Sunday, April 30, 2006

Bulls Give Heat a Wake-Up Call

Anyone who thought the Chicago Bulls would lie down and play dead against the Miami Heat when the teams came to Chicago for games 3 and 4 of the NBA playoffs were sadly mistaken.

The Bulls may be the youngest team in the NBA playoffs, but they're not playing that way.
Not only did the baby Bulls come to play, they dominated a larger, more experienced Heat team. The Bulls have been aggressive, pushing the ball up the floor and going to the basket. Defensively, they have shut down Shaq, who has spent more time on the bench in foul trouble than on the floor.

With this Bulls victory, Miami has not won a postseason game in Chicago in nine tries. I expect a similar result for game 6 when the series returns to Chicago later this week. The Heat will not doubt be ready to play game 5. But if the Bulls can continue their aggressive play and keep the game close, they may be primed to win game 5 in Miami, setting up the possibility of closing out the series on their home floor. That would be a tremendous accomplishment for this young Bulls team.

Friday, April 28, 2006

When to Walk Away

When do you walk away from a sport you love?

At some point in time, every athlete must answer that question. Earlier this week, Brett Favre, decided to play for one more year for the Green Bay Packers. Michelle Kwan recently announced her intention to remain Olympic eligible. Andre Agassi is in his 30s and still playing tennis. Greg Maddux of the Chicago Cubs just turned 40 and is pitching better than ever. Any day now, Roger Clemens will be making his decision about if and where he will pitch this season.

On the other side of the equation, former running back Jerome Bettis retired after the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl. Lance Armstrong rode is his final Tour de France last summer.

It seems to me that every athlete, and every team for that matter, has a window of opportunity in which they reach their optimum level of performance. They peak physically, mentally and emotionally. Everything works in harmony. It is at this point that they are in the best position to perform at their best, break records, achieve recognition or win championships.

For some athletes, that window is open only a short time, perhaps a year or two. For figure skater Katerina Witt, that window lasted nearly eight years during the 1980s. The White Sox are in that "window" now. They've the good health, great talent, great coaching and strong support from fans and team management. They're in a good place right now, which bodes well for the team this season. How long will that window stay open for the Sox? We just have to wait and see.

As time goes on, that window begins to close. The physical, mental and emotional strengths that an athlete counted on eludes them. Opportunities to excel in their chosen sport become fewer and far between. And it seems harder and harder to get motivated to train and compete.

For some athletes, the physical body is still able to compete, but their heart just isn't into competing anymore. Barry Sanders, former running back for the Detroit Lions, walked away from football, even though physically he could have competed for another ten years if he wanted to.

Other athletes refuse to acknowledge what their bodies already know -- they can no longer compete the way they used to. Michelle Kwan, for example, should be walking away from figure skating -- with her head held high. She isn't the skater she used to be, and I doubt she will be able to recapture what she has lost in recent years. The window of opportunity has closed for Kwan. The Olympic gold medal that is missing from her trophy case will never be hers. And she must wake up to that reality, however harsh it may be.

Age, illness and injury can take its toll on an athlete's body. And team owners and coaches recognize that. That's why 'diminished clauses" in players' contracts are more commonplace in baseball these days.

Some athletes are fortunate enough to know when the time is right to walk away. Years of getting beaten up on the playing field finally took a toll on running back Jerome Bettis, but he stayed in football long enough to enjoy a Super Bowl title. Lance Armstrong walked away from competitive cycling after winning his seventh consecutive Tour de France.

It's one thing to say you love to play in your sport, but the real question is, does you love to compete? If that competitive fire has burned out, it's time to walk away and find a new outlet for your talents or a new career. Brett Favre, to his credit, has returned to football because his desire to compete is still strong and he still has the talent and physical ability to contribute to his team.

