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Thursday thoughts (or about as close as it gets to thinking around here): WGN-TV, which has been synonymous with broadcasting Chicago Cubs games, soon may become anonymous as far as airing baseball. The team informed the Tribune-owned entity it is exercising its option to opt out of its contract after the 2014 season. Will this really be the end for the Cubs on WGN? Who knows? What is certain is the ballclub is trying to have a better dollar deal than its current agreement for about 70 games on WGN. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels have recent deals much more lucrative than the Cubs’. Of course, those two teams also have a higher level of success, too. Something says that in the next decade the team will have its own television network, much like the New York Yankees do (a main difference being the number of World Series championships won by each franchise).
Look for November Playboy Playmate Gemma Lee Farrell on the Nov. 7 “Sports & Torts” (yes, the show has video) — though not in this outfit. Sorry.
* Speaking of WGN, farewell to radio analyst Keith Moreland. The former Cubs outfielder said Wednesday he will not return to the team’s broadcast booth because he wants to spend more time with family. Presumably his. Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood is a possibility to replace Moreland alongside Pat Hughes, one of the game’s best.
* Speaking of electronic media, Comcast SportsNet will air its latest installment of “Inside Look” on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Pat Boyle will interview Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook. The show also is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12 at 9:30 p.m., Nov. 14 at 10 a.m., Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.
* Speaking of the Cubs (which we were a paragraph or so ago), Rick Renteria is to be introduced as the team’s manager Thursday. Thereby alleviating any concern the players might have of being overshadowed by their manager.
* Derrick Rose had 17 points, two assists and four turnovers in the Chicago Bulls’ 97-80 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Rose has 21 turnovers in four games this season. His shooting has been subpar. And after such a splendid preseason, too. Which gives you some idea about exhibition games and their value in making accurate assessments.
* Quick, somebody tell Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan his team has a better record (3-2) than the Bulls (1-3). Wanna bet the former Bulls superstar is not aware of that?
If it’s Thursday (and the chances of that being a reality seem overwhelming because yesterday was Wednesday (provided that you are reading this on Nov. 7, 2013, or a subsequent Thursday), then it is time for another edition of “Sports & Torts” with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris at noon Central time on Talkzone.com.
The highly acclaimed (certainly in the Spada and Harris households and — rumor has it — elsewhere) interview show features two great guests for the Nov. 7 program. Of course, most of the guests who appear on “Sports & Torts” are great, but still … Appearing will be Playboy Playmate Gemma Lee Farrell (Miss November) and former Green Bay Packers star Willie Davis, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Gemma Lee is the first Playmate to come from New Zealand.
For those who are unable to tune in for the program (and/or those who might like to enjoy an encore performance), the program will be available later Thursday via podcast on Talkzone.com.
Speaking of podcasts, it behooves us to remind you wonderful folks out there in cyberspace that “Sports & Torts” is involved in a competition being conducted at Podcastawards.com. “Sports & Torts” is among 10 finalists for best sports podcast. Voting remains open for your favorite sports podcast. OK, my favorite sports podcast. And David’s, too.
Once again, we are asking for your support. All you have to do is go to podcastawards.com and vote. After you vote you will receive an email confirming your vote. Your vote will not count unless you respond to the email. If you don’t see the voting verification email, check out your spam or junk email folder (that’s where mine continue to go — wondering whether I should start to take that personally).
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. You are allowed to vote once a day. To vote, click here. Among our competition are sites from ESPN and CBS, so we need to battle the behemoths. We feel good about doing so — especially with your assistance. Stay tuned. Voting continues through Nov. 15. And thank you once again.
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