Spellman: My Million pick rhymes with 'Chagician'

Wait, it's Friday, right?

Anyhoo:

Happy Arlington Million Day.

Great card, chance of rain diminishing by the hour ... should be one heck of an afternoon.

And the winner is:

Can't give my Million pick here because it currently resides somewhere else in the paper, but I'll give you a clue: his name rhymes with Chagician.

Second clue: Wizzo.

Third clue: Doug Henning.

OK, yeah, it's Magician and he looks like a beast.

Photo finish:

Can't decide which I like better: ballpark bunting on Opening Day or the festival of flags unfurled Million Week at Arlington.

Let's call it a dead heat.

Over / under:

Winner's circle appearances by Steve Baskerville on Saturday: 1.5

OK, I'll admit it:

Love all the pomp surrounding the draw for the Million and the other Festival races, but riddle me this: when you have the most beautiful facility in the land, why in the world would you feel the need to schlep down to WGN-TV studios to hold it?

If not at Arlington itself, how about across the way at the brand new Ditka's restaurant?

Hello?

Remember that one time:

Ahem, last year, when Channel 9's coverage of the Million had to go off the air before the race became official because of a contractual agreement with MLB to go directly to a White Sox game?

Lesson learned, right?

Well, today's broadcast is from 5 to 6 p.m. ... and the Cubs are playing at 6 p.m. ... but I was assured Friday there would be no repeat of last year.

Anyone else:

Feeling Subway?

Things I liked this week:

1. Ventura's passion.

2. Jackie Robinson West.

3. That senior moment in the left-field bleachers at Wrigley.

4. Tiger pulling out of the Ryder Cup.

He really had to. He's just not right.

Bears thoughts:

Really don't have any that you haven't already heard ad nauseam, but while watching that exhibition of football Thursday, this one did come to mind:

Which sports franchise has the worst shortened nickname, the Jags or the D-backs?

Tweet of the week:

From @TroyMachir:

Cavaliers nationally televised games:

2010 - 3

2011 - 1

2012 - 5

2013 - 9

2014 - 29

It's amazing what bringing in a head coach like David Blatt will do for a team, huh?

Question:

How good was that PGA Championship?!

Did not want it to end.

Obtuse fact:

Former Lions quarterback Scott Mitchell weighs 366 pounds and will be a contestant on this fall's "The Biggest Loser."

It's official:

The Cubs' tribute to the '80's this week has been fun to watch, mainly because that's my wheelhouse, but toward the end of Thursday's finale against Milwaukee, they had to go and play the worst song of the decade: "That's What Friends are For."

How bad is it?

Put it this way, I'd rather hear a never-ending loop of "We Built This City."

Beware:

The Cubs next homestand will be a tribute to the '90s.

Can anyone say "MMMbop?"