DARE TO DREAM

We all do it. Whether you are sitting in your cubicle at work, watching TV, running outside, shopping for clothes, listening to your girlfriend whapping away, and yes of course at night, when our eyes are shut. My Dad claims there are only two certainties in life…
“Death and Taxes…”
Unfortunately he is correct. I’d like to think in this crazy journey we call life, dreams are the only other guarantee we have to escape from reality or prove we all can be “great,” we all can have that one “moment,” that will last a lifetime. That has to be one thrills of being an athlete as they have the opportunity to makes these everlasting memories not only for the fans, but for themselves.
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self discipline, and effort.” – Jesse Owens
One fan, one athlete (so to speak) wasn’t born with the god given ability to perform at the highest level, but in order for his dream to come true, he had to work harder than anyone and want it more than anyone. Its one of the greatest sports movies ever made… You’ve seen this movie over 100 times, memorized lines from all the memorable scenes it and dream one day in your life to be “carried off the field,” not because you were the greatest, but because you truly deserved it. Any guesses yet? Here is a hint that will give it away…
“You're 5 foot nothin', 100 and nothin', and you have barely a speck of athletic ability.” Got it now? Of course you do. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy! Here was a young man, who wasn’t content with just being average. He wasn’t satisfied with the life that lied ahead of him. He wanted to live his dream and test his limits.
“Ever since I was a kid I wanted to go to school here, and ever since I was a kid everyone said it couldn’t be done. My whole life people have been telling me what I could do and couldn’t do. I’ve always listened to them, believed in what they said. I don’t want to do that anymore.”
Rudy looked at his father, his brothers and saw his life was laid out before him. It wasn’t the life that he wanted, and unlike so many of us, afraid of change, afraid to take the big risk, afraid to be different, Rudy wasn’t going to let his dream slip away. If you haven’t seen this movie in awhile, pop it in, sit back and look at more than just a sports film. It’s about a young man, who defied all odds. Despite his lack of athleticism, he suffered from a learning disability as he proved that with hard work, he could accomplish everything he wanted to at the University of Notre Dame. Watch it. Live it. Take it more than for a football movie; look at it as a guide for your own life. If there was anyone who knew a little something about going after what you want, it was Walt Disney.
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Don’t let anyone stand in your way.

MY KIND OF TOWN

April 18, 2009 was quite a day! Chicago is normally known as the second city, but yesterday in the world of sports it was on top of the world! It sill remains to be seen if this day will be remembered, or just a day that gave Chicagoans a reason to be proud to live in this great city!

It all started around 11:30am central time. The Bulls tipped off their opening round game against the defending World Champs, the Boston Celtics. If anyone had caught a bigger break in the playoffs, it might be the Bulls… so much so; they might make me eat my words. I had the Bulls losing in 5 games, as I thought Kevin Garnett, the Celtics vocal and emotional leader would be lost for the first round, if not the entire playoffs. The young Bulls took full advantage of this absence and decided from opening minute they were going to be able to compete with the Celtics and win. Sure it all started last June when the Bulls landed the 1.7% chance of the number pick which ended up being a franchise point guard in Derrick Rose. On this day, this beautiful Saturday in the city of Chicago all the pieces seemed o fall into place for the Bulls. Of course it just wasn’t Rose, who had 36 points in his very first playoff game and was perfect from the free throw line, but Noah was rebounding and running the floor like a gazelle, not a graceful one, but just one who wanted it more than the Celtics did as he grabbed 17 rebounds. Then there was Tyrus Thomas who had me yelling at the TV…”What are you do…ing” as he shot 15-20 foot jump shots that are not part of his game yet. But again, this was the Bulls day, as he knocked down big jump after big jump shot. Then there was Mr. 4^th quarter, aka, Ben Gordon. If he was 2-3 inches taller would be a top 10 player in this league. He once again came up big and knocked down 4^th quarter shots. This was truly the Bulls day as Paul Pierce had a chance to seal the victory for the Celtics at the end of regulation as he missed the game winning free throw. We aren’t certain how the rest of this series will play out, but one thing we do know now… These Bulls believe.

