 6-10 pitchers to make the top of the hour on Sportscenter.



5. Paul Konerko (making $12 million a year through 2010)

Paulie provides sentimental value for his inspired play in the 2005 title run, but at $12 mil a year he needs to do more throughout the season then show up the last couple weeks. Hopefully the old Konerko shows up for the 2009 season. It is also unclear who is faster; Paul Konerko or this action figure of Paul Konerko.



4. Cristobal Huet (making $22.5 million over four years)

The Hawks made a big splash signing a 33-year old goalie who had one great season and watched him give up soft goals and put up the worst numbers of his career. Like all the guys on this list, Huet can salvage the contract by playing better but it doesn't look good so far.



3. Cedric Benson, Adam Archuleta and Ricky (don't call me Danieal) Manning (being paid $7.8 million this season to NOT play in Chicago)

Remember the phrase gone but not forgotten? This applies here. While Benson's mugshot is all over the internet (and TTCS), Archuleta is so obscure now that if you google image search his name you will find more pictures of his wife and American Idol finalist David Archuleta than you will of the once proud football player. Ricky Manning on the other hand is probably still smoking cigars and assaulting people inside of Denny's.



2. Kosuke Fukudome (owed $38 million over next three years)

After reading that Cubs fans, and Lou Pinella, just collectively let out a wince. Fukudome has performed so poorly that Pinella has made it clear that he wants someone else to play in front of Fukudome next season.



1. Luol Deng (owed roughly $72 million over next six years)

I could rant and rave about this but I will let Bill Simmons explain this through Gary Payton and Chris Webber.

"Speaking of robbery, I hope you caught the Greatest Show on TV on Tuesday night -- C-Webb, GP and Ahmad on NBA-TV -- when GP called out Luol Deng for robbing the Bulls with the $70 million extension, followed by C-Webb asking if Deng wore a mask during the robbery and GP answering that not only did Deng walk in there without a mask or a gun, he had his finger pushing into his coat pocket and pretended to hold a gun as he committed the robbery. Now THAT, my friends, is comedy gold."

While it may be comedy gold to the rest of the country the truth is Deng is averaging 14 and 5 and shooting 42% while making all that money. Good God...

Top Ten Sports Stories That Need to Go Away

Well I'm sure all of you turned on Sportscenter or some other like-minded sports show and came across the same two headlines I did.

Allen Iverson Misses Practice
Stephon Marbury, Knicks may have agreement

After reading about this same crap millions of times before as well as some other "newsworthy events" I have compiled ten of these stories that won't die and why they need to go away.

10. Donovan McNabb, backup quarterback

Look, McNabb is really bad half the time and really good the other half and we have known this for 4 years. I don't need ESPNNEWS updates every time this crap changes in the most minuscule of ways.

9. Pacman Jones re-re-instatement

This story is old enough but now we have ESPN "bloggers" like Lil Wayne weighing in and saying Pacman shouldn't be allowed? Really Wayne, you have time to worry about this crap? Go back to making guest appearances on every song and trying to reunite the Hot Boyz.

8. The BCS

The BCS makes no real difference until the bowl games are decided because nobody knows how to calculate complicated computer numbers on their own and without ESPN analysts.

7. CC Sabathia and his (impending) contract

Everyone's favorite period-less ace was offered a record deal by the Yankees. Big deal, TTCS is (un)officially upping the ante and offering Sabathia more years and more money. Take that Hank!

6. Charlie Weis and his contract

Did you know Charlie Weis has a contract that nobody officially knows about and yet everyone keeps reporting on it like they do (cough) rival paper (cough)? Since that is the case TTCS is reporting that Weis has such a huge buyout because he reached a chicken wing eating incentive in his contract two weeks into his tenure which would force Notre Dame to tack on another $3 million on a potential buyout. You heard it here first.

5. Chad Ocho Cinco

So much time is wasted on this over-the-hill piece of garbage it's ridiculous. You think anyone cares about a washed up receiver on an awful team? No.

4. Brian Urlacher and baby diaper gate

Look it is not a story what Brian Urlacher let's his daughters do to his younger son, it's a story when Urlacher disappoints us with another four tackle Sunday.

3. Derrick Rose is really good

SSSSHHHHHH! Let's try to keep this as quiet as possible before other teams catch on and start quadruple teaming him.

2. LeBron James and 2010

The main page on SI and ESPN was dedicated to what LeBron James might be doing two years from now. This is the most absurd sports story of all-time and really needs to go away until at least next year.

1. Baby Mangino

I'm just kidding, I can't stay mad at you Baby Mangino.

Top Ten Politicians Who Were Athletes

With today being election day it is time to take a look back at some of the greatest athletes turned politicians. While TTCS does not support a particular candidate (except Kevin Johnson for Mayor of Sacramento!) we do encourage everyone to vote and have a safe and happy election day.


The list was comprised of (mostly) United States politicians who served semi-recently. Also we limited the athletes to Professional or Olympic (or professional wrestling) in lieu of collegiate athletes like J.C. Watts.

Bob Mathias was included because of his unbelievable Olympic performances.

10. Ben Nighthorse Campbell

A former U.S. Olympian and Gold Medalist at the 1963 Pan-Am games in Judo, Campbell served as a Senator from Colorado from 1993-2005 after serving in the House from 1987-1993. Campbell holds the distinction of being only the third Native American member of the Senate.

9. Tom McMillan

NBA player, Rhodes Scholar, U.S. Congressman; Tom McMillan has done it all. After a 12 year NBA career, McMillan opted to go the political route and represented the fourth congressional district of Maryland from 1987-1993. McMillan is believed to be the tallest member of the United States Congress at 6-11.

8. Jim Ryun

After securing silver in the 1968 Olympics in the 1,500 meters, Ryun traded in his spikes for a run at Congress. Ryun held office from 1996-2007 as a House member from Kansas' second district.

