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Thursday thoughts (and we use the noun loosely): Nothing quite like seeing a shortstop such as Alexei Ramirez of the Chicago White Sox make a play by catching a ninth-inning popup and throwing to first base to double up a baserunner (in this case Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro). Which is — of course — what happened in Wednesday’s 8-3 victory against the visiting Cubs.
Lisa Eveleth is on today’s “Sports & Torts” show.
* The game ended with Cubs designated hitter Mike Olt striking out. On the bright side for the Cubs, Olt did hit his fifth home run earlier in the game. He does lead the team in home-run frequency (one home run every 14.4 at-bats). On the minus side, he is batting .167 (the same as pitcher Travis Wood) and is second on the team in strikeout frequency (once every 2.7 at-bats). Outfielder Junior Lake, who struck out three times Wednesday, leads the team with 37 strikeouts in 83 at-bats (one every 2.2 at-bats). It’s going to be a long season for some folks. If it already isn’t.
* For those of you scoring at home (and even for those who are not), that’s White Sox victories in the first three games of their interleague meetings this season. On the down side for the Sox, there is only one more game vs. the Cubs in 2014. Well, unless they meet in the World Series. The likelihood of that being …? None at all.
* The highlight (?) for the Cubs was manager Rick Renteria being ejected for the third time this season. The team’s record for managerial ejections is seven (Johnny Evers in 1913 and Frankie Frisch in 1950). Meaning this season could be one of historical significance — in manager ejections is your idea of history.
* At least the Cubs didn’t waste a good pitching performance. Left-hander Wood gave up eight runs and walked five in four-innings (plus four batters in the fifth). And no that is not a quality start — not even for the Cubs.
* Speaking of pitching performances, Cubs minor leaguer Chris Rusin of the Class AAA Iowa Cubs no-hit New Orleans 3-0. In case minor-league no-hitters mean anything.
* Speaking of the minor leagues, third baseman Kris Bryant hit two homers and drove in six runs for Class AA Tennessee in a 12-1 victory vs. visiting Birmingham.
* Ex-White Sox of the night: Toronto left-hander Mark Buehrle allowed three hits in seven innings against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies in a 10-0 triumph. Buehrle (6-1) lowered his earned-run average to 1.91.
* A friendly reminder that today is Thursday. Which means it is time for another edition of “Sports & Torts” with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris at noon Central time on Talkzone.com. The guests on the May 8, 2014, show are baseball Hall of Fame outfielders Billy Williams and Jim Rice plus bikini competitor/trainer Lisa Eveleth (who also is the founder of Livefitwithlupus.org). The program also will be available on podcast later Thursday (and presumably forever) at the Talkzone.com web site.
Hope you weren’t expecting a photo of a player who might be an NFL draft pick.
The fine folks at Bovada (www.Bovada.lv, Twitter: @BovadaLV) have provided some numbers regarding the NFL draft that begins Thursday:
Will Jadeveon Clowney be drafted 1st overall?
Yes: -500 (1/5)
No: +300 (3/1)
How many Offensive Players will be drafted in the 1st Round?
Over/Under: 15
How many Defensive Players will be drafted in the 1st Round?
Over/Under: 17
How many Quarterbacks will be drafted in the 1st round?
Over/Under: 3
How many Running Backs will be drafted in the 1st round?
Over: ½ (+1000, 10/1)
Under: ½ (-2000, 1/20)
How many Wide Receivers & Tight Ends will be drafted in the 1st round?
Over: 6½ (-300, 1/3)
Under: 6½ (+200, 2/1)
Which player will be drafted sooner?
Johnny “Football” Manziel (QB Texas A&M): -150 (2/3)
Blake Bortles (QB UCF): +110 (11/10)
Which player will be drafted sooner?
Khalil Mack (LB Buffalo): -200 (1/2)
Sammy Watkins (WR Clemson): +150 (3/2)
Which player will be drafted sooner?
Derek Carr (QB Fresno State): -140 (5/7)
Teddy Bridgewater (QB Louisville): EVEN (1/2)
Draft Position – Johnny “Football” Manziel (QB Texas A&M)
Over: 5½ (-140, 5/7)
Under: 5½ (EVEN, 1/1)
Draft Position – Sammy Watkins (WR Clemson)
Over: 4½ (+125, 5/4)
Under: 4½ (-160, 5/8)
Draft Position – Khalil Mack (LB Buffalo)
Over: 3½ (+150, 3/2)
Under: 3½ (-200, 1/2)
Draft Position – Michael Sam (DE Missouri)
Over: 125½ (-250, 2/5)
Under: 125½ (+175, 7/4)
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