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Playing Favorites?

My Anger is a little tempered because the Cubs ended up pulling out another late inning victory last night, but I can't help wonder about what the Astros did in the past series against the Brewers.  I completely understand why Roy Oswalt had to be by his wife's side during the birth of their child, but why exactly did Cecil Cooper allow Woody Williams to pitch out of the bullpen instead of starting?  Opting to start a rookie pitcher rather than Williams raised some eyebrows in the Cubs organization.  Baseball's unwritten rule says play your veterans against teams in the playoff race and rookies vs. teams who are out of it.  The Astros brass also had the gaul to call and inform the Cubs management why they were doing this.  I would've told them to get lost and watch out next year when they come to town.  Meanwhile the Cubs were playing a motivated Reds team who have just enough talent to be "spoilers" for the second time in three years.  Aaron Harang is one of the best pitchers in the league and he showed why the night before last.  Also, Griffey and Dunn both attempted to bunt their way on last night to combat the infield shift.  The problem is they never do this!  Luckily, the Cubs won despite the shady dealings of the Astros and Brewers fell in extras. 

Born under a bad sign

It just sickens me to think of Mike Brown on the Bears' sideline again.  It's not that I thought he wouldn't get hurt this year, but I was hoping he would be able to avoid a season ending injury.  The odds were against him and his history.  The way he plays it's all or nothing, sacrificing his body for the sake of his team.  He was flying around on Sunday making plays, leading our secondary with his veteran presence, and making the defense more dominant than I've ever seen as a fan.  It was a great site to see him back on the field and playing his best against one of the best offenses in the league.  There's no doubt in my mind if he and Tommie Harris had suited up for the SB, the outcome would've been different.  A part of me understands he may never again suit up for the Bears.  It's got to be very difficult for a fierce competitor like himself to have to rehabilitate both physically and mentally 4 out of the past 5 years.  It hurt to see such a tough man break down and cry in post-game interviews.  I could care less about the loss the Bears just suffered, rather feeling empty inside because of another setback for one of the best safeties in team history. 

Lots of talk with no walk and a side of fumbleitis

The outcome of the Bears/Bolts game didn't surprise me.  Even when the Bears defense was holding them scoreless for the majority of the game, I knew it was only a matter of time before the Chargers broke through.  It was up to the Bears offense to pull this game out.  Once again, they were not up to the challenge.  The running game was the biggest culprit in this "ugly" loss.  It was non-existent.  The offensive line couldn't open a crack of daylight for Benson and company.  For some inexplicable reason, CB and AP couldn't hold onto the ball on the most routine running play.  Fundamentally speaking, SECURE THE BALL WITH 2 HANDS!!!  I'm not sure how many opportunities they had to score, but they could've easily scored 20 points with the field position the offense was receiving from the defense. Everytime the Bears were between the 40s all I could think of was here comes another turnover.  Sure enough, low and behold, the ball was on the turf and I had to rub my eyes and say this wasn't happening again.  

Playoffs?

I'm going on record by saying the Cubs will not make the playoffs this year.  I know this will upset a lot of fans (I'm one of them) but I haven't seen enough fire, leadership, or professionalism to make me believe they'll win the division. 

Reason 1

Big Z- We need this guy to perform the way he's capable of and quit complaining about the fans or anything else.  If he was just .500 in his last 6 starts the Cubs would have a 3 1/2 game lead in the division.  He has been the antithesis of the staffs' "ace" and far from a team leader.  He has an 8.00 plus ERA in his last half a dozen starts and has failed to put up a quality start in over a month. 

Why college football will never supplant the NFL

All the hype, all the media play doesn't make me want to watch college football.  The first 4 games were about as exciting as the remake of "The Longest Yard."  I'd rather watch paint dry, grass grow, or possibly eat tacks.  Louisville beat the Murray State Racers 73-10!  Why even play the game?  Just give the Cardinals a win and Brohm 375 yards, 5 TD passes and call it a day.  The combined scores for the games were a nailbiting 212-20.  Now that's prime-time drama.  These are many reasons why NFL football will never take a back seat to the "staged" college football.  The NFL have two week one match-ups of Indy vs. N.O. and the Bolts vs. Bears.  These are going to be close, very entertaining games.  Not until the NCAA starts playing meaningful games like these early in the season and create a playoff system will I ever call myself a real fan.  A playoff system of the top eight teams in the country would allow the early season schedule to be more difficult for the top teams.  No longer would schedule makers be fearful of a disappointing lost, or a letdown early in the year.  Teams would have ample enough time to recover, climb back in the polls and make a push for the tournament.  In December, I predict another team will be left holding their jock when the championship game participants are chosen.