7. Jesse Ventura

Although not a congressman, Ventura captured the national spotlight after becoming Governor of Minnesota in 1999. The former professional wrestler known as "The Body" served one term in office before opting not to run for re-election in 2003. Ventura currently endorses candidates and steroids (just kidding) in his spare time.

6. Heath Shuler

After an awful run in the NFL (and that is being kind) Shuler recently secured the House bid from the 11th district of North Carolina in 2007. Shuler won the election with 54% of the vote, which oddly enough was the same number as his career 54.3 quarterback rating.

5. Bob Mathias

A two-time gold medalist in the Decathlon (1948 and 1952) Mathias served in the House from 1967-1975 representing the 18th congressional district of California. He unfortunately passed away in 2006 from cancer.

4. Steve Largent

The pro football hall-of-famer from the Seahawks served eight years in the House (1994-2002) from the first district of Oklahoma. The seven-time Pro Bowler is currently President & CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association.

3. Jim Bunning

A current Senator from Kentucky since 1999, Bunning is best known in the sporting world for being a baseball hall-of-famer and proud owner of a no-hitter AND perfect game. Bunning was elected to Cooperstown in 1996 after going 224-184 in his career.

2. Jack Kemp

The former Buffalo Bills quarterback and Bob Dole running mate, Kemp served the House from 1971-1989 before unsuccessfully running for President in 1988. Kemp then served on George H.W. Bush's cabinet before losing out to Bill Clinton and Al Gore in 1996.

1. Bill Bradley

Bradley had a storied collegiate career, ten year NBA career and served on the Senate from 1979-1997. After a failed bid at the Presidency during the 2000 Democratic primaries, Bradley has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.

Top Ten Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Like me, you are probably scrambling to secure a sweet outfit for Halloween at the last minute. Like me, you also enjoy sports quite a bit and wouldn't mind going as an athlete or sports personality. Here are some last minute ideas for male costumes. For female costumes just simply be a skanky (insert anything here) and have at it.


10. Ed Hochuli

The infamous NFL ref is perfect if you can secure a referee shirt and a whistle. When you are at your destination, simply blow your whistle when nothing is happening to disrupt everyone from what they are doing. It would also benefit you to work on those biceps before you go out because Hochuli is jacked.

9. Dennis Rodman

If you have dyed hair, tattoos and a pierced genitalia then you are already halfway there. Now just simply wear women's clothes, leather or just go naked and you are all set.

8. Charlie Weis

Get a crew cut, some kind of Notre Dame shirt (someone you know has one), khaki pants, some pillows for added fat and some crutches. Now hike the khaki pants to your nipples and you're all set. As a bonus, grab a laminated sheet of paper (plays) and a headset for added effect.

7. UFC Fighter

Just wear some goofy looking surfing type shorts, an Affliction shirt and look and act like a meat head and you are all set. Bonus points for vaseline to difuse the punches you are about to take.

6. WNBA Player on Draft Night

You walk awkwardly in heels and so do they, perfect match. Now just wear a business type suit that is tight if at all possible and wear some lipstick and a WNBA hat and you are all set. Also, get a whig if possible to make it even better.

5. Adam Morrison


Grow a ratty looking mustache, don't wash your hair and chain smoke and dip all night (he reportedly does both even though he's a diabetic). Also in the middle of the party after something doesn't go your way (lose in beer pong, get shot down by a girl, etc.) go to the floor and start crying your eyes out.

4. Kyle Orton (Pre-2008)

Have a really weird looking beard (neck beard preferred), long hair and a constant supply of Jack Daniels bottles and look ridiculously goofy and or drunk in every photo taken.

3. Michael Phelps

Secure a swim cap, goggles and some kind of scuba outfit just to make it amusing. Then try to get gold medals or a Rosetta Stone Mandarin Edition learning guide and you are good as gold (sorry that lame joke had to be made.

2. Pacman Jones/Michael Vick

Rock an orange prison outfit with the jersey of the player you choose over it. Follow that by having a stack of money (dog fighting and strip clubs mean lots of cash) and have other supplies like dog collars or guns for added effect.

1. John Daly


Golf shirt, pillows for fat, miller lite, marlboro lites and hooters napkins for added effect. If you want bonus points then get a blonde mullet for 1980's John Daly.

There you have it folks, so easy last minute shopping for those without a costume.

Top Ten Reasons the Bulls WILL Make the Playoffs

So my esteemed colleague and TTCS Capo Matt Olsen wrote yesterday's top ten post about the mediocrity of the Chicago Bulls and how they will not make the playoffs. Today it is time to debunk some myths and explore why this once proud franchise will return to glory and the playoffs this season.

The only mediocre thing about the Bulls right now is the lack of Ray Clay and the horrendous excuse for a dance team known as the Luvabulls. During the season ticket holder open practice at the United Center two weekends ago these "beautiful ladies" went through the same lame Bon Jovi dance routine as last season. What they didn't have time to learn a new dance during the offseason? The Blackhawks ice girls are clearly stealing their thunder, step your game up Luvabulls.

10. Drew Gooden

The man with the goofy beard and distinguished collegiate career is back and in a contract year. Gooden has been a double figure scorer his entire career and when he gets decent minutes he averages at least eight rebounds a game. Throw in the fact that big men hustle their butts off in contract years and Gooden could be a nice little surprise this year.

9. No Major Contract Distractions

Now that Deng has signed a long-term contract extension, Gordon is an unrestricted free agent next year and Hinrich has gotten over the first year extension jitters there are no reasons the Bulls will be distracted by money. Hinrich and Deng are happy and financially secure and Gordon needs to play his way into a $10 million a year contract for some team besides the Bulls that is willing to pay him.