No one likes to admit that they've come to the end of the road, that they are no longer invincible. It takes a long realistic look in the mirror, and the courage to say, "I'm done. I've accomplished what I want to do, and I'm satisfied." That's when they're ready to walk away.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Iranian Women Allowed to Attend Soccer Matches

American sports fans take a lot of things for granted. Sometimes we forget just how good we have it here in the States. Especially as women sports fans, we can attend sporting events whenever we want and sit in the stands along with our male counterparts.

However, women in other parts of the world do not have the same freedoms we do. A case in point is Iran. For years, we have heard about the inequities that Iranian women experience in their country. Recently, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad agreed to allow women to attend soccer matches. Women would be seated in a separate section away from the more rowdy male spectators with the hope that their presence will "improve soccer-watching manners and promote a healthy atmosphere."

According to the article, Iranian women are often blamed for "being the source of corruption" in their country, which the Iranian President says is unfair.

While I am encouraged by this move and hope that it will lead to other changes for Iranian women, I am also cautious. There's still a lot more work to be done.

Wimbledon Prize Money Still Favors Men

Here's another example of apparent inequities in sports between men and women, this time in England of all places.

The All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, announced that the men's champion will earn $1.170 million while the women's champion will receive $1.117 million, a difference of $53,000 in British currency. That means that Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam tournament where the pay out for the men's champion is more than for the women's champion.

For years, the Australian and U.S. Open have paid the overall champions in the men's and women's events equally. Earlier this month, the French Open announced it would do the same.

Officials at the All England Club say that men deserve the higher prize money because they play five sets of tennis per match while women play only three.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

MLB and Komen Foundation Working to Strike Out Cancer

Here's some news that really caught my attention.

In the current Frontline newsletter published by The Komen Foundation, the organization is joining forces with MLB for the Strikeout Challenge, a weeklong program designed to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, and raise funds to support the mission of the Komen Foundation.

During the week of the Strikeout Challenge, fans and players can make a monetary pledge for each strikeout thrown during MLB games played between Sunday, May 7 to Sunday, May 14, 2006 by logging onto MLB.com. In addition to pledges per strikeout, fans and players can also donate directly to the Komen Foundation via MLB.com.

MLB Charities will donate $50,000 as part of the Strikeout Challenge program. During the 2005 Challenge, baseball pitchers threw 1,362 strikeouts.

As a woman and a baseball fan, I was really excited to read about Major League Baseball's commitment to this program. I plan to make a pledge, and hope you will too.

No More Night Games for Sox Organist

After 35 years playing for White Sox home games, organist Nancy Faust is getting nights off. According to a Chicago Tribune article, under Faust's new contract with the White Sox, she will only play for day games. Sounds like the end of an era.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Changes at the Cell and Wrigley Reflect Team Changes

While the Cubs were rebuilding their bleacher section in the off season, the White Sox replaced most of their blue seats at the Cell with green ones. I see these changes and I can't help but think of them as metaphors for what is happening with their respective teams.

As the Cubs rebuilt the bleacher section, they were also rebuilding their outfield. The three outfielders starting this season -- Matt Murton, Juan Pierre and Jacque Jones -- were not part of the team a year ago. And during the 2004 season, when blocks of concrete fell from the upper deck stands at Wrigley Field, I found it interesting that the team was also "falling apart." By the end of the season, it was in total disarray, highlighted by the exit of Sammy Sosa.

With the new seats at the Cell, perhaps the White Sox fan base may be changing? The Sox have made incremental improvements to the Cell over the past few years, just as they've tweaked and refined the team. It's only been within the last year or two that we are seeing the results of those changes. The Cell is more comfortable and fan-friendly since it's opening, and the Sox are now one of the elite teams in the league.

Bulls Surging to Post Season

Ok, so maybe I was wrong a few days ago when I wrote that the Bulls seemed to be heading in the wrong direction. Since their disappointing loss last Saturday to Philadelphia, the Bulls have won three games in a row, all in impressive fashion. I was especially impressed with their victory over the New Jersey Nets, which had won 13 or 14 games in a row. The Bulls were without Chris Duhon and Luol Deng, and they still managed to beat one of the hottesst teams in the NBA. After last night's victory over the Wizards, they now are in sole possession of the eighth playoff spot with three teams one game ahead of them. If they win all three of their remaining games, they will make the postseason with a .500 (41-41) record.

