Thank You Joel the mighty coach of the 2009 Chicago Blackhawks!  Thanks for giving the Chicago Blackhawk fans something to cheer for this winter.  The Hawks are playing well and we are a top contender for the Stanley Cup this year.  Your team is the talk of the town and we are all filled with Christmas cheer of what to come in 2010!

Ndamukong Suh

Even though he almost qualified for my naughtiest list of 2009, as in a good way, Suh got robbed of the Heisman this year.  Yes Mark Ingram bringing Alabama their first Heisman Trophy was great for Alabama and its grand legacy in College football but C ‘Mon! Suh is going to be the next Warren Sapp or Reggie White in the NFL who will put a defense, maybe like the Chicago Bears defense, on their back and change a team for good in 2010. He definable was the player of the year in college football of 2009.

Joaqim Noah

Despite the Bulls somewhat disappointing season so far the one bright star from the team has been the man in the middle Joaqim Noah. He brings that energy to the game and is showing much improvement in his game since last year.   Noah is averaging a double double in rebounds and points almost every night out there  His Rodman like effort started in the playoffs last year and now it has spilled over into this year.  Don’t be surprised if Noah is not an All-Star this year backing up “Shaq” in the All-Star game.

the cast of “It’s always sunny in Philadelphia.”

I just can’t get enough of this show it is the best thing I found on television since first watching the Office.  Sunny is a great show if you need a good laugh.  It may seem over the top and down right offensive at times but hey we need more laughter these days.  Even though Dee, Mac Dennis, Charlie and Frank may seem dysfunctional, they are good at making any viewer cry from laughter and here at superdad they fill my life with cheer along with my great family of course.

Chris Henry’s teammates and family

What a last two weeks for the now Bewildered Cincinnati Bengals who are trying to gather their emotions and make a playoff push after the sudden loss of teammate Chris Henry.  Yes he might of not had a bad track record but no one deserves to die prematurely especially at 26 when the man was a huge part of the Bengal team.  Chad Ocho Cinco has taken it hard as the rest of the Bengal teammate but here I definitely have become a fan of a team that is playing for a fallen teammate.  The Bengals season good or bad will be Chris Henry’s last and a big prayer goes to him and his family, fans and his teammates.

Brittany Murphy as well although mis-read most of her acting career as the lost girl from “Clueless.”  You will be missed and made the list of good for 2uperdad 2009.
The Men and Woman Fighting our Wars over seas!!

A quick shot out and a huge Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our family and friends that are over seas around the world fighting for the freedom we are enjoying today in our living rooms with our families during the Holiday year.

Can’t wait to see who make’s the list in 2010 Happy New Year!

If you do not laugh at this “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” then you can continue watching whatever you like!

It’s like a SNL skit.

First off, we’ll we know who the top candidates are

but what about some of the lesser know people you might of forgot about

or we just want Santa to know that these people are

on the naughty list of 2009 as,

Sports and entertainment was filled with people who are getting a diamond size piece of coal, not like in Superman where he crushes the diamond into coal for Lois, but bad coal!!

so why not make a list of those this year to tell Santa that you are picked as the Naughtiest of 2009.

First Naughty Nominated is Jon Gosselin from Jon and Kate plus well 4 and 4 now right

but honestly Jon seems to be way over his head as his once glorified lifestyle popularity from the famous TLC show is now getting a lock for his monies from public appearances because of well, we know he sort of had an affair with younger woman and even thou his wife may be a bitch you still did and you did it in front of all of America and on TLC a family program not the “Real World/Road Rules the Duel “that if you want change that bad in your life then remember there are consequences for your actions as you are the first nominated for the naughty list.

Second naughty nominated is Patrick Kane  from the Chicago Blackhawks

We all remember Mr Kane having a little too much fun

in the summer during his off season and had that issue with the cabbie from New York.

Sure things have cooled off after that,

but the fact he just got his face bashed in the other night and the Hawks are freakn good, soooo who cares, Patrick Kane is really good and Duncan Kieth and Jonathan Toews are all staying a long time in Chicago so alright Mr 88 is excused from the Naughty list of 2009.  Hawks gonna win the cup this year YEAH!

Third Nominated Naughty is Michael Jordan

What you say MJ,

yeah MJ

for stiffin Chicago as he did not show for the big ceremony that Chicago was supposed to get the 2016 Olympics but NOOOOO Mr Jordan you said, in a low voice like Mike, you know “No I am not coming with all you to Copenhagen you crazy” even though CHI CAGO built  you a stadium and has a statue outside our stadium that those current Bulls led by Derrick Rose try and work hard to get rid of your image. MJ you are on the naughty list for sure for not helping us a little more for the bid and no the video does not count that was some lame bs if you ask me Mike and that we got annihilated by Rio De Jinero come on Mike you Naughty for sure

Last Nominated Naughty is Tiger Woods

The joke out there now is what you drive and hit a tree and 37 ladies come out of the tree.

I mean come on man Tiger we loved you…. Tiger we loved you…  You were like our hero and now you are just like another person who make us all good working dads that do love their families and children a bad rap. You are my favorite golfer but right now you are not my favorite person or far from a superdad.  Hey I’m not perfect either but you don’t have to be Hugh Hefner in the club and buy these ladies.  That is called pimping foo c’mon man!  okay now I am laughing.