8. Larry Hughes is out 6-8 weeks

I'm just kidding, but not really...

7. The mediocre Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference is again extremely mediocre. The top tier teams the Celtics and Pistons are a year older and the only major player to switch to the East was Elton Brand. While the Magic, 76ers and Raptors will be improved there are so many bottom feeders here it's a joke. The Bulls are supposed to be scared of teams like the Bucks, Pacers, Knicks and Nets. I just don't buy it.

6. A potent fast break

Now that we have a real point guard who loves to push tempo and create plays it is time that we run the hell out of the ball. Our big guys are actually decent at getting up and down the floor (not you Aaron Gray) and we have good enough shooters to let Rose go to the basket and kick out to a midrange threat (Deng) or a long range threat (Gordon). Rose adds the whole new dimension of someone who can finish in transition something the Bulls have been missing for a long time.

5. No Ben Wallace

I cannot even begin to explain how much damage Big Ben did to last season's team. By sulking, demanding respect and demanding to take jumpers Wallace split himself away from the team and got himself traded. There is no doubt Wallace was an astronomical mistake and it is probably the reason Paxson is so shy to make another major shakeup since.

4. Natural Growth

Sometimes teams improve the most when they have a couple years to gel and play together. Now that this still young core has been together a couple years things could turn out okay. Basketball teams take a lot of time to play well together and this Bulls team was pretty damn good two years ago with mostly the same roster.

3. Coaching Staff

Now as I agree with Matt Olsen yesterday, Vinny is in over his head right now and will probably make some mistakes. So how is the coaching staff be No. 3 on this list? For one, the assistants Vinny surrounded himself with are top notch guys who he can rely on quickly. Del Harris and Bernie Bickerstaff are veteran NBA guys who have been in the league a long, long time and Pete Myers was the one assistant that Bulls players responded to last season. This team will not quit on Vinny like they did Skiles and Boylan because he is not a drill sergeant or completely over his head like the other two.

2. Health

There was one game I attended last season where the two best players on the floor were Kirk Hinrich and Danny Granger. I also spent $75 for the ticket. Now that Deng, Gordon (the toe is minor) and Nocioni are in better health we should have a more complete team. Couple that with the decent amount of young depth the Bulls have and they should be more prepared to withstand injuries.

1. Derrick Rose

Will he have some first-year jitters? Absolutely. Will his shot struggle at times? Yes. Is he still a winner and dynamic athlete and point guard who makes all of his teammates better? You better believe it. Derrick Rose will lead this team as far as it can go and that makes me like my chances a lot more.

From the Archive:
Top Ten Reasons the Bulls WONT Make the Playoffs

Top Ten Terrible Chicago Coaches

There has been a lot of losing in Chicago. While we still have six Bulls titles, the White Sox 2005 and the greatest football team of all time it has been quite a drought for the Blackhawks and Cubs. Couple that with complete mediocrity in most seasons by the aforementioned teams and Chicago has done a fair share of losing; and badly.

We've had some absolutely awful coaches and today TTCS breaks down ten of the worst. Since the incompetence has reached a new high in the last couple years we are only doing coaches since 1990.

10. Jerry Manuel

Now he may have never coached an awful team like I previously mentioned but he is the absolute king of managing a .500 team. While he never dipped below 75 wins or third place as the Sox skipper he also never got past 86 wins or second place besides the division title team of 2000. May I remind you that team, with home field, was swept.

9. Dick Jauron

Jauron is a really nice guy. He's also a mediocre coach. Besides the magical 2001 campaign where the Bears went 13-3 (with an astounding 8-0 record in games decided by seven or less) Jauron was often putting the Bears in contention for high draft picks and Jerry Angelo screw ups. 0-1 in the playoffs just simply doesn't cut it in Chicago.

8. Dusty Baker

Now I know I'm going to get criticized mightily for not having Dusty in the top three but he at least came close to making a World Series in Chicago and tasted much more professional coaching success outside Chicago than anyone else here as well. He is also the only person alive who has faith in Corey Patterson and can run a pitching staff into the ground faster than former Brewers manager Ned Yost.

7. Bill Cartwright

Cartwright as a player was a quiet leader who provided pride and wisdom in the locker room of a championship team. Coach Bill Cartwright couldn't win games, couldn't control his team and worst of all couldn't develop big men Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler into anything remotely resembling a player or a leader. Again, he's a nice guy (just like the three I mentioned above, sense a theme here?) but his leadership style wasn't good for coaching a young team.

6. Terry Bevington

Bevington had two 1/2 years in Chicago where he took some really good White Sox teams.... and did nothing with them. Again a 221-214 record is not bad but in Chicago championships and playoff births are something we as fans deserve. Take that .500 and mediocrity to some small market team like Kansas City and let the big boys call the shots.

5. Don Baylor

187-220 is an awful record for three years of baseball. Especially when you have a slugger like Sammy Sosa dominating and putting up MVP like numbers every year you were there. It doesn't help that the Cubs promptly made the NLCS the year after Baylor left either.

4. Chicago Blackhawks coaches from 1998-99 through 2000-01

Three seasons and four coaches. Dirk Graham, Lorne Molleken, Bob Pulford and Alpo Suhonen made the Blackhawks franchise an absolute laughing stock in those years while putting some terribly undisciplined teams on the ice. Alpo was the final straw with his year of country club style coaching where players had little regard for anything team oriented. While the Blackhawks might have still been bad most of the years after these four left the picture at least they were coached with some teams that showed some discipline.

3. Jim Boylan

The career assistant was so over his head in every way last season it wasn't even funny. Awful losses, a team that didn't like him and the worst press conferences in the ESPNEWS era led for the city to strongly dislike Boylan and whatever it was he did as "coach".

