Six Degrees of Mediocrity

Play Taps, Boys...

2009-08-22T14:59:00.002-05:00

I think it's officially, "wait 'till next year" time. I had such high hopes for the year, but the cubs aggregate inability to hit the baseball has pretty much officially doomed the team this year. Gongrats to the Cards. It looks like the Holliday deal was a good one, and the team just looks like it's hitting on all cylinders. Even more, the superstar does the little things to win, and that rubs off on the rest of the team. Albert singled, stole second, went to third on the steal attempt, and hustled home on a Sac fly. If the top paid guy plays like that, it makes the rest of the team want to do it, too. You gotta respect that. I just hope my Cubbies can stay out of the rest of the Central. The rest of those team really haven't played well at all, and even if the Cubs can't make the post season, st least they can make a goos showing and finish in second.

Good luck to both teams for the remainder of the season!

Yank Aaron

2009-08-07T11:36:00.002-05:00

I think Jim Hendry should take a tip from Robert Frost:

"Miles to go before I sleep..."

Discuss

2009-08-03T13:17:00.002-05:00

It's getting hot in here.

2009-07-28T19:56:00.003-05:00

Cubs are officially on fire. Although they are down 4-0 to the Astros as I write this, things are currently looking up. Will it hold up? I don't know but it's nice to take a little air from under the sails of the Cardinals. Adding Holiday made things look really interesting and showed that the Cards mean business, momentum was starting to carry even further. I felt it start to shift with that Grand Slam from Soriano last night. I am believing the swagger and a strong run is building. As usual the division looks like it's going to be down to the wire just like every other year. But I want to see some strong Central representation in the playoffs this year, especially if its coming from Chicago.

So hold on St. Louis, even if you have arguably the best player in baseball, you are going to need more than that. Young pitchers from Cincy are starting to show their age, the Pirates are still the Pirates, Milwaukee goes the same sparkle and fade route. The Astros just lost Oswald with a lower back sprain to dwindle an already pathetic starting rotation. Wandy is your only quality starter and I don't see any help coming from management.

Discuss...

2009-07-01T13:12:00.001-05:00

Which best describes Ozzie Guillen?

A cross between:

a) Lee Elia & Cheeh Marin
b) Yosemite Sam & Speedy Gonzales

"I've had enough"

2009-06-27T09:02:00.003-05:00

To someone with a passing interest, it might appear that all I do is bash on the Cubs. While I get great pleasure in watching the implosion and collapse of the "lovable losers", I truly don't go out of my way to talk about them. They just make it so easy! Honestly, I've just never been one to avoid talking about the 800 lb. gorilla in the room.

Did anyone, besides myself, think that what happened yesterday was funny? (Not "Ha ha" funny, but "are you serious?" funny) I mean, this is the epitome of the pot calling the kettle black. Lou Piniella banished Milton Bradley from the Cubs dugout in the 5th inning, after Bradley flew out to right field then had a temper tantrum in the dugout. Bradley threw his helmet and "murdered" yet another Cubs water cooler. Were the Cubs NOT aware of who they were signing? This is not new behavior from Bradley. Bradley has had some of the most memorable meltdowns in baseball history.

I suppose the reason I couldn't stop laughing is the fact that Piniella has never been a role model in a baseball uniform. We would never tell our kids to model their behavior after Lou Piniella. What's even more humorous is the fact Carlos Zambrano is a serial killer when it comes to water coolers. I believe that Igloo has requested a restraining order against Zambrano. Carlos is like a 4 year old who missed his Ritalin, and then you see him at the check-out at the grocery store acting as if he needs an exorcism because mommy told him he couldn't get the Chicklets. This is accepted behavior as far as I've been able to see. I've not seen or heard Lou chastise Carlos for acting like a spoiled child.

