North: Picking against Spieth hard to do
The Open at St. Andrews in Scotland, which used to be called the British Open, should be major championship No. 3 for dominating 21-year-old Jordan Spieth, fresh off his Masters and U.S. Open victories.
But there is a reason the Grand Slam, which consists of winning all four majors (Masters, U.S. Open, the Open and PGA) in one year is so difficult to accomplish.
The Scottish course is supposedly a little bit easier for the top golfers since its renovations. For Rory Mcllroy, a long hitter, the course would be a perfect fit with its lengthy par fives. But Rory isn't there, and Tiger Woods is done.
Although I hate picking the chalk, I see Spieth as the winner in the end. Dustin Johnson might be in the lead right now, but what will happen in crunchtime?
With the Scottish Open win fresh under his belt, Rickie Fowler is unlikely to win again this week. Bubba Watson will be distracted as he complains about the wind and conditions, and Phil Mickelson just hopes the police are there to protect him and not arrest him in light of the FBI investigation of gambling allegations. His mind just may not be on his day job.
I think Spieth fears no one, and even though he isn't the most powerful guy on the tour he is great with every club in his bag.
Jason Day, Adam Scott could surprise, and my sleeper is Hunter Mahan, but ultimately I expect we will see Jordan Spieth win his third major title this weekend.
Cubs and Sox predictions:
The second half of the baseball season is here and there are a few points that need to be made.
The Chicago Cubs are still a year away, but talented manager Joe Maddon has his young club believing and good things are happening.
Jake Arrieta is a solid 10-5 with a 2.66 ERA and even with Jon Lester at a lowly 4-8, his ERA is still a respectable 3.59. Not what was expected of him, but not all that terrible.
If they can keep pace with their first half 47-40 record, the North Siders are in the race for the wild-card.
The White Sox finished the first half of the season winning 9 of their last 12, but still were under .500 at 41-45. They trail the Kansas City Royals, the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers, and even if the Sox improve, where will they finish in their division?
It's a huge second half for Robin Ventura and his staff, and although the storm is weathered temporarily I can't see the Sox finishing anywhere but fourth place.
Program notes:
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