SO! The the worst Naughty of the Year who get the piece of coal, and not the Superman one, of the 2009 Naughty Christmas list is the one and only…. Jon Goselin.  Yep Jon sorry but you on the Naughty List for sure get your life straight and get your ass back taking care of those kids that mother of your children need’s your help and now it may not be the same ever again but at least do it for the kids. Peace and don’t be on the Naughty List in 2010 Jon!  Oh and Alex Rodriguez I still got my eye on you.. that Kate Hudson is a fox and you breaking up with her not looking good buddy.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Everybody from superdad and his family hope you enjoyed that for a moment. Lastly this is a great you tube tribute to award speeches

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBrIV_L80vg

The Bears played well for one quarter, but then forgot football is a sixty minute game, and lost 21 to 14 to the division rival Packers who take the season sweep this season for the first time since Lovie Smith has coached in Chicago.  Will this be his final stake to the heart of Lovie as his team just seems to find ways to lose instead of finding ways to win.  It might not be his fault this year, depsite his sometime wish washing decisions on the sidelines, but someone is going to take the blame for this season and the three candidates are Lovie, Ron Turner and GM Jerry Angelo.  If I were Ted Phillips I would take all of them out and bring Bill Cowher or seomeone with a big resume to fix this mess up in Chicago.  The fans are not happy right now and the big decision makers for the Bears need to realize that this team cannot keep driving up hill, when their is no map of success or proven method the Bears to follow.

Vinny Del Negro better go and thank the Bears underachieving season as their demise has overshadowed the Bulls as they have been getting beat bad the last couple of weeks.  Earlier this year the team looked like a team on the up and up but lately we have lost to poor talented teams and don’t even look like a professional team against the best of the league.  You just cannot lose to a one win team as the Nets came into Chicago and beat the Bulls early last week, sure we defeated the Warriors who may have more drama on their team than the Bulls, but lay an egg against Atlanta, Cleveland and Boston.  All three who are showing leaps and bounds better than the Bulls.  Vinny may get a lump of coal in his Christmas stocking as even though the Bulls are beat up with injuries, still you cannot lose to the New Jersey Nets right now!  The Nets are just trying to get through this year much like many other teams to try and dream to land the big star free agents this upcoming year.  Instead Kobe Bryant and the world champs are in town for a match up tomorrow night and I would not be surprised if the Lakers score 120 against the Bulls.

However the sports gods have been kind to us Chicago fans, at least part time this winter, as the Chicago Blackhawks are still atop the division standings and just looking like a fantastic team that can out hit, out skate, out defend, or just beat anyone they face right now in the NHL.  As long as the Hawks stay injury free, which they already have had their share of injuries and still continue to win consistenty, then good things will come out of this winter in Chicago.  The Hawks have got to be a strong contender for the Cup this year as they have already beat most of the top class teams of the league, including the defending champ Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Hawks are out to prove that this franchise in no longer a laughing stock of the league and for the second year in a row they are a match up on the calendar right now that no one in the league feel’s comfortable playing.

Lastly superdad has new fan page on facebook,http://www.facebook.com/kchsuperdad?ref=name#/pages/I-am-a-superdad-or-supermom/48691968788?ref=share in case you would like to check it out! There are some up incoming changes coming soon as superdad may have a new look for 2010.  The plan is in the works meanwhile drop in and become a fan not only of this page but the man behind the scenes that works hard for his family every day to make sure they are the best they can be.  Currently working on my video nominations of 2009 got some good videos that I may share before the year is out. Tell your freinds superdad got your back!

The Chicago Bears win 17 to 9 although I was hardly up for the occasion as I just did not feel it necessary that I see every second of this game.  I mean I knew the Bears would win it was just a matter of how they would win.  Yes it was nice to see ball control offense again and running the ball but still it was the 1 win Rams.  I had more fun watching the  “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with the kids despite me seeing that movie for the one thousand time!

In other football action the defending Champion Steelers losing to the Raiders!  Hello did Ijust wake up in the 1970’s again the Raiders actually winning on the road in a cold city.  They couldn’t even do that when the team was winning consistently props to them and the Gradkowski led new look silver and black.

Speaking of winning consistently the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts remain undefeated as both go to 12 and 0 a feet that no other pair of teams have ever done before in the post super bowl era of the NFL.  However it is starting to look that the pressure is beginning to build as both of these teams have had their scares in close games down the stretch.  The camel’s back may break but still what if these two teams meet in February.  That Super Bowl would be a great way to show a clinic on how quarterbacks are supposed to lead their teams as no one does it better right now than Drew Brees, of course got to give love to the ex Boilermaker, and Peyton Manning who has become the face of the NFL, at least as far as commercials and endorsements.

As for poor old Tom Brady tell Belicheck and the rest of the Pats to burn those old Patriot uniforms. They never won in those things before why is it going to start now!  I mean I love retro uniforms but the Pats, that just brings more childhood memories of the DA Bears and DA Coach running them over in Super Bowl XX.  Stop living in the past New England when your present is right in front of you as Tom Brady not getting any younger.

