Punch and Judy Garland

I'm kind of disoriented by this semantics discussion so I'll throw my 2 cents out there. Wisconsin had a very good opportunity to win the game last night. They did not. An undefeated team came back in the later moments of the game because that's what great/#1 teams do. That is why it wasn't a choke. Had Wisconsin dropped that lead to Penn State for a streak snapper-then maybe. Also, even though they didn't play well at all towards the finish, it's not like they were travelling, double-dribbling, or calling timeouts they don't have. That would be more indicative of a choke. I'm not ready to call this an undefeated season for Illinois and I think DIckie was putting the hex on the Illini by guaranteeing no losses at home. They probably won't lose, but Wisconsin and Indiana are real teams and should be able to at least keep the game close. Does anyone else find this season too weird? Its not even the fun type like the 2000 Sox when were up 10 and a half. Ths feels like a Madden Franchise where you expect to win and the only emotion comes from almost losing. Maybe this is what Duke fans go through yearly

he's a dope but he's one of the longest running radio sports guys in chicago (sunday nights on wls before there was a score). I agree with a lot of what he says but I think people are drinking the Reds kool-aid too much and the FLubs should still be pretty good this year. There rotation should be very good and their line-up will benefit from having a Nomar that I think will be outstanding this year. I think they win 90 games and finish just ahead of Houston and right behind St. Louis. PLus you know Hendry will make a good move at the deadline

the talk radio-talking heads effect of extreme exaggeration has led to nearly every loss being determined a choke. It's like hearing someone got "beaned in the foot". It's out of control

That Iowa game is looking tough. This one ain;t over yet though!

If you don't like it -change the rule. If we aren't going to change the rule-then Japanese players should be able to win.

I didn't think Carson Palmer would be any good (or BEn or Rivers) so what do I know? I'm a Bronco guy and would love to get Pollack, I saw in the Pasq-chat today he made an off-the-cuff remark about the Bears trading down. Nothing like trading down twice in three years form the 4 spot.

WOW. Now we might get to see mroe cohesion on offense now that we aren't down 8. Should be a great finish

WHo is their rotation? Beckett-Burnett-Lieter-Willis and who? I think they dumped Oliver midseason. Is it still Ismael Valdes? He;ll probably pitch decent at home but I guess we know where Larry Beinfest will be looking in JUly. BTW

I thought the first ten minutes of the game, the refs were favoring ILLinois a bit. I don't want to hear ref excuses, that's crybaby crap. We still might come back and win this if we start playing with less urgency and more composure

anyone else thinking this is getting away from illinois? How about an offensive rebound once in awhile?

I'll take the pitching and bullpen and the d we have now. I wouldn't dream of taking this offense over the 00, 03, or even the 04 when healthy offense.

Row can't/refuses to handle the 2-hole the proper way. Yeah that D-Rays team is really fast, and hte list didn't even include Upton is a quick guy too. Lastly, I know we can run the bases now but I can't pick a team to be the fastest that has Konerko and Crede in it. We are much quicker though.

well we aren't paying him Kazuo's salary so that's a non-issue. I'm telling you, and I'll gladly admit it if I am wrong, but Kazuo is going to be an impact player for the Mets this year. I'm happy to have Gooch on board.

I think the perception of Kazuo's season is unfair. His numbers were not bad at all. Even if you want to talk D, it's hard to compare 2nd and ss. IF you take a look at Matsui's numbers, we should be happy to take those.

I bet the Cardinals would have some interest in WIllie. They put up with Marlon Anderson and he is even worse. Tony loves guys who can play outfield and infield in the NL game. Could be a fit there. Maybe we could pick up a middle reliever for him.

The fastball seems to be So Taguchi's issue too. However, if you look beyond the numbers-So's fundamentals are a real asset to La Russa's club. I hope to see the same from Gooch. I am hoping for Kazuo-like numbers next year hopefully.

How about Monday Night John?

I actually believe they were contracted from the union. My memory is beer-induced fuzzy though

you're not calling me an asswipe are you?

I don't like Bill, Gail, or Damon Andrews. Too many bad puns all the way around. Blow it up and start over, imo

Care to add anything athomeboy? I'd love to hear about your experience. I am a radio-tv guy looking for an internship and would appreciate the story. thanks

maybe he's "waiting for all of the evidence to come in" on the Latroy Hawkins experiment.

I tuned them out when they mocked the anniversary of the passing of Daryl Kile. That was the last I needed to hear of them. I really like the late night Me and Z show. They were pretty arrogant too, but they pulled it off. In fact, they were at their best not talking sports and just talking about Z and the ladies. Funny stuff.

I would say wait and see on comparisons between Nelson and the combo of Cliff/Herm. I am a bit optimistic about Dustin, but wouldn't be surprised to see him scuffle as a reliever over a whole season this time. Cliff seems like a nice guy with a good fastball, but I think he's also a bit afraid of tough spots. We knoe from watching all of tose pennant races and in October that Jeff is not afraid of anything. I'm not saying he's necessarily a better option, but it's no slam dunk.

He's always been tough on righties. However, I wouldn't read too much into the minor league deal part because there is no way he spends one day in AAA. If he doesn't make the team he won't be with the Met organization. I was really in favor of bringing him in beofre as our chief right-handed set-up man, but given how we added Vizcaino and Herm, maybe next year.