Mark_R

I beat CubsFanBeardSauce

Worst. Method. Ever. Even when I get in, it says the server is too busy and then it kicks me out. Congrats to those who got tickets.

I've had my one window open for the entire time. Not really paying much attention to it anymore. Congrats to those for getting Cubs/Sawks tickets! Make a little (???) buck if you can and still go. I'll still hit my usual 15-20 this year, most by myself which is alright with moi. Vance, i"ll be glad to take a ticket off of you (to actually go myself, NOT to sell).

This is such a waste of time every year... I end up going to a ton of Cub games, with good seats. Obviously I won't get to go to Cubs/SAWKS (unless I pawn a ticket off someone here or through a broker (this scenario is not going to happen) ) but I'll still go to a ton of games, and I don't have to waste an entire morning getting shut out. The only way I'd do it is in person, get a wristband and hope for the best.. Btw, I have one window open.

I'm looking forward to the playoffs so I can actually see this team play! No WGN or Comcast Sports here. Do they play on national tv ever? I haven't heard of anything of them being on National TV unless they become SO good that ESPN alters scheduling to get them on TV. Also, got two tickets to the Bulls/Pistons game in mid April. \:D/

I was listening to Bulls Post with Carmen DeFalco on the way home this evening, and he said that if the Buls win this Saturday vs. the Celtics that we'd be 13-2, which (from a Winning percentage standpoint), would be the third best month EVER from a Bulls team. Dynasty years, the Sloan days, everything. I <3 the Bulls. Gonna get me spending my money there!

Just got back from the convention about 2 hours ago, here's my itinerary from the day, along with numerous observations. Arrived at the Dusty and Jim session at around 8:30 this morning and toured around looking for Serena since I knew that Jon wouldn't be there until 9 due to some transportation issue. I couldn't spot them so I pulled up a seat on the far right aisle. As I took my seat, I noted all the press around me, The Score's George Ofman, Daily Herald's Bruce Miles, and many others prepping their tape recordings. As the session started, I recall them laying down ground rules about not asking them questions they've heard hundreds of thousands of times or something along those lines which I felt was necessary. The questions were pretty decent (See Jon's summary for more) but Dusty's usual spin job and Hendry's lack of coming forth with the honest truth (not that I ever expected him to tip his hand) on some potential issues was a tad annoying (even if I understand the reasoning behind it). I was glad that Jim was asked a question about Haggerty and Sisco and honestly, his answer gave me more hope than anything that I had read here about us getting them back. I was aware of the struggles and injuries they'd suffered respectably, but wasn't positive of the actual extent of them. I got up and asked my question which I noted before. Dusty still scares me badly with regards to his pitching staff's overwork despite his general manager saying they wouldn't sacrifice a player's season/career for the sake of a season. I wish Jim had addressed that point in response to Dusty's response. But I digress. Thereafter I saw Burnt out Cubbie Fan who recognized Jon and his NSBB shirt. Good to see an NSBB'er there. Then went up to the Coaches meeting where I met up with Jon, Mark Peel, and his friend Rich. Discussed Cubs issues for awhile with all, and it was interesting (yet after the fact, not shocking) to see MLP have his Baseball America Prospect book on hand ;) Coaches meeting was a little disjointed as hitting questions were more geared towards Sarge Mathews than Gene Clines which was pretty unsettling as it didn't seem like the crowd was aware we had a new hitting coach up there. No love for Porky. MLP asked Dusty about the change in Sosa's stance and distance from the plate, and not shockingly, I was dissatisfied with Dusty's answer. He used one of his ridiculous analogies "well, you don't walk the same way you did five years ago." The issue for me more on what was planned to rectify Sosa's problems at the plate and as MLP pointed out on the crouch that Sammy used to have that made him see that balls were BALLS and that things in the zone were actually there. The upright stance seemd to cause a lot of problems and I didn't hear an actual suggestion from Dusty how the problem would be resolved instead of his usual bag of excuses. Good thing that Dusty is funny most of the time. I found myself laughing with and at him a lot. Thereafter, I went to the dreadfully titled "Baseball Renaissance" session. I honestly expected this to be a tremendous bore, but it was incredibly fascinating and Andy MacPhail did a wonderful job answering questions. Had a good reaction to MLP's question that hopefully he'll get a chance to explain. Got my question in about how the revenue from the concerts and the ads behind home plate will factor into the budget of the team. Mac proclaimed that the first question he put down on his pad in terms of anticipation of being asked (that's probably poorly worded) so that was flattering. Apparently, 30 cents per dollar will go into the team's budget which is an acceptable amount to add a final piece at the deadline every season if true. After doing a lot of laughing at those bidding insane amounts on a game used Z jersey, eating, and buying some last minute photos, headed to the "Kids" whatever they called it. Lots of typical kids questions. Kids seemed to love it which is awesome. Carlos making it there in time was a pleasant surprise. Then went up to meet MLP and Rich at the "History of the Convention" session with McDonough and Jay Blunk. Very interesting how they began and some really funny tales about how they sold Harry on the original concept of the Convention. I really liked how they were taking suggestions on what to do to improve the Convention. And while they shrugged off a few suggestions such as extending Sunday's sessions to later (a facet I agree with McDonough on, I'm exhausted after these days) they actually seemed genuinely interested in most of the suggestions. All in all, it was a great time today and met some awesome people from the site over the weekend. Mark and Rich, thank you for allowing me to enjoy the sessions with you gentlemen, great to meet both of you and learn a lot in the short time I was with both of you.

