From The Idle Mind of Fred

Pet Peeves in Sports

2012-02-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

The day after Super Bowl 46 is as good a date as any to bring up some of my pet peeves with sports and all that goes around it.

There are many! No doubt, too many for me to list, and remember right now, but here we go!

Watching the Giants beat the Patriots and Tom Brady for the second time in the last four years in the Super Bowl, I have listened all day that Ahman Bradshaw should have gone down at the one yard line, forcing New England to use their last time out so the Pats would not have any time to come back. People wanted the Giants to play for the field goal, forget about going up four points with the touchdown, and rely on your long snapper, holder and kicker to bring another title to the Big Apple.

I'm sorry, but scoring the touchdown was the right call! You are trailing in the game, 17-15. No field goal, no matter how short, is a guarantee. Ask Baltimore and Billy Cundiff.

People and football experts keep bring up Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook going down at the one a few years back. Big difference. The Eagles were leading that game, 10-6 with under two minutes left. The Giants were trailing. Simple as that!

If your team can not stop the opposition, Tom Brady or no Tom Brady, from going 80 yards and scoring a touchdown, you don't deserve to win a Super Bowl.

Speaking of the Big Game, why is it that the networks and the NFL feel we need a 31 minute halftime, and that we need to be entertained by an aging rocker, (Madonna, Springsteen, the Who, etc.), for just this one game of the season, the biggest game of the year! It messes with the coaches and the players, that have played with a 13 minute intermission all season. Silly! Are we that shallow that we need to be entertained with music and a light show...isn't the game enough for us?

I know I have done it myself, but when broadcasters say things like, "anyone that knows the game knows..." or anything that shows the broadcaster "thinks" he knows or is better than his listeners, this is WRONG! The listeners and viewers many times know more about the games and the situations. The broadcasters are there to enlighten and inform, but not to show their superiority. Please STOP IT!

A playoff in college football...why bother with this one, the college presidents and the BCS just seem to be stuck in the dark ages...or might they be seeing the light? Reports say some minds may be changing.

NBA players are well trained, skilled athletes. When I hear fans and media criticize coaches for playing guys deep into blow-out games, I just don't get it. You can not protect players from injuries. Playing a few extra minutes is not going to hurt these guys. The panic from fans and media types alike is comical. There are time outs, free throws, it's not like these guys on the floor don't get a break.

Why is it that we can't just enjoy games instead of trying to categorize games and players. The Giants and Eli Manning win another Super Bowl. All we hear after the game is how does this one rank, or are you now better than your brother, or is Eli better than Brady? It's ridiculous! Enjoy the games! Enjoy the skills! Stop trying to rank each and every game and player in historical terms. And worst of all...Is this guy a Hall of Famer after he retires? Wait til he retires, and THEN the discussions can begin.

That's a good start. Have any of your own? Let me know.

What a Ride!

2011-08-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not reminiscing about the late, great Riverview amusement park. I'm talking about what the 2011 Chicago White Sox have provided us fans this season.

"We're All-in!"

That was the phrase that the Sox organization chose to use for this season. They went out and secured the services of slugger, Adam Dunn. Re-signed Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski. Everything looked like we were headed for the post season and a possible repeat of 2005.

The Sox may still bring us there, but they have given us ulcers, headaches and heartaches throughout the season, so far.

This morning the Sox are 5 games behind first place Detroit in the Central Division, riding a 5 game winning streak.

After an afternoon game with the Twins, the Sox are off to Detroit for a weekend series with the Tigers. 20 game winner, Justin Verlander awaits on Friday night. Beating him would lead to a great start in catching the Bengals and getting the fans "really" excited about the final month of the season.

I have referenced this quote quite often on both Talkin' Baseball and the "Murph & Fred" show the last several weeks on ESPN 1000..."every time I get out, they keep on bringing me back in!". That is from Godfather III, one of the few memorable things from that flick. That has been the story with these White Sox.

All the talk the last several days has been about Ozzie and Kenny not getting along. They can't go on like this after the season.

I don't know about anyone else, but I DON'T CARE about next season and future seasons to come!

I like Ozzie as the Sox skipper and Kenny has made many great moves to put this team in position to win. The players need to be blamed for what has happened this season. Not Ozzie...not Kenny...not Greg Walker. The players have let down the team and themselves, but have the next month to make things right.

As Hawk say, "Sit back, relax, and strap it down...", White Sox baseball will take us on a ride for the next 30 days!

The Most Important Thing!

2011-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

As I sit down to talk about all the exciting things happening in sports, not only locally, but around the world, I find out that Daryl Hawks from NBC 5 has been found dead in his hotel room in Atlanta.

Hawks was 38, in Atlanta to cover tonight's Game 6 of the playoff series between the Bulls and Hawks.

Just yesterday, before my show on ESPN 1000, we discussed the passing of Robert "Tractor" Traylor in Puerto Rico, at the age of 34. I said, at this point, nothing shocks me anymore, and that remains the case today.

Maybe it's me getting older, ready to celebrate another birthday this weekend, that has me never surprised at what terrible things can happen in this world, to people we love, are acquainted with, or just have heard of a little.

Despite what some people say, I am not heartless! I feel horrible for everyone who knew, was associated with, worked with, or just enjoyed Daryl Hawks on television, especially his family. Thirty eight is just the beginning of this thing we call "Life".

It is times like these that make you realize that despite the problems we all have, be it employment, money, (or lack there of), repairs around the house, strained relationships with friends and/or family, we should all try to find a way to learn to love and appreciate those closest to us.

Friends and family are much more than a commercial slogan. They are everything! Anytime you have the chance, let your buddies, or siblings, or parents, know how much they mean to you.

The old phrase, "you don't know what you've got til it's gone", rings truer everyday we walk this Earth!

Sport talk can wait for at least one more day...at least here it can.

Cubs, Hendry Doing Their Best

2011-01-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

The acquisition of Pitcher, Matt Garza from Tampa should give any depressed Cubs fan something to look forward to as the 2011 baseball season is quickly approaching.

Jim Hendry and the North Siders went into the off-season looking for three things, and after finalizing the deal for Garza, have acquired all three.

They wanted a left handed hitting power hitter...and came up with Carlos Pena.

They wanted a quality reliever to go along with lefty, Sean Marshall in the bullpen...and came up with former Cub, Kerry Wood.

The pick-up of Garza strengthens a starting rotation that will feature Ryan Dempster, a question mark in Carlos Zambrano, a youngster in Andrew Cashner, along with three or four others battling for the fifth spot.

They needed to improve the rotation, if nothing else, just to keep up with the other teams in the National League Central. Milwaukee has improved with the pick-ups of Shawn Marcum and Zach Greinke. St. Louis and Cincinnati already had good rotations.

If you look at the back of the Cubs bullpen, can you name many other teams with better set up guys and closers than the Cubs have in Wood, Marshall and Marmol?

Tom Ricketts has told all that would listen that the Cubs hope to build through their system, and despite the fact they traded some minor leaguers that many expected to play a part in that process, the team apparently has plans that didn't necessarily include those players.

Hak-Ju Lee may be a good player in a few years, but he wasn't, and isn't going to be a better hitter than Starlin Castro, who at twenty years of age, should be at shortstop for many years to come.

Chris Archer is a good prospect, but he is just that...a prospect. We already know Garza can win in the big leagues.

I feel General Manager, Jim Hendry, has done a very good job with what he has been allowed to use in building the 2011 Cubs. I like Mike Quade!

What are your thoughts on the move?

Catch Fred on ESPN 1000 & espn1000.com weeknights with J. Hood on Chicago's Gamenight, Saturday morning with Bruce Levine on Talkin' Baseball, and Sundays with Jerry Azumah & Brett Basanez for Bears pregame on Chicago's NFL Gameday, and with Steve "Mongo" McMichael, with the Ultimate Post game Show.

So, I Don't Have to LOVE All Sports!

2010-10-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Last night, the NBA season got underway with the most talked about team in a long time, the Miami Heat, with Lebron, Dwayne Wade & Chris Bosh, getting it started in Boston.

Yawn!

Don't get me wrong, I like basketball. I have made the trip to Champaign, and then Peoria, for 26 of the last 27 years to see the Boys State Basketball Tournament. I've seen some great players that, eventually, made it to the NBA, such as Kevin Garnett, Derrick Rose, Andre Igoudala, Eddy Curry, just to name a few, (and I know I'm pushing it with Curry).

I love college ball. Not as much as I did when good players actually stuck around a few years to help teams develop into powerhouses, but I still live the game.

