St. Louis Cardinals Manager, Tony LaRussa, joined me yesterday on Chicago Tribune Live and
talked about the possibility of working for Jerry Reinsdorf again,
whether or not he would ever manage the Cubs, and if we could see Mark
McGwire on the Cardinals roster. The interview is transcribed below.
KAPLAN: Tony looking at your career, you had a good run with the White
Sox then you ended up leaving and going to Oakland. You're still very
very close to Jerry Reinsdorf. Could you see yourself at some point
maybe working for him in the front office when your managerial days are
over and you leave St. Louis?
LARUSSA: Well there's two answers to that. One is that I know that he is
pleased with his management team. I know that he really has a lot of
confidence, and he deserves to have that with Kenny Williams, and the
assistant, and the farm director, and all that stuff. I mean I would
never think about managing. I know he likes Ozzie as well. So I don't
ever think that is going to be an issue, because I think he's got his
team. But the other side to that is if I ever left the field and went
upstairs, which I hope to do sometime maybe soon, you know thirty-one,
thirty-two years is enough and at some point I'd like to work for an
owner that I like and that I respect as much as I do Jerry because I
want to be motivated to make him happy. I worked as a manager for Jerry,
I worked for Walter Haas, now in St. Louis its nice when you like the
people you work for because that helps motivate you.
KAPLAN: If you were a free agent and sitting on the market and the Cubs job
was open, would you say I can't go there because of my relationship with
Jerry, or the rivalry with the Cardinals? Or would you say I would listen because
I"m looking for a gig?
LARUSSA: Well I don't think the Cubs would consider me number one, but
number two you've got a double-headed whammy there. I have a lot of
friends and fans that I'm close to with the White Sox. And you know
the White Sox and Cubs, they don't mix. I've got friends and fans that I'm
close to in St. Louis and the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cubs don't
mix. So I think if there is one place that I don't fit just because of
my past it would be the Chicago Cubs.
KAPLAN: Mark McGwire you've been very very positive about. You said hey
this guy is going to be a very good hitting coach for me. Mark has come
out and addressed his issues. Did you think there would be the backlash
to it when you hired him? Or that didn't surprise you?
LARUSSA: No, I knew it was one of the things we had to face. Let me make
sure I correct one thing. I'm very loyal to our players over the years,
White Sox, A's, and Cardinals. If you give back to the team which you
should, I don't grease the squeaky wheel. I like to take care of the
guys who are really good teammates. Mark was a great teammate. But when
it comes to putting a coach on the staff it has nothing to do with
loyalty, it has nothing to do with friendship. You know, we have too
much at stake. I think he has the qualities of a great hitting coach,
and that's why he was hired. And you knew at some point, number one he
couldn't just take the job and not be forthcoming about I did do
something or I didn't do something. And I think when he came out we were
really encouraged that he pulled out all the stops and admitted more
than anybody yet that he made mistakes. He apologized sincerely. I think
a great majority of his peers, past and present, a lot of fans and some
media wanted him to move forward. So I don't think there's a whole lof
left that he hasnt talked about, that he needs to talk about. I just
think at some point now, especially with Mark or anybody else, if you
had a celebrity coach, or you name a great player... Frank Thomas was a
great player and if he became your hitting coach. It's not about the
coaches, its about the players. We keep the distractions to a minimum,
and its about getting the most of our players.
KAPLAN: You said a couple months ago that if you got to the playoffs, you
could see Mark possibly being on the roster. Do you still feel that way
going to spring training?
LARUSSA: That was really a fun remark because when Mark left, he left
with a bad back. One of the things people talk about, you hear people
say that he has really good character and he's a good teammate. But he
had a $30 million signed contract by the Cardinals that he walked away
from. That to me is character and integrity, because he knew his back was
broken and he couldn't play. Seven or eight years later he is in great
shape, and his back is good. So we were kidding that he looks so good. I
was watching him swing in the cage and he's whistling it. I said, "You
could still swing!" He said, "why don't we talk about you activating
me?" We were just messing around and our tongues were so much in our
cheeks that its hard for anybody to understand what we were saying. He's
not going to play, he's going to coach. Hopefully we have a postseason,
but he wont be a part of it.
