The Cubs' Solution Lies at Short

Ryan Theriot started at shortstop today because Cesar Isturiz and Ronny Cedeno just are not cutting it

After twenty games, head coach Lou Pinella finally realized what Cubs' fans have noticed the past few years...the problems in the line-up are who is leading off and playing shortstop.

Finally, in an attempt to avoid a sweep at the hands of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, Pinella inserted the speedy, energetic Ryan Theriot in the lead-off spot and at shortstop. Theriot has been playing extremely well so far, and continues to prove that he can hit over .300. Last season, in only 53 games of action, Theriot batted .328, had a impressive .412 OBP, and hit 11 doubles, three triples, and three homers. So far this season, he is batting .339 with a .362 OBP, scored ten runs, and snagged five stolen bases that leads the team.

It is clear that Theriot is the answer to the problems of the Cubs' lead-off man and the lack of production at shortstop. Cesar Isturiz is batting a weak .184, while Ronny Cedeno has a dismal .100 average. Neither Isturiz or Cedeno seem to be able to get the clutch hit with two outs or be able to drive the ball to all fields. Theriot on the other hand brings the ability to hit to all fields and clutch hitting as he got a big two-out, two-run single against the Brewers earlier today. On top of all that, Theriot can bring more speed to the line-up with his five stolen bases and constant motor.

Hopefully, Pinella has realized that Isturiz and Cedeno are not the answer at shortstop and Theriot is because he has played the position before in the minors, while being able to hit for a high average. Isturiz and Cedeno will never hit for a high average over a long season. Isturiz has not hit above .280 since the 2004 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since then, he has been marred by injury and batted right around .250. Everyone talks about his amazing defense, but there is a lot more to gain with Theriot playing everyday at short than Isturiz or Cedeno.

In the end, one of them needs to be moved. Either Isturiz needs to be traded or Cedeno needs to be sent back down to the minors. The best move right now would be to give Cedeno the opportunity to play everyday and send him back to Des Moines to play Triple A. While Isturiz can remain the utility infielder and bench player.

In regards to the lead-off position, for all those that think Felix Pie (pronounced pee-yay) is ready to handle the burden, you are mistaken. As for anyone who honestly still thinks Alfonso Soriano should be leading off, well it's time to wake up and face the music. Pie should be playing everyday in centerfield because he is a sensational defender, and at any moment at the plate can turn a single into a double, or a double into a triple. He has blazing speed, and it will only be a matter of time before he gets his swing going in the big leagues. Pie was batting .444 before he was called up this year.

However, Pie shouldn't be thrust into the lead-off role when you have someone of Theriot's ability. Pie also strikes out too much still as he has seven K's in only 33 at-bats. He should be given time to adjust to the big leagues by hitting in the eight hole and Soriano should drop to the two spot. Let's face it Cubs nation, Soriano was the lead-off man in Washington because they had no one else to put there, but he is not the man for the job in Chicago. Soriano is batting .267 with a .302 OBP, and 13 strikeouts in 60 at-bats. He also has yet to hit a homer and has one lousy RBI. Cubs' GM Jim Hendry did not sign Soriano to a eight-year, $136 million contract to put up measly numbers like that.

Imagine the Cubs line-up as such:

1. Theriot SS

2. Soriano LF

3. Lee 1B

4. Rameriz 3B

5. Floyd/Murton RF (Jacque Jones can be traded)

6. Barret C

7. DeRosa 2B

8. Pie CF

9. Pitcher

Any pitcher attempting to plow through that line-up will have a hell of a time. Putting Soriano, Lee, and Rameriz back-to-back-to-back will make the opposing pitcher have to work extra hard and not be able to make a mistake. Leaving Soriano in the lead-off spot just doesn't make any sense with his ability to drive in runs. He only hit .277 last year and has a career .325 OBP. The solution is to allow Theriot to play everyday and put the three-headed monster of Soriano, Lee, and Rameriz together in the line-up.