The Bulls start this evening, and can be heard all season on ESPN 1000), and I won't miss a game. I root for Rose and Noah, and I really like the potential of a Taj Gibson. I'm interested in how Tom Thibodeau will do in his first year as head coach.

But after the Bulls, someone could tell me, "It's Kobe vs. Lebron tonight", and I'd look to see if there is something better on TV to fill up my evening.

I understand that they are the best at what they do, but I just can not get into the NBA. The games are dull to me. There is very little strategy. I HATE isolation, one-on-one play, and it seems that every game comes down to that in the end.

Am I the only one?

The World Series begins tonight, and there I am interested.

When growing up, most children, "back in the day", were first exposed to baseball. That is the one game we grew up playing, understanding and following.

The Texas Rangers have made the Fall Classic for the first time in their franchise history, while the San Francisco Giants have rode their pitching, and some late inning heroics from former White Sox infielder, Juan Uribe, to represent the National League.

If the first two rounds of the post season showed us anything, it's that pitching does win in the playoffs.

Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum go in tonight's opener, which should be a good one.

I have said for decades that the Rangers would never win because they get worn out playing all those July and August games in the heat of Texas. This team, with a recovering alcoholic in Josh Hamilton as their star, and a manager that has admitted to doing marijuana and amphetamines as a player, and just last year tested positive for cocaine, just might be the ones to get it done.

The Bears are off this week...THANK GOODNESS!!!

The coaching staff needs to look at what has worked for them offensively in the first seven games of the season, and put together a game plan for the final nine games of the year.

It sounds so simple, but don't count on the brain trust in Lake Forest to follow through.

Catch Fred on ESPN 1000 & espn1000.com weeknights with J. Hood on Chicago's Gamenight, Saturday morning with Bruce Levine on Talkin' Baseball, and Sundays with Jerry Azumah & Brett Basanez for Bears pregame on Chicago's NFL Gameday, and with Steve "Mongo" McMichael, with the Ultimate Post game Show.

Have You Felt Completely Useless Lately?

2010-10-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

Are you handy around the house...or are you just, "around the house"?

The last few days I have spent showing people where to put things, telling people what I need to have done, and assisting in home repair and appliance installation.

It hasn't been a lot of fun...and isn't that what we're all about?

My wife and I purchased several new appliances, as we are becoming more energy efficient, (sure we are). A couple of refrigerators, a dishwasher, and a stove, (we've been saving up for this).

Wednesday, I hung around the house waiting for the appliances to be delivered, as I needed to empty the refrigerators as near the delivery time as possible so we didn't have all of our food go bad.

Moving a 25 year old refrigerator, that still works, out from the basement, was a major task in itself. Moving the new things in meant door taken off, both from the house and the appliances, along with assisting in the heavy lifting.

Once everything was in the house, I had to wait for another day for someone to install a few of the items.

How is it, exactly, that one becomes "handy"?

I know it isn't growing up in an apartment from third grade until marriage, as I did.

Juan, the handyman, came over Thursday morning to begin the process of PROPERLY installing everything. I say, properly, because Juan is a perfectionist, and that is a good thing. He would never quick when something was installed until it was PROPERLY and PERFECTLY installed.

As a paying customer, I appreciated it, and respected his hard work...and long hours. He arrived around 8:30am and didn't leave until 6:30, with still more to do on Friday.

Why don't I know how to do all these things? Do I spend too much time watching sports, dramas, movies and sitcoms on television? No need to answer that!

On the way out, I asked Juan to check our gutters. Two hours later, they were completely cleaned and well operational for the upcoming rainy season.

To all of you that know how do do all the things around the house, I commend you. For those of you, like me, that are unable to do these, or even unable to try...get back to your television watching.

Did you know the American League Championship Series Game 6 is on tonight if it stops raining in Texas? And this is the final season of Smallville?

Last week I gave you my BEST FIVE NFL plays of the week. I went 1-3-1. Minnesota was my only winner, while Washington, with the 3 points tied Indy. The Texans, and Falcons let me down.

And how about those Bears?

No picks this week, other than to say it is a must win for the Monsters of the Midway! Jay Cutler needs to find some receivers, stay upright, and throw the ball away if necessary.

Catch Fred on ESPN 1000 & espn1000.com weeknights with J. Hood on Chicago's Gamenight, Saturday morning with Bruce Levine on Talkin' Baseball, and Sundays with Jerry Azumah & Brett Basanez for Bears pregame on Chicago's NFL Gameday, and with Steve "Mongo" McMichael, with the Ultimate Post game Show.

Bears Should Roll Over Seahawks!

2010-10-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's Week 6 of the NFL season, and there is NO WAY I thought the Bears were going to be 4-1 entering this week.

Heck, I predicted the Bears would finish 6-10 or 7-9, and had a chance to lose their first three games of the season. It just goes to show you how unpredictable the league is this, and every season...that's why I don't gamble on football. That, and because I can't afford it.

This week, the Bears get Jay Cutler back as the 2-2 Seattle Seahawks come to town. Seattle, under coach Pete Carroll, have been BAD on the road, while winning their two games at home. They have one of the best home field advantages in the league. Those crazies from the Northwest love their Seahawks, and also, their Seattle Sounders MLS team. I've never been to Seattle, but hope to make it there someday. Seems like a nice place.

Cutler has attempted to clear up his concussion suffered versus the NY Giants, but we still are not sure which hit caused the brain bruise. After watching some of his execution in the first half against the Giants, I believe it happened earlier in the half than the last sack from their cornerback, Aaron Ross.

It was great to see Matt Forte run the ball last week. We are now seeing the speed from Forte that we saw in his rookie year.

There is no telling how the Bears will attack Seattle Sunday, but it is nice that, right now, they seem to be able to attack either through the air or on the ground.

Defensively, this team is earning the fans respect once again. Julius Peppers, they say, has been doing so many more things that don't show up in the stat sheet. He had an AWESOME block of a pass and interception last week versus Carolina. Four sacks and a few pressures. He still has just two sacks, two behind the guy on the other side of the line, Israel Idonije.

By the way, don't believe all the talk that Peppers is being double and triple teamed, thus, allowing the rest of the line to do a better job. I re-watched the Panthers game, and did not see ONE double or triple team. He is playing well, but I would like to see him get on the stat sheet a little more.

Here's a look at my BEST FIVE for this week's action:

Houston -4 1/2 over Kansas City
Atlanta +3 over Philadelphia
Minnesota -1 1/2 over Dallas
Washington +3 over Indianapolis
DA Bears -6 1/2 over Seattle

I'm not telling you to wager on these...if you are smart, you might even want to go the other way, but we'll keep track of how I do every week.

Don't forget about the baseball playoffs this weekend! They have been great, so far, and I am looking forward to some great pitching match-ups in the Championship series.

Catch Fred on ESPN 1000 & espn1000.com weeknights with J. Hood on Chicago's Gamenight, Saturday morning with Bruce Levine on Talkin' Baseball, and Sundays with Jerry Azumah & Brett Basanez for Bears pregame on Chicago's NFL Gameday, and with Steve "Mongo" McMichael, with the Ultimate Post game Show.

My Head's About to Burst!

2010-10-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

There is so much rolling around this large melon of mine, I figured it was time to return to MY blog.

I wait all year for the NFL season to begin. The excitement of Sundays, The NFL Sunday Ticket on DirecTv, and, once again, pre game shows on the radio, now every week on ESPN 1000.

The Bears are off to a 4-1 start, and stand atop the division, but they still have not played their best football.

Are there any REALLY good teams in the NFL? New Orleans lost to Arizona Sunday. The Colts already have two losses. Parity seemingly has reached an all time high where, truly, anyone can beat anybody any given Sunday!

I have never been a big fan of, now Washington QB, Donovan McNabb. He always seems to play his worst when he gets to the biggest games. I must say, he is playing extremely well this season. His performance against Green Bay Sunday was very good. We'll see how he does as the pressure of the season begins to creep up down the stretch.

The baseball playoffs have been fun to watch, despite the Sox and Cubs watching like the rest of us. I'm pulling for the Giants to put an end to Bobby Cox managerial career. I shake my head that the Twins can't win A GAME in the postseason. Now that they forced a Game 5, I'm pulling for the Rays to advance. Ultimately, it looks like the Phillies and the Yankees in the World Series.

I may be the only one, but I really believe that Joe Girardi IS interested in the Cubs managerial job.

PLEASE, Blackhawks fans, don't begin to worry about this year's team. At least not til the first 20 games are in the books.