Kurt Warner Wanted To Be A Bear
I interviewed Kurt Warner on Chicago Tribune Live on Comcast SportsNet on Tuesday and as usual he was nothing but class to deal with. He was available for interviews through the Got Milk promotion that he is in Miami working on.
Here is the transcript of the interview. Read his quotes where he says the Bears told him that he would be the #3 QB going to training camp if he signed with the Bears. Unbelievable to think that a Hall of Fame QB wanted to be here and just wanted a chance to compete for the QB job and the Bears wouldn't allow him to.
Enjoy!
KAP : KURT WARNER JOINS US. WHY WAS THIS THE RIGHT TIME TO CALL IT A CAREER?
WELL ITS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT WHEN YOU PLAY YOU UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO COMMIT TO PLAY AT THE STANDARD YOU'VE SET.. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS I'VE QUESTIONED HOW MUCH LONGER I'VE WANTED TO MAKE THAT COMMITMENT. LOT OF PRESSURE, LOT OF STRESS, LOTTA EXPECTATIONS WHEN YOU PLAY AT A CERTAIN LEVEL. THE OLDER YOU GET, THE LESS YOU WANNA DO THAT. IT CAME TIME ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE SEASON, WHERE I STARTED TO BELIEVE THIS WAS GONNA BE MY LAST SEASON, I WANTED TO COME IN THE REST OF THE SEASON, WANTED TO TRY TO WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP. I WASN'T WILLING TO MOVE FORWARD. I WANTED TO SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY. I WANTED TO TAKE PART IN OTHER ENDEAVORS THAT I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO. SO THE ORGANIZATION WAS IN A GREAT SPOT. I WAS PLAYING AT A HIGH LEVEL.IN A POSITION TO LEAVE AT THE TOP. ALL THOSE THINGS COMBINED I THINK MADE IT THE RIGHT DECISION AT THE RIGHT TIME.
Here is the transcript of the interview. Read his quotes where he says the Bears told him that he would be the #3 QB going to training camp if he signed with the Bears. Unbelievable to think that a Hall of Fame QB wanted to be here and just wanted a chance to compete for the QB job and the Bears wouldn't allow him to.
Enjoy!
KAP : KURT WARNER JOINS US. WHY WAS THIS THE RIGHT TIME TO CALL IT A CAREER?
WELL ITS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT WHEN YOU PLAY YOU UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO COMMIT TO PLAY AT THE STANDARD YOU'VE SET.. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS I'VE QUESTIONED HOW MUCH LONGER I'VE WANTED TO MAKE THAT COMMITMENT. LOT OF PRESSURE, LOT OF STRESS, LOTTA EXPECTATIONS WHEN YOU PLAY AT A CERTAIN LEVEL. THE OLDER YOU GET, THE LESS YOU WANNA DO THAT. IT CAME TIME ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE SEASON, WHERE I STARTED TO BELIEVE THIS WAS GONNA BE MY LAST SEASON, I WANTED TO COME IN THE REST OF THE SEASON, WANTED TO TRY TO WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP. I WASN'T WILLING TO MOVE FORWARD. I WANTED TO SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY. I WANTED TO TAKE PART IN OTHER ENDEAVORS THAT I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO. SO THE ORGANIZATION WAS IN A GREAT SPOT. I WAS PLAYING AT A HIGH LEVEL.IN A POSITION TO LEAVE AT THE TOP. ALL THOSE THINGS COMBINED I THINK MADE IT THE RIGHT DECISION AT THE RIGHT TIME.
The Blackhawks Lose Their Shirts?
Photos of some Chicago Blackhawks players engaging in a night of partying have surfaced in Vancouver where the Hawks played on Saturday evening, losing to the Canucks 5-1.
