Monday, June 30, 2008

Futbol is like 2x6


I was enjoying the Spain vs. U.S.A. friendly at the Chicago White Sox media room with a group of soccer fans. As Oguchi Onyewu missed one of the clearest possibilities for a goal, a reporter in his late 50s with a disgruntled look stopped to watch. After Onyewu missed the ball the man maliciously looked at us and said: “I can’t respect a sport that has (0-0) at the end of the match. I hate soccer”.
Soccer or football-- what ever your preference-- has to be one of the most popular sports in the world (except U.S.A.). I respect many Americans hate the sport and don’t appreciate the beauty of the game; everyone has the right to choose and are open to their opinion. In Football the average team scores three touchdowns a game, each worth six points.So, whats so bad about soccer? Most soccer leagues have two goals per-game (2x6=12). Why call yourself a sports journalist or follow the profession if you are segregating or stereotyping a specific sport. I see it as an Archie Bunker mentality (one of my favorite shows) — where’s Michael Stivic when you need him! As an ESPN Deportes Dream Job finalist, I learned one of the most important things in my career: el deporte es vida. A friend told me ‘to be successful you need keep on working and focus on appreciating all sports’. As journalist, one should be objective and make statements that have substance and are coherent, not vulgar and irrelevant. Lets enjoy soccer, baseball, water polo and even figure
skating.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

THE BIG Z PLAYS IN THE MLS

"Z'' head-to-head with Toronto striker Jeff Cunningham


Chicago native, Cesar "Z" Zambrano played his first official Major League Soccer game vs. Toronto FC (L 1-3) June 14, 2008.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Quentin for President

Why has Major League Baseball refused to add Carlos Quentin to the 2008 All-Star ballot? Quentin, is guiding the White Sox with his slugger performance and is fourth in the American League with (17) home runs and (56)RBIs. Quentin is one of the main reasons the White Sox are in first place. However, Derek Jeter and David Ortiz are leading the way with the All-Star votes. Ortiz is on the 15-day DL and Jeter has (4)HR and 31RBIs . Why does MLB "choose" the players who will be on the ballot?
That's the problem with this country! Government agencies and private entities choose what we watch, read, and even think. 'They will make the right decision for us'. Let's just get our beer and dog and watch a fun All-Star game. As a baseball fan, I don't want to vote for a guy who has not proven to be an All-Star this season. I'm not asking for Quentin to be added to the presidential ballot, just for him to be given the opportunity to be part of history.
More importantly, as a proactive American I want to choose my player--I deserve that right! Therefore, MLB, change the ballot and allow baseball fans the right to "rock" their vote. Thank you!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Mexico and USA on Father's Day

On Father's Day, I spent the afternoon with my dad, dividing our time watching Mexico vs. Belize and USA vs. Barbados. However, it wasn't the happiest of days for my father, who cringed and blasted the Aztecs with bulgar Spanish words. I don't blame him, Mexico had a hard time scoring in the game. There was no process, imagination, or vision from los mexicanos. However, things were different for the "gringos" who made it look easy. I'm not a negative person but, if this continues it could be possible la seleccion will watch the World Cup 2010, rather than play in the tournament.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Del Negro is right fit



What has Vinny Del Negro got himself into? My only conclusion, it's a win-win situation for the rookie coach. If he has a terrible 2008-09 season, he can say the Bulls did not give him the talent to be successful. However, if he wins he will get a contract extension and applauded by Paxson and the funky bunch, who desperately need their team to win--Do or Die.
Let's be serious, why would anyone be surprised about this move, it's typical Chicago sports management. D'Antoni and Brown are only two premier coaches who were part of the primary list of candidates, to run with the Bulls yet, Chicago decided to snooze on the deal.
Are we going to see Chicago in the playoffs?
--Chances are slimmer than, a Slim Jim.
Will they win more than 50 games?
--Maybe, if Del Negro comes out of retirement and suits up in a Bulls uniform.
That is why, Del Negro is a perfect fit because, we are not seeing red but, negro (Spanish for the color black)--the Bulls can't see the light, only negro!
They saw negro when they fired Phil Jackson.

