Familiar Scenarios for Cubs, White Sox in Defeat

July 21, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Monday meanderings: If you’re a Chicago Cubs fan, you might be learning the theme of the 2014 season goes something like this — Anthony Rizzo hit his [fill in the number] home run as the Cubs fell to the [fill in the team]. If you’re a Chicago White Sox fan, you might be learning the theme of the 2014 season goes something like this — The White Sox bullpen faltered as the Sox lost to the [team name goes here].

Our idea of a double play: Playboy’s Shannon Sisters.

* And so it was Sunday that Cubs first baseman Rizzo hit his 23rd run in a 3-2 loss at Arizona. The Diamondbacks’ go-ahead run scored when Rizzo caught a foul ball as he fell into the photographers’ pit (meaning runners automatically advance a base). On the bright (?) side, Rizzo is tied with Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton for the National League lead in home runs. So no need to pay attention to that five-game losing streak. At least the Cubs have Monday off.

* And so it was Sunday that the Sox overcame an early 4-0 deficit and tied the game 7-7 before Daniel Webb gave up four runs in the seventh inning.

* Anyone thinking Sox left-hander John Danks could be trade bait might want to reassess things. He allowed a season-high 12 hits in a season-low 4 1/3 innings. His earned-run average increased to 4.35 after giving up seven runs. On the bright (?) side, Danks still is left-handed.

* Speaking of baseball’s trade deadline that comes up at the end of July, the Sox have to determine whether they are buyers or sellers. Just guessing they will be sellers. Of course, sweeping their series with the Kansas City Royals that begins Monday at home could help clarify the matter. If the Sox can’t move past the Royals for third place in the American League Central, chances are the Sox will be willing to listen to offers for various players. Even with a hot streak, the Sox seem unlikely to catch division-leading Detroit.

* Oh, look. Addison Russell hit two home runs for Cubs Class AA farm team Tennessee.

* The Cubs will become buyers at the trade deadline when they are not a last-place team. Which is to say: not this season (and not necessarily next season or the season after or … ).

* Chicago Bulls rookie Doug McDermott and second-year player Tony Snell were named to the NBA Summer League’s first team. Presumably something that will not be noted on any hall of fame plaques.

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