OK, let’s do a quick whip around Chicago sports. We’re doing a name per team, and some associated commentary. OK? Go.
Tony LaRussa. His days are numbered, no? It’s almost like the Sox are playing to get him fired. Tony can’t be blamed for a baserunning mistake where you run into a triple play, but he can be blamed for intentionally walking another guy up in the count; did you see that today in Game 1 of the doubleheader vs Cleveland? The Sox lost another one by the way. I’m not a Sox fan by any means, but even I expected them to do a whole heck of a lot better than they are. You just keep waiting for them to turn it around… feels like one of those mid-season managerial changes may spark them? Maybe some made up medical issue for TLR that sidelines him for a while? Something has got to give. Still plenty of time to go, but… I know there are like 20 playoff teams this year, but don’t wait too long…
Ian Happ. NL All Star? Hey, I love the Cubs and will root for anybody donning that uniform. Thus, I root for Ian. However, to say he’s an NL All Star? I’m not buying it. But… maybe this changes the Cubs’ plans for the better. Instead of moving their other, legitimate All Star Willson Contreras, how about trading high on Ian Happ? Yeah, hey, does anybody want a switch hitting, versatile all-star player? I know… I talk all that shit about the Cubs blowing this thing up, and how they should have signed other big names. But, Ian… along with Jason Heyward, are a couple guys who I wish they DID get rid of. Congrats on your great season Happer. If the Cubs wanted to turn this AS appearance into some pitching, feel free…
Toni Kukoc. Speaking of undeserving… Yes, dare I say Toni does not belong in the NBA HOF? Have I talked about this already? I can’t remember. I loved Toni; he was an important contributor to the 2nd three peat, for sure. He was the 4th best player on the roster though, no? Can’t punish him for that, but at the same time, was he really Hall of Fame worthy? Definitely belongs in the Croatian HOF, but to say he was one of the best to ever play in the NBA… that may be a stretch. Still love you though Kukoc.
Duncan Keith. Somebody who is definitely NOT overrated. He officially announced his retirement from the NHL today. Sure, he was with the Oilers, but just like many others, they’re known for their days in Chicago. It’s not a stretch to say Duncs was the best defenseman in Blackhawks history. I don’t think it’s too crazy or biased to say he’s one of the top 5/10 D-men of all time in the NHL, is it? Peak Keith was at the heart of the dynastic 3 Cup winning Blackhawks. He formed another dynamic duo for the Hawks with Seabrook at the blue line; can’t forget about Hammer either. But yeah, congrats on a HOF career #2; enjoy!
Steve McMichael. Not to end this on a down note, but our Bears name of the day is not doing so well health wise. I’ve seen pictures of him on Twitter, as his teammates visit him, unfortunately, maybe for the last time. He’s a fighter, for sure. He is quite possibly in that underrated category as part of the best defense of all time. Just think about that D-line, where it all starts. Dent, Hampton, McMichael… of course Fridge too. But man, Mongo was a beast in the trenches; an important contributor on a championship team. Tough to see him dwindle down; getting old/sick sucks. The older you get though, the more and more of this you’ll see… until it’s you.
OK, there’s my quick roundtable. Hope you enjoyed. Maybe a new feature? Who knows. I do know that I finally tested positive for COVID this morning; 2.5 years was a pretty good run. I’m camped out in my own apartment aka the basement for the rest of the week, trying to avoid my family from getting the same fate. So far not too bad… As my brother said, time to binge some shows!!! But first, Cubs Orioles…
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