Zambrano Report


Colorado Rapids
Major League Soccer

Chicago native, Cesar Zambrano has not played in any first team games this year but, has played in 301 minutes in four Rapids reserves games, plus two minutes in the Open Cup "play-in" game at Los Angeles.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Dotel y Ozuna, dominicanos destacados con los White Sox


Octavio Dotel nació en República Dominicana y viene de una familia que le inculcó la importancia de seguir su sueño y enfrentar los obstáculos de la vida. Para Dotel, la muerte de su padre en 1993 fue una de las etapas más difíciles, ya que su padre nunca lo vio jugar en las Grandes Ligas. Sin embargo, gracias al apoyo e inspiración de su hermano, Ángel Dotel, el pitcher cumplió un gran sueño. Ahora, con sus paisanos Juan Uribe y Pablo Ozuna llegaron a Chicago con la meta de ganar todo y ser los estandartes del béisbol dominicano en el 'South Side' (lado sur) de la Ciudad de los Vientos.
"Comencé a jugar gracias a mi hermano. Te lo juro, nunca pensé en jugar a un nivel profesional. Mi país, es un país con tradición en este deporte. Viviendo en ese ambiente me apasioné con el juego y logre llegar aquí", dijo Dotel.
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/es/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080609&content_id=2876807&vkey=news_cws_es&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Boicotear FMF: Justo y Necesario


¿Qué pasa con México?
Según los expertos, México es el papa de los pollitos en la CONCACAF. Según los expertos, México tiene el mejor fútbol en el continente americano. Pero, la actuación que dio contra la poderosa albiceleste esta semana demostró varios puntos de discusión. Primero: Sin duda, México no llegó en su mejor momento, ya que los genios de la federación decidieron presentar a Eriksson como el nuevo entrenador de MX. No solo, fue una falta de respeto para la afición sino, para Jesús “Chucho” Ramírez.
Segundo: ¡Es oficial! El fútbol mexicano se encuentra en una crisis total. Olvídate de echarle la culpa a X jugar o entrenador…El fútbol, como el deporte nacional esta en decadencia—el llano en llamas. Como es posible que Estados Unidos empate con Argentina y México se vio como unos llaneros o como dicen en ingles—CHUMPS.
Por lo tanto, he decidido boicotear a la Federacion Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), hasta que demuestren mejor futbol y sus directivos tengan un respeto por los jugadores, entrenadores, aficion y su pais. No estoy encontra de Eriksson, ya que es un de los mejores entrenadores del mundo y se ve como un buen tipo. Mi boicot no tiene nada con el, sino que "ya fue mucho", porque la aficion mexicana es la mejor del continente americano y lo hago porque quiero ver buen futbol. Que no se diga, "si se puede" sino "se pudo".
Mi familia y yo decidimos no ir al partido de Mexico en Chicago, ahorrándonos $500.00 US (comida, boletos,estacionamiento, playeras, cerveza). Ademas, no tengo planes de comprarle a mi papa la chamarra o playera de la selección para el Dia de los Padres--otro ahorro de $190.00. Un total de $690.00, en solo una semana...Como dicen en Mexico: "con dinero baila el perro". Imaginate, si la gente en el D.F. boicoteara por un dia a la FMF.

