Random Notes and MAJOR PREDICTIONS!!!

What a week!!

The White Sox returned to form for the first time since the All Star break, going a combined 5-1 vs. the Yankees and Tigers. RCS realizes that everyone knows this already, we just like the way it looks on paper.

The Cubs season is still over, but they have had some terrific games. The Z-Man returned to form against the Astros this week, and Rich Hill is beginning to take the next step in what could be a pretty damn good career. But here's a thought:

Is it worth it to have your ace constantly throwing 100+ pitches in games that don't really matter?

Yes, he is a Cy Young contender, but is this personal award worth more than a possible playoff run in the next year or two? RCS isn't a huge fan of pitch counts and honestly, we feel pitchers are becoming bigger babies every day, but you have to take Z-Man in context. This is a guy who was forced to be the staff workhorse for multiple years. He's also logged extra innings this year in the disaster formerly known as the World Baseball Classic. Yes, he's a beast, but it has to eventually take a toll.

On another note, RCS refuses to comment on any Bears QB controversy or competition until after the 3rd preseason game. We are happy to see that Thomas Jones is back practicing again, though.

Now for some Major Predictions that are sure to upset people from both coasts…

1. The Boston Red Sox are finished. They will not make the playoffs, and the entire country will be forced to suffer through an entire winter of bitching by people with goofy accents. RCS can't wait for the first hour-long segment on what the Red Sox need to do in the offseason, courtesy of the Booyah Network.

2. USC's football team will not win the Pac 10 this year. There is also a very real chance they lose their first 2 games this year. No, we're not kidding.

3. Dusty Baker will coach the Cubs next year. There is no way the Tribune suits would let a lame duck manager make decisions that could harm the clubs future. It just doesn't make sense.

4. The Blackhawks' season will begin, and no one will care…