- The Chicago Cubs won the World Series! I still can’t believe it, can you? I watched Game 7, watched them become the 6th team to rebound from a 3-1 deficit, and watched them celebrate. It’s amazing to witness history.
- Once they took that 5-1 lead, I figured it was over, but the American League Champion Cleveland Indians weren’t having any of that. For them to storm back and eventually tie the game at 6 in dramatic fashion (2-run HR by former Pirate Rajai Davis) was incredible. It’s just a shame that they couldn’t push that other run across.
- As for the Cubs, I admire their moxie for finding the strength to get it done. They scored 2 more runs in the 10th inning and eventually closed out the Indians to raise the trophy. To see the Cubs and their fans celebrate was very Something they haven’t done in 108 years.
- Closer Aroldis Chapman whom the Cubs acquired from the NY Yankees, got the win and Ben Zorbist, whom the Cubs signed in free agency, won the World Series MVP. Remember, Zorbist was a World Series Champion with the KC Royals last year. The Cubs did what it took to make their team a champion, and I admire that.
- As for the Indians, they didn’t win, but they certainly aren’t losers because they gave it everything they got in this series. Yes, it will sting for a bit, but they can still hold their heads high for their fight and when they get their AL Championship Rings, they should wear them with pride.
- I have one more thing to say about the Cubs, after they won 97 games last year, they made it their mission to do whatever it took to win it all. They went ‘wire-to-wire (first place all season) and won the NL Central and breezed through the postseason. That’s how winning is done.
- Of course, you know that when I say that, I look directly at the state of the Pirates, who’re basically the ‘Anti-Cubs’ right now. After 3-straight playoff appearances, they under-achieved and lost 83 games and missed the playoffs this season.
- I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: It was because the Front Office refused to invest in a team that won 98 games in 2015, and that’s pitiful. And they keep using the excuse that they’re in a small market? Give me a break.
- I would honestly like to hear what Pirates GM Neal Huntington must say about the Cubs success…but I won’t hold my breath. He’ll just talk about ‘financial flexibility’ and find ways to turn a simple question-into a paragraph. Whatever man, that’s why the Pirates still haven’t won a World Series since 1979.
- And of course, the main issue with the Pirates will be if they will trade OF and 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen-because they won’t re-sign him when he becomes a free agent after 2018. That’s not what contenders do. Which basically says the Pirates aren’t a contender.
- Anyway, onto College football where the Pitt Panthers (5-3, 2-2 ACC) will now take their ‘talents’ to South Beach-and play the Miami Hurricanes (4-4, 1-3 ACC) at Hard Rock Stadium Saturday at 12:30pm.
- I think what amazes me is the fact that the Hurricanes are 4-4. They were ranked just a few weeks ago, but it seems that things changed when they fell to Florida State. It doesn’t matter, because they’re playing a Pitt team that truly has the worst secondary in all of college football. And Miami knows how to score.
- The Panthers need to make adjustments-quickly. Sure, they’re only one win away from becoming Bowl eligible, but they must face a stingy Miami defense that yields just 18.9 points per game (third in ACC, 16th in FBS). The Hurricanes have held six of their eight opponents to 21 points or less this season. If Pitt can’t score, they’re in serious trouble.
- Pitt DL Ejuan Price Continues to make a strong case for All-America and ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The senior defensive end ranks first in the nation in tackles for loss (2.0 per game) and second in sacks (1.13 per game).
- As for the rest of College Football, the first Playoff Poll was announced, and here are its Top 4: (to no surprise) 1. Alabama 2. Clemson 3. Michigan and 4. Texas A&M. Texas A&M?? Where did they come from? I’m sure #5 Washington and #6 Ohio State will fight for that 4th
- As for the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) are fresh off a bye as they now prepare for the 3-4 Baltimore Ravens at MT Bank Stadium in the DMV. It’s a shame that it’s not the old rivalry that we know and love, but it’s still an AFC North game nonetheless.
- Of course, the focus is whether QB Ben Roethlisberger can play Sunday. Big Ben is recovering from meniscus surgery on his left knee and was making progress. We know the man would probably play with one leg if he had to. Nevertheless, I expect him to play Sunday.
- I also expect WR Markus Wheaton, DE Cam Heyward, OT Marcus Gilbert will play as well and hopefully TE LeDarius Green-but I doubt it, because he’s not even listed on the injury report-and he’s still injured. Well, Jesse James and Xavier Grimble-it’s all yours.
- As for the rest of the NFL, apparently, Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo is getting all the attention as he’s been practicing this past week and looking impressive, per his teammates. If owner Jerry Jones has any sense, he’ll keep rookie Dak Prescott in because he’s making the 6-1 Cowboys look good.
- As for the NBA, it’s no surprise that the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0) are off to a strong start. They kept everyone and added F Mike Dunleavy. The defending Eastern Conference Champion GS Warriors are 3-1, but that looks mortal to the 4-0 OKC Thunder, led by G Russell Westbrook, who’s off to a strong start.
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