SPORTS Chicago Media Breaks Collective Ankle Jumping Off White Sox Bandwagon
Well, the White Sox of Chicago lost the opening game of the ALCS (by the final score of 3-2) to the Angels of wherever they're from. It should be said that, while he was given the loss, Jose Contreras pitched a very good game: 4 Ks, 0 Walks, and he held Vlad Guerrero to an 0-4 outing. Had Contreras not given up the home run to Anderson in the second, he might have pitched well enough to get a win. The problem is not with Sox pitching but, rather, base-running of all things. Two runners caught stealing, and inaccurate bunting killed potential ralleys... leading to Chicago sportswriters (like Mariotti) saying that the Sox were "out-smallballed." Okay, I will grant that the Sox manufacture runs very well, but it's not all they do. We're talking about a White Sox team which was fifth in the American League in Home Runs this season (200). Yes, they were also fourth in stolen bases (with 137; the Angels were first with 161); and yes, they like to get players on, steal some bases, and manufacture a run... but we're talking about a White Sox team that can REALLY hit the long ball. Perhaps the Angels were running on pure adrenaline last night... leading to a huge let-down tonight. We'll see... but, regardless, one game is too soon to give up on the team. Go Sox!
FOOTBALL My Packers Destroy A Team Already Destroyed By Katrina: Or This Week America Hates The Packers
This weekend, my Green Bay Packers finally got off the schnide by destroying the Saints 52-3. I'm sorry, I don't think y'all heard me. My previously 0-4 Packers beat another NFL team FIFTY TWO to THREE! Granted, the Saints aren't very good... and they'll never be comfortable this season, as their "home" games are anything but home games. But I have to give my Pack some DAP... the defense finally showed up. The Packers' defense, who I would argue is the least talented defense in the league, may have finally figured out new Packer defensive coordinator, Jim Bates', system.
Unfortunately, the injury list of the Packers' roster got larger... as Davenport has a great game, two touchdowns, and then broke his leg. The roster now looks like a who's who of who? The defensive depth chart is full of first-year players. The offense isn't much better. Center Mike Flanagan was out, and both offensive tackles are on the injured list; the Packers may have to start third-string RB Tony Fisher ("Oh, Fisher. He's Notre Dame, huh?" my mother would say); the Packers' top two wide receivers are fine, but after them... there's not a lot left. Even though my Packers are a much better 1-4 (remember they were 1-4 after five games last year and then won the division?) than 0-4, I don't have much hope for this year. This year will most certainly test Mr. Favre's resolve and it's my guess that he'll not be "into" waiting around while the Packers rebuild. This season will probably be Favre's last. *shakes head*... Let's hope we can at least get back to the playoffs for Favre's sake. Go Pack Go!