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Midweek musings: On another day, the Chicago Cubs might have been big news. Not for their performance on the field, of course, but for other actions. Instead the reaction to the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup on Monday night overshadowed media coverage Tuesday. So former star closer Carlos Marmol was designated for assignment and already demoted third baseman Ian Stewart was released. Change you can believe in? Not until the Cubs front office can provide top-flight talent rather than talent that will be on flights elsewhere.
Ashley Lobo during her days with the Blackhawks Ice Crew and the 2010 Stanley Cup.
* Speaking of talent (the real kind) heading elsewhere, defensive end Israel Idonije, who became a free agent this offseason, has exited the Bears for the Detroit Lions. Best of luck to a man whose impact can be felt off the field as well with his foundation that helps provide programs focused on social and emotional life skills.
* Speaking of skills, if you’re looking for league leaders among Cubs and Sox players, there’s this: Starlin Castro leads National League shortstops in errors with 14, and Alexei Ramirez leads American League shortstops with 12. None committed Tuesday, thanks in part to Cubs manager Dale Sveum having Castro sit out his first game this season. OK, so maybe that’s not the sort of league leaders Cubs and Sox fans were looking for. But it has been that kind of season — make no mistake (or make several) about it. Castro’s streak of 269 consecutive games played — which was the longest current streak in the National League — ended. Maybe so he can see the error of his ways in the field.
* That 9-3 Brewers victory vs. the Cubs in Milwaukee left the Cubs (31-44) all alone in the NL Central cellar. The Brewers (32-43) are 5-1 against the Cubs this season. The Brewers are 7-19 against the rest of the division. The Cubs are 8-20 against the rest of the division. Which is pretty much while the rest of the division — St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati — can rest easy about not finishing lower than third place.
* That 5-4 White Sox victory vs. the visiting New York Mets could have been a 4-3 Chris Sale victory. But for some inexplicable reason, second baseman Gordon Beckham tried to catch a popup that should have been third baseman Conor Gillaspie’s to make near the mound. Stupid play for me,” Beckham said. “My heart was in the right spot, but my mind obviously wasn’t. … It didn’t cost us the game, but it’s a stupid play and I’m an idiot.” No argument with that assessment.
* Returning to the topic of the Blackhawks, Miami Heat star LeBron James tweeted congratulations to the team for winning the Stanley Cup. If James decided to opt for free Unless, of course, the alcohol comes from Wirtz Beverage Co. You would think Mayor Rahm Emanual might even encourage alcohol consumption, if for no other reason than to be able to fine folks and raise money for the city coffers. How much more civic-minded can it be than to be an inebriated Hawks fan?
* Emanuel is known for using profanity during his workday. Which makes him not unlike New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. Well at least for a day. Responding to rehabbing third baseman Alex Rodriguez tweeting that he is ready to start playing games. “You know what, when the Yankees want to announce something, [we will],” Cashman told ESPN New York. “Alex should just shut the fuck up.” Not too many people on the planet who would disagree.
Birthday girl Ashley Bond (not in her birthday suit).
Other than to enjoy a Game 7 at the United Center, Hawks fans probably couldn’t come up with many reasons to see the Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins go the limit.
Which is why some of us are here to provide a little perspective. Very little. But what else would you expect?
One reason to have hoped there would have been a Game 7: Ashley Bond. More specifically Ashley Bond in the Hawks-themed dressed made from rally towels that she wore to Game 5. It’s unclear how many more chances she will have to wear that outfit (well, unless she decided to turn it into a swimsuit or something more seasonal).
As it turns out, it’s Ashley’s birthday, so happy birthday to the Miss Illinois USA 2009, Luvabulls dance team member, fitness trainer, blogger, etc.
If it’s Wednesday (and at this point, it’s slightly unclear — although with yesterday being Tuesday, the chances seem good that it is), then we are only a day away from the latest edition of “Sports & Torts” at noon Central time on Talkzone.com with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris. The highly acclaimed interview show (well, it’s highly acclaimed in the Spada and Harris households) will have a pair of former St. Louis Cardinls — the football variety — on the June 27 show. Featured will be Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive backs Larry Wilson and Roger Wehrli. The show also will be available on podcast at Talkzone.com later Thursday.
And, yes, here is where to go for a daily dose of non-gratuitous video (thanks to the ever-diligent efforts of the editorial and video departments at elliottharris.com and their broad definintion of “gratuitous”) And, yes, we realize this is not perfect numerical order, but we’re doing the best we can (and surely you cannot complain about the subject matter):
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