Exactly, Dusty cited his history of only two guys going down with injuries, but I feel that's more of a luck factor than anything. When he's continuously overworking guys, and when its a 10-1 game and our studs are still pitching, he should be slapped in the face, one of them is bound for injury. Also with Mark's and Kerry's injuries last season, no one really knows how much is attributed to Dusty's overwork early in the season in Kerry's situation and down the stretch in 2003. I'll give a more (well, less than Jon's) in depth rundown sometime this evening.

Jon, this one was in response to my question about how Hendry said he wouldn't sacrifice a game in May for the rest of the season/career with these guys, and then I brought up the issue of unnecessarily high pitch counts with correlation in pitching: I'll edit as I find my responses. Tremendously detailed notes Jon. Like I'd seen all day, just not scribble that I couldn't read. Burnt out, good to see you there, even if it was for a good minute or so.

I arrived at the Hilton at around 3:30, and like Burnt, was lost amidst the maze. I walked around to get a feel for the place and still felt confused. Gave Jon a buzz and he set my towards the registration area in which I got all the necessary pieces of info, but I lost my autograph scratch thing. :evil: I then went into the Cubs Locker Room shop in which when I got in there, they were bidding on a game used Sammy Sosa jersey, and it was at 800. Feeling the prices were too steep, I left in a hurry and went to the basement in the SW wing into the area where they have all the reasonably priced items for regular joes like I. Didn't buy anything, did a lot of the feel out process on what I *want* to buy. I've set up a time tomorrow right after the session with Hendry and Baker where I'll buy a few things. I then realized that opening ceremonies were a mere hour away and then went up to the Grand Ballroom. I phoned Jon and proceeded to go to the tiny claustrophobia area in which he inhabitted as almost the entire room was filled up. Spent a good time talking to Jon and he duly noted about the lack of punctuality on the Cubs part, which apparently is a regular thing. Enjoyed the intros for the most part, only a few things disappointed me. The crowd seemed rather subdued for a lot of it, only getting really excited for (in regards to the past players) Jody Davis (why?), Andre Dawson, Billy Williams, and of course, Ron Santo. But even Santo's reaction disappointed me as I was anticipating some sort of HOF chant to break out, but alas it wasn't meant to be. Current player reactions were strong and I'm glad that people actually seemed to recognize Jason Dubois. The videos, I was eagerly anticipating them, but felt like they dragged on *a lot*. Not to say that they weren't good, but there was a lot of repitition and some poor music choice (which is a minor quibble, but some of the songs didn't seem to fit the package they were highlighting). I love the Todd Walker Superman slide into home plate as much as anyone, but it doesn't have the same effect when I'm: A: seeing it three times B: it doesn't have the original commentary which incites a lot more desire and passion within me. After a brief meeting with Jon's brother and NSBB's Garwilly, we then went down to the Grand Ballroom and met up with Serena. She had awesomely saved us a few seats and we all had a chance to chat baseball before the show began. Serena had her NSBB Ringer on which was a really nice touch and hopefully some at the convention saw the shirt and happen to come to the site because of it. Good work advertising Serena. Sports Central was interesting with a ton of hilarious moments. Kerry clearly seemed to have animosity towards Sosa while being subtle about it. Dusty Baker talked in circles and ridiculous metaphors like usual. Ron Santo's flaming toupee story had the crowd in absolute stitches and Dempster and Walker were crazily charismatic. Major thumbs down to the parents who were bringing their kids to the front row (in front of the front row anyway) looking for autographs while other people are trying to pay attention to what is going on. Bother the players when you're bothering them, I don't want to have to hear security every five minutes telling kids to get away from the railings and such. I'm not much of an autograph seeker so that will probably be a skip for tomorrow. NSBB'ers, I need some ideas on what sessions to go after 2:00. Any veterans of the convention that can help me are greatly appreciated as to which exhibits are worth the time. Thanks y'alll.