In the post game press conference, Piniella said that he sent Bradley home because he'd "had enough" After all of the temper tantrums, broken bats, thrown helmets, destroyed water coolers... Why now? Why has he "had enough" now? You know, we used to love to watch Earl Weaver lose his temper and get tossed out of a game. He was a white haired, pudgy, little old man, who was also looked up to and admired by the fans and his peers alike. Lou isn't Earl Weaver. He just comes across as former player who can't find a razor, and is getting over the worst hangover of his life....every day! The players are supposed to learn from their manager, but in the Cubs' case, I'm not sure what Lou is teaching.

If I were a a Cubs fan, (Thankfully, I'm not!) I would be outraged! At some point, sanity and control needs to be returned to the organization. Lead by example, and right now the example isn't a very good one. Chicago has the best team in the Central Division. (I can't believe I just said that!!!) Across the board, they have the most talent, and the deepest roster. The problem is apparent to me. They don't have anyone who knows how to get the most out of that talent. They would rather spit, swear, and kill water coolers than pull together and work in unison as a team. It all starts with the leader, and I'm sorry to say... the Cubs have a poor one. Put it this way.... When is the last time you saw Tony Larussa kick dirt on an umpire, pull a base out of the ground and throw it, or have a meltdown at a press conference? I can tell you....... You haven't! He hasn't won 2500 games by accident!

The Cubs have the talent. They don't have the leadership.

If It Ain't Broke...

2009-06-22T14:29:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder why the National League Central Division is the only division in Major League Baseball that has 6 teams? Why does the AL West have only 4 teams? Why are there 16 teams in the National League, and only 14 in the American League? Well, I'll tell you why. It's because Bud Selig just couldn't leave well enough alone! Now, I can't blame ALL of baseball's problems on old "rat faced" Bud Selig, but I sure can pin a bunch of them on him!

Because of Selig's introduction of inter league play in 1997, we now have an imbalance in the number of teams in each league. This imbalance has led to the absurdity of a 6 team division in one league, and a 4 team division in the other. You see, you need each league to have an even number of teams in order to make the scheduling of inter league play balance out properly. So, instead of leaving a game that worked perfectly well as it was alone, Selig had to go and mess with it. He moved the Brewers out of the American league and into the National League.(Which was a very profitable move for the owner of the Brewers, who just so happened to be Bud Selig) I thought the whole point of having two different leagues was so that the best team in each league would meet in this grand matchup in the World Series. Two leagues out to prove who was the better. Now each year, we potentially get the "thrill" of watching 2 teams who just may have already played each other six times that year. Kind of takes some of the drama out of it, don't ya' think? Personally, I hate the inter league games! In my eyes, those are dates on the calendar that could have been games against divisional rivalries. Teams fighting to win their division, or secure a wild card spot. The only time I want to see the St. Louis Cardinals playing against the Seattle Mariners, or the Baltimore Orioles, is in the Fall Classic! The way it was meant to be!

Now, "rat face" Selig has screwed the game up in other ways too. To start with, it was Selig who changed the format of the All-Star game in 1993, awarding home field in the World Series to the league that won the "Midsummer Classic". He claimed it would make the game important again. Pfffffft!!! How is the All-Star game important to a guy who is only there because someone from his team "has" to be represented in the game, and his team is already 15 games out of first place? Hell, the fans didn't even vote him into the game! Do you really think that guy cares who has home field advantage in October? It was Bud Selig who also made the bonehead decision to end the 2002 All Star game in a 7-7 tie. He's been a genius as the commissioner! Bud, single handedly, can be blamed for the shortened 1994 season as well. The only season in the history of the game to NOT have a World Series Champion. Thanks Bud! Oh yeah... and the "steroid era" falls under good old Bud Selig's watch too! Although, I suppose you can't blame the steroid issue completely on Bud Selig... but I'm going too because it's just too easy, and I dislike him that much!