The website "The KurtenBlog" posted photos of some Blackhawks partying in a limo with several females. The team is already aware of the pictures and issued this statement that is included in a story on the Chicago Breaking Sports Website run by the Chicago Tribune: "We're aware of (the photos). It's a team-related issue and will be handled like any other situation and that will be internally."
The website "The KurtenBlog" posted photos of some Blackhawks partying in a limo with several females. The team is already aware of the pictures and issued this statement that is included in a story on the Chicago Breaking Sports Website run by the Chicago Tribune: "We're aware of (the photos). It's a team-related issue and will be handled like any other situation and that will be internally."
Breaking: Cubs will stay in Mesa
The Cubs have chosen Mesa over Naples if the Mesa City Council approves their formal proposal in a vote on Monday evening.
More to come.
The Hottest Wives and Girlfriends in the "Other" Sports
After doing posts on the hottest wives and girlfriends in baseball, basketball, football and hockey it is time to turn our attention the other sports in the world including golf, auto racing, tennis and soccer.
Here is a two part post on the best of the "other" sports. Part one covers golf and auto racing. Part two covers tennis and soccer.
Next week we will start our Best of Series until we narrow it down based on your comments and the comments of others who e-mail their thoughts to us until we have the Best of the Best. Enjoy!
Here is a two part post on the best of the "other" sports. Part one covers golf and auto racing. Part two covers tennis and soccer.
Next week we will start our Best of Series until we narrow it down based on your comments and the comments of others who e-mail their thoughts to us until we have the Best of the Best. Enjoy!
No Announcement on Spring Training Site Today
Numerous news organizations are reporting today that the Chicago Cubs will announce their future spring training home this afternoon. I have confirmed that they will be making no announcement today as they weigh proposals from both Mesa, AZ and Naples, FL.
Speculation is running rampant that the Cubs have settled on Naples or are close to making that decision but I do not believe that any announcement has been decided upon. Yesterday, the Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan had a story that talked about a "bed tax" that would potentially seal the deal for a move to Naples.
I predicted months ago that despite an excellent offer from Naples that the Cubs would get a deal done that would keep them in Arizona and I still believe that will end up being true. Look for an announcement sometime next week.
Speculation is running rampant that the Cubs have settled on Naples or are close to making that decision but I do not believe that any announcement has been decided upon. Yesterday, the Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan had a story that talked about a "bed tax" that would potentially seal the deal for a move to Naples.
I predicted months ago that despite an excellent offer from Naples that the Cubs would get a deal done that would keep them in Arizona and I still believe that will end up being true. Look for an announcement sometime next week.
Cubs Worries....
There may be no more optimistic Cubs fan than me, but I also try my best as an admitted die hard fan to be realistic about the team's chances before each season begins. Now, while I know that the season is still 82 days away, and there is still time to make a few more moves to improve the roster, I have to tell you that I have serious concerns about the 2010 Chicago Cubs chances.
The everyday lineup has big questions in it, starting behind the plate. Geovany Soto is coming off of a brutal 2009 campaign that saw him start the season out of shape, and saw him finish the year batting just .218 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI's. Numbers that were a far cry from his 2008 N.L. Rookie of the Year campaign that saw him hit .285 with 23 HR's and 86 RBI's. Can Soto rebound in 2010? I have my concerns, but his improvement is a huge key to the Cubs' chances in the NL Central.
In the outfield, Alfonso Soriano is coming off of a horrendous season that ended early when he underwent knee surgery. Can Soriano at least return to decent form so that he becomes an offensive threat in the middle of the lineup? Kosuke Fukudome will shift from center field back to his natural position in right, but he also needs to improve offensively to help revive a Cubs' offense that struggled to score runs in 2008. Finally, Marlon Byrd arrives via free agency to play center field, but is he the answer to a position problem that has plagued the Cubs for quite a while?