Well enough about pro football I want to talk some College!  Despite no playoff, yet again we are left with 5 undefeated teams in the BCS but only two of them are playing one another.  Texas barely beat Nebraska in the Big XII and Alabama blew out Tim Tebow and the Gators in the SEC.  So in all honestly does Texas even have a shot? While Cincinnati and TCU are left to ponder what if?  Cincinnati now gets a Florida team that is ticked off and will be Tim Tebows last collegian game and TCU gets another Wild Card team with Boise State.  Really! I  mean the games could have been more sexier even without a playoff if the match ups lined up right.  Texas gets some southern love and gets the nod.  Oh well then Ohio State slim winner over Iowa of the Big Ten get the Oregon Ducks who narrowly beat their rival Oregon State for the Pac Ten title and Iowa gets a trip to the Orange Bowl and meets with Georgia Tech.

Lastly I didn’t get to check out the Tiger Woods skit on SNL this Saturday but for sure will be keeping an eye out for the replay.  NBC.com is where I might be heading right now!  Happy Holidays and I am off today with son to the store and hopefully picking up a zany Christmas sweater as I have a party coming that request its patrons have some sort of zany Christmas sweater or get up.  I knew I should have kept some of those classic shirts from past years, oh well to me, but don’t you make the same mistake and always keep around that one ugly sweater as it could pay off when you least expect.

Yes it is easy to judge but should we? I guess in part I do agree with the majority that says these people that are doing these sinful deeds should be punished, but in reality do these icons honestly care and are they really punished!  They should in reality because we pay billions of dollars a year as a whole to keep these icons at the top of their exposure.  However let me just say this and you can disagree or agree with this next point I will make.

Why is it that there always seems to be controversy or negative press surrounding celebrities or sports icons but then for some reason that immediate exposure almost creates a new and more exciting story.  In return us as fans then all tune in to the television and radio stations  buy newspapers about these icons because who does not like a story where someone is against the wall and then it is up to them to climb out of it.  I would say based on the most recent examples not just Tiger but what about music entertainers Chris Brown and Rhianna or baseball slugger Alex Rodriquez or the infamous John and Kate plus 8, there is always a similarity in that even though these people are caught in an act of misfortune they are somehow magically metamorphosed very soon after into better human beings and then rewarded even more for the exposure.

In real life people do not get off easily with these types of allegations whether dealing with infidelity domestic violence, or even cheating if your talking sports.  We as people if something like this happens most average Americans don’t have the necessary means to cover up their mistakes and instead we become labels of these allegations.  Sure in due time through years of perseverance and keeping strong faith that things will turn around is when we do become better people because we learn from our past mistakes. However in the case of celebrities and sport stars, if there is no real punishment for a allegation then does that person truly become a better person?  Celebrities and sports icons are in the center of these allegations and in the sports and entertainment business all it really turns into is more money and more cash for those that were so called punished for their crime. The similarity is kind of like when you become a parent and you feel you need to spoil your child with whatever they desire.  They ask for this or want that and they get it and that comparison is not much different in how we deal with celebrities and huge sports icons.  They ask for this they get that they want this covered up, they get it covered up, they want a jail sentence shortened they get that, as long as they have the means they will do whatever they can to change that image immediately or with as little time as possible.

So my food for thought here is sometimes we get so caught up in these moments so much that in a way we are not really helping these people but hurting them more by keeping their exposure at their highest when things go terrible wrong.  However in retrospect every media giant would strike me down with lightning if that change ever did occur.  As well people would start moving to other countries because America would no longer be about people that thrive form poor to rich but everyone would just be the same and how boring would that be?

Just a thought from someone too that likes to get caught up in the moment I guess I deserve some punishment as well.

Joe Mauer was announced as 2009 American League MVP no arguments there except maybe the Twins organization.  It is sad, unless you are a White Sox fan, that a great player and catcher Joe Mauer who will be a free agent next year and probably will not be a Twin by 2012.  The Yankees and Red Sox are licking their chops as both of their big name catchers are on the decline and even though the Red Sox picked up the option on Victor Martinez for 2010 you gotta believe Mauer will be another player that demands top dollar that only the Sox and the Yanks can really afford.

Did you say NOMAR!?!?  Oh wait, Omar Vizquel was picked up by the Chicago White Sox and let’s just hope this is not the only free agent signing this year.  The Sox are looking younger these days with a lot of older payroll dropped from the accounting books of Kenny Williams. Except Alex Rios who still is making too much money for what he produced last year in a  White Sox uniform.  Jake Peavy will need more help than that, I mean he already came from a San Diego team that lacked offense and now he is on a similar team but with worse weather.

Speaking of weather not since the big talk of El Nino has the Chicago Cubs been trying to forecast a Milton Bradley trade.  Everyday it seems as though the Cubs are shopping one of their big headaches from last season.  However the last time I checked every GM in baseball did see the same craziness that Bradley showed all of last year and the last thing most teams need is more drama in their locker room.  Honestly there may be one place that could use Milton Bradley. Oops forgot Montreal doesn’t have a team anymore.

