Earth Shattering Cubs News!

As if the Cubs have enough problems on the field, it appears they are trying to re-brand the Cubs culture off the field, and it may (or may not) work. With the remodeling of Wrigley fiasco still rearing its ugly head, the Cubs are trying to not scare off their fan base entirely.

Enter January 13, 2014....the day the Cubs made the biggest splash in years. Cubs officials unveiled a new mascot, named Clark (pictured below).

 Clark appears to be very lovable and fan friendly...and that seems to fit the culture of the ballclub. The team is dubbed the "Lovable Losers"...Clark personifies this to a tee. He is kind of cute, but he doesn't look like he could hit or field very well. He's a little too laid back. Some people would argue that you could say the same thing about Starlin Castro, but he's a more expensive option than Clark.

It's bad enough enduring 106+ years of tortuous baseball on the North Side, but introducing a mascot now? Really??? That's the big off-season splash? How about a much needed bolstering of the Bullpen, or a moderately good left-handed hitter not named Rizzo (who needs to turn it around)?

At this rate, forget about fielding a team that is talented enough to get to the World Series, or keeping broadcasts on WGN TV (not everyone has cable, or have access to CSN or the new Cubs Network that is taking shape). Never fear, though! The Cubs have a mascot! That's all that matters!

But don't worry, at least Clark will be there consoling young fans after each Cubs loss (he'll have a lot of opportunity), and will do some pretty cool things in the community. If the Ricketts family want to continue to promote a family friendly environment, it's a decent start. Any true fan wants talent on the field to overshadow what is happening in the stands, not the other way around. .

Wild (Card) Weekend

It's been an interesting weekend, to say the least! 

The NFL Wild Card Games lived up to its name: 

-The largest margin of victory was 17 points (Chargers over Bengals)

-Colts erase  21-point halftime deficit to stun KC by 1

-Last-Second Field Goals by New Orleans (Shayne Graham) and San Francisco (Phil Dawson) to advance. 


Next week's games:  My picks are underlined

San Diego @ Denver (Peyton doesn't have "good" games outdoors and in the cold, but it's not going to matter much here.)

Indianapolis @ New England (Will the "Luck" continue for Indy? That's the only way I see them pulling off the upset. Tom Brady in the Playoffs is always a tough draw, no matter who he's throwing to.)

New Orleans @ Seattle (I think Seattle will win, but I hate Pete Carroll, can't root for 'em)

San Francisco @ Carolina (Coin-toss game, edge given to SF on defense and playoff experience) 


Side note: Congrats to Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp on his 4th career hat-trick (2nd in roughly a week). He should be one of the top skaters, along with Jonathan Toews on Team Canada at the Sochi Olympic Games in a little over a month. 

Stay warm and safe! Until next time...