The Winter Sports Blahs.....

I'm back. Contrary to popular belief, I did not take an extended winter vacation abroad and forget about "Notes from the Pressbox." I think my lack of enthusiasm for posting a new entry definitely reflects my general attitude towards sports and the season we're mired in currently. My beloved Bears tanked this year coming off of a Super Bowl season, the Bulls seem to have forgotten that they were supposed to be in the NBA Finals this year and probably won't make the playoffs. And the Illini basketball season seems a lost cause in early January, which is never a good sign.

So what gets me excited right now? Baseball. I know what you're thinking, baseball is another two months away. You're right, Spring Training games won't get underway until early March, with the regular season still a distant light at the end of the long, cold, winter sports tunnel in April. But hey!! Pitchers and catchers report in about 5 weeks!! Man, I am desperate aren't I?

For someone that was raised and has lived their entire life in Illinois, you'd think I wouldn't be so cantankerous towards winter weather. But I am. I hate to use the word "hate", but I really do feel nothing but general disgust for cold weather, wind chill factors, and snow. Add that into an equation with bad winter sports, and the end result is nothing but a bad, sullen attitude. I can see why many of the senior members of society head south to the warmer climates come November/December. Can't say that I blame them. I mean honestly, what is exciting about January, February, and March in Illinois? I'm going to go on a mini-rant now. It's cold, there's nothing to do, nothing to look forward to...other than warmer temperatures which seem an ocean away. After Christmas, I'd prefer to just dig a hole somewhere and go into cryogenic sleep for three months and pop my head out with the rest of nature when the tulips start to spring up. I know, I sound soft. Maybe I am. But the best part of winter being done, is that baseball is back.

Now you'd think that being a Cub fan, I would almost dread another season of lackluster play on the North Side, but you'd be wrong. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing better than coming home after work, opening the window by my recliner, popping a top or two on a social sparkler, and turning on Chicago Cubs baseball. It can't get here soon enough. It was a little different last year this time with the Bears heading to Miami, the Bulls competing in the NBA, and the thought of Lou Piniella and Alfonso Soriano coming to the Windy City. But man oh man, this winter is a tough one. I need a hug. What's that you say? There's only 50 days, or 72,000 minutes, or if you really want to break it down, 4,320,000 seconds until the first Spring Training game? Come knock on my hole and let me know when it's here.