Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni. ✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
A quick reminder: the second of six Soldier Field Cycling races is tomorrow. The action starts at 4:00 p.m. with the juniors and continues all the way to 8:00 p.m. with the Men's Pro/1/2. A nice walk from the Loop, the action is intense and if the race is at all anything like the last and a little luck, there will be likely an abundance of Pepsi Max and podium girls.
Last race there was a major shortage of lady racers, but a large Men's 4/5 field. Likely many racers were just scoping out the course and waiting for races 2-6, but SFC's put on a great show and the races deserve packed fields and loud, raucous fans. Everyone's racing with heart out there, give them support.
The NBA's free agency season starts tonight at 23:00 CST and the question on many fans of the Bulls is" What team is making the grab for BG7?" Gordon, Chicago's mercurial, shoot-first-ask-questions-later guard, has strongly been linked with divisional rival, Detroit. With flirtations between Pistons GM, Joe Dumars, and Gordon's agent getting downright ribald* at moments. The Pistons after taking a huge step backward last season (barely qualifying for the playoffs as the 8 seed and getting swept by Cleveland in the first round) after making it, at least, to the Conference Finals for the past six seasons, have started the housecleaning by firing head coach, Michael Curry, today.
Posting the best home start of their short existance, the Chicago Sky will try to push their UIC Pavilion record to a perfect 5-0 when they take on the Sacramento Monarchs tonight at the arena, Harrison and Racine.
The Sky are 5-3 and in second place in the Eastern Conference of the WNBA. The Monarchs, with a 1-7 record, look to be an easy mark for the Sky, but have a 4-2 record against the hometown team and won two games at the Pavilion.
Below are highlights from the Sky's 68-63 victory over the Washington Mystics Saturday.
Entering this past season, one of the Blackhawks' main weaknesses was up the middle in the center position. While Dave Bolland grew into a solid two-way center during the year (and was rewarded with a five-year, $18 million contract extension that should be signed soon), that weakness is still a factor throughout the team's minor-league system.
It came as no surprise then that the Hawks took advantage of this weekend's NHL draft in Montreal to restock their organizational depth, with six of their eight picks being players with center experience. Another area of concern was defense, which made up the remaining two picks, including first-round pick (#28 overall) Dylan Olsen from Camrose in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. A full list of draftees can be found after the break.
The NHL's draft system is similar to baseball, in which a very rare few picks make the team, let alone make an impact in their first year -- stars like the Hawks' Patrick Kane or Sidney Crosby being the exception. The majority of the picks are teenagers who will be given time to grow and develop as players, either as players within a college program or working their way up through the minor-league ranks in hopes of making the NHL.
Olsen's a case in point. He's a large, tough defenseman who measures 6 feet 2, 210 pounds, but as an 18-year-old who's played in the lowest level of Canadian minor leagues, he would have a tough time adjusting while still developing into his body and his play. Olsen's slated to attend Minnesota-Duluth this year, but with his size and ability he's the kind of player the Hawks need to bolster their blue line in a few years if he continues to grow as expected.
What a year it's been for the Windy City Rollers! First a new home at the glossy UIC Pavilion, and then and a exciting, upset-filled season. After a ridiculously (and surprisingly) good year, the Manic Attackers took home the 2009 Ivy King Cup Championship on June 20, beating last year's champs, the Hell's Belles. Despite the Belles snagging a 28-point lead by the end of the first half, the close-fought game ended with Manics hauling ass and winning 137-115 -- with the lead claimed within the last few jams. It was the first championship win for the Manics, and it'll be interesting to see whether they maintain their winning streak next season.
Although the league's season is finished, WCR's travel team, the Windy City All-Stars, are just getting started. Check back later for info and schedules.
It was an ominous start for the Chicago Slaughter as they took on the Fort Wayne Freedom in the CIFL Championship Saturday night at the Sears Centre. It was the first time all season that the Slaughter would be shutout in the first quarter. If not for a 52-yard field goal by Chris Nendick before the half ended they would have been tied for the first time all season going into half time, which is uncharacteristic of Slaughter. It would be a momentum changer for them however.
Things picked up in the second half and they would eventually right the ship to win the CIFL Championship defeating the Freedom 58-48. "You rarely find professional teams going undefeated through out the whole season and winning the big game," said Championship MVP, Donovan Morgan.
Entering the field four across and hands clasped, the Chicago Force mean business. In their 26-6 win over the Detroit Demolition in the last regular season game on June 13, the Force had their eyes set on victory. Now for the second year in a row, they have successfully made it to the playoffs. The team will now head to the West Coast to face the #1 seeded Seattle Majestics in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs on Saturday, June 27.
With last years' heartbreaking overtime loss in the finals to the Dallas Diamonds still in the their minds, the players are hoping to redeem themselves this year. They are looking to finally succeed in winning the Independent Women's Football League (IWFL) Championships. The Force has one of the strongest teams in the league, evident from the thirteen Chicago players named as all-stars this year. Among those selected are Kim Marks, Dawn Pederson, and Amanda Malsch, all veteran players that bring leadership, experience, and stability to the team. And with their intimidating offensive line, which helped them reach a 6-2 winning season, and 25 strong, young rookies, the Force has a real shot at the title.