(Me sirvio de algo, mi trabajo con el Gobierno del Estado de Illinois-jajaj)

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

USA...USA...USA

USA vs. England 2008



The US Men's National Soccer Team got shut-down during their visit in Europe. Unfortunately, not what we expected, from an American team with a list of players abroad. Yet, not all is lost USA fans! Remember, they got a chance to play some of the best teams/players in the world.
I think 3 goals against is better than 10 or 20, which would of been the result back in the '80s.
Compared to our neighbors in the CONCACAF region like, Mexico who is playing Peru , Ecuador, and Argentina (the only respectable team), the US is improving their style of play by playing the "big boys". I remember my dad telling me "the only way you get better at soccer is play with older kids" (I didn't listen, that's why I'm a sports reporter). However, the US is following that advice and it will pay-off in the end. Therefore, don't think this is a bad result, USA is on the right track.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Big Z from Chicago

Cesar Zambrano during Rapids pre-season match


The Zambrano Family at the Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire game
I'm very proud of getting the opportunity to write a story about Cesar Zambrano being selected in the 2008 Major League Soccer Draft by the Colorado Rapids. "Z" became the first Latino from Chicago to play in the MLS. It finally happened! I remember playing amateur soccer in the CLASA League, and hearing everyone talk about "Cesar".
It was clear, the young player was bound for great things on -and-off the field.
I just hope more Latino kids from the inner-city realize one thing--"college is important".
This is not Latin America, you won't make it big with just some fancy moves. You need an education to play in The States. Learn from "Z", he went to college and is now an up-and-coming MLS soccer stud. Congrats Cesar! You make everyone in Chicago proud. Remember the next step is a World Cup!

http://www.coloradorapids.com/team/PlayerBio.aspx?PID=114

Aquired: Drafted by Colorado with the fifth selection (first round, fifth overall pick) in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft. Bio:
Cesar Zambrano finished his collegiate career at the University of Illinois-Chicago with 15 goals and 12 assists in three seasons for the Flames from 2005-2007. He served as a co-captain on a 2007 UIC side that advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS
As a senior in 2007, Zambrano led UIC with six goals, seven assists and 19 points…Was a 2007 NSCAA/adidas All-Great Lakes Region Second Team selection, a 2007 All-Horizon League First Team selection, and the 2007 Horizon League Tournament Most Valuable Player…In 2006, All-Horizon League and NSCAA/adidas All-Great Lakes Region Second Team honoree…Appeared in 16 matches, making 15 starts…Fourth on the team with 11 points on five goals and one assist…Scored UIC’s first goal in its NCAA Tournament win over Kosuke Kimura’s Western Illinois team on Nov. 11…All-Horizon League First Team selection in first season at UIC in 2005…Started 16 contests…Scored four goals and posted four assists for 12 points…Scored first collegiate goal in UIC’s season opener at then-No. 24 Loyola Marymount on Sept. 3…Named to the UC Irvine College Classic All-Tournament Team.

Marvin Sanchez, Orgullo Boricua en NIU

04/30/2008 4:30 PM ET
A jugar y disfrutar de la vida
Un joven local encuentra esperanza y paz con el béisbol
By César Rodríguez / especial para loswhitesox.com