I don't expect all my wishes to be followed, but I think it is evident that Theriot is the man and deserves a shot to play everyday. Hopefully, come Friday in St. Louis a new shortstop in the history of the Cubs will get his shot to show everyone that he is capable of leading off and playing shortstop.

Bonds Primed for a Special Year

After belting his 735th homer and first of the year on Wednesday night, Barry Bonds finds himself only 21 homers away from breaking Hank Aaron's record of 755.

The nightly ESPN ticker of the "Barry Bonds Home Run Chase" has begun with a bang. On a 2-2 count, Bonds sent a shot to left-center just over the wall off Padres pitcher Chris Young on Wednesday night.

Bonds' opposite field shot proved that his knees are good to go and will be knocking on Hammerin' Hanks' door sooner than later this year. With the support of the city of San Francisco, Bonds will be sure to hear the chants of "Barry! Barry!" all season long on his chase.

If that isn't proof enough that Bonds is healthy and ready to rock n' roll then his hustling, sprawling catch down the third base line to rob Marcus Giles of a double does. The catch also saved a run and a Giants lead at the time. Although the Giants fell, their star, and the biggest Giant of them all showed he's back.

Coming into this season, Bonds was coming off a tough year surrounded by scrutiny, constant steroid controversy including the ongoing government investigation by George Mitchell, and reestablishing power in his knees. Bonds went through a trio of knee surgeries in 2005 and only accumulated 42 at bats and 5 HRs. Last year, he returned with 26 bombs and 77 RBIs in 367 AB. However, in his last 30 games, Bonds was on a torrid pace. He launched 10 long balls, knocked in 26 runs, and hit .368.

With an off-season to get back into shape, the 7-time NL MVP used it wisely by rehabilitating his knee to 100 percent. Bonds even dominated spring training hitting seven clouts in only 45 AB.

If anything is clear, it is that the slugger of San Francisco is back, and back to break a sacred record. Hammerin' Hank Aaron's record-breaking homer to past Babe Ruth was celebrated throughout baseball and America. The only thing that scares me is that MLB and commissioner Bud Selig fail to recognize this historic achievement. For everyone's sake, it would be perfect if Bonds hit the record-breaker in his protective bay.

Whatever steroid allegations and controversies surround Bonds must be left as allegations and nothing more. There still has been no proof and until there is, Bonds must be celebrated. He holds single-season records in some impressive categories: 73 homers in 2001, 232 walks in 04', 120 intentional walks in '04, .609 on-base percentage in '04, .863 slugging percentage in '01, and a 6.52 HR ratio in '01. Bonds also has 18 seasons of at least 20 clouts in his 21-year career. On top of all that, Bonds led the Giants to the NL penant in 2002 and his 1st World Series apperance. In the 2002 playoffs, Bonds hit a jaw-dropping eight homers with four coming in the World Series.

The numbers speak for themselves, so when Bonds' hits 755 and 756 be sure to say congratulations because regardless of speculation, Bonds is the greatest hitter of all-time and arguably the greatest player.

Barry Lamar Bonds I salute you for your accomplishments now and into the future. I've been a fan of Bonds since my childhood, when I traded all my Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards to my oldest brother Steve, for all his Barry Bonds'.

Without this steroid controversy, those could have been the greatest trades ever. Both are Hall of Fame bound, but I would rather have close to a hundred cards of the home run King.

Oh hell, "Barry!Barry!"

Chicago Bulls Improving Every Step of the Way

The Chicago Bulls are playing sensational in the second half of the season yet again after dominating the Pistons in a 106-88 statement game Wednesday night

The Chicago Bulls put the Eastern Conference on notice Wednesday night...they are for real.