In the infield, the corners are outstanding with Derrek Lee at first and Aramis Ramirez at third. However, Ramirez missed 80 games a season ago after separating his shoulder, so keeping him on the field consistently is a huge key that is fraught with concern. At shortstop, Ryan Theriot begins what will probably be his final season at the position with minor league phenom Starlin Castro penciled in for the position in 2011. Theriot is then expected to slide over and play second base once Castro arrives and is playing regularly. Second base is a huge question mark with Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker battling for playing time. Is either guy an everyday player on a team with championship aspirations? I'm not so sure.
The starting pitching rotation is my biggest concern about this year's club as it is currently constituted. Carlos Zambrano possesses a world of talent, but is this the season that he harness his ability and his emotions and becomes the leader of the staff and the ace that he is expected to be? Ryan Dempster is working tremendously hard and is in the the best shape of his life, but he has to get back to the form he showed in 2008 when he was the staff leader with 17 wins. Ted Lilly is coming off of shoulder surgery and isn't expected back in the rotation until the beginning of May, so his impact is certainly questionable. Randy Wells had a fine 2009 rookie campaign, but can he continue where he left off, and will he be able to be a season long contributor in a rotation trying to return to the post season? The rest of the group of starters is suspect with Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, and prospect Andrew Cashner all in the mix. However, none of them has ever proven that they can be a regular member of a rotation and be counted on every fifth day.
Finally, the bullpen has some bright spots, led by ultra-talented closer Carlos Marmol, who has tremendous stuff. Yet he spent most of 2009 struggling with his command before finally overtaking the departed Kevin Gregg for the closer's job. Will Marmol be a reliable closer, or will he be a walks machine that can't seal the deal? John Grabow should be a solid set up man, as should Angel Guzman. But beyond them, who can the Cubs count on at this time? Esmailin Caridad, Jeff Gray (who arrived in the Jake Fox and Aaron Miles trade with Oakland), and a yet to be added veteran arm all will be in the mix but the depth in the bullpen has to be a concern.
There are still 82 days before Opening Day. There is still time to add another relief pitcher and a bench bat who can help out in the outfield. Most importantly, the Cubs must add another starter to strengthen the most important part of any team that has post season dreams. Jim Hendry, the ball is in your court.
Attention All Cubs Fans!!
Note: I will be in attendance tomorrow night (Thursday January 14th): at Billy Dec's awesome Rockit Bar and Grill in Wrigleyville which is hosting:
A new night at Rockit Wrigley, 3700 North Clark, on Thursdays - Cub-aholics Anonymous. Apparently during off-season feelings of listlessness, abandonment and general malaise fill the hearts of Cubs and Wrigley Field fans, so Rockit Wrigley is launching a Cubs Fan support group. Join a lively Cub-friendly social scene to celebrate all things Cubs with sports media, ball players, giveaways and a nice view of Wrigley Field across the street. Hope to see you there! Kap
The everyday lineup has big questions in it, starting behind the plate. Geovany Soto is coming off of a brutal 2009 campaign that saw him start the season out of shape, and saw him finish the year batting just .218 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI's. Numbers that were a far cry from his 2008 N.L. Rookie of the Year campaign that saw him hit .285 with 23 HR's and 86 RBI's. Can Soto rebound in 2010? I have my concerns, but his improvement is a huge key to the Cubs' chances in the NL Central.
In the outfield, Alfonso Soriano is coming off of a horrendous season that ended early when he underwent knee surgery. Can Soriano at least return to decent form so that he becomes an offensive threat in the middle of the lineup? Kosuke Fukudome will shift from center field back to his natural position in right, but he also needs to improve offensively to help revive a Cubs' offense that struggled to score runs in 2008. Finally, Marlon Byrd arrives via free agency to play center field, but is he the answer to a position problem that has plagued the Cubs for quite a while?