Sometimes I don't mind being proven wrong.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

No Power Shortage on the South Side

Maybe it's the Jim Thome effect, but the White Sox are off to a great offensive start. True, Thome has been the catalyst, blasting six home runs in the first nine games of the season and hitting a blistering .374. But the guys behind him aren't doing so bad either. Konerko and Dye, notorious slow starters, are hitting .324 and .333 respectively. Are these guys seeing the baseball better? Or are they just getting better pitches to hit? And is the hot-hitting Thome in the number three spot in the lineup having a residual effect on the rest of the lineup? If this is the type of offense we can expect to see this summer, this Sox team will be fun to watch.

On the downside, Jon Garland was not very sharp and seemed to revert back to his old pitching ways from 2004. Hopefully he can right the ship in the next few starts.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Battle of Chicago's First Basemen

Being from Chicago, I'm always asked which baseball team I cheer for. People look at me funny when I tell them that I follow both the White Sox and the Cubs. I enjoy the game of baseball - period. I consider myself lucky to have two teams to cheer for. Most cities are lucky if they have one. But truth be told, when the two Chicago teams face each other, I prefer the boys in black.

Which brings me to an interesting comparison of the two first basemen in this town: Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee. With Lee's contract extension today for five years at $65 million, he surpasses the $60-million deal that Konerko signed last fall. I think the Cubs learned from the White Sox' experience with Konerko and made sure they signed Lee to a deal as quickly as possible and avoided the free agency frenzy that might have occurred next fall.

Do these players deserve the money they're getting? At this point, I would say yes. But that can quickly change. An injury here, too many strikeouts there, and prolonged offensive slump there -- they can all add up to disgruntled fans and frustrated teams. Those high salaries can be dumped in a heartbeat.

For now, I'm pleased to see that both the Sox and Cubs see the value that these players bring to their teams. I love watching both players. Konerko and Lee are both consumate professionals on and off the field. They each have very good work ethic, are great teammates in the clubhouse and are good role models for younger players. Their quiet leadership inspires their teammates to perform their best. It's the intangibles that sets them apart from other players. Sometimes you can't always put a price tag on that.

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Bulls Heading in the Wrong Direction

Just when I thought it was safe to get excited about the Bulls, they play like amateurs. I watched a little bit of the Bulls game against the 76ers last night, and I was not impressed. They played inspired basketball in the four previous games and I was beginning to think they could finish strong heading into the postseason. They had a chance to gain another game on the 76ers in the playoff run for the eighth spot, and possibly move up to the seventh position, but they disappointed me again. The 76ers came to play, and simply outplayed the Bulls in every aspect of the game.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is still a very young team, prone to a lot of mistakes and inconsistent play. I never know what kind of Bulls team will take the floor from night to night. At this point, they will be lucky to make the playoffs and probably won't go very far if they did.

Brett Favre Still Undecided About His Future

Since the end of the 2005 NFL season, and perhaps even before the season began, football fans have been waiting for an official announcement from Brett Favre about his future as quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. Bear fans (including yours truly) are interested in Favre's decision as it may affect the balance in their division. Although, even if Favre does remain with the Packers, I think their team will continue to struggle. Their reign in the NFC North has come to an end.

My feeling is Favre will stick around for one more year, then retire at the end of next season. He is simply waiting to see what the Packers will do in the upcoming NFL draft before making a formal announcment about his future. I do think it's odd that he would call a press conference just to say he was still undecided. I mean, why bother? You call a press conference when you have important news to share.

So, we will continue to wait.....

