To all recent graduates,
As I sit in my living room, piling around all the job ads I should be applying to, I have been thinking about the mentality of a job seeker. As many of us know way too well, this is not the best of economic times. Whether you are still searching for the right opportunity, took a decent job just to move away from home, barely making rent or even working for your dream employer, the same mentality applies.
Recent graduates have forgotten about the work we have done. Many of us, who have recently graduated from a four-year university, are forgetting about what we have accomplished. Whether you went to the University of Illinois, Montana, West Virginia or Judson, you did the work to get out of there alive. You had those all-night study sessions cramming a semesters’ worth of material into your brain. You sat through those boring lectures that counted towards your attendance grade. You went into office hours trying to get help on that lesson you learned last week. You did it all.
Now, since some have graduated and have yet to find that perfect fit somewhere, we forget about everything we have done. Graduating college is no small feet. Just because we are not where we thought we would be, doesn’t mean we are failures. I know from first hand experience that I have felt like a failure in these last couple of months. I then ask myself; why am I failure? I know I have done all I can to land that great writing job I know I deserve. I know I got through college, met new people, branched out and did things I never thought I could. I am sure everyone had great accomplishments during those four amazing years that they never even dreamed of.
What I am trying to say is that no matter where you are in life, you can’t forget what you have achieved. Just because you are not where you want to be now doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Failure is defined as an act or instance of failing or proving unsuccessful. None of us are that. I think everyone needed to be reminded of this.
Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The gift of sports and the ESPYS
Every year, I look forward to July, not for fireworks, but for the ESPY awards. The Golden Globes of sports recaps the year with drama, comedy, shock and inspiration. It reminds us why we love sports in the first place. It makes us appreciate what a team has accomplished, not only for themselves, not only for their owners, not only for their city, but for an entire world.
The three moments that stood out to me tonight dealt with the unfortunate circumstance between former Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce, the Thomas family forgiving the Becker family, and of course the Jimmy V award.
For those of you who don't know, Armando Galarraga was throwing a perfect game with only one batter left. He forced a groundball and covered the bag just like a pitcher is supposed to. It was a close call, but when you saw it live, you knew he was safe. Instant replay confirmed the 27th out. However, Jim Joyce called it like he saw, just how he always has; safe.
Everyone, including Joyce, after he watched a replay, knew he was out. Later on, before leaving the ballpark, Joyce went up to Galarraga to personally apologize. Galarraga, who would have gone down in the record books, humbly accepted the apology.
Joyce later said I took a perfect game away form that kid and there is nothing I can do.
The next day, Joyce was at homeplate where he accepted the lineup cards from each team. I bet you would never guess who would bring out the card for the Tigers. Armando Galarraga came out of the dugout and the first thing he did was pat Joyce on the back. They then had a hearty handshake, the kind of shake that men have.
These are the kinds of heroes that youngsters should look up. Not because of their talents or fame, but for their character, sportsmanship and respect they showed for one another. Imagine doing something in your profession that only a couple dozen people have done, ever. Imagine having that feeling of greatness and accomplishment tingle throughout your body and all of a sudden; gone. That's what went through the mind of Galarraga. Yet, he was able to put all that aside, the fame, the history, the glory, and forgive the man that took it all away. That is the hero we should all look up to.
What about Joyce? To be able to live up to your mistake and announce it before the entire nation, takes a lot of guts. How many of you out there have ever made a mistake at work? I am willing to bet 99.9 percent of you say you have. When umpires make mistakes, they get yelled at by thousands of screaming fans. But that wasn't enough for Joyce. He was criticized and put in the spotlight for the weeks to come in newspapers across the country. We are all human. But the people who live up their mistakes, realize what they have done and accept the outcome are the truest humans of them all. Joyce, just like Galarraga, is the kind of hero we should look up to.
Later on, I will write about my other two moments from tonight.
The three moments that stood out to me tonight dealt with the unfortunate circumstance between former Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce, the Thomas family forgiving the Becker family, and of course the Jimmy V award.
