1. Mr. Cub
Ernie Banks hit his 500th home run 38 years ago this week. Oh, put a cork in it, Sammy. All of his were legit.
2. Still a hit
Another ex-Cub, Ryne Sandberg, manager of the Peoria Chiefs, was suspended for his role in a bench-clearing brawl. Sorry, no Kyle Farnsworth or Michael Barrett jokes here.
3. Cool customer
So, Alfonso Soriano got Sunday off because he was scared to run in the cold? Hey, I can give you that kind of effort for a lot less than $136M.
4. So Cubs
The Cubs loaded the bases in the first inning Monday, but they couldn’t score. They have about as much luck as I do when I’m loaded.
5. Heavenly timing
The White Sox played a late game vs. the Angels on Monday night. That is appropriate, considering the Sox are near death.
6. Gould standard
Bears kicker Robbie Gould signed a $15.5M deal, making him the NFL’s highest paid kicker. Talk about overpaid. He’s only got two legs. Imagine what he could do with four.
7. Terror talk
The feds say large sporting events such as the Indy 500 are attractive terror targets. Of course, who doesn’t secretly wish racing would go away. But not you, Danica.
8. Suck it up
Did you see NBA MVP and Lakers star Kobe Bryant laying the groundwork for his excuse if L.A. is upset by Utah? He said his back is bothering him. Hey, Kobe, it’s not “Most Valuable Pouter.”
9. Hip, hip hooray
Anna Kournikova is relaunching her Web site. Finally, some good news in the sporting world.
FIVE THINGS
… that also could keep Alfonso Soriano off the field:
– 31-cent scoop night at Baskin-Robbins
– Anna’s new Web site
– Laundry day
– An offer to kick for the Bears
– A plague of locusts
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redeyesports@TRIBUNE.COM
