A Blackhawks Post: Can Rask Keep This Up?

I’m a very, very amateur hockey analytics guy, if fact this is the first time I’m going to dip my toe in the water. And I think the work that’s been done is interesting in that it’s proven that much of hockey is, well, luck and randomness (which isn’t that much different from baseball in some respects). Sure there is a ton of skill, and most goals come from skill and/or breakdowns either mentally or tactically, but the more you think about luck and randomness in hockey, the more you focus on goofy goals.

Take the Hawks third goal in Game One.  Oduya took a shot from blue line, it appeared to be going just wide, then went of a Boston’s player skate and into the net.  Tie game.  Rask gets a goal against thanks mainly to bad luck.  Obviously there is skill on the Hawks part on that play, Oduya’s shot was hard and low, and the Hawks at that point in the game were taking a ton of shots.  If you are skillful enough to take enough shots (either on target or not), luck and randomness will eventually happen and you’ll get a ‘garbage’ goal from time to time.  I don’t think shooting for the sake of shooting is a great stradgy, but lots of shots, good and bad, will yield goofy goals.  And it did on that play.

And that brings me to this point: the narrative seems to be that Rask, who is playing out of his mind, will probably continue to do so since he’s been doing it.  It’s a fallacy... the old past performance will equal future performance.  So that’s what I set out to find... not if he can keep this up, but how out of his mind has he been?

I went back and looked at every game that Rask has played in this year.  I wanted to keep this simple because I was more looking for trends than some sort of predictive analysis.  So I just took the result, goals against, shot attempts, shots saved, save percentage and shutouts.  I’ll add all this at the bottom.

Descriptive Statistics
Rask	N*	Minimum	Maximum	Mean**	Std. Deviation
gm_gm_SV%	55	.806	1.000	.93376	.050492
Valid N (listwise)	55

*I included all games played, so there’s a huge outlier which is a 2 shot, 2 save, 100% save percentage against the Leafs

**Rask’s save percentage, playoffs and regular season, is actually 0.9356.  The mean is the average of all his game-by-game save percentages, just to avoid any confusion.

And something important to consider when looking at his game-by-game results: Rask can’t have a performance that’s two standard deviations better from the mean. It’s impossible because he can’t save more than 100% of the shots he faces.

The histogram proves this standard deviation issue. Someone with much better stat skills than myself can make this fit better and probably take something away from this.  But to me, the game-by-game stuff doesn’t really tell me anything other than, sometimes he’s really good, sometimes he’s bad, most of the time he’s pretty good.  I threw in a normal distribution curve just to show how misleading they can be.

This scatter plot, in order of games played this year, shows that too, however, you do see some clustering of games that are higher up as the season progresses here... those would be the playoffs:

Scatter plot of Rask’s Save Percentage, By Game

However, the clustering isn’t is prolific... you see a lot of game-to-game variance over all.  Rask followed up his shutouts in the regular season with fairly ‘blah’ games.  That hasn’t been the case in the playoffs.

This sort of randomness then lead me to this... what if I tracked a trailing five game performance.  So basically all I did was add up the shots attempted, shots saved, and the saver percentage over five games (total, not average), starting with game five of the season and continuing through Game 3 of the Cup Finals.

Scatter Plot of Rask’s Trailing Five-Game Save Percentage

Ah... something interesting is happening here.  We clearly see the trend of improved play.  In fact, Rask’s five best five game stretches have all happened in the playoffs and seven of ten in all.

Here’s the histogram, again with a normal distribution which appears to be a better fit, however, I’m pretty sure it’s not the best fit, so it’s more there for reference than anything else (i.e. if you for some reason hand this in for a stats class, you’ll probably fail for including it).

But what this does show is that over any five-game stretch, Rask has been right around .930/.940 save percentage.  We see some poor performance, and we see some great performance, again, almost all of those being in the playoffs.

Here’s the min, max, mean and std. deviation for those trailing five games

Descriptive Statistics
Rask	N	Minimum	Maximum	Mean	Std. Deviation
5_gm_SV%	51	.88659793	.98181820	.9321673671	.01882799865
Valid N (listwise)	51

The mean, as you’d expect, isn’t far from his over all save percentage (all games: 0.9356).  

