"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains."

Those wise words are from the movie "Bull Durham", one of my all-time faves. My three favorite baseball teams each experienced one of those outcomes today. The St. Bonaventure Bonnies beat Xavier 9-2 at beautiful McGraw-Jennings Field and I was able to listen to the game on the internet. For only $6.95 a month, I can listen to my old ballclub beat up on their Atlantic 10 rivals. My favorite part of the game (besides Grini's grand slam) was the postgame show with Coach Sudbrook. Coach is one of my favorite people in the world due to his excellent sense of humor, extensive baseball knowledge, and big heart. He is the reason that I will always go back to Bona's for Baseball Alumni Weekend because he is one of the most entertaining personalities on the planet and a dear friend. I wish Coach and the Bonnies all the luck in the world.

The Chicago Cubs didn't just lose-they were demolished by the Brewers 16-2. When I turn off the game, you know there is no hope for a comeback... Jim and Dusty better put their heads together and come up with a better starter than Glendon Rusch because he is BRUTAL. Better luck tomorrow, boys.

The Memphis Tigers got rained out this evening. I was really looking forward to the game because I haven't seen them play in 10 days. That is way too long for me to go without seeing a live game-I'm getting the shakes. Anyway, the Tigers will play a doubleheader against Miss. Valley State at noon tomorrow which will hopefully get them back to their winning ways. GO TIGERS GO!

A tough week for my ballclubs

First and foremost, I want to give a shout out to the Memphis Tiger Baseball team. They have played their hearts out for the last 8 games and unfortunately have not won any of them. However, in the past 10 days they have faced #2 Rice, #15 Mississippi State, and top 25 Houston. Only two of the games vs. Rice (who is the best college baseball team I have ever seen live) were blowouts while the other 6 were all close. Today my poor boys lost 8-7 in 16 innings in a 4 hour and 45 minute game, which tied a Conference USA record. Now they have to endure a 10 hour bus ride back to Memphis and get up bright and early for class tomorrow (at least the advisor in me hopes they will attend). Hopefully this is the end of a tough stretch for the Tigers and this weekend they will bounce back and start a new winning streak. I give them all the credit in the world for their fighting spirit because after winning only 13 games last season, no one gave them much of a chance. GO TIGERS GO!

The Cubbies started their 9 game road trip by winning a series against the Pirates and then taking 2 of 3 from the Dodgers. However, on Wednesday night, Derrek Lee was plowed over by Rafael Furcal trying to hold the bag on an ill-advised throw by reliever, Scott Eyre. Cubs fans' worst fears were realized on Thursday morning when we found out that D-Lee's wrist was broken in two places. He will be out for a minimum of 2 months and possibly as many as 3 months. Baseball fans know that a wrist injury is very serious and can affect a player's hitting for a long time. We can only hope and pray that D-Lee is a quick healer and will be able to return to form by the second half of the season. I don't want to give up on this year just yet, but even an eternal optimist like me knows it doesn't look too good for the Cubbies right now. At least we were able to take one from the evil Cardinals today. Greg Maddux is a baseball god!

I'm feeling like a criminal

Today I experienced one of my infamous Memphis adventures that just has to be shared with all of my loyal blog readers. This morning I had a much needed appointment at my recently relocated hair salon. Because I was not exactly sure where it was, I got up early, printed out my trusty MapQuest directions, and called a cab an hour before I had to be there. Surprisingly, it only took me about 20 minutes to get picked up, so I arrived in the area a half hour early. My new salon is located in a ritzier neighborhood as part of a series of small shops. Most of them were not open until 10 am, so after popping in a luggage store which sold Vera Bradley bags, I headed to my appointment. Although my stylist was running a bit behind, I got a sassy haircut and then decided to have lunch at the Fox and Hound, an English pub. Since it's Saturday, I am dressed in my usual casual weekend attire-a Cubs jersey, jean shorts, and sneakers. I blended in just fine at the sports bar and had a nice chat with my server about the Cubbies and the Yankees. After finishing my cheeseburger and fries, I decided to stop in a couple more shops since they were now all open. After browsing in a few places and finding nothing, I went to a pet store called Wags & Whiskers and picked up a cute baseball dog toy for King's birthday. It was getting close to noon, so I decided to buy an ice cream cone and sit on a bench outside one of the shops to wait for my cab.