Seattle is ranked first in the Western Conference and has gone unbeaten this season. While the Majestics will be a difficult team to beat, the Force have the drive, passion, and talent to bring home a win. If the Force beat Seattle on Saturday, they have the chance to host the 2nd round on their own turf at Holmgren Athletic Complex at North Park University against the winner of the Kansas City/Los Angeles playoff game.
Fresh on the heels of the mildly interesting revelation that Geovany Soto tested positive for marijuana while playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball classic this season, comes this mind-blowing follow-up: Lou Piniella admits he partook of the weed once himself.
Really? Grandpa Lou? Old Grumpy Pants? Yup, that was Brother Louie admitting that just before the start of today's White Sox/Cubs game at U.S. Cellular. He said he only did it once and it didn't do a thing for him. Why isn't that hard to believe?
Maybe it's time for the rest of the Cubs to come clean on whether reefer madness is running rampant in the clubhouse. Because, seriously, Milton Bradley has got to be on SOMETHING. I mean, forgetting how many outs there are in an inning? Classic pothead move.
"With the 16th Pick, from Wake Forest, James Johnson!" So sayeth the Commish.
Reaction from a crowded living room of Bulls fans: "Meh. He's not that bad." "Can you say, Marcus Fizer???" "He looks sooo fat, but in a fast way." "I'm not unhappy about this pick, he could be alright."
Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but the lowdown on Johnson isn't that bad. Considering that this is arguably on of the worst draft classes EVAR! OMG!! Johnson should provide at the very least 10-15 minutes, 6 fouls and a few boards night in and night out.
Best-Case Scenario:
Johnson develops into a utility tool who, with some NBA seasoning, could develop into a decent outside defender with his insane (7'1"!!!!) wingspan to guard taller shooting guards and forwards. Offensively, if Johnson keeps at his Wake Forest production he could easily eclipse Ty Thomas and the perpetually injured, Luol Deng, as the Bulls most productive front court man. And that's what I really think this pick is: a "Break Glass in Case of Injury to Deng" Johnson could very easily slide into the starting 3 spot in Chicago's uber-athletic front court. I'm surprised that the Bulls didn't go hunting for a two guard to complement Rose, but they still have the 26th pick...
And now we come to the 26th pick...
The Bulls received this pick from Oklahoma City during the season when Chicago shipped Thabo Sefolosha to the Thunder back in February.
Taj Gibson from the University of Southern California. Huh? So now the Bulls have the new James Johnson, Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, Brad Miller, Luol Deng, Aaron Gray and, apparently, now -Taj Gibson. An wealth of 3-5s if I ever saw one, but how will all these guys get minutes? Also, where's an athletic 2 guard? I know nothing about Taj Gibson but am already unhappy about this pick. More recap Monday!
Michael Phelps, you can breath easier (well, as easy as you can while inhaling and holding it). Another athlete has been busted by the pot police. This time, it's Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, who tested positive for marijuana while playing for Puerto Rico in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. There reportedly won't be any penalty imposed on Soto, who called it an "isolated incident", by MLB or the Cubs. At the very least, the news might provide a possible reason for the drop-off from his Rookie-of-the-Year numbers last season for Cubs fans.
The Chicago chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America is meeting tomorrow to figure out once and for all how they should regard players of the Steroid Era in their future Hall of Fame voting. One Delaware sports writer is urging them to "do the right thing."
When the dust clears after tonight's NBA draft, will Kirk Hinrich end up wearing a new uniform?
Local Iowa State and Duke basketball fans might have something to do next January 6.
The Fire is gearing up for its next match in the Super Liga against fellow MLS club Chivas USA Tuesday at Toyota Park.
ChicagoNow blogger Matt Olsen lists 10 Chicago sports surprises that weren't really surprises. Personally, I'd add the continually rising cost projections for hosting the Olympics.
It'll be Mark Brown (no, not this Mark Brown) instead of Gonzalo Omar Basile who will take on Fres Oquendo at "Windy City Fight Night 3" this Friday at the UIC Pavilion. On the undercard, Rita "La Guera" Figueroa has a rematch with Tammie "The Tasmanian Devil" Johnson. Man, I love nicknames.
The Chicago Machine hope to end a three-game losing streak when they take on the Washington Bayhawks this Saturday at Toyota Park in Major League Lacrosse action.
If you just can't let go of the 1985 Bears, you might have a reason to watch the Cleveland Browns a bit closer this season.
The Lou Malnati's Pizza Bronco team does a worst-to-first run in the Wilmette House women's baseball league. Meanwhile, it's the Riveters versus the Skyline and the Comets versus the Turtle Rock in Chicago Gems Women's Baseball League action at Bedford Park Fields.
There may have been fireworks going off during the late innings of Wednesday's night game in Detroit but there would be no late game dramatics for the Cubs. With the tying run on first base and a full count, Kosuke Fukudome struck out looking at a borderline pitch to end the game 5-3. The final inning of offense was thematic of the Cubs' play at the plate during the whole game: the first two batters reached base safely but no one could drive them in. In total, the Cubs had 18 base runners during the game but could only score three runs. In six of the innings they had the leadoff man reach a base and only brought two of them around to home. Here is a break down of their struggles with RISP:
2nd inning: 2 on, no outs - 0 runs scored
3rd inning: lead of double - 0 runs scored
4th inning - 2 on, no outs - 0 runs scored
5th inning - bases loaded, two outs - 0 runs scored
6th inning - bases loaded, no outs - 1 run scored
7th inning: 2 on, no out; bases loaded, 1 out - 1 run scored
9th inning: 2 on, no out - 0 runs scored
The opportunities were there for the Cubs to win, they just could not get the hits when it mattered. Despite the three game losing streak they are currently in, the offense has been more effective than it had been. They are finally getting more hits and men on base; the new struggle has been to drive in runs during RBI situations. The defense and relief pitching can still use improvements, too. Geovany Soto's error in the fifth inning ended up helping the Tigers score a crucial go ahead run while Jose Ascanio and Carlos Marmol struggles in relief appearances during the eight gave the Tigers an insurance run to their lead. With the loss, the Cubs are back at .500 with a 34-34 record - 3.5 games behind St. Louis in the NL Central.
