While the NFL Draft is not until April, the deadline for underclassmen who decided to leave school early and enter the draft came last Friday. The Bears have the 18th pick of the draft and to be totally honest, I don't like any of the guys that are scheduled to fall to them. Personally, after Taylor Mays crushed my heart and decided to stay, I concluded that the Bears should really try and trade their pick to the highest bidder.
But seeing as how it is low-risk Angelo at the helm, odds are that won't happen. So below are ten guys Chicago should try to acquire.
**NOTE** Excluded are players like Crabtree, Stafford and Curry, guys who will surely be gone by the time the Bears pick. This list will probably be re-done at least once a month until the actual draft.
10. Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
The Bears did not get to the quarterback enough this season. While both Brown and Ogunleye did shine on occasion, it just wasn't enough. Johnson's stock has fallen in the past few months because of his toughness and speed, but this would not be the worst decision.
9. Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
My fellow TTCSers know my thoughts on receivers. There is no way that any of them not named Michael Crabtree are going to make huge contributions to this team. However Harvin is a playmaker, and while the Bears have Devin already, two big-play guys could be what is needed for a quarterback like Orton to succeed.
8. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
After Crabtree, I think that DH-B has a chance to be the best wideout in the draft. I would take him over both Harvin and Maclin for the reason that while the three of them are speedsters, Darrius is the only one with some height to him (nearly 6' 2"). The Bears are going to need a target man, and this could be the guy.
7. Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
I know he is not that bad, but I just can't stand Hunter Hillenmeyer. Cushing could learn a thing or two from Briggs and is far more athletic and is a harder hitter than HH.
6. Michael Oher, Tackle, Ole Miss
Everybody who has read "The Blind Side" knows what type of athlete he is. The Bears did take Chris Williams with their first-round pick last season, and while the O-line did impress people this year, they are not any younger. The Bears could easily put Williams on the right and Oher on the left and it would not only make the line younger, but stronger and just better overall.
5. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
While Chicago does have a very good tailback in Forte, #22 led the NFL in carries last season. Moreno would be a great change-of-pace spell back and is a guy who runs hard despite an undersized body.
4. Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC
After a painfully mediocre season for Brian Urlacher, a feeling has come over the city that Urlacher might be past his prime. While Rey would probably not get much time in his rookie season, the hard-hitting ILB could become the future of the Bears' defense.
3. Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.
I talked earlier about how Chicago needs to return to the days of a continuously tough pass rush. Maybin led a Nittany Lions' defense that was the most feared in the Big 10 and one of the best in the nation.
2. Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
I don't know how many people feel Orton can really become a reliable quarterback in the NFL. I have never felt that way. While even Pete Carroll feels he left too early, the USC offense is so similar to an NFL offense that the transition would be easier for him than any prospect. I truly see him as the most likely draftee to sign with the Bears.
1. William Moore, Safety, Missouri
I had this spot reserved for my boy Mays like I stated earlier in this post. Moore is not quite as ready as the USC safety, but he would relieve what I feel is the weakest part of the Bears in the team's safety play.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Top Ten Chicago Fat Guys
Ed. note: In honor of the Sox signing Bartolo Colon, we're going to take a trip back in the time machine and give the Top Ten Chicago Fat Guys.
This list is best enjoyed while drinking a tall glass of chocolate syrup.
This list is best enjoyed while drinking a tall glass of chocolate syrup.
10. David Wells
9. Ron Coomer
8. Keith Traylor
7. Mac, Jurko, and Harry
6. Bartolo Colon
5. Michael Sweetney
4. John Kruk
3. Eddy Curry
2. Ted Washington
1. William Perry
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Top Ten Worst John Paxson Draft Picks
The most frightening part of this list is that since John Paxson took over as general manager for the Chicago Bulls, he's drafted in some way or another 15 players. And out of those 15, I was able to compile a Top Ten list of his worst picks.
In reality, this could have been a Top 14 Draft Picks Pax has screwed up because the only one he got right - D. Rose - was by default.
