Northwestern University’s women’s soccer team is under investigation for an alleged hazing incident. Photos of the alleged hazing appeared Monday on Badjocks.com, an internet site that claims to expose athletes' bad behavior. While the incident is under investigation by school officials, the girls’ soccer team is barred from participating in any activities.
When the story broke earlier this week, my initial reaction was one of surprise and shock. What disturbed me most about the photos is that they are of female athletes. You simply do not expect to see that kind of behavior by young women, especially those attending a top level school such as Northwestern. “Why are they doing this?” I asked. “Where is their common sense? Why don’t they just stand up and say no, or just walk away.”
Even former members of the women's soccer team reportedly were upset by the photos. In a Sun-Times article, former players Gina Napoli and Katie Hertz said such incidents did not occur when they were on the team.
Sometimes team spirit has a stronger hold on a young athlete than personal integrity.
However, as I hear more about the alleged incident from the NU players as well as sports writers and fans, I’ve changed my perspective. I was once a college student, and I remember I did some stupid, crazy stuff too. And I wasn’t a college jock by any means.
Campus parties and social events are part of college life, and often take the pressure off of studying and competition. It's the social life that makes college fun and exciting for many students. Hazing, or initiation rituals, are common on college campuses.
The danger in hazing occurs when students are physically injured. A case in point, 14 members of a fraternity at Southern Arkansas University who were charged with hazing recently settled a lawsuit alleging they beat a pledge so badly that he spent 11 days in a hospital, had to have kidney dialysis and required skin graft surgery. Now that's going too far.
While most hazing incidents do not result in serious injury, it can happen. Fortunately, no one was physically injured in this incident. What will likely receive the most damage is the university’s reputation.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Unsung Heroes and a Triple Play
You know when things are going well for you when you complete a triple play.
It was fun to watch the White Sox turn in a triple play last night against the Minnesota Twins. Better yet, the play ended what could have been a big inning for the Twins.
To make matters worse for the Twins, Scott Podsednik and backup catcher Chris Widger both hit their first home runs of the year in today's Sox victory. Pods hasn't hit a home run in the regular season since late September 2004 when he was with the Brewers. Rob Machowiak added three hits. So the Sox got their offensive power from three guys you least expect -- a nice change of pace.
Scottie is now batting .300. Not bad considering he was hitting .039 about a month ago.
Yes, things are going well for the Sox. Party on....
It was fun to watch the White Sox turn in a triple play last night against the Minnesota Twins. Better yet, the play ended what could have been a big inning for the Twins.
To make matters worse for the Twins, Scott Podsednik and backup catcher Chris Widger both hit their first home runs of the year in today's Sox victory. Pods hasn't hit a home run in the regular season since late September 2004 when he was with the Brewers. Rob Machowiak added three hits. So the Sox got their offensive power from three guys you least expect -- a nice change of pace.
Scottie is now batting .300. Not bad considering he was hitting .039 about a month ago.
Yes, things are going well for the Sox. Party on....
Minor League Team Introduces "Bud Squealig"
My good friend Amy lives in St. Paul, Minn. On several previous visits to her town, she has tried to persuade me to go to a minor league baseball game featuring the St. Paul Saints. She says the games are fun because of their quirky promotions and gags.
After reading about the renaming of their team mascot, which happens to be a pig, now I understand why.
After reading about the renaming of their team mascot, which happens to be a pig, now I understand why.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Moms and Sports
Happy Mother's Day!
I'm neither a mom or an athlete (just a weekend warrior), but I think one of the most underrated roles in sports is that of an athlete's mom. they're the ones who make the most sacrifices to help their kids succeed in sports. For example, in an interview with Comcast Sports Net recently, Jon Garland of the White Sox, for example, credits his mom for introducing him to baseball and helping him practice his pitching.
But I think a role that may even be tougher is a woman who is both an athlete and a mom. The have to strive for balance in their lives. How do you train for your sport while also taking care of your child?
Jo-Ann Burleigh of Vancouver, BC, was an assistant coach with the Canadian Women's Paralympic Basketball team. In 2000, she gave birth to her daughter Rylie. In an interview with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, Burleigh says, "There is absolutely no reason to lose sight of your dreams when a child comes into the picture. If anything, it's more of a reason to accomplish your dreams so you can share it with the ones you love."
So to all the female athletes who are also moms, I wish you Happy Mother's Day.
On a related note, congratulations to Chicago Bandits pitcher and former Olympian Jennie Finch on the birth of her first child earlier this month. Also Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders gave birth to her first child in April.