The Chicago Fire will not make it to the playoffs this season, and that is very disappointing. The Fire made numerous changes preparing for a nice run this year, (including getting rid of me as their tv play-by-play guy), but they could not get their offense to click all season, and bringing players in during the season is just too difficult for the team chemistry. Their supporters are the BEST and I know that Frank Klopas will do everything in his power to get this team back to where they belong next season.

I have so many movies to see. Inception, The American, The Social Network, Secretariat, just to name a few. I have been away from the theater lately, but hear it calling to me.

Check back with me often...I hope to keep you entertained!

Catch Fred on ESPN 1000 & espn1000.com weeknights with J. Hood on Chicago's Gamenight, Saturday morning with Bruce Levine on Talkin' Baseball, and Sundays with Jerry Azumah & Brett Basanez for Bears pregame on Chicago's NFL Gameday, and with Steve "Mongo" McMichael, with the Ultimate Post game Show.

Strange Day in my History

2009-12-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

The first Friday in December has become a very important day in my life. Some of it for the good, some for the bad.

Today, I planned on heading to The Globe Pub for the FIFA World Cup Draw for 2010, to be held in South Africa. The Globe has been voted the "Best Soccer Pub" in the country the last two years, and likely will be again, so it was the perfect place to watch the draw to see who would play who in next year's tournament.

Thinking back, it was four years ago that I had awaited this same day with much anticipation.

When it was announced in 2000 that Germany would host the 2006 World Cup, I explained to my wife. Pat, that I planned on going to the world's largest sporting event and asked her if she would like to come with, six years down the road. She looked at me, quizzically, and said, "Take your nephew!". Carmen was fifteen at the time, a fan of soccer, and I figured that at the age of twenty-one, he would likely be a fan of drinking, also. What better person to go with me to Germany.

To procure tickets for the World Cup, you had to fill out a form online to get into a worldwide lottery. I was fortunate to get two tickets for a game that was to be played in Gelsenkirchen, the first Monday of the tourney, and today, I was going to find out who would be playing.

Things fell right for me as I was going to see the USA squad play against the Czech Republic.

So that was an exciting first Friday in December, 2005.

2008 had been a strange year, as my fourth year of working with the Mike North Morning Show stopped in the middle of June, when Mike decided not to accept the Score's offer and they decided to go in a different direction. This led to me being relegated to afternoon updates the final six months of the year.

On the first Friday on December, 2008, I got to work early, around 10:00, to get ready for my shift, and to beat the traffic. When Program Director, Mitch Rosen said he needed to talk to me, I realized right there, bad things were about to happen.

I was informed that my services would no longer be required after sixteen years with the station. I was told that it had nothing to do with my performance, but the station, as well as all CBS affiliates, were cutting salary, and I was going to be leaving.

Not nearly as much fun as the same day in 2005!

This year, as I continue to look for that next dream job, I decided it would be good to get out of the house to watch the World Cup draw for next year's tournament, and there was no better place to go then the Globe. I saw a couple of guys I know from STATS, Inc., as well as a bunch of fans from Section Eight. Frankie Klopas, the Fire Technical Director was there, along with Lauren Brophy, the outgoing Manager of Communications for the team, before she leaves for New York to begin working with the Major League Soccer front office.

It was a fun day, with the USA being placed into Group C to play England in their first match, June 12th, next year. I had bangers, mash and beans, along with a couple pints of Shiner beer. Right choice, great atmosphere.

I can only hope that the next time the first Friday of December rolls around, things will be going much better for me, job-wise, health wise, and all around, but we'll have to wait another twelve months to find out.

A Day Alone With My Thoughts...oooo, scary!!!

2009-12-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to visit with Mike North, Dan Jiggetts, Jen Patterson and the rest of the "Monsters in the Morning" show earlier today on Comcast SportsNet. It was nice for the guys to have me on, to chat about sports, Tiger Woods, the Bears, Notre Dame, etc.

The appearance got me thinking, which is always a hit or miss prospect.

There is a bunch of things swirling around this mind of mine, and I knew that this would be the proper place to open up with all of those thoughts, so stand back...here they come!

TBS and Chip Caray have decided to part ways. Harry's grandson had been doing games with the network for the past few years, including the playoffs. Some people didn't like Chip, but I wasn't one of them. I felt that he brought excitement to the game, especially to the games that didn't provide any themselves.

Did you catch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert Sunday night on HBO? I thought it was AWESOME! Throughout the program, Metallica, U2, and even the E Street band, became housebands for the likes of Lou Reed, Ozzy, Ray Davies, Mick Jagger, John Fogerty, and more. Even I choked up a bit, when Stevie Wonder lost it while singing a Michael Jackson song with John Legend, (So I am getting soft in my old age...not that kind of soft, aw, forget it). By the way, Stevie still puts on one heck of a show.

Athletes, including baseball players, have been taking a bad rap over the last few years, but did you see what the Anaheim Angels did? They voted the family of Nick Adenhart, the young pitcher that was killed early in the season in a car crash, a full share of their playoff money, some $138,000. Sometimes we forget to mention the good things these guys do.

The Bears biggest mistake happened in the off-season, when they brought in Orlando Pace and Frank Omiyale to provide blocking on the left side of the line. Can they get rid of those two guys right now? John Tait's retiring was a small little thing, that really did this team in. Talk about not being prepared!

Lindsey Hunter made me happy last night. I don't know how else to say it. Hunter needed to take up some minutes with Kirk Hinrich out with another thumb problem, and the old guy played well. Now he may be a bit sore today, those old bones and all, but he did what he could to get a win. If Derrick Rose would have just attacked the basket on the final play of the game. Bogut was out on Miller. Rose could have made it to the hoop, or at least gotten fouled.

I attended another "mini high school reunion" last Friday night at Michael Anthony's in Berwyn. Morton East, class of '75, thank you! We had two of these last year, and apparently, those that show up have enough fun reminiscing that we keep coming back for more. A biggie awaits in 2010...it's 35 years!

The Colorado Rockies are looking for a radio broadcaster for their games this season on KOA. I could relocate to Denver to do Major League baseball. What do you think?

Catching a Blackhawks game with a former colleague tonight. Seats in the 300 level, a great way to see the attack forming as the teams come up the ice. At the old Chicago Stadium, a buddy of mine, Sam DeSio, had season tickets in the first row of the second balcony. I'll raise a beer to the rafters for you tonight, Sam.

I just got done watching a couple of the latest episodes of Californication and Dexter. Unbelievable shows! If you haven't seen the shows before, put the previous seasons on your Christmas wish lists. You won't be disappointed.

Fire Advance to Eastern Semis

2009-11-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Cuauhtemoc Blanco's late goal gave the Fire a 2-0 win over the Revolution and allowed them to play again, next week in the Eastern Final against Real Salt Lake.

John Thorrington, making his first start in months, scored in the first half after some fancy footwork from midfielder, Marco Pappa. Pappa was a terror on the right side for the Fire all night, having numerous opportunities and sailing a few shots just past the goal.

The Fire came in knowing they had to win by two goals to advance, after dropping a 2-1 decision to New England last week.

The Men in Red dominated play in the early minutes, but could not hit the net until Thorrington's goal in the 35th minute.

The Fire continued to pressure the Revs at the start of the second half, and then lost Brian McBride in the 56th minute. McBride went down with an apparent leg injury after a challenge in the box minutes earlier. Patrick Nyarko replaced McBride and was a constant threat up top from the minute he came in.

Nyarko put constant pressure on the ball in the attacking area, and it eventually paid off. His steal of the ball in the far corner led to a move to the box where he found Blanco at the penalty spot. Blanco made a move around defender, Jay Heaps and put it in the net, before running to the stands to celebrate with the fans.

The Fire are now just one win away from MLS Cup '09, as they host Real Salt Lake in the Eastern finals next Saturday at 7:00 at Toyota Park.

MLS Cup '09 takes place Sunday evening, November 22 at Seattle's Quest Field.

Fun Shopping with Fred

2009-10-28T10:27:00.001-07:00

When home during the week, you get a chance to make the run to the shopping center, the local K Mart, whatever, to grab the weekly and monthly needs. Toilet paper, paper towels, deodorant, you name it.

With Halloween this week, it was my time to go and buy the candy for the trick-or-treaters. My wife told me that K Mart had a deal on bags of "fun-sized" candy bars for $1.88 per bag, as long as you purchase four bags.

This morning, I was off to K Mart. Made a quick stop at McDonald's for a couple sausage burritos, and off to the local K Mart.

Right there, just inside the door, boxes of the candy. I couldn't have been happier. In and out. My favorite way to shop.