Heading into the Palace, the Bulls were without former Piston Big Ben Wallace due to sinus inflammation, so someone would have to pick up the slack on the boards. Early on, another Ben was crippled due to foul trouble. Ben Gordon scored only two points in 12 minutes of action after entering averaging 21.5 points a game, so someone would have to pick up the slack offensively too.
With both tasks at hand, the whole squad decided to rise to the occasion in the rout. Kirk Hinrich poured in 29 points going 4-6 from 3-point land, and grabbed eight rebounds. Loul Deng continued his incredible play by dropping 22 points and snatching nine rebounds, while Thabo Sefolosha started his first game in the NBA, notched 11 points and 10 rebounds in a career-high 40 minutes of action. The other stud rookie Tyrus Thomas put on another spectacle by high-flying to 13 points, snatching eight rebounds, including five offensive in ten minutes of action before being ejected in the fourth quarter with 8:12 remaining after an altercation with Richard Hamilton.

The Bulls steam rolled into Detroit grabbing their sixth win out of their last seven, while taking the season series three to four for the first time since the Jordan era (1998). With only six games remaining, the Bulls still find themselves only a 1/2 game behind Cleveland for the second-seed in the East. However, the last six are against the Nets twice, Raptors, Knicks, Bobcats, and Wizards (possibly Gilbert Arenas-less) with three of the six at the United Center.

Over the last three years, the young Bulls have shared a common theme: improving significantly throughout the season. Although, this time they aren't playing for their playoff lives. The Bulls secured that spot long ago and clinched last week, yet with the second seed on the line the Bulls are playing their best basketball at the end of the season again. Since the All-Star Break, the Bulls are a remarkable 16-6 and improved to 12-4 against divisional opponents with their W over the Pistons.

Taking a look at the Bulls as a whole, GM John Paxson deserves a huge pat on the back and a toast for his excellent work. Over the last four years, Paxson has drafted exceptionally starting with Kirk Hinrich seventh overall in 2003. Then Ben Gordon third, Loul Deng seventh (originally drafted by Phoenix), and Chris Duhon 38th in 2004. The Bulls had no draft picks in 2005, but rebounded with fourth pick Tyrus Thomas (originally drafted by Portland, traded for second pick LaMarcus Aldridge) and Thabo Sefolosha at 13 in 2006. The Bulls also have the option of flipping picks with the New York Knicks in the 2007 draft, which they will of course do (anything can happen in the lottery).

After congratulating Paxson, fans should turn their next "thank yous" to head coach Scott Skiles. Skiles has molded the young crop of Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Duhon, Thomas, and Sefolosha beautifully with veterans Ben Wallace and P.J. Brown. All six of the picks over the last four years have contributed significantly to the Bulls reemergence in the Eastern Conference, while Hinrich, Deng and Gordon have become stars with Thomas and Sefolosha chomping at the bit.

On top of it all, gritty warrior Andres Nocioni is scheduled to return to action this Friday against the Nets after sitting out since basically Feb. 3 due to plantar fasciitis. Paxson managed to sign Nocioni as a free agent from Argentina in August of 2004. To say the least, 2004 was a big year for the Bulls with Gordon, Deng and Nocioni joining the ranks to form the nucleus. With Nocioni's return the Bulls add yet another scorer and rebounder in their talented rotation.

Since the Jordan era ended in 1998, Bulls youngsters have been cycled in and out; however, this crop has a different bounce to their step. Those youngsters of the past include Elton Brand, Marcus Fizer, Jamal Crawford, Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, and Jay Williams (motorcycle was a great mistake). All were shipped out of town, but in 2003 the new crop arrived starting with floor general Hinrich.

The pieces are all in the place. The Bulls are primed to snatch the two-seed from the Cavs and claim home-court advantage (28-10 at the United Center).

On Wednesday, the Bulls proved they are for real, but the next six games will show whether they are a true contender.

I already got them in the Eastern Conference Finals, and I hope to see you there as well.

Tyrus Thomas Soaring to New Heights...Literally

Over the past week, Thomas has marked up the box score, including his most recent performance Saturday in a 112-108 OT loss to Cleveland

This time last year, Tyrus Thomas led LSU to the Final Four as a freshmen.

Now, Thomas (T^2) is blossoming into the player everybody thought he could be when the Bulls traded the second pick LaMarcus Aldridge to Portland for the fourth pick Thomas. In a heart-breaking overtime loss to Cleveland 112-108 on Saturday, Thomas scored a career-high 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds, snatched three steals, swatted three shots, and had a handful of high-flying dunks. Thomas also shot a sensational 9-11 from the field and 9-10 from the free throw line in a career-high 37 minutes of action off the bench.

