Midwest

The White Sox wasted a golden opportunity on Thursday night, falling hard to the Seattle Mariners, 9-0, at U.S. Cellular Field. The Sox failed to pick up ground as last night's slate of games also saw the AL Central-leading Tigers and AL Wild Card-leading Twins lose. The Sox trail Detroit by six games and Minnesota by 5.5 with just nine games remaining on the schedule.

Just a month ago, Bears fans were wondering what had happened to their 2005 NFC North Champion team, so did General Manager Jerry Angelo. Rather than wait to get results, Angelo decided to take matters into his own hands.

On what turned out to be the most exciting night in Wrigleyville this season, the famed Harry Caray statue that normally stands at the corner of Sheffield and Addison freed itself from its perch this week and went on a legendary drinking binge that resulted in thousands of dollars in property damage.

Shawn Kemp's comeback tour looks like it's over before it started. The former Seattle Supersonic skipped a scheduled tryout with the Chicago Bulls yesterday, citing travel problems.

After the Cubs dropped their 91st game of the year Wednesday, this time losing to the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2, manager Dusty Baker was again asked if injuries have taken a toll on his team.

The Minnesota Vikings and women's active wear marketer Activa announced a five-year deal to outfit the team with its purple tops and spandex pants. The Vikings originally unveiled new threads from Reebok in April but because players complained those uniforms were "too rugged," the team switched to Activa.

The Cubs lost to Jamie Moyer and the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 Tuesday night, with their lone run coming on a Matt Murton homer in the sixth. Cubs starter Wade Miller gave up four hits and two runs over 4 2/3 innings as the Cubs lost for the 90th time this year.