2. Dave Wannstedt

Wannstedt was actually the hottest name in coaching when the Bears hired him in January of 1993. Sometimes that doesn't mean squat (see Rams, Scott Linehan). Wannie led the Bears to one playoff appearance in six seasons while posting an awful 41-57 record. After back to back 4-12 seasons Wannie was fired on the coaching D-Day of December 28, 1998 where five coaches were fired on the same day. Can you imagine if five coaches were fired on the same day today? Sal Palantonio and Chris Mortenson would be split screen on ESPN for the entire day.

1. Tim Floyd

Tim Floyd is the absolute worst professional coach I have ever seen. Did he have a lot of talent to work with? No. But it was the way he lost and conducted himself that was so bad. Handpicked by Krause to be Phil Jackson's successor, Floyd's military drill Sargent style may have worked in the college game but in the NBA it helped him reach a 49-190 record with the Bulls. No, that record is not a typo. 49-190.

From the archives: Top Ten Worst Jerry Angelo Draft Picks

Top Ten Bulls Coaching Candidates

Top Ten White Sox/Rays matchups

After a roller coaster ride of a 163 game season in which the White Sox ended the season of three division foes in three days (a feat never previously accomplished according to the Elias Sports Bureau) the White Sox now face the upstart Rays in the ALDS. In the same theme of Dubs’ Cubs/Dodgers preview I will go through the lineups and bullpen and see who has the advantage. However instead of going about this based on stats (a grizzled vet like Jeff Kent is WAY worse than Mark DeRosa? Wouldn’t go THAT far Dubs..) I’ll look into some other factors as well.

And since the Sox also just clinched at 9 PM, I don’t have the well crafted photos to accompany each position like Dubs because I wasn’t about to jinx the White Sox in the one-game playoff. Also, since the AL has the DH we are going to a very special Top Eleven Chicago Sports list.

11. Designated Hitter
Jim Thome vs. Cliff Floyd/Rocco Baldelli
Although Jim Thome is the better player with better power production, Baldelli and Floyd are very solid veteran hitters who can switch based on who is pitching. The big problem may be keeping Rocco and Cliff on the field as they are two of the more injury prone players of the last decade.

Advantage: White Sox

10. Bullpen
Bobby Jenks, Octavio Dotel, Scott Linebrink, Matt Thornton vs. Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour, Trevor Miller, Troy Percival

The White Sox pen has been shaky in September but showed some encouraging signs in the last three games. Jenks is a World Series champion and has pitched in plenty of big games and Dotel has seen his fair share of big games playing for the Astros. The Rays counter with Wheeler, a veteran reliever who has never been a full-time closer and Grant Balfour, who might have been the best setup man in baseball this season. The wild card in this could be Percival, a highly experienced, oft-injured right hander who can always make life miserable for opponents.

Advantage: Draw (closer goes to Sox, setup goes to Rays)

9. Right Field
Jermaine Dye vs. Gabe Gross
This matchup is no contest. Dye is a big time player and experienced veteran while Gross is hovering under .240 with only 40 RBI in 127 games.

Big Advantage: White Sox

8. Center Field
Ken Griffey Jr./Brian Anderson vs. BJ Upton
While Griffey still remains one of baseball's biggest names he is going to have to hit in the clutch and play a solid center field to cement his legacy without World Series. Upton on the other hand is a rising star with 44 stolen bases to go along with a .383 on base percentage. Griffey has more home run potential, but Upton could be a terror on the base paths all series long.

Advantage: Rays

7. Left Field
Dewayne Wise/Nick Swisher vs. Carl Crawford/Eric Hinske

Dewayne Wise has had some big hits down the stretch but he has also been very inconsistent in spelling MVP candidate Carlos Quintin. While Carl Crawford has been injured it has been said that he will play in this series, although he could also DH. Hinske provides some pop (20 home runs) but also has a sub .250 average. Wise's biggest contribution might be his speed, as he is one of the White Sox lone stolen base threats.

Advantage: Rays (only if Crawford plays, otherwise a mediocre draw)

6. Shortstop
Orlando Cabrera vs. Jason Bartlett/Willy Aybar
Cabrera is a championship performer who has played in many big games, while his counterparts Bartlett and Aybar counter with solid up-the-middle defense and occasional hitting.

Advantage: White Sox

5. Third Base
Juan Uribe vs. Evan Longoria
Does this even need to be mentioned? I mean Longoria is baseball's fastest rising star and Uribe an inconsistent hitter who is merely a stopgap for the injured (and not trying to return) Joe Crede.

Big Advantage: Rays

4. Second Base
Alexei Ramirez vs. Akinori Iwamura

While Alexei would have been the American League rookie of the year if not for the aforementioned Longoria, Iwamura is a solid contributor who should not be overlooked. Alexei, while putting up nice numbers has also struggled a bit in September and needs to find a groove as the Sox enter October. However, the Cuban Missile is clutch as evidenced by his .471 average with the bases loaded.

Advantage: White Sox

3. First Base
Paul Konerko vs. Carlos Pena
Paulie is just starting to heat up a bit while also being an average defender at first base. Pena put up huge numbers last season and struggled a bit this season on the way to 102 RBI. Pena also has good plate discipline and will get on base at a good rate even though his batting average is less than stellar.

Advantage: Draw

2. Catcher
AJ Pierzynski vs. Dioner Navarro
Both men behind the plate had good offensive seasons for the position while also calling good games for their pitchers. The difference however will come with Navarro's defense. While AJ might struggle to contain some of the faster Rays players Navarro will have no problem containing the Sox lackluster running speed.

Advantage: Navarro

1. Starting Pitching
Starting pitching could very well be the key to the series for both teams. Buerhle, Floyd and Danks all gave unbelievable efforts in propelling the Sox to the playoffs but Javier Vazquez needs to step up to his potential in game 1. The Rays counter with James Shields, Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza pitchers all coming off good years and sub 3.70 ERAs. The Rays will need their pitching, defense and small ball to carry them to victory in this series.