On April 6, 1973, the game changed drastically as well. While I've never heard Bud Selig's name mentioned in conjunction with this one, I'm certain, with out a shadow of a doubt, that Selig had to be involved in this debacle as well. (Vegas has it at 3-2 odds) It was April 6, 1973, when Ron Blomberg stepped up to the plate, wearing a New York Yankee uniform, and Blomberg had been penciled into the lineup as the "designated hitter" Another sad day in baseball history! The powers that be had decided that baseball was going to allow the pitchers in the American League to continue pitching, but strip them of their title of "baseball players" Since they were no longer required to play all aspects of the game like the rest of the red blooded American population, pitchers would relinquish themselves to merely being "pitchers". (Kind of like the rule in football that prevents the quarterback from being hit) That just sounds like a Bud Selig idea to me!!!

What would Abner Doubleday say if he were alive today? Doubleday is credited for inventing the game of baseball in Elihu Phinney's cow pasture in Cooperstown, New York in 1839. From that day, a century and a half of baseball went unchanged for the most part. Then somebody felt the need to try to fix something that wasn't broke! Selig is responsible for an awful lot of those bad changes! I wish we could shove Selig out through the back door and forget about him. Let someone like Bob Costas take over the role as Commissioner. Someone who knows, loves, appreciates and respects the game. Someone needs to put the game back together. Back to the way it was meant to be!

Is It Inter-league Already?

2009-06-20T17:38:00.004-05:00

Is it just me or is this season just flying by? The Cubs are doing there usual dance with .500 coming into the All-Star break. As usual, I am happy with that especially when they are less than 4 games from the top of the division. I guess that's why we call it Six Degrees of Mediocrity. I don't think any team in the Central should be all that proud of their performance. I think that Milwaukee and the Reds are really playing better than expected. I am really surprised with the Reds' young pitching and think they are going to have a rebound year that will offer some hope late into the season.

Cubs are 4-3 in inter-league play right now and look to be making some progress. I can't believe how many extra inning games they have had this year already (I would look them up but I am just too lazy to throw out numbers right now). Looks like Kerry Wood was nice enough to lend a helping hand in the last two games. Looks like he is becoming the closer I thought he was going to be last year with the Indians, makes me think of the post I lodged against him last year when he earned the job for the Cubs. Either way, winning in extra innings give the confidence to grind it out as the summer becomes even hotter.

Derrick Lee is rolling a hot streak and seeing the ball well as of late. I have been waiting all season long for this, along with an extended visit to the DL from Soriano and the Cubs rallying off tons of wins in his absence. I think he is up to 17 games with the 2 he had today. I am curious to see what moves they are going to make to shore up the team as some teams start to fade. I suspect the Cubs will do the most shuffling in the division.

Off on a Tangent

2009-06-20T17:29:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't been posting as much folks. Since Let's Go Astros passed away, baseball has been a bit bittersweet for me. Joel was one of the very few die-hard Texas fans I had ever come in contact with. I think of him often and how pumped he was when they went to the World Series a few years ago. He took his step-son out in the middle of the night to get them both World Series T-Shirts the night the Astros clinched the pennant. He was a crazy superstitious as me when it came to sports and was a good fan of the game in general. As some of you may very well know, Houston fans are very fickle and fair-weathered. Joel couldn't have been farther from that and I will miss knowing that he is not available for some late-night trash talk. I will miss you good friend and I am truly sorry that you didn't get to see and Astros World Series Championship in your lifetime. When they do, you will be the first one I will toast too, even if they beat my beloved Cubs.

"the right way"

2009-06-16T19:16:00.005-05:00

I'm going to veer off of the beaten path a little bit, so please bear with me for a moment. As I sit here watching the College World Series, I find myself watching with a huge smile on my face. As an avid fan of the game of baseball, and one who finds beauty in the simple intricacies of the game, I can't help but want to write a "Thank You" note to the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils. Take a look at the photo that I posted along with this blog and see if you can guess what has me grinning from ear to ear.

I can't remember the last time I saw an entire team of baseball players on the field, and in the dugout, wearing their uniforms the way they were intended to be worn. I don't know if this is something that ASU head coach, Pat Murphy, has mandated to his players, or if this is a subtle sign of team unity. Either way, I don't care because every player on the team is wearing his pants pulled up to his knees, with stockings and stirrups showing for all the world to see and enjoy. No baggy clown pants (ie: Jeff Bagwell, Manny Ramirez and the majority of professional ball players) hanging down over the tops of their cleats.