As the Chicago Slaughter , led by ex-Bear legend Steve McMichael, prepare for their clash with the Fort Wayne Freedom this Saturday for the 2009 Continential Indoor Football League championship, their invaluable kicker Chris Nendick gets a shout-out for his contributions to the team from OurSportsCentral.com. To see the rest of the team in action in their title game-clinching win over the Wisconsin Wolfpack, click here.
The NBA draft is tomorrow, so get ready for an onslaught of analysis, suggestions and predictions about the possibilities that lay before the promising Bulls. The local pundits are having their say, while the national media is weighing in as well. And yes, there are trade rumors as always. But no words carry more weight than new Bulls GM Gar Foreman. So if you have a favorite as their No. 1 pick (No. 16 overall), place your bets now.
(Editor's Note: With the beginning of the NFL's 2009 season only a short field goal away - training camps are scheduled to open in mid-July - our Marco Scola takes an early look at the people who will make the difference in the NFC North this season. Needless to say a certain new Bear quarterback will figure prominently - KG)
OFFENSE
QB Jay Cutler, Chicago
Cutler could be the missing piece of Chicago's offense that has failed to get a playoff birth since Super Bowl XLI.
RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
In Peterson's two years in the NFL, he's already established himself as the NFL's most dynamic running back, if not the NFL's best player.
FB Jason McKie, Chicago
McKie enters his 8th season, making him the most experienced fullback in the NFC North. He's protected Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, Jim Miller, and played in Super Bowl XLI.
WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit
Last season, Johnson tied Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald for the most touchdowns (12) in only his second season in the NFL.
WR Greg Jennings, Green Bay
Jennings hauled in 9 touchdowns and 1,292 receiving yards last season, and that was his first season without Favre. Imagine what he can do with Rodgers, who now has experience.
TE Greg Olsen, Chicago
Little by little, Olsen is returning to his dominant form we haven't seen since he was a Miami Hurricane. This is the "decisive" year for Olsen, (3rd NFL Season) so he will be proving himself.
OL Chicago Bears
Chicago's locked and loaded to give Cutler the best protection Chicago has seen since the Super Bowl Season. They've signed Pro Bowler Orlando Pace, cut the dead weight of John St. Claire, and re-signed Roberto Garza and center Olin Kruetz.
The White Sox wrapped up their nine game road trip on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over the Reds. This trip began in Milwaukee where they would take two out of three. They would return home briefly to take on their North side counter parts where they would split a rain shortened series. They would take on the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend.
This series was important because on Saturday they would play the first ever regular season Civil Rights game. The Sox won a barn burner 10-8. Mark Buehrle pitched on Sunday and earned his first victory since May 19. He improves to 7-2 on the year. They were 5-3 on the trip and they return home to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers.
These are tough times for the fledgling Chicago Red Stars of the Womens Professional Soccer league. For teams like the Red Stars, in their inaugural season, leeway is usually given with regards to wins, or the lack thereof. But for the Stars, it's turning into a dire situation.
With their 2-0 loss to the Boston Breakers on Sunday, the Red Stars saw their winless streak extended to eight games and their scoreless streak pushed to three (a run that began with a 0-0 tie against the Washington Freedom). In fact, the Stars (2-5-5) have only won one of their six home games at Toyota Park so far this season, not a fact that is bound to intimidate visiting opponents.
The team will try to correct the situation when they travel west to face the L.A. Sol this Saturday. They next home game is Wednesday, July 1 against the Freedom in Toyota Park. They could probably use your support.
Just under a week ago, the Chicago Cubs had hit one of their lowest points of the season, losing to the Chicago White Sox 4-1, the loss put the Cubs at 9-17 of their last 26 games. However, since then, the Cubs have won four straight games, their longest of the season, including a sweep of the AL Cleveland Indians.
Derrek Lee and Geovany Soto returned to familiar form both hitting over two home runs in the 4-game win stretch.
The Cubs face Atlanta to make up a rain out from their May series tomorrow, followed by a three-game series against the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers, a re-match of the 1945 World Series.
The Cubs completed a three game sweep of the Cleveland Indians with a 6-2 win on Sunday, marking their fourth win in a row. Randy Wells pitched 6.2 innings and gave up two runs, improving his record to 1-3. Despite Wells' 2.57 ERA in his eight starts this season, it was not until Sunday that he notched his first career victory. Unlike the previous three Cubs wins, this game had no need for late game dramatics. Geovany Soto hit a solo home run in the second inning and the Cubs held the lead for the rest of the game. Derrek Lee was able to extend his hitting streak to 18 games and Milton Bradley had two hits to put his streak at 10 games.
