USA Soccer

Hope you have not been holding your breath waiting for my next post. I have been having too much fun reading the Random Thoughts to post my own original ideas. That said, I am compelled today to write my thoughts on the plight of the US soccer team in the World Cup.

Why did the US team fail to advance? Let's review...

For one, I think that some of the players were not put in a position where they are most capable of being effective. For example, against the Czech Republic Landon Donovan was placed as a striker. However, Landon's strength is to carry the ball and run at players rather than to receive long passes over the top. Landon should always be in an advanced midfield position so he is more likely to have the ball at his feet.

Two, Arena relied too much on veterans who did play up to their potential. Claudio Reyna may be the second most overrated player in US Soccer history (Alexi Lalas). He shows no creativity in organizing the offense and is slow with the ball at his feet. Brian McBride's role is largely reliant on other players serving good balls to him, but when this strategy proved ineffective Arena should have gone with Eddie Johnson or Josh Wolff who can provide more speed and dribbling ability.

Three - no chemistry. The US Team touted its three-game pre-World Cup tour as its big preparation for the competition. You know what, I don't know any team that has developed any chemistry and common instincts after just three games. Perhaps the MLS has to follow the example of the Euro leagues and move the season so that the national team players are available more to prepare for big international competitions. Whatever we do, the US team must spend more time with a set lineup so that it can develop team chemistry and be able to play more instinctually and without so much deliberation.

In summary, the reasons for the US's failure are both strategic and institutional. Clearly, it is easier to adjust the strategic decisions (including personnel choices). Whether or not this means that Arena should be replaced will be determined by his willingness to adjust his style and learn from his mistakes.

Sean&Steve or Sal&Rosey or Bury&Bloom or

Let's start with the premise that I really like Sean Salisbury. I like his passion and his personality. When he did some extensive guest host duties on ESPN1000 several months ago I thought it would be a terrific idea for him to continue on a more regular basis. Hence, when I heard that he was going to be the regular co-host for the new mid-day show from 9-12, with Steve Rosenbloom, I was pretty geeked about it. Today was their first day and I was all ready to listen.

Then came the first 20 minutes of the show. Sean was his usual bombastic self, only he committed possibly one of the worst crimes for a sports radio host - an unfamiliarity with the local market. Look, in order to have any credibility with a Chicago sports fan you have to at least understand what it means when your co-host refers in shorthand to the "2003 Choke." I'll admit, you had to be listening fairly closely to catch it, since he covered it up fairly well and then changed the course of the argument somewhat crudely.

Since I like Salisbury's style and delivery, I am willing to give him another chance (it is better to be interesting and dumb than boring and dumb, just ask the former tenant of the mid-day show). However, he is on a very short leash if he is going to continue to demonstrate a lack of knowledge about Chicago sports.

Best of luck Sean!

Be Still My Heart

Could it be true? Have my wishes finally come to fruition?

This morning the Chicago sports world is abuzz with the rumor that Dusty Baker may be headed out of Chicago with his tail between his legs. I wonder if his "Book of Managing", the one to which he refers for all his strategic decisions, has any rules for dealing with this scenario. The natives in the South America are celebrating since several acres of rainforest will be preserved now that Dusty will not need to chew on his silly sticks for a while.

Before you get the idea that I blame all of the Cubs' woes on Dusty, that is not my intent. Quite frankly, I think the laid back attitude which reportedly permeates their lockerroom is ridiculous in light of the latest performances on the field. Heck, they should all be forced to watch the previous day's game. Players need to be responsible for themseves, but sometimes someone has to hold them accountable.

But, Dusty is a "players' coach." Well, if a players' coach is a manager who does not make a player responsible for his own mental errors and lack of focus, then Dusty is definitely a players' coach. Ultimately, the manager is responsible for the attitude and preparation of the team, and Dusty clearly has allowed the ship to steer itself into the reef.

My early vote for the next manager of the Chicago National League Ball Club: Lou Piniella.

Please send in your suggestions for the Cubs' next manager.