Baseball is a game of traditions, superstitions, and well defined rules. In an era where the concept of "team" has given way to "individualism", I can't help but yearn for the days of old when baseball players respected every aspect of the game. The game of baseball today feels like it's more about the huge contracts and endorsement deals, rather than the game itself.

I know, this probably all seems ridiculous to the average fan, and petty to the fair-weather fan, and I respect those opinions. But, to the true baseball fan, I feel confident that I'm not the only one to feel this way.

I played baseball for as long as my body would allow me to. I still remember the feeling of pride and excitement I had each and every time I put on my uniform, and the meticulous way I would make sure my stirrups were straight and my pant legs were pulled up evenly. I miss putting on a baseball uniform. I have a 6 year old son who plays T-ball, and I've already impressed upon him the importance of wearing his uniform "the right way". Physically, we all eventually outgrow the game of baseball, but the game will never outgrow us!

Thank you Coach Pat Murphy and the Arizona State Sun Devils! Thank you for respecting the game! I hope it rubs off on others!

Baseball 101... (...years later)

2009-05-23T11:46:00.004-05:00

The 3 game sweep of the Cubs this week in St. Louis was impressive, but apparently not enough to muzzle the fans from the north side. Not only did the Cardinals sweep the mid-week series at Busch, they did it in dominant fashion. The Cubs managed to eek out 2 runs over the course of 3 games, and quite honestly should have been shutout in 2 of the 3 games. If not for a slight let down by Cardinals reliever, Ryan Franklin,who gave up a lone run in the 9th inning on Wednesday night, St. Louis would have had five pitchers contributing to a shutout. Chris Carpenter was untouchable, picking up the win in his first start back from the disabled list. Adam Wainwright was filthy on Thursday, giving up 1 run in 8 2/3 innings of work. The Redbirds pitching staff dominated the series, leaving the Cubs looking like they had left their bats at the airport in Chicago.

Even on the heels of this humiliation, Cubs fans continue talking. One excuse after another to explain their pitiful performance. I hear it at work, I read it in blogs, I see it in the media. Apparently, the cure for what ails the Cubs all rests in the return of their injured players. Ramirez and Zambrano seem to be "the resurrection" that Wood and Prior were supposed to be in seasons past. "Just wait till we're healthy again..." I've heard it my whole life.... I'll just keep waiting. Fortunately for me, I'm a Cardinals fan, not a Cubs fan. I'll give it to the Cubs fans though, they ARE loyal. To a fault.

The difference between the Cubs and the Cardinals is that the Cardinals have proven that they can play through the injuries. Year after year, Tony Larussa puts a team on the field with guys who step up and perform in the spotlight. Larussa has a way of convincing his players that they can win with whatever lineup they put out there. They don't sit around and wait for "their guys" to get healthy. They step up to the challenge and perform in their absence. That is why Tony is always altering his starting lineup and changing the batting order. He keeps everyone involved so that they are prepared if and when their time comes to step up to the plate.

I keep hearing Cubs fans calling it "over-achieving." Maybe some of their guys need to learn to over-achieve? It might save them from the heartburn that they are afflicted with every September. I'll take over-achievers before under-achievers every day of the week!

Holy Cow, Part II

2009-05-21T20:47:00.002-05:00

After 2 2/3 games in St. Louis, I can safely say that the Cubs are in a nasty funk. Right now, they couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat in the middle of the ocean. It's almost sad to watch, actually. What is even worse is that it's against the FLIPPIN' CARDINALS! Almost anyone else I would understand... But the Cards?!?!? Geesh.