Rask’s two best five game stretches (the Games 1-3 against the Hawks and Games 3-4 vs the Pens; Game 5 vs the Rangers + Games 1-4 vs Pens) have been phenomenal.  However, he’s been two standard deviations (nearly three!) above the mean in those stretches.  I realize there’s overlap here (Games 3 and 4 vs the Pens specifically), but the main takeaway is that what Rask is doing right now he can’t keep up.

HOWEVER, that also doesn’t matter very much seeing that the Bruins only need to win two more games, and at most, can only play four more games this season.  It’s possible that Rask’s continues this high level of play and any sort of regression won’t occur until after this season is over.  As a Hawks fan, I hope that isn’t the case.

And as it’s been pointed out everywhere... not all shots are created equal.  Rask making a 40 foot save makes the numbers look better because he’s going to make that save 99.9% of the time.  And the Hawks have launched a lot of shots, but a lot of them have been clean, easy to see 30 or 40 footers from the boards.  

But at the same time... there’s Odyua’s shot that I talked about at the start of this now novel.  They don’t go in often, but if you’re attempting 100 or more shots in a game, like the Hawks did in Game One, some of those go in because of randomness.  When you consider the number of shots the Hawks are attempting (I'm taking Corsi and Fenwick here), it should make Boston fans a little bit uncomfortable. The Hawks have out Corsi the Bruins in all three games (in Game Three the Bruins were positive in Fenwick, but were negative in Corsi). The sheer number of attempts the Hawks are taking, combined with Rask's long-term unsustainable save percentage, is a positive for the Hawks.

To tie this to the Sox... remember how the Sox had like a 57 game lead in July in 2005?  Then all of a sudden, on September 20 or so, the Indians had pulled to within a game?  That was because the Indians won like 19 out 20 or something insane like that... and through it all I kept saying to anyone that would listen... Cleveland can’t keep this up, they’ll start losing more eventually.  And they did. The rest is history.

That’s how I’m starting to feel about Rask... he can’t keep a .971 save percentage forever.  Hopefully he falls back to his normal .935 starting tonight.  But the Sox in ‘05 had plenty of time... the Hawks don’t.  And Rask probably doesn’t need to be great to win two more games.

Two quick things:

1) I have no clue how Crawford’s trends would look, but I realize he’s been nearly as good and it can easily be argued that he’s just as likely to fall back to earth over the next few games.

2) The Hawks would have scored 8 goals in this series if Rask was stopping shots at his ‘season’ average.  Granted, Game One really throws things out or whack... so does throwing 40 foot shots and not getting much of anything going on the power play...

BACK TO THE SOX LATER

Here is the trailing five game info I talked about in a google doc.

Here Come the Sox!

Sox Record: 24-25; The Sox have a -14 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Some how the Sox are in second and four games back of the Tigers.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: The Sox are playing well, so it's hard to be that annoyed with anyone other than National League pitchers who refuse to pitch for the White Sox for reasons I can't figure out. The Sox are a good team, good/great organization, they win games, they win World Series, it's a good market in a great town... if it's for family reasons, then I can't say these guys are making mistakes, but if it's to protect their stats... well fuck 'em.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Pods, who apparently thinks it's the first half of 2005... he's getting on base and scoring runs. And it's lead to the Sox playing really really really well. Seriously, this is the most amazing come back in my White Sox lifetime. Even if it only lasts a few more weeks, he's been just what the doctor ordered, and then some, for the White Sox. I can't believe I'm typing this. At no point in March or April did I ever think I would be writing about Scott Podsednik playing well and being just want the Sox needed. If for no other reason than HE WASN'T EVEN ON THE TEAM.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Sunday's game, which I was looking forward to because of the Danks/Greinke pitching match up, turned out not to be much of a pitching match up. Danks struggled and didn't really have it. However, he fought and battled and if it wasn't for Alexei totally misplaying a pop up behind second, things wouldn't have been as bad. But after Alexei's drop/miss, the Sox were down 4-1 to the Royals and the best pitcher in the majors during the first two months of the season. But the Sox battled, Josh Fields! got a huge two out, two strike single to make it 4-3 in the 3rd. Then Pods reached and scored on a Dye blooper. Tie game 4-4 going to the bottom of the 4th. And better yet, Greinke had thrown 90 odd pitches though the first four innings. Of course the Sox then managed to see all of 12 pitches in the next three innings.