I threw nine bags of candy...Snickers, Kit Kats, Almond Joys, Reese's peanut butter cups, all the favorites, of the kids and yours truly. When I got to the register, I asked the cashier if they were all coming up at $1.88. She told me, the first four would, the rest were $2.49. The sale was $1.88 for the first four. Any more or less would be at the higher price.

I could not have any of that. So, what did I do. Bought four bags...put them in the car...and came back for four more. Cheap! Hey, I saved two bucks, enough for another bag. Was it a hassle? Sure it was, but I had the time.

Now it was off to J C Penney. My wife had given me a coupon for a free ten dollars, so why not stop and pick up some socks and underwear.

My thriftiness was at work again. A package of three boxers, on sale for $10.20, and three pair of dress socks for $12. (You may ask, Dress socks? Where are you going? Plus, I guess you have the answer to the question, not that I have ever been asked, boxers or briefs?)

I get to the register and the boxers are coming up at $17. I ask the cashier to call back to the men's department. I tell her where I got them, what they were listed as. The guy on the floor says he can't find them. The patient individual I am, I tell the cashier, I'll go back and show the guy! I walk back to the department, show the clerk the sign, in a rather rude fashion, and he gives me the, Aw...I didn't see that! It was right where I told him it was.

Is it just me or is every trip to the shopping center one that turns out adventurous? It seems that I happen to run into all the "challenged individuals", not physically, but definitely challenged when it comes to everyday common sense.

I didn't mean to veer away from my normal radio and sports talk. The Danny Mac Show was on while I was writing this and in the car while moving from one stop to another.

It's game one of the World Series tonight between the Yankees and Phillies, with the Blackhawks at Nashville tomorrow and the Bulls opening their season against San Antonio.

Most importantly, the Chicago Fire open their push to MLS Cup with the playoffs starting in New England Sunday at 1:00pm.

"Wait Til Next Year...AGAIN!!!"

2009-10-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

As the Bears were waking up after a Lovie Smith tongue lashing at the intermission, the White Sox and Cubs were playing out their final games of the regular season.

Coming into the schedule, both were thought to have a good chance to repeat last year's success and make the post season. It was not to be.

On the North side, after getting swept two years in a row in the first round of the playoffs, General Manager, Jim Hendry made a few moves to, supposedly, strengthen the team for another run at the playoffs. Moving Mark DeRosa, letting Kerry Wood go, and bringing in a left-handed outfielder, just didn't do the trick this season.

The signing of Milton Bradley looked like a bad one by many Cubs fans, as soon as it was finalized. Some thought Bradley would be just what the Cubs needed...a switch-hitting power guy who would help out against those tough right-handers. He was BRUTAL. On the field, and off, Bradley proved to be a team cancer.

No one yelled about letting Kerry Wood go, until Kevin Gregg stepped on the hill.

As for DeRosa, the Cubs thought that with Mike Fontenot and the acquisition of Aaron Miles, the teams would be okay. They were not.

Bright spots for the Cubs...Randy Wells, Derrek Lee, (when healthy...don't hit him in the head), and that's about it. I failed to mention the season Soriano had, and it was a season that he will hopefully forget as well.

As for the South Siders, they played spoiler a bit, taking two of three from the Tigers to finish the season and force Detroit to play Minnesota in a one game play-in for the right to play the Yankees.

The Sox just could not hit the ball the second half of the season. It wasn't Beckham, Podsednik or Ramirez that struggled in the second half, but it was the big guns. Quentin, Dye and Alex Rios were terrible. They left men on base to kill rallies nearly every day.

The pitching was good, but could have been better. The perfect game from Mark Buehrle is even most amazing when you take a look at his starts after that. He was getting lit up by everyone. Danks had some problems with the strike zone and with the Twins, while Floyd pitched well after a slow start.

If you are a fan of the South Siders, you have to be pumped about Jake Peavy for the next few seasons. Peavy was 3-0 to wrap up the year with a very impressive start last weekend versus Detroit.

And how great will it be to have Gordon Beckham for the entire season, at third base, (forget the thought of moving him). Ramirez will be better at shortstop, and I like what I saw from Chris Getz.

The bullpen will need to be tweaked. I know Bobby Jenks helped the Sox win in 2005, but he is not the same pitcher. Scott Linebrink was given a second chance with this team, and was almost as bad this season.

Now that the playoffs are about to begin, do you care? Will you watch?

I love baseball, and can't say we, as Chicago fans, have gotten spoiled. Heck, it was just one year where both made the playoffs.

It's a long off-season and one that will see much debate from both sides of town. Ozzie and Lou will both be back...and so will all of us.

Another week...of wishing and hoping!

2009-09-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

My wife left the house at 6:50 this morning, off to yet another full day, and night of work.

As the door closed, I realized it was another day for me to be together with my thoughts of things such as...the phone not ringing, e-mails not being returned, and me continuing to look for my next place of employment. If not full time, then possible part-time work.

It gets lonely at home by yourself. You wonder what you should do next. Should you call that person who hasn't gotten back to you after six or seven calls? What other applications can you come up with for the talents that I have? Should I do that work around the house that needs to get done? How do I fix a toilet where the flapper just doesn't do its job, even the new one I bought to replace the old one?

It is a depressing time being out of work. You do not realize how having a job not only helps satisfy your monetary needs, but also your social needs. I know, some of you think it would be perfect for me, being away from people. Not so much.

Sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn help you keep in touch with the world, but a lot of my "friends" are also in my predicament, looking for their next job.

Do I start a podcast? Will anyone listen? Does it matter?

I am told everyday, things will work out. They always have and I have to believe that they will again. But, "the waiting is the hardest part".

Thanks Tom Petty!

Au Revoir, Baky!

2009-08-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

It was made official today.

Chicago Fire defender, Bakary Soumare, has left the team, and the league, and joined Boulogne of the French First Division.

An altercation between Soumare and Fire Head Coach, Denis Hamlett at halftime of the game with the Dynamo in Houston was the beginning of the end for Soumare.

When I was watching the game that Sunday night, I was wondering why Hamlett had changed shirts after the intermission. In the first half, he was wearing a white, short sleeve camp shirt. As the second half started, the coach was wearing a red Fire golf shirt.

Silly me! I just thought it was hot in Houston, (which it was), and he needed to change shirts. Apparently, there had been an altercation between the two. We will never know exactly what happened in the locker room at halftime...unless one of the players, or coaches would like to enlighten us.

The team played a sloppy first half and went to the break down 2-0. They came out like a house on fire...pun intended!

The Fire scored twice early to tie the game, before eventually losing 3-2.

Soumare was then absent from the line-up the next game, with the Fire posting a 2-0 win over Kansas City.

The team released a statement that both Soumare and Hamlett were fined for an altercation, but that was pretty much all we were told. It later was reported that Soumare would not play again until he was ready to show a total commitment to the team.

Who knows how things got this far, this quick.

With Wilman Conde and Soumare in the middle of the backline, the Fire had one of the best combinations in the league. Conde has been dealing with a hamstring injury and Soumare had made a few international appearances with the Mali squad.

This past weekend, rumors started to circulate that Soumare would not play again with the Fire and he was looking at moving to a French squad.

Today, it happened. It is a shame losing such a talented, All-Star defender, but apparently, the relationship with the team could not be patched up.

The Fire are just one point behind Columbus in the Eastern Conference, and have an important game with D.C. United this Saturday at Toyota Park. The Fire will be without Gonzolo Segares, Tim Ward, and Daniel Wollard on defense, all with injuries. Dasan Robinson will miss the game after getting his second yellow card of the game Sunday celebrating the game winning goal.

Mike Banner could move to the left back position, or John Thorrington, returning after missing a game with yellow card accumulation, could play the right back spot. Brandon Prideaux will likely start along with C.J. Brown and Austin Washington.

It should be interesting.

Now That Was a GAME!!!

2009-08-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

It didn't look like it was going to be much different than the Chicago Fire's recent home efforts. They trailed 2-0 to the Colorado Rapids on a pair of second half goals by Omar Cummings. The Fire attack was non-existent and it was beginning to look like they would be shutout for the fifth time this season, at Toyota Park.

Then...everything changed.

Denis Hamlett went to the bench and brought in some speed, in the form of Mike Banner, Justin Mapp and Patrick Nyarko. The Fire attack was immediately improved. Nyarko was pushing the issue up front, while Cuauhtemoc Blanco made things happen.

Blanco was taken down in the 18, and, with Pablo Mastroeni of the Rapids blowing sweet nothings into his ear, calmly beat Matt Pickens from the spot and the Fire were on the board.

