Sports Spots
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 9, 2004 6:33PM
There's a lot going on the the Chicagoist SportsCenter these days, so we're going to give ya'll a little recap of some things we haven't yet touched on:
Mrs. Nomar
On the same day that the Cubs announced re-signing All Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, his wife Mia Hamm played her final match for the USA women's soccer team. She surprised the crowd as she took the field in the second half wearing a jersey that read "GARCIAPARRA" across the back. With her retirement from soccer and Nomar's settling into Wrigley, can we expect to start seeing the new Mrs. Garciaparra gracing the Windy City this spring?
ill-ANNOY
The Univerity of Illinois introduced Ron Zook, their new head football coach, to the media the other day. Zook was recently fired from the University of Florida, despite a 23-14 record in three seasons. Chicagoist likes the hiring, as his tenure with the Gators was short simply because he could repeat Steve Spurrier's success. But who could have? And Zook's got Midwestern roots, which should help him tap into the recruiting pipeline more quickly. But his Midwestern roots also make Chicagoist question one thing. During his speech, however, he repeatedly pronouced "Illinois" with the "S" at the end. How could he not know it's silent? Somebody's going to need to work on that with him...
Sox Signings
While the Cubs made a big splash with their signings of Garciaparra and Walker yesterday, the White Sox also finally signed some free agents as well. Early in the day, they locked up the versatile pitcher Dustin Hermanson. With the San Francisco Giants last year, he began the season in the starting rotation before finishing the season as the Giants' closer. The Sox expect him to be a set-up man for closer Shingo.
The Sox bigger signing comes the day after they officially parted ways with former right fielder Magglio Ordonez, as the Sox signed right fielder Jermaine Dye to replace him. Playing for the Oakland A's last season, he hit 23 home runs and drove in 80 in just 137 games. While not quite the same level as Mags in terms of stats, he's close and will cost the Sox just $4 million, versus the $14 million Ordonez earned last season. Hopefully, that leaves some cash for a big signing elsewhere.
Sure It's Not Queen James?
The Bulls manhandled the Cleveland Caveliers and LeBron James last night, winning 113-85. Yeah, that's the correct score. The now 3-13 Bulls knocked off the team that was leading the Eastern Conference going into the game by 28 points. Ironically, all three of the Bulls' wins have come on Wednesdays.
Photo via usasoccer.com