In the infield, the corners are outstanding with Derrek Lee at first and Aramis Ramirez at third. However, Ramirez missed 80 games a season ago after separating his shoulder, so keeping him on the field consistently is a huge key that is fraught with concern. At shortstop, Ryan Theriot begins what will probably be his final season at the position with minor league phenom Starlin Castro penciled in for the position in 2011. Theriot is then expected to slide over and play second base once Castro arrives and is playing regularly. Second base is a huge question mark with Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker battling for playing time. Is either guy an everyday player on a team with championship aspirations? I'm not so sure.
The starting pitching rotation is my biggest concern about this year's club as it is currently constituted. Carlos Zambrano possesses a world of talent, but is this the season that he harness his ability and his emotions and becomes the leader of the staff and the ace that he is expected to be? Ryan Dempster is working tremendously hard and is in the the best shape of his life, but he has to get back to the form he showed in 2008 when he was the staff leader with 17 wins. Ted Lilly is coming off of shoulder surgery and isn't expected back in the rotation until the beginning of May, so his impact is certainly questionable. Randy Wells had a fine 2009 rookie campaign, but can he continue where he left off, and will he be able to be a season long contributor in a rotation trying to return to the post season? The rest of the group of starters is suspect with Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, and prospect Andrew Cashner all in the mix. However, none of them has ever proven that they can be a regular member of a rotation and be counted on every fifth day.
Finally, the bullpen has some bright spots, led by ultra-talented closer Carlos Marmol, who has tremendous stuff. Yet he spent most of 2009 struggling with his command before finally overtaking the departed Kevin Gregg for the closer's job. Will Marmol be a reliable closer, or will he be a walks machine that can't seal the deal? John Grabow should be a solid set up man, as should Angel Guzman. But beyond them, who can the Cubs count on at this time? Esmailin Caridad, Jeff Gray (who arrived in the Jake Fox and Aaron Miles trade with Oakland), and a yet to be added veteran arm all will be in the mix but the depth in the bullpen has to be a concern.
There are still 82 days before Opening Day. There is still time to add another relief pitcher and a bench bat who can help out in the outfield. Most importantly, the Cubs must add another starter to strengthen the most important part of any team that has post season dreams. Jim Hendry, the ball is in your court.
Attention All Cubs Fans!!
Note: I will be in attendance tomorrow night (Thursday January 14th): at Billy Dec's awesome Rockit Bar and Grill in Wrigleyville which is hosting:
A new night at Rockit Wrigley, 3700 North Clark, on Thursdays - Cub-aholics Anonymous. Apparently during off-season feelings of listlessness, abandonment and general malaise fill the hearts of Cubs and Wrigley Field fans, so Rockit Wrigley is launching a Cubs Fan support group. Join a lively Cub-friendly social scene to celebrate all things Cubs with sports media, ball players, giveaways and a nice view of Wrigley Field across the street. Hope to see you there! Kap
Breaking: Wainwright out at DePaul
UPDATE At 10:48 p.m.
I have confirmed that Jerry Wainwright will be replaced as head basketball coach at DePaul. The announcement will be made at an 11:00 a.m. press conference on the DePaul campus. Both DePaul Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto and Wainwright will attend the press conference.
Wainwright leaves during his fifth season at DePaul, after replacing Dave Leitao, who left to become the head coach at Virginia. Wainwright won 20 games in his second season as the head coach of the Blue Demons. But things have gone downhill since, culminating with last season's team going 0-18 in the Big East Conference.
This season the Blue Demons are off to an 0-3 start in conference play and are 7-8 overall. Wainwright is under contract through the end of the 2011-12 season at a reported salary of nearly $800,000 per year. The Chicago Tribune reported this week that Wainwright suffered leg injuries in a sideline collision during DePaul's loss to Villanova.
Webster, in his first season on the DePaul staff, was a prep star at Thornton HS in suburban Harvey before playing at Wisconsin, where he was named to the All Big Ten team three times. He had been an assistant coach at Illinois, Purdue, Kentucky, and Ball State before being named a DePaul assistant last April.
Tune in to Sports Central at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening for the latest.
Original Post
Sources in the college basketball coaching world have confirmed to me that Jerry Wainwright will be replaced as DePaul's men's basketball coach at an 11 a.m. press conference tomorrow.