The fun continued here in the city as the Cubs and Cardinals got together for game 3 of a 4 game set. It’s still early but all indications have this heated rivalry fighting for a division title till the end of the season. This almost 4 hour, 11 inning game ended pretty much the only way Cubs/Cardinals games should end, with a walk off homer. 12 pitchers, thirty thousand miller lites later, Aramis Ramirez deposited a ball in the left-center field seats for a 7-5 victory and sending Cub fans home happy… or out to the local bars for some celebratory shots as they continue the party till the wee hours of the morning. The Cubs are still the favorite to win the division but they have some questions that need to be answered. Where has Derek Lee’s power gone? I am not sure if that wrist injury he suffered a few years back is the reason for the lack of power, but Lee was never a true power hitter before his 46 in 2005. As long as he hits 25, drives in 90 and hits close to .300 with solid defense, that’s all the Cubs need. Is this really the best rotation? On paper, yes, hands down. On the field, maybe. Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden need to stay healthy and Ryan Dempster needs to duplicate last years magic. Or at least stay healthy enough to pitching longer than 5 innings as the bullpen already has been used quite a bit. Is Milton Bradley the answer? Again, it’s early, but he’s never plays a full season, and his defense is suspect. Cubs should slug their way to a division title, but what excuses will we hear in October?

Sure White Sox/Rays isn’t Red Sox/Yankees, but after the way the Rays dismantled the White Sox last season (regular and playoffs) with speed, pitching and defense it was a bitter sweet victory on Saturday as the Sox outplayed them in all facets of the game for an 8-3 shellacking! The Sox still don’t have the speed of the Rays, but they at least have speed this year. Ozzie has some more versatility with his line-up and bench players. The power is still there, but with decent speed at the top and bottom of the line-up gives the Sox a chance to be more dangerous each night. The Sox went into Tampa and were not be intimidated as this did last year and early on are showing a swagger that will hopefully carry all season long. Their pitching staff is 4^th in the AL with a 3.99 ERA and with some timely hitting this year, could lead to back to back division titles. Can the Sox pull it off again? This year will truly be interesting. Not one team in the AL Central seems to be a pushover as the Royals (at least early on) are proving to be for real. Can Contreras and Colon get it done? That might be the biggest question if these two can sustain consistency and health for 5 more months. If so, the Sox have a legit staff to compete all year as these two veterans can each win 10 games. What does this win mean? I guess we will find out in the coming weeks. However, to go down to Tampa and play on an artificial surface (last year 4-16) against a team that made the Sox look like chumps last year is a huge step in the right direction.

The biggest game of the night was the Blackhawks coming back from 2-0 and winning 3-2 and now 2 wins away from advancing in the playoffs. I am not going to pretend I know hockey and that I know players on the Hawks and follow them religiously as I do some teams, but I did watch the game and found myself yelling at the TV when they were getting sloppy and found myself cheering/fist pumping as they came from behind as they did in the first game. This team was non-existent just a few years ago. People ask where did all these Hawks fans come from? Well, they have always been here and it took an owner to pass on to another life, a new president to run the show, like-able talented players, a no-nonsense coach, coupled with a winning attitude, and soon enough, winning happens. Again, I am not going to pretend to know anything about the Hawks, but I know the United Center was rocking on Saturday night, and it was long over due to for 22,000 fans to be cheering on the Hawks. I am not sure how this season will end, but every team as story, a tale to tell. I might not be knowledgeable to write it but, if a non-hockey fan can get excited and caught up in a fairy tale, then this story will continue… It definitely has a few more chapters to write before it’s finished.

We will never know if April 18, 2009 will be remembered as day Chicago Sports ruled the sports world. There was an overtime thriller, a come from behind tale, the beat down in St. Pete, and the walk off in Wrigley. The passion and love for our sports teams run deep. It’s in our blood. We carry it on our sleeves (or we are more than likely wearing a piece of clothing reppin’ our team) and in our hearts. Saturday, what a day, 4 victories, it sure felt like the 4^th of July!

BUY OR SELL?

We have entered the second week of the 2009 baseball season and thus far it’s been an interesting one. I ask you Bri-Guy Sports (I'm buying this Blahg, and you should too)readers this… Is there parody in baseball(buying parody. Its early but I dont expect any team to win their division by more than 7 games)? I know what you are all thinking?
“Brian, it’s the second week of the season. RELAX!”
Oh, I’m relaxed, but as a big sports fan, and especially of baseball, it’s exciting to see certain teams get off to solid starts when a lot of experts had written them off. No one doubts the Marlins(since every 6 years they win a World Series) but they are showing once again that money doesn’t buy championships; talent, chemistry, and hard nosed baseball does. I'm buying the Marlins. They are 5-1 and loaded with young studs, and if not this year, next year should be a legit threat to do some damage. The only problem with the Marlins is being able to sign and keep these guys after they become All-Stars in the league. Again, I know its early, but congrats to the Padres, Pirates, Mariners, and Blue Jays for getting off to good starts(selling each team, its early as I expect them all to come back down to earth come mid May). It’s a long season and I only expect the Marlins to be fighting for the playoffs come September.

