Sean May, Sox Re-Start, Willis Tower, Etc.

First thing's first: the Bulls have worked out former UNC legend/Illinois slaya Sean May:


It's easy to say something generic like his NBA career has been a disappointment and he's battled weight problems. It's sorta true, but let's let a quick overview of his career numbers do the talking.


Most startling? May has played in 82 games total in his entire NBA career. That's one total season. His single season high is 35... and that was three years ago during the 2006-07 season.

Not exactly living up to his expectations as a lottery superstar, but the Bulls could probably use his production in the right role (read: limited playing time for minimal coin). I'm sure the size of the contract offer would end up being the dealbreaker for most fans (me included). And, again, his weight is an issue. There's simply too many warts. Regardless, it's not looking particularly likely.

* * *

The Chicago White Stockings resume their 2009 campaign tonight against the David Simon/stop snitchin'/Cal Ripken Baltimore (B-MORE) Orioles...

Buster Olney (ESPN insider) says the Sox as have the 8th hardest remaining schedule of the AL contenders.

In late August, the White Sox begin a stretch in which they will play 11 straight road games in Boston, in New York, at Minnesota, plus a one-game makeup at Wrigley, and then they get to come back home to face the Red Sox for four games. The White Sox will not have an off day between Aug. 20 and Sept. 10.

Other notables: Detroit at (No. 7) and our old friends the Minnesota Twins at No. 1

Most of the Twins' remaining games are on the road, and that's a challenge. But they are the only AL Central contender that has finished its games against the AL East monsters.

Eh.

* * *

The Willis Tower made its debut yesterday. And people are still kinda crying.

"It's always going to be the Sears Tower. It's part of Chicago and I won't call it Willis Tower. In Chicago we hold fast," Chicago teacher Marianne Turk, 46, said as she stood in line this week to go up to the building's Skydeck.

And at TUP, we make fun of people like you. And if we "hold" anything, it's probably just "steady." At least Rickhouse does.

* * *

And, your capper: unlinked Jay Mariotti from my Fanhouse RSS feed (still Manny-bashing)...

Here in Mannywood -- Section 51, Row H, Seat 15, Wig Size M -- no one cares that the hero committed a hideous baseball crime. Nor do they care that a writer from the civilized world is sitting among them on a lovely night, wondering if they should be lobotomized for glorifying a drug cheat. All they know is that their faux dreadlocks are in place, their No. 99 jerseys are worn proudly and the epicenter of their existence is back and playing left field for the Dodgers, under a summer sky that is true blue even when Manny Ramirez was not.

"This is my town,'' he announced.

That's a pretty good one. I love how he calls himself a "writer from the civilized world." Smug smug smug smug. Man, Manny is so great.

While Jay's was funny, Deadspin just nukes Bill Plaschke's take on everything. The guy means well, but he's a self-writing joke that keeps going and going. Lighten up, man. It's sports.