Quick Shots: Peavy Still Standing
- Give Chicago White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy credit for one thing: After a horrific injury to his lat, the guy has put the work in to be poised for a comeback. Yesterday, he went almost four innings, making only one mistake, a home run to Aubrey Huff. But in reality, his progress is unreal and there is a pretty good chance he may make the opening day roster. The big question is how will he feel in May or June or July? If the Sox really are "all-in", Peavy may get extended spring training just to keep the mileage down. Remember, no one has ever had this particular injury before in baseball and everything Peavy is doing is new. Still, it is remarkable.
- The White Sox made their first rounds of cuts yesterday. Some of the names sent down are no big deal, while some other raise some eyebrows. Lucas Harrell not only got sent down, but his manager expressed some disappointment in him. This does not bode well for his future. Same for Charlie Leesman who has failed to impress this spring. Also, Johny Nunez, who was acquired in the Nick Swisher trade has seen his stock drop. The question one must ask is are these guys just disappointments or are the White Sox organizationally challenged at scouting players? I think it's 50-50, although it's improved the last few years.
- One guy who is beginning to fulfill his promise is catcher Tyler Flowers. He's hit well this spring and his defense, albeit shaky, has improved. With A.J. signing a two-year deal and Ramon Castro back for another year, will Flowers produce in another full season at triple A? Or, is he a piece that could bring the Sox some mid-season help if necessary?
- Adam Dunn hit his first moon shot yesterday. I don't think anyone is worried about his lack of production this spring.
- The regular the Sox might be worried about is A.J. Pierzynski. Outside of a big September last year, his bat has been ice cold for quite some time.
- On to hockey. After a blistering pace, the Blackhawks seem to have hit a wall falling behind early against Florida and Tampa Bay. Florida is a weak sister and Tampa Bay is actually pretty good. Still, it takes a lot of energy to extricate yourself from the kind of hole the Hawks were in the last couple of nights. That's not how you win in the playoffs.
- I read an article the other day about how folks should jump on the Blackhawks bandwagon again. Unfortunately, the lofty expectations for the Bulls have kept many people away from hockey this year. Thanks to the Jordan Bulls, Chicago's allegiance swung from hockey to basketball in the 90's and even with a Stanley Cup under their belts, most winter sports fans are still in the Bulls camp. In fact, there are only two teams in Chicago with completely loyal fan bases: The Bears and the Cubs. Everyone else sways in the wind.
- Derrick Rose got a ringing endorsement from Michael Jordan himself for MVP. I don't watch much NBA, but I think MJ has a point. If you define the MVP as the player most valuable to his team in a given year, then yes, D. Rose has a good case.
- Anyone notice Ricardo Patton got axed as NIU's basketball coach yesterday? What's Jim Molinari doing these days? I think he was the last successful coach there.
- You lie to the police or the feds or obstruct an investigation, you go to jail. You lie to your school or the NCAA and you get a fine and a slap on the wrist. What kind of example are these coaches setting and why do these schools keep enabling guys like Bruce Pearl and Jim Tressel. I know it's about the Benjamins, but still, sooner or later someone has to make an example of a big name coach who refuses to play by the rules and then lies about it. Unfortunately, the only coaches who get fired are coaches at smaller schools or coaches with middling records.
- Charlie Sheen's maniacal few days have accomplished one thing: Keeping the NFL out of the news. How are those talks going anyway?
- I know you hate it when I make political statements, but just hear me out for a second. I live in Wisconsin. I get what the Governor is trying to do. Most of what you see on MSNBC is more slanted than a Batman's villain's hideout. The truth? The Governor wants public employees to contribute to their health insurance and pensions rather than lay it all on taxpayers. As someone who can't even afford health insurance, I think this is fair. But the unions and the liberals don't because of their sense of entitlement. And that's a slap in the face to most of the tax payers of this state. Speech concluded.
- Finally, if you missed the season finale of Southland, you really should find it some where and watch it. That's what compelling TV is all about.
Posted by Chip Ramsey at 3/10/2011 9:16 AM 
Categories: Ozzie Guillen, Chicago White Sox, Media, College Football, College Basketball, Minor League Baseball, Pro Baksetball, Hockey, Baseball
Tags: The Big Donkey Twits Who Tweet That Snake Named Jake
Categories: Ozzie Guillen, Chicago White Sox, Media, College Football, College Basketball, Minor League Baseball, Pro Baksetball, Hockey, Baseball
Tags: The Big Donkey Twits Who Tweet That Snake Named Jake
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