Marvin Sánchez creció en Humboldt Park y de muy temprana edad conoció los golpes de la vida, ya que su comunidad carece de buenas escuelas e inundado de crimen y pandillas. Sin embargo, la vida lo prepararía para una de las experiencias mas escalofriantes: la matanza que ocurrió en el campus de Northern Illinois University (NIU) el 14 de febrero del 2008.
"Es algo que he dejado atrás y quiero enfocarme en jugar y disfrutar mi vida," dijo Sánchez.
En honor a las victimas, los White Sox organizaron un partido entre el equipo de baseball de NIU y la Universidad Notre Dame en U.S. Celluar Field en honor a los fallecidos. Allí, loswhitesox.com habló con Sánchez, quien vivió de cerca ese momento, pero gracias al béisbol ha podido superar el triste recuero. Para Sánchez los momentos importantes como cuando recibió su carta de aceptación de NIU es una anécdota que lo ayuda a seguir adelante.
"Recibí una nota y mi mama empezó a llorar. Luego leí la carta y la firme. Yo sabia que alguien me iba a escoger nunca perdí la esperanza".
El joven boricua se destacó en el preparatorio Roberto Clemente y fue elegido entre los mejores jugadores de Chicago.
"Marvin es uno de los mejores jugadores que he visto y no dudo que en poco tiempo vamos a verlo llegar muy lejos," aseguró Chris Hall, el entrenador de béisbol de Clemente.
Su talento lo ayudo a conseguir una beca con el equipo de NIU, convirtiéndose en el tercer estudiante de su escuela en jugar en la primera división colegial.
"Le tiene un amor al deporte desde chiquito, cuando perdían siempre lloraba, eso si, '' dijo la madre Marienjali Burgos.
La mamá del joven ilustre, lo motivó a conseguir su sueño y de seguir luchando, aunque encuentre barreras en el camino.
"Me enorgullece que mi hijo este aquí jugando y se que sus sueños se harán realidad, no lo dudo."
Como novato sus entrenadores han visto el gran talento que tiene el joven puertorriqueño y no dudan que en poco tiempo llegue a jugar profesional.
"Su defensa es impecable con un nivel de profesional. Tiene buen brazo y no dudo que llegue a las grandes ligas. Ya empezó a subir de peso y es un joven brillante, dice que quiere ser una estrella en el béisbol y lo académico. Mientras mejore su bateo y se adapte a la primera división creo que va tener mucho éxito." dijo el piloto de NIU Ed Mathey.
Aunque no ha tenido problemas en adaptarse al juego, Sánchez explicó que la experiencia de jugar en una escuela prestigiosa como NIU ha sido un proceso lento.
"Es algo difícil. Toda mi vida he jugado con latinos y soy el único latino en el equipo, pero me llevo bien con todos y somos buenos amigos. Voy estar bien."
Marvin sueña con algún día cumplir su meta de jugar en las grandes ligas y les recomienda a los jóvenes latinos que con esfuerzo y educación todo es posible.
Este artículo no era sujeto a la aprobación del Major League Baseball ni sus equipos

Roberto Clemente H.S. Baseball, Chicago's All-Stars


During the Northern Illinois University vs. Notre Dame game at U.S. Cellular Field, I met Roberto Clemente H.S. (RCHS) Baseball coach, Chris Hall. We talked about one of the latest talents from RCHS--NIU shortstop Marvin Sanchez. Hall mentioned the long list of players that had played at Roberto Clemente and received scholarships at Div.I-II-III universities. The kids can play!

Hall got the head coaching job, after volunteering and being an assistant for nearly five years. His first priority, was to implement an above average GPA and show the meaning of hard love. RCHS is located in Humboldt Park, a low-income, gang-drug infested neighborhood, where less than 50 percent of students are college bound. RCHS is developing some of the best talent in State of Illinois, yet the players come from low-income families, making it difficult to participate in tournaments, buy equipment, or focus on school. The sad part! Local business leaders and elected officials take no pride in helping these future sluggers. I hope my article can motivate these people to invest and support local talent. Also, Hall explained how the local media would not cover RCHS visit to Puerto Rico and meet the Clemente Family--tipical. Why???
I always read cookie cutter stories about suburban high schools in the local papers ! They say 'no' to a story with substance and a human interest angle-Yikes! Maybe, the reporter was scared of visiting RCHS!

Welcome-Bienvenido


Welcome!
This is the kick-off edition for the "C-Rod Blog"! As a sports aficionado, I will post weekly stories of my adventures in the sports world. Also, if you have a passion for local sports, my page will present stories on the up-and-coming stars del deporte. Please, feel free to leave your comments, suggestions, or rants.



Bienvenidos Blogeros!

Esta es la primera edición de mi pagina Blog, donde conocerán un poco de mi trabajo y aventuras como periodista deportivo. Aquí escribiré sobre lo más sobresaliente del deporte profesional y amateur. Por lo tanto, los invito que dejen sus comentarios, opiniones, críticas y saludos.