What to look for in the month of May

After one month of Chicago baseball, the Bears draft, and the Bulls never ending season here is some things to look for in the month of May.

1. Since the White Sox seem to get older by the month look for them to have seven stolen bases this month. Also, when you get older your eye sight seems to give, so batting .227 as a team seems more reasonable than the tremendous .237 they hit in April.

2. The Chicago Cubs had a team record 17 wins in April. The Cubs will be going in the last game of month for win number 18, but Wood blows the save. Therefore, look for Cub great Mark DeRosa to go to skipper Lou Pinealla and suggest he should close. Not only do Cub fans think he is great at everything, but so does he.

3. Since I am a betting man, my bet would be the next time the Reds visit Wrigley, Marty Brennaman will leave with less teeth than he came with.

4. The Bears will sell Matt Forte to the fans because he can be a three down back with his good blocking skills. A good three down back that can block for the QB will definitely be an upgrade for the running game. Did Angelo mention he runs straight up and had a 300 yard game against SMU?

5. First, the Bulls will be in a heated search for a head coach. Second, the Bulls will over evaluate talent in this years up coming draft class. Lastly, for their underachieving season the team is going to raise ticket prices. Oops that already happened.

In closing, my trip to Vegas will lead me to win ten grand and I enter the World Series of Poker in July.

Bears Draft Recap

I have finally woke up after watching, reading and listening about the Chicago Bears 2008 draft. Unfortunately, the 2008 Chicago Bears draft was just like all the others: safe and predictable. Once again the Bears got no playmakers to put points up on the board. I do think Chris Williams was a nice pick with skills as a pass blocker and an upside as a run blocker. Matt Forte however, did not impress me with his upright running skills. Some talent scouts will say that Adrian Petersen runs upright. Well, Petersens running style caused him to get hurt quite often in college. Forte put up 300 yard games against SMU and Louisana Tech. The positive of him being a productive running back in college is irrelevant, because Benson is one of the most productive running backs in NCAA history. In addition, if the Bears were drafting based on needs why did they not get a QB and wait until the seventh round to get another offensive lineman? Angelo is notorious for drafting offensive busts, so why did the Bears not spend money on offensive players in free agency? Therefore Angelo could of done what he is best at and move down in the draft and get quality defensive players instead of wasting our second and third round picks on safe players like Forte and Bennett. It is about time for the Bears to get an offensive player that fans and the organization can get excited about.