Jennie Finch
I'm neither a mom or an athlete (just a weekend warrior), but I think one of the most underrated roles in sports is that of an athlete's mom. they're the ones who make the most sacrifices to help their kids succeed in sports. For example, in an interview with Comcast Sports Net recently, Jon Garland of the White Sox, for example, credits his mom for introducing him to baseball and helping him practice his pitching.
But I think a role that may even be tougher is a woman who is both an athlete and a mom. The have to strive for balance in their lives. How do you train for your sport while also taking care of your child?
Jo-Ann Burleigh of Vancouver, BC, was an assistant coach with the Canadian Women's Paralympic Basketball team. In 2000, she gave birth to her daughter Rylie. In an interview with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, Burleigh says, "There is absolutely no reason to lose sight of your dreams when a child comes into the picture. If anything, it's more of a reason to accomplish your dreams so you can share it with the ones you love."
So to all the female athletes who are also moms, I wish you Happy Mother's Day.On a related note, congratulations to Chicago Bandits pitcher and former Olympian Jennie Finch on the birth of her first child earlier this month. Also Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders gave birth to her first child in April.
Jennie Finch
Kerry Wood Rejoins Cub Rotation
Admidst the Chicago Cubs dismal record in the past two weeks, there is one glimmer of hope. Kerry Wood will make his first start of the year on Thursday against the Washington Nationals.
Wood has pitched well in two minor-league starts, and Cub Nation is hopeful that he can continue that performance level when he rejoins the club this week. If Wood has any success, let's hope that it's contagious, and the rest of the team can pick up the momentum.
Wood has pitched well in two minor-league starts, and Cub Nation is hopeful that he can continue that performance level when he rejoins the club this week. If Wood has any success, let's hope that it's contagious, and the rest of the team can pick up the momentum.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Aaron Rowand, Meet Mr. Fence
Before being traded to the Phillies in the off season, former Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand had developed a reputation as a player who could make great catches even while crashing into the outfield wall. Sox fans loved his playing style, how he could give it his all and punish his body in the process.
Last night, Philly fans saw the Aaron Rowand that we know and love. After Rowand made an amazing over-the-shoulder catch for the third out in the first inning, he crashed into the outfield fence. He fell to the ground and lifted his glove in the air to show he had made the catch.
For his effort, Rowand got lacerations around his eye, a broken nose, and a standing ovation from an appreciative crowd.
Last night, Philly fans saw the Aaron Rowand that we know and love. After Rowand made an amazing over-the-shoulder catch for the third out in the first inning, he crashed into the outfield fence. He fell to the ground and lifted his glove in the air to show he had made the catch.
For his effort, Rowand got lacerations around his eye, a broken nose, and a standing ovation from an appreciative crowd.
Cubs Continue to Sink (Or Is It Stink)?
I know I haven't written a lot about the Chicago Cubs since starting my blog. There's not a whole lot I can say about a team that is trying to find its identity, let alone a victory or two.
The Cubs lost again today by a score of 10-5 to the San Diego Padres. They looked sloppy and disjointed. They have no offense, no pitching, and after today's game, not much defense either. They've only won once in their last 10 games.
You wonder if Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker even have a plan to put together a winning team and get to the postseason. Granted, they lost Derrek Lee to an injury until at least July, and their starting pitching rotation has three rookies. So you're probably not going to win many games.
At the beginning of this season, I was hopeful that the Cubs off-season moves would improve the team. I like the addition of Juan Pierre, Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre. For the first few weeks, the Cubs did generate some excitement and were playing better baseball. But with Lee's injury, it seems the air has gone out of this team, and you wonder how they will get it back.
What's troubling is that none of the Cub players has stepped forward, either on the field or in the clubhouse. And Baker seems at a loss what to do. The sign of a good manager is being able to motivate a team when they are not at their best or are without some of their best players. So you wonder if Baker is the manager the Cubs hoped he would be.
A sign of a good baseball team is one that is still able to compete even when they lose one or two players. You would think the way the Cubs have been playing that Derrek Lee was a team of one. But a team's success depends on contributions from all the players, not just one person. Where is the rest of the team on this Cub team?
The Cubs lost again today by a score of 10-5 to the San Diego Padres. They looked sloppy and disjointed. They have no offense, no pitching, and after today's game, not much defense either. They've only won once in their last 10 games.