Since I have lived in Memphis for almost 4 years, I am well versed in the unpredictability of public transportation. Sometimes I can get a cab in 5 minutes; sometimes it takes over an hour. So after chilling for about 30 minutes, I call the cab company back and ask how much longer it will be until someone can pick me up. About 10 minutes after this call, a police car pulls up right next to the curb where I am sitting. I look around to see if any criminals are on the loose. Then I remember this guy in a purple shirt staring at me twice and running inside. It occurs to me that perhaps they think I am loitering since I have been in the area for about 3 hours at this point. As soon as I get in the cab, the police officer drives away. Apparently I looked dangerous and they felt the need to have someone keep an eye on the suspicious character in the Cubs jersey. The last time I checked, there was no crime against sitting outside on a nice day. All I can figure is that I did not fit the yuppie mold of the neighborhood and they determined by my attire that I was a damn Yankee. Anyway, I guess the next time I decide to get a hair cut, I better be dressed to the nines so no one calls the authorities...

Bye bye, Bucky

Last night, Bucky was finally (mercifully?) voted off of American Idol. In my opinion, this was several weeks overdue. However, the scary thing is that Bucky actually did not give the worst performance on Tuesday night. That dishonor goes to Ace, who sang the wussiest version of "We Will Rock You" in history. How does one manage to forget the words to this song? Drunken frat boys on a week long bender could have done a better job. Looks can only get you so far, Ace. Remember America-this is a SINGING competition. Let's get hip and quit putting Elliott in the bottom three. The boy can wail. Make sure you tune in next week as the Idols tackle the American songbook. I'd like to see Chris make a rock song out of one of the standards...

The land of Wrigley is in my soul...

Come on Cubbies let the good times roll! Today was the home opener for the Cubs. It was glorious as the boys in blue beat the evil Cardinals 5-1. Maybe this is just my early season optimism talking, but they actually looked good. And I was lucky enough to watch the game since we got to leave work early due to the threat of severe weather. I've gotta say that Memphians must have the thinnest skin ever because this is our 3rd weather related work stoppage of the semester. Granted, tornadoes aren't anything to mess around with, but when I left the office at 12:30, the sun was shining. However, I am certainly not going to complain, especially on a Friday. GO CUBS GO! Keep up the quality pitching, fielding, and hitting and we might even make it to the playoffs this year.

Speaking of awesome baseball, the Memphis Tigers have just won their 4th game in a row. I am so proud of their turnaround. All of you C-USA foes better take notice. GO TIGERS!

Mandisa had a bad day

I don't understand what's wrong with you, America. How could you not vote for Mandisa? Granted, it was not her best performance this week but she is definitely more talented than at least half of the remaining eight. Idol won't be as much fun without her around. I feel like Mandisa is this year's Jennifer Hudson-a fantastic singer who is going home much too soon. Hope you slackers enjoy watching Bucky and Kellie try to sing the songs of Queen next week (they'll probably be looking around for royalty). For those of you who didn't vote, I sentence you to one week of Hee-Haw reruns. That'll teach ya...

Name That Tune

Tonight's episode of American Idol was a huge disappointment. Songs of the 21st Century is not a bad theme, but half of the contestants chose songs that no one has ever even heard of. Only Taylor, Mandisa, and Paris earned my vote tonight. Here are my thoughts on this debacle:

Lisa & Ace-Singing a popular song worse than the original artist does not make voters happy. I predict a spot in the bottom three for each of you. Ace could have received a sympathy vote from me if he had taken off his shirt and given us all a closer look at that scar.

