Best bench bosses in city? Here's one view
Almost in passing Thursday, I mentioned that Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville was behind only White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on my list of Chicago's best coaches and managers.
But I didn't provide a detailed list or reasoning, which brought an avalanche of e-mail, not to mention an urgent call from the Score's Mike Murphy, who never met a list he didn't like.
Now, my mother didn't raise a fool. My father, on the other hand, raised an idiot, and his father, well, he had a farm near Kiev.
What that has to do with the price of fish is beyond me, as is the entire direction of this discussion. Seems we've gone off the track again, not to mention 'round the bend, so let's get back to that list, shall we?
As I was saying, only a fool would pass on an idea that creates this kind of response.
Therefore, here's my complete list, complete with reasoning:
1. Ozzie Guillen
He's the only manager in the last 190 years of combined Chicago baseball to win a World Series, so that makes it easy.
He's also a terrific game manager who does an even better job off the field keeping his team loose but at the same time prepared to play.
He gets the most out of his clubs.
2. Joel Quenneville
He has taken a selfish, young team that lacked discipline and a system and has done a masterful job of breaking them down, building them back up, while teaching and cajoling.
A perfect example was Wednesday night. The Hawks, mired in a slump, were playing well enough to be down 1-0 late in the second.
Quenneville didn't become erratic or panic. He sternly implored the kids to stay with the plan, even when trailing, which might be the hardest strategy for an inexperienced team to embrace and employ.
But they continued to focus on defense, remained patient, and just like that a Carolina defenseman foolishly pinched, Duncan Keith made a great outlet, Kris Versteeg converted, and the game was tied.
The Hawks went on to win, and the players suddenly remember how they climbed to fourth in the conference.
It's by doing what Quenneville tells them to do, and if - if - they continue down that path, they can win a playoff round or two this year.
3. Lou Piniella
He's fourth among active managers in wins and 14th all time with 1,701 victories. I'll say that again: 14th all time, in 132 years of baseball. Pretty strong.
At the age of 65, he sometimes seems a bit less than completely interested, but when there are genuine issues and when the game is interesting, he's engaged and a solid manager.
4. Lovie Smith
Often stares up at the sky as if he's waiting for a spaceship to arrive. Maybe he's hoping it will bring home Devin Hester.
Five years, 2 playoff victories. If not for three heroic, short-yardage stops by Lance Briggs against Seattle on Jan. 14, 2007, the record is five years, zero playoff victories.
Lance is our linebacker.
5. Vinny Del Negro
Not his fault he got this team. Not his fault he got this job. Not his fault he happened to be home when the phone rang. His fault for answering.
There's our five. We await yours.
Vegas in Delaware
According to ESPN Magazine, Delaware Gov. Jack Markell will soon propose his state add sports parlay betting and have it in place before the NFL season begins, hoping to raise as much as $100 million a year.
It's not shocking when you hear some reports suggest Internet sports betting - fueled by poker - has grown to a half-trillion-dollar a year business, and the U.S. is losing tens of billions a year in revenue by policing it instead of taxing it.
Congress is now considering overturning the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act.
Ivan Boldirev-ing
Some like to accuse hockey players of being savages, especially the enforcers of the NHL.
So consider ex-Blackhawk and current Bruin Shawn Thornton, who fought Rangers tough guy Colton Orr last weekend.
When Orr's sweater ended up over his head, Thornton could have pounded him senseless, but instead he stopped the fight and called in the linesmen.
Not exactly what you'd call a savage move.
The good guys
The Wolves will recognize winners from each level of the NIHL Wolves Cup Tournament during Saturday's game against Milwaukee, in front of a big crowd of youth hockey players. The trophies will be presented by Wolves GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and NIHL president Michael Glenn.
Just coaching
How important is experience behind the bench and knowing how to put players in a position to succeed?
Tuomo Ruutu and Sergei Samsonov both were dumped by the Hawks last year, but after landing in Carolina they are the club's third- and fourth-leading scorers this season.
Ruutu had only 21 points in 60 games for the Hawks last year but 11 points in 17 games upon arriving in Carolina, and 46 points (21 goals) in 66 games this campaign.
Samsonov played only 23 games here last year (4 points), but the Canes claimed him on waivers and he quickly collected 32 points in 38 games. This year he's got 42 points in 68 games.
Smart move
Kudos to Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough for announcing they wouldn't raise ticket prices for next year, but this move was expected. No team in this environment should dream of anything but holding the line or slashing prices.
Best headline
Sportspickle.com: "Memphis players say they'll return salary if Tigers don't win NCAA title.''
And finally -
Dan Daly of the Washington Times: "Charles Barkley had his jail sentence for DUI reduced from 10 days to three. Heck, three days is nothing for Charles. He used to spend longer than that in the lane.''
brozner@dailyherald.com