You wonder if Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker even have a plan to put together a winning team and get to the postseason. Granted, they lost Derrek Lee to an injury until at least July, and their starting pitching rotation has three rookies. So you're probably not going to win many games.
At the beginning of this season, I was hopeful that the Cubs off-season moves would improve the team. I like the addition of Juan Pierre, Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre. For the first few weeks, the Cubs did generate some excitement and were playing better baseball. But with Lee's injury, it seems the air has gone out of this team, and you wonder how they will get it back.
What's troubling is that none of the Cub players has stepped forward, either on the field or in the clubhouse. And Baker seems at a loss what to do. The sign of a good manager is being able to motivate a team when they are not at their best or are without some of their best players. So you wonder if Baker is the manager the Cubs hoped he would be.
A sign of a good baseball team is one that is still able to compete even when they lose one or two players. You would think the way the Cubs have been playing that Derrek Lee was a team of one. But a team's success depends on contributions from all the players, not just one person. Where is the rest of the team on this Cub team?
Thursday, May 11, 2006
McCarthy to Return to Starting Role
You knew this would happen sooner or later.
The White Sox reported today that McCarthy will likely start next Tuesday's opener against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Sox should have started McCarthy last night against the Angels. Instead they brought up a young knuckleballer, Charlie Haeger, who proved he was not quite ready for prime time. He was erratic and walked six batters in four innings. When he left the game, the Sox were losing 6-0.
Enter McCarthy who was brilliant in four innings of work. He shut down the Angels, which allowed the White Sox to get back into the game. The score was 6-5 going into the ninth inning. Alas, the Sox bullpen imploded again for the second time in a week, and the Sox lost 12-5.
For Haeger's fine effort, the Sox sent him back down to Triple A today.
The White Sox reported today that McCarthy will likely start next Tuesday's opener against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Sox should have started McCarthy last night against the Angels. Instead they brought up a young knuckleballer, Charlie Haeger, who proved he was not quite ready for prime time. He was erratic and walked six batters in four innings. When he left the game, the Sox were losing 6-0.
Enter McCarthy who was brilliant in four innings of work. He shut down the Angels, which allowed the White Sox to get back into the game. The score was 6-5 going into the ninth inning. Alas, the Sox bullpen imploded again for the second time in a week, and the Sox lost 12-5.
For Haeger's fine effort, the Sox sent him back down to Triple A today.
Barry Bonds Homerun Watch
I know the Cubs had a difficult West Coast road trip, going 1-8. But there's one thing they did manage to accomplish. Their pitchers did not give up a home run to Barry Bonds.
Bonds is still at 713 homeruns, one shy of Babe Ruth on the all-time homerun list.
I don't know about you, but I am having a hard time getting excited about Bonds' chase to baseball immortality. True, it is a remarkable accomplishment. But two other players have already accomplished this feat before him, and others may follow somewhere down the line.
Bonds is still at 713 homeruns, one shy of Babe Ruth on the all-time homerun list.
I don't know about you, but I am having a hard time getting excited about Bonds' chase to baseball immortality. True, it is a remarkable accomplishment. But two other players have already accomplished this feat before him, and others may follow somewhere down the line.
(I remember watching Hank Aaron's 715th homerun which surpassed Babe Ruth, but I was too young to understand its significance in baseball history.) As each record falls by the wayside, there will be less fanfare.
Bonds has always been a controversial player. The cloud of suspicion hanging over him regarding steroids usage doesn't help. It makes me wonder how much of his success was achieved by dishonest means.
All-Star Balloting Underway
It's never too early to begin voting for your favorite players for the All-Star game on July 11, 2006, in Pittsburgh. By winning the World Series, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen will manage the American League team. Once all the fans and players have had their say, Guillen will get to choose six players to fill out his roster. So if Thome, Konerko, Crede, Dye or Contreras don't make the team by voting fans and players, you can bet Guillen will select them. Count on it.
It will be interesting to see how fans and players will vote on the White Sox players and if being World Series champions will change their luck. Historically, the Sox have been overlooked at All-Star time in favor of the Yankee or Red Sox players du jour. I would hope the visibility and success from last season would create more votes for the World Champs.
You can vote on MLB.com or any of your favorite team's web site.
It will be interesting to see how fans and players will vote on the White Sox players and if being World Series champions will change their luck. Historically, the Sox have been overlooked at All-Star time in favor of the Yankee or Red Sox players du jour. I would hope the visibility and success from last season would create more votes for the World Champs.
