Chicago Sports Thoughts: Bears and beyond...

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Mar 14, 2011 11:05 AM CDT in Notes

While I still don't think the NFL will cancel any part of the 2011 season, the news of no agreement and decertification a few days ago was like a kick to the nads for football fans. This morning on ESPN radio Adam Shefter broke it down; he said the ruling from the Judge may take up to a month, and if he/she rules the owners can't lock the players out, they'll be able to get back to work and the '11 season will play under the rules that the '10 season did. I'm just glad there are other sports to grab my attention.

1) What a great weekend for Bulls fans, a couple more wins and a remembrance of the 1st ever Bulls championship team. Michael Jordan could have just been playing it up for the Chicago faithful, but his remark about this current Bulls team winning multiple championships was still pretty cool.

2) The way Derrick Rose was hitting three pointers in the 1st half of their Jazz game on Saturday night, I was waiting for a quizzical shrug ala MJ, from the soon to be MVP.

3) What a professional veteran Bulls back up big man Kurt Thomas is, to simply do his job when called upon and not to make a peep when collecting DNP - Coach's decisions. Successful teams in all sports needs guys like Big Sexy... but about that nickname...

4) The Cubs beat the White Sox last week in a meaningless spring training game, but the way some people were carrying on you'd think it was a World Series game 7. Cubs vs. Sox is as intense a rivalry as there is in Major League Baseball.

5) I'm putting the over/under of wins for Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano at 15. I know he had some unstable moments last year, but I think he'll be focused just enough to come close to a career high for wins.

6) Last week I gave my predictions for new Cub 1st baseman Carlos Pena, this week I'll predict some stats for new White Sox DH Adam Dunn. He'll hit 40+ HRs, knock in 100 RBI, and come close to a .400 on base %. As someone that isn't a White Sox fan, I did not like this signing.

7) The Blackhawks go from being one of the hottest teams in the NHL, to being losers of 3 straight. I think once they qualify for the postseason they'll be a tough out.

8) But, getting defenseman Brian Campbell back from his lower leg injury (gotta love the secretive NHL) is a must for their playoff push.

9) Another NCAA Tournament field selected and another trip to the NIT for the men of Northwestern basketball.

10) If the NFL ends up operating under last seasons CBA rules, then the Bears Nick Roach, Corey Graham, and Danieal Manning all go back to being restricted free agents. I'd like for all three to return to Chicago.

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Worst seeding I've ever seen in my life

After dominating Florida 70-54 in the SEC Championship. Kentucky gets a 4seed in the tournament. Florida a 2seed!!!

Florida’s RPI 8, record 26-7

Kentucky’s RPI 6, record 25-8

Both teams won on their home floor in the Reg. season.

I’m completely baffled.

Pat Forde (ESPN College Basketball writer, and notorious Kentucky basher) finds the seeding of Florida, Kentucky and many other teams baffling as well. Link Ola’

by rdent4hof on Mar 14, 2011 11:32 AM CDT reply actions

feel free to vent my friend...

If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Mar 14, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I appreciate your support

Funny enough, I was able to find the Forde Column because he showed my brother the article last night. He typed it while at the bar/resturaunt my bro manages. How cool is that!?

by rdent4hof on Mar 14, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

So you're saying Forde was drunk when he wrote it.

When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow

by Ditkavsworld on Mar 14, 2011 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Funny thing.....

I hate Kentucky. :)

When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow

by Ditkavsworld on Mar 14, 2011 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I love Indiana, but what seed did they get?

by rdent4hof on Mar 14, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

We're not talking about that.

When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow

by Ditkavsworld on Mar 14, 2011 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

LMAO!!!

by rdent4hof on Mar 14, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

4. I never understood why Cubs – Sox fans is that big of a rivalry. Cubs fans have a better a nicer stadium (now, aside from no replay/pitch speed) and nicer area, while Sox have just as much history (had a great stadium), with more recent success. They only play two series, almost always in June, and I think every Cubs fan can agree the Cardinals and Brewers are worse then the Sox, while Sox fans can agree that the Twains and Tigers are much worse then the Cubs. I get it, cross-town rivalry and all, but the teams have been here for over 100 years and in different divisions, and will probably not see each other in the World Series for a very very long time. Six pointless games in June to decide who gets the ‘OilSpill’ Cup is fun and all, but very unsatisfying.

Bears. Bulls. White Sox.

by The Voiss on Mar 14, 2011 2:45 PM CDT reply actions

I work downtown

and Cubs / Sox fans were talking trash all last week… weird…

If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Mar 14, 2011 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I live in the suburbs

And every real Cubs was talking trash to me, as well, but it’s 6 games out of 162. I almost always say to Cubs fans talking trash is “Save it for when you see us in the World Series… oh wait.” I just don’t think it’s that much of a rivalry, especially from the players point of view, and fans only take it seriously because it’s cross-town rivals.

Bears. Bulls. White Sox.

by The Voiss on Mar 14, 2011 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

And that is the lesson

Avoid downtown during Cubs/Sox series. Pointless and ugly.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Mar 14, 2011 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Wrigley has pitch speed...

I believe it’s the banners that are kind of tucked under the upper deck, one on each side.

It’s just something for the meatballs to get excited about.

by Steven Schweickert on Mar 15, 2011 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Bulls will win at least one title in the next five years

I’m not yet convinced it’ll be this year, but there’s no doubt this team will be loaded with talent for years to come.

by NorthSideBearsFan on Mar 14, 2011 2:49 PM CDT reply actions

They play very good team ball

If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Mar 14, 2011 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions

They're the first

“fun to watch” Bulls team in a long time.

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Mar 14, 2011 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

D Rose for MVP!

Rose: Who in the blue hell are you?
Rondo: Well
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE!

by T.Moore on Mar 14, 2011 5:32 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Great post LWJr.

Lots to touch on here. 1st Da Bullsss have been fun to watch. It’s great to flip on the tube and see a team that plays all facets of basketball well! It brings back memories of the 90’s: what fun that was!

Sox-Cubs are great to go to the games and watch. Playoff atmosphere is great fun. Alas, there are those who take the series WAY too seriously. I went to Wrigley with my Cubs’ fan brother & our young sons. 2 dudes were ready to duke it out walking down the ramp. My bro is a big guy and quickly halted the onslaught when each guy realized the threat of a dad who much bigger than they; And with fire beaming in his eyes. Plus, I’d suppose they realize how dumb the argument over who is better truly was…

I cannot comment on the CBA. Sorry, but it irks me to no end. This has the fallout of baseball’s strike for me.

I HOPE you’re right on #6!

It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.

by lastof12 on Mar 15, 2011 10:05 AM CDT reply actions

I hope I'm wrong on 6

If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Mar 15, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions