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Show DAILY C4 Friday. June 20, 2008 HERALD MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL First things first: Cubs, White Sox both on top ing the series as players on both sides feel the rush of a playoff like atmosphere where Rick Gano THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ',:r In the Second CHICAGO City, the buzz is all about first place. The Cubs are on top. So are the White Sox. And starting today, they play each other six times in 10 days. Somehow, maybe, this could be a preview of a Windy City World Series. Just imagine fans of the teams who don't exactly love one another jamming the Red Line train that runs the eight miles between Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field. the last fans are roaring on every pitch. "You learn the whole situation of how passionate the fans really are here in Chicago. Both teams are in first. It adds even more excitement," White Sox third baseman Joe Crede said. "Both teams could be in last place and there will still be brawls and all that stuff," said White Sox outfielder Brian then-Cub- World Series saw the White Sox, known as the "Hitless Wonders," beat the favored Cubs four games to two, after the Cubs went 116-3during the regular season of 1906. Two years later, the Cubs won the World Series and haven't captured one since, a stretch of futility that White Sox fans are quick to point out when there's a debate over who's the best team in town. The White Sox, meanwhile, ended an drought of their own by winning the World Series in 2005, an accomplishment that apparently didn't impress some Cubs' backers. "It's sq different. You might as well build a bordera Great game-winnin- V'- 6 game-winnin- might as weD be in two different cities. "The unfortunate thing for me is that it's a shame that a certain segment of Chicago refused to enjoy a baseball championship brought to their city. The only thing I can say is 'Happy anniversary.' " When they meet today at Wrigley Field, it will mark the latest date both teams have been in first since Sept. 9, 2003. The Cubs won the NL: Central that season before fallWall of China on Madison ing apart in the NLCS and los(Ave.) because we are so difing to Florida after being five outs away from the World ferent," White Sox general Series. The White Sox finished manager Ken Williams said this week in an interview with second to Minnesota in the AL "We the Chicago Central. 100-ye- Sun-Time- s. And since interleagueplay started in 1997, it's the first time the White Sox and Cubs will meet as first place teams at the start of the series. "It's great for the fans, it really is. It's great for the city," Cubs manger Lou Piniella said of the series, which he managed in for the first time a year ago, winning five of six. "Both teams have played well this year, which adds to it. We look forward to the challenge of facing them." Even though the Cubs have the home-fieladvantage for the first three games and they are 29-- at Wrigley Field this season they could be the wearier team today. -- d 8 So will Manti Te'o end Continued from CI Jim Harbaugh, they start to file out of the stands onto the practice field. And for some reason, my eyes come to rest on one kid. I mean, he's not even doing anything; he's just standing there, waiting to run out onto the field. I squint to get a better look at the piece of tape on the back of his helmet. It reads, "Manti Te'o." So he passes the eyeball test, much like Luke Staley did when I first saw him as a freshman at BYU back in 1999. During one of the first summer workouts, I saw Staley take a screen pass and run about 20 yards against air. Wow. Some people just look like athletes, and Te'o does. In fact, if he were running onto the BYU practice field instead of this high school football camp today, no one would bat an eye. How much of Te'o is myth? How much is legend? Did he really call himself "The King?" d Did he really tear off a run from scrimmage last year for Punahau (everyone swears the back end of the ball was touching the goal Me)? It would seem like BYU has some huge advantages in recruiting Te'o: Religion, atmosphere, friends and family and a good football program. But BYU is not a program that has been to a BCS bowl game, or even has a realistic shot at winning a national title. USC does, and on a Trojan recruiting site, Te'o is called a "once in a generation player." USC wants Manti. So do Penn State, and UCLA, and Texas Tech ... Te'o participates in a "thud" tackling drill. The kid across the line from him is probably saying to himself, "Oh crap, that's Manti Te'o!" and when he tries to push Te'o, he couldn't budge him. Scout.com says, "Te'o is a man amongst boys on film; it's very difficult to find any physical weaknesses in this kid's game at outside linebacker." Te'o is the crown jewel for a ridiculously deep BYU recruit ing class of 2009. Manti is a five-strecruit, and at least 10 others are four stars. Three of those 10 four-sta- r guys Jray Galea'i (DB, Kahuku), Adam Timo (RB, Snow Canyon) and Craig Bills (DB, Timpview) have already committed to the Cougars. BYU head coach Bronco 100-yar- ar up in Provo? Haven't a clue. Chew on this, though: He's only attending