1. Freedom!
Finally, no more having to pretend I’ve been paying attention to the Bears.
2. As a professional dog, in all seriousness
But it wouldn’t be right of me if I didn’t point out how well I thought Rex Grossman played on Sunday. Bravo, Rex!
3. Gone but … well, just gone
So Jay Mariotti is out at ESPN Radio? What will Chicago do? Here’s a tip: Be strong and try not to grin too wide.
4. Unbeaten, unbowed
Now that the Utah Utes have finished 12-0 and I’ve declared them National Champions, there is really no reason to play the Orange Bowl. Still, it will be a nice exhibition game.
5. For whom Beltran tolls
Finally, I’ve thought of my New Year’s wish. The Yankees trade for Randy Johnson, sign Carlos Beltran and finish in third place.
6. So confusing
Not sure why, but Sammy Sosa was spotted leaving the Bears locker room 15 minutes after the start of their season finale.
7. Out on a limb
The No. 1 ranked Illinois basketball team will lose at Wisconsin and then not lose again this season. Unless they play Austin Peay in the NCAA Tournament. Then all bets are off.
8. Believe it
The Bulls are only 3 1/2 games out of a playoff spot. I want to give them my heart, but I also don’t want to get hurt. Please let me love again!
9. A little perspective
Doug Flutie, 42, started Sunday for the San Diego Chargers. Put it this way: When he started playing, my grandmother was still in obedience school.
FIVE THINGS…
Five players who had a higher batting average than Carlos Beltran in 2004.
– Royce Claytonn D’Angelo Jimenez
– Endy Chavezn Julio Lugo
– Reed Johnson
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Edited by the sports staff of RedEye
redeyesports@tribune.com