CONGRATS...
Congrats to the University of North Carolina Men’s Basketball team(buying, I picked them to win it all back in November... if you dont believe me, just ask my roommate) for absolutely destroying anyone in site during the tournament. A few college basketball experts doubted UNCs defense during the regular season, but they turned it on during the “dance,” not to mention having offensive weapons at each position. Those who truly enjoy college basketball can soon get excited for next year. For some teams, well, their seniors are leaving and their time is done, for others, such as sophomore Blake Griffin(I'm buying Blake Griffin as I expect him to jump right in and help whatever NBA team lands on him), the next step is taking your game to the NBA, and more than likely the number one pick and big money. A lot of teams should have or could have key players returning along with top recruiting classes. Expect Kansas(buying the Jayhawks to go to at least the elite 8 if they land one these top recruits) to be preseason number one with Cole Aldridge, Sherron Collins and with top recruits Xavier Henry or John Wall considering offers. UNC has a top 5 class coming in next year (i'm buying that UNC wins another title within the next 4 years) also with the slight possibility of Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington returning for their senior seasons.

UNEMPLOYMENT... (selling unemployment, its exciting for about a week, then you really wonder if your ever going to work again?)
In recent weeks I’ve had sometime to catch up on my TV watching. Sure being unemployed helps, as it gives me time all day to apply for jobs, send emails, gather my thoughts, and just use TV as an escape from reality. This is how my day plays out:
9:56am - just in time for The Price is Right
9:57am - brushing my teeth and using the restroom
10:05am – usually go grab some kind of combination of banana/apple/grapes/pineapple for breakfast (I'm buying this breakfast... Its delicious, refreshing and healthy)
10:08 – 10:59 consist of extreme well thought out bids and guessing as I play along and hope someday to visit San Diego and appear on the show. I could bore you with the rest of my afternoon, but let’s face it, it’s not that exciting. Then 4:00pm rolls around its time for “Around the Horn” on ESPN. Buy or Sell? I am selling this show. It’s hosted by Tony Reali, as he asked the panel of sports writers from across the country the various sports topics that surround the sporting world and gives out points based on their answers, as well as take them away. It reminds me of when my friends and I sit around and debate sports issues/stories without anyone giving out points… well, I take that back, our friend Bob will give out points for quick witted or well thought out facts/opinions. Around the Horn are just a punch of sports guys that state the obvious as this tedious show has 4 guys debating, and more than often a few of them share the same thoughts. It makes the show predictable and boring. I’m all up for debating sports/athletes as its one of my favorite things to do, but with four guys sitting around with egos, trying to be funny while they share the same opinions for TV ratings makes the show tiresome as I normally change the channel and wait for PTI.

Congrats to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks for making the playoffs. It’s the first time they both have made the playoffs since 1992. Can the Bulls win at least 1 game? Can the Blackhawks keep the exciting season alive? I'm selling the Chicago Bulls. The trade to bring John Salmons to the Bulls as another legit scoring option, Derrick Rose proving his the real deal, Ben Gordon continues to prove he can score with almost anyone will have a tough match-up against either the Orlando Magic or the Boston Celtics. The inside presence of Dwight Howard or the veteran leadership of the Celtics will be too much for the Bulls. As for the Blackhawks... buying! I know, I dont know anything about Hockey or the Hawks, but this town, these fans came back to life as they will propel the Hawks into round #2 as the story book season continues.

