Part I
- Linebrink gives up late lead - why not put in Dotel?
Part II
- The 2010 free-agent class is loaded, but should the Bulls go after anyone in the 2009 class?
- Should the Bears go after Plaxico or Brandon Marshall?
Part III
- Thoughts on the Donte Stallworth sentence
- Phil Mickelson returns
Part IV
- No excitement for Crosstown Series?
- Dumb Cubs fans
Part V
- Dude's Garbage and Dude's Nasty
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 11 - Sox take two of five from Detroit - what's next?
The Sox lose a 9th-inning lead, and there are questions abound about which direction the Sox should go.
They rally to beat the Tigers - but where do they go from here? And should the Bears pursue a backup quarterback?
Looking ahead to Cubs-Sox, and what's up with Derrick Rose flashing gang signs?
Is Lovie Smith the 20th-best coach in the NFL?
Time for Dude's Garbage.
Final thoughts on the Sox...
They rally to beat the Tigers - but where do they go from here? And should the Bears pursue a backup quarterback?
Looking ahead to Cubs-Sox, and what's up with Derrick Rose flashing gang signs?
Is Lovie Smith the 20th-best coach in the NFL?
Time for Dude's Garbage.
Final thoughts on the Sox...
June 11 Preview
Plenty on tap to talk about tonight.
Should the Bears go after a backup quarterback, or are they okay with Caleb Hanie or Brett Basanez?
Should the Sox be and will they be buyers or sellers when the trade deadline comes?
Show starts at 6 p.m. at www.roosevelt.edu/wrbc/.
Should the Bears go after a backup quarterback, or are they okay with Caleb Hanie or Brett Basanez?
Should the Sox be and will they be buyers or sellers when the trade deadline comes?
Show starts at 6 p.m. at www.roosevelt.edu/wrbc/.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Gotta like the future of RU sports
New Roosevelt athletic director Mike Cassidy stopped in last Thursday to talk about the return of RU sports, and I have to admit, I like a lot of what I heard.
Three issues in particular that Cassidy touched upon impressed me:
1.) Cassidy wants to take his time before officially fielding teams, choosing to field teams of players he feels are qualifed instead of just fielding a team comprised of just anyone. Let's have legit, high-quality athletes competing. There's a long-term plan for RU athletics, and I'd much rather have a 2012 basketball team with 12 quality guys than a 2011 team with a few guys who might deserve to be there, a few more who were recruited late and a few more who played a couple years in high school. Let's start with quality. Good call. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.
2.) Cassidy wants a quality facility that is near the RU campus and gives first priority to RU athletics, and he says plans to build an on-campus fieldhouse are "in the works." He also wants to make a deal with other colleges in the Loop and make a large outdoor playing facility that the schools would share. Playing at UIC, North Central or North Park is no way to go, at least after the first few years. RU athletes will probably feel inferior, like guests, when they host games or matches. A quality facility, a place that RU athletes can feel is their own, even if they're sharing it with students from nearby schools, is critical to the success of athletic programs and will help bring better high school players to the school. Athletes want to play at places they feel are their own - they want that home-field or home-court advantage. Playing home games at North Central won't give that home-field advantage, won't get any RU teams respect from opponents and won't bring quality players to the school. And what Roosevelt athlete will want to get on a bus and ride out to North Central or even UIC for a game? A simple walk or short bus ride to their own facility would be much more appealing. Let's build something on campus, or at least right here downtown. A quality facility (or multiple facilities) set downtown just off Lake Michigan would likely be a big draw to recruits. Let's be honest: NAIA and even Division III events don't draw crowds of thousands. But if there's a game downtown, thousands of people will be walking or riding by, and plenty would likely take a look at a soccer game or outdoor event going on. An outdoor facility set downtown has the potential for a buzzing, exciting environment. Either facility (the fieldhouse or an outdoor one) could also be used to host big high school games - and help even more with recruiting. It's easy to picture a high school soccer or baseball player playing a big game on a nice night along the lake, with downtown buzzing with people, and thinking, This is a nice place to play. Facilities right in the heart of the Loop? Good call.
3.) Cassidy wants coaches of the new teams to help monitor over intramural programs involving their sport at the university. RU certainly could use a better intramural program - students know little about opportunities to play soccer, basketball or other sports that are so popular at other schools. Better intramural programs lead to happier students and more high school students coming to RU. As an RU graduate student, I don't even know of any intramural programs, but I know I'd be interested in several sports if they were available. Several students have told me the same. Let's do a better job offering intramurals to students. Good call.