Kellie & Bucky-They have another competition for country singers called Nashville Star. Why don't you give them a call? If I wanted to go to Opryland, I'd buy a ticket.

Chris-Why would anyone want to hear a Creed song? You're testing my patience...

Elliott-That was the worst arrangement ever. You turned an awesome song into a mess. I really want to like you, too.

Katharine-Drew Barrymore called. She wants her wardrobe from "Ever After" back. You have a great voice but your fashion violations distract me.

Taylor-I really enjoyed your song even if I didn't know what it was. It was nice that you refrained from the spazzy gestures for once. Good job.

Mandisa-Simon was wrong. How can a song about God be self-indulgent?!? As always, I enjoyed your performance. You could sing the alphabet and I'd vote for you.

Paris-There is only one word for your performance tonight: SASSY! I knew Randy would say that you "worked it out." What a massive tool...

The sky is falling! The sky is falling!

Chicken Little (a.k.a. Kevin Covais) was finally voted off of American Idol this week. Although I'm sure he's a sweet kid, he had worn out his welcome. This season, almost all of the Idol finalists can really sing so there's no need to let the less talented linger around too long out of sympathy. Hopefully Mandisa will keep up her stellar vocals because she is a true soul diva and my personal fave. I also really enjoy Taylor's performances and his refusal to dye his gray hair to please Hollywood. Just because you don't "look like a star" doesn't mean you aren't one. Usually I enjoy Chris Daughtery's alt rock vibe, but the fact that he didn't give credit where credit was due last week for his arrangement of "Walk the Line" didn't win him any bonus points with me.

In other earth shattering news, Memphis lost to UCLA last night so they are out of the NCAA Tournament. I'm sure everyone at work will be bummed tomorrow, but I choose to look at it in a positive way. Making it to the Elite Eight is something to be proud of, especially for such a young team. This is something to build on, not something to hang your head about. Way to go, Tigers! Congrats on an awesome season. :)

In case you haven't noticed-and judging by the attendance you haven't-Memphis Baseball is off to a great start. After winning only 13 games last year, they have already won 12 and it's only March 26. They even beat #14 Tulane on Friday night in a convincing 11-4 win. Could we win the rubber game this afternoon and take the series? Anything can happen in sports, which is why they're so great. Regardless of what happens today, I am really proud of my boys and hope they continue to play well.

Viva Torino!

Hope y'all have been enjoying the 2006 Winter Olympics from the city formerly known as Turin, Italy. I have been glued to the television as usual rooting for the U.S.A. However, this year I have a vested interest in the Americans winning medals thanks to my caffeine addiction. You may have heard of the contest Drink.Watch.Cheer.Win sponsored by Coca-Cola. All you have to do is buy 12 packs of Coke products, register on the Olympics.Coke.com website, and enter the code inside the box. If the Americans earn a medal in the event you're registered for, you win 5 2 liters of your favorite Coke product. Considering I can't make it through a day without drinking several Diet Cokes or watching sports, this is a win-win situation for me. Tonight the U.S.A. will win a silver medal in Ice Dancing and thus I will be soon be reaping the benefits. My next event is the Men's Speedskating 1500 m final and considering we have 4 former gold medalists competing, I'm feeling pretty lucky. GO U.S.A.!!!

My only complaints about this year's Olympics are the ADD-like coverage and the Bode Miller/Michelle Kwan overkill. Now I realize that sometimes I lack concentration or focus, but I think even I can handle watching a sporting event in its entirety (I know this because I can stay tuned to a baseball game that lasts 17 innings). Therefore, I find it quite annoying that NBC feels it necessary to jump from event to event every 15 minutes. Just when you get all wrapped up in ski jumping, it's time to switch over to speedskating. How about we finish what we've started? It's all pre-recorded and edited anyway for the most part. As for Bode Miller and Michelle Kwan, enough already. Their stories have been told. Let's learn about some of the other athletes. I'm sure some other people have compelling anecdotes or personal traumas to share. Despite these minor annoyances, I will continue to tune in to the 2006 Winter Olympics and hope that we bring home the gold!

