DG Quickie: Friday the 13th

• 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.

Manny Gets a Tricyle!

Lex Luthor Wants a Bailout

"Lex Luthor Bailout" with Jon Hamm - watch more funny videos

Courtesy of the Huffington Post and Funny or Die

Bunch O' Links: Apple TouchNetBook-thing?, Obama & Stem Cells, Lil' Fontenot, Alltop

• Rumor sites have been abuzz the past few days of an Apple Tablet/Netbook in the works for release this year. Yeah, it seems like there have been rumors of such a product for nearly the past five years, but it may be coming closer to fruition. This article (Mac Rumors), sites some sort of touchscreen order put in by Apple. I hope that such a revolutionary product comes out soon, for it would benefit a lot of people of my generation (students taking notes and having to organize numerous aspects of their lives both in digital world and with a pencil). Such a product could allow someone to organize handwritten notes, sketches, and diagrams among various elements of new digital media. It would allow people to actually enter the world on their computers beyond using a mouse, but to truly interact. We can only wait for now, until Apple one day decides to blow us all away with some revolutionary technology we'd never have dreamed of.

• On to politics: President Obama on Monday signed an Executive Order (link) that will reverse the ban on

embryonic stem cell research that restricted it to only 60 lines of previously existing stem cells. As a result of this being brought to the forefront of the news by the President's actions, hopefully scientists will continue to further their research of stem cells as a possible portal to curing so many diseases. Stem cells could help treat and cure so many ailments, such as regrowing heart tissue damaged by heart attacks, finding a cure for Parkinson's disease, and possibly even helping the paralyzed walk again.

(President Obama's statement)

(CNN.com article)

(text of Executive Order)

• Lou Piniella and the the Cubs roll on in Spring Training from the Valley of the Sun. One of the positions where there appears to be a battle for playing time is second base, where Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles are competing. After hitting his second long-ball of the spring, Lou had this to say per the Chicago Tribune:

❝ "I'll tell you what, the little kid at second base, he's after a job isn't he?" manager Lou Piniella say. Both Fontenot and Miles are listed at 5 feet 8 inches, but it was obvious after Fontenot's second home run that he was the one Piniella was

referring to as "the little kid." "What'd he have to say that for?" Fontenot said in mock protest. ❞

• And finally, I've been addicted to Twitter lately (who isn't?) and was brought to the attention of probably one of the coolest websites I've seen lately. Don't you wish that all the news, from all of the relevant websites, from just about any topic was all aggregated in one, easy to read, awesome-ly laid out website. Well, check out Alltop.com. It's amazing....seriously....click the link.... Below, I've also linked some of the best pages from Alltop.

baseball.alltop.com

hockey.alltop.com

nba.alltop.com

sports.alltop.com

humor.alltop.com

iphone.alltop.com

mac.alltop.com

news.alltop.com

politics.alltop.com

science.alltop.com

"Ma! The Meatloaf!!!"

Announcers are a varyingly entertaining bunch (yes, varyingly is the proper form of vary...I looked it up). The famous ones all have their own unique styles, and provide us with endless entertainment (unintentional or not); to see this just visit Awful Announcing. Below are two YouTube videos of the various goal calls of Florida Panthers' announcer Randy Moller, and the seamless movie quote references.

What? Me? No, my stick's not illegal!

After the officials and Toronto coaching staff were heard discussing the possibility of Jason Spezza having an illegal stick, the hilarity of the cover-up and subsequent penalty ensues...

Deep Thoughts

A lot of people all over the internet (and the world for that matter), always ask questions about their favorite sports team.  On the Cubs, such never-ending questions could be asked like why Kerry Wood hasn't been retained, or if Jake Peavy will be on the North Side next year via trade...the list goes on and on of common "talk-radio" type questions wondered aloud by the masses.  However, some very important issues often go undiscussed and fade into a black hole of very important topics that never will get addressed, only to be overshadowed by improbably trade proposals, and other minor matters.  Well here, in this post, will be collected some very important questions that never do seem to get answered.  They will mainly include the Cubs, but may delve outside into other arenas of concern.  It will be updated as new questions arise, or are thought of:

Topic #1: The LH-bat that could've been.  In the offseason before the 2007 season, the Chicago Cubs had a very high pick in the Rule 5 Draft, which allows teams to pick from a variety of "unprotected" players in other teams farm systems.  With that pick they selected a troubled outfielder in the Tampa Bay system named Josh Hamilton.  Hamilton was drafted by the Rays in 1999 with the very first pick in the draft as a talented prospect.  However, over the next six years, he never advanced above A-ball due to a dark time in his life with drugs (even out of the game for four years).  After selecting him in the Rule 5 Draft, the Cubs immediately traded him to the Cincinnati Reds for cash (the Cubs were actually selecting him on the Reds' behalf all along).  Now, as many baseball fans know, Hamilton as gone on the past two seasons to have quite a Hollywood-caliber comeback.  In 2007, he started about half the season for the Reds, hitting .292 with 19 homeruns.  He was then traded to the Rangers for Edinson Volquez (who had a solid 2008 for the Reds, putting up a Cy Young quality season).  In 2008, Hamilton further developed his skills playing the entire season as the Rangers starting CF.  Not only did he mash 32 homeruns, knock in 130 RBI, and hit .304, but he also finished runner-up in a Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium that caught the eyes of the nation.  Now, my question:  If the Cubs were in a position to obtain Josh Hamilton themselves, why did they not draft him in that Rule 5 Draft and keep him?  He is exactly what they have been searching for the past few off-seasons (actually further back then that); he hits left-handed!  He provides good defense, has some speed, hits for a lot of power, is a middle-of-the-order lefty to break-up Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, he has a high OBP, and did I mention POWER.  He could be the solution in CF if Felix Pie never pans out, or he could play right, which is what the Cubs are looking for this off-season.  So, that is a main question that has never been answered, nor discussed, in the world of sports commentary.  How could such a perfect fit for the Cubs, that could so easily have been had in that Rule 5 Draft, just slip through the organization's fingers and be an All-Star now for another team?  That's a deep thought that may never be answered.

Topic #2: What's goin' on with Josh?  The Cubs had the 3rd overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, and they selected high school third baseman Josh Vitters out Cypress, CA.  He was highly-touted to have a great swing, hit for power and a high average.  Numerous respected baseball websites have him ranked as the Cubs' top prospect, and one of their only blue-chip prospects.  He has been mentioned as a future replacement for Aramis Ramirez when the time should come.  So my question is:  Why do we never hear about him?  I'd like to know more about him.  I want to see who some respected experts compare him to, and know how he's developing in the minor leagues.  It could be possible that with all his high school credentials and tools, he may turn into another third baseman in the mold of David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, or Evan Longoria (all with similar resumés at his age).  Along with Vitters, the Cubs could have some other possible future stars on their hands, but unfortunately the mass-public can never get the chance to hear much about them, or what the real experts think.  Supposedly, the Cubs recently signed some kids out of Korean high school, and one shortstop has been compared to Derek Jeter: that's pretty good.  Another prospect projects as a future big-leaguer with Orlando Hudson like potential, but all we can find are a few pages of minor league stats (which in many cases can amount to not much).  It would be really beneficial if all of these prospects could be spoken about more to the actual fans that are waiting for the next generation of stars.  Every player out there got their start somewhere, so it is very important to always remain cutting edge in international and domestic scouting to find that talent.  Some kid throwing mangos in the Dominican Republic is going to be the next Pedro Martinez.  Some kid not even born yet will probably develop into another Alex Rodriguez.  Some kid at home in Japan will dream of being the next Ichiro.  The record books of baseball will keep being rewritten, and it would be nice for the average fan to have some insight on which prospects their team controls have the potential and growth to develop into that next Rookie of the Year, All-Star, super-star, or legend of the game.  But until then, we'll just see lists of stats, top prospect signings and names, and wait for them to spring up on us in the majors and do their thing...Surprise!

Happy Holidays...2 Days Early!