Bulls out in 5
Blackhawks advance

The Masters...I'm buying. If anyone saw the intensity in the eyes of Tiger, Phil, Kenny Perry, Angel Cabrera, and Chad Campbell in the last round, doesnt appreciate sports and golf. Its the last round of the Masters and for awhile, all had some kind of chance, even if it was only slim to walk away with the green jacket. CBS definitely made a goof when they seemed to show Tiger and Phil more than Perry, Cabrera, and Campbell, but you know what... ABC does it all the time with showing Lakers, Cavs, Spurs, Celtics and Suns games all the time. Primetime teams, with primetime players. Does anyone really want to watch the Sacramento Kings against the Charlotte Bobcats? Unfortunately no. Well unfortunately CBS took the approach of showing Tiger and Phil as if they were the leaders during the Master, not the others. Regardless of who had more TV time, I am buying the Masters. Every drive, chip and putt was delivered with raw emotion as the crowd is a part of every stroke. Which is the best part of the Masters when watching it from home... Is the fan that yells... "GET IN THE HOLE..." Which I find myself yelling, as I bet some of you do as well!

A NEW SEASON, A NEW HOPE

Three words…. Baseball is back! And it’s about time! This off season was like non-other. We saw the Yankees spend more money than Obama’s stimulus package. In by doing so they locked in the a left handed ace in CC Sabathia, a right handed ace in A.J. Burnett, and swooped in on Mark Teixeira, a switch hitting, slugging first basemen that plays above average defense. The Tribune sold the Cubs, which means more misery, just under new ownership. Many other free agents took awhile before they found homes, as they took “pay-cuts” so they could play this year. (Boo frigging who so those players who felt they deserved more money) We saw Ken Griffey Jr. return to Seattle to cap off a Hall of Fame career. And Manny being Manny, might yet again propel the Dodgers back to the playoffs.

I recently returned from “Spring Break ’09, No Regrets, Wooo” (This was the motto of our trip to Myrtle Beach; the “wooo” represents us lifting up our shirts, flashing people… Kristin, never got into it, I wonder why?) And have now taken the last few days to indulge myself into each team before I picked my division/wild card winners.

AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFF

AL EAST - NEW YORK YANKEES

AL CENTRAL - CHICAGO WHITE SOX

AL WEST - LOS ANGELES ANGELS

WILD CARD - BOSTON RED SOX

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFF

NL EAST - NEW YORK METS

NL CENTRAL - CHICAGO CUBS

NL WEST - ARIZONA DIAMONBACKS

WILD CARD - LOS ANGELES DODGERS

AL

YANKEES - The Yankees pitching is just plain nasty (it should be after all that money they spent) With the Addition of Mark Teixeira (my pick for AL MVP) and once AROD returns, I expect them to win the toughest division in baseball. Player to watch - Chien Ming Wang

WHITE SOX - I might be a little biased here, but they have a front end rotation that can win anywhere from 13-18 games each. And when Jose Contreras comes back and stays healthy, they have a legit shot of repeating as AL Central Champs. Player to Watch - John Danks

ANGLES - They have a veteran team with a somewhat of a battered pitching staff (Lackey and Ervin Santana coming back from injuries) With Vlad, Torii Hunter, and the Addition of Bobby Abreu, they should be strong enough for another AL West Title. Player to watch - Joe Saunders

RED SOX- Despite not having Manny around they still have a strong line-up and I expect Jason Bay to hit at least 25 homeruns. Beckett, Lester and Dice K (my CY Young pick) to be just fine, as Brad Penny and John Smoltz could be sleepers for this team. Player to watch David Ortiz (can he survive without Manny)

NL
METS - They have speed with Jose Reyes, power with David Wright and now have a bullpen with Putz and KROD. If the rotation can just be good enough, they'll win the division as they enter their new home. Player to watch - Oliver Perez
CUBS - On paper they have the best team in the National League, but games aren't won on paper. If they can stay healthy (Zambrano, Harden, Milton Bradley, Soriano) they should be strong enough to hold on. Player to watch - Ryan Dempster
DBACKS- They have a talented rotation as Webb, Haren, Garland and Doug Davis should be good enough to win the division. Expect young Chris Young, Justin Upton and Stephen Drew to continue to grow. Player to watch - Max Scherzer
DODGERS - He's back! With Manny Ramirez back in the line-up and the addition of Orlando Hudson the Dodgers are good enough to return to the playoffs and compete for a division title. Their staff isnt as good, but should score enough runs to win. Player to watch - Russell Martin

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM EACH TEAM
A's - Have a young pitching staff and might make a run at the playoffs. Will score more runs with Giambi, Orlando Cabrera, and Matt Holliday. Player to watch - Matt Holliday

Texas Rangers - They will score runs, but wont shut anyone out. Players to watch - Josh Hamilton and young SS Elvis Andrus

Seattle Mariners - The return of Junior will spark ticket sales, but not much else. Rotation on paper isnt bad (Felix Hernandez, Silva, Washburn, a healthy Bedard) it will be an interesting year. A healthy Junior will surprise people... (25 or more homers) Player to watch - My boy, Ken Griffey Jr.