Oh, well... Enjoy it now while you can, Cards fans. I get a sneaky suspicion that it won't lat. Of course, if the Cubs don't re-learn how to hit and quickly, it may be an even longer summer on the North Side. That would be especially discouraging since the Cubs have the best talent... on paper. It's too bad they don't play the games on paper, though...

Holy Cow!

2009-05-18T13:23:00.003-05:00

I hadn't checked here in quite a while, and what do I find? A CARDS fan talking smack?! Holy cow! Holy smoke! Holy crap! Pick your favorite "holy" reference... ;-)

Seriously, the Cards play waaaay above their heads for a few weeks and all of a sudden, they're the team to beat?? If this were a three week season, perhaps, but it ain't. It's long, and injuries taked their toll with the best of them. Heck, Bradley, Lee, and Ramirez either have or are missing significant amounts of time, Soto couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat in the middle of the Atlantic, and Cubs pitchers were near the bottom in runs allowed, and yet the Cubbies are only a game and a half out as of this writing. That's either saying something about the talent of the Cubs or the weakness in the division. Given the title of the blog, one may think the latter, but I believe the former. I guess only time will tell, huh?

On a sadder and unrelated note, many of you already know, but for those that don't, "Let's Go Astros", aka Joel, died last Wednesday evening. For those of us that knew him IRL, I can tell you that you wouln't find a better friend, coworker, and all-around great guy than Joel. He will be truly missed. I know God has him now and he's watching the 'Stros from his recliner in Heaven having a cold one. Godspeed, my friend.

Stop The Bleeding!

2009-05-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

Troy Glaus, Chris Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, Brendan Ryan, Rick Ankiel, and now, Ryan Ludwick. All key components and all on the DL. The St. Louis medical staff is working overtime trying to treat the wounds that keep piling up in the Cardinals clubhouse. While the clubhouse is looking more and more like an Emergency Room, the rest of the coaching staff is flipping coins, drawing straws, and playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors"trying to put together a lineup each night. While the injuries continue to pile up, so do the losses. The Cardinals, who at one point, were 10 games over .500 and had a little breathing room in the division, have now lost 7 of their last 10 games, and are in a 3 way tie for 1st with the Brewers and the Reds. It's nowhere near "panic time", but somehow, we do need to find a way to stop the bleeding.

Troy Glaus started the season on the DL, recovering from off season shoulder surgery. So, we haven't really "lost" him to injury as much as we've "missed" him because of an injury. Carpenter seems to be well on his way back to the mound, with nothing but positive feedback coming from his rehab. Hopefully, Carp will be back on the mound within a couple of weeks. Rick Ankiel was spared from what not only could have been a career ending injury, it very easily could have been a life altering injury. I believe all he needs is a little time to let the bruising and aches go away, and he'll be back very shortly. Ankiel has never come across as one who would be sidelined for any more time than absolutely necessary. Brendan Ryan, who has proven to be a very valuable utility infielder, has a left hamstring strain to go along with the right hamstring strain of Ryan Ludwick. Brendan Ryan did a great job of covering for Khalil Greene at shortstop while Greene was hampered with leg problems, but more importantly, Ryan is needed to fill in the question mark that has become 2nd base. The loss of Ludwick hurts in several key ways. First off, Ludwick was proving that last year was no fluke, and was hitting for avg. and power. Secondly, Ludwick is really the only "good" protection that the Cardinals have on the roster to hit behind behind Albert Pujols. The result of this being that we will have to live with musical chairs in the outfield until Ludwick and Ankiel return, and hope that Chris Duncan can fill the void that Ludwick has left in the cleanup spot in the batting order.

For all of you Cardinals fans, it's way too early to even think about panicking. I like to look at this as a blessing more than a problem. We can be glad that these injuries and visits to the DL are happening now, and not in September when we should be tuning up for the post season. Hopefully we can get all the kinks out now, so they won't be a hindrance later. After all... we're still in 1st place, despite the injuries, and even with the 3-7 record over the last week and a half, we are still 7 games over .500 for the season. First on the agenda needs to be winning tonight, and avoiding a sweep by the last place Pirates, then it's back home to face the Brewers at Busch this weekend.