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

A Colbert Christmas: John Legend

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Solution for Cubs' Playoff Woes: Be "Idiots"

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox ended 86 years of frustration by winning the World Series.  Many attributed their success to the "idiot" mantra put in place by many of the team's laid-back, easy-going players.  In particular, Johnny Damon, Derek Lowe, Kevin Millar, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Pedro Martinez.  Now, at the start of the 2009 campaign, the Chicago Cubs will embark on their season not having won a world championship in 101 years.  This team, however, has done what past Cubs rosters couldn't: succeed on a consistent basis.  Led by Lou Piniella, the Cubs won the NL Central Division Championship two years in a row (2007, 2008), however quietly exited the playoff picture both seasons.  In each playoff appearance, the team look nervous, pressing, and not at all like the team that would win 97 games in a 2008 campaign in which they had eight All-Stars.  Now, embarking on this offseason, there doesn't look to be any significant holes in the Cubs roster; most of the 97-win team is still intact.  However, one notices a funny thing when looking at the list of free agents and available players...Damon, Lowe, Millar, Pedro Martinez, and Manny Ramirez are all presumably available.  Thus a proposition can be made for the Cubs: why not bring some of these "idiots" in to not only add talent, but lighten the postseason clubhouse and put their "curse-ending' magic to work on another organization.  Each of the following players could fit in the Cubs' 2009 plans:

-Johnny Damon is not a free agent, however, he is entering the final year of his contract with the New York Yankees making $13 million.  When looking at the Yankees current situation, they are in desperate need of pitching, but along with the recent acquisition of Nick Swisher, have a surplus of OF/1B/DH types.  Out of Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, Jorge Posada, and possibly FA, #3 hitter Bobby Abreu...Damon and Matsui would seem the most expendable entering the final year of their contracts.  The Cubs could presumably trade Jason Marquis and his $9.875 million salary (along with maybe a mid-level prospect) to the Yankees for Damon.  Therefore, both teams exchange high contracts while getting a more appropriate piece of need.  On next year's Cubs team, Johnny Damon could fill a void in adding a left-handed lead-off hitter with speed and power, as well as adding exceptional defense in right field.  In addition to the skills, he would be one piece of the previously aforementioned "idiots."

-After trading away Jason Marquis in the above proposal, the Cubs would be in need of a 5th starter.  They could fill this need in-house, but there are two free-agent options that are intriguing.  They could go the route of Derek Lowe, who has said he's seeking a 3-year deal on a team with a chance at a championship.  Lowe dominated the Cubs in his postseason start against them, and would be a welcome addition to the pitching staff and the the clubhouse.  Another option, however, which could pay dividends and be a low-risk, extremely-high reward type thing, would be a signing of free agent Pedro Martinez.  After some injury slowed seasons in New York, Pedro would take an incentive-laden deal with ace potential.  In addition to this former Cy Young winner's talent, Pedro is another aforementioned "idiot."

-I'm just gonna mention it here real quick...even though it'd be great, the Cubs are probably not going to sign Manny (the biggest "idiot" of them all in 2004...and I mean that with the utmost respect for him and his amazing talents).

-The last free agent possibility out there is none other than Mr. "Cowboy-Up" himself: Kevin Millar.  Millar was an integral part in the "idiot" atmosphere in 2004, and would play a vital role of pinch-hitter, backup 1B/OF that was lost in Daryle Ward filing for free agency.

So in this very do-able proposal, the Cubs would add Johnny Damon to play RF, Pedro Martinez as the 5th starter with ace-potential, and Kevin Millar to the bench, thus reuniting the Damon-Pedro-Millar combo that brought the "idiot" attitude to the 2004 World Series Champion, Curse-breaking, Boston Red Sox...and can do the same for the 2009 Chicago Cubs.

Rahmbo will be Obama's Ari Gold?...Read on...

In the TV show Entourage, Jeremy Piven's character Ari Gold (rambunctious Hollywood superagent), is actually said to be based on real Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel: the younger brother of new White House Chief-of-Staff Rahm Emanuel.  So according to many articles around the internets, Rahm Emanuel will bring an Ari-like attitude to Washington.  For those who have seen Entourage, these predictions are about to make Washington D.C. a little more interesting.  For more insight on the real life Emanuel brothers, and a hilarious Piven-like tirade, SNL skit, see below:

-Jewish Journal article

-another funny article comparing Rahm to Piven's Ari Gold

-SNL video embedded below