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Sorry I was gone yesterday. Had to take care of my little one, and had something to do for work. So let’s get to it for today.

Uno-White Sox destroyed Cleveland this weekend. Well except for Sunday, but hey we can get that one back. I would like to see them do the same to the Royals for the next two days. One of the biggest problems with them last year was their division record of 32-40. Considering that two of the teams in that division were punching bags, that number should have been higher. They have to beat up on the Indians and Royals this year, and own the Tigers like they used to. All they have to do is find a way to kick the Twins in the balls every chance they get. They must dominate the division this year. Kill the division, conquer the division; win the division.

Due-The White Sox also destroyed their bullpen as while the chance was there to possibly come back and win on Sunday, Will Ohman made sure that wouldn’t happen. We cannot rely on former Cubs or LOOGYS ladies and gentlemen. LOOGYS need Kleenex. I still wish they kept Putz around. Also Alex Rios get with it pal. You’re 0 for 12. My daughter wants to see you hit MF!!!!

Tre-Shameless plug number one:

. Peapod is great for groceries and provides superior customer service. (I happen to know one of their employees is a pretty great guy) Try the service out, you might like it!!!!

Quattro-Yes the Blackhawks blew it big time against the Lightning again. Yes Dallas is one point behind with 4 more cupcake games coming up. Meanwhile the Hawks get Detoilet two more times, Montreal and the Blues. I just hope the Hawks can get into this playoff and not sing the Blues. Yes we will most likely get the crap kicked out of us in round one, but damn it lets get there and find out.

Sei-Congrats to the Heat for sewing up the southeast division against the Nets the other night. More hard work to follow as the Celtics seem to be coming back and the Bulls will be the hardest nut to crack in the bunch.

Sette-One more shameless plug. Yesterday I had a chance to go to Moe’s Southwest Grill in Deer Park. They had an awesome burrito with tofu on it. Yes I said tofu at a Mexican joint. It kicked ass. Mondays they have a great deal with Burrito, unlimited chips and drink for $6. If you are out in the area of Rand Rd in between Lake Cook and Quentin, do yourself a favor and try it out. It’s a good place.

Pensiero finale: A big shout out goes to a friend and former co-host of my show the Point years ago. Mr. John “Rock” Mamola has moved up in the world. He will be the assistant PD of WDAE 620 AM in Tampa. I am very happy for Rock because his work ethic has been unquestionable as he is the same guy I met back in 2002 when I interned at the Score and he taught me some production skills. We had some great times on The Point and “yes and no” one of my favorite segments of The Point was his idea and we could never finish that segment with a straight face. Rock, I would like to say I’m jealous as you get to live out my dream of working in radio in Florida, but then again covering the Bucs would never be as fun as covering the Phins, LOL. Just kidding and good luck my man. We will be watching.

Don’t forget about Peapod gang. I get stuff if you order. Pace!

M

I Like the White Sox: Let's Get It Started

Good day baseball fans! At least Sox fans good day. Everyone else, I could give a rats ass.

But here we are, the 2011 season is upon us and I’m feeling good. I look at the team and I can’t tell you how unbelievably happy the DH merry go round has been torn down in the amusement park known as Guillenland. You know I feel like the whole Kenny and Ozzie argument with that kind of resembles the Kiddieland argument. You know, the people who ran it didn’t own the land, so they were forced to shut down. I loved Kiddieland. I don’t know about you guys, but I am so sad that I never got to take my kids there. Anyways, back to baseball.

So we have a solid bat who may strike out a little too much, but when he hits the ball, it’s going to fly out of the park; perhaps knock out a light or two. Eat that Robert Redford you douche. Why are you throwing first pitch at garbage dump when you should be at the Cell? I am excited to see what Mr. Dunn can do for this team. I think Beckham will shake off his sophomore slump and perhaps extend the line that Jim was talking about throughout the entire season. And let’s see what this Morsel kid can do at third, ahem, I mean Morel. Morsel sounds better.

Anyway I have a six pack of questions for this year. These are my questions, and feel free to comment guys and gals:

What kind of impact is Jake Peavy going to have?
Maybe the question is how many times this guy is going to the DL and/or doghouse. I love his determination and the fact he wants to help the team win. However, I really think he needs to take the whole month of April off. A rested Jakey will most likely be a more effective Jakey, and him being in the 5th starter role makes him even more dangerous if he comes back right. I am just scared to death that Kenny committed another David Wells here.

