Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Cubs fans are probably waiting to wake up from this horrible nightmare.

---The way they've been playing, you wonder if the Cubs are indeed cursed.

---Lou Piniella looked like he was ready to strangle his players as Chicago made error after error. Lou's refreshingly honest post-game comments regarding the struggling Kosuke Fukodome were an instant classic.

---Sadly, the Cubs appear done, but I'm still hoping they can take a page from the 2004 Red Sox and come back to beat the hated Dodgers.

---The Cubs aren't the only team in trouble. Boston looks to be in great shape against the Angels, the Phillies are a win away from eliminating Milwaukee, and Evan Longoria powered the Rays to a 1-0 series lead over the White Sox.

---Postseason baseball: Spectacular.

---I'll be in San Francisco this weekend, and my Niners have a huge game against the Patriots.

---In order to win, our offensive line has to do a better job of protecting J.T. O'Sullivan.

---The Bills and Titans are undefeated, and the Colts are struggling. What world are we living in here?

---Here are my week five NFL winners: 49ers, Bills, Colts, Titans, Chargers, Panthers, Eagles, Bears, Packers, Giants, Bucs, Cowboys, Jaguars, Saints.

---The investigation into the National Basketball Association officiating shows that Tim Donaghy was the lone culprit in the gambling scandal. Excellent. Now hopefully people will stop talking about the Donaghy scandal and start focusing on the superb quality of the league.

---And I'll leave you with one final thought: Al Davis makes Jerry Jones look like a humble saint.