I'm not sure what happened to this team a few weeks ago, but something happened. They're no longer lifeless. It's helped that Alexei has been much better than he was the first six weeks of the season. And Konerko/Dye/Thome has gotten the job done as St. Carlos of Quentin struggles with a foot injury. But it's been, again I can't believe I'm typing this, Scott Podsednik's ability to get on base at the top of the order that's been a huge difference. It's impossible to win with out good pitching. It's hard to win with out a middle of the order OR a good lead off guy. Now, I know that Pods can't keep this up, but this is just amazing. Four years after Pods gets on, Iguchi takes a few pitches as Pods seals second, then Iguchi gets him to third and Konerko/Dye find a way to get Pods home for a 1-0 Sox lead... it's happening all over again! Now if we can figure out second/third (I assume Gordon Beckham will take over one of those positions in July), this team has a shot. Because we all know Kenny is going to land some more pitching by July 31st...

In Other News: The lady survived the Titanic, lived for 97 years, and still never saw the Cubs win the World Series. RIP Millvina Dean.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - I never rapped up the Hawks season. And what can I say. The Red Wings are really good. They were better than the Hawks, end of story.

That said, what a great year for the Hawks. I loved this team and it was the most fun I had watching a team since the 2005 White Sox. So kudos to the Blackhawks... I can't wait until October.

The AL East

Sox Record: 20-24; The Sox have a -28 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth and 5 and a half out.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Bobby Jenks. The only reason why the Sox aren't 21-23 and on a 6 out of 7 run.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Pods, who had like four hits (maybe three) yesterday proving that he doesn't always suck.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Since we're past Memorial Day, it's time to look at the standings and figuring out who's real and who isn't. Today the AL East:

Boston is in first, but I'm not sure how they score runs. Then again, it's only Ortiz that has been bad. But you have to wonder if they can keep this up. I'm not a fan of their line up and it seems to me that they're hitting out of their minds. They need to get more from Ortiz (duh), and just about everyone else on that team to not drop off all that much. I don't see anyone in this line up, other than Ortiz, that Boston can expect to be better. Jason Bay may be having a career year, but odds are he's going to come back to Earth. All this means the pitching has to continue to be good. And the bad news... the bullpen has been amazing (best in the majors so far). The starting pitching? Not so hot. While they can expect Beckett to pitch better, and Dice-K should be better too, the starting pitching should worry every Red Sox fan. Overall this team is playing a bit over it's head; and in a division with little to no room for error, I don't think they're going to be in first or second in September unless other teams get really banged up. Unless of course, you believe that the bullpen will continue to be amazing and the starting pitching rights itself... I don't.

The Yankees have been hotter than LeBron over the last few weeks. While the numbers say they're playing over their heads, I think we have to remember that A-Rod missed all of April. And he's hitting the shit out of the ball and there is no reason he won't continue to do so. While they have a few bats that are going to cool off (Damon and Posada), it's actually sort of amazing that if the Yankees do make the playoffs by a game or two, they'll have Nick Swisher to thank because of his out of this world April. There is still a lot of dead weight in this line up, but with A-Rod and Tex; then Jeter playing like we all know (and are supposed to love), with Nady coming back and the rest of those guys they should continue to score runs. As for the pitching, it is what it is. Burnett should pitch a bit better if he stays healthy. But everyone else is what you'd expect. Which doesn't bode that well considering their team ERA is way too high, but the bullpen should be better as the season goes on. The starters are the only reason to be worried because there doesn't seem to be a ton of room for improvement, and I still can't believe they didn't trade for Santana. Phil Hughes just isn't that good. Anyway, none of this matters as long as Tex, CC, A-Rod, and Jeter all avoid the DL. If they all do, then playoffs comes back to the Bronx.