Fourteen minutes later, the Fire were buzzing around the final third when a loose ball came out to Mike Banner. Banner was playing the left-back position due to injuries and internal problems the Fire are having on the backline. The youngster blasted one from twenty yards into the net and the score was tied at two.

There have been a lot of ties in MLS this season and it looked like the Fire had clawed their way to another.

But in added time, after a Nyarko shot was cleared off the line by the Rapids defense, Dasan Robinson got his head to a cross from Justin Mapp...put it past Pickens and the Fire had miraculously come back to gain the three point win and pull themselves withing one point of first place Columbus in the Eastern Conference.

Robinson will miss the game Saturday with D.C. United after he took off his jersey and swung it over his head while celebrating his game winner. He had received a yellow card previously in the match, after tripping the league's leading goal scorer, Conor Casey. Robinson did a tremendous job defensively on the Rapids forward all game long.

This just might be the win that propels this offense down the stretch. Just seven games remaining in the regular season.

The Fire will apparently be without Gonzolo Segares, (MCL sprain), and Tim Ward, (broken toe), for a little while longer. As for Bakary Soumare, it appears that after his altercation with Coach Hamlett at halftime of the Houston game, the Mali defender could be on his way to the French First Division.

Which is the better way to start the game with all of the questions on the backline?

Should Hamlett go with more of a defensive squad and go to the bench for offense like he did Sunday? Or, should Nyarko, Banner and Mapp get the call right from the start?

Let me know what you think!

There's Nothing Like Youth

2009-08-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

To be honest, Patrick Kane and his cousin should have been looking for more money in their pockets, instead of demanding twenty cents back from the cabbie in Buffalo.

Instead, Kane and his cousin allegedly roughed up a 62-year old cab driver and now the Blackhawks young superstar is getting attention he doesn't need.

The first time I heard this story, I heard a person remark that that's what kids do nowadays. What! 20 year olds go around beating up people that provide a service for them, especially when the kids are "allegedly" a tad over served?

A lot of us have had a few, maybe even before we were legally allowed to do so, but have you EVER thought about, first, asking for twenty cents change, or, ever considered beating up a cabbie? Granted, they can get lost sometimes...take the wrong route to cost you more money, but hitting any individual can and should get you in trouble. Hitting someone is never the answer, unless you are defending yourself, and then anything goes.

The "organization" is doing the right thing and waiting for more information before they take a stance.

And finally, the tip should have been at least $2.20 on a $13.80 fare...at least!

If you missed the Fire loss to the Houston Dynamo last night, you missed an exciting, frustrating night of soccer.

The Fire, who had gone five games undefeated, with four straight shutouts, allowed two goals in the first half due to slopping play on the backline. Left back, Gonzolo Segares was lost due to injury in the first half, and at the intermission, Bakary Soumare was benched. Not sure if it was for poor play or he wasn't physically up to par.

Chris Rolfe got one back just one minute into the second half and the Fire tied it up on a great hustle play by Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who crossed a ball to Peter Lowry, who scored his first MLS goal on a pretty side volley.

The Fire lost another defender when Daniel Woolard was kicked in the leg. The backline was now Brandon Prideaux, C.J. Brown, Dasan Robinson and Mike Banner. Prideaux got called for a penalty in the box taking down Corey Ashe with ten minutes to go. Prideaux appeared to get the ball on the slide tackle, and replays show that he did. None the less, Stuart Holden beat Jon Busch from the spot twelve yards out and the Fire went down, 3-2.

Tough loss to a good team. Kansas City is next and the Fire need three points.

Don't forget, David Beckham, Landon Donovan and the L.A. Galaxy come to Toyota Park, Wednesday, August 19. 8:00 start. Stay tuned and I will have more information on something else coming up that evening. Have I piqued your interest?

Just a Few Things That Pis...Upset Me!

2009-07-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about anyone else, but when I watch sports on the evening news, or a full half-hour wrap-up show at night, I am looking for information. If I wanted to chuckle, chortle and guffaw, I would watch one of the late night shows hosted by Letterman or Conan.

Why is it that sportscasters, both radio, but especially television, think they have to be so smug, so cute? Are they not confident that they can keep viewers any other way?

Examples...Stuart Scott...enough said.

No, really. Bears training camp actually began today with the Lovie Smith press conference to welcome the media. Practices begin tomorrow, but apparently we are going to have to hear the stupid, idiotic, "BEAR-bonnais", throughout the entire time the Bears spend downstate. There had been rumors they would move to Lewis University next year. Now, I really hope so.

Because of by hatred, (and that's another thing. People are always saying HATE is such a strong word. No it isn't. If you HATE something, go ahead and say it.), of the smarmy talking heads, I am more and more fond of Mark Schanowski everyday. He gives you what you want, as it should be delivered.

I am in the process of looking for work...oh, you've heard about that.

Everyday, someone is leaving for more money, leaving due to cutbacks, leaving because of inappropriate actions with a co-worker, (for the second time). It is getting harder and harder to find a job in the media in Chicago. Is going out of town the answer? Have you listened to how bad radio and television is when you go on vacation?

Chicago is called the Second City, they are the third largest media market, but the talent here is THE BEST!!!

One more thing before I leave. I mentioned this several years ago when working on The Mike North Morning Show. When someone dies, usually in an auto accident, usually because they were impaired, or they were struck by someone that was, what is the fascination with building a roadside shrine?

There is a reason they have funeral homes and cemetaries. If I died in the middle of the night, would you put a cross up in the middle of my bed, or at least my side of the matress? And who is supposed to clean up the mess that is put out there on the streets?

Just wondering!

Don't forget, the Fire host Real Salt Lake Saturday at Toyota Park. 7:30 start. If you can't make it out there, catch our broadcast on My50.

Not Pretty, But The Fire Will Take It

2009-07-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Fire advanced to the Superliga Final with a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco assisted on Brian McBride's goal in the first half, and then blasted a free kick into the upper corner of the goal in the second half, giving the Fire the winning margin.

Jon Busch was tested throughout the second half, but kept the Revs from tying the contest.

With the win, the Fire will host the Superliga Final in the first week of August against the winner of tonight's second match, Tigres vs. Santos.

It was looking like another one of those games in the first half, as the Fire had numerous chances. Baggio Husidic had a couple of opportunities, but the Fire couldn't hit the net until the McBride goal opened the scoring.

The Fire were without Wilman Conde and Gonzolo Segares on the backline once again. Conde is recovering from a hamstring injury and Segares is still with Costa Rica in the Gold Cup.

It's back to MLS play for the Fire Saturday night at Toyota Park, as they welcome in the last place team in the Western Conference, the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Fire are hoping to draw like they did last week, when 18,000 plus went through the gates in Bridgeview.

It's a 7:30 start, and the game can also be seen on My50, with yours truly on the call with Chris Doran providing analysis and Amy Freeze on the sidelines.

USA Put On A Show

2009-06-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

My phone was ringing asking me if I could believe what was happening.

I was getting text messages...people were shocked.

The USA was leading Brazil, 2-0 Sunday in the Confederations Cup Final in South Africa, and friends of mine that never professed to watch the game on television, even when I was broadcasting a Fire match, were watching. All this despite the fact that the Sox/Cubs game started at the same time.

I have given up years ago trying to convert my friends to fans of the game. There are enough people that love the "beautiful game", that you can always find someone to discuss it with, especially once you post something on a blog, or Facebook.

The USA played so miserably in the first two games of the tournament with losses to Italy and Brazil, by a combined score of 6-1. Everyone expected a close game against Egypt, and the Red, White and Blue would be on their way home.

It didn't work out that way, as the USA scored a 3-0 win over Egypt, and advanced after Italy was blown out by Brazil.

The win over Spain was amazing. The top team in the world, going down for the first time in three years, in 35 matches. Next was Brazil. The USA had already lost 3-0 to Kaka and company, and looked bad doing it.

An early goal by Clint Dempsey, on a great service into the box by local kid, Jonathan Spector, and the USA was shocking the world...again!

Landon Donovan and Charley Davies showed their speed up top, and on the counter attack, Donovan's goal made it 2-0. This, just moments after Alexei Ramirez belted a two run homer off Carlos Zambrano. It was looking like a good day.

But Brazil came back, as you knew they would. Three second half goals, including on just two minutes into the final 45, and the USA would have to settle for second place in the tournament.

People had been screaming that maybe Bob Bradley isn't the right coach for this team. That he was not putting out the best possible lineup. Everyone has their opinion on lineup changes, not just baseball fans.