two camps this summer, the and the BYU camp. All know is, Manti looks like he can All-Po- ly I play all day. fast-foo- and a long twisting tunnel He was in a foul mood last year when his team played on the North Side, calling up a radio talk show from his car on the way to the park and unleashing a i prof anity filled tirade after the host questioned why A.J. Pierzynski wasn't in the starting lineup. And emotions do surge dur to get to the field. start Wednesday night with a sore shoulder. So far, the series is about as even as it gets. It's tied and each team is 4 on its 30-a- ll 16-1- home field. "When you see the enthusiasm in the street and the people in the stands you get pumped up," Guillen said. "I don't care what you're doing or saying. You get into it." Packers latest team interested in Jason Taylor Jeff Darlington the Chargers also called the Dolphins about a potential deal, but Miami has remained firm in their stance to maintain TayMIAMI Another month, another potential suitor. lor's services unless a proper offer comes along. Adding yet another interested party to the Jason Taylor The Packers' latest "explorSweepstakes, the Green Bay atory inquiry" (a term used in Packers are the latest to inthe initial report about Green quire about the services of MiBay's interest from The Green THE MIAMI HERALD ami's Pro Bowl defensive end, likely the result of questions surrounding Packers defensive end Kabeer But sources in South Florida downplayed Green Bay's latest reported interest, noting the Packers' inquiry is no more significant than those made by multiple other teams in the past several months. In March, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the first team to look into a trade but that was before the draft. Since, Gbaja-Biamil- Mendenhall has said he doesn't like the recruiting process because it gives kids too much of a sense of entitlement. But he plays the recruiting game because it's the lifeblood of a college football program. The Camp is a good one. Not only does the camp provide players with exposure to more than 60 college coaches, but Alema Te'o also holds academic workshops for ACT test preparation, NCAA clearinghouse information and life skills. Alema Te'o addresses the players before the beginning of camp, and gives them two pieces of advice: "Pay attention and go full speed." And then, I kid you not: Former BYU and NFL offensive coordinator Norm Chow (now with UCLA) was working with one set of quarterbacks and current BYU offensive coordinator Robert Anae was coaching the other group. Recruiting makes strange bedfellows. There are players from all over the world at the camp, including BYU wide receiver recruit Ross Apo from Texas and two teams from Samoa. Then there's Timpanogos linebacker JoJo Pili. Last year, Pili was named a defensive at the camp. "This camp is really intense," Pili said. "We'll never get a chance like this again to make a name for ourselves." So will Manti Te'o end up in Provo? Haven't a clue. Chew on this, though: He's only attending two camps this sumand the BYU mer, the camp. All I know is, Manti looks like he can play all day. All-Pol- y . all-st- AU-Pol- y I Daily Herald Sports Editor Darnell Dickson can be 5 reached at or at ddickson by heraldextra.com 344-255- While the White Sox wrapped up a three-gam- e sweep Thursday afternoon at home against the Pirates, the Cubs had to play a night game in St. Petersburg, Fla.,, before today's 12:20 p.m. MT series opener at Wrigley Field. "I'm going to talk to a few people in Tampa and make sure they delay that plane until 7 a.m," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "You never have an advantage against the Cubs in Wrigley Field." In the past, Guillen has expressed his dislike for the Cubs' home ballpark. He was especially unhappy one season disabled list. Cubs star Alfonso Soriano, who homered in three straight when he was forced to park d in a restaurant lot games against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular last season, is across the street from the also sidelined. And Cubs ace stadium. who was Carlos Zambrano Guillen's major complaints have been Wrigley's small and not scheduled to pitch this had to leave his weekend cramped visitor's clubhouse NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE BYU FOOTBALL Dickson Anderson, who drew a suspension two years ago when s a melee ensued after catcher Michael Barrett RLE PHOTOSAssociated Press punched Pierzynski after a LEFT: Chicago Cubs' Ryan Theriot, left, and Mark DeRosa, top right, collision at the plate. Both teams will be less than g greet Alfonso Soriano after he hit a single Los the full in Field at strength. Angeles Dodgers Wrigley against Chicago on May 28. RIGHT: Chicago White Sox's Carlos Quentin (20) The White Sox are without celebrates with teammates after he hit a g homer first baseman Paul Konerko, in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the Los Angeles ,y who has 14 career homers Angels in Chicago on May 25. against the Cubs, but is on the Bay Press-Gazette- has not ) caused any stir of imminent action within the Dolphins' organization, Miami sources said. Whether or not Green Bay continues their efforts to snag Taylor could be dictated by the who