Blackhawk and Bulls team anthems

Ray Clay's famous Chicago Bulls introduction, during the 1997 season,

Click here to view the Chicago Blackhawks Game Night iMix in iTunes.

Campbell Returns to Wrigley

Brian Campbell payed a visit to Wrigley Field today, returning to throw out the first pitch and sing the seventh inning stretch seven months after he played on the very same field.

The Blackhawks' veteran defender also stopped by WGN's press box to talk with Len and Bob, saying that 2009-2010 was "The Cup Year". 

Let's hope he's right.

Rumors Circulate about Pargo's Return to the Bulls

ESPN reports that Chicago native Jannero Pargo has signed a one year deal with the Bulls. Pargo played with the Bulls from 2003 to 2006, then played with New Orleans Hornets for a season, and played overseas last season. His new deal with the Bulls is reportedly worth $2 million.

UPDATE: Bulls twitter / blog confirms future signing.

Blackhawks and Versteeg Agree to 3-year Deal

To quote the Blackhawks Twitter feed, "Welcome back, Ver-Stud".

Left wing Kris Versteeg will return to the Blackhawks for three more years. During his rookie season, Versteeg ranked first with 31 assists, second with 53 points, and fourth with 22 goals amoung NHL rookies. Amoung Blackhawk players, he finished fourth in points and fifth in goals.

Versteeg also had an impressive Stanley Cup Playoff run, including two points and one assist.

The 23 year old joins a very young team, aside from new addition Marian Houssa.

Sox acquire Reliever from Diamondbacks

The Chicago White Sox traded minor league infielder Brandon Allen for right-handed reliever Tony Pena. 

Pena began the season as the Diamondback's best setup man and  finished the season 5-3 with a 4.24 ERA in 37 games. He was starting to struggle at the end of his time with the D-Backs, however he holds the franchise record for his 63 holds. 

Allen has spent time at both Triple-A Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham. He was the White Sox's fifth round pick in 2004. 

Ramirez in, Dempster out

While yesterday saw Aramis Ramirez's return from the disabled list, today saw pitcher Ryan Dempster go on the list for 3 to 4 weeks for a broken big toe. 

Dempster injured himself as he was jumping over the railing at Wrigley Field Sunday night after a victory over the Brewers. He was scheduled to pitch tonight's game against the Braves, however Carlos Zambrano filled in. 

Ramirez was out for about two months due to a dislocated left shoulder. To make room for Ramirez's return, the Cubs sent Kevin Hart and Sam Fuld back to Triple-A Iowa. However, Hart was recalled to fill in as a starter while Dempster is out. 

Center fielder Reed Johnson and closer Angel Guzman were also activated off of the DL. 

Chicago TV Networks Should Show More Pride

When you are sitting in the bleachers at Wrigley Field, there is a certain code of rules. While the rules may not always be clear to everyone, there is one that every Chicago Cubs fan knows.

When the opposing team hits a home run, you throw the ball back on the field.

No argument, no excuses. You play by the rules. So why is it that this tradition isn't shown on TV? It's about as common as people singing "root, root root for the CUBBIES" and the W flag waving at the end of the game (if the Cubs actually won).

While I would understand if it was the opposing team network that didn't show this, WGN and Comcast never display this action. I don't necessarily think this is disrespectful to the batter,  but more of a loyalty to the Cubs. It is clear that both networks are rooting for the Cubs, have announcers that favor the Cubs, and interview Cubs players and coaches. I don't think displaying this action shows any more bias than the networks already display.

As much as I like to watch the opposing team run the bases, I would rather experience Wrigley Field from home and watch as the proud Chicago fan chucks the ball back on the field as the bleachers cheer.