The Blue Jays have been in first most of the year thus far, but now stand 1.5 back. Number wise, their success isn't that surprising (as a team). But they've got some totally bizarre individual performances. Overbay and Scutaro are hitting way above their heads. But Rios and Wells are well bellow what anyone would expect. For the Jays sake, maybe Overbay and Scuraro's fall to the mean will be cancelled out by Rios and Wells finally starting to realize they're Rios and Wells. I'd also like to introduce Canada to Adam Lind who will probably keep this up. The key to their season might be Aaron Hill keeping up his All-Star numbers. But that's not likely. The bad news is that it looks like the bats are starting to cool off since a four game sweep of the White Sox. The other part of the bad news for Toronto? There is almost no way they're going to continue to get the pitching they've gotten. Okay, so DocHalladay has been great and will continue to be so (he's on his way to another Cy Young). But injuries have destroyed this rotation, but some how, some way, with a bunch of no names, they've been good enough to win games. That will end soon. But they also hope to get some guys back who have been injured, so who knows. But unless either Hill or Scutaro keep hitting like he has and Wells and Rios turn it up, I can't see them finishing in the top two in this division.

I'm sure statheads are banging their heads against the wall trying to figure out how the Rays are a game under .500. They should be about four games better than they are, but at only five games back, they're in this race. Can Longoria keep this up? There is no reason why he shouldn't, but he hasn't done it yet. However, Jason Bartlett won't keep hitting like he has, and his fall back down to Earth isn't going to be pretty. Zobrist, who's going to get a lot of playing time now that Iwamura is out for the year, should regress a bit, but no reason to think that he's going to hit a lot worse than he has. So the good news is that everyone else: Pena and Gross should be fine, while Crawford, Burrell, and my man crush, B.J. Upton, should only be better. While Crawford is never going to hit for power, I'd expect him to hit better, Burrell only has one season where he was this bad, so while that might be a reason for concern, he's also hitting in a loaded line up so he's going to see good pitches. Finally, B.J. Upton who really can't be any worse, so eventually he's going to figure this out and play like he did in October where he was the best player in baseball. What's really scary is that their pitching is only going to get better (well, starting pitching). Price replacing Sonnanstine should have happened back in March (or will happen when Kazmir, who's been brutal, comes back from the DL). Assuming Kazmir puts it back together, there's little concern reason for concern on this team... well other than losing Iwamura for the year (eh, he can be replaced and just means that Zobrist and Gross will play every day). So if the bullpen can keep it up or even get better, the Rays SHOULD make a run and that run should help them leap frog the Red Sox. I expect them to join the Yankees in the postseason.

Finally, the hapless, but fun, Baltimore Orioles. They don't have any pitching, but they do have a sweet outfield that's going to be really good for years to come. They need to fight another corner outfielder because Felix Pie isn't going to be a major league player, but Adam Jones is. I also don't know what they do with that infield in years to come, but I think the O's have a loaded minor league system so that should sort itself out in the next two years. Seriously, they don't have any pitching... they'll end up having the highest ERA in baseball and have an outside chance at giving up 1,000 runs this year which is always fun to follow. But the pieces are starting to fall into place for the good people of West Baltimore.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - The Hawks looked and played like crap on Sunday. Now they have to win three in a row against the Anti-Fun Machine known as the Detroit Red Wings. It could happen. But it won't. Until their dead, I'll hang on to hope. But all I really want now is Tomas Holmstrom's no talent face being rubbed into the ice. At least the other funless, Nordic no fun machine Wings are talented so you tip your had to them. But Holmstrom? He doesn't do anything. He sits in front of the fucking net and does nothing at all. Of course you can't push him over because that'd be a penalty. So he just sits there and does nothing but block the goaltender. That's not hockey. That's bullshit.

Jake Peavy a Sox?

