Don't worry my man Sam, there's always blogs

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 16, 2008 11:49 PM CDT in News

Sure, it's all fun and games when Tribune Company cuts are portrayed on 'The Wire', or causes rampant speculation (and in the case of the Sun-Times, unintentionally hilarious idiocy) speculating on the fate of the Cubs and Wrigley Field.

Not so much when it hits this close to home:

Paper cuts: Business columnist Bill Barnhart, real estate columnist Mary Umberger, City Hall reporter Gary Washburn, travel writer Alan Solomon and basketball expert Sam Smith are among 25 veteran Chicago Tribune writers and editors to take voluntary buyouts, costing the newsroom centuries of experience but sparing it further layoffs in this round of cutbacks.

The exits are part of a plan announced in February to eliminate about 100 jobs throughout the paper, or about 3.5 percent of its overall workforce, as parent Tribune Co. responds to revenue declines by shedding at least 400 or 500 positions by the end of this month.

The blogging headline is meant as a slight dig, but if Sam wants to keep musing and providing trade proposals, I think it'd be a great outlet.

This also could explain why Sam's gotten all mushy this season regarding Tyrus Thomas.

(hat tip to my Mom, who correctly guessed I didn't read the Sunday business section)

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Sad end

Sam was always interesting to read, whether you agreed with him or not. And I really appreciate that his e-mail responses. I think it's pretty obvious he's read this blog so hopefully he takes you up on your invitation.

by messwiththebull on Mar 17, 2008 12:04 AM CDT reply actions

He's also writer of the "Expert" Column

for MSNBC.com:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23603357/site/21683474/

Although I did notice that until now, the MSNBC.com NBA front page section only referred to him as "Expert", and you had to actually look at the column before you realized it was Sam Smith.

Now, they refer to him as "Expert: Sam Smith".

Here's hoping that he'll continue to amuse and enrage and be interesting at MSNBC.com.

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Mar 17, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions

That sucks

I haven't always agreed with his opinions, but he was far and away the best basketball writer in any of the local papers. The Trib has no one who can possibly replace him. The beat writers can't even do anything other than report quotes (they sure aren't breaking stories, so he'll definitely be missed. Between the Tribune sale and the financial problems at the Sun-Times, it's not a good time for Chicago papers.

by Big D on Mar 17, 2008 12:07 AM CDT reply actions

That actually saddens me.

I rarelt agreed with him, but Sam was the only worthwhile NBA columnist in Chicago.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 17, 2008 12:41 AM CDT reply actions

Play it again Sam

There is only one Sam Smith. He will be sorely missed by those of us who love NBA basketball.

He could be maddening, humorous,thought-provoking, extremely irritating, serious, informative, outrageous, passionate, sometimes loony, stuck in a time warp, ahead of his time...whatever suited his moods..but the one thing he never could be as a talented writer was to be boring.

Sam was a perennial all-star in a local field inhabited by mostly "D" league J-school wannabes.
Sam you have to much to offer than to fade off into an Arizona sunset...Join Matt's blog.

You can add your insights and your insults to those like myself, who share your love of the game without the knowledge that only an insider could offer. I know your war stories would make this blog even more special than it already is. Most of us would soak it in, like a bunch of raw recruits, learning from a decorated combat veteran. It can be even more rewarding than the local tavern...You don't have to go home with a hangover and the drinks are on us. You can even sit around in your underwear while you pontificate to the masses.

As Jackie Gleason used to tell Alice while in one of his rare good moods...."Sam, You're the greatest".

by Tyrusmancrush on Mar 17, 2008 12:46 AM CDT reply actions

But who will come up with ridiculous trades?

But in all seriousness, Sam Smith seemed like one of the few guys in the city's media that actually cared for the Bulls post-MJ. I do hope he invests his time in blogs or something online, as Bulls fans would still love to read his thoughts on the league, mainly so we can still spend years criticizing his every word and future Cedric Simmons for Monta Ellis trade proposals.

Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Mar 17, 2008 2:21 AM CDT reply actions

NOOOOOOO

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!

As if my denial doesn't already indicate, I can't accept The Sam Smith is somehow tangled in this mess of cuts. I always found him to be a thorough reporter when he covered the Bulls, one who had a unique perspective not just on the Bulls but on NBA basketball as well (those trade proposals? Come on, great stuff). Huge mistake; he's too good to be let go/bought out like that.

