Cup (America’s, not Stanley) for Chicago?

Random thoughts (or reasonable facsimiles thereof) while wondering whether Chicago’s pursuit of hosting America’s Cup sailing in 2017 is merely a diversion from financial problems the city faces. Then again, how could it be a diversion if hosting the event could cost taxpayers money?

It’s almost time for soccer’s World Cup. Always time for a fan photo,

* Hosting the 2013 America’s Cup finals was anything but smooth sailing for San Francisco and the Bay Area economy. The event ended up costing San Francisco taxpayers $5 million. And America’s Cup officials apparently have dropped the city from consideration because they weren’t able to procure what it deemed sufficient concessions (financial, what else?) from the city by the bay.

* There appears to be an inverse correlation between the speed at which a Jose Abreu home run exits the playing field and the speed at which the White Sox slugger trots around the bases. Which means, the linguistics department at ElliottHarris.com has determined, he does trot leisurely around the bases. And frequently, too.

* Speaking of home runs, Detroit’s Victor Martinez hit his 15th of the season in the Tigers’ 6-5 loss to the Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. As impressive as Abreu’s 18 homers might be, Martinez’s 15 border on the incredible (not sure which side of the border) mainly because 15 also is the number of strikeouts he has this season.

* For a team with the worst road record record in the major leagues, the Cubs began a 10-game trip in predictable fashion: a 6-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The loss dropped the Cubs (25-36 overall) to 10-22 away from Wrigley Field. If it’s any consolation to Cubs fans (and the guess here is that it might be), the statistical-analysis department around here has calculated the Cubs are 15-14 at home.

* World Cup soccer begins this week. Which explains the soccer-themed videos recently. As if any explanation really is necessary.

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