Another team that may have to move to Montreal before we all go batty is the Chicago Bears.  Sure the Bears played better last week but still the team made the same mistakes they have been making all year.  Jay Cutler is who we though we got, a wild armed quarterback that just makes you hold your breath every time he throws and Bears fans thought this was all but gone when Rex Grossman was sent packing last year.  With no first or second round draft choices next year the Bears could be in trouble for awhile unless Jerry Angelo wants to open the checkbook and actually get some better wide receivers despite him still saying “we will work with what we got.” What you got is Devon Hester not a premier wide receiver and a bunch of un experienced receivers that are better at cashing their checks rather than running solid routes for their quarterback to not look as bad.

Call them bad, as in good or whatever you want, the Chicago Blackhawks are back on top of the NHL standings and it just feels good.  Plus with big rumors that this supporting cast of youth will be staying together can only bring us fans a big smile. Now they haven’t won anything yet although the future looks much more promising than year’s past.  The Hawk players are starting to become mini celebrities in this town and it is nice to see that winter is not all about football or basketball but the winter’s purest sport Hockey.  Last thought on the Hawks I think a Duncan Keith jersey may be a wise choice for an early Christmas gift  as the Hawks are close to signing him to a very long contract.

As for the other team that calls the United Center home the Chicago Bulls, who probably wish that the Circus would leave a week early, are trying to keep their head above water on the West Coast swing that has brought the young Bulls back to ground level after an impressive start.  Bulls fans still should not worry too much on this as the Bulls will be alright, as they will be playing a lot of home games in December to make up for the long early road trip.  It is not the Western Conference I am worried about it is catching up to those early rising Milwaukee Bucks with new rookie guard Brandon Jennings that have caught many teams attention.

I will close with this as thank you Mr Rose this was nice!  ]]> http://superdad.today.com/2009/11/24/mucho-sports-the-sequel/feed/ http://superdad.today.com/2009/11/19/who-what-where-and-why-you-must-watch-tonight/ http://superdad.today.com/2009/11/19/who-what-where-and-why-you-must-watch-tonight/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:40:04 +0000 kchofmann http://superdad.today.com/2009/11/19/who-what-where-and-why-you-must-watch-tonight/ Got plans tonight?  Well better have a television involved or you going to miss some quality action in not only Chicago Sports but also good old fashion television.

Starting at 7 central you can start your evening off with your “Community” friends on NBC.  If Chevy Chase does not make you laugh then you need to get your funny bones checked because this role as the old guy on a community campus is the best one he has had since Clark Griswold.

After chillin with the “Community” then you can park it with “Parks and Recreation” as Amy Poehler still is one of the funniest ladies of television.  However my favorite character is Andy by actor Chris Pratt.  You know that guy that was in “Everwood” Wait I might be showing my affectionate side a little too much this is a article about sports as well!  I just grunted…

Then of course you better check “the Office” out as if you are not watching this show and still stuck on “Mc Dreamy” on ABC with Grey’s Anatomy then you too need your brain examined. Right this blog is supposed to be about sports but just wanted to give you a taste of what I like so you know a little more about my tastes as Ijust like a good laugh after a long day of work, school or maybe just getting those little ones to and from school.

Then the real action as of course the two hottest teams in Chicago are on the West Coast tonight.  See now you know why I started off with television why waist good TV when the Bulls and Hawks don’t start till 8:30c.

Sorry “30 Rock” can’t stick around as the first place Chicago Blackhawks are invading Calgary, where you know there is always that extra incentive for playing against ex Hawk player and now new coach Brent Sutter.  The Flames are good and the Hawks are just nasty as in a good way, so should be a great game.

Then maybe after the first intermission check out the Bulls on TNT as the young but showing growth Chicago Bulls get Kobe and the defending champion L.A. Lakers.  Derrick Rose loves L.A. and you know he will want to put on a show for a city that loves when the stars shine their brightest.  Plus you got to see if Joaqin Noah keeps grabbing those rebounds as the leagues top guy on the glass after the first ten games of the season.  Sure it may only be November but the Bulls are 6 and 4 and that is their best start in ten years!

That is what superdad is watching tonight. What you watching?

Besides turnovers another thing that seems to be worrying me about this team is that the offensive line cannot create a running lane or just give Matt Forte something to run through.  Yes he needs to break a few tackles himself but their has been no push by the line all year long and that can only spell more games where Jay Cutler has to put the team on his back which is still too much for this type of quarterback to handle.  He needs more help and Cutler should not be the total blame.  I put other blame on the coaching staff as well who seem to have forgot that the Bears are good when they can run the ball.

Even in the 4th quarter their was no attempt by the Chicago Bears to run the ball when the game was far from being a shootout.  The game was very low scoring and when that happens it is not wise to become one dimensional especially against a well disciplined and well coached 49ner defense.  I do give high accolades to Mike Singletary who beat his old team but if you switched the jerseys around and put the Bears jerseys on the 49ners players or vice versa you would see the similarities that the 49ners look and play like the old bears.  They play sound defense and limit their mistakes making them competitive against any opponent they face.

