Sports Update

There has been a lot going on recently in the world of sports, including locally, so I thought I would give a brief on what is happening and give my opinions.


Cubs sign Pena, now looking for pitcher

The Cubbies signed 1B Carlos Pena to a one year, $10 million dollar contract last week. Pena had only a .196 batting average last year, but did hit 28 home runs and drove in 84 runs. His batting average never has been very high, but he has had a number of years with large numbers of home runs including 39 in '09 and 46 in '07. It is a risky pick-up for the Cubs, but it is good that they only signed him to one year in case anything goes wrong.

The Cubs' next move is likely to involve a pitcher. Two names have been thrown out as strong possibilities: Brandon Webb and Matt Garza. In this situation, I would go with Garza. Webb has been injured quite a bit in his career, especially recently, and Garza has suprised a lot of people.


Bears in prime position

It makes me very happy to say that the Bears have a chance to clinch the NFC North division this weekend. The Bears will play the Vikings in Gopher Stadium, the University of Minnesota's OUTDOOR facility, due to the Metrodome's inflatable roof collapsing due to snow (as mentioned in the Favre story). If the Bears should go into that game (a Monday night game) with the Packers having lost to New England on Sunday, a victory would clinch. I see this as a likely scenario. The Patriots are a great team and should be able to handle injury-plaqued Green Bay. Then, the Bears should beat Minnesota, who is in the middle of an extremely dissapointing season. There is always a possibility that the Bears will lose OR the Packers will win, but if everything goes as planned, the Bears are division champs on Monday night.


Favre's streak ends

Brett Favre's consecutive start streak ended Monday night at 297, a streak that lasted 18 years. Favre missed Monday's game that was played in Detroit between Minnesota and the New York Football Giants (played there because the Metrodome roof collapsed) due to a shoulder injury. "It's probably long overdue," Favre said, "There's probably been a lot of times the streak should've ended." That's true, he's played a number of times that he shouldn't have just to keep his streak alive. This most likely his final season in the NFL, and he leaves behind an interesting story.


Hawks, Bulls seasons progressing

The Hawks are 16-13, a so far mildly dissapointing start to the season for the defending world champions. They lost to the Avalanche in their last game, 7-5. The play Colorado again tonight at the United Center.

The Bulls have had a more pleasant start to the season. They are 15-8, sitting comfortably at third place in the Eastern Conference and first in their division. They had a suprise victory over the Lakers last week, and beat Indiana on Monday night. They play Toronto tonight on the road.