Sox Record: 17-22; The Sox have a -28 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth and 5 and a half out. The Tigers have caught a bit of fire... I'll take a look at them in a few days. I'm just happy the Royals are doing what I told you they'd be doing. Losing. But it's amazing what a two game winning streak can do.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Gavin Floyd -- he has sucked even if he's tipping his pitches.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Paul Konerko who seems somewhat dead set to save this season. Konerko, Dye, and Buehrle are the only bright spots this year and the only reason why the Sox aren't in fifth. I've also got love for Brian Anderson because that means Brent "I'm not a Major League Player" Lillibridge isn't in the majors at the moment.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: So the big news is that the Sox have reached a deal for Jake Peavy. The deal is done so all that we're waiting for is Peavy to give it the okay. Since Gordon Beckham isn't part of this deal, I really really really really really want Peavy to say yes. I want Jake Peavy to be a White Sox for the next three or four years. However, until it happens, I'm going to hold off on the baseball stuff... [that said assuming Peavy says yes today I expect Peavy to start on Saturday against Pittsburgh. Jake is schedule to start on Friday for the Padres and Richard is schedule to go for the Sox on Saturday].

All this said... there are two reasons I want Peavy to say yes:

1) Because it makes the White Sox better in the short and long term. He's only 27 and has been pretty durable.

2) It would be the most awesome fuck you to Cub fans since those glorious days in October of 2005 (also known as the Month Jesus Came Back To Chicago).

Cub fans have been going around for months as if they are entitled to Jake Peavy even though their farm system is worse than the Nationals. To most Cub fans, the thinking was that it was only a matter of time before the Padres gave in and traded Peavy to the Cubs for nothing. Peavy would be wearing Loser Blue, it was going to happen. It was fact in their minds.

But here comes Kenny Williams getting a deal done for Peavy right under the Cubs nose. It's glorious. If Peavy accepts, he becomes a hero to Sox fans for this reason alone. If he turns down the Sox and ends up with the Cubs, he will then have to fear for the health of his right shoulder. Us Sox fans are crazy bunch. Disliking or hating the Cubs is a necessity... Jake should consider that... would he rather pitch for the White Sox and be loved on the South Side because he IS NOT a Cub or would he rather fear for the safety of his right elbow every day he lives in Chicago? Because if he does ever make it up to the North Side, there will be a lot of Sox fans in Daniel Plainview clothing.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - Down 2-0 after losing an absolute heartbreaker on Tuesday night. The Hawks played with and maybe even better than the Wings, but a mistake by Campbell in OT lead to a 3 on 1 Nordic rush... Barker and Khabibulin had no shot at stopping the break. Great passing from the Wings, and everyone heads back to Chicago tomorrow with the Hawks down 2-0.

Is it over? No. But it doesn't look good. The good news is that the Hawks didn't play over their heads on Monday. They can easily come out there tomorrow and play better. The Wings don't have this series rapped up just yet. Let's hope the Hawks come out flying with the energy from the crowd which is going to be loud. Really loud.

But the Wings are also like the older, bigger, faster older brother... the Hawks always get close, but the Wings all end up winning. It's so frustrating. It makes me hate sports. But if we were to beat the Wings... it would feel so good... and that's why I keep coming back for more.

And two game winning streaks.

After A Month... A Quick Look at the Central

Sox Record: 13-14; The Sox have a -5 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: They're in third. Everything about the White Sox after almost 30 games screams 80-82 wins, their run differential, their run production, their pitching... there is no reason for anyone on Earth to think other wise. Stats, observation, whatever... but yet, they're in the most average division in baseball history. The Royals are off to a great start, but they're pitching is going to come back to the mean. Greinke may win the Cy Young, but his ERA is going to increase at least two runs over the next five months. There is NO CHANCE that Brian Bannister pitches at this level. None. There's a better chance that W. will be nominated by Obama to replace Souter than Bannister has an ERA under 4.00. Oh and how the fuck is this team averaging 4.9 runs a game? Let's just say that the Royals have had a really good month, and no they aren't going to go away, but this team isn't a 90 win team.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: It's still Alexei Ramirez. I'm very, very, very mad at him.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: How about A.J. Pierzynski who is the third best catcher in the AL after a month? Where did this come from? And what the hell is going on with AL catchers hitting the shit out of the ball?

Rhetorical Question of the Day: This is when I say something about Manny... look everyone was doing 'roids. We should be surprised about anyone testing positive or coming out and saying that they did the juice. Other than Frank Thomas, Griffey, Curt Schilling, and maybe Jeter, why even both acting like we're shocked and disappointed and mad? Guess what, rock stars do drugs, movie stars do coke, and athletes do steroids. FACT.

