Blue Frog Friday
Tavern Touring today: we broadcast from Blue Frog 22 (22 E. Hubbard) in Chicago, as Bud Light's "Who Needs Two?" brings you the chance to win tickets and start your weekend.
It could be a busy afternoon of trade speculation and action for the Sox and Cubs. Steve Stone joins us at 2:00 to give his thoughts and take your calls, as we keep you informed up to the minute -- even already this morning there has been news.
Latest reports have D-backs starter Edwin Jackson in the crosshairs of Ken Williams, but that could be only to flip him to the Nationals in a package for Adam Dunn. It appears that tonight's scheduled starter Daniel Hudson is going to be a part of any major deal, so we will pay close attention to lineup announcements and subsequent changes closer to gametime against the Athletics.
The Dodgers have interest in both Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot. Also, keep in mind that Dunn could end up being Derrek Lee's replacement at first for the Cubs, regardless of where he finishes out this year.
Ramon Castro belted two homers last night, improving his numbers to an eyebrow-raising .327/.403/.618. Contrast that with AJ Pierzynski's flaccid .237/.274(!)/.355(!) and you could forgive an overzealous Castro fan for clamoring for more. Amazingly, even in limited duty, Castro has been twice as valuable to the Sox as AJ this year: 1.0 WAR to 0.5.
Zach Zaidman will provide the latest from Bears Camp in Bourbonnais, as we await further glowing reports from their delusional head coach, as he insults the intelligence of anyone capable of critical thought.
The Tribune reports today on the scary economic state of the Blackhawks. The front-page story details the number of times the team ran out of cash last season, needing "internal capital calls" to transfer funds from other Wirtz-owned businesses just to make payroll. The key statement in the piece is this: "...professional hockey has a tougher financial road because the sport lacks broad appeal and therefore doesn't command lucrative television contracts" in comparison to the NFL, MLB and NBA.
