Free-Agent Folly About to Start for Bulls

Monday meanderings: The significance of New York Knicks free agent Carmelo Anthony visiting other teams beginning with the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday (the first day free agents may visit prospective new teams) is a.) Based on frequent-flier miles; b.) An indication he wants to be someplace other than New York next season; c.) An indication he wants to be someplace other than Chicago on July 4; d.) Minimal.

For those lamenting Mexico’s World Cup loss, maybe this photo will help.

* Speaking of the Bulls, guard Derrick Rose has said he will not be part of the recruiting process. Some folks might be upset about that. The reality is the most important part in luring Anthony will be: a.) Bulls center Joakim Noah; b.) Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau; c.) An opportunity to win an NBA title; d.) None of the above; e.) Money.

* The significance of the Chicago White Sox 4-0 victory Sunday over the Blue Jays in Toronto is a.) It was their first shutout of the season; b.) It extended their winning streak to three after starting their 11-game road trip by losing seven of the first eight contests; c.) It kept former Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle (10-5) winless since June 1; d.) It kept them a half game ahead of Minnesota for last place in the American League Central and moved them within one game of Cleveland for third in the division; e.) All of the above.

* Speaking of the Sox victory, Jose Quintana allowed three hits in seven innings, while Buehrle gave up six hits and two runs in eight innings. Their performances left both pitchers tied for third in the American League in quality starts with 13 in 17 outings.

* The Chicago Cubs had Sunday off for the first time in 82 years. Comcast SportsNet Chicago will air the introductory press conference for Manny Ramirez on Monday with the Class AAA Iowa Cubs because a.) That’s usually the way teams and their broadcast affiliates do things regarding 42-year-old player-coaches who are not expected to be with the big-league team at all this season, right?; b.) There were no new episodes of “Beer Money” to air; c.) Well, just because; d.) It was the best way to ensure Manny would be at the Iowa ballpark; e.) Televising the event provides a Cubs presence with the guarantee the big-league team won’t lose.

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