Good week

Minnesota vs. Illinois: Which market has the better sports:

Minnesota:

1. Johan Santana wins his second Cy Young Award in three years. The second youngest American League two time winner. He received 100% of the first place votes after posting the major league best in wins, strike-outs, and opponent's batting average.

2. Justin Morneau wins his first MVP award, narrowly defeating Derek Jeter.

3. Gopher men's hockey is currently ranked #1 in the AP (women are #3)

4. Gopher wrestlers are currently ranked #1 in the AP

5. Gopher football will probably be playing in the Alamo Bowl (Glen Mason's best bowl game)

6. After losing an exhibition, game the gopher men's basketball team is undefeated (until they get upset by the cyclones tonight!!)

7. Wild are tied for first place in the Northwest division.

8. No doubt about, the vikings and wild both suck.

CHICAGO:

1. Although the sox choked at the end, they will be back in force next year. In the deal of the offseason so far, the cubs signed Alfonzo Soriano to a 140 million, eight year deal. The cubs will be good next year, or at least be above 500. Also officially, the cubs now have the second highest payroll following the yankees. It's time for some results Cubbies!!

2. Bears will win the NFC and make the superbowl.

3. The Bulls are a team on the rise who will win the 2008 NBA championship.

4. Blackhawks blow.

5. Ron Zook is a recruiting mastermind and will most likely produce another top 30 recruiting class. I may be drinking some orange and blue koolaid but is it possible for the Illini to at least compete for the Big 10 in maybe 2009?

6. Illini always have a great men's basketball program.

I don't know but for the first time in a while, it is a good time to root for teams from Illinois and Minnesota sports teams.