Advantage: Draw

In terms of this series, the Rays are a very tough out at home and rely on pitching, defense and speed to win games. The Sox never seem to play well against teams like this on the road, especially on the slick Tropicana Field turf. If the White Sox want to the series they need to take 1-of-2 in Tampa Bay and hold serve at home because a game 5 on the road at Tropicana Field might not be pretty. The White Sox do have momentum and experience on their side but need to come up with timely power hitting and more great starting pitching to win this series.

Bold Prediction: White Sox in 4

Top Ten Bears Fantasy Football Contributors

Fantasy sports has become a major focal point of American sports culture. Specifically fantasy football. Football is already the nation's number one sport and this game of fantasy football is made easier on casual fantasy players because team's only play once a week. Couple that with the American trend of needing something or somebody to root for when watching a game and fantasy football appears to be an internet force to be reckoned with.

Now the NFL season kicks off in just two days and most leagues have already conducted their drafts but the Bears appear to be so crappy that very few of their players were drafted at all. So with this list I'm giving you the top ten Bears fantasy potential prospects. The basis is not overall points, but how these guys compare in their respective positions. I have also included their percentage owned in Yahoo! fantasy leagues so you can scour the waiver wire after the Bears light up the Colts (or so we hope).

10. Rex Grossman, Backup QB, 1% owned in Yahoo leagues

Now it may sound crazy to think about taking a backup quarterback with a crappy offensive line and also has a litany of turnovers but this is fantasy we're talking. In that magical Super Bowl season two years ago Grossman had some of the best fantasy weeks of any player all season and if he gets a chance and you are in a deep league with multiple quarterbacks and bench spots then he might be worth the risk. Besides it was either Sexy Rexy at 10 or Mark "I'll finally show my potential" Bradley.

9. Kevin Jones, Backup RB, 26% owned in Yahoo leagues

Jones is currently the backup thanks in large part to his consistent trips to the injury wire, but he still scored eight touchdowns in limited action and still remains the Bears most experienced backfield option. If Matt Forte comes out of the gate slow then Jones could get a decent bulk of carries.


8. Kyle Orton, Starting QB, 4% owned in Yahoo leagues

Kyle Orton's Neckbeard, which is one of my teams, does not feature the Bears starting quarterback. This is because Orton can't throw a deep ball and doesn't throw for many yards. His over/under on Bodog for passing yards this season is 2,400 which is not good for fantasy production. The only thing that could make Orton a worthwhile fantasy player is if he throws a lot in the red zone, a realistic proposition considering the Bears poor offensive production in the run game.
7. Rashied Davis, WR, 2% owned in Yahoo leagues

Rashied quickly established himself as Orton's favorite receiver in the preseason and this could lead to more playing time and catches in the regular season. In leagues where catches count he could be a surprise player as the Bears will probably throw more quick slants routes than a seventh grader playing Madden.

6. Desmond Clark, TE, 15% owned in Yahoo leagues

Desmond Clark could be an interesting pickup. He did have over 500 yards and four touchdowns in a mediocre offense last year so why not again this year? He is also a favorite of Orton in the red zone.

5. Devin Hester, WR, 56% owned in Yahoo leagues

Everyone's favorite kick returner/soulja boy dancer is being counted on to make a leap to primary receiver. It will be interesting to see how Hester progresses this season, especially if Orton is unable to throw the deep ball with any consistency.

4. Matt Forte, Starting RB, 84% owned in Yahoo leagues

The Bears are counting on a rookie from Conference USA to carry the load this season and the results might not be pretty. But since there is the off-chance that Forte does grind out a lot of yards and a lot of goal line carries then he is worth the risk in running back dominated fantasy football.

3. Greg Olsen, TE, 53% owned in Yahoo leagues

Does Olsen have it in him to have a big season? Flashes last season showed he could be a dominant player for some stretches but for fantasy football it's all about week-in and week-out production, something Olsen must improve upon.

2. Bears Defense, 98% owned in Yahoo leagues

Bob Babich blitzing every play might give up more third downs and points but it will give you more sacks and help get you some points. Plus Devin Hester on return touchdowns helps quite a bit too if your league counts that under defense.

1. Robbie Gould, K, 56% owned in Yahoo leagues

To me it's shocking only 56 percent of leagues own Gould. He's reliable and most importantly he plays for a crappy offense that will give him more opportunities to kick field goals then extra points. Gould could be in for a big year just by being on a team with no big play threats besides Hester. This could be a really long year....

Top Ten Players from the 1908 Cubs

Lately the big topic of Chicago sports is the Chicago Cubs; and rightfully so. They sit in first place and are one of baseball’s best teams. Now as friends and some of you know, I am an avid White Sox fan. However my knowledge of Cubs history (and baseball in general) comes from my Dad, an avid Cubs fan and one of the most knowledgeable baseball fans I know.

Now with the Cubs as popular as ever comes the ridiculous amount of bandwagon jumping, casual morons who are at Wrigley to be seen rather then see a game. For every intelligent Cubs fan like my Dad and TTCS’ own Zack Martin there are numerous more who don’t know a damn thing about the history of their “beloved” franchise (and certainly this holds true for every team in every sport but it is worse in the case of popular teams like the Cubs).

So lately my question to Cubs fans I have met has been this, “Name ONE player on the 1908 World Series team.” I have not had any correct responses yet even though the team featured numerous Hall-of-Famers , one of the most famous double play combos in baseball history (Tinker to Evers to Chance) and had a pennant that was eventually decided on one of baseball’s most famous plays (Merkle’s Boner). I even had one guy say that Fergie Jenkins was on that team even though his major league debut was almost 60 years later in 1965.

