We’re #1!

So, if you missed it, the Chicago Bulls somehow defied the odds and won the #1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.  I have no idea how this happened.  Mathematically, they should’ve picked 9th.  I keep searching for an explanation because at one point (and now I don’t remember which team it was) the guys covering the lottery for ESPN said after team X was announced at pick whatever that this turn of events had somehow moved the Bulls automatically into the top 3.  Confused?  Yeah me too.  I can’t explain any of this, but all I know is, we got the #1 pick.

So now, who is it?  It’s obviously going to be either Derrick Rose from Memphis or Michael Beasley from Kansas St.  Now, either way, the Bulls will get a hell of a player, but I think it has to Rose.  Originally, I said Beasley was the guy because he’s a low post scorer and that’s something the Bulls desperately need.  But Rose has been called a cross between Deron Williams and Chris Paul, the two guys that everyone agrees are the best young point guards in the league today.  I don’t think you can pass on a player like that.  Derrick Rose is an instant, and I think substantial upgrade over Kirk Heinrich.  Rose is the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better.  Beasley’s a fine player, but I think Rose gives you more.  Rose is a leader who plays exceptional defense and I’m not sure you get that out of Beasley.  Beasley can probably give you 20 points and 10 rebounds a night, but I think Rose is a cornerstone player who can be great for years to come.

I certainly won’t be disappointed if the Bulls do what at least some “experts” say is the smart thing and take Beasley, but I just don’t think you pass on a player like Rose.  Of course all of this will depend on if John Paxon can trade either Ben Gordon or Kirk Heinrich because if he can’t, I can all but guarantee he’ll take Beasley.  But right here and now, I’m begging John Paxon to please, please, PLEASE take Derrick Rose and save Bulls fans from being a team that’s thisclose to winning, but never quite does.

And please hire a coach that doesn’t suck.  Thank you.

Ah yes, the panic button

It started with a simple text message.

“Seriously, what the %*#$ is wrong with us?”

This came after the White Sox found themselves down 7-0 to the Twins.  I actually had fallen asleep on the couch in the middle of the game while battling a headache, so truthfully, I don’t know what went wrong in that game.  But allow me to answer anyways.

Nothing.  Not one damn thing.

Yes, the Sox haven’t played consistently well lately.  Yes, they’re slumping at the plate.  Yes, they fell under .500 but got back to it last night.  But you know what?  It’s May.  The season runs until September.  It’s a cliche sure, but seriously, it’s a 162 game marathon.  Teams slump.  Just ask the Tigers and Yankees.  It happens every year.  The difference this year for the Sox vs. last year is that there are signs that they can turn it around.  The offense NEVER hit last year.  Not once.  Currently, Paul Konerko has raised his batting average in each of the last 10 games.  Jim Thome has been hitting well all season.  Jermaine Dye came off the injured list and has been hitting really well.  I mean REALLY well.  So my point is that the offense is there and is capable of being there.  They’ll hit again.  They showed signs of it last night in Seattle.

The bullpen has been very solid.  Now last year they started out on fire and then fell apart after mid May or so, so I’m still somewhat skeptical, but I do feel better about this group than last year’s.  Contreras, Floyd, and Danks have been better than solid.  Vazquez is throwing well and yes, Buehrle’s ERA is higher than we need it, but he’s been too good for too long for that not to come back down.

In other words, this is a solid team that’s going to right the ship.  They’re playing loose, they’re having fun, and frankly, I expect them to be right in the thick of things at the end.  Will the Sox end up winning the division?  Who knows.  It’s far too tough to tell with the Tigers still lurking and the Royals and Twins playing better than anyone expected.  But right now they’re in a much better position than, say, the Padres.  Look, we don’t know who the elite are yet.  We just don’t.  Yes, Arizona’s really good.  Yes, Boston’s really good.  But what if Upton or Drew or Webb or Haren get hurt?  What if Papelbon keeps blowing saves?  What if Ortiz or Manny get hurt?  Are the Yankees going to continue to hit below .200?  Of course not, especially once A-Rod and Posada come back.  Are the Padres going to continue to be terrible in a terrible division?  I doubt it.  Things see-saw all through the season and it’s far too early to hit the panic button now.

If the Sox still can’t hit in July, then yes, feel free to panic away.

Gavin Floyd, I owe you an apology

Tonight, the young Mr. Floyd took a no-hitter in to the ninth inning.  Earlier in the season, he took a no-hitter in to the seventh.  When the White Sox traded for him, I killed the deal.  Just killed it.  All I saw was the Sox trading Freddy Garcia, who had won Game 4 of the World Series for us and was a proven starter, for a guy who had a career ERA over 6.  My soul actually died a little.

Ah but flash forward to today.  Garcia has now spent almost two full seasons on the injured list and Floyd has almost thrown two no-hitters.  Oops.

So to you Gavin Floyd, I’m sorry.  To you Kenny Williams, General Manager of the White Sox, I also apologize.  Gavin, you are not a worthless pile of monkey spunk.  Kenny, you are not actually dumber than Britney Spears.

My bad guys.