• Apple earlier this week released a new iPod shuffle. This version is about half the size of the last version, has 4 GB of storage, has no buttons (they're on the headphone cord), and...talks to you! (Apple.com-iPod Shuffle).
• Last night in the Big East Tournament from legendary Madison Square Garden, Syracuse and UConn went to 6 overtimes before the Orange came out victorius 127-117 to advance to play West Virginia tonight on ESPN. In a game for the ages, sophmore PG Johnny Flynn led the Orange with 34 pts/11 ast in 67 minutes (leading all players), with 29/22 reb coming from Paul Harris. Huskies' big man star, Hasheem Thabeet had 19/14 reb with 6 blocks, as senior G A.J. Price had 33/10 ast to lead Connecticut. Junior UConn forward Stanley Robinson also put on a show with 28pts/14 reb.
• Last night on the Daily Show, the entire episode featured the much-publicized interview between Jon Stewart and CNBC's Jim Cramer. Stewart nailed Cramer on the irresponsibility of financial reporters...the interview can be viewed here.
• Finally, some thoughts regarding the the Cubs and Spring Training rosters. Today, it was annouced that the Cubs added IF Esteban Germán to compete for a backup infielder role, as well as veteran Canadian Corey Koskie. The Cubs do need some depth behind Aramis Ramirez, and for that I'm keeping a close eye on Juan Uribe's status with the San Francisco Giants. Uribe was given and Minor League contract with a spring training invitation by the Giants in the offseason, and is currently in a race for their backup utility job. However, he is not a lock. If the Giants decide to let Uribe go at some point in the spring, he would be a good addition for the Cubs. Anyone who watched the White Sox World Series run in 2005 knows how good Uribe is defensively. Last season Uribe filled in at the hot corner when Joe Crede went down, and showcased good range, and an extremely strong throwing arm. In addition, he's shown some pop in the past, hitting 20+ HR in 2004, 2006, and 2007.
Another position battle taking place in Cubs' camp is that of the 5th starter. Known candidates include Sean Marshall, Aaron Heilman, and Jeff Samardzija, but my solution is...none of the three. I believe that all three of them are best suited in bullpen roles. Marshall was very good last year when used as a spot starter and lefty out of the pen (to go with Neal Cotts). Aaron Heilman as had most of his success as a reliever, and Jeff Samardzija was electric out of the pen last year (his stuff could turn him in to the bridge between SP and late inning relievers Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmól). So, who goes into the 5th rotation spot? One widely publicized solution is the possible acquisition of Padres' ace Jake Peavy. During a recent telecast of the World Baseball Classic on ESPN, Rick Sutcliffe could be heard saying that the Peavy-Cubs rumor was "more than a rumor"...we'll see what comes of this interesting insight. However another intriguing option could be Pedro Martinez. He looked great in the WBC pitching for the Dominican, and could come at a rather reasonable price. At his prime, Pedro was a Cy Young-caliber pitcher, dominating every hitter he faced. A look at the career WHIP (BB + H per IP) leaders, and Pedro is the only player there (along with Mariano Rivera) to pitch after 1920! His "2004 Red Sox idiot" personality would also be a welcome addition to the Cubs' clubhouse.
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