Want to listen to the entire interview? Go ahead.
Three issues in particular that Cassidy touched upon impressed me:
1.) Cassidy wants to take his time before officially fielding teams, choosing to field teams of players he feels are qualifed instead of just fielding a team comprised of just anyone. Let's have legit, high-quality athletes competing. There's a long-term plan for RU athletics, and I'd much rather have a 2012 basketball team with 12 quality guys than a 2011 team with a few guys who might deserve to be there, a few more who were recruited late and a few more who played a couple years in high school. Let's start with quality. Good call. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.
2.) Cassidy wants a quality facility that is near the RU campus and gives first priority to RU athletics, and he says plans to build an on-campus fieldhouse are "in the works." He also wants to make a deal with other colleges in the Loop and make a large outdoor playing facility that the schools would share. Playing at UIC, North Central or North Park is no way to go, at least after the first few years. RU athletes will probably feel inferior, like guests, when they host games or matches. A quality facility, a place that RU athletes can feel is their own, even if they're sharing it with students from nearby schools, is critical to the success of athletic programs and will help bring better high school players to the school. Athletes want to play at places they feel are their own - they want that home-field or home-court advantage. Playing home games at North Central won't give that home-field advantage, won't get any RU teams respect from opponents and won't bring quality players to the school. And what Roosevelt athlete will want to get on a bus and ride out to North Central or even UIC for a game? A simple walk or short bus ride to their own facility would be much more appealing. Let's build something on campus, or at least right here downtown. A quality facility (or multiple facilities) set downtown just off Lake Michigan would likely be a big draw to recruits. Let's be honest: NAIA and even Division III events don't draw crowds of thousands. But if there's a game downtown, thousands of people will be walking or riding by, and plenty would likely take a look at a soccer game or outdoor event going on. An outdoor facility set downtown has the potential for a buzzing, exciting environment. Either facility (the fieldhouse or an outdoor one) could also be used to host big high school games - and help even more with recruiting. It's easy to picture a high school soccer or baseball player playing a big game on a nice night along the lake, with downtown buzzing with people, and thinking, This is a nice place to play. Facilities right in the heart of the Loop? Good call.
3.) Cassidy wants coaches of the new teams to help monitor over intramural programs involving their sport at the university. RU certainly could use a better intramural program - students know little about opportunities to play soccer, basketball or other sports that are so popular at other schools. Better intramural programs lead to happier students and more high school students coming to RU. As an RU graduate student, I don't even know of any intramural programs, but I know I'd be interested in several sports if they were available. Several students have told me the same. Let's do a better job offering intramurals to students. Good call.
Want to listen to the entire interview? Go ahead.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monique Davis: Re-affirming the reputation of Illinois politics
Last night, we gave Monique Davis a big Dude's Garbage award.
My argument last night (available under June 4 - Part IV) said a lot, but listen to her recent interview with WGN's Dave Kaplan to find out the basis of why we gave her this honor.
The interview
My argument last night (available under June 4 - Part IV) said a lot, but listen to her recent interview with WGN's Dave Kaplan to find out the basis of why we gave her this honor.
The interview
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Show 3 is up!
Find the third show in its entirety below. New Roosevelt AD Mike Cassidy stepped in to talk about the return of RU sports, and we're not fans of Sammy Sosa getting into the Hall of Fame. And an Illinois politician gets a big Dude's Garbage award.
June 4 - Part IV - Surprise in the Finals?
NBA Finals: Can the Magic surprise the Lakers? We think they have a shot.
And, we give out the most appropriate Dude's Nasty award yet, and an Illinois politician gets a Dude's Garbage award.
Listen!
And, we give out the most appropriate Dude's Nasty award yet, and an Illinois politician gets a Dude's Garbage award.
Listen!
June 4 - Part III - Does Sosa deserve to be in the Hall? And should the Bears get Plaxico?
Sammy Sosa announced he will formally announce his retirement soon. Does he deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? No way. Also, Bears players say they like Plaxico Burress - and Jerry Angelo should try to get him.
Listen!
Listen!
June 4 - Part II - Beckham debuts with Sox - is it too early?
Gordon Beckham debuts with the White Sox, but should Sox GM Kenny Williams have waited a bit longer before calling him up? And might it actually be better when the Sox face good pitching?
Listen!
Listen!
June 4 - Part I - New AD Mike Cassidy steps in
New Roosevelt athletic director talks about the return of Roosevelt sports. Roosevelt sports teams will compete at the NAIA level starting in the fall of 2010.