Both Jean Lenti Ponsetto and Wainwright will be in attendance at the press conference.
Assistant Tracy Webster is expected to take over for the remainder of the season.
I have confirmed that Jerry Wainwright will be replaced as head basketball coach at DePaul. The announcement will be made at an 11:00 a.m. press conference on the DePaul campus. Both DePaul Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto and Wainwright will attend the press conference.
Wainwright leaves during his fifth season at DePaul, after replacing Dave Leitao, who left to become the head coach at Virginia. Wainwright won 20 games in his second season as the head coach of the Blue Demons. But things have gone downhill since, culminating with last season's team going 0-18 in the Big East Conference.
This season the Blue Demons are off to an 0-3 start in conference play and are 7-8 overall. Wainwright is under contract through the end of the 2011-12 season at a reported salary of nearly $800,000 per year. The Chicago Tribune reported this week that Wainwright suffered leg injuries in a sideline collision during DePaul's loss to Villanova.
Webster, in his first season on the DePaul staff, was a prep star at Thornton HS in suburban Harvey before playing at Wisconsin, where he was named to the All Big Ten team three times. He had been an assistant coach at Illinois, Purdue, Kentucky, and Ball State before being named a DePaul assistant last April.
Tune in to Sports Central at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening for the latest.
Original Post
Sources in the college basketball coaching world have confirmed to me that Jerry Wainwright will be replaced as DePaul's men's basketball coach at an 11 a.m. press conference tomorrow.
Both Jean Lenti Ponsetto and Wainwright will be in attendance at the press conference.
Assistant Tracy Webster is expected to take over for the remainder of the season.
Exclusive: Bears interview Tennessee's Jim Chaney for offensive coordinator job
UPDATE at 4:20 p.m.: Sources are claiming that Chaney has not yet interviewed with the Bears but my original source says he did. Whether he did or didn't yet he definitely appears to be a candidate on the Bears shopping list.
I'm in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American game and Football Combine and have learned the Bears have interviewed University of Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney for their open offensive coordinator position, according to an excellent source.
Prior to becoming the Vols' offensive coordinator last season (he's also the tight ends coach), he spent the previous three seasons as assistant coach for the St. Louis Rams coaching the offensive line. He also coached the Rams' tight ends.
Chaney has also coached at Purdue (where he coached Saints quarterback Drew Brees and former Bears quarterback Kyle Orton) and Wyoming, schools with prolific offenses in that time.
According to his Tennessee bio, Purdue was ranked in the top 10 in the country in total offense six times under Chaney.
I'm in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American game and Football Combine and have learned the Bears have interviewed University of Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney for their open offensive coordinator position, according to an excellent source.
Prior to becoming the Vols' offensive coordinator last season (he's also the tight ends coach), he spent the previous three seasons as assistant coach for the St. Louis Rams coaching the offensive line. He also coached the Rams' tight ends.
Chaney has also coached at Purdue (where he coached Saints quarterback Drew Brees and former Bears quarterback Kyle Orton) and Wyoming, schools with prolific offenses in that time.
According to his Tennessee bio, Purdue was ranked in the top 10 in the country in total offense six times under Chaney.
Mike Ditka gets angry ... in his underwear
I recently spent some time with a good friend who I will call Al. Al is a former police officer who is now retired. Al had one of those very first satellite dishes, you know, the ones that were enormous and you had to have built in your backyard?
Back then if you were watching TV via a satellite dish, you not only got the program you wanted, you also got the off camera interaction while the station you were tuned to was playing commercials.
What you are about to watch is never before seen footage of former CBS anchor Johnny Morris, as he anchors a post game show following a Bears victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The date is October 9, 1988, and the win moved the Bears to 5-1 with a game against the Dallas Cowboys coming up the next week.
Sit back and enjoy, and don't miss the ending, because it's classic! Please forward this on to your friends. They won't believe it when they see it. (Note: there is explicit language.)