Starting with a make up game tomorrow in Atlanta, the Cubs will spend the next ten days on the road as they continue the five week stretch before the All Star break in which they only have one day off. If their offense continues to play like it has over the last four games, this tiring stretch of games will most definitely be easier to endue. Over the last week, Ryan Theriot is hitting .304, Bradley .333, Soto .357, and Lee has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball during June. Is this a lucky stretch or should we actually expect some improvement coming from the offense? Certainly this ten game road trip will be a test.
The Chicago Slaughter played their last game back on May 30, but you wouldn't know it by watching them. Despite being off for two weeks they showed no signs of rust. They beat the Wisconsin Wolfpack 63-19 in the Western Division Championship and they will now advance to the CIFL Championship. Donovan Morgan and Bobby Sippio picked up where they left off during the regular season. The two combined for five touchdown catches, 198-yards and 12 catches.
After the game head Coach Steve "Mongo" McMichael spoke highly of his team after their victory over the Wolfpack.
"These guys prepare themselves, you saw the execution, they are head and shoulders above the rest of the league because they come to practice and they work," he said. The Slaughter went undefeated during the regular season and they are now one win away from becoming league champions.
Now that Part I of Cubs vs. White Sox, 2009 is in the books, Chicago baseball fans get a brief respite before the madness kicks back into gear again when the two teams meet at The Cell for the rematch next weekend. Brian Livingston takes a look at the abbrebviated series and offers an intriguing way to make up for that washed-out game that was supposed to start the series.
The series seemed to lose some intensity after the rain out on Tuesday, but don't tell that to White Sox fans who were smiling from ear to ear after their team beat their North Side counterparts 4-1. This series took place during the middle of the week, which seemed to take away the atmosphere that normally surrounds this series which usually takes place on the weekend. It is unfortunate that Tuesday night's game got rained out, because it would've been nice to see a night game during the week being played between these two at Wrigley Field.
This match up is meant for the weekend because it generally makes for a better atmosphere before, during and after the games. A thought crossed my mind as to how to schedule the rained-out game. Originally it occurred to me that they could do what they did in New York. A game between the Mets and Yankees was rained out at Shea Stadium last season. They re-scheduled the game for the following weekend when they were playing the Yankees at their place. They played an afternoon game at Shea and then a night game at Yankee Stadium.
The Cubs and Sox play next weekend at U.S. Cellular; why not play an afternoon game at Wrigley then take the Red Line down to U.S. Cellular? How cool would that be to have the players ride an express train down to 35th Street after playing an afternoon game at Wrigley? It would really give new meaning to the "Subway Series". Of course both clubs would have to agree to it, and more than likely it isn't going to happen. There is an off-day in September that the two teams share, and the game will most likely be played on September 3.
It appeared that both games were going to go to the White Sox. The Sox were 4-1 winners in game one, but the Cubs would play spoiler in game two. Just like the overall series itself, the numbers between these two they were pretty evenly matched during the two game set. On the downside they'll have to wait for September to conclude this series. The all-time series is once again tied 34-34 and the Sox season record stands at 31-35, four games out of first place. The Sox head out to Cincinnati to take on the Reds this weekend, featuring the Civil Rights game on Saturday.
Although the Blackhawks season ended in the Western Conference Finals May 27 in a 5-game series loss to the Detroit Red Wings (and a season-wrap up is still forthcoming, hopefully soon), the NHL season is a year-round experience. And with the Pittsburgh Penguins having best the Dead Wings in last Firday's Game 7 for the Stanley Cup, the offseason business now moves to center stage.
It's a crucial summer for the Hawks, who have a number of restricted and unrestricted free agents to deal with, including leading scorer Martin Havlat and goalie Nicolai Khabibulin, along with the NHL entry draft June 26 and the opening of free agency July 1. For a team that achieved far more than what many expected last season, there's pressure to continue that growth toward a Stanley Cup while still staying under the cap as their young core of players mature. I'll have a more in-depth analysis of what can be expected ahead of the July 1 deadline, but there's still one matter to tend to regarding last season: the handing out of the awards.
The NHL awards are taking place in Las Vegas this year, a curious choice given the only ice in Sin City is usually in mixed drinks, but the move is an effort to provide some glitz and glamour to the affair. A year after Patrick Kane won the Calder trophy as Rookie of the Year, the Blackhawks will have a candidate up for the award again, as Kris Versteeg is a finalist. Kane will be a presenter of the award, and Hawks greats Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito will also be presenters at the ceremony, along with broadcaster Eddie Olczyk
Versteeg will be competing against winger Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Bluejackets goaltender Steve Mason. Versteeg's 22 goals and 53 points were impressive and a boon to the Hawks developing multiple scoring lines, but a late season swoon most likely knocked Versteeg out of contention, as Ryan passed him for the rookie scoring title. Regardless, the award is probably Mason's to lose, as he backstopped the Bluejackets to their first ever playoff appearance and lead the league with 10 shutouts.
In addition to the ceremony, Versteeg will get additional face time at the NHL Charity Shootout poker tournament taking place tonight, which will be taped for later broadcast. Also participating is Olczyk and former Hawk Jeremy Roenick, as well as Capitals sniper Alexander Ovechkin, along with a mixture of former NHL players and poker professionals.