Twins - They are a pain in my side every year. They just always get it done. They have speed and a solid rotation once again. Their CF Gomez has the talent to be an All-Star player for years. Player to watch - Carlos Gomez

Indians - If not the White Sox, I expect the Indians to win the division. With last years CY Young winner, in Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona and a line-up thats filled with speed and power have they could be as good as anyone. Grady Sizemore is a MVP type talent. Players to watch - Sizemore and Chin Soo Choo

Tigers - They as well seem to have the talent in the line-up and if Justin Verlander and Bonderman return to the form from a few years ago, might compete for a division title. Players to watch - Miguel Cabrera and Curtis Granderson

Royals - They wont be push overs this year. Their rotation of Greinke, Meche and Davies might surprise people. Have one of the best shortstops in the league.... Player to watch - Mike Aviles

Rays - They have talent, but dont think they will be able to pull off the magic again. Evan Longoria and BJ Upton are only going to get better, and their rotation is the same. I just dont think they will be able to repeat. Could still win at least 87-90 games. Player to watch - Carl Crawford

Blue Jays - Alex Rois is a must watch and Roy Halladay will win 17 games (at least) again. But have no shot of winning more than 70 games. Player to watch - Roy Halladay

Orioles - They have two young talented outfielders coupled with Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff... But thats about it. Players to watch - Nick Markakis and Adam Jones

Giants - Their rotation has the chance to be absolutely ridiculous. With Tim Lincecum, Randy Johnson, Matt Cain, and hopefully a useful Barry Zito - have a chance to compete every game. Player to watch - Randy Johnson

Rockies - They have come so far from playing in the World Series just two years ago. It will be another long year in the mountains. Player to watch - Troy Tulowitzki

Padres - Thanks for playing! Expect Jake Peavy to be gone by the trade deadline. Player to watch - sweet swinging Adrian Gonzalez

Cardinals - They somehow won 86 games last year without Chris Carpenter. He's feeling good along with Adam wainwright. And they have the best hitter in the league, my NL MVP pick, Albert Pujols. Player to watch - Kyle Lohse

Reds - This is my surprise team. They have Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Edwin Encarnacion, and Alex Gonzalez. Their rotation includes Aaron Harrang, Bronson Arroyo, Micah Owings, Johnny Cueto and my player to watch - Edison Volquez (NL CY Young pick)

Astros - They have veteran presence with Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada, and Roy Oswalt. But I expect this to be a long season in Houston. Player to watch - Hunter Pence

Brewers - Their line-up should score some runs, but their pitching might allow a few more. They might surprise people if their young staff grows up quickly. Player to watch - Ryan Braun

Pirates - I hear their stadium is beautiful! Player to watch - Nate McLouth

Phillies - They definitely have the talent to win the division again and I wouldnt be surprised if they did. I just closed my eyes and pointed to the Mets to win the NL East. The Phillies line-up is pretty scarey and could go back to the World Series. Player to watch - Raul Ibanez

Braves - Chipper Jones signed a contract to stay and retire a Brave as he finishes off a Hall of Fame career. Derek Lowe, Javy Vazquez and Jair Jurrjens will keep them competitive at the front end of the rotation. Player to watch - Tom Glavine

Marlins - They always seem to retool with solid young players, and hell, might even win the World Series this year (1997 and 2003... 2009?) Ehh, I doubt it, but they have a future MVP on their team. Player to watch - Hanley Ramirez

Nationals - Adam Dunn signed a 2 year contract to play here. Expect a .250 batting average, at least 75 homers and close to 200 RBIs and over 300 strikeouts! Player to watch - I hear the stadium is beautiful

There is nothing like going to a baseball game, getting a bag of peanuts, sitting back and hopefully see something you have never seen before. I will be attending opending day with my dad tomorrow as the White Sox take on the Kansas City Royals. He'll be buying peanuts, we'll grab a few dogs, and freeze our asses off.

AND THE WINNER IS:

YANKEES OVER DODGERS IN 5