For those of you who don't know, Armando Galarraga was throwing a perfect game with only one batter left. He forced a groundball and covered the bag just like a pitcher is supposed to. It was a close call, but when you saw it live, you knew he was safe. Instant replay confirmed the 27th out. However, Jim Joyce called it like he saw, just how he always has; safe.
Everyone, including Joyce, after he watched a replay, knew he was out. Later on, before leaving the ballpark, Joyce went up to Galarraga to personally apologize. Galarraga, who would have gone down in the record books, humbly accepted the apology.
Joyce later said I took a perfect game away form that kid and there is nothing I can do.
The next day, Joyce was at homeplate where he accepted the lineup cards from each team. I bet you would never guess who would bring out the card for the Tigers. Armando Galarraga came out of the dugout and the first thing he did was pat Joyce on the back. They then had a hearty handshake, the kind of shake that men have.
These are the kinds of heroes that youngsters should look up. Not because of their talents or fame, but for their character, sportsmanship and respect they showed for one another. Imagine doing something in your profession that only a couple dozen people have done, ever. Imagine having that feeling of greatness and accomplishment tingle throughout your body and all of a sudden; gone. That's what went through the mind of Galarraga. Yet, he was able to put all that aside, the fame, the history, the glory, and forgive the man that took it all away. That is the hero we should all look up to.
What about Joyce? To be able to live up to your mistake and announce it before the entire nation, takes a lot of guts. How many of you out there have ever made a mistake at work? I am willing to bet 99.9 percent of you say you have. When umpires make mistakes, they get yelled at by thousands of screaming fans. But that wasn't enough for Joyce. He was criticized and put in the spotlight for the weeks to come in newspapers across the country. We are all human. But the people who live up their mistakes, realize what they have done and accept the outcome are the truest humans of them all. Joyce, just like Galarraga, is the kind of hero we should look up to.
Later on, I will write about my other two moments from tonight.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The streak continue
Hello loyal readers,
Long time no talk. At the request of another die hard Sox fan, JA, I stopped writing for a little due to their recent hot streak. Well, the consecutive win streak ended, at a game I was at the by the way. However, like any good team, when one streaks ends, another begins.
The Sox in the last month have been displaying traits I haven't seen since 2005.
No. 1 - Hustle and Defense.
This team wants to win. On a any groundball, base hit, line drive or pop out, these team hustles. Many players in this league, hello All-Star Hanley Ramirez, do not run out groundballs or go all out for pop outs in foul territory. The Sox are not these kind of team. Next time you watch a game, watch how hard Alexei Ramirez runs out a routine out. The bullet tries to be out every single ball. When he is robbed of a call, he lets the umpire know it. You know what? That is the passion that drives a successful team. How about defense? Midway through last season, numerous critics said Ramirez could not make it as a major league shortstop. People said he lacked focus. Look at him now. He is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the AL. Ramirez is arguably the Sox MVP for the first half of the season.
No. 2 - Starting Pitching
Anyone who saw the '05 Sox can not tell me this last month doesn't remind you of that rotation. Even with Peavy out for the season, which I called by the way when he went a complete game in Washington three weeks ago, these starters can pitch. The man leading the way is the supposed No. 5 starter Freddy Garcia. I heard an interesting comment on the 670 The Score today. A team's 5th starter is supposed to eat up as many innings as possible. They are not to be judged by their record. When it comes to the south side, every pitcher is judged by their record or ERA. Garcia has the third best ERA among Sox starters and has almost equaled the total innings of Floyd and Peavy, who have both pitched in one more game than Garcia. This rotation is finally starting to show what we all hoped for last winter.