Happy 2006!

I figured it was about time I got something up here in the new year. Not much is going on with me. This is my least favorite time of the year-after the holidays and before baseball begins. The one bright spot is that American Idol started last week. I'm looking forward to another exciting season. Hopefully they will start showing more people with talent soon because I'm not a fan of the total disasters. The William Hungs of the world can stay home and practice in front of their mirrors instead of wasting America's time. Anyway, best wishes for a happy, healthy 2006!

The Lead-Off Man

Now it's not just the name of the Cubs' pre-game show on WGN, it's also someone who's actually part of their lineup! The Cubbies signed Juan Pierre yesterday and only had to part with Sergio Mitre and a couple of minor league pitchers. This should be a very good deal for the ballclub (as long as none of these guys ends up turning into the next Dontrelle Willis). Although Rafael Furcal was the more popular choice, he was a lot more expensive and a bigger risk. In my opinion, putting a guy with a drinking problem in a situation where he's playing mostly day games in a home ballpark surrounded by bars is an invitation to disaster. Besides, the Cubs already have a surplus of infielders and no proven outfielders since Corey Patterson came down with a case of baseball amnesia. Hopefully this deal is just the beginning of an extreme makeover for this team. We've got a lot of work to do to bring the pride back to the North side of Chicago. GO CUBS in '06!!!

Don't mess with Texas

Whew! By the grace of Oswalt, the Astros have made it to the World Series! I was beginning to think that my own personal hell-a White Sox/Cardinals Fall Classic-was about to become a reality after Albert "freakin'" Pujols' homerun on Monday night. However, I can now enjoy the World Series and pray for Houston to defeat the evil White Sox. I don't care what Ryno says; I don't have to root for them just because they're a Chicago team. As a former Cubbie, he should know better...

"You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em..."

Well, I guess I won't be getting a job working for Miss Cleo since I only got 1 out of 4 playoff picks correct. That's what happens when you use your heart instead of your head (this is another reason why I'm not a gambler). I'm not going to predict the outcome of the NLCS or ALCS because I don't want to jinx the series. However, I think we all know that I will be an Astros and Angels fan this week. I would hate to have to boycott the World Series or be forced to root for either the Cardinals or White Sox. That would be like choosing between getting smacked upside the head or punched in the stomach. Neither is good and you don't want either one to happen... Please, baseball gods- help a Cubs fan out and let at least Houston or Los Angeles win their series so I can enjoy another week of baseball.

The Elite Eight: My 2005 MLB Playoff Picks

The regular season is over and all of the postseason slots have been filled. Here are my picks for each series:

New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- As much as it pains me to say it, I think that the Yankees will win this series. They got hot in September and would like nothing more than a chance to redeem themselves after last year's monumental collapse vs. Boston in the ALCS. Sorry, Rally Monkey- you just can't beat Mystique and Aura.

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox- Even though you will probably think I am just biased against the South Siders, I believe that Boston will be victorious in this battle of the socks. Nothing on the planet can stop Big Papi from his late game heroics and there's still plenty of magic left on this team. Plus there's the added bonus of possibly getting an opportunity to eliminate the Yankees from the playoffs two years in a row. And I'm all for anything that makes Ozzie Guillen shut the hell up, so GO RED SOX!

San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals- There's not a team in all of professional sports that I despise more than the Cardinals. However, I have to admit that St. Louis is much better than the Padres and should easily take this series. Actually, this is my least favorite matchup in this year's playoffs because I hate both franchises with a passion. I will never get over the Cubbies' heartbreaking loss to the Padres in the 1984 NLCS. Thanks for shattering all of my childhood dreams, Steve Garvey...

Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves- How many times have we seen this matchup the last few years? ZZZZZZ... Actually, the one selling point of this series for me is that there are some good looking pitchers on each team (Roger Clemens on the Astros and former Cub Kyle Farnsworth on the Braves are YUMMY). Even though Houston has an awesome starting rotation and a solid bullpen, I just have a feeling that Atlanta is going to win this series. The Astros even had a hard time beating the Cubbies this weekend, so I think they're going to struggle.

I'd like to send my condolences to the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies who had a good run but fell short. Poor Tribe- I haven't seen a collapse like that since...well, the 2004 Cubs. I have a feeling that these two teams will be in the running next postseason. Better luck next year, boys. Let the games begin!

Pennant Fever!

Alas, my favorite ballclub has been mathematically eliminated so I will not be able to root, root, root for the Cubbies anymore this season after Sunday's game. However, there are still plenty of teams alive in the playoff race during this final week of the regular season. My American League team, the Indians ("Cleveland? I didn't know they still had a team"), has a chance to win the AL Central if the White Sox continue their slide or at least win the AL Wild Card. The Yankees and Red Sox are also in a battle for the AL East title and/or AL Wild Card and it could go down to the wire. This finish is reminiscent of 1998 when my beloved Cubs had to play Game 163 against the Giants to determine who would win the NL Wild Card (those were the good old days). Nothing is decided in the NL Wild Card race this year either as the Astros or Phillies could earn a spot in the playoffs. This year's postseason should be very exciting. My worst fear would be a Cardinals-White Sox World Series, but I don't think that's going to happen. Once all of the races have been decided, I'll be back to discuss my picks for each playoff series. May the best team win!

Quote of the century for Cubs fans: "Wait 'til next year!"

The times they are a-changin'

I had a great time hanging out with my old friends from U of I last weekend in Chicagoland. However, I must admit that it's a little disconcerting to be one of the last of the singletons. Sometimes it's hard to relate when all of your friends are chatting about their marriages and kids, and all you have to talk about is work. I'm by no means complaining because I am very lucky in most respects. Yet, I guess I'm just getting a bit anxious wondering where the heck my knight in shining armor is (maybe he's caught in traffic). I've never been one of those people who lives to work-- I work to live. At least I've got another trip to look forward to next weekend. I'm probably one of the few people who isn't a St. Bonaventure alum that gets excited about going back to Olean, NY. There's nothing like being a lady in a room full of ex-ballplayers. :) Here's to a weekend full of fun and frivolity!

Come Fly With Me

Hello there, blog fans! Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I guess you could say that I've been a little busy... However, now I'm back and better than ever with plenty of stories to tell. Since the last time you heard from me, I have seen Michael Buble' in concert yet again. Believe it or not, his last stop on the American leg of his tour was in Memphis (I swear I'm not a stalker)! Michael put on a great show at the Botanical Gardens and I am counting the moments until he's back in the USA.

The title of this post not only refers to the wonderful song Mr. Buble' sings, but also to my travels last weekend. I flew to Chicago to attend my college friend Mary's wedding. After finishing a hectic work week (actually the entire month of August was absolute insanity), all I wanted to do was hop on the plane, close my eyes, and listen to some tunes on my CD player. Yet, my plans changed dramatically when a major hottie sat down in the seat next to me. His name was Tony and he was totally my type- tall, dark, and Latin! I had actually spotted him earlier in the terminal and thought he was dreamy. Anyway, Tony is a medic in the Army and he had the weekend off so he flew to Chicago to surprise his mom (isn't that adorable?). He talked to me the entire flight about his job, what kind of movies/books he likes, and his past relationships with women. Tony actually asked me what I do for a living and seemed genuinely interested, which is sure a refreshing change of pace from most of the young men I know. It's a shame that he lives in Louisiana because we really hit it off (you've gotta love a guy who thinks that Paris Hilton looks anorexic). I was this close to giving him my number so we could chat some more, but I figured if it is meant to be then we will fly the friendly skies together again someday. I have much more to share about my Labor Day weekend, but it will have to wait until next time. Hasta la vista, baby!

At least we beat the Cardinals 2 days in a row...