I feel Charley Davies, with his speed, was the key to the USA'a success in the tournament. It also allowed Landon Donovan to use his quickness and skills around the top of the box. Jozy Altidore is a great talent for a 19 year old, but he needs to run. He needs to run after everything up front. Every ball that is fed to him, no matter how wide. He needs to work for the entire game, and then, he will be fine as the forward up top with Davies.

Michael Bradley was unable to play in the match after receiving a red card versus Egypt. That was the third red for the USA in the first four games. They can not do that next year in the World Cup. I am not a big fan of Ricardo Clark, Sasha Kljestan or Pablo Mastroeni in the midfield, but I don't know that there is anyone else to play that spot.

On the back line, I feel Spector, Jay DeMerit, (from Green Bay, WI), and Bocanegra do a good job. Oguchi Onyewu played well on balls into the box.

I was fortunate enough to travel to Germany for ten days during the World Cup in 2006, and had the time of my life. Going to fan fests in Frankfort, Cologne and Munich, drinking beers and watching soccer with people who passionately love the game.

I will not be able to make the tournament next year, unless a broadcast entity needs someone to broadcast the game or carry a cord on the sideline, but after the USA's play against Spain and Brazil, I can't wait for the tournament to begin.

Good While It Lasted

2009-06-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

I felt I got lucky.

On a Thursday night in March, I was talking with my wife, Pat, about possibly having to leave Chicago if I wanted to continue working on radio. Jobs here had dried up and the stations all seemed to be cutting personnel to save money.

Then, my phone rang. It was David Hernandez, who, along with Mike North, were getting ready to start a new Internet sports talk site called Chicagosportswebio.com.

I had hoped to get an opportunity to work with this new venture, but the line-up had been leaked a few days earlier, and I was not a part of it.

Hernandez asked if Mike North had called me. When I mentioned that I had not heard from Mike in weeks, he said one of them would get back to me shortly. Turns out, the Chicago Tribune would not allow Teddy Greenstein to do a two hour show on the web with Matt Weber,(said it would hamper Teddy's prep time for his full-time gig), and they were calling to offer me the spot.

I had known Matt since he began working at the Score as an intern. He had stuck with the Mike North Morning Show as a producer and had developed into a good host when given the opportunity. Matt was getting his first big shot at hosting and I gladly accepted to be his partner.

Everything went well, from the pre-launch parties to the start of our broadcasting. Matt and I developed an instant chemistry. We got great guests thanks to our producer, Steve Goffman, who had also left the Score to join CSWebio.

But the Memorial Day weekend was the beginning of the end.

When checks bounced, three of mine that I had deposited before the holiday, we were told it was a bank error. When others were returned, including a check to repay the bounced checks, plus fees, we knew we were in trouble.

That brings me to today. One day after the news on our company President allegedly being charged in a Ponzi scheme. All assets frozen...goodbye six weeks pay.

I have said many times that I love broadcasting and talking sports so much, I would probably do it for free. Turns out I have since the end of April.

What's next? We shall see. Football season is not far away. Maybe someone needs a pre- or post-game show host. Maybe someone will pick up the "Webby & Freddy" show after they heard that we were doing good things on the web.

Stick around and see how the next chapter turns out!!!

Fire vs. Chivas, Thornton

2009-05-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the Chicago Fire get a chance to remain undefeated in this MLS season as they take on Chivas USA, (7-1-3)and goalkeeper, Zach Thornton. Thornton, who was withering away on the New York bench under Osorio last season before making his escape to the West Coast,has become the top keeper in the league, with help from a pretty good defense.

The Fire, (4-0-6), will attempt to beat their former teammate at the Home Depot Center tonight, and are coming off a nice win over the Red Bulls last Sunday. Defensively, the Fire left a little to be desired, as Jon Busch was peppered with shots, and needed to register 10 saves to secure his second straight shutout.

Blanco plays tonight, and then heads to the Mexican National squad trying to help them qualify for next season's World Cup. As a result, he will miss Sunday's home game against FC Dallas at Toyota Park...a game the Fire should be able to win without their Mexican star.

It's a late start on the coast, but one that should be well worth staying up for.

Where was the Manchester United team that won the Premier League yesterday when they lost to Barcelona in Rome for the Champions League title? They never seemed to show up after a few attacks early. Once Barca scored, the Red Devils never really challenged. It was disappointing.

You Don't Know What You Are Missing

2009-05-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

What better way to spend a Tuesday afternoon than in The Globe Pub, tipping several Beamish, while watching Manchester United advance to the Champions League Final with a 3-1 win over Arsenal?

The Pub was packed at kickoff, but fortunately, my guy Matt Peebles had gotten there early, looking for an Arsenal victory, and saved me a spot at the bar.

Soccer fans from the area had gathered to catch one of the biggest matches in the world, but here in Chicago, and across the country, it was just a small blip on the sports schedule. Why is it that the majority of the sports fans in the USA have decided to ignore the beautiful game? Are they afraid they might like it? Are they afraid they won't understand it? Or could it be they just don't have any room left in their sports life for a game that is number one across the globe?

Whatever it is, they are missing some of the greatest athletes in the world. Some of the best action seen in any sport played anywhere. Watching Cristiano Ronaldo blast a free kick in from 30 yards out, before the goal keeper can get in front of it was awesome...and Ronaldo's other goal was even prettier.

Chelsea and Barcelona meet tomorrow with the winner facing Manchester for the Champions League title in a couple of weeks. You don't have to give the games a chance, but if you want an enjoyable afternoon with crazed soccer fans, you may want to visit the Globe Pub and see what you are missing.

Finally, what is it with the Chicago Fire? Four straight ties! They are leaving valuable points out there that they will need as the season goes by. I am expecting a 3-1 victory this Saturday at Toyota Park against the New England Revolution. If you can't make it out there, catch our broadcast at 7:30 on Channel 50.

Nice To Be Busy

2009-04-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a job can actually do for you mentally.

After the Score laid me off in December, I got a little lethargic. My wife would say more than a little. I had a chance to catch up on all of my favorite television series, spent some time with the family, and became one heck of a "cabana boy/chauffeur" for my honey.

I knew the Chicago Fire season was quickly approaching, and then I received the offer to become a co-host with Matt Weber on the "Webby & Freddy Show", which begins Monday, April 6 on Chicagosportswebio.com.

It is basically twelve hours of Chicago sports talk on the internet, and it will be fun, not only for me and Matt, but for the listeners.

So, after not being busy for a few months, over the last couple of weeks I have attended a luncheon for the new Chicagosportswebio, flew off to Dallas and Washington, DC for Chicago Fire broadcasts, and shot a tv commercial for the new webio venture.

I am happy again. Looking forward to opening day of baseball and Chicagosportswebio.com, and also, enjoying every minute of the Fire's 1-0-1 start, as the home opener is this Sunday at Toyota Park vs. the New York Red Bulls.

One last thing...Sunday night, catch me with Lou Canellis on CLTV at 9pm...Then next Wednesday on Chicago Tribune Live with David Kaplan.

It feels so good to be back with the working folk!

Almost Time to Retake Your Positions

2009-03-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Every April, the debate begins. Heck, the way baseball is now, it is almost a 12 month a year sport, but the REAL debating starts opening day.

"Your team sucks!"..."No, your team sucks!"

Get ready to hear those phrases, and worse, beginning with game one of the 162 game schedule.

In the off-season, Sox and Cubs fans can ALMOST coexist. Once Opening Day comes, the battle begins.

The White Sox fans can always pull out that World Series Championship from 2005, while the Cubs fans say, I don't believe I am writing this, "This is the Season!"

It should be the season. The Cubs should dominate their division as they appear to have gotten a bit stronger, with the addition of Aaron Miles and Milton Bradley. Their pitching looks deep. When your only concern is how the fifth starter will do, you are pretty well set. And don't worry, given the opportunity over the whole season, Sean Marshall should be just fine.

I heard a lot of talk about where Soriano should bat in the lineup. What difference does it make? Granted, he is not your prototypical leadoff hitter, but his numbers at the top of the order are good...just leave him there and move on. Derrek Lee hitting third is the question. You can drop the big first baseman down to sixth or seventh, as long as it doesn't get into his head, but I don't think Lee is the type to let his ego get bruised.

Cubs fans, all you need to worry about is getting a win in the post season. For some unknown reason, when the bright lights come out, the Cubs bats have shriveled away. Good Luck!

As for the South Siders, it will definitely be an interesting season with more youngsters in camp than this team has seen in years.