So today my list is to educate and enlighten Cubs (and baseball fans) about the top players contributing to the 1908 World Series run.

10. Chick Fraser, SP – The 34-year old veteran played his final full season and went 11-9 with a 2.27 ERA which were decent numbers for the time. Fraser was by and large the fifth starter of a solid pitching staff.

9. Jack Pfiester, SP – The lefty continued a string of solid seasons by going 12-10 with a 2.00 ERA. Although Pfiester had a good season it was his incredible determination that he is remembered for. In a September game against the New York Giants he threw a complete game allowing only five hits while pitching with a dislocated tendon in his pitching forearm. After the game the tendon was snapped back into place and Pfeister pitched the remainder of the season. The brave effort probably cost Jack his career as the 1909 season was his last full season.

8. Orval Overall, SP – The right hander went 15-11 with a 1.92 ERA while also being a clutch performer in the World Series going 3-1 (2-0 in 1908) in the Cubs’ World Series era. Orval also holds the distinction of being the only pitcher to strike out four players in one inning in a World Series game, a feat that has never been duplicated since.

7. Harry Steinfeldt, 3B – The forgotten infielder of the Cubs of the early century, Steinfeldt hit for 62 RBI which was good enough for seventh best in the National League. Harry was also a solid fielder known for having an above average arm.

6. Johnny Kling, C – A great defensive catcher who also happened to be a decent hitter, Kling hit .276 with four home runs and 59 RBI. Kling had a very solid 1908 campaign but opted not to play in 1909 after winning the World Pocket Billiards Championship and choosing to defend that title instead of the Cubs World Championship.

5. Ed Reulbach, SP – Reulbach had his best season in 1908 by going 24-7 with a 2.03 ERA. He is also the only pitcher to ever throw two complete game shutouts on the same day when he did so on September 26, 1908.

4. Johnny Evers, 2B – The hall-of-famer hit .300 on the season with a .402 on base percentage and 36 stolen bases. He is immortalized in Baseball’s Sad Lexicon a famous 1910 baseball poem by Franklin Pierce Adams which came from the perspective of a New York Giants’ fan.

These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double --
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."

3. Frank Chance, 1B – Another hall-of-famer, Chance was also the manager of the 1908 Cubs while putting up good numbers (.272, 55 RBI, 27 SB). Chance was not only talented, but one of the smarter players of the era, known for his cerebral on-the-field moments.

2. Joe Tinker, SS – Tinker, the fantastic fielding hall-of-famer was a decent hitter over the course of his career but had a career year in 1908 as he was top ten in the National League in slugging percentage, games played, total bases, triples, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, extra base hits and sacrifice hits. Although famous for being part of the aforementioned double play combination it is interesting to note that Tinker and Evans despised each other during the 1908 season stemming back from an incident in 1905 where the two had an on-field fist fight after Tinker took a cab and left his teammates in a hotel lobby. Tinker and Evans didn’t speak from 1905 until the 1938 World Series when they were both asked to help broadcast the Cubs – Yankees World Series on the radio. The two put aside their differences as they reunited.

1. Mordecai Brown, SP – Three Finger Brown had an unbelievable 1908 campaign. The hall-of-famer went 29-9 with a 1.47 ERA. In 312.3 innings pitched Brown only allowed 51 earned runs, 49 walks and 214 hits as he posted 27 complete games. Brown also came up big when it mattered most. In the pennant-deciding game against the New York Giants on October 8th, Brown came on in relief of Jack Pfiester to shut down the Giants and defeat the era’s other dominant National League pitcher, Christy Matthewson. Brown also won two of the four World Series contest against the Tigers. Brown was a unique talent known for only having three fingers (four including thumb). He lost the majority of his index finger in a farming accident while later breaking his remaining fingers on a fall to the ground that left the fingers permanently bent out of place. The odd grip Brown incorporated gave his pitches a high degree of top spin, which helped make him one of the most devastating ground ball pitchers in baseball history.

Top Ten Reasons to watch the NBA Summer League

With summer comes a lot of things. Golf, funnel cakes, all-day outdoor concerts, beer gardens, baseball and my favorite summer past time... the NBA Summer League. Now being the hoops junkie I am I would watch this even without all of the reasons I would list below. Since I often get tired of hearing John Kruk blab about nothing here are ten of the better reasons I can think of to start watching.

10. The Stat Lines
Now for those of you big on statistics (and there are plenty thanks to fantasy sports) just check out the box score from a summer league game sometime. In looking at some from last year you'll notice things like former Florida State gunner Von Wafer jacking up an incredible 26 shots in 26 minutes or former Iowa big man Greg Brunner committing five fouls in only three minutes of play. These are the kind of stats that are amusing enough to look forward to the games every time they are on.

9. The rule changes
There are basically two major rule changes that I enjoy. One, there are 10 fouls allowed now instead of the standard NBA six. And two, the games are being played in 40 minutes instead of 48. With the officiating being shadier than a Donaghy playoff game then the time really flies on some of these games and they are completely enjoyable to watch while doing whatever else it is you do.

8. The celebrities
Hey if these games are good enough for dudes like Floyd Mayweather to attend then I wholeheartedly endorse this product. Especially when the color guy from the NBA network doesn't know who he is.

7. The highlights
The summer league is full of great players and great athletes playing an uptempo game with little to no defense. Now the idiotic fan will say "that sounds like the normal NBA to me" but the differences are drastic. Since most of these guys are thrown together randomly with some international players it can create a chaos in these games that is surprisingly riveting. This makes for a lot of turnovers which lead to a lot of fast breaks and thunderous dunks.