Here this is how Bears football is supposed to be played!

Thanks You Tube for making me feel better again!

The Chicago Bulls are 4 and 2 and it just sounds nice to say that the Bulls are in first place.  Derrick Rose showed the other night despite playing in King James Court in Cleveland that the Bulls are a team to deal with in the Eastern Conference.  Yes the Cavs might not be as good as people anticipated with the arrival of Shaq but still give some props to the Bulls that beat a Cavalier team in their home stadium, where last year they only lost twice all year long.  The Bulls are good and that is with a Derrick Rose that is at 90 percnet with a bum ankle and others like Luol Deng picking up the scoring.  Keep you eye on the Bulls as well in the media sport headlines in the near future as I read this week from Sam Smith’s column on Bulls.com that who knows maybe Lebron James could wind up in Chicago.  If the Bulls keep winning, you just never know, good things happen when you their is a winning sense in the atmosphere. It just seems the Bulls in year two of the Vinny Del Negro era are starting to figure it out and we in Chicago see only more positives coming in the near future.

Here is a couple tributes to Walter and you tell me if he deserves a statue.

My second thought today is all you hear about is that the Chicago Bears offensive line is sub par and they can not run on anyone.  Since we are talking about Walter Payton.  Did he ever really have a line to block for him? Not really.  Did Barry Sanders have a line in Detroit?  Look I was a big fan of Matt Forte last year but this year he is putting soft in sophomore slump.  Forte got some nice breaks against a Cleveland team that is really not that good and far away from the next opponent that Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals can play defense when they show up for the challenge and seeing they got throttled by a good running team in Carolina last week you know they are taking extra classes on stopping the run this week.  All I am saying is a average running-back makes and average offensive line even worse. The time is now for Mr Forte to have his biggest game of the year this week.  Sure he has had glimpses this year but he has yet to take a game over and if you want to make a bigger impact on the playoff push in the NFC it need’s to begin against Arizona.

For one the Bears defense is full of inexperience in the secondary and linebacker spots and to say that “we are okay with what we have approach” is really a bad assessment.  I really have been shocked at the fact that Jerry Angelo did not make a stronger effort to replace Brian Urlacher in the middle.  Not knocking Nick Roach he is a fine player and has a lot of up side but this defense lacks that veteran leadership that many teams in the NFL take for granted.  No Tommie Harris is not the answer either as someone to take this defense on his back, he has become a  complete debacle and really has become more of a liability than an impact player he used to be early on his career.

My second reason for staying with Jay Cutler is at least he has a very short memory when it comes to having a bad game.  Jay Cutler likes to take chances and we as Bears fans need to learn to accept that even though we may have average at best defense right now.  You can hear in Jay’s voice whenever he talks to the media he is not someone that lacks confidence unlike prior quarterbacks of the past most memorable Rex Grossman who seemed flustered anytime he had a bad game and then would take that into the media discussions for the rest of the week.  Jay Cutler has more poise than most of his teammates and people need to understand that before throwing him under the bus he has jumped back from poor performances before if you look at his stay in Denver.

My last statement is this I put more blame on management this off season believing the theory “we are good with what we have approach” with not just the offense but with the defense lately as well.  Yes injuries occur in the NFL but to think that this team was going to stay injury free is a big mistake and other teams in the NFL do a better job than the Bears not just replacing players with average players but players that can make an impact on a game.  With Lovie Smith in the middle of all of this I still like him as a the coach of the Bears as he is a good player coach that players respond to but as far as Jerry Angelo he needs to stop believing his team can compete with anyone out there when you cannot even take care of the Cincinnati Bengals whom yes are 5 and 2 but it is only October and the Bengals are historically known for sinking their own ship with players that often do their best way to sabotage or create trouble within their own locker room.  Just wait till they have a bad game and see how fast they jump back from the loss is all I am saying.

If the Phillies win this series they will be the first National League team since the “Big Red Machine” of the 1970’s to go back to back.  The last team that has eclipsed that from the American League was of course no other than the late ninety New York Yankees who won 4 out of 5 World Series in  the turn of the century, however this New York team has yet to taste the champagne since 2000 which in the Steinbrenner house is an eternity.

All the comparisons to the “Big Red Machine” of 75 and 76 Reds is very cool as both of these two teams might be able to give those teams of the past a run for their money but honestly we have not seen two offenses like the Phillies and the Yankees like this year in some time.  Normally the pitching and defense is what brings a championship but these two teams are doing it with the bat and no one can deny that especially if you look at all of the statistics these two teams have been producing all year round.

The main show of the World Series may be the Ryan Howard and Alex Rodriquez show down as both of these guys have been lighting up score boards all post season when we know that both of these guys have historically struggled in the post season. The show down will be interesting to see who comes out on top and who will still be told that they are not the clutch performer they should be and remembered again as just another one that slipped away.  Howard does have the ring of a year ago over Rodriquez but this is Alex Rodriguez the biggest story of the year in baseball and if he wins a World Series, Howard might as well take a back seat as Rodriguez will be the new king of baseball not only by his wallet size but a trophy that has eluded Rodriguez since coming to New York where he has been attacked and beat up the whole time as the richest man in baseball without a ring.

