Our readers have their say

Speed takes holiday with 2008 White Sox

Small Ball is officially dead on the Southside. Long live the long ball!

The slim chance that the 2008 team would be a reincarnation of the "Go Go Sox" is gone, gone, gone. Resigning Juan Uribe demonstrates that the 2008 White Sox are committed to becoming the best 16-inch softball team in MLB. Kenny Williams's motto is: "Look, we can't bunt, or advance runners, or hit and run, or steal a base - but just watch us hit home runs."

Check out the Sox stable of speedsters: Dye, Thome, Konerko, Pierzynski, Crede, and Uribe. Plus, it appears Josh Fields might be as swift as Rex Grossman. Lack of team speed means the Sox will live and die with the three run homer - once again. Somewhere, Little Louie isn't smiling.

Keith Perkinson

Elk Grove

A Cubs fan chirps

I am thrilled that Juan Uribe is back with the White Sox. Kenny Williams had one guy available who could have improved the shortstop position both offensively and defensively. That was (Miguel) Tejada.

But when he offered Baltimore Jose Contreras and Gio Gonzales for him (according to one radio report), we knew he wasn't really interested in getting him. I know, I know. Gio Gonzales is great. That's what they tried to sell us about (Brandon) McCarthy.

There were a few other shortstops available but they really wouldn't improve the Sox drastically. Jack Wilson and Khahil Greene would have upgraded them defensively, but neither one of them have high on-base percentages either. Although (David) Ekstein can get on base for you, his range and arm is a minus.

So am I glad the White Sox didn't upgrade at shortstop. Yes. Why? Because I'm a Cub fan, of course.

Rick Behenna

Roselle

A 'cheap' effort

I find it amazing how a team that won the World Series has dropped to such a low level in two years. Kenny Williams brought us a World Series and for that we will always be indebted to him. But the fall of the team since has been disheartening.

Now he tells us that Juan Uribe is the best shortstop available? How can that be? The caveat I believe is that he is the best "cheap" shortstop available.

The Sox are going on the cheap once again. They have got their ticket price increase and now the investors will have their money and the team will continue the slide. By mid year, the ride will be over and the park will be half empty once again.

Brent McAvoy

Prospect Heights

Worried about Bulls

Starting the season 0-4 is extremely alarming and disappointing. Despite Kobe (Bryant) trade rumors or contract extension negotiations, the Bulls have no real excuses. … The team as a whole lacks intensity, heart, and drive. …

I feel as if (Luol) Deng, (Kirk) Hinrich, and (Ben) Gordon will all step up and start playing better basketball. The one individual player that concerns me the most is Ben Wallace. I hope his ankle is still injured because averaging 4.7 rebounds through the first four games, while being paid $15 million a year, is embarrassing. …

I'm hoping the Bulls can come together on the circus road trip and really turn this season around before it's too late. That being said, Kobe to the Bulls seems like a better idea as everyday passes.

Scott Taylor

Wheaton

Bulls getting worse

I am semi-worried about the Bulls this year. Last year there was no controversy with contracts and such and the team played almost worry free. Now all of a sudden deals are turned down and players are not able to play to the level that they are supposed to play.

Our two scorers who were supposed to take yet another step forward this year do not appear to have what they had last year. Our turnover-proned guard has gotten even worse with turnovers and we have a center who got old last year right after we signed him. I am not sure of the fix but the heart that was once there is gone.

Daniel T. Meacham

Oak Brook

A poignant moment

I started reading the article in your Sports section regarding Notre Dame and Navy - until the remark that the Irish were forced to stand at attention and listen to the Midshipmen sing their school song.

I thought just the opposite. It was such a touch of class on the part of the ND football team. It was one great institution showing respect to another. And what better one than the Naval Academy, whose graduates might just give their lives for our country. Kudos to Charlie Weis.

Ron Plywaczynski

Good start for Wirtz but still more to do

Rocky Wirtz has made a good first impression with his first three moves: moving Bob Pulford to another position within the family business, partnering with the Rockford Icehogs, and putting seven home games on Comcast SportsNet.

But, I think he could rebuild the fans base a little more by:

• Putting 2-3 homes games on WGN - really free TV with national exposure on the superstation.

• Cutting all non-alcohol concession by $1 across the board or offering Blackhawks dollars - something that could be packaged with advanced tickets sales to ease the cost of concession prices.

• Working with NHL schedule-makers to schedule more "Original Six" teams at home.

• Bringing back Pat Foley and Bobby Hull into the Blackhawks family.

• Scheduling a few Rockford Icehogs games at the United Center.

• Having half-price ticket games for home games for low-drawing teams.

• Retiring the late Keith Magnuson's No. 3 as a sign of showing appreciation for a player known for his team play, hard work and community service throughout his life - all qualities which Blackhawks fan can relate to.

Walter Brzeski

Chicago

Chase winners

I will be watching the race Sunday and hoping Jeff Gordon has a better day than Jimmy Johnson - MUCH better!!!

Vicki Archer

Carol Stream

Jimmie Johnson will take consecutive championships.

Paul Avila

San Antonio

Jeff Gordon all the way.

Melissa Cline

Indianapolis

Hinrich's skills clearly lacking

Am I the only one in this city that thinks Kirk Hinrich is the most overrated player in this league? He has hit his ceiling and is not going to get any better.

How has he improved over the last few years? He still makes the same stupid fouls on reach-ins and blocking fouls. I agree that he is guarding the best guards in the league. But he is acclaimed as a possible First Defensive team candidate. So he's supposed to be good. Yet he always gets in foul trouble. He lacks offensive aggression or hunger, he chokes under pressure, and is not clutch at all. He doesn't have that killer instinct.

The only player improving is Luol Deng. Ben Gordon also has gotten better offensively since coming into the league, but remains a defensive liability as well as being turnover prone. (Ben) Wallace seems to be playing rather poorly. I call live and die with (Joakim) Noah and (Tyrus) Thomas as our starting forwards. I think that Joe Smith was a tremendous upgrade from the offensive side of the ball. Overall we should try a package of two of the three players (Hinrich/Gordon/Wallace) for Kobe.

Vinod George

Chicago

This Bulls team won't get it done

There have been no changes made to the Bulls for three years. In the fourth year, you have the same players who seem not to mature or grow in their positions. Without a consistent shooting point guard, this team will never develop into a winner.

Ray Elvey

South Barrington