I can't wait for Gordon Beckham to make the big club, but it likely won't be this season. Fields and Viciedo will battle it out for third, Jayson Nix looks like he could surprise and grab that second base spot, and if Jerry Owens stays healthy, I expect him to patrol center field for a majority of the games. Dwayne Wise is giving him a run for his money. We shall see.

How about the old duo of Contreras and Colon? Jose is way ahead of schedule. He has a new girlfriend, has dropped thirty pounds, and could be ready to break camp with the rest of the starting 25 man roster. Colon was a gamble, and not an expensive one. If he can give the Sox innings from the right side, he will be just what Kenny Williams wants as the youngsters have more time to mature. Jeff Marquez looks good early. I am a big fan of Clayton Richard.

I know you have heard this before, but I truly believe Paul Konerko is ready to give the Sox an entire season of good play. I know I am taking a risk here, but he is due.

The Sox division won't be easy, but it wasn't supposed to be last season and the Sox won it in extra time.

Have fun with the baseball in the city this season...and whatever you do, don't tell me you like both teams! Impossible. Pick one and stick with it. That's what it's all about.

How Lucky I Have Been

2009-02-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

From the time I was a youth growing up in Cicero, I always wanted to talk about sports on the radio.

Back in the late sixties and early seventies, Pat Sheridan took to the airwaves each night on WCFL to talk sports, and I would be there each and every night to listen. Pat would breakdown the local baseball teams, the Bears, the Blackhawks and Bulls, once they came into the NBA. There were even times that I heard Pat make a mistake on a stat, or a score from the night before. I would find out later how easy that can be.

I would listen and tell my dad how cool it was for this guy to talk sports, take phone calls from die hard fans, and get paid for it.

Now, as I am sitting here waiting for my next opportunity to take to the airwaves, I realize just how fortunate I have been to do something I truly love, for more than THIRTY YEARS!!! First at Sports Phone, and most recently, at the Score.

This morning, I traveled to IIT, just the other side of the Dan Ryan from U.S. Cellular field, and joined Jeff Korey, John Lauricella and Paul Cordogon on their radio show, The Sports Huddle and Stuff. Jeff and John work at IIT while Paul is a student. These guys love talking sports and it was a pleasure to be able to join them.

They treated me like royalty, like I was doing them a favor. I love talking sports, be it with my buddies, (Peoria is right around the corner), former listeners that I run into, or just the average Joe that finds out what I have done with my career.

There are fans, including my new buddies at IIT, that love sports, love talking about it, and love arguing about it. Most have other jobs, and would kill to be able to do what I have done over the years.

For the longest time, I was always able to tell my wife, "Honey, But I have to watch the game...it's my job!"

I am really hoping I can utter those same words again very, very soon!

Who Needs David...We Have Gordon!

2009-02-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

It appears that David Beckham's stay in Major League Soccer with the LA Galaxy is about to come to an end.

Beckham is on loan with AC Milan in Italy, and he wants to stay there and the team wants him to remain. MLS refused AC Milan's initial offer for #23, but I expect that things will eventually get worked out. No sense keeping a player, much less one of the most recognized athletes in the world, if he isn't happy!

I realize Beckham signed a long term deal with the league, but the transfer possibility was written into the contract. The league got about all they can from the promotion of Beckham. Letting him go to one of the top teams on the planet isn't a bad move at this time.

Many people who do not know soccer, and some that do know the game, say Beckham did not bring his "A"game to the States, that he didn't give his all. Beckham, unlike Blanco with the Chicago Fire, is NOT a goal scorer. Americans say, "How do you pay that kind of money for someone who doesn't score goals?" Beckham does what he does, as well as anyone in the world. He can "bend it" like no one else on free kicks and his crosses have led to many of the prettiest goals you could ever see. Playing in the midfield, on the right side which is his best spot, he needs help to be a star player. Forwards to get their heads to his crosses...central midfielders to find him on the flank. He did not get that with the Galaxy. I believe Beckham came here to help the league. He did, when healthy, and now it is time to let him go.

In a year or two, when Gordon Beckham makes a name for himself on the South Side with the White Sox, you will forget all about David.

A couple quickies before I go...

- The Chicago Fire is expected to decide on their plans for this season's television coverage this week. I hope my number is called to do play-by-play for the upcoming season on My50.

- I took my wife to see "He's Just Not That Into You", Saturday night. Not a bad flick. A definite date night. If you see it downtown, stop at Heaven on Seven before or after and grab one of their spicy bloody marys.

- I agree with Phil Rogers...A Rod should just admit to what he took. We are a very forgiving society...but don't you dare lie to us.

- Michael Phelps is an IDIOT!!! You have the world where you want it. You couldn't wait for the privacy of your own home, when you were alone, to hit the bong...big dummy!

MY Week in Review

2009-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

First off, I have to tell you, I didn't watch ONE MINUTE of Blago fest on any of the tv stations this week. His ousting was imminent, and I didn't need to waste my time. Pat Quinn is a great guy and will do everything in his power to help the people of Illinois. He is a stand-up guy and deserves the position. I am proud to say I know Pat a little bit from our talks on the air with Mike Murphy back in the day at the Score. It doesn't hurt that he is a White Sox fan. It's great to have a South Side fan in charge of the State, as well as the Country!

Monday, I had the opportunity to join Mike North, Dan Jiggetts, and Jen Patterson on Monsters in the Morning on Comcast. It was great to see the guys, and it's always great seeing Jen. We talked Super Bowl XLIII, (I would like to see Arizona win, but it won't be easy.). The set looks much bigger on tv than it really is. The guys are just three weeks in and I feel the show gets better each day. It's a work in progress, and I am confident they will get to where they want to be.

Now that my heart issues have been resolved, after last weeks cardioversion to get my heart back to its regular rhythm, I joined Cardinal Fitness. Took it slow the first day. I hope to make it a three times a week stop. I have the time!

Wednesday, the Chicago Fire soccer schedule was released for the upcoming season. They open the year in Dallas March 21, but the most exciting stop was when they head north of the border.

Saturday, May 16, the Fire play Toronto FC (stands for football club), at BMO Field in Toronto. That same weekend, the White Sox have a four game series with the BlueJays, also in Toronto.

My 52nd birthday is May 15, and I can't think of a better weekend celebration than heading to Canada for some baseball/soccer action.

The middle of the week was also, unfortunately, highlighted by a blowout my wife, Pat, had with her car. It turned out to be an expensive one, as we eventually needed to get new tires, and of course, when they removed the back tires, they found out we also needed rear brakes. It's just like my favorite saying goes, "It's always something, and it never ends!"

Thursday night, Pat and I had a chance to check out Scapa Italian restaurant in downtown Clarendon Hills. The grilled calamari was excellent, as was the Italian wedding soup. Try out the place for yourself and let me know what you think. Say hi to John and Joe.

Friday, I had the chance to join attorney David Spada, and former Bear tight end/fullback, Robin Earl, on the Barely Legal show at TalkZone.com. This is a Mike North Production, that is at the same place Mike did the webio show, and still has the Monsters show on the web. We had Hall of Famer, Ted Hendricks join us to talk Super Bowl, and discussed the Bears, Sox, and Cubs the rest of the hour. It was great being in front of a microphone again.

Finally, last night, I joined several of my high school buds, (Steve Jagielo, Larry Griffin and Mark "Moofer" Molaro), to watch our alma mater, Morton, play at Downers Grove South. Morton was without one of their stars, Luke Scarlatta, but hung tough thanks to the rebounding and hustle of Raul Guzman. DGS won in overtime, but the game wouldn't have gotten that far if my guys could have made some free throws. They were terrible at the line and need to improve as tournament time approaches. By the way, the three referees were BRUTAL! Worst I have seen in sometime, for both sides.

As for Super Bowl XLIII, I have avoided all the hype, (not working at the Score anymore allowed me to do that). I would love to see a good game, close into the fourth quarter, and what a story it would be if the Cardinals could pull it off.

More from this Idle Mind soon!

I'll Take Hodge Podge for 500, Alex

2009-01-25T00:16:00.000-08:00

It's a little bit of a lot of things as I sit down to write this Sunday morning at 2:17am. My wife is out with her friends for their monthly get together. This one is an overnighter, allowing me to stay up late to watch a dvd...tonight it was "Max Payne", (I'd give it 2 stars...special effects were good, story a little confusing). Saw "Righteous Kill" with DeNiro and Pacino last night. That one also gets 2 stars. Tropic Thunder awaits. I'll probably get to that later this week.

For those who have been reading my Facebook page, you know I had some heart problems in October, but Friday I went in for a cardioversion, where they basically hit the reset button on your heart by shocking it. It worked and my heart beat is back to regular. I am ready to go.