BTW, how did ESPN not blow up this week? Within 48 hours we had Favre is coming back and then not, Manny tested positive for 'roids, and A-Rod returning to the line up. Yet ESPN is still here. How? Would Bonds saying he used 'roids along with Tom Brady retiring put it over the top?

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - So I make my way over with The CJ to some Loop bar because we were at some fund raiser at Millennium Park. [I know, a Little at Millennium Park! Who could have guessed it! Every time I think about that park it makes me think of Daley and I get sick to my stomach. But hey, Daley's a Sox fan so I can't get too upset.] ANYWAYS, so we make it over to a bar and it's the second period, half way though, and the Hawks are down 1-0. And for the next 26 minutes, I watch some of themost frustrating and boring hockey on Earth . To say Vancouver was happy with a 1-0 lead would be like saying those people in Coors Light commercials are kind of happy. They packed it in as if they were playing Barca at the Camp Nou (yay footie reference!).

Well that blew up in the 'Nucks face when three of 'em chased a puck along the boards, Ladd got it out to Marty, he had more room than someone with Swine Flu at a Hypochondriac convention. He buried the shot, ties the game, and even though the Hawks blue liners tried to give the game away, the 'Nucks couldn't. The Hawks go on to win in OT as Ladd deflects the puck into the net. Series tied 2-2 and the Canucks need to figure out a better plan of stopping or slowing the Hawks. It's clear the Hawks are a more talented team, but the Canucks have the better goaltender. If the Hawks ever decide to score first in any of these games, how are the Canucks going to come back? But if the Hawks don't score first, Lord knows they have trouble beating the Canucks-Five-Behind-The-Blue-Line game plan. It ain't pretty that's for sure. So for the sake of all things hockey, let the Blackhawks get out to a 1-0 lead one of these days.

An Early Loss That Really Hurts

Sox Record: 12-14; The Sox have a -11 run differential.  

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: They suck

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: That's it.  I'm done with Alexei Ramirez.  Sent him back to Cuba.  He's hitting .210, he doesn't walk, and doesn't score runs.  He's a disaster after a month of the season.  A complete and utter disaster.  We're at the point where if Brent "I shouldn't be in the majors" Lillibridge took over at short, it wouldn't even be a drop off from Alexei.  Go back to Cuba, Alexei... or start hitting.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: I've been anti-Konerko for two years now, but I've got to give the guy some props, he doesn't suck this year, he isn't killing the team, and is one of the few 'bright' spots because of this.  He's still over paid and the Sox probably couldn't give him away at this point, but he's had a nice start to the season.

I also much hate for Greg Norton during his time with the Sox about ten years ago now.  Norton air mailed more throws from third in his few seasons than I've seen in my entire life.  This is a sad story , but also one of perseverance, about Norton (now with the Braves) and his family.  Big ups to Norton and my thoughts go out to him.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: I hate to get all over the top, but that loss last night is a killer.  Yeah, we're 26 games into the season and the Sox are only 3.5 out of first and the Royals are about as daunting as Ross from friends, but it would have been really nice to not have lost two games to the Royals.  I'm not scared of the Royals, I'm not that scared of the Twins or Tigers... and the Indians slow start looks like it will be a summer long thing.  But you can't let the division get away from you.  And after two disastrous games in KC, the division could slip away if the Sox aren't careful.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever: 

Blackhawks - Wow... one of the more boring hockey games you'll ever seen.  Vancouver was more than willing to not go forward unless the Hawks allowed them.  The Hawks could never get going, including one of the worst power plays you'll ever see with about 6 minutes left in the third.  Brian Campbell, for my money, was the best Blackhawk on the ice last night.  

Lunongo played well and didn't give up too many big rebounds which was really the difference in the game.  Hawks need to come out and take it to the Canucks tomorrow night.  They cannot go down two goals, in other words, they cannot play like they have in the first three games.  I know Lunongo is the best goalie in the world and all that crap, but it would be nice if Khabibulin at least played as well as Lunongo one of these games.  I'm not blaming him, but a 'stand on his head' performance wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Greatest Chicago Sports Day Ever (even though it wasn't)

Sox Record: 7-6

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Second? Tied for first? Did the Royals lose? Did the Indians score a lot of runs again? Oh yeah, the Tigers are doing okay too. I should start caring soon...