What the Bulls need desperately now, and what they've needed since Pax took over, is a big man down low to provide some points and defense in the paint. So instead of trying to take a player able to contribute immediately, Pax goes for the Turkish Asik. A kid who won't even sniff the NBA for a few years and has missed the majority of his Turkish team's season due to injury.
(He's the one on the right in case you were interested)
Vroman is currently playing for BC Lietuvos Rytas of Lithuania and can brag to his friends about the career high 15 points he scored in the Association.
Worse part about that is it wasn't even for the Bulls.
Pax never shies away from a project and Curry was no exception.In 2004 Curry was arrested and charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, two counts of sale and delivery of marijuana, and two counts of sale, possession, and delivery of a controlled substance.
Curry never played in a regular season NBA game and is currently playing in France after bouncing around the NBDL.
In Pax's first draft, he went after the tantalizing Austin and ended up getting a lifetime's worth of headache's in return.
I'll let this ancient Blog-a-Bull piece sum up what happened:
"Austin, a 6-9 power forward, was drafted by the Bulls in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft. When he didn’t catch on with the team after playing in the Bulls’ summer camp last year, Austin signed a $1.15 million, two-year contract with CSKA, which he says Duffy misled him into signing, a claim Duffy denies."
What followed was a series of he said, she said arguments that Pax got dragged into. Not a good indication of things to come.
Truthfully, Pax didn't have much to choose from with this pick. But looking back, anyone may have been better than Noah.
He's had multiple outbursts that have caused harm to the team and has already been arrested for smoking a doobie while sitting on a curb in Florida. One night he's playing like a maniac and others he looks completely lost.
The Swiss Jordan had high praise from scouts coming out of the Alps. He's got the length to become a lock down defender and enough quickness to run the break. However, Sefolosha never put the entire package together and is a turnover machine the likes of which this league has ever seen.
Though his TTCS provided nickname, Snuffleupagus, is still a fan favorite.
There's no denying that Gordon can light up the scoreboard when he's on one of his patented hot streaks. Yet, with the third overall pick we'd expect to see a lot more in other aspects of the game. You know, play a little defense, share the ball and generally just become a solid basketball player.
Instead, Gordon is content to just chuck it up whenever it touches his hands and has the uncanny ability to completely ignore teammates at the most crucial situations.
The other half of the 2004 draft day disaster engineered by Pax himself.
Touted as the next big thing to come out of the Windy City, Deng seemed to be on his way to becoming as some scouts put it, one of the top ten players in the NBA (future list?). And after receiving an exorbitant six-year, $71 million contract from the Bulls, his career started to sink faster than the Titanic.
He's lost in My Coach Vinnie's offense and doesn't look to be a good fit alongside Rose. Perhaps the greatest contribution he could have made to the Bulls was being a good soldier and leaving town in a deal for Kobe Bryant.
But Pax screwed that one up too. Go figure.
On a draft day trade, the Bulls secured the rights for Thomas from the Trailblazers in exchange for LaMarcus Aldridge.
Think Pax wouldn't want that one back?
Ty-Rise has teased with his freakish abilities, but can't string a season together in which he maximizes his potential. He plays out of control and confuses that with effort. He tries to throw up jump shots when his greatest strengths lie underneath the rim.
Back in 2004, the last thing the Bulls needed was another project. What they did need was a back to the basket, sweet shooting big man like Aldridge.
But now they're stuck with Thomas and his constant temper tantrums. This is a relationship that won't end well for either side.
In reality, this could have been a Top 14 Draft Picks Pax has screwed up because the only one he got right - D. Rose - was by default.
10. Omer Asik - Turkey
36th Overall, Second Round
2008
36th Overall, Second Round
2008
What the Bulls need desperately now, and what they've needed since Pax took over, is a big man down low to provide some points and defense in the paint. So instead of trying to take a player able to contribute immediately, Pax goes for the Turkish Asik. A kid who won't even sniff the NBA for a few years and has missed the majority of his Turkish team's season due to injury.
(He's the one on the right in case you were interested)
9. Jackson Vroman - Iowa State
31st Overall, Second Round
2004
2004
Vroman is currently playing for BC Lietuvos Rytas of Lithuania and can brag to his friends about the career high 15 points he scored in the Association.