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Cleveland Bids to Host World Figure Skating Championships

This week, members of the U. S. Figure Skating Association met with Cleveland city officials for a tour of the city. Cleveland is one of four cities vying to play host to the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships. This competition will be very important to all the skaters as it is the last World championships that take place before an Olympic year. Historically, the skaters who finish first at this competition before the Olympic year position themselves as favorites to win Olympic gold. And if the event takes place in a U.S. city, our American skaters should have a huge advantage.

A part of me hopes Cleveland wins the bid, just so I have somewhere to go in March 2009. I just returned from Calgary, Canada a couple of weeks ago for the World Championships there, and it was one of the most exciting competitive events I've ever attended. I would definitely go again, and Cleveland is a hop, skip and a jump away. I'll start saving my pennies now.

But another part of me is envious. I can't help but think, "Why not Chicago?" We're a major metropolitan city with lots of hotels, restaurants, transportation and sightseeing opportunities. We've got two possible venues for the event -- United Center and Allstate Arena.

Hmmmmm...something to ponder for the future. Hey, Mayor Daley, let's bring a major international skating event to our town first as a test for the Olympics. If we can handle that event, we can handle the Olympics.

Similar stories:
http://www.newsnet5.com/sports/8513724/detail.html

Me, Worry?

Am I worried? Ok, I've always been a bit of a worry wart. I'm not happy unless I'm worried about something. So, should I start worrying about the White Sox?

The World Champs have lost three games in a row, and worse, their pitching has not been stellar. Last night, Jon Garland looked terrific for the first four innings against the Kansas City Royals. Then the bottom fell out, KC scored five runs and eventually went on to win the game by a score of 11-7.

I know it's only the fourth game of the season, but I am a bit concerned about our starting pitching. They have not looked sharp. Before the season began, I felt that the Sox, despite having such a great team on paper, would struggle in the first few weeks. I think this trend will continue as long as Scott Podsednik remains gimpy with a hamstring problem.

I do think by June the Sox will right the ship. When the weather warms up, so will the Sox. I see them catching fire about mid June when they play the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astrols, if not sooner. And their momentum and offensive explosiveness will carry them to the post season.

So should I worry now? Well... maybe a little.

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Bears Look Ahead to an Easy 2006 Schedule

The NFL released the Bears schedule for 2006. With one of the easiest schedules, the Bears should have no problem repeating as division winners. The only question is how many victories they'll have -- 11, 12 or 13. Here's their schedule, with three games in prime time, including two on Monday Night Football.

9/10 at Green Bay Packers 3:15 p.m.
9/17 DETROIT LIONS Noon
9/24 at Minnesota Vikings Noon
10/1 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 7:15 p.m.
10/8 BUFFALO BILLS Noon
10/16 at Arizona Cardinals 7:30 p.m.
10/22 BYE
10/29 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Noon
11/5 MIAMI DOLPHINS Noon
11/12 at New York Giants Noon*
11/19 at New York Jets Noon*
11/26 at New England Patriots Noon*
12/3 MINNESOTA VIKINGS Noon*
12/11 at St. Louis Rams 7:30 p.m.
12/17 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Noon*
12/24 at Detroit Lions Noon
12/31 GREEN BAY PACKERS Noon*

* Game time subject to flexible schedule
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
All times listed are Central Time

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Calling All Women Sports Fans

I know you're out there. I've seen you at the sports bar -- alone -- watching your favorite football team on the big screen. I met you at the bus stop where we talked about the joy of winning a World Series Championship in Chicago, and you bemoaned the fact you had to watch the clinching game by yourself because none of your female friends would join you. Or if you're like me, as much as you love hanging out with your guy friends and talk sports with them, it's not the same thing as hanging out with the girls to watch the big game.

That's why I created this blog. This forum is for you, a place to share your thoughts and commentaries about the world of sports. Consider this an open invitation to comment on my rantings and ravings, ask a question, or provide a unique insight. I want to hear from you. I know you're out there. Let yourself be heard.