Over the past week, Thomas has come into his own. It all started with his game-winning tip against Denver with two-tenths of a second left on March 22. Thomas' tip-in propelled the Bulls to a 109-108 victory. He also notched nine points and 11 rebounds, including five offensive in only 21 minutes of action. Then on March 29, in 27 minutes of action Thomas scored 13 points and grabbed 10 boards (six offensive) enabling the Bulls to squeak by the pesky Detroit Pistons 83-81.

All of this has been made possible due to the injury to Andres Nocioni. Nocioni has been suffering from plantar fasciitis since Feb. 3 and has not played in a game since Feb. 22, in which he only logged 15 minutes. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia (heel) of the foot. Nocioni's injury paved the way for Thomas and will continue to do so since the Chicago Tribune reported on Wednesday that Nocioni still had inflammation in his right foot.

Without Nocioni, the Bulls have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA and the hottest team in the Eastern Conference since the All-Star break going 14-6. The Bulls can thank Thomas' play off the bench especially over the last week for their hot streak.

At only 20 years-old, Thomas has all the upside in the world. He is a player that progresses through confidence, which after Saturday's game vs. Cleveland should be through the roof. His athleticism on both ends of the floor was the reason he was drafted fourth overall last year. Now, every game fans are just waiting to jump out of their seats to celebrate one of Thomas' jaw-dropping, thunderous slams or monstrous, "get that junk out of my house" blocks.

If the past week is a sign of things to come (which I strongly believe it is) then the Bulls should be extremely pleased with Thomas' progress this year. The only thing they should be focused on is trying to overcome the 1 1/2 game difference separating them and the Cavs. The team that is able to hold on will get a comfy two seed, while the loser will have to deal with the fifth seed with no homecourt advantage.

With only ten games left and the playoffs just around the corner, the Bulls will have to count on Thomas more than ever. I do not see a problem with that because Thomas' energy, explosiveness, and athleticism will be on full displayed come April and playoff time for Chicago.

The Sad Saga of the Chicago "DL Duo"

Chicago Cubs head coach Lou Pinella named Wade Miller the team's fifth starter, ending any discussion of Mark Prior making the opening day roster, while Kerry Wood is already on the DL

It has been three tumultuous years since the Cubs were only five outs away from a World Series berth. Mark Prior was on the mound for game six and if that wasn't enough, fellow ace Kerry Wood was geared up for game seven. The Cubs would prove the curse's existence losing to the Florida Marlins as well as their aces of the future, Prior and Wood.

Now, as the 2007 season approaches, the circus that has become Mark Prior and Kerry Wood continues on with a full head of steam. Prior will start the season in the minors, while Wood is working on setting the record for number of times on the designated list (DL), this being his 10th time.

Meanwhile, another pitcher recovering from injury, Wade Miller has looked exceptional this spring. Miller is 2-0 with a 3.63 ERA in five starts, including a solid performance against the San Francisco Giants this past Saturday going five innings, striking out five, and giving up no runs. Miller had shoulder surgery back in 2005 with the Boston Red Sox and pitched in five games last year for the Cubs going 0-2 with a 4.57 ERA.

However, it is Miller who will be able to show is worth to start the season while Mark Prior will have plenty of time to think about his mechanics or why he and Wood have become the biggest weaklings in baseball.

It is hard to believe that since 2003 the "DL Duo" has combined for a meaningless 30 wins, Prior has 18, while Wood only has 12. In 2003 alone, Prior went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and struck out 245, while Wood finished at 14-11 with a 3.20 ERA and 266 strikeouts. It was more Wood than Prior that displayed their dominance in the postseason that year as Wood almost single handily took down the Atlanta Braves in the divisional series.