Worse part about that is it wasn't even for the Bulls.
8. JamesOn Curry - Oklahoma State
51st Overall, 2nd Round
2007
2007
Pax never shies away from a project and Curry was no exception.In 2004 Curry was arrested and charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, two counts of sale and delivery of marijuana, and two counts of sale, possession, and delivery of a controlled substance.
Curry never played in a regular season NBA game and is currently playing in France after bouncing around the NBDL.
7. Aaron Gray - Pittsburgh
49th Overall, 2nd Round
2007
He's progressed in his short time with the Bulls and may fit the bill for the 'Goofy White Center' role every championship team needs. But he's too soft in the paint, too slow to run with Derrick Rose and will forever be relegated to bench duty. He's more valuable to the team because of the six fouls he's allotted every night per league rules.
6. Mario Austin - Mississippi State
36th Overall, 2nd Round
2003
In Pax's first draft, he went after the tantalizing Austin and ended up getting a lifetime's worth of headache's in return.
I'll let this ancient Blog-a-Bull piece sum up what happened:
"Austin, a 6-9 power forward, was drafted by the Bulls in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft. When he didn’t catch on with the team after playing in the Bulls’ summer camp last year, Austin signed a $1.15 million, two-year contract with CSKA, which he says Duffy misled him into signing, a claim Duffy denies."
What followed was a series of he said, she said arguments that Pax got dragged into. Not a good indication of things to come.
5. Joakim Noah - Florida
9th Overall Pick
2007
Truthfully, Pax didn't have much to choose from with this pick. But looking back, anyone may have been better than Noah.
He's had multiple outbursts that have caused harm to the team and has already been arrested for smoking a doobie while sitting on a curb in Florida. One night he's playing like a maniac and others he looks completely lost.
4. Thabo Sefolosha - Switzerland
13th Overall Pick
2006
The Swiss Jordan had high praise from scouts coming out of the Alps. He's got the length to become a lock down defender and enough quickness to run the break. However, Sefolosha never put the entire package together and is a turnover machine the likes of which this league has ever seen.
Though his TTCS provided nickname, Snuffleupagus, is still a fan favorite.
3. Ben Gordon - University of Connecticut
3rd Overall Pick
2004
There's no denying that Gordon can light up the scoreboard when he's on one of his patented hot streaks. Yet, with the third overall pick we'd expect to see a lot more in other aspects of the game. You know, play a little defense, share the ball and generally just become a solid basketball player.
Instead, Gordon is content to just chuck it up whenever it touches his hands and has the uncanny ability to completely ignore teammates at the most crucial situations.
2. Luol Deng - Duke
7th Overall Pick
2004
The other half of the 2004 draft day disaster engineered by Pax himself.
Touted as the next big thing to come out of the Windy City, Deng seemed to be on his way to becoming as some scouts put it, one of the top ten players in the NBA (future list?). And after receiving an exorbitant six-year, $71 million contract from the Bulls, his career started to sink faster than the Titanic.
He's lost in My Coach Vinnie's offense and doesn't look to be a good fit alongside Rose. Perhaps the greatest contribution he could have made to the Bulls was being a good soldier and leaving town in a deal for Kobe Bryant.
But Pax screwed that one up too. Go figure.
1. Tyrus Thomas - LSU
4th Overall Pick
2006
On a draft day trade, the Bulls secured the rights for Thomas from the Trailblazers in exchange for LaMarcus Aldridge.
Think Pax wouldn't want that one back?
Ty-Rise has teased with his freakish abilities, but can't string a season together in which he maximizes his potential. He plays out of control and confuses that with effort. He tries to throw up jump shots when his greatest strengths lie underneath the rim.
Back in 2004, the last thing the Bulls needed was another project. What they did need was a back to the basket, sweet shooting big man like Aldridge.
But now they're stuck with Thomas and his constant temper tantrums. This is a relationship that won't end well for either side.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Top Ten Chicago athletes to watch in '09
10. Osiris Eldridge
The best guard in the state doesn't reside in Champaign, he's in Bloomington. After a few solid years of recruiting, Illinois State looks like a tournament team in 2009. They'll go as far as Eldridge can take them.