No. 3 - Bullpen
This bullpen is flat out the best in baseball. Let's start with my man, All-Star Matt Thornton. This guy dominates, and I mean dominates the AL with essentially one pitch. Guys go up there expecting and seeing a fastball, yet still miss it. Occasionally he will fool you with a curve or slider, but once you expect that, there is no way you are catching up the 98 MPH heat. How about offseason acquisition JJ Putz? He has been nothing short of spectacular. When Jenks came out, he and Thornton proved they could handle closer responsibilities. His ERA is 1.64. Yeah, that's pretty good. And how about converted infielder Sergio Santos? This guy just seems like a winner and has shown it on the mound. You can't tell me he wouldn't be an eighth inning guys on numerous teams in the MLB. Let's finish with our big closer Bobby Jenks. The season did not start off great. Later on, White Sox reliable beat writer Joe Cowley reported that Jenks was disappointed with how he was being treated by the fans. You know how to solve that Bobby? Go out and pitch. Don't quote me on this, but I think he has converted his last 20 save opportunities and has only blown ONE save. I will take that any day.
Overall, this is a team that can succeed. So go ahead Miguel Cabrera, try to catch up to a Matt Thornton fastball. Ron Gardenhire, try to out coach Ozzie and the best pitching coach in the league Don Cooper. The second half of baseball is going to start heating up, but I am confident our South Siders will be able to stay cool come October.
Long time no talk. At the request of another die hard Sox fan, JA, I stopped writing for a little due to their recent hot streak. Well, the consecutive win streak ended, at a game I was at the by the way. However, like any good team, when one streaks ends, another begins.
The Sox in the last month have been displaying traits I haven't seen since 2005.
No. 1 - Hustle and Defense.
This team wants to win. On a any groundball, base hit, line drive or pop out, these team hustles. Many players in this league, hello All-Star Hanley Ramirez, do not run out groundballs or go all out for pop outs in foul territory. The Sox are not these kind of team. Next time you watch a game, watch how hard Alexei Ramirez runs out a routine out. The bullet tries to be out every single ball. When he is robbed of a call, he lets the umpire know it. You know what? That is the passion that drives a successful team. How about defense? Midway through last season, numerous critics said Ramirez could not make it as a major league shortstop. People said he lacked focus. Look at him now. He is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the AL. Ramirez is arguably the Sox MVP for the first half of the season.
No. 2 - Starting Pitching
Anyone who saw the '05 Sox can not tell me this last month doesn't remind you of that rotation. Even with Peavy out for the season, which I called by the way when he went a complete game in Washington three weeks ago, these starters can pitch. The man leading the way is the supposed No. 5 starter Freddy Garcia. I heard an interesting comment on the 670 The Score today. A team's 5th starter is supposed to eat up as many innings as possible. They are not to be judged by their record. When it comes to the south side, every pitcher is judged by their record or ERA. Garcia has the third best ERA among Sox starters and has almost equaled the total innings of Floyd and Peavy, who have both pitched in one more game than Garcia. This rotation is finally starting to show what we all hoped for last winter.
No. 3 - Bullpen
This bullpen is flat out the best in baseball. Let's start with my man, All-Star Matt Thornton. This guy dominates, and I mean dominates the AL with essentially one pitch. Guys go up there expecting and seeing a fastball, yet still miss it. Occasionally he will fool you with a curve or slider, but once you expect that, there is no way you are catching up the 98 MPH heat. How about offseason acquisition JJ Putz? He has been nothing short of spectacular. When Jenks came out, he and Thornton proved they could handle closer responsibilities. His ERA is 1.64. Yeah, that's pretty good. And how about converted infielder Sergio Santos? This guy just seems like a winner and has shown it on the mound. You can't tell me he wouldn't be an eighth inning guys on numerous teams in the MLB. Let's finish with our big closer Bobby Jenks. The season did not start off great. Later on, White Sox reliable beat writer Joe Cowley reported that Jenks was disappointed with how he was being treated by the fans. You know how to solve that Bobby? Go out and pitch. Don't quote me on this, but I think he has converted his last 20 save opportunities and has only blown ONE save. I will take that any day.