1.  The Chicago Blackhawks are being hyped as if they did win the Stanley Cup last year.  It is nice to hear high accolades about a team that was in the cellar a few years back.  However let’s just get the job done first and win games just as we did the other night coming back from a 5 to 0 deficit to win in overtime against the Calgary Flames.  I just hope early fame for this team does not put early pressure on a young Hawks team, but as of right now their talent is what is talking and not the hype.

2.  The Baseball Playoffs are in the League Championship Series as the final four of baseball is set.  Philadelphia looks to deter Los Angelas again as they meet for the second year in a row in the National League Championship Series.  Los Angelas can win this series as Philadelphia did not look dominant in the first round against the Rockies.  Sure the bats were cold in Denver and the Phillies did come back to really take the series in a dramatic Game 3 but they need their offense to click against a Los Angelas pitching staff that looked the best of all four remaining teams in the post season.  On the other side the Yankees meet the Angels as the Angels get the monkey off the back finally taking care of the Red Sox but when you want to be the best you got to beat the best and the Yankees have been the best team so far this year.  If the Angels can steal a game or even two in New York then the pressure will fall on a Yankee team that is known for playoff collapses this past decade.  We saw A Rod play very well in the ALDS, he needs to do it again in the ALCS if the Yankees want their 40th all-time American League pennant.

3. The Chicago Bears are through the bye week as “Yes I know a off week for the Bears seems like the longest two weeks of your life.” However we needed all the time we can get to prepare for an Atlanta Falcons team that is becoming one of  the newer elite teams in the NFL.  Although I will disagree for a moment this team does have a tendency to look beyond an opponent much like they looked beyond the Arizona Cardinals last year in the playoffs.  Atlanta might be laughing at a depleted defense the Bears are bringing into the Georgia Dome but who is to say that the Bears offense is not like the Atlanta offense of a year ago where they just were good enough to hang around and just as Ryan did last year winning close ball games, Jay Cutler is doing it for the Bears this year.  Look this game was a huge game last year in a bigger perspective and that game ended dramatically as Atlanta rallied late to win, Cutler could make the difference to put the Bears over that hump this year.

You want to see the comeback from the other night by the Blackhawks ]]> http://superdad.today.com/2009/10/14/blackhawks-baseball-and-bears/feed/ http://superdad.today.com/2009/10/05/monday-madness/ http://superdad.today.com/2009/10/05/monday-madness/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:29:13 +0000 kchofmann http://superdad.today.com/2009/10/05/monday-madness/ Here is what is happening right now in Chicago Sports, well the cliff notes version.

Da Bears put up 27 points in the second half against the now 1 and 3 Lions.  The game was tied going to half time at 21 but then Johnny Knox started the second half with a 102 yard kick return in which Detroit never recouped afterwards.

The White Sox ended their season in Detroit but helped the Twins over the weekend to push a  one game playoff scheduled hours from now.  The Metrodome will be the host as Detroit entered the last month of the season 7 games ahead of the AL Central.  Now game 163 will determine for the second year in a row the AL Central Champs.

The Cubs ended their season a little stronger but still could never catch the freight train that was the St. Louis Cardinals.  Better luck next year.

The Blackhawks win their first game defeating the Panther 4 to 0 over seas in Europe.  Detroit is our next target as we re ignite the rivalry and opponent that sent the Hawks packing from the Western Conference Finals playoffs last year.

Tonight Brett Favre will face his old boss and teammates the Green Bay Packers.  Although “Revenge” is not the way Brett will say it but I will say it for him “Revenge” is the only reason this man has not gong away ever since Green Bay ran him out of town for current quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Oh and Chicago go eliminated form all Olympic talks as they get swept out of the running in the first round.  Get your bikini wax now as we all head to Rio De Jenero for the 2016 Olympics.

What was your favorite topic of the weekend?

This next stretch of games on the west coast could decide the fate of a White Sox team that has struggled to get back to five hundred baseball.  After Oakland, the Sox must go to Anaheim for 3 and Seatle for 3 if the Sox think they still have a fighters chance then they can ill afford to lose any of these series.  With Detroit winning seven of their last ten and playing very well and Minnesota still lingering this is no time to start a losing streak.

If the Sox can survive this next week they then begin the last big home stand of the year where they will face Kansas City Minnesota and then Detroit.  Another plus for both the White Sox and even the Twins is that the AL Central will be determined among each other as evry team in the central will face one another in the last three weeks of the season.  If there is anytime to start beating your division rivals the time is now and you know that Cleveland Indians and even the last place Kansas City Royals want to make the next few weeks as difficult as possible for either three of the top teams in the Central.

My final thought is this if the White Sox can survive a west coast that historically has plagued the Sox then they still have  a fighter’s chance but you do not want to be too far behind heading into that last home stand in which the Sox can then control theri own destiny.  If Detroit thinks this thing is wrapped up already they better think other wise, there is still a lot of baseball.  Just ask the New York Mets of last year who failed to win their division after leading for most of the year only to collpase the last tow weeks of the season.  Or even the Colorado Rockies the year before that won 20 plus games in the month of September.  If you have lost all faith then you haven’t been around baseball much the last few years.