Saturday was a fun day, as I had a chance to see some of the Chicago Fire soccer players and coaches before they leave for training camp in Florida on Monday. The team has their starting 11 back from last season, with a full season of Brian McBride. With the MLS reducing rosters from 28 to 24, camp is going to be tough for players trying to grab a spot. C.J. Brown is healthy and is going to give it a try for another season after missing most of last year with an injury. Defender, Dasan Robinson is also back healthy, with forward, Calen Carr hoping to get ready for the start of the regular season.

I had a chance to meet the Fire's first pick in the SuperDraft, Baggio Husidic from UIC. He is pumped to be with the Fire and would love to help at an attacking midfield position. Maybe he could replace the loss of Stephen King, who was selected by Seattle in the expansion draft.

The season opener is March 21st in Dallas.

At Hawthorne Race Course Saturday Night, they held the 16 inch softball Hall Of Fame inductions. I was pleased to see my wife's cousin, Pat Caputo go into the Hall. He has played for some 39 years and won numerous titles. One heck of a pitcher, Patty deserved it. My guy, Mike North, also was honored along with Steve Kashul, going in as media members. If you remember, Mike and Steve did 16 inch games on Sports Channel back in the day, when local television actually took some chances.

Super Bowl XLIII is just a week away and people are planning their viewing parties for the BIG game. If you listen to ESPN radio this week, you just may hear a familiar voice promoting Uncle Bub's BBQ in Westmont for the place to get your catering and take out needs for the tilt between Arizona and Pittsburgh. Mark and Jay are buddies of mine and I was pleased to help them out with a few spots.

What Do We Really Expect to CHANGE!!! and how about the NFL!

2009-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

It's the day before the big inauguration, and a lot of Chicago is either in D.C., or on their way.

Barack Obama becomes the country's 44th President tomorrow, when he is sworn in. The concert seemed amazing yesterday, from what I saw of it, and the number of people just blows me away.

We know these are tough economic times, but people are leaving their homes to get to the Nation's capitol anyway they can. There are inauguration parties throughout the week, costing millions of dollars. Couldn't some of this money be put to better use? And how is everyone getting out of work to travel to D.C. to see the inauguration? Or are all the people who are making the trip, out of work already? I can sympathize.

Call me a naysayer, or whatever else you would like, but tell me the last time you could buy a hat or t-shirt with the President's name or face on it, when they were not being criticized?

President Obama is one heck of a guy, and what we have seen, not a bad hoopster. He likes to find the open man, and knows how to get to the hole. Back in the day, he joined us on the Mike North Morning Show, and all he wanted to talk about was his beloved White Sox, which we got a kick out of. My question is what exactly does this country expect from their newest President, and how long before his supporters will begin to turn on him?

Now I am not a political expert, and lord knows I don't have all the answers...I don't even know the questions. I am just wondering...

Now for something I do know a little bit about, the National Football League.

I love it that Arizona is going to SB43! They clinched early, being in a weak NFC West, then stumbled to the finish. But Ken Whisenhunt had these guys ready on both sides of the ball and Larry Fitzgerald is amazing! What a wide receiver. I can't remember the last WR I saw that could get that high and had hands like that.

As for Donovan McNabb...I know he's a Chicago guy, but he just can't win the big game. He was not good in the first half, and then he wasn't helped out at all in the second half by Hank Baskett, who must have had Kendra on his mind instead of the game.

The Steelers win didn't surprise me. Their defense turned it up and the Ravens rookie QB couldn't pull out another one.

The Big Game could be a good one if AZ can get Fitzgerald the ball and they also can't forget their running game. Edgerrin James has played better and Hightower is a bruiser.

I wonder who Obama likes in the game?

What's Going On!

2009-01-16T22:49:00.001-08:00

I sat down at my computer at 12:30am Saturday, just to look at some e-mails and my Facebook account, when I was shocked to see that ESPN had gotten rid of their ONE star...Dan McNeil.

I had hoped to see McNeil at the station next week when I plan on being in the area, but now I guess I could see him anytime...anytime two out of work guys want to get together that is.

Danny Mac was the MAN at ESPN. The economy being the way it is, I guess it was ESPN's time to cut costs, and Danny was the victim.

It should be some interesting listening the next couple of weeks as to which direction that show goes, and how the Boers and Bernstein show on the Score may benefit from McNeil's absence. Fred, Jurko and Harry...Hmm, sounds inviting! It would even be my initials...FJH!

Friday night, I visited Hinsdale South to watch my alma mater, Morton take on the Hornets.

6'5 senior forward, Raul Guzman put on quite a display in the first half, hitting his first six attempts from three point range. Guzman went 7 for 9 from the arc for the game, finishing, unofficially, with 33 points as the Mustangs won easily.

Luke Scarlatta wasn't a big part of the Mustangs offense in the game, but he did add a monster rebound slam dunk in the third quarter and another slam on a three on one break in the fourth.

Keep an eye on these guys as the tournament gets going in late February and March.

Boy...I'm exhausted!

2009-01-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

It's easy to get into a rut when you are home between jobs.

You get up, do a couple of things around the house, grab some lunch, watch some tv, and the next thing you know, it's time for the wife to come home for dinner.

Not Today!

Today, I actually got out of the house.

A haircut and dye job. Yes, I dye my hair. My wife doesn't like gray hair, so I figured that's the least I could do to keep her happy.

Then, a visit to a cardiologist at Loyola Hospital for a second opinion on my heart woes. The good Dr. Moran agreed with my doctor, Dr. Clark from Edward Hospital and suggested I get my heart shocked as soon as I can so that I can return to normal. Little does he know, I have NEVER been normal.

Finally, a stop at my financial advisor. After sixteen plus years at the SCORE, my CBS 401k can now be moved to something that could possibly allow me some money in my old age. Several options to consider. I'm no financial wizard, so the decision won't be an easy one.

I was on my way home and my hard working wife asked if I could pick up dinner and bring it to her school, (she's in Guidance at a local HS). Being the good husband I am...or at least try to be, I obliged. I also helped with some paper work that she needed copied so she could work on other things so that she could be home before 9:00. We just made it.

Caught the Bulls 4th quarter as they beat LeBron and the Cavs. It is just fun to watch Derrick Rose. He is such a talent.

I, along with my high school buddies, had the chance to watch him for two years dominate in the State tournament in Peoria. What he is doing is no surprise to us. Now if Paxson can just get him some players to play with. Tyrus Thomas shows you flashes of good play, but he doesn't seem to be able to keep it going.

Friday, I think my alma mater, Morton is playing hoops at Hinsdale South. If so, I'll be there cheering them on. They are one of the top teams in the area...and that's a shocker for anyone that went to Morton back in the 70's.

Another Day Alone With My Thoughts!

2009-01-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

Just after 6:15 this morning, my wife, Pat, told me, "Your buddy is outside!"

My neighbor, Chris had started his snow blower, and was on his way across the cul-de-sac to plow my drive.

Chris, and my other neighbor, Mike, have been great the last several years taking care of our small, but not too small, driveway, after I gave away the snow blower that my brother-in-law gave me. There was just not enough room in our already crowded garage...and I didn't mind shoveling anyway.

This year, Chris and Mike won't let me shovel, even if I wanted to.

In late October, I caught some sort of virus, and ended up in the hospital for six days. The virus attacked my chest and I developed fluid around the heart, an irregular heartbeat and a high heart rate. I am still dealing with the irregular heartbeat and am hopefully a week away from the doctors trying to "shock" it back into its proper rhythm.

The nice part about Chris doing the drive is that his dog, Mya, comes with. Mya is a brown labradoodle and tons of fun to play with in the snow. I am trying to make Mya, my buddy! So while Chris is cleaning MY drive, I am playing with his dog. I know, something about that just isn't right.

After being laid off from the SCORE, Sports Radio 670 after 16 plus years, I am beginning my search for a new position in Chicago sports media. It is a crowded field, with not a lot of opportunities, but I am confident that I will find the right fit.

I also look forward to hopefully doing play-by-play for the Chicago Fire again this season. Last season, I had the pleasure of working with color analyst, Chris Doran and sideline reporters Sarah Kustok and Amy Freeze. New Jersey based producer, Jeff Strauss worked all but one of our games last season, and I hope we continue again this year. Sarah won't be with the team as Comcast SportsNet scooped her up as a reporter for SportsNite. Wise move!

On this blog, I will attempt to post things that you may get a kick out of and it also gives me an outlet to get rid of all the sports knowledge and sports opinions that I currently have been keeping to myself.

Talk with you soon!