After an entertaining if too-short run in the Playoffs this past season that culminated with an anti-climactic Game 7 loss in Boston in the first round, the Bulls are looking to reload in this month's NBA Draft; armed with two first-round selections, what will the Bulls be looking for? Tailgate looks into the future with some, ahem, lucidity...
First things first: Chicago, in spite of drafting Derrick Rose last year and some guy named Jordan back in 1984, does not have a track record of awesome or even adequate draft selections. Check the facts and convince me that Eddy Curry was the best the Bulls could've done with the number 4 overall pick in '01. Or, of course, there's the infamous Draft of 2000: the Bulls with three!!! first rounders, pulled Marcus Fizer, Chris Mihm and Dalibor Bagaric; guess which one is still in the league?
For the Cubs, this years' Cross Town Classic comes at an odd set of crossroads. Statistically speaking, the six games that make up the Cubs/White Sox rivalry each year are actually the most meaningless six games of the season. Games against NL Central opponents carry a larger weight in deciding which team will win the division. Inter-division games have more significance when it comes to deciding which team will win the wild card. Inter-league play has almost no meaning outside of pure wins and losses. Despite the hype and perceived significance of these games, losing in them is only a single blade sword. When a team loses within in their respected division or league, it not only gives them the loss but also gives a win to a team in their direct competition; it creates a one game swing in the standings. In the six games of the Cross Town Classic, each game is only half as important. Neither a win nor loss carry much clout, each only represents a half game swing in the standings.
Continuing this year on its successful 2008 program, the Active Transportation Alliance of Chicago is bringing back its Open Streets Sunday boulevard tour on August 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event this year combines last year's two days into one long, eight-mile avenue of bicycling, dancing, walking, and other activities. The route spans from Logan Square to Little Village, and passes through Humboldt Park, North Lawndale and Garfield Park. Stations and kiosks throughout the route will feature performances, children's activities, art, and workout demonstrations. Cost of entry is free.
The first race of the Soldier Field Cycling series is tomorrow. The showers predicted tomorrow will likely keep things a little on the mellow side, but as so often inevitably happens, the pace will pick up to full-tilt by the time the bell lap is rung. Juniors race for free! And since this race is so close to the Loop, no reason why one cannot stop by to cheer on racers after suffering all day long in the cubicle. More information on the SFC site, or here.
And for this Sunday is the Fox River Grove race. With a solid climb to shatter the field, this "crit" is unlike many of the other races here in Chicagoland -- it has terrain. The lighter fellows will likely have less of a problem here than many of the normal crit specialists. Lots of slots remain open.
The TdF is coming! The New Belgium Brewery's Tour de Fat is looking for volunteers for its July 11 event. Please e-mail Ashlee at West Town Bikes for more information or to sign up. The TdF directly benefits West Town Bikes, which develops cycling programs for Chicago youth. Drink beer, do good deeds. It's win-win, here.
The internet magazine Cafe, geared toward the "contemporary Latino lifestyle", gives the up-close-and-personal profile treatment to Elizabeth Gomez, who might be better known by her hard-hitting handle of "Juanna Rumble", which she uses as a member of the Windy City Rollers. When she's not trading elbows and hip-checks with the likes of the Manic Attackers or Hell's Belle's, Gomez is busy raising two girls. Do the two seemingly disparate responsiblities have anything in common? "I've learned that being a mom is about the same things as training for derby, " says Gomez, "focus, dedication, determination, support and having a lot, and I mean ALOT, of fun with the people who mean most in your life. I've learned that if I have no limits on what I can accomplish then neither do my daughters. Lastly, I am so busy between a full time job and derby that I really respect and appreciate the time that I'm with my girls."
You can probably be sure that Gomez' two daughers will be rooting for mom to take someone out this Saturday when the Windy City Rollers host the 2009 Ivy King Cup Championship at the UIC Paviltion, 6 p.m. While the lineups for the matches hasn't been set yet, it's pretty certain the event will be a sellout.
While the percentages of male fans may not be all that surprising, there are some unexpected stats in there -- which team's fans are the best paid and most educated, for instance.
They would look for Mark Buerhle to bring them to victory in game three. He would do his best bring his team a win, including hitting his first career home run. He went six innings surrendered seven hits, four earned runs and struck out five. Unfortunately he would not stick around to get the win. Buerhle gave up a season high three home runs,but the Sox would go on to win 5-4 despite his less then stellar pitching performance.
While the rest of the football world spends their time worrying if the Bears have bitten off more (or not enough) than they can chew with new QB Jay Cutler, Chicago gridiron fans can turn their attention to the exploits of two of Chicago's other squad, both of whom making a strong push toward the post-season.
First, Tailgate's personal favorites (OK, maybe mine), the Chicago Force will close out their regular season with a 3 p.m. home game this Saturday against the Detroit Demolition at the Holmgren Athletic Complex of North Park University, Foster Ave. and Albany. The Force are looking to return to the postseason, after falling just short of winning the league championship last season, and they are in a good postion to make a return engagement. They're 5-2 this season, but fell to the K.C. Tribe 30-14 on May 30. The Force will also be looking to gain a measure of revenge after losing to the Demolition in a close 21-19 defeat.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Slaughter are enjoying as well-deserved rest after finishing with a perfect 12-0 record in the Continential Indoor Football following their 49-14 win over the Wisconsin Wolfpack (take that, cheeseheads!). The Slaughter, under third year head coach Steve McMichael, can further stick it to the boys from Up North when the two teams meet again at the Sears Centre on June 20 in the divisional playoff game. The winner will play in the CIFL Championship game the following weekend.
