In a big sports city like Chicago, good performances are expected. For a team that has been exiting first round lately, it is time for the Bulls to step up. Derrick Rose is an excellent player, but he clearly needs help. With the 2010 free agency coming, the Bulls need to target one man: Joe Johnson. Sure, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Amare Stoudemire are all better plays. But the odds of any of them coming to Chicago are very slim. Joe Johnson is in his prime, and is 28 years of age. By the time a long-term contract would end, yes, he will probably be a little out of his prime. But someone with his shooting ability will be a valuable asset until his career ends.

Joe Johnson is likely frustrated with the under whelming playoff performances that Atlanta put on. And just like everyone else, Johnson will be eager to see what is out there for him. If the Bulls reach out to Johnson immediately, he will likely be very receptive. A backcourt of Rose and Johnson would likely be the best in the entire league. It is up to Chicago to make it happen.

by David at the Sports Fan Blog Network

With Jason Heyward having a great year so far, the Atlanta Braves will always have a hitter to look out for. But another hitter to look at this year is surprisingly, Troy Glaus. Due to severe injury, Glaus was only able to play 14 games last year. However, he seems to be picking right where he left off. Glaus has always been a player who plays the game the right way. And in doing so, he has had success. Not unbelievable success, but he has always been a good addition wherever he goes.

If the Braves want to contend this year, Glaus will have to maintain the successful start that he has had. He continues to do everything the right way, and those around him are benefiting from it. Even as a Phillies fan, it is great to see a good guy rebound from such a terrible time.

by David at the Sports Fan Blog Network

The expectations for Jason Heyward were unfair. Analysts on ESPN actually mentioned that he could be a darkhorse candidate for the MVP this year. There was no way he could live up to the hype. 20 year olds in the Major Leagues rarely achieve much sucess and definitely not at the level that some were predicting for Heyward. Well, guess what, Heyward has lived up to the hype. Sure, he may not win the MVP award, but he is already a star who has produced in the pressure situations. Take opening day for example. Heyward’s first at bat, at home, on national television, and what does he do? He hits a line drive over the fence that is still probably traveling. Through 13 games, Heyward is hitting just a shade under .300 with 4 homeruns and 16 RBI, the same amount as the last two NL MVPs, Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard. It will be interesting to see if Heyward will be able to maintain this level of play over the long 162 game season, but I would not bet against him. Normally, veterans are a little salty towards a young phenom who shows up and gets all the hype without proving anything. This was not the case with Heyward, who endeared himself to his teammates instantly. The players have cited his maturity level and said he is one of the most composed kids that they have ever been around. These are the reasons why I think Heyward will be able to maintain his level of play throughout the season and forward. Often times in baseball, makeup is just as important as talent, and Heyward seems have both the makeup and talent to be a star in the league for years to come.

by Josh Weiner at the Sports Fan Blog Network

Picture courtesy AP

Woods makes his highly anticipated return to golf, announcing on Tuesday his return to the Masters. The golf world is abuzz wondering if the four-time champion will finally trade in his velvet robe for the jacket once again.

According to Augusta.com:

“The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it’s been a while since I last played,” Woods said.

Although Tiger has been away from golf for some time, he’s no stranger to the club. We can also expect him to be much stronger putting from the rough, having worked diligently on his stamina, visiting holes from NY to LA.

Once Tiger hits the links we can only hope that our attention-deficit media takes their focus off his personal life and focuses on more important things like Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson.

While he may forget the names of his mistresses, Tiger won’t be forgetting that he’s number one. Come time for the Masters, he will make us forget their names too.

-Zach Superior