You can vote on MLB.com or any of your favorite team's web site.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Think Pink
If you plan to see a major league baseball game this Mother's Day, you might see an unusual sight during the game -- pink baseball bats.
About 400 pink bats are being produced especially for this Sunday's games as a way to commemorate breast cancer awareness. Many of the top hitters have said they will use them, including David Ortiz, Jim Edmonds and Derek Jeter.
It's a novel idea. Between the pink bats and the Strikeout Challenge that the league is also sponsoring in partnership with the Komen Foundation, major league baseball is showing its softer side and a lot of class. Breast cancer affects everyone -- male and female. It affects sons and daughters, husbands, friends and coworkers. It affects families, and baseball is a family-friendly sport. By supporting a health issue that primarily affects women, the league is recognizing how important women are in our society -- as moms and as baseball fans.
About 400 pink bats are being produced especially for this Sunday's games as a way to commemorate breast cancer awareness. Many of the top hitters have said they will use them, including David Ortiz, Jim Edmonds and Derek Jeter.
It's a novel idea. Between the pink bats and the Strikeout Challenge that the league is also sponsoring in partnership with the Komen Foundation, major league baseball is showing its softer side and a lot of class. Breast cancer affects everyone -- male and female. It affects sons and daughters, husbands, friends and coworkers. It affects families, and baseball is a family-friendly sport. By supporting a health issue that primarily affects women, the league is recognizing how important women are in our society -- as moms and as baseball fans.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Contreras Lands on Disabled List
When the story broke last night that Jose Contreras may have to go on the 15-day disabled list, it came as a surprise. If Contreras was hurting, he hid it well. But with a sore hip and back, the White Sox are taking no chances with the best pitcher in baseball. Contreras will rest his back and be ready for the series against the Cubs beginning May 19th.
I'm not worried. With our pitching depth, the Sox should continue to play well and win ball games. As I watch the Sox battle the Angels tonight, I can't help but feel that regardless how well they have played so far this season, this team has not even begun to hit its stride. There are still a few pitching issues that the team needs to work out, especially in the bullpen. And there are some concerns about Brian Anderson's offensive woes. But these are not bad problems to have.
If the Sox feel any pressure after winning the World Series last year, they are not showing it. They seem relaxed and loose, both on and off the field. It's hard to imagine them losing their edge this season.
I'm not worried. With our pitching depth, the Sox should continue to play well and win ball games. As I watch the Sox battle the Angels tonight, I can't help but feel that regardless how well they have played so far this season, this team has not even begun to hit its stride. There are still a few pitching issues that the team needs to work out, especially in the bullpen. And there are some concerns about Brian Anderson's offensive woes. But these are not bad problems to have.
If the Sox feel any pressure after winning the World Series last year, they are not showing it. They seem relaxed and loose, both on and off the field. It's hard to imagine them losing their edge this season.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Iran Reverses Decision about Women
I knew it was too good to be true.
Recently I reported in this blog that Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he would allow women to attend soccer matches. But in a sudden reversal today, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei overruled the move and now Iranian women will not be allowed to attend soccer games. Under the Islamic Republic's constitution, Iran's supreme leader has the final say.
One step forward, two steps back.....
Recently I reported in this blog that Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he would allow women to attend soccer matches. But in a sudden reversal today, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei overruled the move and now Iranian women will not be allowed to attend soccer games. Under the Islamic Republic's constitution, Iran's supreme leader has the final say.
One step forward, two steps back.....
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Barbaro Wins the Kentucky Derby
I don't usually follow horse racing, but I will tune into the Kentucky Derby. I love to watch the horses run; they're such beautiful animals and so dignified and graceful. I'd love to go the the Kentucky Derby someday, if anything to sip a mint julep or two.
Barbaro won the 132nd run for the roses yesterday, in a field of strong contenders. He was not among the horses I had picked to finish in the top three. But he proved to be so outstanding -- he won the race by nearly seven lengths.
The most impressive and inspiring story, though, is that of his trainer, Michael Matz. During the NBC telecast, the network ran a feature on Matz, a victim of the plane that crashed in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1989. He ran into the fiery plane wreckage and save three children who had been on the plane on their way to visit their grandmother. Those three children met Matz yesterday for the first time since the crash and witnessed Barbaro's triumphant victory.
Matz is also a three-time Olympian in equestrian riding. He carried the American flag in the closing ceremonies at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
I'm a sucker for these feel-good stories about triumph over tragedy. What an inspiration to us all.