For the second straight game, Geoff Blum delivered the game winning hit for the Houston Astros against the Cubs. With two outs in the bottom of the 13th inning, Blum hit a sharp ball down the first base line, driving in Hunter Pence from second. Also, for the second straight game, the Chicago Cubs had only one solo home run to their offensive credit. Despite the Cubs' starters giving up only two runs in the 21.2 innings they pitched in the three game series, the Cubs will leave Houston with only one more win than they came in with.
Ryan Dempster delivered another strong effort by Cubs pitching, allowing one run over seven innings. In his last three starts, Dempster has pitched 20 innings and allowed only earned run, a sac fly in the first inning of today's game. His ERA has fallen by a full point during the three game span and it looks like he may be returning to last year's form.
But as enjoyable as it has been to watch the Cubs' pitching post a team ERA of 1.55 during the month of June - the best in all of baseball - it has been just as painful to watch the rest of the team hit. To put it in perspective just how bad the Cubs' offense is compared to their pitching, think about this: If the Cubs scored exactly four runs in every one of their previous 27 games, their record over that period would be 19-4 - plus four games being inconclusive as they would have resulted in a 4-4 tie. Let's say, for fun, that they split those four extra inning games and went 21-6 since May 9th. Their new record would be 37-20; good enough for the second best record in baseball and first place in the NL Central by at least four games. Instead, they have gone 13-14 during that period.
If four runs a game seems like an unreasonable number to expect, remember that they averaged 5.3 runs a game last year. We know that eventuality the pitching will cool down, no team can maintain a 1.55 ERA for too long, but will the bats ever start heating up? So far Derrek Lee seems to be the only one up to the task but it will be a long season if no one else follows suit.
He didn't leave Chicago on the best of terms (as if we expected it to end amicably), but Frank Thomas looked like he was back amongst family yesterday when he visited his old White Sox pals at The Cell yesterday prior to their 2-1 loss to the Tigers.
As the Big Hurt pressed the flesh with Ozzie Guillen (and no, the flesh being pressed wasn't his hands and Ozzie's neck), fans in the stands couldn't be blamed if they wondered if Thomas were making a return trip to the South Side. After all, the Sox' bats have been in a state of slumber lately. And the post-game news about Paul Konerko's thumb might warrant musing on the possible return of the Big Hurt.
But, nope, Thomas wasn't there for that, though he hasn't officially retired yet and he and Sox GM Kenny Williams have reportedly been chipping away at that block of ice that was formed when Thomas made negative comments about the team while playing for the Oakland A's. (The White Sox website says the two talked Wednesday and described the meeting as "cordial".) Williams allegedly wants Thomas to retire (and, one assumes, enter the Hall of Fame) as a White Sox and making nice would seem to be part of that deal.
No, Thomas, instead, was roaming foul territory Wednesday with a mike in his hand as a member of the Comcast Sports Net reporting team, conducting pre-interviews for the upcoming White Sox-Cubs interleague series where he'll serve as an on-field reporter. And yes, the irony is pretty thick: the recalcitrant, media-shunning Thomas on the other side of the camera shoving microphones in the faces of ballplayers and asking the questions.
On the other side of town, the Cubs' top pick says he was hoping they would select him all along because he admires their history...
...which, as a Tribune article states, has been well documented on film.
A golf foursome with Ben Roethlisberger, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jordan? Somebody pinch former Chicago cop Larry Giebelhausen, because he must be dreaming.
Chicago's long history of heavyweight boxing add another chapter as Frez Oquendo takes on Gonzalo Basile in a June 26 bout.
Fire fan favorite C.J. Brown looks back on 12 years with the team.
Finally, meet the man who motivated Michael Jordan to greatness (by beating him out for the last spot on their high school basketball team): Leroy Smith. (If he looks a little like Charlie Murphy, that's purely coincidental, we're sure.)
Are you a big fan of Cubs' lefty Ted Lilly? Interested in Lillyisms? Always wondered what The Mona Lisa would look like if was painted of Ted Lilly? Or just want to know why Ted Lilly is a BAMF? All your answers can be found here: tedlillyfanclub.blogspot.com
Despite dropping the afternoon game to the Tigers 5-4 and seeing just a small sample size of their manager Ozzie Guillen on the verge of a blowup the White Sox rebounded in the night cap. Their victory was fueled behind the arm of Jose Contreras who had made his return to big league action after being sent down to Triple-A Charlotte after starting off the year 0-5. He went 3-1 with a 2.73 ERA in five starts for Charlotte.
Contreras looks to have figured it out after a dismal start this season. He went eight innings and only surrendering one hit back in the first inning and that was all. His ERA drops from 8.19 to 6.45 after his impressive outing. His offense helped him out in a big way as Alexei Ramirez, Scott Podsednik and Jim Thome all hit home runs in Monday nights 6-1 win over the Tigers.
Yeah, we know. You don't need any special week as incentive to ride your bike to work. You're an everyday two-wheeled commuter, streaking past stalled traffic, your change of clothes neatly tucked away in your pannier, a system you've perfected after years of practice. Riding to the front door of your downtown office and maybe even outfitting your bike with special tires to blast through the snowy streets of Chicago in November.