However, today's Chicago Cubs prepared themselves by spending close to $300 million so that Wood and Prior's health would not affect the ball club. The Cubs went out and signed lefty Ted Lilly and former Cardinal Jason Marquis, who will be in the second and third spots of the rotation. The fourth is lefty Rich Hill, and of course the ace is Carlos Zambrano.

In the end, the start to this season is just another headline in the sad saga that is the "DL Duo." You can say they are cursed with bad luck or they don't take care of themselves off the field, but in the end neither of that matters because neither will be on the opening day roster. It is Wade Miller's spot to lose to Mark Prior, but don't bet on it. Miller's numbers this spring have been head and shoulders above Prior, while Wood can't seem to get out of his own way.

After this season, it is time to say goodbye to what was supposed to be the future of the Cubs only three years ago. The story of the "DL Duo" is a tragedy through and through. However, for all Cubs fans, let's hope for the best with whatever they can deliver this year.

It's been 98 years since the Cubs won a World Series, so it's safe to say, hope is all we got.

A Final Four Battle for the Ages: Ohio State vs. Georgetown

Oden vs. Hibbert, Lewis vs. Green, Conley Jr vs. Sapp, Butler vs. Wallace and all the role players in between

It has turned into a heavyweight battle. Strength against strength, height versus height, and confidence throughout. The eyes of a nation will be focused on the opening tip when freshmen sensation Greg Oden at 7-0, 280 pounds stands toe-to-toe with junior beast Roy Hibbert 7-2, 278 pounds.

The paint will shrink to almost nothing when both these two are on the court; however, players like Jeff Green, Jessie Sapp, and Dajaun Summers will take their shots at Oden for Georgetown, while Ron Lewis, Mike Conley Jr., and David Lighty will show no fear in driving against Hibbert. The match-ups are incredible with all key players playing at all-time highs. Therefore, don't be surprised when this game comes down not to the giants patrolling the lane, but the slashers, offensive leaders, and 3-point specialists.

The match-up of Jeff Green versus Ron Lewis is one of great intrigue. The 6-9 Jeff Green has the versatility to guard the 6-4 Lewis on the perimeter and inside. Green displayed his versatility against North Carolina were on consecutive possessions he guarded center Tyler Hansbrough, forward Rayshawn Terry, and speedy point guard Ty Lawson. Lewis will not be guarding Green, but it will be their production offensively that could prove to be the difference maker.

Another key match-up is between the two stellar point guards, Ohio State's speed-demon Mike Conley Jr. and Georgetown's physical Jessie Sapp. Conley Jr.'s play throughout the tournament has rightfully given him the title of "Best Point Guard in the Country." His ability to drive the lane, sick dishes, changes in tempo, and overall poise have been displayed throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Sapp showed he is no slouch whatsoever when he shut down freshmen star Ty Lawson to the tune of five points on 2-9 shooting and forced him into five turnovers. Sapp also had the energy to tally 15 points and eight assists in the Hoyas victory over UNC Sunday. This match-up will also play huge dividends for whichever team gets the most production.

Another match-up features the main 3-point specialists for each team, Buckeyes' Jamaar Butler and the Hoyas' Jonathan Wallace. Butler responded admirably to his disappointing performance against Tennessee in which he netted only three points by dropping 12 points and four assists against Memphis. However, it was Wallace's clutch 3-point shot that brought the Hoyas all the way back from 11 down against UNC to tie it at 81 with 31 seconds remaining. That shot proved to be the deciding factor as the Hoyas blasted UNC 15-3 in overtime and cruised to a 96-84 victory. Wallace finished with 19 points and seven assists, while remaining one of the most accurate overall shooters in Division I basketball this year. Whichever guard gets going early from distance will enable Oden or Hibbert to work more freely inside.

The final match-up features role players versus role players, and there are plenty of them. The Buckeyes' possess two super freshmen in Daquan Cook and high-riser David Lighty, while the Hoyas' boast freshmen talent Dajaun Summers and junior garbage man Patrick Ewing Jr. All four of these players will have an impact on the game, but whether it is negative or positive is the difference. All four players had positive impacts on their teams in the the elite eight match-ups so expect the same trend to continue.

