Region

Despite a rocky couple months peppered with setbacks and controversy, the Chicago Bulls remain guardedly optimistic about the future.

Jerry Angelo wasn't planning on picking up a new quarterback this off-season. One just happened to fall in his lap.

Success for the 2005 Chicago Bears came despite long odds. The team lost starting quarterback Rex Grossman to a major preseason injury, and the shaky play of rookie Kyle Orton was just enough to help the defense-minded team win the NFC North crown.

With Jay-Z retiring last year and Eminem looking to hang up his tracksuit, there just might be room in "da house" for Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich. Going by the name, CAPTAIN K.I.R.K., Hinrich hopes to follow in the footsteps of other great rap stars who began their careers as athletes, like Shaquille O'Neal and the '85 Bears. But if Hinrich's first effort is any indication, this gangster needs a little more "shizzle."

Carlos Zambrano has positioned himself as the Cubs ace heading into the 2006 campaign. He recently signed a one-year $6.5 million deal that sets the stage for a huge payday next year. Read on as Zambrano shares his enthusiasm for the coming season, his goals for the year, and what it's like playing for Dusty Baker.

Thank you, Barry Bonds. Now I may have company in the "this guy is such a jerk, we won't elect him to a Hall of Fame that already has Ty Cobb as a member"-class of MLB greats. If you want to grab lunch sometime, give me a call. We can discuss ways to get back at Selig. I've always been a big fan of flaming bags of dog poop on his doorstep, but I'm open to suggestions. In the meantime, let's gamble!

Former Minnesota Timberwolves guard and noted coach-choker Latrell Sprewell ducked into the St. Mary Magdalene soup kitchen last week and was scolded by volunteer staff for trying to steal a five-gallon pot of minestrone.