I was thoroughly amused yesterday listening to one of the Chicago sports talk stations when Cub fans came on whining about the possibility of selling naming rights to Wrigley Field.  I found it absolutely hysterical.  Why? Because when you use the words "Cubs" in the same sentence as the word "tradition" the word "losing" is not far behind.

One guy almost made drive the car off I-43.  He said he wants the name changed because "the Wrigley's haven't done enough for this team."  Yo, dude, the Wrigley's sold the team in 1981.  Perhaps you should start chugging Old Syles later in the day. Or at least before you make a total fool of yourself on a 50,000 watt radio station.

The gist of the conversation was that most Cub fans were adamant about not allowing the name to change, even though it really doesn't matter.  As a Sox fan,  so what they changed the name of the field where the Sox play?  It's no big deal.  I don't call it that anyway.  Besides, my ballpark was destroyed in 1991, so the new one is still a fraud to me.  I've never liked it and probably never will.

Here's some suggestions to keep Cub fans sane throughout this troubling time:

• You can call it whatever you want to call it.  Yes, the media is obligated to call it by it's proper name, but as a fan, you can call it Wrigley Field.  I know older people who call it "Cubs Park."  So, it's all what you think it is, not the team.
• Take heart in knowing that years after someone buys the naming rights, several generations will still refer to it by the original name.  For example, the Rangers stadium used to be know as "The Ballpark of Arlington", changed it's name to Ameriquest Field for a few years and is now called "Rangers Ballpark in Arlington." Most people in the Dallas Metroplex simply refer to it as the ballpark. The Arizona Diamondbacks used to play at Bank One Field, but when Chase bought out Bank One, they changed the name to Chase Field.  People in Phoenix still call it "The Bob." Quick, where do the San Fransisco 49ers play?  Is it a) Candlestick Park b) 3-Com Park or c) Monster Park. Anyone is correct.  And most people out there still call it Candlestick.
• Come up with a catch nickname.  "The Bob" "The Cell" and "The Juice Box" are just a few of the names that fans refer to sponsored stadiums.  Not a big deal.

So, see Cub fans, there is hope for you.  let the tradition go.  Maybe it will take the goat with it.

Lighting Round

• Hey the Sox signed someone!  He plays what? Shortstop?  And he's from where? Cuba?  How old is he? 26?  That means 35 in American years.  Kenny, I know this kid is highly regarded, but honestly, this is the best you can do?  I hope the Royals don't get too good or it may be the cellar for the first time since 1989.  You know honestly, if the Sox had to go out and get a Cuban, I wish it could have been Mark.
  
• Some others weigh in on how to fix the Sox (as I'm tired of trying.)  Jaryd at the Bard's Room, and  The Wizard of Oz at South Side Sox.
• The pundits think that with the Bears emphasis on the west coast, short passing offense, Kyle Orton is a better fit than Rex Grossman.  Sure, as a backup.  But if Jerry Angelo wants to go out and get a real quarterback in the off season, I hope any lame loyalty to Rex or Kyle doesn't stunt his thinking.  I've said this from the moment they put Grossman's name up on the board: It was a mistake.  Admit it and move on and bring in a quarterback that makes a difference.  If you don't think a good quarterback doesn't make a difference, watch #4 in white tomorrow.  Do you think Aaron Rodgers would have Green Bay 12-2 right now? I didn't think so.
• Arthur Blank, you obviously don't read this blog.  I told you the other day, stay away from the sexy names, they only bring you heartbreak and trouble.
• The President of Florida State blames the former (and now departed) AD for the institutional oversight which led to 34 players being suspended for the Music City Bowl.  That's some institutional oversight.  And, it's really easy to blame a guy who is not there anymore to defend himself.  You wonder how much tolerance Miles "Zero Tolerance" Brand and the NCAA will have when they look into this mess.  But given the fact that Dave Hart is out of there, it probably will help FSU claim "we have investigated this and we have dealt with it internally."  The NCAA gets very grumpy about "lack of institutional control", right Alabama?
  
• Here's living proof that baseball owners don't care about the integrity of the game.  They only care about money.
• UCLA has been kicked out of the Chow line.
• All of you assistant football coaches employed here at the University of Michigan take one step forward.  Not so fast, you, you, you, you, you, you, you and you.  Okay, you, take one step forward.  Does Rich Rodriguez work for the University of Michigan or Clear Channel?
• Maybe this is why Rich Rodriguez left West Virginia for Michigan.
• Make it stop, please MAKE IT STOP!  I can't stand it anymore.  Of course, considering the source, it's probably less about homage and more about pissing off angering the Bears and their fans.
  
• An excellent take from the Sports Filter on when coaches should or shouldn't leave.
• Today's list: 5 sure fire ways to get a woman interested in you.