Can the outfield keep the buzz going?
Last year was a fine year of production from Juan Pierre, Alex Rios and the mighty Q. They seemed to stay healthy, and give us some good times at the plate. If Pierre got on base, he was stealing. Rios has been the CF we have been dreaming of for years, and Q didn’t hit any bats with his fist, so I guess it was good. I am hoping for big things this year, and hopefully the three of them can deliver.

Can Teahen play well enough to get himself traded?
Mark Teahen will most likely play well this year, because he will have the role of utility man instead of starter. A very highly paid utility man. The one thing I am worried about this year with the Sox is the pen. Can Teahen play well enough to help increase his market value so we can get another arm in the pen? Perhaps Teahen may play well and help and the pen will be fine. However, I feel that ex-Cubs in the pen screw us. Don’t have a lot of faith in Ohman.

Will the bullpen work out?
Thornton as a closer? It scares me a little. He was such a great set up guy, why ruin a great thing? I’m not a stats guy, but if we look at his save opportunities he has 38 and has been successful 17 times. I think about Thome last year, and how many times did the Rays get to us when Thornton was in to close? I could paranoid here, but he is the obvious choice because Sale is unproven. I hope it goes well. I didn’t like that Putz left, but was excited Linestink was shown the door. I am kind of indifferent with Pena. This is the biggest level of concern for me.

Can Alexei be the guy who carries this team or will it be someone else?
I look at Alexei because in my opinion he has emerged as one of the best shortstops in baseball. Definitely in the AL central. He got his silver slugger award, and I think with Beckham and Alexei there, I feel confident about our infield and I think Vizquel’s influence is there. I feel that Alexei will be the sparkplug of this team and will give us the highlight reel. He is my pick to click for the year. I can’t say Paulie because I don’t see what happened last year happening again, can’t say Q because he has to show me he can stay healthy, but I do think AJ will have a much better year this time around.

Who will be the “ace” in the rotation?
You look at the rotation and you have to feel good about it. Buehrle going forward right now looks like the guy, but I think this will be the year of Johnny. I think Danks will have a Cy Young caliber year. Should win 17-18 games and will have a low ERA. Don’t ask me why, just a gut feeling. I think Buehrle will give us 200 innings as usual, Edwin Jackson will throw lots of strikeouts and do well as a fourth, and I like Peavy coming back as a 5th. The guy who I am interested to see what happens and wonder about is Gavin Floyd. He is the wildcard of this team. If Floyd has a good year, the Sox will be going far. If not, I can’t say. I think Floyd’s performance will be a huge indicator where we will be going.

Anyway prediction wise, I see the Sox winning 90-92 games, and will take the AL Central. The rest of my predictions are as follows:

AL
West-Athletics Central-White Sox East-Red Sox Wildcard-Yankees

NL
West-Dodgers Central-Brewers East-Phillies Wildcard- Reds

I just think the A’s are going to win a dog fight with the Angels in the west. I like the youth over there.

The White Sox are ready to do battle with the Twins this year, but are going to have to hold off Detroit, as they have a nice rotation this year as well.

The Red Sox and Yankees are going to have a crazy year. I can’t see one of the other three teams in that division taking them.

The Dodgers are the team to beat in that division. The Rockies will make it interesting and so will the champs, but I just see the Dodgers as the total package.

The Brewers improved pitching and offensive threat makes me like them. If they can find some bullpen help, they are going to win it. I like the Reds a little better than the Cardinals because I feel there is some unrest there in St Louis with everything going on with Pujols and Wainwright out. The Cubs will find a way to creep in the race but will fall short.

Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hammels. Need I go on. That rotation is the dream team of rotations. Once the bats come alive in Philly, watch out!

Thanks for reading gang. Hope you are all well and GO WHITE SOX!!!! (Go Alex Rios as my daughter says. I found her an Alexei shirt in her size so she will now think the team is all Alex Rios or Alexei.)

Want some more fun, follow me @michaelcaserno on Twitter.

The Man had to Piss!!!!!

OK so I screwed up. I thought opening day was today, but NOPE. It’s tomorrow. Johnny Stonerod strikes again. In the meantime…

Uno-For all you people that are talking trash about Lebron, HE HAD TO PISS. What is so hard about that? It happens. I hope he didn’t wash his hands so when he throw the talc powder in the air, his urine in on it drowning all the idiots in Cleveland. Speaking about Cleveland, just wait until tomorrow when the White Sox teach you a lesson.

