Big Night for Cubs and Bears (Really?)

May 9, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

One of the most anticipated events of the 2014 Chicago sports scene occurred Thursday night. But enough about the Cubs’ 12-5 victory against the White Sox that ended the teams’ four-game interleague series that featured the Sox winning the first three. Just kidding. Well about that anticipated part — although it is marginally amusing to see the delight some Cubs fans took in winning one of four games.

A photo of Playboy 2013 Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun or one of quarterback Johnny Manziel? Decisions, decisions.

* Certainly one of the most media-hyped events did occur. That would be the NFL draft, which has a buildup unlike any other draft — with the possible exception of the one that was in place for military service during the Vietnam War.

* Speaking of the NFL draft hype, the best part about it was avoiding it. Phew!

* The Bears took a cornerback, Kyle Fuller of Virginia Tech, with the No. 14 overall pick. The Bears were thrilled — surprise! — with the selection. As was every other team with its first-round pick.

* Speaking of secondary concerns, the Bears do have a primary need at safety. So their selection did cause some obsevers to wonder what they were doing. The Green Bay Packers, picking at No. 21, took Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. If he proves to be a superior player, Ha Ha will be no laughing matter.

* If history tells us anything (and it does, if we are willing to listen), teams will miss with first-round picks. And later-round choices — as well as free agents — will end up someday in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

* Meanwhile back at the baseball park, the Cubs’ triumph featured a grand slam by Mike Olt and other home runs by Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro. In 76 at-bats, Olt has six home runs and 16 runs batted in. Castro has five homers and 16 RBI in 132 at-bats; Rizzo has a team-leading seven homers and 18 RBI in 119 at-bats. Meaning Olt has been relatively productive (and please pay no attention to the .184 batting average and .259 on-base percentage).

* Former Chicago Bulls guard Jamal Crawford, who now toils for the Los Angeles Clippers, won the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Bulls forward Taj Gibson finished second. Crawford received 421 votes to 395 for Gibson. Rather than be outraged at the results, Bulls fans can only hope Gibson is a contender next season — because if he’s starting, that would indicate the Bulls did not make an impact move to improve the frontcourt.

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