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: The Forkball that Jose Contreras used to throw. I miss that forkball. It used to get batters out. Now it Contreras doesn't even throw it and that leads to the other team scoring a lot of runs. The Sox are 0-3 when Contreras starts, 7-3 when he doesn't.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Octavio Dotel who asked President Obama for a hug at the White House yesterday. Cute or something along those lines. But more importantly, how cool is it that Obama is a White Sox fan? This has to give the Sox nearly as much cred as when they switched to black in the early '90s and became the hat of choice for West Coast Rappers and the amazing "Good Guys Wear Black" ad campaign (I'm still waiting for Wade to break out a "Good Guys Wear Black" shirt).

Number of awkward moments between Hawk and Stone: All I want to know is if Hawk met Obama.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: It took years, but one of the worst relieve pitchers in White Sox history is now, probably, gone forever. Mike MacDougal was all but released today . You have to figure some team will sign up if for no other reason than he can throw a baseball very very fast. MacDougal's greatest contribution to the White Sox was his nick name given to him by fans: The Arsonist. Ozzie wouldn't bring Mike in to put out fires, he'd put him in to start 'em.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever: Much has been said about Saturday being the greatest day in Chicago sports history , and honestly it was the greatest non-championship day in Chicago sports in my lifetime (the Cubs winning prevents it from entering the Greatest Day Ever conversation). I caught parts of all four games. The Sox looked the best, the Cubs the worst on Saturday. But let's break it down:

Bulls - On Sunday morning, Rev. Cleophus James asked his West Side congregation if they saw the light. And for the first time in over ten years, the congregation yelled back, "YES!" And the light was Derrick Rose.

I don't care what anyone says, that was the greatest rookie performance in the playoffs ever. No hyperbole. It was. End of discussion. Boston couldn't stop him and every time the Celtics looked like the would get the fans back in the game, Rose would score in .4 seconds to shut them up. He wasn't good. He was great.

I was at about an 8 for the Derrick Rose Era on Friday night. Now I'm at a 10. I'm excited just thinking about Wade, Rose, Thomas, and Deng out there, bustin' their butts, driving to the hoop, blockin' shots, all that good stuff 18 months from now. Even if the Bulls loses this series, and at this point Celtic fans have to be worried, I'm beyond pumped for the Rose Era.

Cubs - Honestly, how did the Cards not win this game? I watched more of this one than I wanted and every time it looked like the Cards would blow it up, the Cubs would some how put a stop to the bleeding and come back to tie it. And yes, I dropped a few F-bombs directed at members of the St. Louis Cardinals during the afternoon.

The Sox - The after thought of the day, they were up big and never really looked back. I was more interested in the Blackhawks game.

Blackhawks - Falling in love with a player is a magical thing. As a child I loved Carlton Fisk even attempting to mimic his insane on deck circle routine. I fell for El Duque in New Haven, CT. My love for St. Carlos began after I saw him swing a bat in the second game of the season. With Buehrle it's been a steady love... with all that said, after his second goal I told Jonathan Toews that I loved him. He responded as I thought he would, very serious look on his face as he went back to the bench.

I'm not sure how the Hawks won on Saturday. They were out played in the first. And then all of a sudden they cut the lead in half with Toews' first goal of the game seconds into the second period. Then the Hawks tied it up. Then they took the lead when Toews put home his second later in the period. AND THERE WAS MUSIC AND WONDERFUL ROSES THEY TELL ME... I mean I'm at the point with Toews that I went over to iTunes* and downloaded Chuck Berry's "Go Johnny Go." Yes, Toews and I are at that point in our relationship. It's beautiful I tell you. I love how he plays, he's not big, but he goes to the net like a racists on his/her way to a tea party. It's beautiful to watch and it only makes me love the kid from the 'Peg more.

*Does anyone else think that Bush once kicked around the idea of renaming Iraq to... iRack?