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. 

 

Two Windy City Stars named to All-Star Team

Mark Buehrle and Ted Lilly were the sole Chicagoians named to the 2009 All-Star Team. The left-handed pitchers were the only players from either Chicago team named to the All-Star roster.

The Cub's Lilly is ranked sixth in the NL for over all wins (8), and for walks plus hits per innings (WHIP) pitched (1.14). He also ranks eighth for strike outs (97), and ninth in innings pitched, with 111 games. This is Lilly's second appearance in the All-Star game. 

The complete list of National League All-Stars can be seen here. 

Mark Buehrle is appearing for his fourth time to the All-Star game. He is ranked sixth in the AL for overall wins, also with 8 for the season. He is ranked second in winning percent (.800) and fourth in WHIP with 1.12. 

Complete list of American League All-Stars can be found here.

The 80th All-Star game will take place at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on July 14th.

Cubs Face Brewers, Cardinals before All-Star Break

The summer is half over, and you know what that means? It's time for the Cubs to turn the season around. With the top three spots in NL Central playing musical chairs, the Cubs still have a shot to beat out it's two rival teams for first place.

Although the All-Star break is still days away, the Cubs will not be able to rest until then. This Fourth of July weekend they face the Brewers, and right before the break they have a four game home series against current leaders, the Cardinals.

While today's current game against the Brewers looks pretty dismal (Brewers lead 7-2, Cubs have left 5 stranded on base. It's only the top of the 4th), the Cubs have won the last two games. Derrick Lee hit 2 home runs for a total of 7 RBI's, and several other Cubs have followed suit with big homers. Jake Fox also had an impressive RBI last night, walking with full bases to put Ryan Theriot in to win the game.

This does not sound like the Chicago Cubs we have seen this season, so maybe it actually is time to turn it around.

Blackhawks Free-Agent Signings

Former Red Wing and arch-rival to the Blackhawks Marian Hossa agrees to a 12-year deal.

Dave Bolland resigned to a five-year deal.

Still awaiting the fate of Martin Havlat. Because of Hossa's signing, it is unlikely that Havlat will return to the Hawks.

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith await possible contract extensions, as all of their contracts expire after the 2009-2010 season.

Kris Versteeg, Troy Brouwer, and Cam Barker remain restricted free agents.


UPDATE: Khabibulin signs with Edmonton Oilers. The Hawks also signed Hossa's former teammate with the Red Wings, Tomas Kopecky.