Note: I've previously said Roosevelt teams would begin competing in the fall of 2009. It will be the fall of 2010.
Listen!
More on Cassidy on the Roosevelt University Web site.
Contact Cassidy at mcassidy@roosevelt.edu.
Note: I've previously said Roosevelt teams would begin competing in the fall of 2009. It will be the fall of 2010.
Listen!
More on Cassidy on the Roosevelt University Web site.
Contact Cassidy at mcassidy@roosevelt.edu.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 4 Show Preview
Join us at 6 p.m. for an interview with new Roosevelt University athletic director Mike Cassidy, who will talk about the return of RU sports, which will compete at the NAIA level starting in the fall of 2010.
We'll also make our NBA Finals predictions and talk about the arrival of Gordon Beckham to the White Sox; also, Sammy Sosa's set to retire - will he make the Hall of Fame?
And, of course, we'll have our weekly Dude's Nasty award.
UPDATE (6/4, 10:05 a.m.): Gordon Beckham will bat eighth and play third base in today's 1:05 p.m. game. We'll analyze his premiere with the Sox at 6 p.m.
Also, the Sun-Times reports that Bears players want Plaxico Burress - should Jerry Angelo go after him?
We'll also make our NBA Finals predictions and talk about the arrival of Gordon Beckham to the White Sox; also, Sammy Sosa's set to retire - will he make the Hall of Fame?
And, of course, we'll have our weekly Dude's Nasty award.
UPDATE (6/4, 10:05 a.m.): Gordon Beckham will bat eighth and play third base in today's 1:05 p.m. game. We'll analyze his premiere with the Sox at 6 p.m.
Also, the Sun-Times reports that Bears players want Plaxico Burress - should Jerry Angelo go after him?
Ben's gotta go
New Bulls GM Gar Forman faces many critical decisions in his first summer on the job: who do we take with our two first-round picks? Should we try to re-sign Ben Gordon? Should we make a trade? Would anyone take Luol Deng's contract?
One question has a relatively simple answer: Don't re-sign Gordon. The fifth-year guard has got to go.
Sure, Gordon hits plenty of big shots, and he was the Bulls go-to guy all series versus the Celtics. But he was also the guy jogging after Ray Allen, known to hit a big shot or two, and he took numerous dumb shots, especially in Game 7. He's undersized as well.
Gordon wants big-time money, yet he's never made an All-Star game. Sorry, the Bulls' past offers were as fair as it gets. And Gordon didn't want them. And the Bulls shouldn't offer him any more.
If the Bulls do sign Gordon, then that could decrease the money they have for the summer of 2010, when guys like Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire will be free agents. Each of those guys is more valuable than Gordon, and signing one of them would make the Bulls a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. Can you imagine Derrick Rose running pick-and-rolls with Stoudemire or Bosh or running fast breaks with Wade?
I can.
And those images certainly look better than Ben Gordon jacking shots all over the place while letting guys do the same over him on the other end.
Gordon's good - he's just not a guy who deserves the money he wants. Don't be surprised, though, if a team like Golden St. signs him, a perennial loser that wants a guy ready to launch but willing to do little else.
The Bulls may be able to pick up a reliable off-guard or swing man in the draft to replace Gordon, and if they can sign Stoudemire or Bosh, suddenly they're looking at a Rose, "new guard," Bosh, Noah, Salmons lineup...and they could still have Deng, who, while overpaid is still valuable, Kirk Hinrich, who makes a fine third guard, and Tyrus Thomas to run alongside Rose. And one or two of those guys could be used in a trade to bring in another big name - including someone to replace Gordon.
So please, Forman, don't try to re-sign Gordon. We know you said you wanted to when you took over as GM, but please, just wait until next summer, and give that money to a free agent who's worth it.
One question has a relatively simple answer: Don't re-sign Gordon. The fifth-year guard has got to go.
Sure, Gordon hits plenty of big shots, and he was the Bulls go-to guy all series versus the Celtics. But he was also the guy jogging after Ray Allen, known to hit a big shot or two, and he took numerous dumb shots, especially in Game 7. He's undersized as well.
Gordon wants big-time money, yet he's never made an All-Star game. Sorry, the Bulls' past offers were as fair as it gets. And Gordon didn't want them. And the Bulls shouldn't offer him any more.
If the Bulls do sign Gordon, then that could decrease the money they have for the summer of 2010, when guys like Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire will be free agents. Each of those guys is more valuable than Gordon, and signing one of them would make the Bulls a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. Can you imagine Derrick Rose running pick-and-rolls with Stoudemire or Bosh or running fast breaks with Wade?