9. Alexei Ramirez
While we're not sure if his D will hold up at shortstop, is there any reason to doubt Ramirez? No one would have thought he'd be in the majors last season, let alone one of the top second basemen in the American League. Year one gave us an incredible grand slam against the Tigers, and Ramirez played a major role in helping the overachieving Sox win their division. What can he do for an encore?
8. Luol Deng
The entirety of 2008 was forgettable for Deng on the court. Sure, he still scored a 72 million dollar contract, but he earned it in ‘07. If Deng can't turn it around this year, it'll be another strike against John Paxson.
7. Mike Davis
The Illini have been a pleasant surprise so far this year, and Davis deserves the bulk of the credit. The sophomore forward has really come into his own this season, leading the Illini in scoring and rebounding. With Davis, fellow sophomores Demetri McCamey, Alex Legion and Mike Tisdale, and a few strong recruiting classes heading in the next few years, the Illini's future looks bright.
6. Alfonso Soriano
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you the Fonz's high power-low patience combination should make him a middle of the order run producer, not a leadoff hitter. But will the Cubs finally figure it out in year three? Soriano hasn't been bad his first two years in Chicago - and hey, the Cubs have won the Central both years he has been here - but in an eight year contract, one great season sure would be nice.
5. Nikolai Khabibulin
Remember when the Hawks waived Khabibulin before the season started? Sort of reminiscent of when the Red Sox did the same thing to Manny, and eventually won the World Series. The Hawks paid a ton of money to bring in his replacement this offseason, Crisobal Huet, but it's Khabibulin who has been the Hawks' best goaltender this season, and one of the most important pieces in their turnaround.
4. Derrick Rose
He'd rank higher, but here's the thing: we have 100 percent faith Rose will only continue on his path to greatness, but will he have enough around him to rally the troops to higher ground this year? Sadly, we doubt it.
3. Devin Hester
Hester would like to forget 2008, thank you. While he did sign a phat new contract and begin his development as a receiver, it's still a little hard to believe the GOAT didn't take one kick to the house this year.
2. Carlos Quentin
Quentin was a revelation in his first year on the South Side. But can he keep it up? If you ask me, no diggity, no doubt. Yet there will be critics who proclaim his 2008 a fluke until he does it again. Prepare yourself.
1. Kyle Orton
This is easy: the Bears are Chicago's favorite sons, and quarterback is the most important position in sports. Orton was down then up then down again in ‘08. If he's to be the stabilizing force at QB the Bears have been searching for in what seems like decades, 2009 will be critical.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Top Ten reasons the Cubs will take a step backwards in 2009
Look, I like Jim Hendry. He’s one of the better general managers in baseball. After the Cubs won 66 games in 2006, they’ve won 85 and 97 respectively the last two seasons, with a lot of that credit going to the moves Hendry made (the Fukudome signing aside).
So, just like I’ve done with Kenny Williams in the past, I want to give Hendry the benefit of the doubt. After all, this is the same guy who in consecutive years got Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee for basically nothing.
With that said, I’m looking at the changes the Cubs made this offseason and asking myself, huh? As it stands now, I would have to grade the Cubs offseason a D. Luckily, everyone else in the NL Central got worse too, so it’s still clearly the Cubs’ division to lose.
Still, I don’t see this new-look team winning anywhere close to 97 games again. In fact, here are 10 reasons why I think they’ll take a pretty big step back in 2009.
10. Disappointing end to last season
For six months, the Cubs had the city in a frenzy. Winning the World Series and breaking their 100-year curse seemed very much within reach. Then, it was all over in a span of three games, where the heavily favored Cubs were outscored 20-6 by the Dodgers. How will the team bounce back from last October’s disappointment? We won’t know for quite a while, but it’s a fair question to ask.
9. Injury concerns
Outside of Alfonso Soriano missing eight weeks in the first half of the season and Kerry Wood’s customary DL visit, the Cubs were relatively healthy for all of last season. Chances are, that won’t happen again this year, especially when you consider the history of both Rich Harden and Milton Bradley. Also, keep an eye on Carlos Zambrano, who wasn’t the same pitcher from August on last season in large part due to a sore rotator cuff.