Due-And for John Wall. Dude go hit a wall. You may have better luck doing so than hitting Big Z. In case no one heard, the Heat returned to their winning ways against a hapless Washington team last night. The Bulls won too. Lebron pretty much said that Derrick Rose should be the MVP, he gave up 23 in respect to Jordan, he took a pay cut to play for his friends instead of continuing to stay in a shitty city. So he made a bogus one hour special about his decision. Big whoop. Get over it people. The man is still great.

Tre-UConn winning it all. Both sides. Men and women. I see it happening. I watched an interview this morning with Kemba Walker and Maya Moore. The two make a nice couple. Unfortunately the little train that could has hit Butler station and that will be last stop. Notice KU was never brought up in this conversation.

Quattro-Barry Bonds, its time to tap out. The evidence is piling against you young man. More and more things are coming out about you, your trainers, your dog, etc, etc. Can we please put this saga to bed soon? Baseball needs to learn how to be baseball again and with the dirty laundry of steroids and what not; it’s hard to stay clean.

Cinque-There has been lots of buzz about Chris Brown performing at Dancing with the Stars. Many people love him and the majority doesn’t. Here is my official take: first off. You need to take responsibility for your actions. It would have been a great chance for you to come clean on GMA and show some kind of regret for the things you did to Rhianna (who now has turned into a S&M pop diva thanks to you). She is a classic example of what happens when you get pissed off. From Umbrella to Rated R. Anyway, instead you threw a chair through a window. Grow up rude boy. Someone must treat you that way in return. Karma sucks sometimes pal.

Sei-Hey Red Wings! How does it feel do give up 10 goals bitches?????!!!!!!!

Sette-Like I said yesterday, I will have an opening day entry tomorrow. The White Sox are going to rock this town this year.

Pinsiero Finale-So since I have started this exciting job I have now, I have been hitting the gym just about every day. My goal was to get to 200 by summer. I am at 206. Anyone have ideas how to fight off the plateau? Holler at your boy!!!!

See you tomorrow for opening day
M

Are You Happy Cleveland?

Bad mood today, but happy Hump day anyway.

Uno-Ok Dan Gilbert and your toilet bowl city of Cleveland. Did you get what you wanted? Are you fricking happy? You beat the Heat. Congrats. I am sure Lebron felt sorry for your asses so they threw the game for you, but whatever. Just remember assholes, you will be forced to watch Lebron next month play for a real city in the playoffs, while you guys are sitting there picking your asses. Maybe Danny girl can write another letter about how his girlfriend left him because his cock wasn’t big enough or perhaps he was afraid to use it.

Due-Blackhawks! WTF happened last night? You were playing Boston not the Roman Empire. OK well you might as well be after the effort exuded from playing scumbag city the night before; you kind of have to expect to take the fall. However Sam Fels from Second City Hockey keeps it in perspective:

With the Stars loss in a shootout, they are three back with six to go. If the Hawks manage a 4-2 record from here on out, the Stars cannot lose another game in regulation, and the Flames will have to go perfect 5-0 to catch us. 4-2 should be totally manageable. So there's your upbeat thought of the night.

Ok so maybe all is not FUBARed.

Tre-Opening day Thursday, shit that’s tomorrow. Instead of writing my usual 7 hits, I will talk about the Sox in detail and post on SSS.

Quatro-I can’t believe that Tom Ricketts is still trying to get money from the taxpayers for renovations of Wrigley Field. If I’m voter, this is how I vote:

Would you like to give your hard earned money to a team that attracts tourists and a bunch of ham and eggers up north?
( ) yes ( ) no (x) write in answer: Are you fucked in the head?

Didn’t this man buy the team knowing full well what would be involved? He should have known that stadium or “shrine” as many of you Cub fans call it was falling apart. I guess the rooftops owners are losing money as well. Too bad. You want to fix a bad situation? Bankrupt the fricking team, move it to Maine, and got eat lobsters after you eat cock, pieces of shit. In case no one got the memo, property taxes were raised 66%. Why in God’s name should we have our hands forced into saving a toilet bowl that should be torn down in the first place?

Cinque-So Jay Z was caught hanging around in the locker room after the Kentucky Wildcats punched their ticket to Houston. I am sure he wasn’t there just to brush dirt of their shoulders. Nevertheless, why was he there? Is he scouting for the Nets, you know he is part owner of the team. Celtics GM Danny Ainge got hit with a $30,000 fine for sitting with Kevin Durant’s mother a few years back. If you multiply that number by the number of players in the dressing room, I am sure it would be less than 99 problems for the jiggaman.

