Arrow finally pointing up for Sox
Time for some random thoughts.
The Chicago White Sox finally made some noise with the signing of third baseman Todd Frazier. My partner on Fox Sports Radio, Andy Furman, whose base for years has been the greater Cincinnati area, acknowledged that fans there are sick about losing Frazier. He commented Frazier was probably even favored over their superstar first baseman Joey Votto. But he was also quick to say that Frazier does not makes the White Sox instant contenders. They still have work to do, but they are definitely an improved team with the addition of Frazier and Brett Lawrie.
• Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, who now plays basketball for the Shanghai Sharks, recently posted an Instagram message encouraging WNBA players to dress sexier. Listen, it's no secret sex sells and a sexier look probably would help. I'm not saying it's right or wrong - I'm just stating the obvious. The Chicago Hustle, who played in the Women's Professional basketball league (WBL) from 1978-1981, had several good-looking players and their uniforms were definitely sexier than today's. I used to have several top female columnists on my radio show back in the day who complained women athletes and women in general were treated like sex objects. They had many valid points, but it sure seemed like the perspective changed when race car driver Danica Patrick came around. She has been hugely successful largely because of her sex appeal. It certainly hasn't been because of her driving record. Where is the criticism from columnists, male or female, about her use of sex to sell her brand? I haven't heard any. Yes sexy sells, but I do believe winning still matters. The very attractive Anna Kournikova is a well-known tennis player, but she still was a loser on the court. The same goes for Michelle Wie, attractive, but as a golfer, not one of the best ever. Pro golfer Nancy Lopez won 48 LPGA Tour events including 3 majors, but sadly I don't think her poster plastered too many walls. If I asked you to name the top 10 female pro athletes, Abby Wambach, Serena Williams, Ronda Rousey and the women's soccer team would probably be included, but how about Patrick or Wie? Does or should their brand awareness dominate over winning?
• Phenomenal run by Patrick Kane.
• I still can't help fearing the St. Louis Cardinals.
• To the guy who said "Hi" to me when I was walking down Michigan Avenue and said I was like Trump before Trump - thanks - I guess …
• Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays. I'll be off for a couple of weeks. See you in 2016!
Program notes:
Follow me on Twitter@ north2north, and listen to Fox Sports Daybreak with Andy Furman and myself from 5-8 a.m. Monday through Friday on Fox Sports radio, and check me out on iHeart radio or Foxsportsradio.com. Listen to my postgame Bears show on The Drive 97.1-FM every Sunday.
• North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.