8. It’s only natural
It will be virtually impossible for the Cubs to play as well as they did in the regular season last year. Ryan Dempster probably will come back down to earth a bit. Same for Ryan Theriot, Ted Lilly and Geovany Soto. Jim Edmonds was better than anyone could have expected in center. The only player key players that underachieved last year were Fukudome, and, to a lesser extent, Lee.
7. Not trading for Jake Peavy
Now there’s still a small chance this could happen in the next month, but it appears the Cubs blew their big chance back at the winter meetings in Vegas. It’s pretty simple really: Peavy is one of the top 10 pitchers in the league. Sean Marshall, who will likely become a starter unless the Cubs acquire Peavy, is okay, but he is better suited for a long relief role. Imagine a rotation where Harden would be your number four and Lilly your number five.
6. New ownership
Cubs chairman Crane Kenney said back in mid-December that he expects the franchise to be sold by spring training. There is a lot of uncertainty right now in regards to the new owners. Will they keep the same payroll or increase it? Will they leave the same management to run things or will they bring in their own people? This situation could prove to be a major distraction for a team that is already always in the spotlight.
5. Getting rid of Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood
DeRosa was arguably the Cubs MVP last season. He actually drove in more runs and scored more runs than Bradley, while hitting only one fewer homer. His versatility and leadership will be sorely missed, qualities that neither Aaron Miles/Mike Fontenot can provide. With Carlos Marmol moving to the closer role, Wood’s absence will be felt in middle relief, where guys like Jeff Samardzija, Kevin Gregg, Neal Cotts and Chad Gaudin will all have to step it up.
4. Age
Taking a look at the roster, the window of opportunity is closing real fast. Soto and Theriot are the only young guys in the lineup. Lee and Soriano are both past their primes, Lee especially. The pitching staff should be one of the NL’s best, even without Peavy, but it’s getting up there in age, other than Marmol and Samardzjia. The Cubs don’t really have anyone in the minor league system who will make a significant contribution this year, with the possible exception of Micah Hoffpauir.
3. Pressure from fans and media
Despite what happened in the playoffs last year, as soon as the Cubs are in first place by July, talk of a World Series will begin. That’s just the mindset of Cubs fans, and it always will be, no matter what happened the previous year. There’s even more pressure than usual this year, considering last season’s playoff debacle. If the Cubs get off to a slow start, fan patience will be severely put to the test.
2. Still no leadoff hitter
It’s the same problem the Cubs have had ever since, gulp, Juan Pierre left. As we all know by now, Soriano should be hitting third, in front of Ramirez, Bradley and Lee. Theriot is a fine number two-hitter, but doesn’t get on base enough to hit leadoff. Joey Gathright can run, but if the Cubs are counting on big things from him, that’s not a good sign. Miles, nope. Calling Brian Roberts/Chone Figgins.
1. Signing Milton Bradley
The Tribune’s Rick Morrissey just doesn’t get it. He wrote two different columns in the span of a month saying how Bradley’s interesting and intense personality will light a fire under a Cubs team that sleepwalked through its last two trips to the postseason. It doesn’t work like that, not in a sport like baseball. Bradley’s competitive nature isn’t suddenly going to grab the rest of his teammates attention at crunch time. It’s more likely his sulking will create unnecessary drama in a veteran clubhouse. Add in the fact that Bradley played only 20 some games in the outfield last season, put up career numbers in a contract year, and will have to deal with the pressure of being expected to produce right away, and this seriously has all the makings of another Jacque Jones deal.
Ed. note: For those of you who think it’s too early to be talking about baseball, consider two things; 1) spring training is only about a month away 2) what else am I going to write about in Chicago? (you could argue the Blackhawks, but I have as much business writing about hockey as Luol Deng does getting 71 million guaranteed from the Bulls.)