This sports writer nicely sums up the pain us Cubs fans feel right now in this excerpt from yesterday's USA Today:

Cubs are champions of futility, again
But most of all, we should mourn with the most pitiful victims of all. The huddled masses who are in the 22nd month of their Doomsday Scenario.

We speak, obviously, of Cubs fans.

First was the blown pennant in 2003. An infamous October calamity that began when the box seat ghost in headphones, Steve Bartman, reached out for a foul ball.

Then came 2004. A summer-long tease. A fade at the end. And then the indignity of watching the Red Sox, the only other franchise that could match the Cubs in woe, dancing at the World Series. Leaving the Cubs alone in their historical futility. As if fate had only room in its heart to heal one curse.

And now, 2005. The Cubs have collapsed, doomed by injuries and atrocious play. As of Friday, they have lost 12 of 16 and dropped 18 games behind first place. Starting play Thursday, they stood a wobbly seventh in the National League wild-card standings.

Meanwhile, just down the train rails a few stops, the White Sox are rolling and roaring. They have no ivy and they are not loved by so many. But at the moment, they hardly ever lose.

So to sum up, the two best records in baseball belong to the Cubs' hated brethren on the south side of Chicago, and their most bitter rivals in St. Louis.

The reigning champions are the Red Sox, their former brothers-in-misery.

Meanwhile, the Cubs still pack them in at 39,000 a game, and lose in mysterious ways. Their rookie starting pitcher coughed up three-bases loaded walks against Cincinnati Wednesday, including to the Reds pitcher, who is hitting .186.

So the losses mount, the despair deepens, and they can't even count on Red Sox and White Sox fans to feel lousy alongside them anymore.

All things considered, it must be a Cubs' fan worst nightmare.

And it's not over yet.

Mike Lopresti writes for Gannett News Service

White flag time at Wrigley

After losing 8 games in a row for the second time this season, it is high time for the Cubbies to fly the white flag at Wrigley Field again. In case you didn't know, whenever the Cubs win, a white flag with a big blue W flies high atop the ballpark. This lets all the L riders and rooftop denizens know that the home team was victorious. My mom actually sewed a replica flag for me which hangs proudly in my apartment above a bookshelf filled with baseball memorabilia. At 19 games back and 6 games under .500, it's now or never for the Cubbies to get back in the Wild Card race. It's probably not going to happen, but to paraphrase Yogi Berra, it ain't over 'til you're mathematically eliminated.

I also want to publically apologize to all the Cincinnati Reds fans I may have offended in a previous post.

Big Red wrote:
Hey! Take it easy on my Reds! Did you ever think they were being nice
by letting the Cubbies come up from the cellar for some fresh air?
After almost 100 years down there it's probably getting pretty ripe. =)

Your boys swept us in our own ballpark this week and I have to give them props. Sorry I disrespected the Big Red Machine.

RYNO RULES!!!

If you've known me for longer than 5 minutes, you are well aware that my favorite baseball player of all-time is former Chicago Cubs second baseman, Ryne Sandberg. Yesterday he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the highest honor any ballplayer can receive. When I was growing up, I thought Ryno was AWESOME! I had his posters on my wall, collected his baseball cards, watched him play a million games on WGN, and stayed up late listening to Harry Caray talk about his sparking play on the radio when the Cubs played on the West Coast. Ryno is one of the main reasons why I fell in love with baseball and why I will always root for the Cubbies, win or lose. Sandberg was old school and played the game with a quiet determination. Always classy but never flashy, Ryno didn't have a lot to say to the media because he let his actions on the field speak for him. Well, imagine my surprise yesterday when Mr. Sandberg gave a 23-minute speech that wowed the Cooperstown crowd (oratory fireworks, my friends). If you didn't get the chance to hear it or want to know more about the man, the myth, the legend, Ryne Sandberg, please check out this link:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=rs-speech080105&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

I promise you won't be disappointed. All I can say is amen, Ryno and GO CUBS!