Latest News
Midweek musings: The lowly Toronto Raptors (30-48) defeated the Chicago Bulls 101-98 on Tuesday (April 9) at the United Center. The Bulls were without Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah. And without much hope for any sort of protracted postseason performance. On the bright side, the Bulls will play a team with a winning record in the opening round, so the hope is Derrick Rose & Co. (OK, maybe only the “& Co.”) will play at a higher level against better ballclubs.
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler poses with members of the LFL’s Chicago Bliss at the recent Chicago Sun-Times Collectibles Convention.
* The possibility does exist that Rose might return for the playoffs (if not sooner). Any reason to think that actually might occur is based primarily on wishful thinking.
* What the absence of so many players have provided is the emergence of Jimmy Butler. He scored a career-high 28 points on 10-of-12 field-goal shooting (3-of-3 from three-point range). He also played all 48 minutes of the game. Meaning he is coach Tom Thibodeau’s kind of player. Totally.
* Any Cubs fan who believes Carlos Marmol is the worst closer (or former closer) in baseball ought to talk to Brewers fans about John Axford. Marmol pitched a scoreless eighth inning in a 6-3 Cubs victory to lower his earned-run average to 12.27. Axford lasted 2/3 of an inning, four of his 16 pitches were strikes, he allowed three runs and had his ERA go up to 24.30. His record fell to 0-2, while Marmol’s improved to 1-1. Hey, take consolation where you can find any, Cubs fans.
* Speaking of consolation, White Sox right fielder Alex Rios hit his fourth home run of the season and first baseman Paul Konerko had his first in an 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals. OK, so that’s not much consolation, but it’s the best that some of us can do on short notice.
* Speaking of consolation and Sox statistics, center fielder Alejandro De Aza drew his first walk of the season. Meaning that while his batting average may be only .250 after going 3-for-4, his on-base percentage is .267. OK, once again not much consolation.
* Still speaking of Sox stats, third baseman Jeff Keppinger went 2-for-5 to raise his batting average to .115 (and, no, he has not reached base via a walk this season). Meaning he can go 2-for-17 and still raise his batting average. Also, left fielder Dayan Viciedo (.174 batting average) remained walkless. Meaning he can go 2-for-11 and raise his batting average.
Some postgame video from the Bulls-Raptors game:
Coverage of a Bulls game never would be complete without some videos of the Luvabulls dance team in action:
Bulls player Jimmy Butler and Chicago Bliss tight end Jamie Barwick at the Sun-Times Collectibles Convention.
If this is Wednesday (which the editorial staff at elliottharris.com is fairly certain in that yesterday was Tuesday — provided that you are reading this on April 10 or a subsequent Wednesday), then the next edition of “Sports & Torts” is only a day away. The show is available on Talkzone.com at noon Chicago time and becomes available later Thursday on podcast.
The interview guests for April 11 are Jamie Barwick, who plays for the Chicago Bliss of the Legends Football League (formerly the Lingerie Football League), and former big-league pitcher Ralph Branca, whose claims to fame came as a pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
The video department at elliottharris.com promises to provide a brief interview with Jamie in this space before Thursday’s “Sports & Torts.” Come back tomorrow. Assuming you are reading this today.
Here is where we go for our daily dose of non-gratuitous video:
Advertising opportunities are available on ElliottHarris.com. For information and rates, contact sales@elliottharris.com.