Overall, this is a team that can succeed. So go ahead Miguel Cabrera, try to catch up to a Matt Thornton fastball. Ron Gardenhire, try to out coach Ozzie and the best pitching coach in the league Don Cooper. The second half of baseball is going to start heating up, but I am confident our South Siders will be able to stay cool come October.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sad week
Remember when I said the Sox had a schedule was supposed to be favorable to the south siders? Well, they proved to disappoint again. In six games against the heavy-hitting little pitching Rangers and second worst team in the AL Indians, they could only manage claiming two victories. They went one for three in each series, both of which took place in Chicago.
I will skip over the first five games, luckily for them. On Sunday, they were able to overcome another poor performance by their so called ace, Mark Buerhle. He was chased out only after three innings and six runs. When was the last time we saw Buerhle only go three innings? It actually was his last outing versus the Indians when he was thrown out of the game for arguing balk with first base umpire Joe West. Either way, Buerhle has not Buerhle. He says he is feeling better than ever. If that's the case, then fix it.
The team's struggle goes beyond Mark Buerhle. How about the rest of the starters? John Danks, arguable the best starter all year, was tagged on Friday early, causing once again for Ozzie to go to bullpen. And Sox fans, if it wasn't for our bullpen, we would be in last place right now.
Luckily, out hitting has started to come around. They need to keep it up. Rios and Konerko need to quarterback this thing. Stay hot and the rest will follow. Buerhle, Danks, Floyd and Peavy, pick it up. Garcia, you’re doing fine.
I will skip over the first five games, luckily for them. On Sunday, they were able to overcome another poor performance by their so called ace, Mark Buerhle. He was chased out only after three innings and six runs. When was the last time we saw Buerhle only go three innings? It actually was his last outing versus the Indians when he was thrown out of the game for arguing balk with first base umpire Joe West. Either way, Buerhle has not Buerhle. He says he is feeling better than ever. If that's the case, then fix it.
The team's struggle goes beyond Mark Buerhle. How about the rest of the starters? John Danks, arguable the best starter all year, was tagged on Friday early, causing once again for Ozzie to go to bullpen. And Sox fans, if it wasn't for our bullpen, we would be in last place right now.
Luckily, out hitting has started to come around. They need to keep it up. Rios and Konerko need to quarterback this thing. Stay hot and the rest will follow. Buerhle, Danks, Floyd and Peavy, pick it up. Garcia, you’re doing fine.
Friday, June 4, 2010
It's a start
The Sox were able to salvage the final game of the series with the Texas Rangers Thursday night as they defeated the AL West leader 4-3 behind a strong outing from supposed No. 5 starter Freddy Garcia.
Has any Sox realized that Garcia has arguably been our most consistent ant pitcher - the other one being John Danks? He was able to got the bat-heavy rangers to only two earned runs in seven innings. This is what the Sox organization expected from their pitchers before the season. This is how good our rotation can be. Consistency is the key.
Despite Garcia's solid start, I was more impressed with two aspects of last night's game. In the fourth inning, Carlos Quentin recorded only his second error of the year on a routine fly ball deep in right field. That run ended up scoring, which tied the game. When Quentin went into the dugout, he went straight for the corner. According to Manager Ozzie Guillen, almost every started went up to him to say don't worry about it. That is exactly what a team is supposed to do. Baseball is a huge mental game and those remarks got Quentin back in the game. By the way, Quentin ended up hitting the game winning two-run homer in the seventh inning. That is the definition of keeping your head up.
Another positive note I read about today deals with the team meeting after Wednesday's 9-5 loss. Guillen, after the media left the room, kept all the guys late. He asked everyone what was going on out there. They talked and whatever. However, after that conversation, he straight up asked them, is there something else I or the coaching staff could be doing? Not to my surprise, no player questioned their coaching styles.
Later on, Guillen told reporters that he wasn't doing his job. He feels like he isn't getting the most out of his players, the No. 1 job of a manager, or any coach for that matter. Let's be honest. He isn't getting the most out of his players. They know they have the talent needed to win the AL Central. Now is the time to put that talent to use and get a run going. Early on, their pitching was sufficient. Lately, it's been their hitting. Now it needs to come together. Thursday was a start and now it's time to prove to us fans that the season isn't over.
