So he says. He also has a goal of 50 saves this year. Both were said with a straight face apparently. Lets hope his optimism translates into the Cubs winning alot of games.

http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/174627.php

He's already been Captain America and a Hooters girl, so I almost find it natural he wants to be a Ninja as well.

From John Dewan over at Baseball Info Solutions, he does a stat of the week segment on WSCR with Mike Murphy. This week he broke down 12 categories for which the winner has won 14 of the last 16 Super Bowls. Since John himself is a Bears fan he decided to do it for the playoffs this year.

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Out of all the "Power Bats" available right now, the one I find most exciting is Vernon Wells.
He's young, 26, he's talented (31 HR 106 RBI's, OBP .357 OPS .899), great range, great arm, great speed, although he doesn't try to steal much (17 SB in 2006).

With the impending loss of Juan Pierre, is there any reason that the Cubs shouldn't make a move for Wells?
There are several reasons there hasn't been much talk:

1. We don't have much to trade.
   
2. Felix Pie.
   
3. No assurances of signing him to a longer term deal.

According to this blurb of a 3 page article on SI.com Jon Heyman writes :

"As it turns out, Bruce Bochy was the Cubs' fallback choice had Lou Piniella turned them down. Apparently, GM Jim Hendry determined he wanted significant experience, which ,considering the trend toward cost saving, is refreshing."

Wow! Looks as if we were all duped into thinking that Poor Ol' Joe had a chance at all.

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It seems ESPN has posted a poll on the top 10 "ToughGuys" in the NFL. Urlacher is on the list but one gaping omission to me is the absence of Olin Kreutz. This guy has always been mentioned as one of the meanest SOB's on the field. If there was a write in I would definitely include him.
The list of 10 from which you can vote:

1.  Steve Hutchinson, OG, Vikings
   
2.  Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens
   
3.  Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles
   
4.  Steve McNair, QB, Ravens
   
5.  Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers
   
6.  Will Shields, OG, Chiefs
   
7.  Sean Taylor, S, Redskins
   
8.  Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears
   
9.  Hines Ward, WR, Steelers
   
10.  Al Wilson, LB, Broncos

OK, so this is my first diary. I usually just contribute by posting in the comments but I thought I had to post a link to this crazy article by Paul Ladewski, from the Daily Southtown.
http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/columns/ladewski/x18-lad1.htm
Now, I know this issue as been covered ad nauseum in various comments and diary posts, I just thought that the toxic tone of this article was interesting.  Personally, I don't think it matters where we play, and if we are going to win a World Series I can't think of any other place I want the Cubs to win one.