So we can understand if you get a little smug as the rest of the city dusts off their barely used Schwinns or Treks and awaken long dormant muscles to take part in the annual Bike To Work Week that kicks off next Saturday and runs through June 19. Bike to Work week? Psh, everyday is bike-to-work week for you.
The White Sox looked to have figured it out on their last road trip going 5-1. Then they returned home to Chicago to face the bottom feeders of the American League. The Oakland A's came in with the third worst record, however they would take three out four from the Southsiders. Which included a pair of shutouts. The Sox are first in the league in being shutout.
Then came the Cleveland Indians who hold the second worst record in the American League. Yet they some how managed to take two out of three from the Sox. Today Bartolo Colon was the culprit behind the 8-4 loss to the Tribe. He surrendered four home runs to Cleveland hitters. Alexei Ramirez tried to bring the Sox back with a three run-homer in the bottom of the fifth, but the damage had already been done.
It seems as if every Carlos Zambrano start has become some sort of sight to see. Will he blow up? Will he get injured? Will he go on a seven minute tirade that climaxes with beating a Gatorade machine to death and a six game suspension? 2009 has been anything but low key for Zambrano. Friday night, the story line was already in place as Zambrano went for his 100th career win - a somewhat significant milestone in a pitcher's career. In the history of baseball, well over 500 pitchers have recorded 100 or more wins. So while it is a noteworthy achievement, it doesn't put a pitcher in any sort of elite group. But no moment is mundane with Zambrano on the mound and he won his 100th game with a flair that few pitchers have achieved before him.
The May 2 bout ended with Hell's Belles beating the Double Crossers 140-60, and the Manic Attackers pummeling The Fury 150-74. This year, the championship bout pits what used to be the league's constant underdogs, the Manic Attackers, against the '08 champions, Hell's Belles. This is gonna be a good one, folks. Be there on Saturday, June 20 at the UIC Pavilion (525 S. Racine). Doors open at 5 p.m., and the bout will kick off at 6.
If that's not enough for you, skaters from the Double Crossers and The Fury will be randomly sorted into black and white teams that will play each other in the opening bout. And you can get in on the action: WCR is holding an eBay auction for fans to bid to guest captain the white or black team for this consolation bout. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to aid Tahirah "Tequila Mockingbird" Johnson, a former Windy City Roller skater who suffered a spinal cord injury in August 2007.
Get your tickets here, at the door, or from any Windy City Roller.
Oh, boy. Sunday June 7th at 6 pm, Yojimbo's Track Cats is hosting a benefit at Goose Island brewery (1800 N. Clybourn) to help the junior track-cycling program raise funds needed to expand the program and offer assistance to new and current riders.
And how are they planning on raising these funds? By showing the classic film "The Warriors" and giving away lots of awesome prizes. It is highly recommended that one show up in a "Warriors" themed costume. $10 is the suggested donation
So when Tony Dungy said signing Jay Cutler was risky for the Bears, did he stop to consider who the previous three or four Bears quarterbacks were?
Author Sarah Paretsky takes time off from documenting the exploits to private investigator V.I. Warshawski to discuss another dark subject: the Cubs. She compared Cubs fans to "tired women living with alcoholic men." Ouch.
If the news that Matt Hagan will trade the Shelor.com Funny Car body for a FRAM Tough Guard design on the Dodge Charger, you probably want to be at Route 66 Raceway this weekend.
The US plays Honduras in a vital World Cup Qualifier this Saturday night at Soldier Field. With over 50,000 tickets sold, chances are most of the fans won't be there for the US, considering their last match drew less than 11,000.
Last Wednesday in Costa Rica, the US learned just how big an impact a hometown crowd can make, as they went down in flames in front of a boisterous Costa Rican crowd (though let's be clear - the crowd was maybe the least of their problems on a night when they played miserably). One of the disadvantages of being a melting pot, is that the US rarely ever enjoys such an advantage at home with so many fans choosing to support the country of their heritage, rather than the one of their residence. Though that's clearly an understandable choice, what's less understandable is why the US Soccer Federation chose to play such an important match in Chicago, where a high Honduran turnout was always likely.
This Sunday, Major League Lacrosse returns to Toyota Park when the Chicago Machine face the Denver Outlaws. The Machine is 1-2, their only win coming against the Outlaws in the season opener; conversely, that was the only loss so far for Denver -- and both teams played the same opponents in the interim. Tickets start at $20 for the 3pm match.
As an aside, is it me or does the lacrosse stick in the Machine's logo remind you of a parking meter? Maybe I'm just being influenced by all the parking meter deal controversy in the news...
After taking the first game in a four game series against the Oakland A's the White Sox have now dropped their second in a row to the A's 5-3. The offense got off on the right foot after Jermaine Dye launched a two run homer in the first inning. However that was the last time the Sox would have a lead in this game.
Starter Clayton Richard would give it right back in the top of the second inning. After three solid starts Richard had one of his poorer performances since joining the rotation. He gave up seven hits, four walks and five earned runs in five and one third innings. Three home runs by the A's were the undoing of Richard.
Following the lead of our Gapers Block cohorts over in Book Club, we'd like to give a heads up on a few books and authors Tailgate sports readers might be interested in during this weekend's Printer's Row Lit Fest. Hey, it is legal to do more than just WATCH sports, you know?
