Bit of a boring week, eh?

So, this week has been fairly dull since Monday's big news. Cubs have won one, lost one against the Reds. Bears play again tonight, so things could heat up in a flash. But for now, sports in the Windy City are boring. I guess this means that it's time for my equally boring review of Madden 09 (for the Wii).
This new version has some small improvements, and is definitely, not drastically, better than last year's installment. For one the 5-on-5 mode is very fun. You have a quarterback, running back, center and two wide receivers on offense. There are four plays: run, short pass, medium pass and deep pass. You can also use the new Call Your Shot feature, which is fun. Before the game you decide starting position, number of downs, number of touchdowns to win and whether or not the players have big heads. On defense, you have a safety, linebacker, defensive tackle and two cornerbacks. Your four plays are blitz, short pass, medium pass and deep pass. That part is also fun. The playcalling menu has been improved, but the audible control is frustrating. Bottom line is, buy this game if you don't have Madden 08. If you haven't sold 08, save your 50 bucks.

Monday Windy City Roundup

Bears: Kyle Orton was named the starter today. And for once, since before last season, I agree with a decision that Lovie Smith has made. Orton is a much more consistent quarterback, and a game manager. I know that calling a QB a game manager is a cliche, but Orton really is. When someone makes smart throws, and slows the game down, they are a game manager. And that is exactly what Orton does. He reminds me of a lesser Peyton Manning. Sure, Orton isn't as smart, hard-working, or talented, but he is still capable in every important catergory. Grossman is a gunslinger, which can be good if you have a good offensive line (Brett Favre last year), but with one as bad as the Bears', a gunslinger is a problem (Brett Favre in '05 and '06). Grossman now is saying goodbye to Ortman and hello to the bench.

Cubs: Have a second straight Monday off. After a surprisingly good road trip down south, they have a six game homestand against Cincinnati and Washington. This gives the streaking Cubs a chance to shove a sword down the throat of Dusty Baker's new team. And Corey Patterson's new team. And Jerry Hairston's new team. Bring back Mark Prior, and the whole gang will be back at Wrigley for three games! This first series should be a challenge, with Harden, Lilly and Zambrano facing Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang. Arroyo and Harang are Cubs killer's, and Cueto 1-1 with a 4.97 ERA in two starts this year against the Cubs. Of course, all three are struggling this year. The series against the Nats only has Marquis vs. TBA. My prediction for this week is 4-2.