Has any Sox realized that Garcia has arguably been our most consistent ant pitcher - the other one being John Danks? He was able to got the bat-heavy rangers to only two earned runs in seven innings. This is what the Sox organization expected from their pitchers before the season. This is how good our rotation can be. Consistency is the key.
Despite Garcia's solid start, I was more impressed with two aspects of last night's game. In the fourth inning, Carlos Quentin recorded only his second error of the year on a routine fly ball deep in right field. That run ended up scoring, which tied the game. When Quentin went into the dugout, he went straight for the corner. According to Manager Ozzie Guillen, almost every started went up to him to say don't worry about it. That is exactly what a team is supposed to do. Baseball is a huge mental game and those remarks got Quentin back in the game. By the way, Quentin ended up hitting the game winning two-run homer in the seventh inning. That is the definition of keeping your head up.
Another positive note I read about today deals with the team meeting after Wednesday's 9-5 loss. Guillen, after the media left the room, kept all the guys late. He asked everyone what was going on out there. They talked and whatever. However, after that conversation, he straight up asked them, is there something else I or the coaching staff could be doing? Not to my surprise, no player questioned their coaching styles.
Later on, Guillen told reporters that he wasn't doing his job. He feels like he isn't getting the most out of his players, the No. 1 job of a manager, or any coach for that matter. Let's be honest. He isn't getting the most out of his players. They know they have the talent needed to win the AL Central. Now is the time to put that talent to use and get a run going. Early on, their pitching was sufficient. Lately, it's been their hitting. Now it needs to come together. Thursday was a start and now it's time to prove to us fans that the season isn't over.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
South side optimism, maybe
OK readers, I am revamping my blog. Since I don’t have as much to talk about as I thought, in order to write more often, I will share my thoughts about the Chicago White Sox. I will lose some readers, I will gain some readers, but either way, you will get the thoughts of the silent writer.
The Sox entered June on a bit of a high note. They had just come back from a seven day road trip against Cleveland and Tampa Bay, who currently hold the best record in the MLB. Surprisingly, they finished the trip at 4-3, splitting the series in Tampa. So coming back to Chicago, you would think they would be optimistic.
To make thinks even better, the Sox, who spent most of May on the road, will get to play 18 of their next 24 games in Chicago. They will play Texas, Cleveland, Detroit and the Cubs in their next 12, all teams they are capable of beating.
Texas, as any American League fan knows, has always been a hit first and pitch second kind of team. Coming into the season, the Rangers were the exact team the Sox were expected to dominate. With our “supposed” great starting rotation, we should have rolled over Texas. Result of the first two games: L and L
The Cleveland Indians then come to town with the second worst record in the MLB. They are getting over the embarrassment of barely giving Tiger’s pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game (which in my mind and many others was a perfect game. Thanks Jim Joyce). Either way, the Sox should have no problem with the Indians. Easier said than done, right? The sox are 3-6 against the tribe this year.
Next enter the Tigers. This is the time for the Sox to prove themselves. The only time they have played this season resulted in a win at Comerica Park in Detroit. They have clearly been the second best team in the division, with solid starting pitching and AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. This is time for the Sox to show their fans and the organization not to raise the white flag just yet.
The Sox then travel across town to the biggest toilet in Chicago known as Wrigley Field. The Cubs, despite a better record, have been just as disappointing this season. Don’t worry Chicagoans, even though both teams suck, they are playing for something more, the BP Crosstown Cup. Way to pick that sponsor. Who cares right? In this town, our baseball teams play for bragging rights.
There you have it, four very winnable series for the Chicago White Sox to start off the month of June. Are they up for the challenge? To be honest, probably not. After the first two losses to Texas, I bet that high note is no where to be found on the south side
The Sox entered June on a bit of a high note. They had just come back from a seven day road trip against Cleveland and Tampa Bay, who currently hold the best record in the MLB. Surprisingly, they finished the trip at 4-3, splitting the series in Tampa. So coming back to Chicago, you would think they would be optimistic.