Sei-Mad Men isn’t coming back until 2012? Well now, let’s hope that’s before December. I mean isn’t the world supposed to end or something?

Sette-I am guilty. I decided to follow Charlie Sheen on twitter. And quite frankly, I would expect more from a raving lunatic and a “winner.” He speaks of this “warlock.” And quite frankly I have no idea who that is? However, I did come across an interesting article in Time about his father and the movie Apocalypse Now (one of my top movies, I love that film.)Read this article and you’ll see some shocking developments that occurred during the filming.


Pensiero finale-While on the Charlie Sheen wavelength, a user’s comments tickled me:

“I'm pretty sure no one will need anything explained, Charlie. No one who watches the show is going to see a new actor and go, "Hey, what happened to Charlie Sheen?"

Have a great hump day folks!
M

DAY 2

Buon Giorno everyone. Are you ready to go? I am.

Uno-The Blackhawks and HOSSA HOSSA HOSSA!!!! Love them. In fact I am sporting my Hossa jersey today. What a game last night. Now we have to win against Boston and the Wings two more times. This is got Pepto Bismo written all over it. That’s OK. Welcome to hockey in springtime baby. It’s the best, especially when your team is in the mix.

Due-So as critical as I may be of President Obama, I think his speech last night hit a home run. The US shouldn’t be involved in every foreign policy mess there is, and Obama called upon nations in NATO to eat dinner while he served appetizers. We stayed away from Egypt. Although I believe Obama has missed on many domestic issues like healthcare, economy, and unemployment; I feel he has done a good job, so far on foreign policy. Start the process but let others do the dirty work, stay out of it for the most part.

Tre-Bears President Ted Phillips has said, “sure you want to see our books, we will open them.” This after the owner of the Denver Broncos has. Look quite honestly I don’t know what the hell is going on with this lockout. However…

RickyWilliams (twitter page) It’s turned into the billionaire-millionaire fight. I think you have missed the point. Mass media trumps common sense once again.

So what is it then Ricky?

Quattro-The Bulls lost yesterday AT HOME!!!!! The Celtics lost AGAIN to Indiana and my boy Psycho T. Chuga chuga chuga chuga CHOO CHOO!!!!

Cinque-Today in a super battle of women’s basketball, its Connecticut Huskies against the Duke Blue Devils. Everyone better watch or you might get bitchslapped by Geno Auriemma, especially if you’re an UConn fan.

Sei-Jackie Chan is dead! No he’s not. What a bunch of fiddle fucks on twitter.

Sette-Do you ever get back into bands you were really into and found out they produced a bunch of albums you don’t own? Go ahead and answer. Ministry is that band for me. I have about 4-5 albums I need to get my hands on to get caught up.

Pensiero finale-I leave you with a tweet from Chad Johnson or as you know him, Ochocinco…

Chad Ochocinco Ever tried? Ever failed? No fucking matter!!! Try Again!! Fail again!! Fail better!! <-- if this don't get u hyped you've no pulse #1luv

Talk to you all later,

M

I'M BACK!!!!

I have been slacking. I have to get back into this. Oh wait, here I am. Ready go!

Uno-The Cubs did something they should have done sooner and released Carlos Silva. Silva’s fragile ego has been exposed and he’s crying about how he should be a starter, and how he will get the Cubs back. The sad thing about this is the brand new pitching coach, who’s name escapes me at the moment gave jabroni the bad news, not manager Mike Quade. I’m sorry but when it comes to releasing a pitcher I believe the manager should be there as well as the pitching coach. As far as the fat fuck Silva goes, you’re going home making $11 million doing nothing. So take the money and shut the fuck up. You were overpaid and delusional all these years.

Due-The White Sox have decided to break camp with 11 pitchers as Ozzie was unable to make a decision between Brent Lillibridge and newcomer Lastings Milledge. I love the move. I believe Milledge had a kick ass spring and I really would like to see what he can do in the major league level. As far as Lilli goes, I really enjoyed his play last year and I am happy to see go. Teahen as far as I’m concerned is the odd man out and hopefully they can find a way to move him. Just wondering how the Peavy soap opera is going to play out. Put a leash on that bulldog guys. He wants to eat too much!!!!