Besides, how is Jay Mariotti gonna write columns about the Bulls now without being able to turn to Smith's columns for reference?

by ForWhomTheBullTolls on Mar 17, 2008 2:36 AM CDT reply actions

Sam does a lot of free-lancing now

I bethe continues that for a while. Or maybe one of the small papers will hire him?

Maybe he'll write another book.

by KT on Mar 17, 2008 5:26 AM CDT reply actions

Sam links

This is really sad. Sam could always be counted on to give BaBers fodder to debate ad nauseum.

From what I've gathered, Sam writes at a couple different outlets across the internets, so hopefully he will continue writing:

HoopsHype blog

MSNBC (I can't find a static link for a Sam home page, so go to the NBA homepage on MSNBC and look for the picture of Sam if you want updates)

by paxson43 on Mar 17, 2008 6:02 AM CDT reply actions

I knew about the hoopshype blog

but he had one post there for over a week...which made me think he tried it and didn't like it :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 17, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions

He also wrote some columns for ESPN.com

a few years ago, but curiously, that came to an end, although he continues to be cited by various ESPN writers, such as Marc Stein and Henry Abbott. (Marc Stein's reference to him as "the venerable Sam Smith" is right on.)

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Mar 17, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions

There's always Slam

Smith is free now. Now he can tell us what he really thinks.

The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 17, 2008 8:37 AM CDT reply actions

thinking isn't allowed at SLAM

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Mar 17, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions

WOW!

I thought it was interesting last week when I went to hoopshype and saw Sam Smith as an editor (I had never seen him there before).....

I wasn't always the biggest Sam Smith fan (like everyone else on this board it seems), but he was always interesting and his Sam answers fans questions thing was really insightful this year.

I've been reading him for years, ever since the Jordan Rules came out when I was in 6th grade or so.

That's disappointing.

by majoyenrac on Mar 17, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions

That's too bad.

I'm sure we haven't hears the last from Sam. I wonder if this affects Fred Mitchell too?

by sue369 on Mar 17, 2008 9:40 AM CDT reply actions

good riddance

I'm happy Sam's thought provoking trade scenarios, usually well-reasoned player assessments (beyond hustle or jump-shooter), unheard of news reporting from a columnist, correspondence with readers, and digs on Kevin McHale will be replaced with the new Trib doctrine, "SO bad, it's engaging."

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Mar 17, 2008 9:45 AM CDT reply actions

OT

Matt, when will BAB be changing to the SBN platform? The new platform is kind of cool.

by sue369 on Mar 17, 2008 10:03 AM CDT reply actions

ahh, didn't know that BleedCubbieBlue

migrated already.

Um...I have no idea, I think I'm still a ways down the list. Glad you like the new platform.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 17, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

OTOH, congrats to Sam for getting out.

I know from experience how much it sucks to work for a company in major chaos and where everyone fears for their jobs, and I have no doubt Sam will still find plenty of places to share his insights and non-insights. ;) Like others have said, although I don't always agree with his opinions, I have greatly appreciated his love of the nba and his constant willingness to respond to emails. I wish him the best.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 17, 2008 10:44 AM CDT reply actions

Sam's made

millions, I don't think he "fears for his job" as much as the avg. joe.

He could retire if he needs to, but I like him enough and he's sure better than some of the other guys (Esp Marc Stein) hopefully ESPN will take him....

by majoyenrac on Mar 17, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Millions?

For an old-school lifer in the journalism business?

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Mar 17, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe he

has invested wisely.

by sue369 on Mar 17, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know

I seem to recall he had a best seller in his day....

He's also been banking at least 200K plus for many years as the NBA voice for the Bulls for one of the largest newspaper companies in the country....

Yeah I think it's safe to say he's made a few million over the years and it's also likely that he's kept it.....

by majoyenrac on Mar 17, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Sweater vests aren't cheap!

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 17, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions

200k plus?

got any facts behind that? Newspaper reports don't make that much.

As for books, you have to have multiple, multiple best sellers to make millions. A writer once told me she got a quarter for each paper back sold, and a dollar for each hardcover.

by KT on Mar 17, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions

My wife's grandfather

was Chicago Great Dave Condon and he retired in what the 80's at some point with a decent nest egg....