6. Great time slots
I call this phenomenon the "Independence Day Factor". Two summers ago I used to wake up hungover every morning around 11 AM only to find that Independence Day would be on one of the Cinemax channels while I consumed my breakfast. I enjoyed catching bits and pieces of the movie while reading the Sun-Times and trying not to vomit. Not only does the Summer League have that same morning hangover time slot, but it poses as a versatile double threat by being played a lot late at night after I've been out at a bar. Since NBA TV really doesn't have a lot on their plate they show these games at many points of the day, perfect to casually tune in.

5. The interviews
Since these games are often filled with European scouts and current NBA players, the television broadcast inevitably turns to an awkward interview with one of these counterparts. Since viewers don't need to listen to Nate Funk's life story again they often spend extended portions of these games talking with someone more important than the proceedings. Quentin Richardson spent nearly half of one Knicks game as a secondary color guy / interviewee as the game was in progress. This left for not only some interesting facts, but for some awkwardly funny exchanges.
Example: "Quentin are you going to be taking Danillo to some of your favorite Italian restaurants in New York?"
"Man I have no idea where to go, maybe HE can show me some good Italian places."
I also got to find out how Trajan Langdon (remember him?) was doing in Moscow thanks to an interview with his coach. Talk about versatility in one broadcast.

4. First chance to see rookies play
The games might not mean jack but it is fun to see guys like J.J. Hickson smoke the hell out of the Knicks and look like an All-Star against a team of scrubs. Then there's the intense media scrutiny about how top players look in these games when they're playing alongside guys like Coby Karl. Like Derrick Rose is really going to get assists with Summer League teammates like Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. Oh wait, those are actual Bulls players we are counting on. Just shoot me.

3. Roster sizes
Since this is basically a league of tryouts there are some teams that are filled with benches as long as a baseball team. The Kings carried seven centers on their team last year as well as Ron Artest's 300 pound brother. When the camera pans to the ends of some of these benches it has to be embarrassing to be a bench warmer in an environment like this. I love it.

2. The story lines
There are a million and one story lines that flow their the veins of the Summer League. Looking for ex-cons, former collegiate superstars, former players with alcohol problems and slightly talented non-English speaking Europeans? You've certainly come to the right place. A good writer like J.A. Adande is having an absolute field day writing feature stories on guys like this. What a league.

1. Former recognizable names
There are tons and tons of great college players who play in this league because they don't want to go to Europe yet. This makes it a who's who of Summer League fun where guys like Dee Brown are your typical run-of-the-mill players. The best recognizable name yet? Robert "Tractor" Traylor who is spending his summer playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers Summer Team while trying to slim down to below 500 pounds. You gotta love the NBA!

Top Ten Ways For The Bulls to Generate Buzz

So ever since the NBA Draft the Bulls have become the most boring team in the professional sports. Even the Pittsburgh Pirates had Nate McLouth gun down someone at home plate in the All-Star Game, a much more exciting moment then Derrick Rose's MRI. I mean seriously have you looked at their roster? It's absolutely dreadful and full of boring players. Here's some suggestions I have to get some buzz going in the franchise.

10. Insult Chris Duhon in the media
Now that Ricky O'Donnell's favorite ex-Bull is now a Knick wouldn't it be fun for one of Duhon's old teammates to stir up some good old controversy and talk about Duhon being lazy or some other comment to gain some media attention? I nominate Cedric Simmons to do it because it would be even funnier coming from a no-name scrub who spent the second half of one season at the end of the bench.

www.nba.com/media/bulls/matadors_030919.jpg

9. Leak the trailer to the proposed Matadors movie
So now that there might be a movie starring Chicago's beloved fat and dancing bulls fans wouldn't now be a perfect time to make some sort of fake movie trailer? I mean the summer is slow besides baseball and NFL training camp, couldn't they produce this in a week and get it all over ESPN and the internet?

8. Sign a wise, old center
Every contending team seems to have that over-the-hill there for wisdom center who improbably makes a difference during the season. So I motion that we sign Dikembe Mutombo. If we can't get him then I motion for Kevin Willis. If we can't get him then I motion for Robert Parish. Hell we already brought the chief on once for a title run, why not again.

7. Give a big name restricted free agent an offer sheet
I know, I know we have no cap room to sign max deals and the like but we do have the fantastic NBA cap breaker known as the mid-level exception. Wouldn't it be hilarious if we just decided to offer Emeka Okafor $5 million a year instead of the near max deal he seeks just to secretly tell him, "Hey Emeka, you suck. Stop wasting every GM's time by asking for this nonsense, here's what you're really worth."

6. Send Kirk Hinrich to the D-League
Kirk if you can't guard NBA point guards then you might as well start guarding JamesOn in practice everyday. It's pretty big news in baseball when guys like Jeff Francour get sent to the minors to shape up, why not a big name NBA player who needs a little kick in the butt.

5. Get an enforcer
There is nobody that is tough on the Bulls except Rose. If we were to get in a brawl next season we would be totally screwed. That's why we need to trade for Artest or at least pick up someone with a little street cred. Larry Hughes used to be tough but now he would rather roll around St. Louis with the St. Lunatics and hit up strip clubs. We need another Oakley.

4. Start a reality show
Speaking of Larry Hughes wouldn't he Andres Nocioni and Aaron Gray make a perfect reality show. If you are a fan of basketball there is no way you wouldn't watch this show. I mean this is like the sports version of the surreal life only with players that actually accomplished something. On a side note wouldn't an NBA surreal life be incredible? Harold Minor, Luke Jackson and Nikolaz Tsitisvilli would form a great start. (Editor's Note: The ideal picture I wanted to use here is a little too risque for TTCS but I will say it involves Larry Hughes, two scantily clad ladies and a shirt that says, "I (heart) strippers.")

3. Do SOMETHING with Ben Gordon and Luol Deng
Since Paxson is stalling on doing any other moves until he signs these two we are in for a dreadfully uneventful summer filled with reports on Derrick Rose's knee and driving habits. Either sign them, trade them.... something. C'mon Pax.

