By Jen Kim

RedEye Special Contributor

Getting my ass grabbed at 7:45 in the morning by a stranger could mean only one thing: It was going to be a bad day.

Cubs and Sox fans don't always agree on the definition of "die-hard." CHRIS SWEDA / TRIBUNE

Welcome to RedEye's Pitch Fest, where our columnists weigh in on what's what in baseball. This week's topic: Which Chicago team has the better fans?

By Alex Quigley
For RedEye

After watching three preseason games, I can confidently predict the Chicago Bears are going to surprise a lot of fans. The general consensus of doom and gloom is far too pessimistic for August. Come on, people, it's only the preseason! I think these Chicago Bears will give Chicago sports fans plenty to look forward to in 2010.

I'm always on the lookout for something to do on the weekends beyond farmers markets and running on the lakefront path. And joining the masses at the grocery store or Target is not high on my list. Fortunately, we live in a city with so many events that it's impossible to do them all. Among them are several green events--both free and with a price tag--that just might help you see the environment in a different light. Here are a handful of my favorites.

RedEye columnist Bag Boy says Lou Piniella jumped ship from the Cubs at just the right time. NUCCIO DINUZZO / TRIBUNE

By Bag Boy
For RedEye

It's hard to say goodbye.

By Jim Carrane

RedEye special contributor

When I think of Oprah, I think of quality. 

By Alpana Singh

Wouldn't it be great to leave the hectic city life behind and jet off to wine country for the weekend? If Napa, Sonoma or the romantic vineyards of Tuscany seem out of reach, well, you can sip the nectar of the vines within a couple of hours of leaving your home. Illinois features more than 90 wineries that offer a plethora of wines to suit every taste and budget. For a "Sideways" adventure of your own, grab your wine-loving friends, pack a picnic and check out a few of my favorite Land of Lincoln wineries.

August Hill Winery--Utica

Husband and wife team Mark and Teri Wenzell crushed their first vintage at August Hill Winery in 2004. Today they produce a wide array of dry and sweet wines with a special emphasis on some particularly noteworthy sparkling wines. Their charming tasting room which features a lovely outdoor patio is located in downtown Utica and is open daily. augusthillwinery.com

Galena Cellars--Galena

Galena Cellars is a family-operated winery that produces more than 40 varieties of classic dry, fruit-based and fortified wines. The tasting room is open seven days a week and is located in downtown Galena or you can visit their vineyard (six miles from the downtown location) for a tour and tasting. galenacellars.com

Lynfred Winery--Roselle

Lynfred is the oldest and largest bonded winery in Illinois, producing more than 50 varietals and 25,000 cases of wine per year. The tasting room and gift shop in Roselle are open seven days a week. Wine tastings are offered daily and complimentary cellar tours are offered at certain times on weekends. lynfredwinery.com

Prairie State Winery--Genoa

Winemaker and owner Rick Mamoser's philosophy is to "Think globally, drink locally," and he proves it by sourcing all of his fruit from Illinois. Prairie State offers a wide variety of wine styles, but Rick's dry reds, including an award-winning Cabernet Franc, are the real showstoppers here. The tasting room, located in a historic 1850s building in downtown Genoa, is open daily. prairiestatewinery.com

REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR ALPANA SINGH IS DIRECTOR OF WINE AND SPIRITS FOR LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU ENTERPRISES AND THE HOST OF "CHECK, PLEASE!" ON WTTW.

By Jen Kim

RedEye contributor

Dear Yellow Knight,

Whose back to you have when it comes to selecting the better manager: Ozzie Guillen or Lou Piniella? PHIL VELASQUEZ / TRIBUNE PHOTO

Welcome to RedEye's Pitch Fest, where our columnists weigh in on what's what in baseball. This week's topic: Ozzie Guillen vs. Lou Piniella ... whose managerial style is better?