1. When life passes you by
The inconsistent Vikings upset the 9-6 Dolphins. The hapless Bengals stun the 9-6 Saints. The cuddly Bears give up four fumbles to the 6-9 Panthers. The Panthers? Oy.
2. Addition by subtraction
The White Sox quietly non-tendered Todd Ritchie on Friday, making him a free agent, though GM Kenny Williams said he’ll try and re-sign him. Ritchie may want to go elsewhere to recapture his prior success. The same might be said of Williams–but to do so first he’d have to have a prior success.
3. Fightin’ offensive
After trouncing Canisius 93-75 and
DePaul 102-71, No. 9 Notre Dame (12-1) is averaging almost 85 points a game.
4. Fightin’ perfect
With three freshman starters, No. 12
Illinois thumped No. 11 Missouri 85-70 in their annual border-war series. Next year, make it really meaningful and play for ownership of the Mississippi River.
5. Worst of times
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Not expected to return to Texas, catcher Ivan Rodriguez took out newspaper ads thanking fans and calling his 12 seasons as a Ranger “12 of the best years in my life.” If you read between the lines, this must mean he’ll become a Cub.
SIXTH MAN
6. For Pete’s sake
So, Bud Selig is interviewing Hall of Famers to see what they think about Pete Rose’s lifetime ban being lifted. Fine. But what happens if in 15 years another player goes through the same thing? Selig will be consulting . . . Rose. Madness.