However, it is Dajaun Summers that stands out the most of these role players. Summers dropped 20 points and snatched six boards against an extremely athletic UNC front line, after tallying 15 points and seven rebounds against Vanderbilt. If Summers becomes the third scoring threat and scores in double-digits the Hoyas will be unbeatable. It will be up to Lighty and Cook to use their athleticism to control Summers and Ewing Jr. on the glass, inside, and on the perimeter.

Yet in the end, all eyes will return to the talented big men on the inside, Oden and Hibbert. Their presence alone as caused tons of shots to be altered, while their emphatic blocks make the opponent think twice about driving to the hole. Both have been in foul trouble throughout the tournament, so it may easily come down to whoever is able to avoid those silly fouls.

Regardless, this Final Four match-up is not just about Ohio State-Georgetown, it has so many more dimensions. There will be an incredible amount of young talent on the floor with Ron Lewis being the only senior to see significant action. Freshmen's Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr, and Dajaun Summers will have immediate impacts on the game, while upperclassmen Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert, and Ron Lewis will display leadership to the youngsters.

However, when the final buzzer sounds, it will be Greg Oden's dominance, Ron Lewis' clutch play, Mike Conley Jr's brilliance, and the role players' consistent play that will propel the Buckeyes to the national championship game on April 2.

The only question left is who will claim victory in the night cap in a rematch of last year's championship game between Florida and UCLA to face the Buckeyes?

Ohio State Buckeyes are Cool Customers, But Ron Lewis is the Coolest

Buckeyes finish game nailing 20 straight free throws, while making 35-41 overall

A free throw is supposed to be the easiest means to score in basketball. Every player has practiced the simple shot hundreds of times, yet it is never a given. In those mere 15 feet, the result of that free throw can make or break a game or even a season.

For the Ohio State Buckeyes (OSU), the charity stripe lived up to its name Saturday against Memphis. The Buckeyes calmly and collectively drained 20 straight free throws to turn a close game into a blow-out, 92-76. They finished the game drilling 35-41 overall, which figures out to an impressive 85 percent enabling them to advance to Atlanta for the Final Four. For being an incredibly young team, OSU displayed the poise of grizzled veterans at the foul line.

Despite all the attention Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. receive, it has been senior guard Ron Lewis who keeps displaying the leadership and cool demeanor needed to advance to the Final Four. Lewis has hit all 21 of his free throw attempts in the tournament including going 10-10 against Memphis and 7-7 against Xavier.

It is clear that Ron "Cool" Lewis knows a thing or two about remaining calm following his miraculous three against Xavier that tied the game with two seconds remaining enabling OSU to squeak by in overtime. Lewis has jumped into the spotlight with his deadly scoring prowess. He has now tallied 22, 25, and 27 points in three consecutive NCAA tournament games including saving the Buckeyes season. Lewis also helped OSU erase a 17-point halftime deficit against Tennessee by dropping 18 of his 25 in the second half.

Oden and Conley Jr deserve all the praise in the world for their dominating play. Conley Jr. has solidified his claim as the best point guard in the country as a freshmen, while he plays with soon-to-be No.1 overall NBA pick Greg Oden. Oden's praise came long before the tournament began, but it has been Lewis game in and game out who has not let the Buckeyes' national championship hopes die.

Having only averaged 12.8 points a game during the regular season, Lewis' stretch of three games really extends to his last eight. He has averaged close to 19 points per over that stretch with all eight being in double-digits. Expect the streak to continue when Ohio State takes on the feisty Georgetown Hoyas this Saturday at 6:07ET.

Lewis has done exactly what Tyrus Thomas of the Chicago Bulls did at this time last year playing for LSU, improve draft value. Now, Lewis will not by any means be a lottery pick, but he has darted up the draft board from a likely early second-round pick to a late first-round one.

That kind of rise will mean millions of dollars for Mr. Lewis. Not all players are capable of handling the spotlight of March Madness, but Ron "Cool" Lewis has done more than handle it. He has become a star.