PS today my son had his first day of pre-k superdad is very proud today, way to go buddy.

Jim Thome has had a average season and so has Jose Contrereas who in all honesty wasn’t even supposed to be playing baseball until now because of a ruptured achilles tendon suffered late last season.  Thome seemed to be the scapegoat on an offense that has been slowed up by big bodies in the middle of the lineup.  Sure Konerko, Dye Thome and even Quentin can slug the ball but their lack of speed has really slowed up an offense that is now a station to station team that sometimes needs four hits to get one run in a single inning.

Thome will surely be missed as will Contreras as everyone seemed to be rooting for these guys to have one more good season for the Sox as their careers are starting to show their age.  Thome has brought some great memories over the years with some monstrous homeruns including his homerun just recently that put him over Reggie Jackson on the all-time homerun list but other than that it has been a quite year for Mr Incredible and really all of the White Sox sluggers.  Meanwhile Jose has had a few solid outings but those have been too far in between as Jose was just sent to the bull pen after his last couple of outing where he only lasted minimal innings.

So now many are saying the White Sox are throwing in the white towel because of these recent moves. Honestly these two guys were not coming back next year and now we at least got something in return for their service.  If anything this is only a preview of the next off season as the White Sox are changing from a big power team to a more finesse team that was more like the 05 team.  This move might actually get these guys moving in a more positive direction as now the Sox truly are a team that is not holding onto its past but ready to embrace its new future.  Lastly if this team just folds up this last month then many fans will be disappointed however this team is still very talented and may still make things difficult for the rest of the American League.  September has shown us before that comebacks are not unlikely even for a Sox team that has lacked a true identity this year.  Thanks again Jim you are the best and if not with us get that ring in Dodger blue and thank you Jose for that ring in 05 we could of not done it without you buddy!

#5  Chula Vista  That little team from California or should I say big kids from the Little League World Sereis. There needs to be a big shot out to the Little League World Series Champions from Chula Vista as they used there mighty bats to over power the rest of the teams in Williams port.  All I can say is those boys were big and bad and that one guy for California, Luc Ramirez, looked like he could have signed with the Washington Nationals right now.

#4 Freddy Garcia One of my all time favorite pitchers for the White Sox has made it back to the big league club as everyone awaits Jake Peavy, even though don’t bet on that anytime soon.  Meanwhile Freddy comes from no where and has contributed and battled his behind his last two starts with the White Sox. The White Sox did lose those two games Garcia started but give him some much deserved credit it was the Red Sox and Yankees that came back late to deny those wins, but for Freddie a guy just looking for a job just like anyone else in this economy, to give us two quality starts when we need all the quality starts we can get you got to give Freddy Garcia some love considering this guy was not even pitching anywhere over a month ago.

#3  Eric Bruntlet Who is Eric Bruntlet?  He plays for the Philadelphia Phillies and as a defensive replacement for Chase Utley for the defending Champion Philadelphia Phillies.  You are still like, so what right!  Well the guy is now in the history books as he ended a game in August with a un assisted triple-play.  A triple play is hard enough to do but for one player to do it that has to be number 3 on this list as Eric Bruntlet has something to talk about with his grandchildren although they might not believe him unless they check a stat book in twenty years.

#2  Y.E. Yang  Yes, this list is digging deep this month but Tiger Woods has been 14-0 after leading a major going into the final 18 on Sunday.  Don’t tell that to Mr. Yang as Y.E Lang came from no where to upset Tiger at the PGA Championship.  Tiger was just gliding along and Yang just came and took the trophy that really belonged to Tiger up to that day.  Y.E Lang might not be a top 50 or even 100 player but now he can tell anyone he plays golf with, “Yeah I beat Tiger in the last round of a major while he lead the whole way.”  “Tiger Who Ha Ha” That one will be a good one to hear on the golf course for the next few years.

#1 Jay Cutler Despite his uniform being burned into ashes by former fans, the disgruntle ex-Denver quarterback just wrapped a very nice pre-season playing in one of the most hostile atmospheres in the NFL Jay Cutler has really stepped it up in two pre-season games with the Chicago Bears.  Yes I know it is only pre-season but for Jay to show a lot of poise for a young quarterback with a lot on his shoulders you got to recognize.  Brett Favre might have the most pressure to win right now after his resurgence to the Minnesota Vikings but for the Bears Jay Cutler is a close second.  Coach Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo have really stacked their chips with this guy and so far it may be a good pay off as Cutler has been great so far leading an offense that has never been the talk of a city, historically dominated by defense.

Now we look for consistency from the Chicago Bears and is this team going to be just as pumped going into Denver next week?  You know Jay Cutler will be after some remarks about Denver fans was released to the public and now the fans of Denver will be giving this ex quarterback all he can hear in the Mile High City.  However another quarterback will be looking to give the Bears a taste of their own medicine as Kyle Orton will be fiercely competing to show his old teammates and coaches that Orton is a everyday quarterback in the NFL.