2. Announce a game at Wrigley Field
Hell it worked for the Blackhawks, why not the Bulls. Imagine an outdoor NBA game, especially in Wrigleyville. I mean it would be awesome. It would be a huge party for the entire day, which is why the Hawks game will be that much better. The Wrigley bars should just pull an all-nighter New Year's Eve/Day for the game right? Can't the city let the ordinance slide for this momentous occasion.

1. Sign Shawn Kemp
Dear Chicago Bulls,

If you want to make every twenty-something, including me, a season ticket holder you will bring the Reign Man on board. He can train Tyrus Thomas to dunk, do drugs with Larry Hughes, eat at buffets with Aaron Gray and so much more. The latest trend is the comeback story on Shawn Kemp, so make it happen Pax.

Top Ten Things Learned From Crosstown Classic

After an up and down two weekends of baseball (unless you root for both teams like Danny Sheridan) interleague play and the "Crosstown Classic" is done for another season. Although I dislike interleague play after 10 years its probably time I get used to it and accept it for what it is; a cash cow. As the White Sox and Cubs both remain in first place here are ten things that fans learned about their teams as the stretch run begins.

10. It takes a 25 man roster to win a title

Now this may seem like a "dumb point" but the importance of depth and managerial approach was in full effect for both weekend series. Both teams were missing star sluggers in Alfonso Soriano and Paul Konerko yet managed to put up at least 21 runs in their home stands, meaning a balanced offensive effort. We also saw the emergence of younger players like Eric Patterson in weekend one, and Alexei Ramirez in weekend two. It's going to take a team effort to reach the division title.

9. The crowd was way too tame this year

Having been to at least one Cubs-Sox game every season and over 30 total I can confidently say that this season saw the tamest version of the crowd that I have been apart of. Now granted I really don't care what the Cubs do the rest of the season but it's fun to good-naturedly bicker back and forth over a few beers about some baseball. Not much of that seemed to be going on this weekend, even after sweeps in both series. It was as if both fan bases want the division and bigger things more than a stupid interleague play series, a refreshing thought.

8. The Freddy the Mercenary Curse

My colleague and die-hard Cubs fan Freddy the Mercenary posted Friday about how the Cubs would once again sweep the White Sox. Well obviously that wasn't the case and to make matters worse Fred once requested the month of October off to "watch the Cubbies in the World Series" back in late May. If it doesn't happen, just don't say I didn't warn ya.

7. The joy that is Alexei Ramirez

I find it utterly impossible to not call Ramirez my favorite White Sox player and I know plenty of other fans who feel the same way. The 26-year-old Cuban defect is having a tremendous rookie season and continually makes fantastic plays at second base while also hitting .372 in the month of June.

6. Aramis Ramirez: What Happened?

After going on an absolute tear in series one, Aramis managed to go 0-13 in the series on the South Side to drop his road batting average to a very mediocre .247. With Derrek Lee producing some good games in this series he had to have someone like Daryle Ward (coming off the DL) or Ramirez produce behind him to win and that didn't happen.

5. Little things win ballgames

While I have been in awe a lot of times with the Cubs ability to do little things to win games this weekend they made a lot of mental mistakes. Sunday in particular saw Fukudome throw to third base when Dye would clearly make it, allowing Thome into second base, as well as two guys getting doubled off of second base on lineouts. Now lineouts can be a thing of luck, but for the same thing to basically happen twice is inexcusable. Lou Pinella also seems particularly disgusted with the Cubs play this week as he only seems to explode when they are playing poorly. With six games on the road this week it will be interesting to see how the Cubs play.

4. Both teams need another arm (or two)

It is obvious that both teams need add at least an arm or two before October in order to compete. The Cubs need another frontline starter like C.C. Sabathia to close out their rotation while the White Sox likely need another arm in the pen and possibly another starter. While both pitching staffs have been good by and large injuries happen and players lose their arms. Sox set-up guys Octavio Dotel and Scott Linebrink have both struggled in the second half of seasons before so that is something to watch for.

3. Home Runs, Home Runs, Home Runs

Home runs will carry these teams as far as they can go. Without true lead-off hitters the Cubs and Sox often rely on their big bats to drive in runs in their hitter friendly parks. Although not armed with a "traditional lead-off hitter" both the Cubs and Sox do have guys who can post good at bats and see a lot of pitches. Fukudome and DeRosa in particular do a good job in this department for the Cubs (exemplified by DeRosa's outstanding at-bat that resulted in a double off Bobby Jenks Sunday) and Nick Swisher is leading the American League in pitches seen per at-bat even though his average still hovers around .240. You need guys like this to wear down pitchers, get on base and be there for your big guns to deliver.

2. Look over your shoulder, here comes trouble

The Twins, Tigers, Cardinals and Brewers all start this morning within five games of our beloved Chicago teams. As I mentioned earlier in my fans seemed tame point, it was as if both fans cared more about holding off the divisional opponents then winning a basic crosstown series. Of course it was nice to get a little revenge on the Cubs but it was more important to stay ahead of the Twins then anything. And Cubs fans, if Ned Yost somehow learns to manage a pitching staff and bullpen (very unlikely, but humor me) then this could be a very interesting race.

1. The Cubs and Sox are both mediocre on the road

To get to the World Series it will take some road wins to get there. Good teams win on the road and after watching both the north side and south side look mostly helpless for some games it is safe to say that the road has been an unkind place. The Cubs now stand 16-23 on the road while the White Sox aren't much better at 19-24. Now only the Angels are dominating on the road but it remains an important point that you need to close out opponents at their ballpark to be an elite team. This week in particular could make for an interesting week for the Cubs as they have six games away from Wrigley Field. Let the hunt for October begin!