My initial tie-it-all-together thought on 2009 was "this year looked like it was going to be sweet, but it actually kind of sucked". I'm not comfortable with that being the official TUP stance, though. Chicago has enough wonderful
the-sky-is-falling sports blogs as it is. That shouldn't be our place, even if
overwhelming evidence shows it might be the route that makes us look the smartest in the end.
So, I will say this about Chicago sports 2K9: it's salvageable.
Maybe Cutler will stop looking like such a doofus. Maybe the Bulls will appear Mensa-level intelligent for letting Ben Gordon walk after landing Wade/Bosh/Amare next summer. Maybe all the icky stuff that happened with the 'Hawks last offseason will only serve as an uncomfortable intro to a championship DVD.
Maybe some seeds were planted in 2009, and some day soon we'll all laugh and say "not everything happens overnight" while playfully reminiscing about the days when Derrick Rose sat on the bench during crunch time.
I mean, it's possible, right? I suppose that's all that matter.
Stay positive, and whatnot.
Senior writer/senior miscreant
Dubs will be around on Thursday, probably to tell you why it's cool to get drunk on New Year's Eve. But first, it's time for
my favorite TUP tradition: the annual end-of-the-year random compilation of pictures that mostly attempts to make the Cubs look stupid.
Cool stuff coming, after the jump...
Catch ya in 2010.
Intentional snub of Aromashodu?
Regardless. Really, really good stuff. Seeing Orton in the 2008 one just now was jarring. This Cutler thing has felt like years upon years. Still supportive, though.
Not snubbin' Aromashadu at all, just following your advice. From your Oct. 20 post: "I really try not to get too wrapped up in early returns from players new to the professional ranks. The type of hysteria also known as K-Fu syndrome."
You were talking about Knox there, a guy who really cooled off after a great start.
I'm pulling for Aromashadu (big, fast, actually looks like a real receiver!?), but I'm not ready to give him space in the end-of-the-year picture post quite yet after two good games.
...we are in agreement that the Vikes game was the only good Bears game this year, though?
Yeah, of course. I was thinking maybe the Steelers win would also qualify as "good", but it was a sloppy game and Pittsburgh's relative sucking since then kind of diminishes it.
I like when I can just look at pictures instead of words.
No James Johnson draft day pic?!
BEARS - were extra terrible because they thought too much of the guy they brought in. Vikings win was a glimpse of what could be. I can think of two things that just work better - when you have protection, and quarterbacking is one of them.
BULLS - are terrible because they thought too little of the guy they let walk. We have Kirk Hinrich starting at the 2 guard and my cousin Vinny trying to coach our yutes.
HAWKS - Our only hope. Should be thankful to be in Chicago where there is plenty of distractions to draw the attention away while they quietly fly under the radar. Nothing but wins.
CUBS - masters of misdirection. Have gotten rid of all of their problems by trading away Milton Bradley. Somewhere Lou Pinella has a bittersweet smile on his face. He will miss Bradley more than you know.
SOX - finally "say goodbye to yesterday". So long Pods and Dye. Hello pitching, speed, defense and the hope of 2010.
Go Blackhawks! Go White Sox! My two favorite sports and teams should do us proud in 2010. Hello Keith!