10. Disappointing end to last season
For six months, the Cubs had the city in a frenzy. Winning the World Series and breaking their 100-year curse seemed very much within reach. Then, it was all over in a span of three games, where the heavily favored Cubs were outscored 20-6 by the Dodgers. How will the team bounce back from last October’s disappointment? We won’t know for quite a while, but it’s a fair question to ask.9. Injury concerns
Outside of Alfonso Soriano missing eight weeks in the first half of the season and Kerry Wood’s customary DL visit, the Cubs were relatively healthy for all of last season. Chances are, that won’t happen again this year, especially when you consider the history of both Rich Harden and Milton Bradley. Also, keep an eye on Carlos Zambrano, who wasn’t the same pitcher from August on last season in large part due to a sore rotator cuff.8. It’s only natural
It will be virtually impossible for the Cubs to play as well as they did in the regular season last year. Ryan Dempster probably will come back down to earth a bit. Same for Ryan Theriot, Ted Lilly and Geovany Soto. Jim Edmonds was better than anyone could have expected in center. The only player key players that underachieved last year were Fukudome, and, to a lesser extent, Lee.7. Not trading for Jake Peavy
Now there’s still a small chance this could happen in the next month, but it appears the Cubs blew their big chance back at the winter meetings in Vegas. It’s pretty simple really: Peavy is one of the top 10 pitchers in the league. Sean Marshall, who will likely become a starter unless the Cubs acquire Peavy, is okay, but he is better suited for a long relief role. Imagine a rotation where Harden would be your number four and Lilly your number five.6. New ownership
Cubs chairman Crane Kenney said back in mid-December that he expects the franchise to be sold by spring training. There is a lot of uncertainty right now in regards to the new owners. Will they keep the same payroll or increase it? Will they leave the same management to run things or will they bring in their own people? This situation could prove to be a major distraction for a team that is already always in the spotlight.5. Getting rid of Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood
DeRosa was arguably the Cubs MVP last season. He actually drove in more runs and scored more runs than Bradley, while hitting only one fewer homer. His versatility and leadership will be sorely missed, qualities that neither Aaron Miles/Mike Fontenot can provide. With Carlos Marmol moving to the closer role, Wood’s absence will be felt in middle relief, where guys like Jeff Samardzija, Kevin Gregg, Neal Cotts and Chad Gaudin will all have to step it up.4. Age
Taking a look at the roster, the window of opportunity is closing real fast. Soto and Theriot are the only young guys in the lineup. Lee and Soriano are both past their primes, Lee especially. The pitching staff should be one of the NL’s best, even without Peavy, but it’s getting up there in age, other than Marmol and Samardzjia. The Cubs don’t really have anyone in the minor league system who will make a significant contribution this year, with the possible exception of Micah Hoffpauir.3. Pressure from fans and media
Despite what happened in the playoffs last year, as soon as the Cubs are in first place by July, talk of a World Series will begin. That’s just the mindset of Cubs fans, and it always will be, no matter what happened the previous year. There’s even more pressure than usual this year, considering last season’s playoff debacle. If the Cubs get off to a slow start, fan patience will be severely put to the test.2. Still no leadoff hitter
It’s the same problem the Cubs have had ever since, gulp, Juan Pierre left. As we all know by now, Soriano should be hitting third, in front of Ramirez, Bradley and Lee. Theriot is a fine number two-hitter, but doesn’t get on base enough to hit leadoff. Joey Gathright can run, but if the Cubs are counting on big things from him, that’s not a good sign. Miles, nope. Calling Brian Roberts/Chone Figgins.1. Signing Milton Bradley
The Tribune’s Rick Morrissey just doesn’t get it. He wrote two different columns in the span of a month saying how Bradley’s interesting and intense personality will light a fire under a Cubs team that sleepwalked through its last two trips to the postseason. It doesn’t work like that, not in a sport like baseball. Bradley’s competitive nature isn’t suddenly going to grab the rest of his teammates attention at crunch time. It’s more likely his sulking will create unnecessary drama in a veteran clubhouse. Add in the fact that Bradley played only 20 some games in the outfield last season, put up career numbers in a contract year, and will have to deal with the pressure of being expected to produce right away, and this seriously has all the makings of another Jacque Jones deal.Ed. note: For those of you who think it’s too early to be talking about baseball, consider two things; 1) spring training is only about a month away 2) what else am I going to write about in Chicago? (you could argue the Blackhawks, but I have as much business writing about hockey as Luol Deng does getting 71 million guaranteed from the Bulls.)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Top Ten Chicago sports' womanizers
There is no real reason or purpose for this list, but I feel like there are plenty of Chicago athletes who's names could fall under this category.