Barbaro won the 132nd run for the roses yesterday, in a field of strong contenders. He was not among the horses I had picked to finish in the top three. But he proved to be so outstanding -- he won the race by nearly seven lengths.
The most impressive and inspiring story, though, is that of his trainer, Michael Matz. During the NBC telecast, the network ran a feature on Matz, a victim of the plane that crashed in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1989. He ran into the fiery plane wreckage and save three children who had been on the plane on their way to visit their grandmother. Those three children met Matz yesterday for the first time since the crash and witnessed Barbaro's triumphant victory.
Matz is also a three-time Olympian in equestrian riding. He carried the American flag in the closing ceremonies at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
I'm a sucker for these feel-good stories about triumph over tragedy. What an inspiration to us all.
MLB Strike Out Breast Cancer Campaign Begins Today
A few weeks ago, I wrote that Major League Baseball and The Komen Foundation were teaming up for the Strikeout Challenge to raise money for breast cancer. The campaign begins today and runs through next Sunday, Mother's Day.
Fans and players can go to MLB.com to make a pledge on the number of strikeouts that will be recorded in games played during this week-long program. Or you can make a donation directly to the Komen Foundation. Details can be found on both web sites.
I plan to make a pledge and hope you will too.
Fans and players can go to MLB.com to make a pledge on the number of strikeouts that will be recorded in games played during this week-long program. Or you can make a donation directly to the Komen Foundation. Details can be found on both web sites.
I plan to make a pledge and hope you will too.
Bulls Can't Take the Heat
The Bulls season came to an anti-climactic end Thursday night. While I was impressed that the Bulls made such a strong run at the end of the regular season to make the playoffs, I was disappointed that they did not perform as well as they could have in their series against the Heat. Especially after the way they played in games 3 and 4 at the United Center, I really hoped that those games had turned the series in the Bulls' favor. But the experience of Shaq, Wade and company proved to be too much. I think I am more disappointed in the way they played in games 5 and 6 rather than the fact they were eliminated.
If anything, the Bulls gained more playoff experience. They're still learning and growing together as a team. I think they're just one or two players away from being a very good team.
Arakawa to Turn Pro
In an expected announcment, women's figure skating Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa is quitting competitive skating. Arakawa is the first ever Asian to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport.
After winning the gold medal in Turin, Arakawa did not compete at the World Championships in Calgary in March. She plans to perform in ice shows in Japan and the U.S.
There is still some speculation about whether Michelle Kwan will retire. She has said that she wants to remain Olympic eligible. Earlier this spring, Sasha Cohen said she would remain in competitive skating and go for the gold in Vancouver in 2010.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Who is the Best Pitcher in Chicago?
After today's White Sox victory over the Seattle Mariners, Jose Contreras has now 5-0 this season with a 1.42 ERA. He has won 13 straight regular season games going back to last August. He was name the AL Pitcher of the Month for April, an honor he also won last September -- two regular season months in a row.
Greg Maddux of the Cubs is no slouch either. Although he did lose the game last night against the Diamondbacks, he has won four games this season and, at times, seems unhittable. He has never had such a strong start to the season. What amazes me about Mad Dog is that he is able to stay healthy almost his entire career, thanks to his conditioning and preparation. Other pitchers could take a few lessons from him, such as his teammates Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. He certainly does not look like a pitcher that is ready to retire at the end of this season.
Who is the best pitcher in Chicago at this time? I give the nod to Contreras. The Yankees must look at his record and wonder why he never pitched this way when he was with their team.
In any case, I would not be surprised if both Maddux and Contreras made it to the All-Star game this year. For Contreras, it would be a proper reward for all his hard work and talents. For Maddux, it would be a fitting conclusion to a proflific career.
Greg Maddux of the Cubs is no slouch either. Although he did lose the game last night against the Diamondbacks, he has won four games this season and, at times, seems unhittable. He has never had such a strong start to the season. What amazes me about Mad Dog is that he is able to stay healthy almost his entire career, thanks to his conditioning and preparation. Other pitchers could take a few lessons from him, such as his teammates Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. He certainly does not look like a pitcher that is ready to retire at the end of this season.
Who is the best pitcher in Chicago at this time? I give the nod to Contreras. The Yankees must look at his record and wonder why he never pitched this way when he was with their team.
In any case, I would not be surprised if both Maddux and Contreras made it to the All-Star game this year. For Contreras, it would be a proper reward for all his hard work and talents. For Maddux, it would be a fitting conclusion to a proflific career.