Saturday
Harold Washington Library Multi-purpose Room
1 p.m. "Cubbie Blues"
James Finn Garner, James McArdle, Sara Paretsky, Stuart Shea and Gary moore discuss the new book that documents 100 years of Cub fan frustration (which is becoming a cottage industry). Donald Evans will moderate.
Hotel Blake, Burnham Room
1 p.m. "The Chicago Sports Reader"
Gerald Gems and Steven Reiss, co-editors of "The Chicago Sports Reader: 100 Years of Sports In the Windy City", in a conversation with Tom Lynch.
Sunday
University Center Park/Fountain Rooms
1 p.m. Sporting Lives
Sports writers Melissa Isaacson, Jonathan Eig and Gary Andrew Poole discuss their craft in a conversation with Dan McGrath.
Anyone with a sea kayak, muscles and a free weekend on June 13th and 14th might consider dragging their boat and a sleeping bag down to Burnham Harbor for a two-day trek along Lake Michigan's south shore to Michigan City. The journey offers kayakers a chance to witness nature's beauty juxtaposed with the shore's impressive industrial monoliths.
The trek will stop every five or eight miles at public access points to allow paddlers to join, or leave the group. Kayakers will camp Saturday night at Marquette Park and be treated to food and entertainment. A party awaits those who paddle into Michigan City on Sunday.
What is unclear is how Chicagoans would get back to the city, but there are tips and the event registration here.
(Editor's Note: The Sky's game against the E-League was held Tuesday night, and will not be held on Saturday as indicated. The Sky will open their regular WNBA season on Saturday at Minnesota and host their first home contest on June 12. We apologize for the error.)
While it does have its staunch supporters, the WNBA hasn't really become the must-see sporting event it hoped to be when it was launched in 1997 under the catchy slogan "We Got Next". Individual franchises like the New York Liberty or Los Angeles Sparks may pull in decent sized crowds, but for the most part the rest of the league has audiences on a par with the old CBA in their best days. According to one website, Women's Basketball Online, seven of the league's 14 franchises saw a drop in attendance in 2008. Since its inception, the league has seen five franchises fold and two relocate (though there is still talk of expansion to places like Nashville and Toronto).
Those lackluster attendance numbers are not for lack of quality talent. While the initial crop of WNBA stars boasted such talent as Rebecca Lobo, Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes, the current list of league stars might just be the best female basketball stars ever, with former Naperville Central star Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks but out on maternity leave) getting Michael Jordan-like praise as the possible savior of the league.
But there are still those sparse arenas, those gimmicky attempts to get butts into the seat. Which is why the Chicago Sky will be playing actor Michael Clarke Duncan in a basketball game tonight at 7pm at the UIC Pavilion.
Ryan Dempster may have been the first to come with blows but it was Carlos Zambrano who put the fatal wounds on the Cubs' new Gatorade dispenser, according to the Chicago Tribune. Zambrano, during his outburst of crazy on May 27th, brushed aside pitching coach Larry Rothschild in the dug out and unleashed his full rage on the dispenser over a disputed call at home plate that later replays showed was correct. Ever since, the Gatorade machine has been dying a slow death of leaks and a broken shell casing. When the Cubs return to Wrigley from their current road trip, they will be greeted by an old fashioned bucket and tap style dispenser, ones that have shown over time their durability to be resistant against the onslaught of angry pitchers. In some ways, this may be a good omen for a Cubs team that is struggling to stay afloat. If, someday, the Cubs ever win it all, what could they do with a Gatorade dispenser? The customary act of dumping the Gatorade bucket over the coach's or manager's head would become impossible. They would have to drag Lou Piniella to the machine, stick his head under the fountains and press the soda tabs to give him his proper Gatorade bath; that's just no good. In order to be a champion, you must be prepared for it and now another small piece of the puzzle is in place. The Gatorade dispenser was two months old.
There are probably plenty of jokes to be made about this, given the recent, er, physicalencounters plainclothes Chicago cops have had with civilians. But none of them would probably be made to Officer Mike Russow's face, in or out of uniform.
Russow has just signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the heavyweight division, effectively putting an end to cop-and-donut remarks, at least in his presence. Amassing an 11-1 record in mostly regional bouts, Russow has not yet been confirmed as a fighter with the UFC, though severaloutlets are reporting his signing. The location of his premier bout with the organization has yet to be named. He previously competed in the PRIDE series (see clip below).
Russow is stationed in the Englewood district, a rough-and-tumble area which would seem to be appropriate for a guy with his talents. Englewood criminals would do well to learn his face and name. Submission would seem to be the best option when he's on the beat.
The Chicago Fire's 11 game unbeaten start to the season ended in catastrophic fashion in a 3-0 loss to Dallas FC at Toyota Park. The Fire gave up two first half goals to set plays, continuing an alarming trend, before Kenny Cooper - who seems to always score against the Fire - added a third with a free kick. Another alarming trend is the Fire's inability to match their road results when playing in front of their home crowd.
There were mitigating circumstances for their miserable performance. Playing their third game in eight days and missing usual starters Wilman Conde, Gonzalo Segares, and Blanco, fans can hope this is a fluke. Some, however, will say the unbeaten start to the season was a fluke. One thing is for certain though: with Bakary Soumare set to join the group of Fire players leaving and CJ Brown leaving yesterday's match injured, the Fire have a tough month ahead of them.
This Sunday, Major League Lacrosse returns to Toyota Park when the 