I can.
And those images certainly look better than Ben Gordon jacking shots all over the place while letting guys do the same over him on the other end.
Gordon's good - he's just not a guy who deserves the money he wants. Don't be surprised, though, if a team like Golden St. signs him, a perennial loser that wants a guy ready to launch but willing to do little else.
The Bulls may be able to pick up a reliable off-guard or swing man in the draft to replace Gordon, and if they can sign Stoudemire or Bosh, suddenly they're looking at a Rose, "new guard," Bosh, Noah, Salmons lineup...and they could still have Deng, who, while overpaid is still valuable, Kirk Hinrich, who makes a fine third guard, and Tyrus Thomas to run alongside Rose. And one or two of those guys could be used in a trade to bring in another big name - including someone to replace Gordon.
So please, Forman, don't try to re-sign Gordon. We know you said you wanted to when you took over as GM, but please, just wait until next summer, and give that money to a free agent who's worth it.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
First two shows are up
Find the first two shows in their entirety below. Audio can be played by clicking on the title of a post.
Don't forget: new Roosevelt University athletic director Mike Cassidy will be in studio Thursday, June 4 to talk about the return of RU sports.
Don't forget: new Roosevelt University athletic director Mike Cassidy will be in studio Thursday, June 4 to talk about the return of RU sports.
May 28 - Part III - Huet's nasty
- Dude's Nasty, Dude's Garbage: One nasty save - and 43 other ones - gets Cristobal Huet some love.
Listen!
Listen!
May 28 - Part II - Flip-flop time
- Flip-flop alert: Maybe the Bulls shouldn't re-sign Gordon...and maybe they shouldn't look to Pitt for their two first-round picks.
- JoePa wants Syracuse, Pitt or Rutgers - are there any schools worth pursuing as the 12th team in the Big Ten?
Listen!
- JoePa wants Syracuse, Pitt or Rutgers - are there any schools worth pursuing as the 12th team in the Big Ten?
Listen!
May 28 - Part I - A final grade for the Hawks; did Rose cheat?
- Final grade for the Blackhawks; let's just say you won't need anyone at Simeon to change this grade. Also, the Hawks don't have to beat the Red Wings next year to make progress.
- Derrick Rose may have cheated, but he or former coach John Calipari won't be in any trouble.
- Zambrano goes nuts; could this help the Cubs relax?
Listen!
- Derrick Rose may have cheated, but he or former coach John Calipari won't be in any trouble.
- Zambrano goes nuts; could this help the Cubs relax?
Listen!
Inaugural Show - May 21 - Part III - Dude's Nasty time
- We hand out our first-ever Dude's Nasty and Dude's Garbage awards (and an honorary Dudette's Nasty award). Hint: If you schedule a WWE event during the NBA playoffs, you're garbage.
- London can have the Pro Bowl, not the Super Bowl.
- Vick could return with Patriots.
Listen!
- London can have the Pro Bowl, not the Super Bowl.
- Vick could return with Patriots.
Listen!
Inaugural Show - May 21 - Part II - Pitt stop time for the Bulls?
- The Bulls should make two Pitt stops in the draft.
- We give John Paxson a final grade; you may be surprised, but just remember how bad the Bulls were when he took over.
- The Bulls should re-sign Ben Gordon - they need someone to score.
Listen!
- We give John Paxson a final grade; you may be surprised, but just remember how bad the Bulls were when he took over.
- The Bulls should re-sign Ben Gordon - they need someone to score.
Listen!
Inaugural Show - May 21 - Part I - Peavy rejects the Sox
Welcome aboard.
- Jake Peavy doesn't want to man up - and apparently doesn't remember 2005.
- The White Sox are in a disturbing trend that may remind fans of 2007.
- The Blackhawks are in trouble; going six games would be a moral victory.
- Cutler debuts in Bears attire; Bears should be fine in NFC North.
Listen!
- Jake Peavy doesn't want to man up - and apparently doesn't remember 2005.
- The White Sox are in a disturbing trend that may remind fans of 2007.
- The Blackhawks are in trouble; going six games would be a moral victory.
- Cutler debuts in Bears attire; Bears should be fine in NFC North.
Listen!
Podcasts will be up today
Podcasts from the first two shows will be up today around noon. We give out final grades to former Bulls GM John Paxson and the 2009 Blackhawks and tell you who the Bulls should take with their two first-round picks.
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