"Bit's O' Info"

It's been awhile since a "Bit's O' Info" post, so now seems like the perfect time to do one.

Cubs trade for Harden: Originally I thought this was a terrible deal for the Cubs, as the Cubs are now just getting over the Mark Prior-Kerry Wood era, and now they bring in another pitcher with tons of talent that is always injured. Then I found out they didn't give up a whole lot (Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton, Eric Patterson and a minor leaguer), and they also acquired Chad Gaudin. Gaudin is a guy I think will have more of an impact on the Cubs than Rich Harden. He was having a good year in the AL, and AL pitchers tend to translate very well to the National League, at least at the outset.

All in all, if Harden pans out they pair him with Zambrano for a great front end of a rotation. If not they still got Gaudin, who will provide quality-high quality innings.

Elton Brand goes to the Sixers: Shades of Carlos Boozer on this one. Brand opted out of his deal with the Clippers, and stated he absolutely wanted to return. The Clippers then go out and get a verbal commitment from a great player in Baron Davis to pair with Brand, giving him some much needed help. They also draft Eric Gordon ( who may very well make an appearance in my draft notebook special that I am still working on), giving themselves a team that should contend in the West. Now Brand is reportedly going to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. While I understand why he would do this (the Sixers are a good up and coming team in a weaker Eastern Conference), he still is breaking his word with the team after they made a good faith effort to help him. It would be one thing if the Clips did nothing to bolster the team and expected Brand to stay, but they signed a huge piece of the puzzle thinking he would be around. I'm not sure they make the Davis signing if they think Brand is going to leave. We'll see if the rumors become true, because according to multiple sources the deal with the Sixers is just about done.

Record for Maine Olympics: The state of Maine has a record 7 people making the cut for this years Olympics, including world record holder and gold medalist Ian Crocker. The state seems to be slowly but surely becoming more modernized, both in technology and in sports. I personally can't wait for the proposed NBDL team to arrive in Portland.

NFL continues crackdown on cheating: In a move reminiscent of the NBA's new hire of Major General Ron Johnson to oversee it's referees, the NFL announced the hiring of Pennsylvania State Police Chief Jeffrey Miller to oversee security, which includes both fan and team behavior. The NFL seemed eager to specify that his duties include the overseeing of teams taping other teams when the announcement was made. Personally, I don't like either hire. These guys are outsiders to the game, and will have a tough time adjusting to their new lives. personally, I think it's more of a public relations stunt by both leagues than anything. Gives them a "hard ass" new look at the top.

Wrigley Field to host next NHL outdoor game: This was some of the best news I have heard in awhile. Seriously, an NHL game at Wrigley? That will be amazing to watch. The only other baseball park I would rather see a NHL game in would be Fenway. Can you imagine watching Sid the kid and the Penguins take on the Bruins with the monster as the back drop. It would be unbelievable. Still, a game at Wrigley Field, in HD, has me more ecstatic about hockey than I have been in a long time. This outdoors idea could slowly, single-handedly, bring the NHL back to relevance.

~Aaron Jackson