To make thinks even better, the Sox, who spent most of May on the road, will get to play 18 of their next 24 games in Chicago. They will play Texas, Cleveland, Detroit and the Cubs in their next 12, all teams they are capable of beating.
Texas, as any American League fan knows, has always been a hit first and pitch second kind of team. Coming into the season, the Rangers were the exact team the Sox were expected to dominate. With our “supposed” great starting rotation, we should have rolled over Texas. Result of the first two games: L and L
The Cleveland Indians then come to town with the second worst record in the MLB. They are getting over the embarrassment of barely giving Tiger’s pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game (which in my mind and many others was a perfect game. Thanks Jim Joyce). Either way, the Sox should have no problem with the Indians. Easier said than done, right? The sox are 3-6 against the tribe this year.
Next enter the Tigers. This is the time for the Sox to prove themselves. The only time they have played this season resulted in a win at Comerica Park in Detroit. They have clearly been the second best team in the division, with solid starting pitching and AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. This is time for the Sox to show their fans and the organization not to raise the white flag just yet.
The Sox then travel across town to the biggest toilet in Chicago known as Wrigley Field. The Cubs, despite a better record, have been just as disappointing this season. Don’t worry Chicagoans, even though both teams suck, they are playing for something more, the BP Crosstown Cup. Way to pick that sponsor. Who cares right? In this town, our baseball teams play for bragging rights.
There you have it, four very winnable series for the Chicago White Sox to start off the month of June. Are they up for the challenge? To be honest, probably not. After the first two losses to Texas, I bet that high note is no where to be found on the south side
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Graduation
Loyal readers, listeners and fans,
The time has come and now I am a graduate. Not to my surprise, I don't feel any different. When are you supposed to feel different? When you start the job? When you leave school? When is that moment of transformation going to come?
I thought maybe there was a moment last night when all of my best friends were out, having a gay old time, dancing and celebrating. I think it was the first time some of us realized it was really ending. We had some hugs here and there. Yet, that momentous feeling didn't come. Maybe that is a sign that it shouldn't come. After all, who wants it to come? Who wants to leave our little bubble and enter into "the world?" We have been spoiled these last four years.
Let's be honest, college is hanging out with friends, partying, being away from home, learning about the outside world, about our potential futures and doing what we can to make a career. This is my bubble, paradise, heaven, Cabo, Pulco, Vegas all rolled into one. And now it is time to exit that bubble. Who knows, some feeling might pop up.
The time has come and now I am a graduate. Not to my surprise, I don't feel any different. When are you supposed to feel different? When you start the job? When you leave school? When is that moment of transformation going to come?
I thought maybe there was a moment last night when all of my best friends were out, having a gay old time, dancing and celebrating. I think it was the first time some of us realized it was really ending. We had some hugs here and there. Yet, that momentous feeling didn't come. Maybe that is a sign that it shouldn't come. After all, who wants it to come? Who wants to leave our little bubble and enter into "the world?" We have been spoiled these last four years.
Let's be honest, college is hanging out with friends, partying, being away from home, learning about the outside world, about our potential futures and doing what we can to make a career. This is my bubble, paradise, heaven, Cabo, Pulco, Vegas all rolled into one. And now it is time to exit that bubble. Who knows, some feeling might pop up.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Charging the court
This past Saturday, I had the privilege to watch my beloved Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team beat No. 5 Michigan State. It was a great game to watch where strong leadership and young talent were both in attendance. In addition, a sold out crowd flooded Assembly Hall with orange and blue. It was scene not soon forgotten.
After the game, something not known to this university occurred. Illini fans busted by security and rushed the court in celebration on the stunning defeat. To put in its simplest form, students were showering in the moment. Why not rush the court? We just beat the No. 5 team in the nation and No. 1 in the Big Ten. We had lost five straight before Saturday night's matchup.