10. Koskue Fukudome
I don't know what the percentage of Japanese in Chicago is, but there is no way that the cities wealthiest Asian isn't finding something new on a daily basis.
9. Zach Martin
Now former TTCS ladies man has remotely recently found a girlfriend (right?), but just one conversation with the man and I am sure you will find his traits deem himself more than worthy of a spot. Check out his new site slowbreaker.com, which debuts sometime in the next few weeks.
8. Tyrus Thomas
He impresses young ladies by taking them to his private gym and dunking over them. It gets 'em every time.
7. Brian Anderson
Just one look at the guy and he'll even bring the Southern California out of most women.
6. Brian Urlacher
Urlacher threatened to hold out earlier this season because he needed that cash to pay child support.
5. Pat Kane
You heard it on this site first, Pat Kane loves to party. It is only a matter of time before the 20-year-old starts to get interested in girls. Then he'll be winning their heart one jaegerbomb at a time.
4. Kyle Orton
A picture is worth a thousand words. If I am not mistaken that is Aaron Rowand next to him. Would he have made the list in 2005?
3. Greg Olsen
"Dropped my drawers and showed the girl my third leg." (Mom do NOT go to that link and listen to what is said.)
2. Derrick Rose
The Englewood heartthrob could get any teen in the city. While he has a girlfriend, it doesn't stop girls from taking their stab at him. Girls, Derrick and I are Facebook friends, I read that wall of his.
1. Alfonso Soriano
Deadspin found a fun fact about Soriano a few months ago. Let's just say their piece is titled "Getting to know Alfonso Soriano's alleged road beef," which is interesting considering he has a wife and kids back in the Dominican. Interesting.
10. Koskue Fukudome
I don't know what the percentage of Japanese in Chicago is, but there is no way that the cities wealthiest Asian isn't finding something new on a daily basis.
9. Zach Martin
Now former TTCS ladies man has remotely recently found a girlfriend (right?), but just one conversation with the man and I am sure you will find his traits deem himself more than worthy of a spot. Check out his new site slowbreaker.com, which debuts sometime in the next few weeks.
8. Tyrus Thomas
He impresses young ladies by taking them to his private gym and dunking over them. It gets 'em every time.
7. Brian Anderson
Just one look at the guy and he'll even bring the Southern California out of most women.
6. Brian Urlacher
Urlacher threatened to hold out earlier this season because he needed that cash to pay child support.
5. Pat Kane
You heard it on this site first, Pat Kane loves to party. It is only a matter of time before the 20-year-old starts to get interested in girls. Then he'll be winning their heart one jaegerbomb at a time.
4. Kyle Orton
A picture is worth a thousand words. If I am not mistaken that is Aaron Rowand next to him. Would he have made the list in 2005?
3. Greg Olsen
"Dropped my drawers and showed the girl my third leg." (Mom do NOT go to that link and listen to what is said.)
2. Derrick Rose
The Englewood heartthrob could get any teen in the city. While he has a girlfriend, it doesn't stop girls from taking their stab at him. Girls, Derrick and I are Facebook friends, I read that wall of his.
1. Alfonso Soriano
Deadspin found a fun fact about Soriano a few months ago. Let's just say their piece is titled "Getting to know Alfonso Soriano's alleged road beef," which is interesting considering he has a wife and kids back in the Dominican. Interesting.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Top Ten Reasons to Commit to the...Blackhawks
Ed. note: This list was written back in October, but due to some technical difficulties, we're re-gifting it to today.
So disregard reason #5 as Savvy lost his job just after this was written. Otherwise, GO HAWKS!
This was once, and still is, one of the greatest hockey cities in the country. The Blackhawks are a cornerstone of the league and are one of the original six franchises in the NHL.
Yet, hockey in Chicago has fallen on some hard times, leaving fans with nothing but memories of the days of Belfour, Mikita and Hull.
