SB Nation User Blog: chilango2

Semi-OT: Jay Mariotti headed to the Chicago Tribune

chilango2 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:27:53 -0000

Semi-OT: Jay Mariotti headed to the Chicago Tribune

This was reported on Deadspin.com, but I have it on good personal sources as well, that he'll begin his tenure there in the next few weeks.

Boy oh boy, am I glad I cancelled my subscription to that ghastly publication this week.

Now, that's a talent. Maybe he can be brought to Chicago to help the Fukuchopper and the...

chilango2 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:40:58 -0000

Now, that's a talent. Maybe he can be brought to Chicago to help the Fukuchopper and the other guys.

Deadspin.com--Why your stadium sucks: Wrigley Field

chilango2 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:12:42 -0000

Deadspin.com--Why your stadium sucks: Wrigley Field

Don't shoot the messenger. I couldn't disagree more with this article. Wrigley is my vision of heaven.

CONCACAF Qualifying

chilango2 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:16:38 -0000

I reckon it could be interesting to discuss CONCACAF qualifying this weekend. Matchups are: Mexico-El Salvador (@San Salvador), U.S.A.-Honduras (@Chicago), and Costa Rica-Trinidad & Tobago (@Port of Spain).

After a wonderful show of ball control and sharp passing Wednesday in San Jose de Costa Rica, the "Ticos" look to demolish T&T and cement their group lead. They shouldn't have a hard time doing so. They just need to watch for clumsy play and dirty challenges from the mostly-amateur Trinitarians. My prediction: Costa Rica 2-0 T&T.

The Americans look to rebound from their worst game in recent memory, and they should be able to do so playing at Soldier Field against 35th-ranked Honduras, despite the latter's strong group showing. Historically, Central American teams shrink exponentially when playing as visitors. Donovan and company shouldn't have too much trouble keeping pace with the group lead. My prediction: U.S. 4-0 Honduras.

Mexico will play their first post-Ericksson game, and do so at the very difficult Cuscatlán Stadium in San Salvador. Javier Aguirre took over the team after the embarrassing defeat against Honduras in March, and hasn't managed since being ousted from Atlético de Madrid's bench in December. He recalled Cuauhtémoc Blanco--who retired in disgust last year, after public confrontations with ex-coach Ericksson--and has his player's full support--at least that's what's being reported. Salvadorans are looking to rattle Mexico's confidence by asking their fans to wear surgical masks, as a racially-charged dig after the recent Swine flu scare which originated in Mexico.

In recent years, Mexico has had a hard time winning qualifying matches in Central America (and elsewhere). But they need to keep up with group leaders Costa Rica, U.S. and Honduras. They are looking for a win and to reclaim their historical "CONCACAF's Giant" place. But their lack of playing time and understanding Aguirre's philosophy may prove too much. A draw will be a great result for the "Little Green Mice." El Salvador needs the win in order to keep up pace and hope for, at least, a berth for the elimination matches against CONMEBOL's 5th place in December. My prediction: Mexico 1-1 El Salvador.

Please feel free to comment, correct and berate.

[Full disclosure: I'm Mexican and, thusly, know more about that team than any other in the area. The term "Little Green Mice" has been used for years in Mexico to describe a national team that will forever remain small.]

Please substitute "woman" and "baby" for "Cubs" or "baseball in general." That's how I feel.

chilango2 — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:18:36 -0000

Please substitute "woman" and "baby" for "Cubs" or "baseball in general." That's how I feel.

OT: Isn't he married?

chilango2 — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:56:13 -0000

OT: Isn't he married?

If he's not, good for Jimmy Baseball. If he is, I'll let the women here unload.

Steve Stone on Crain's Chicago Business Re: New ownership, Wrigley renovations

chilango2 — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:22:56 -0000

Steve Stone on Crain's Chicago Business Re: New ownership, Wrigley renovations

Worth a read, especially regarding ticket prices.

Updates on Spellcheck, Bradley and Jake Fox

chilango2 — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:34:27 -0000

Updates on Spellcheck, Bradley and Jake Fox

I did a quick search and this hasn't been posted yet. Nothing earth-shattering, as usual when it comes from Sullivan's pen.

MESA, Ariz- Chicago broadcaster Judd Sirott was named as host of the Cubs pre-game show and will...

chilango2 — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:54:22 -0000

MESA, Ariz- Chicago broadcaster Judd Sirott was named as host of the Cubs pre-game show and will assist Pat Hughes and Ron Santo in the radio booth. Sirott has been host of Blackhawks pregame, mostgame and intermission reports fir WGN radio, and was the voice of the Chicago Wolves from 1994-2006.

Much to everyone's chagrin...

Chicago Tribune

Slightly OT: 50 worst sportscasters, per Yahoo Sports

chilango2 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:45:04 -0000

Slightly OT: 50 worst sportscasters, per Yahoo Sports

This has been discussed ad nauseam, but it's nice to see it all in a list form. Hawk is #40 and Chip is #42. Oddly enough, Joe Morgan is only #3.