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Now that the World Series has eneded, the Chicago Cubs can get down to some really important stuff. Like what beer to serve at Wrigley Field. Or naming a manager to replace Dale Sveum. Thinking about either one is enough to drive some people to drink.
* Speaking of beer and the Cubs, try this on for size. Yes, today is Halloween (provided that you are reading this on Oct. 31). You wanna hear something really scary? Your humble correspondent was at a Halloween party and, in the course of polite conversation, a fellow who knows a little something about the inner workings of the Cubs offered up the prospect of this: Budweiser Ballpark at Wrigley Field. Well, that definitely wouldn’t be the old style of Cubs, would it? But the point is naming rights can’t be too far off for a team looking for maximize revenue streams.
For disconsolate St. Louis Cardinals fans — is there any other type today? — may we offer you (OK, and everyone else) this for not winning the World Series.
* Speaking of the World Series (well, we were obliquely before talking about the Cubs), I can’t tell you how close I was to precisely predicting the outcome of the Fall Classic. Actually, I can tell you. All it would have taken was there to have been a Game 7 with the St. Louis Cardinals defeating the Boston Red Sox. So close. Well, certainly closer than the Cubs and White Sox were to postseason participation in 2013 and likely will be in 2014 (although my powers of prognostication might be seen as there actually being hope for the Cubs and/or White Sox next season).
* Speaking of Game 7, how many other people were disappointed the Series didn’t go to an ultimate game in the best-of-seven competition? If for no other reason than to see whether Boston manager John Farrell really would start Jake Peavy in the epic encounter?
* According to reliable sources, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein was responsible for bringing 11 of the 2013 Red Sox to the team when he was their general manager. Well, 12 if you count the Esptein regime as trading pitcher Ryan Dempster to Texas, which traded him to Boston.
* If it’s any consolation to Chicago Bulls fans (and the guess here is that it just might be), the Miami Heat lost at Philadelphia to the 76ers a night after beating their beloved Bulls in the season opener. Meaning the Heat’s chances of eclipsing the Bulls’ record 72-10 season are greatly diminished.
* Speaking of Bulls opponents, theirs for the team’s home opener on Halloween night is the New York Knicks, who won their opener Wednesday night. Meaning the Bulls get them on the back end of a back-to-back. Which also should mean the Bulls should get back in the victory column. Meaning Bulls fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Of course, if the Bulls should lose, some in the crowd might become a bit uneasy. A reminder: It’s only October. To be followed by: It’s only November. We will let you know if and when it might be close to the prospect of panic.
You were expecting a photo of Forrest Gregg? Hey, it’s Ashley Kurtenbach’s birthday, so ….
Remember those recent delightful self-promotional mentions of “Sports & Torts” that asked folks out there in cyberspace to nominate the interview show co-hosted by David Spada and Elliott Harris on Talkzone.com for a Podcast Award? Well, we did it. Or rather you did it. David and I have received the news that — thanks to our supporters in the audience here and on Facebook and Twitter — “Sports & Torts” has made the top 10 final for best sports podcast. So once again — beginning on Friday (Nov. 1) — we are asking for your support. All you have to do is go to podcastawards.com. Here is the link. And thank you in advance for your vote or votes. As with any election involving anything Chicago-related, you are encouraged to vote early and often. The main difference between this and an actual Chicago election is multiple votes from a person (presumably still living) is permitted for the Podcast Awards.
Speaking of “Sports & Torts,” the Oct. 31 show features bikini competitor Ashley Kurtenbach and former Pro Football Hall of Famer Forrest Gregg, who played for the Green Bay Packers and also was an NFL coach. For those unable to tune in for the show at noon Central time, it will be available via podcast later in the day (and presumably archived forever — or at least for a long, long time) at Talkzone.com. The interview with Ashley was done when she was in Chicago in June for the Junior Nationals. Which justifies running a photo of her from that event (not that justification ever is needed around here.
Also, today is Ashley’s birthday. Happy birthday to her and happy viewing for the rest of us.
Did someone say the Bulls have their home opener Thursday? Well, here is some Bull-related video. Or Luvabulls-related, as the case may be.
Here is where to go for a daily dose of non-gratuitous video (thanks to the superb sleuthing by the editorial and video departments at elliottharris.com):
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