Flash forward 25 years with all the increased money in sports and yeah I'd say it's fair to say he's making in the 200K plus range.

by majoyenrac on Mar 17, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions

If he had millions

... I'm sure Sam would have better things to do than to reply to my random email questions at 2am... like swimming in all his money Scrooge McDuck style.

by paxson43 on Mar 17, 2008 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Sam

wherever you decide to hang your hat next, drop by BlogaBull and let us know.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 17, 2008 10:50 AM CDT reply actions

I really don't think he reads this blog :)

I do think he gets a few of his ideas through email from readers here though.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 17, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Not if I can help it!

I sent Sam an email this morning after seeing this diary just to tell him that I'd miss him and that he has friends at BaB. I linked to this diary in my email, so you never know, he might drop by. He might have some more time on his hands soon.

by paxson43 on Mar 17, 2008 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe he'll get a Radio gig.

Wouldn't mind hearing him as the new morning radio host for the Score.

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 17, 2008 10:50 AM CDT reply actions

his politics

would be completely different.

by KT on Mar 17, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Different than Mike North?

That's a good thing :D

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 17, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

One of the most knowledgeable basketball

writers in Chicago and he has a real love of basketball. I hope he joins our blog!!!

by chgobr on Mar 17, 2008 11:50 AM CDT reply actions

With all the crap

that gets rewarded with print inches every day in the Tribune, it's amazing the actual talent that's getting cut loose.

Bill Barnhart was the only Chicago business columnist who even cast a shadow in the trading community.

Alan Solomon--how many here know that he got his start at the Tribune as a sports writer, and a damn good one, too? Even when he moved to the Travel section, I loved his contributions to the "feel" of the Tribune. His pastoral, lyrical essays and long-form articles really did carry one away. Very sad to see him go.

And with no Sam Smith there is zero NBA prestige left at the Tribune. Sam was the only one (with an opinion worth hearing--thus automatically excluding Mariotti) who was willing to run a story without first running by team censors.

We are really left the losers in this deal.

by alec on Mar 17, 2008 12:19 PM CDT reply actions

He was the last worthwhile sports columnist

Morrisey bats below the Mendoza line, and Downey is downright awful. Phil Rogers I can do without as well.

I hope they're not playing Rosenbloom much for the blog.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 17, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm still mad Bernie L

writes for a Denver paper.

The sports pages in Chicago are a pale shadow of what they used to be.

by KT on Mar 17, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Now you're talking about

my all-time favorite. You're right. There's no one even close--not even close--to Bernie in today's Chicago papers. Bernie Lincicome was, by himself, a reason to buy a newspaper every day.

by alec on Mar 17, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow.

A Bernie Lincicome reference. Impressive... !

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Mar 17, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Losing Smith and Don Pierson within a year of each

other makes me glad that I no longer pay for the Tribune, as I would no longer have been getting my money's worth.

by snley on Mar 17, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Sam Smith

Will be missed dearly.

But on a side note, is it just me or is anyone else excited to see Noah go up against Chandler tonight?

by Option27 on Mar 17, 2008 5:51 PM CDT reply actions

I would be

if I got the game at home. :)

by KT on Mar 17, 2008 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions

If Noah gets minutes tonight

We may be able to get a feel for how good Noah is compared to Tyson

by Option27 on Mar 17, 2008 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Are the

bulls gonna wear those green jerseys.

by eross226 on Mar 17, 2008 5:56 PM CDT reply actions

I was

wondering that too.

by sue369 on Mar 17, 2008 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I read that they're wearing them tonight

and tomorrow, and I think it said they're 1-2 in the times they've worn them.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 17, 2008 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Ack!

That's not too good.

by sue369 on Mar 17, 2008 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Finally found where I read it!

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=154912

It's way at the bottom of the article. I don't personally care for the green look, but at least they aren't playing the Celtics. Maybe they'll play great and even that 1-2 record up?

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 17, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Sad day for Bulls Basketball

Sorry to see him go. He criticized, but he loved the team. Noone can dispute that.

BAB Tyrus Love-Meter -- 7 - Unhealthily making excuses for missing practice

by cubbybear on Mar 17, 2008 6:13 PM CDT reply actions

How about Michael Wilbon?

Maybe had Sam Zell not bought the Tribune Company, they would have made a run at getting Michael Wilbon to come on staff. Maybe a weekly column just on the bulls? He clearly loves the Bulls and it wouldn't interfere with his ESPN and Washington Post duties. I mean, he watches every game anyways.

by BarryLird on Mar 23, 2008 1:40 PM CDT reply actions