Mock Draft Sure to go wrong

1. Dolphins: Jake Long
2. Rams: Chris Long
Analysis: Would not be suprised if theres a trade or if dorsey and gholston were taken
3. Falcons: Glenn Dorsey
Analysis: Matt Ryan is a possibility here but the falcons have already been burned once with a supposed franchise QB.
4. Raiders: Vernon Gholston,
Analysis: It will be hard to for the Raiders to pass up McFadden, but Gholston is the only one that compares to Mcfadden athletically. Al Davis will be tempted to pick McFadden, but the Raiders defense could become great with this pick.
5. Chiefs: Branden Albert,
Analysis: I am a firm believer that this pick will be traded. The trade of Jared Allen gives the Chiefs even more holes to fill. (if that is possible) Look for the Saints, Panthers, or Cowboys to trade up for this pick.
6. Jets: Darren McFadden,
Analysis: Not a great need at running back for the Jets, but the best player fell right in their laps. Matt Ryan is a possiblity here.
7. Patriots: Keith Rivers,
Analysis: The Patriots are getting old at linebacker and teams can get more quality at CB later in the draft.
8. Ravens: Ryan Clady,
Analysis: Matt Ryans fall starts here. Brady Quinn all over again? Jonathan Ogden retired this year and Clady fills that void.
9. Bengals: Sedrick Ellis,
Analysis: I really hope we never hear from Chad Johnson again
10. Saints: Leodis McKelvin
Analysis: The saints would love to get Sedrick Ellis and may trade up to do so.
11. Bills: Devin Thomas
Analysis: Thomas is a reach here could go with one of the DB's
12. Broncos: Jeff Otah,
Analysis: Otah is a big physical tackle perfect for the running scheme.
13. Panthers: Matt Ryan,
Analysis: Jake Delhomme's run is all but over. Matt Ryan is put in a perfect situation.
14. Bears: Chris Williams,
Analysis: Williams is a true left tackle that can let Tait finish his career back at RT where he belongs.
15. Lions: Rashard Mendenhall,
Analysis: Stewert would be the pick here if he had not had toe surgery a month ago.
16. Cardinals: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie,
Analysis: RB is another possiblility here with the Edge getting older and slower.
17. Chiefs: Derrick Harvey,
Analysis: Fills void Jared Allen left when he went to the Vikings. How good are the Vikings going to be?
18. Texans: Jonathan Stewart,
Analysis: After passing on Reggie Bush two years ago the texans take a gamble on Stewart and it should pay off.
19. Eagles: Phillip Merling,
Analysis: I would not be suprised if they take a WR or DB. But after the release of Jevon Kearse I think this is their biggest need.
20. Bucaneers: Aqib Talib,
Analysis: A WR is a possibility here, but the secondary is starting to age.
21. Redskins: Quentin Groves,
Analysis: This is a suprise pick, but DE is a big need
22. Cowboys: Felix Jones,
Analysis: Jerry Jones is an Arkansas alum and loves the change of pace between Jones and Barber.
23. Steelers: James Hardy,
Analysis: Big Ben wants a big reciever and he gets the biggest 6"5 and great hands.
24. Titans: DeSean Jackson
Analysis: Titans need to get Young another weapon and do with Jackson. Also, Jackson can take over the punt returning duties pac man jones left.
25. Seahawks: Gosder Cherilus,
Analysis: Walter Jones is getting older and theres really not enough value to get a TE here.
26. Jaguars: Kentwan Balmer
Analysis: I could see some teams trading up to get him, so the Jaguars would have to be thrilled to get him here.
27. Chargers: Mike Jenkins
Analysis: Hard to believe Jenkins falls this far but CB help is a big need for the Chargers. A RB is possibility here.
28. Cowboys: Limas Sweed
Analysis: Cowboys keep it in Texas and fill the need of a younger WR.
29. 49ers: Mario Manningham:
Analysis: I really do not know much about the 49ers except they need to get some weapons around Alex Smith and Frank Gore
30. Packers: Justin King
Analysis: After watching the NFC championship game there is an obvious need for help in the secondary.
31. Giants: Kenny Phillips
Analysis: The Super Bowl champions are weak everywhere except the defensive line.

Top Ten Chicago Sport Personalities

The Top Ten Personalities in Chicago Sports in the last 25 years can range from professional athletes, broadcasters, and radio tv personalities.

10. Mike North The pioneer of Chicago sports radio is still going strong and was listed one of the Top 100 radio hosts in America in Sports Illlustrated. Does anyone give a more passionate interview when it comes to Chicago sports?

9. Ken "Hawk" Harrelson: Yes he is the biggest homer in Chicago sports, but his longevity and catchy phrases have grown on Chicago Sports fans. He Gone! Can of Corn, Cap Bird Seat, and etc have are not only familiar to white sox fans but cub fans also have become fond.

8. Scottie Pippen: Has there been a more love/hate relationship with any other professional athlete than Scottie Pippen? Unfortunetly Pippen's blow ups about his contract and his famous sitting out on Toni Kukoc's dramatic last second shot against the Knicks will overshadow the greatness he displayed on the basketball court.

7. Phil Jackson: His battles with Jerry Krause will never be forgotten. Though it is Phil's arrogance and independence through the six championships that Chicago fans will always rememeber.

6. Ozzie Guillen: Guillen has managed to win a World Series, get sensitivity training for calling a columinst (Jay Mariotti) a fag and repeatly use profanity in all interviews in either the English or Spanish language.

5. Jim McMahon: The punky QB brought style and confidence to what many consider the best NFL team of all time. The best story regarding McMahon was in New Orleans two days before the Super Bowl. He was out drinking with his lineman yelling at Patriots players in the bar telling them the Bears were gonna kick their butts. Plus the headband and sunglasses always looked cool.