Tre-I declared myself a Heat fan this year in case you haven’t been keeping score. However, I am quite impressed with the Bulls and the damage they have done in the Eastern Conference this year. Derrick Rose should be the MVP of the year as not only is he amazing, but he brings the rest of the team to a whole new level. I would like to see my guys do that in South Beach, but here’s to hoping.

Quatro-Speaking about South Beach, Mr. Ross said he wanted to see the team open up the field, but Mr Sparano says no! We’re a run team first. Nice to see a man stick to his guns, but I hope you have them ready to defend yourself. We need to see some kind of spark from this team this year; otherwise the only thing that gets opened up is Sparano.

Cinque-Chad Johnson is trying out for soccer. Is the labor situation that grim? Will we see B-Marsh try out for the Heat next year? I watched a report on ESPN about Ochocinco trying out for soccer, and how his football experience helps him to receive the ball and maneuver it swiftly. I hope the best for him. Sure the guy is a real ham and egger, but I think he has a good heart and wants to compete. I wish we could get in on the Phins.

Sei-So the Hawks blew it Saturday. I really want to see them make the playoffs and possibly make some magic moments there, but I feel like its slipping away.

Sette-And congratulations to Butler and Virginia Commonwealth for upsetting two of my final four picks. Butler won me my pool last year eliminating some of the dragons, and this year they won me money on spare bets. Butler I am rooting for you, although much love to VCU for wiping out a #1 seed in Kansas and making all those analysts shit in their drawers. However, I got to pull for the boys who made me some money.

Pensiero finale-I would like to say happy birthday to 2 of my 3 girls. To Avery, who just turned one, happy birthday little girl. You always make daddy smile when you yell his name when he comes home, and to the love of my life little Vicki Lee. You have helped me to be stronger and better, and I love you very much.

Talk to y’all tomorrow or something,

M

I Jumped on the Bandwagon and No Way in Hell I'm Leaving

When Lebron made his announcement, I was in utter disbelief the way he did it. He ripped the soul of out Cleveland and flushed it down the toilet. Given my relationship with the city of Cleveland (never had any good experiences there; nasty people), I thought it was fricking hilarious, but kind of douchey. However, Lebron and D-Wade have always been two players I really enjoyed watching. Since I have pledged allegiance to one team in south beach for many many years now, and considering I really have not cheered for any basketball team, I decided, eh what the hell? Why not the Heat? After all, I always picked Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson when I played NBA Jam back in the day (I know they were the Hornets but Zo is famous in Miami more so than Charlotte.) I have always been a big Riley fan. Was really happy for them when they won in 06, so sure, I’ll cheer for the Heat. There was the whole nWo angle and everything I wrote about earlier in the year when I first joined this site. So I jumped on the bandwagon.

I must say that the year so far has been a roller coaster. Living in Chicago, you can only imagine how much grief I have taken the last three games from Bulls fans. Plus I have 3 friends who like the Celtics as well. However, I will say this. I believe in this team. I believe that D-Wade will convince everyone he is the closer. I believe that Lebron will continue to dominate while he’s here. I believe Chris will find his role with this team, and the rest of the boys will pick it up. This team has too much talent to fail.

The last week has been tough, but last night was like getting out of the hospital after suffering a broken heart. I have pledged allegiance to the Heat for better and for worse. Through thick and thin. I really wished I lived out there with many of you so I can go to games and hang with you at the bars (this including many of the fine people I have met and conversed with at the Phinsider). I just want to say; sure I jumped on the bandwagon. But having said this, there are four teams that my loyalty is with. The White Sox and Hawks in Chicago and the Dolphins and the Heat in Miami. That is the way it is. My faith in the Hawks was rewarded last year, as well as the Sox in 05. The Heat will bring the title back home. Not sure if it will be this year, but it will happen. I hope that this past week was a wake up call to many of the role players on this team. You have two of the greatest superstars in the NBA playing with you and sharing the same goal. To win that championship (or the four, five, six that Lebron talked about). If you want it, you got to take it. You need to step up. Lebron and D-Wade can’t do it all themselves. I liked seeing Mike Miller hit some threes last night. I liked watching Mario Chalmers come into his own lately. Hell, seeing Z get some boards and play some D was fun too. It’s a great start and we will be in the playoffs. Let’s carry that action through March and April and become “hot” because the hottest team in the playoffs is the most difficult to beat.

And to the Bulls and Celtics, it’s a new season come the playoffs. This time, we will be ready.

Thanks for listening.

GO HEAT!!!!!!