USA soccer needs to believe it can win
The United States of America usually takes a back seat to no one, but apparently in soccer we take a back seat to everyone.
And that includes with USA's head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann.
Yes, the man who was chosen to take USA soccer to the next level, pulled a Theo Epstein card with the limp war cry - "We have no shot at winning."
Seriously, would you want this guy running anything for you?
Sports is no different from business, school or life. It boils down to survival of the fittest. Naturally, talent comes into play, but heart and attitude play a huge part in winning.
Just ask the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team, coached by Herb Brooks, that won the Olympic gold medal. What kind of things did Brooks say to his team back then? Certainly not, "We don't have a chance." His message was about seizing the opportunity.
What would have happened if he had said what Klinsmann said? I doubt the U.S. team would have won the gold.
I'm not saying some negativity or doubt or bulletin board material can't fire up the team, but I don't think the lead dog should be saying what Klinsmann said back in December and then reiterated this week.
Isn't he the wrong hire? If I'm the USA soccer committee, I give him his walking papers. Today!
I don't care if the World Cup is starting; you just can't have a guy running the team who bum raps his team and says they can't win.
Cubs depart WGN
The Cubs left WGN radio and signed with CBS radio. Frankly, I'm surprised the Cubs were the tenants for 90 years. It doesn't really matter; if the Cubs are a decent enough team, people will find them.
I spoke with Jimmy De Castro, president and general manager of WGN radio, and he wasn't completely happy about the move, of course. Some media outlets, however, blew his discontent out of proportion.
I know it couldn't have been an easy day for him, but people will get used to the address change.
More important, good things have to happen in the broadcast booth. After the enthusiastic Ron Santo was gone, Keith Moreland had a cup of coffee as the announcer, but now Ron Coomer, a hometown guy, is working with Pat Hughes. It's only a couple of months into the season, but Coomer sounds OK.
The Chicago White Sox are now on WSCR (670-AM), and the question looms: will they remain there?
Honestly, I think the combination of Ed Farmer and Darrin Jackson just doesn't do it for Sox fans. After three years together, it still seems like Farmer has to coax Jackson to participate. To me, the broadcast is just too dull.
While both teams are trying to get it right on the field, the Cubs broadcast team is still getting its sea legs, and the South Side duo needs a blood transfusion.
Program notes:
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