Dick Vitale immediately ripped the Illini fans while rushing the court. He kept going on about the safety of the referees, coaches, players and students. You got to relax Dicky V. This is a college campus. If students can go off and live on their own, you would think they are responsible enough to run onto a court and celebrate with other enthusiasts.
The only sad part about Saturday night was that I didn't get a chance to join my fellow classmates in the celebration. How great it must have felt. Until we beat another top 10 team, Fighting Illini fans, keep up the passion.
After the game, something not known to this university occurred. Illini fans busted by security and rushed the court in celebration on the stunning defeat. To put in its simplest form, students were showering in the moment. Why not rush the court? We just beat the No. 5 team in the nation and No. 1 in the Big Ten. We had lost five straight before Saturday night's matchup.
Dick Vitale immediately ripped the Illini fans while rushing the court. He kept going on about the safety of the referees, coaches, players and students. You got to relax Dicky V. This is a college campus. If students can go off and live on their own, you would think they are responsible enough to run onto a court and celebrate with other enthusiasts.
The only sad part about Saturday night was that I didn't get a chance to join my fellow classmates in the celebration. How great it must have felt. Until we beat another top 10 team, Fighting Illini fans, keep up the passion.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Chicago Sports - Bulls
Now this coaching carousel is like no other. Understandably, Vinny Del Negro doesn't come up when the NBA talks about desired coaches. He wasn't even a great player. What made the Bulls think he would be a great, if not good coach? However, this blog will not be about him. It will be more about Gar Foreman and the rest of the Bulls organization.
Right when the Bulls lost to the New Jersey Nets about a month ago, people knew Del Negro would be on the chopping block. Everyone knew that loss could, and probably will determine his future with the team. However, not a word was spoken from upper management. No one knew what they were doing. It took GM Foreman three weeks to come out and talk about the status of the team. To make things first, a couple of days before Foreman finally made a public appearance, the Bulls sent out a news release saying they want a new coach, yet don't have anyone in mind yet. What could did this do? Is that not the definition of throwing your coach under the bus? Yes, it is.
The GM and owners of any professional sports team need to be in sync with the rest of the organization, despite the how their season is going. Everyone needs to know what is going on within every department. That’s how it is with any business, being in sports or not. When you have constant communication and understanding with everyone, you have success. The Bulls need to learn this. If not, no matter whom the coach is, they won't be playing, but watching the postseason.
Right when the Bulls lost to the New Jersey Nets about a month ago, people knew Del Negro would be on the chopping block. Everyone knew that loss could, and probably will determine his future with the team. However, not a word was spoken from upper management. No one knew what they were doing. It took GM Foreman three weeks to come out and talk about the status of the team. To make things first, a couple of days before Foreman finally made a public appearance, the Bulls sent out a news release saying they want a new coach, yet don't have anyone in mind yet. What could did this do? Is that not the definition of throwing your coach under the bus? Yes, it is.
The GM and owners of any professional sports team need to be in sync with the rest of the organization, despite the how their season is going. Everyone needs to know what is going on within every department. That’s how it is with any business, being in sports or not. When you have constant communication and understanding with everyone, you have success. The Bulls need to learn this. If not, no matter whom the coach is, they won't be playing, but watching the postseason.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Chicago Sports - Bears 1A
I am sorry but there were new thoughts that came to mind today about the Bears. This needs to be said.
Today, as I was listening to 670 radio, I heard that the Bears FOUR offensive coordinators. Now, I completely agree that there needed to be some revamping of the team, but if they decided to fire four offensive decision makers, how is the coach not involved. He is the man that approves the system and the play calling. How is he not fired? It doesn't make sense. Jerry Angelo needs to make up his mind. If you are making some changes, might as well get rid of the whole system.
Yesterday, I failed to mention much about the most important part of any football team. A team's success is measured at the line of scrimmage. Anyone who watched the Bears this season knows the O line wasn't what is was supposed to be. Why haven't there been changes to the line? Why do they sign old guys just to make face? Hoe are they not looking around for big strong pros who know how to block?