4. Chet Coppock: I will never forget Chet Coppock sitting in a dark restaurant on channel 32 talking to Chicago's most prolific writers and athletes of Chicago. He is the reason why sports radio is what it is today. Chet not only is a great radio personality but his commercials are priceless.

3. Michael Jordan: The greatest athlete of all time is the most marketable athlete also. His commercials, the saturday night live skit, and businesses are all successful because of his personality and will to be the best at everything.

2. Harry Caray: Famous for messing up names and drinking during the telecast. Harry brought baseball broadcasting to a different level with his passion for Chicago baseball.

1. Mike Ditka: Miss a little miss a lot. Ditka is the face of Chicago. I dont think theres any explanation needed on why he is Chicago's top persoanlity.

Chicago Sports Radio

Chicago sports radio over the years has had some intriguing, listenable, and unlistenable talk show tandems. I will rate The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Chicago sport talk show tandems over the last two years.

The Good: Mac, Jurko, and Harry
In my opinion this is the best sports talk radio in my generation. The afternoon saloon gives the Chicago listener the best sports up to date insight; on entertainment news, and most importantly it gives the listener humor to make the drive home enjoyable. The show gives you great segments day after day such as; critics at extra large, who do you love, and Jurko vs Harry. All three guys bring something different to the table for the Chicago listener. First, Dan McNeil (Mac) a die hard white sox fan may I add, directs the show with great leadership. He never seems to let himself or the other two, stick to one topic too long. For example, Dan Patrick and his obsession with steriods and Terrell Owens. McNeil always seems to hit on every aspect of daily sporting news, whether it be national or local. Also, his interviews always seem to satisfy my anticipation of what question should be asked. The one knock I do have on Mac is he knocks everyone else in his business. Quit letting everyone know how better you are than everybody and just focus not letting Harry comment on anything at all. (I will get to Harry in a few) Secondly, John Jurkovich (Jurko) brings not only his jurkchinary to the plate everyday, but also professional athtlete experience. To me Jurko brings out the shows humor. Whether he says a word nobody has ever heard of, or makes analogy that is perfect for the situation. Harry Tinowich (Tiny) This guy is a show killer, not only is he a bad comedian, but he doesnt know a damn thing about situations in sports. Two things Harry is good for: 1. movie references 2. he relates to the unknowledgable Chicago sports fans. (or should I say Cub fans)
The Rest of the Good:
1. The Mike North morning show
2. The "ME" Show with Lawrence Holmes

The Bad: Salisbury and Rosenbloom
Sean Salisbury a national sports talk guy, who we as Chicago Sports fans get to hear everyday from 9-12. I think this is a great hiring by ESPN 1000, because you get to hear a well known NFL analyst give his view on Chicago sports for three hours a day. Furthermore, does Salisbury evers sleep? It seems when he is not on the radio to do his show, he is on some sort of Sportcenter,NFL Primetime, or doing Coors Lights Five Fact or Fiction questions. Salisbury does seem to be knowledgable and passionate about what he has to say, but I think this is also a negative to the show. First, he talks over Rosenbloom all the time and there seems to be no chemistry between the two. Secondly, anytime someone tells him he is wrong he gets even more fired up and loses focus on what is being talked about. Steve Rosenbloom is known for his poker tips in the Sunday Chicago Tribune Sports page. I do find Rosenbloom humorous in a smart ass kind of way. He has been around the city for quite a while and seems to have good stories of what has happened to him in the past. However, it is hard to judge him because everytime he disagrees with Salisbury, he gets cut off or talked over and I think it takes away from what he brings to the show. Lastly, Rosenbloom gives a great interview and asks the questions the listner wants to hear.
The Rest of Bad:
1. Mulligan and Hanley
2. Baseball 365
3. Talking Baseball

The Ugly: The afternoon show with Boers and Bernstein
These fools are unlistenable. First, they somehow find a way to make fun of every caller and emailer. Secondly, they do terrible interviews. Third, they are nerds on a prime time sports talk show, and I do not find them humorous at all. Finally, they do not say anything that the average listener does not already know. Basically I feel they are not worthy of even having a show.
The rest of the Ugly:
1.Silvy and Carmen
2.Mike Murphy