Full Court Press

I've always wanted to write that, ever since I saw "Continental Divide" and John Belushi's character - I think based on Mike Royko - returned to Chicago after seeking solitude out west.

Of course, I wouldn't start off a story in the paper with something that trite - and untrue, but the blog seemed appropriate.

Glad to be back? Two weeks of 80-degree weather turned into a cold slap in the face. Oh well, as I told the cabbie who exposed me to more Christian rock than I had ever heard before as he drove me from Clark/Lake to Sandburg Village, it's home.

Actually, it started to feel like home last week when I was perusing the San Diego Union Tribune (which should be receiving my resume today) and saw a small headline: Guillen apologizes for SI remark. Hilarious.

One of the things I loved about the story, other than Ozzie's candor, is that his reaction was not to blame the writer for taking him out of context. I can't tell you how often athletes do that after their words were printed verbatim. Sometimes they get surprised when their words generate a fuss, so they take the easy way out and blame the messenger. Not Ozzie. Good for him.

For the love of God, the guy is a baseball manager. He can say what he wants. He's not the President or someone in a position where his views influence significant events. He's a manager.

I see Dusty Baker is going to be careful with what he says. Here's the deal, a manager can say whatever he wants if his team wins. Winning makes managers look smart, therefore their philosophies appear valid. It's ridiculous, but true.

Interesting seeing the perception of Chicago sports from out west. Despite the trophy, the Sox still are considered an afterthought. Then again, WGN is part of the basic cable package in San Diego. Not that I watched much, other than to laugh at Tom Skilling's forecasts while I was wearing shorts and sandals while wondering where I would be golfing the next day.

Great to be back.