The Circus Continues

The Bulls are missing something. I can’t put my finger on it, oh yeah I can, they need a consistent scorer, most probably one that can post up with his back to the basket. Where have I heard this before? 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,……. You see where this is going.

Derrick Rose isn’t the player he was this time last season, although if you read the article located on the left hand side of this lovely blog, he plans on turning that around tonight against the Lakers Rose’s numbers show the signs of a sophomore slump, or perhaps a lingering injury. This has yet to be determined, but three less points a game and one less assist will not be tolerated by this fan base the remainder of the season. After that Boston series last year, expectations have never been higher for this group of veterans and youngsters.

Joakim Noah has been a surprise to everyone this season. A double-double machine is not what anyone thought Noah was going to become when we saw that Colonel Sanders/Bozo the Clown act at the draft, but I think the effort he has put in during the off-season has really paid off. Leading the NBA in rebounding in his third season, having a double double in nine out of his first ten games, and to quote John Salmons, being the “glue” that keeps this team together, are all amazing accomplishments by a young player who was once suspended by his own teammates.

Tonight’s game will be a test for the “Circus Trip” Bulls. Kobe and the Lakers, even though they have had a few hiccups along the way, have been strong at home. Gasol’s return to the floor tonight, Bynum’s averaging 20 and 10, and of course Kobe’s ability to drop 40 on you at any time, are just a few of the reasons that tonight most likely will not end well for this “scrappy” Bulls team. Chicago has been getting by on horrible shooting, by playing gritty defense for 4 quarters. This Lakers team often does the same thing, except with premier talent on the offensive end. I am sure that we will see another strong night from Noah, but as for the rest of the team, you never can tell. Will Salmons be 9 -18 from the field, or 1 – 12. I guess we hide and watch.

I will leave you with this little nugget. Unless someone becomes a consistent threat from the outside, Rose will never have a lane to drive through. He has no where to go once he finds that extra gear, if everyone has abandoned their man to triple team Rose. Shooters, who actually shoot, open the floor and give Rose the chance to do what he was brought here to do. That pick and pop game he has with Miller only lasts so long, and quite frankly too much time with Miller on the court costs us defensively.

My pick: Lakers 102, Bulls 89

Heilman Traded to the Diamondbacks

The often hittable, and local native, Aaron Heilman was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two A - AA players. I like this move by Hendry. Probably saves us some money, and I think that Caridad and Berg proved that they can pretty much handle Heilman's duties. Safe travels Aaron.

Grabow Signs: Two Years, $7 million

Via Bruce Levine, Paul Sullivan, and others, John Grabow has signed with the Cubs for 2 years, roughly $7 million. I do not understand this move at all. If Hendry feels that this pen needs veteran depth, maybe I can be swayed, but once again I think he outbid himself for an average lefty reliever with control issues. Lou loves playing the match-ups and this guy's numbers were better against RH hitters than LH, so from a Pinella vantage point, I am very confused. There have been rumors (via MLBTraderumors) that the Cubs could be players for Billy Wagner, but this move probably takes them out of that equation. Marmol will be the closer, and Grabow probably sets up. We all know about Marmol's on again - off again control problems, so setting him up with a loogy who averaged 5.1 BB per 9 innings is confusing. Esmalin Caridad and Justin Berg, both who showed promise at the end of last season, should see some work next season. This may remove some of the pressure that otherwise would have been placed on Grabow's ahoulders.

An entire season of being a Cub should be interesting for a guy who has made most of his living pitching for the no pressure, no expectations Pirates.

Welcome!!!

My name is Andrew Ferguson; I am a die hard Chicago sports fan. I have always looked for a place to chat about more than just the Cubs or Sox, the Bulls or Bears. I wanted a place that anyone can vent about their favorite Chicago team. I will voice my opinions, hope to hear yours, and along way we all might learn even more about these teams that we are so passionate about.

As far as my favorite teams are concerned, if you stick around long enough, it won't take you very long to figure that out. I am not a rumor mill, so if you are looking for who will be catching some of those Cutler picks next season, I am not the place. If you want to share any of the rumblings or grumblings that you hear along the way, feel free, but make sure you give the sources their due.

Feel free to talk about whatever sports you choose, no matter the season. I know what it feels like during the harsh Chicago winters to pine away for the "Boys of Summer". And, when training camp starts in the summer, you want football so bad those pre-season games seem almost meaningful.

Last but not least, have fun. Treat one another with respect. Remember that fan is short for fanatic, so we are all a little off.