How about the defensive line? I said yesterday that their defense is not what is used to be. Part of the reason is their pressure. There were games this season where QB's had all day to throw. Even Daunte Culpepper had enough time to Calvin Johnson in the last game of the year. They need some primetime pass rushers. Julius Peppers, even though he will be asking for a lot of money, should be in the conversation.
Changes need to be made; and not just on the sidelines.
Today, as I was listening to 670 radio, I heard that the Bears FOUR offensive coordinators. Now, I completely agree that there needed to be some revamping of the team, but if they decided to fire four offensive decision makers, how is the coach not involved. He is the man that approves the system and the play calling. How is he not fired? It doesn't make sense. Jerry Angelo needs to make up his mind. If you are making some changes, might as well get rid of the whole system.
Yesterday, I failed to mention much about the most important part of any football team. A team's success is measured at the line of scrimmage. Anyone who watched the Bears this season knows the O line wasn't what is was supposed to be. Why haven't there been changes to the line? Why do they sign old guys just to make face? Hoe are they not looking around for big strong pros who know how to block?
How about the defensive line? I said yesterday that their defense is not what is used to be. Part of the reason is their pressure. There were games this season where QB's had all day to throw. Even Daunte Culpepper had enough time to Calvin Johnson in the last game of the year. They need some primetime pass rushers. Julius Peppers, even though he will be asking for a lot of money, should be in the conversation.
Changes need to be made; and not just on the sidelines.
Chicago Sports - Bears
I want to take this week to go over the current state of every major Chicago sports team. By the end of it, I think we will all agree it is pretty depressing to be a Chicago sports fan right now.
Part 1 - Chicago Bears
Bears- First off, let's go over their coaching carousel. Lovie Smith, when they hired him, seemed like a good fit. He has a defensive mind set and the Bears are all about defense. However, how good has the D been the last two years. I'm not going to look it up, but I'm thinking they are in the lower half of the NFC. The other thing with Lovie that disappoints me is his passion. I don't think a coach who never shows emotion on the sideline has ever won a Superbowl. Even Dungy showed some passion at certain points in the game. But hey, at least Lovie is dedicated to his players ("Rex is our quarterback").
Now let's look at the actual team. First off, as much as any Bears wants to think it, Hester is NOT a NO. 1 receiver, and he never will be. The bears managed to take away the best part of his game (kick returning). Way to go coaches. Cutler was a disappointment this season. Almost challenging Brett Favre's interception record. Yet, one stat many fans probably don't know; Cutler has a career-high in TD passes this year. (It probably helped playing the Lions twice). Despite his record, he still led the team to a underachieving 7-9 record. I think two years ago, former Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad said WR's go to Chicago to die. I agree, but maybe he meant QB's too.
Part 1 - Chicago Bears
Bears- First off, let's go over their coaching carousel. Lovie Smith, when they hired him, seemed like a good fit. He has a defensive mind set and the Bears are all about defense. However, how good has the D been the last two years. I'm not going to look it up, but I'm thinking they are in the lower half of the NFC. The other thing with Lovie that disappoints me is his passion. I don't think a coach who never shows emotion on the sideline has ever won a Superbowl. Even Dungy showed some passion at certain points in the game. But hey, at least Lovie is dedicated to his players ("Rex is our quarterback").
Now let's look at the actual team. First off, as much as any Bears wants to think it, Hester is NOT a NO. 1 receiver, and he never will be. The bears managed to take away the best part of his game (kick returning). Way to go coaches. Cutler was a disappointment this season. Almost challenging Brett Favre's interception record. Yet, one stat many fans probably don't know; Cutler has a career-high in TD passes this year. (It probably helped playing the Lions twice). Despite his record, he still led the team to a underachieving 7-9 record. I think two years ago, former Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad said WR's go to Chicago to die. I agree, but maybe he meant QB's too.
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