progress of has missed the entire offseason recovering from knee surgery. But Wednesday, est in Taylor from other teams could cause Green Bay to take a patient approach to the current talks. Gbaja-Biamil- told multiple a reporters in Green Bay that he has "no doubt" he'll be ready for training camp. "If this was the season, I'd probably be out there trying to get back on the field," Gbaja- Biamila told Green Bay report- ers. "I'd be on the field actually doing some stuff. But we're not in any rush We've got time on our side." It should be noted that Packers general manager Ted Thompson has been notoriously sparing when it comes to dealing draft picks. FILEAssociated Press indicated he has no The Milwaukee Journal-Sentindoubts about being ready for initially reported Green According to reports, the Green Bay Packers are interested in training camp in late July. As a Bay's interest in Taylor on result, the lack of serious inter Wednesday. acquiring Jason Taylor. Gbaja-Biamil- All a, Gbaja-Biami- el Pacman knows he has to prove himself THE ASSOCIATED PRESS IRVING, Texas -A- dam "Pacman" Jones had to wait more than a year to get back on the field. So when the suspended cornerback was finally cleared this month to practice with the Dallas Cowboys, he cornerback," receiver Patrick Crayton said. "He backpedals natural. He doesn't look nervous. ... Right now, he's just trying to get back in the groove." In each of his first two practices two weeks ago, Jones had an interception that he was ready. returned toward the end zone. "He's very serious. I think He took some snaps, with the he understands that this is a first team defense during the team's only mandatory big step for him this year," secondary minicamp this week, which coach Dave wrapped up Thursday without a practice session. Campo said. "He's "Kind of what we thought. hungry. He He works hard," coach Wade wants to do Phillips said. "I thought he was a competitor, but he is an exgood. He wants to traordinary competitor. He reNOTEBOOK play good." ally likes to mix it up out there and make every play." Really, Jones just Jones had told reporters that wants to play after missing all he'd talk Thursday after the the 2007 season while serving end of the minicamp. But there his NFL suspension that has was no media access after Philnot yet been completely lifted. lips canceled the final schedWhile Jones might have to uled practice. wait until the week before the Instead of practice, players, coaches and their families Cowboys' Sept. 7 opener to find out if commissioner Roger took part in a picnic and other Goodell will let him play durfamily activities at the Valing the regular season, Jones is ley Ranch facility. The family already trying to prove himself lunch was already planned, but to the Cowboys, who acquired players weren't told about the him from Tennessee in April. cancellation of practice until So far, Jones has made a getting to their position meetgood impression. ings Thursday morning. "He's just an instinctive The three-da- y minicamp fol -- lowed four weeks of optional workouts, the first two coming before Jones was cleared to participate. There are no more organized practices for the Cowboys until they report to training camp in Oxnard, Calif ., on July 24. Jones was suspended in April 2007 following an accumulation of arrests and legal problems, including his connection to a shooting at a Las Vegas strip club. He's been arrested six times and involved in 12 incidents requiring police intervention since being drafted in the first round by Tennessee in 2005. "Mr. Bradshaw has not been charged with any offense since being drafted by the New York Giants and is eager to put this matter behind him and begin training for next season," Stacy said in the statement. His office declined to release any additional information. Bradshaw, a key player in the Giants' Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots last February, reported to the jail under a court order and is being held without bond, jail employee Stephen Clear said. I Bears sign Harris to four-ye- contract extension: At Lake Forest, I1L, the Chicago Bears I N.Y. Giants RB Bradshaw jailed signed defensive tackle Tommie in southwest Virginia: At RichHarris to a four-yea- r contract extension on Thursday that mond, Va., New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs through the 2012 seasoa as serving a The team declined to release jail sentence on a probation violation financial terms of the deal, but in southwest Virginia, his legal Harris planned to speak about counsel said Thursday. the new deal during a news Charles A. Stacy said in a conference this morning. news release that Bradshaw,, The Harris is a who reported to the Abingdon three-timPro Bowl selection. He started 56 of his 60 career Regional Jail on Sunday, is being held on a violation from the NFL games and recorded 208 Tazewell County Juvenile and tackles during his four seasons Domestic Relations Court. with the Bears. d A 2004 Stacy said the underlying pick out charge stems from an offense of Oklahoma, Harris has had that occurred while Bradshaw, 13 sacks in the last two seasons a native of Bluefield, was a ranking him second among NFL defensive tackles. juvenile. y first-roun- , |