SECOND CITY, USA – While the entire universe celebrated the career of Derek Jeter and the baseball Hall of Fame awaits him, there was another player about 900 miles from The Big Apple who has decided to hang up the cleats. While he received his just due from a couple of division rivals, his exit was unknown to most of us.
Paul Konerko, went 0-3 on his final day but has a career body of work which rivals many HOF inhabitants – as well as the great Jeter – played his last game. After 2348 games in eighteen seasons (15 with the White Sox) and putting up impressive production numbers with 439 homers along with 1412 RBI’s – both better than the Yankees number 2 – he decided to hang ’em up. His career batting average was .279 with an OBP of .354. So as you can see, comparatively Konerko should be joining Jeter in that 2019 class at Cooperstown. Right?
Paulie, as the Chi-town fans have come to know him, was a big contributor during the Southsiders World Series Championship of 2005. To honor him the White Sox unveiled a statue of Konerko at US Cellular Field. Congratulations on a Hall of a Fame career, Mr Konerko!
But baseball season is over for many of you [Go, Tigers!], so let’s talk some football and my always-popular NFC EAST update! I took a lot of flack for last week’s prediction regarding the Giants of the Meadowlands. Yes, I was wrong and yes, your beloved ELI GUMP MANNING showed a little bit Cajon Magic, defeating a depleted Washington secondary. Next he takes on Atlanta’s underachieving QB, Matt Ryan. I will leave this one to our resident expert, Cheese E. Bruin.
Now be VERY CAREFUL not to trip near the tracks if your trying to jump on that Dallas Cowboys Train. So many sportscasters are performing their usual flip-flop, as Jerry’s Kids appear to be contenders in the weak NFC LEAST. If DeMarco Murray continues his league-leading running behind that 1st Round Offensive Line and Tony OH NO Romo passes only when needed, this division race of the twits will be an interesting one. Stay tuned.
Let’s hear it, BIG BLEW NATION…. I know it hurts to be looking up at the IGGLES and COWBOYS!
OH, GENO- J-E-T-S… You either want to win, or you don’t. Smith continues to make bad throws when the game is still hanging in the balance and this season may be slipping away unless a change is made. RUN THE BALL MORE… Chris Ivory is a beast. CJ2K is dangerous receiving… MARTY??? HELLO MARTY?
The New York Rangers have taken a HUGE CHANCE signing Ryan Malone. We hope this does not backfire on us. New York City offers a hell of a lot more temptation than most cities. Was Brian Boyle not worth signing? Will Derick Brassard assume the role of number one center? DROP THE PUCK, ALREADY!
Up next, Angry Ward Wednesday, and the Angry One should be livid after his Mets and Mariners are looking at tee times.
*There was no real Jeter Controversy, other than his way-too-long goodbye… Just wanted you to read the column. 😉
P.s… HAPPY BIRTHDAY, West Coast Craig!