U. S. Olympic Committee to Visit Chicago Next Week
For years, Mayor Daley has expressed his desire to bring the summer Olympic games to Chicago. Apparently, he's getting very serious about his intentions for the 2016 games.
Next week, members of the United States Olympic Committee will be visiting Chicago to discuss the bidding process. Competition to host the 2016 games is expected to be fierce as the USOC will also visit Houston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
As a native Chicagoan, I think it would be neat to bring the games so close to home. We have the basic infrastructures in place -- plenty of hotel space, good public transportation system, some solid venues like the United Center and Soldier Field. We probably need to build a swimming and diving venue and could tap into nearby communities, Northwest Indiana and even Milwaukee for other event venues.
Last week, Tokyo submitted their bid to host the 2016 games.
Next week, members of the United States Olympic Committee will be visiting Chicago to discuss the bidding process. Competition to host the 2016 games is expected to be fierce as the USOC will also visit Houston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
As a native Chicagoan, I think it would be neat to bring the games so close to home. We have the basic infrastructures in place -- plenty of hotel space, good public transportation system, some solid venues like the United Center and Soldier Field. We probably need to build a swimming and diving venue and could tap into nearby communities, Northwest Indiana and even Milwaukee for other event venues.
Last week, Tokyo submitted their bid to host the 2016 games.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Baseball Month in Review
The first month of the baseball season is in the books, and based on the performance of the Cubs and White Sox so far, I would say 2006 is a mirror image to 2005.
The Cubs have started out strong and are an improved team over last year -- a 13-10 record in April compared with 12-11 last year. But they were in second place a year ago and fourth place this year. At times, the Cubs have played brilliantly and other times, shaky and inconsistent.
I like the additions of Juan Pierre, Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre. Pierre gives them the lead off spark they need, similar to what Scott Podsednik has done for the Southsiders. But the Cubs have also lost Derrek Lee for three months, so the other starters must step up offensively. As of tonight, three rookie pitchers are starting for the team -- Angel Guzman, Rich Hill and Shaun Marshall. With any luck, Kerry Wood and Mark Prior will return to the team in June, and hopefully that will spark the team. It's up to the rest of the team to stay afloat until then. My grade for the month of April: B
As for the World Champs, after a slow start the first week of the season, they have gradually improved to a 17-7 record for April, matching their record in 2005. They're in first place, one and a half games ahead of Detroit. Ditto for 2005, except the second place team was Minnesota.
Jim Thome has made an immediate impact, and his presence in the lineup is helping the other hitters. Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye and Joe Crede usually start out slow, but all three players are hitting above or near .300. Podsednik had a very slow start, at one point hitting .039. Before tonight's game, Scottie is hitting .250 and he has hit safely in 12 of 13 games. The Sox also finished strong in April, and looked impressive in a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the first time they've swept the Angels in California since 1992. On paper, the Sox are an improved ball club, and they are playing up to their potential so far. If they stay healthy, like they did in 2005, the Sox should continue to play well. My grade: A-
The Cubs have started out strong and are an improved team over last year -- a 13-10 record in April compared with 12-11 last year. But they were in second place a year ago and fourth place this year. At times, the Cubs have played brilliantly and other times, shaky and inconsistent.
I like the additions of Juan Pierre, Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre. Pierre gives them the lead off spark they need, similar to what Scott Podsednik has done for the Southsiders. But the Cubs have also lost Derrek Lee for three months, so the other starters must step up offensively. As of tonight, three rookie pitchers are starting for the team -- Angel Guzman, Rich Hill and Shaun Marshall. With any luck, Kerry Wood and Mark Prior will return to the team in June, and hopefully that will spark the team. It's up to the rest of the team to stay afloat until then. My grade for the month of April: B
As for the World Champs, after a slow start the first week of the season, they have gradually improved to a 17-7 record for April, matching their record in 2005. They're in first place, one and a half games ahead of Detroit. Ditto for 2005, except the second place team was Minnesota.
Jim Thome has made an immediate impact, and his presence in the lineup is helping the other hitters. Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye and Joe Crede usually start out slow, but all three players are hitting above or near .300. Podsednik had a very slow start, at one point hitting .039. Before tonight's game, Scottie is hitting .250 and he has hit safely in 12 of 13 games. The Sox also finished strong in April, and looked impressive in a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the first time they've swept the Angels in California since 1992. On paper, the Sox are an improved ball club, and they are playing up to their potential so far. If they stay healthy, like they did in 2005, the Sox should continue to play well. My grade: A-
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