Even though things are looking good I must remind all Bears fans that this team has historically looked great one week and like real threats to the NFC then, the next week they are good as a win less Detroit team from a year ago.  Consistency has got to be this team overall goal this preseason and main goal this year.  Of course that is easier said than done as the NFL is not like a pee wee football organization where you have two good teams and the rest are mediocre at best but in reality the NFL is full of great teams ready to make their mark this year.  If the Bears want to win the NFC North and compete as top contenders in the NFC consistency on all sides of the ball is a must have as each side does have its weaknesses with new additions and unproven talent.  This Bears team does not have a lot of room to be making game changing mistakes.

Overall the Bears are making strides but it is Pre Season and opponents to the Bears are not exactly showing them full attention as far as game planing and execution.  Of course teams like the New York Giants want to play better than Saturday night but it meant nothing in the long run.  The Chicago Bears still should be working extremely hard this week and if they thought that this week was what to expect this year then that is no the right mentality.  It is still a week to week game which shows teams that sure you can be awesome one week but if you believe that is going to happen every week then you better get ready for a long season.   The real great teams are the ones that treat every game uniquely different and never let up an inch to become better.  You don’t want to be this bear this week or any week for that matter.   Thank you http://www.freenaturepictures.com/pictures/brown-bear-lounging.php for the cool bear pic!

#5 Steroids in Baseball We all know steroids is there and has been there so why are people trying to draw this whole list of players that may or may have not taken performance enhancing drugs.  We already know the big names or do we?  Let’s take the advice from Hammering Hank Arron and White Sox coach Ozzie Guillen and lets see all these names.  I don’t want to go another year of baseball and then right before playoffs lets drop a few more and then spring training another few lets just hear the whole story now and get done with the whole madness.

#4  Pre Season Football Please I just can’t get excited about Pre Season football.  I just saw an article about Peyton Manning having a good game during the Philadelphia Eagles last night.  It’s PRE SEASON! If Brett Favre can’t get excited about Pre Season football how are all the rest of us supposed to get excited.  How about just have two games and then lets get it on sure the first couple games might not be the greatest quality but then add an extra bye week for the teams to work on Pre Season training.  Less games means less injuries to star players in Pre Season.

#3  Notre Dame Hype  We all know Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious programs in college football.  However lets stop trying to praise an program that still needs a lot of work right now.  Jimmy Clausen if you turn into the next Joe Montana I will check it out however this team has been terrible the last two years and if you just think this team is going to run off a perfect season just because the the older guys are more motivated um yeah right.  Last time I checked this team is still far inferior to any major program so lets get through a half dozen games and then lets do some predicting but right now they are burying their own graves.  I love hype but lets hype a team that has won recently more than Notre Dame.

#2  Chicago Bears  Lets tone it down a notch everybody.  Jay Cutler is a good quarterback but really is he going to have enough to throw to this season?  Devon Hester is not a premier wide receiver and yet everyone thinks the passing attack will still be improved from a year ago. A quarterback is only as good as their surrounding cast and this cast might be the worst on paper in the NFC North and that includes the Lions.  I just hope that someone does step up this year and makes me eat my own words because I want to see it but do not believe it yet.

#1  The Press mad at Brett Favre Hey any football fan should be happy Brett Forever will play again this year.  John Madden just cired a little and I love Brett Favre despite him being a rival to my favorite team for most of his career and believe he should be able to play for anyone and as long as he wants.  Yet,  what people in the press are tired of the whole Brett Favre drama every year?  I mean the guy has helped sell newspapers and put money in reporters pockets for the last few years during this time of year which in many critics eyes is the dog days of summer where stories are more about over hyped Pre Season Football and off the wall debates on early college football rankings.  It is Brett Favre and he deserves the attention so if you all guys are tired of covering him well you know you can call me anytime and I will report on Brett Favre 7 days a week if that means a job.

Just five things going on in superdad’s world hope you enjoyed.

Jake Peavy about a month ago about this time turned down a trade to the Chiiago White Sox and almost since that point the White Sox have been one of the best teams in the American League. Now we know why he is coming after a great start after the All Star Break.  Recently the White Sox just finished two series against first place teams and took 6 out of 8 against the first place Yankees and the first place Angels.  Both of which, the Yankees were 11-2 and the Angels were on a 5 game winning streak , were just as hot as the Sox coming into those respected series.

Without Peavy the Sox have been re energized for the second half.  The rumors are still swirling that Peavy will probably not make a start till late August or early September but that is when we are going to need this guy the most anyways.  Right now the Sox starting pitching has been steller of late and with the addition of Jake Peavy can only get better down the stretch.  The biggest concern may be the bull pen but that may be the case with the Detroit Tigers who are relying on younger guys than the Sox down the stretch.

My last thought here is that even though we are not seeing Jake Peavy pitch this year yet for the Whtie Sox he already has impacted this team.  First he insulted the talent of the team early on not thinking this team was a contender then now after beating some good teams he has re thought and is working his butt off to get into a game.  The White Sox might not have the best record int he American League but are currently one of the hottest teams in baseball and it all came from one guy turning down a trade. Kenny Williams once again is showing why even though he might not have the resources as New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox he still can do a heck of a job with what he has in front of him and that makes a good GM even greater.