Mid Morning Round Up

I've been noticing that I get a fair amount of non-unique hits throughout the day, or in other words, the same people seem to be checking in for new content. Now, most of the time, my stuff tends to be limited to a loose collection of comments and thoughts built around game recaps, which means that there usually isn't going to be any new stuff until after the game (or during, if the urge to live-blog grabs me). There are a couple of things to talk about today, though, so I figure I'll do some bonus material. I don't know if this will become a regular feature. Rob McMillin already has his "Pickoff Moves", so I don't want to step on any toes. Also, I lack creativity, so I'm not sure I could come up with a cool name for a regular feature. Anyway....

Cabrera's hurt: I was going to take the opportunity to rip Cabrera last night, prompted by the solid play of Maicer Izturis, who was ripping up the PCL in his rehab stint. I mean, honestly, could any of us say right now that Cabrera is THAT much better than Izturis? But if he's hurt, I'll refrain. I say DL him. Can't take the chance of being down to 23 men while Donnelly (possibly) serves his suspension. Call up Bootcheck, and shorten the bench by one player. I mean seriously, it's the freaking American League. We can do without a bench player for two weeks.

Nice article on Ryan Tucker: For those that don't know, Ryan Tucker was the 34th overall pick, selected in the supplemental round by the Florida Marlins. Ryan Tucker is also a (soon to be) graduate of Temple City High School. Us T.C. grads don't get too many baseball players going high in the draft. I think Warren Busick, whom none of you have ever heard of (his brother Steve played linebacker at U$C and for the Broncos), was the last good one we had, and I think he ran into arm problems before he had a chance to get to the majors. I also don't think he went as high as Tucker. Our greatest active athletes are Rocky Biddle, and U$C running back/special teams player Desmond Reed. Good luck, Ryan, and make the Rams proud. I'm so generous, I'm not even going to hold the fact that you played for Temple City American against you.

Brian Carlwell commits to the Illini: Good news for Illinois fans. First Dee takes his name out of the draft, then Bruce lands his second quality big man for 2006, to go along with Richard Semrau. This is the bump that we're supposed to get out the tremendous season that the Illini just had. Let's hope this puts to rest some of the "He can only win with Self's players, and he can't recruit" B.S. that the naysayers have flung at coach Weber. As for Dee, I think circumstances have led him to make what was the right decision all along, although I feel bad for the way it happened. It's his dream to play in the NBA, and he's seeing his best friend get a ton of pub as the draft approaches, and I think most people knew that going pro now was the wrong move. It's a shame it had to happen the way it did, but I think he'll be better off. And I KNOW the Illini will be better off.