Despite the good attendance with our crappy teams in the past few seasons, I have a feeling that the UC will become THE place to be in the not too distant future if this success continues. They've got me coming back begging for more awesome Bulls hoops. They scored 100 the other night and everyone was going bonkers for Big Mac's Except me

Evening y'all. Had an awesome time at the game tonight. Went with UMF as he pointed out earlier. We had some decent seats for the price and the Bulls... just wow. I haven't seen a performance like this since the Jordan era. This team is actually molding me into believing its a playoff team. And now there's no excuses for not making it. Those that know my feelings on Eddy Curry know I'm not his biggest fan. But tonight, he simply dominated in that first half and the Sixers had no match for him on the interior. This eventually led to Gordon's monster fourth quarter since it was basically a "pick your poison" scenario. Either you get murdered by Curry or see if Gordon can keep the hot hand. What an awesome time I had seeing the Bulls. I'm definitely gonna be heading on back to the UC a few more times before the year is over!

I'd like to point out that tickets for 10 bucks are far superior to those that cost 26........

I'm one of the biggest Curry detractors out there, and when I was at the UC on Monday night from my last row seat, I could see how much this team really needed Eddy Curry if merely for inside presence alone. Othella Harrington shooting 10 times isn't a recipe for winning #-o

I'm in, but seeing as BHogg is the Game Thread Pimp, I think he should get to do Opening Day.

How is this being scored exactly?? :-k:

Looks like Tim got my money at the right time!!! :D

Now Curry has to get his ass in gear and do it for 82 games. He wants to play like a top flight center, he better play like it for a whole season.

I really wanted Iggy as well. I was terribly upset at the Gordon pick. Outside of Allen Iverson, how many undersized two guards are real successes on winning teams? I can't really think of any. And I think we should all be applauding John Paxson. While other teams were throwing around ridiculous amounts of money in the offseason, Pax had the opportunity to lock up the twin toddlers to extensions while other guys from the 01 draft were getting big paydays (Kirelenko, Randolph, and Jason Richardson, what the hell is GS thinking giving Richardson that 70 million?). And with the NBA renogotiating the CBA, the max value may be diminished as well as the mid level exception, and Pax can possibly sign them to lower, more cap friendly deals next summer if they can prove themselves worthy this year. Question: is the trade we made with Phoenix for the 7 pick involve our first rounder next year, or is lottery protected for a couple of years?

Or we can give AuggieDoggie ideas on what he should send to Mike Murphy via email! btw, Auggie, love hearing Murph read your emails on the air. Next time, give Tim a little bitta love! :D

My paycheck can't come soon enough!!! :) :D

Welcome back to Earth. I said (and please Raw feel free to correct me :wink: ) No more than .285/.330; 20 to 25 HRs; and less than .250 RISP. I did miss the record though. I thought the Cubs would go 78-94 this year and keep the streak alive at 33. I did predict 3rd place accurately however, behind the Astros and Cards. Obviously you're around 2/3 since your math is a little off ;)