But this year's Chicago Blackhawks team is ready to ascend to the upper echelons and bring the hallowed hockey city of Chicago with them on a run for the Stanley Cup.
So disregard reason #5 as Savvy lost his job just after this was written. Otherwise, GO HAWKS!
This was once, and still is, one of the greatest hockey cities in the country. The Blackhawks are a cornerstone of the league and are one of the original six franchises in the NHL.
Yet, hockey in Chicago has fallen on some hard times, leaving fans with nothing but memories of the days of Belfour, Mikita and Hull.
But this year's Chicago Blackhawks team is ready to ascend to the upper echelons and bring the hallowed hockey city of Chicago with them on a run for the Stanley Cup.
10. Cristobal Huet
He has gotten off to a pretty rocky start so far, but Huet should be an upgrade over the aging and untradeable Nikolai Khabibulin.
The importance of a solid goalie cannot be overstated and he's going to have to perform up to those lofty standards that accompany his $22.4 million contract.
9. Adam Burish
If you're the type of fan that loves a good old fashioned, gloves off hockey fight, this is the guy you want to keep your eye on.
Burish embraces the role of the Hawks enforcer whole heartedly and won't back down from a fight under any circumstances. Every team needs an Adam Burish and if you're interested in hearing about the NHL from his perspective, check out his blog, "Gloves Off" over at the Sun-Times.
His latest post: Why We Fight in the NHL.
8. HD TV
Unfortunately for hockey, the game itself never really translated to television and was difficult to watch for the casual observer.
Things have changed drastically in this regard now that High Defnition TV has entered the picture. You can follow the puck wherever it goes and the game is incredibly easy to follow. I'm convinced that HD was created specifically for sports and this only illustrates my point even further.
7. All the games are on
Let's face it. The old man was off his rocker.
Refusing to televise Blackhawks' home games was the most backward thinking and illogical thing any man in sports has ever done.
Now with every single one of their 82 games on TV, you can follow the Hawks every step of the way.
6. New Owners
Alright, not exactly new owners, but pretty close to it.
Rocky Wirtz is everything his old man wasn't: personable, willing to spend and willing to admit the past twenty years of Blackhawks hockey has been unacceptable.
Hiring Jon McDonough was a stroke of genius and will pay dividends in terms of bringing this franchise back to the heights it once resided.
5. Denis Savard
He gets it.
That's the easy way to describe Denis Savard.
Being a former Blackhawks center, Savard understands the tradition and principles this team is built upon. With Savard at the helm, this Hawks team has a wealth of knowledge and expertise at their disposal in their coach.
4. Pat Foley is back
This kind of reminds me of Steve Stone's return to the Chicago baseball scene. Even though I'm a die hard Sox fan, Steve Stone is the voice of baseball to me.
And the same is true with Pat Foley, he is the voice of hockey in Chicago.
After an ugly breakup with the Hawks, Foley is now back calling their games and longtime fans everywhere couldn't be more excited about it.
3. Brian Campbell
The Hawks made their biggest free agent splash by signing the best free agent defenseman on the market in Brian Campbell.
He'll help to get the puck out of the Hawks' zone quickly, translating into more goal production.
It's still unusual to think of the Hawks as a team that is willing to spend money on good players.
But it's essential for a competing team to do so and the Hawks stepped up when they picked up Campbell.
Let's just hope it pays off in a big way.
2. Toews and Kane
The Hawks have two of the best young talents in the NHL and it's time you took notice.
Kane is fresh off winning The Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) and is capable of pulling off an impossible pass or jaw dropping goal at any given moment.
Toews is the third youngest captain in team history and ended his rookie campaign as the team's heart and soul.
With these two young men in the fold, the Blackhawks future is certainly looking bright.
1. Playoff Potential
This team full of youngsters just missed making the playoffs in 2007. Because of last year's success, the Hawks have a world of expectations on their shoulders and anything short of a playoff appearance for the first time since 2002 would be a huge disappointment.
Pundits nationwide have been anointing the Hawks as the upcoming team in the NHL and if they do happen to make the playoffs, the sleeping giant that is Chicago hockey will be awakened and ready to do damage.
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