Stop holding your breath! We're going to be just fine. Breathe in... let it out... breathe in...

2009-05-03T01:47:00.002-05:00

I thought there was some rivalalry between the Cubs and the Cardinatls. Listening to fans on this blog, it's like St Louis has some inerative right to win and the Cubs are just glad to be close. Shouldn't there be some volley's back and forth? I guess at this point of the season, everyone is looking internally for thier own issues. BTW - Astros are playing like ass when it comes to consistency, both I do beliver we have some gamers, that will give everying at 110%. Let them come up to the big club to replace peoplse that are kind of half ass..

"King" Albert

2009-05-01T14:03:00.005-05:00

April is in the record books, and Albert Pujols is well on his way to proving that he IS the best player in baseball. Whether you are a Cardinals fan or not, whether you are a Pujols fan or not, there is no denying that when "King" Albert steps onto the baseball field, we are all witnessing something special.

All Albert did in the month of April was lead the Major Leagues in RBI's with 28, lead the National League in Runs with 22, and belt 8 Home Runs, including 2 grand slams. He is in the top 5 in the National League in 5 offensive categories, while leading the Cardinals to a MLB best record of 16-7. The Cardinals hold a 3.5 game lead over their closest rival, the Milwaukee Brewers, going into the month of May. (Note: The Cubs have lost 7 of their last 10)

Albert Pujols is nothing short of spectacular, on and off the field. On the field he is not only intimidating to pitchers, he is a Gold Glove winner at 1st base, a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, last years Roberto Clemente Award winner, not to mention two-time, and reigning NL MVP. Pujols is the only player in Major League history to begin his career with 8 consecutive seasons of a .300+ batting average, 30+ home runs, and 100+ RBI's. That streak is still alive going into the 2009 season, and the way April looked, he should be well on his way to making it 9 consecutive seasons.

I admit, I may be a little biased when it comes to speaking about Pujols. After all, I am a Cardinals fan, and I am so very fortunate to have him wearing the "Birds & Bat" on his chest every night. But the truth of the matter is, no matter what team you are a fan of, and no matter who your favorite player might be, there is no denying the talent that Albert Pujols brings to the table. He does it with class and respect for the game. He doesn't showboat or have any antics that he has to display for the fans in order to have an identity. The #5, and the name Pujols on the back of his uniform is all the identity he needs. Love him or hate him, you can't deny that you would love to have him on YOUR team!

Dangling the Carrot...

2009-04-27T11:56:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful that there are Cub fans in the world! No matter how bad my day has been, or what terrible tragedies are being reported on the Evening News, I can count on Cubs fans to cheer me up. Delusional opinions and ramblings (Cubs fans call it "optimism") saturate the comment sections of every major sports web site today. The Cubs lost 2 out of 3 to St. Louis this weekend, and trail the Division leading Cardinals by 3 games. The thing that makes this all so hysterical is that, because Chicago won the final game of the series, well... "that makes everything OK!" You see, in the mind of Cubs fans, they have all of the momentum now. Beating the Cardinals on Sunday has somehow paved the road to the World Series. Nevermind the fact that as of today, they are 3 games back, in 4th place in the Division, and at the pace that they are on right now, they will be 24 games behind the Redbirds after 162 games. (Shhhhh... I know we're only 2o games into the season, but Cubs fans are already trying to figure out if they are Wildcard contenders)

The beauty of this yearly ritual is in watching their confidence rise to off the chart levels, then in the priceless expressions of disbelief that they get smacked in the face with when they finally realize that they have to say once again, "Wait 'til next year!" Cubs fans spew these words out every September as if they had never spoken them before. This is a phrase that has come to be synonomous with the Chicago Cubs, yet they say it with the same thoughtlessness that most of us say, "Good morning" or "I have to pee." "Next year" is the carrot that they keep chasing. (Look up the definition of insane)

Now I'm not one boast or brag, but in my lifetime alone, the Cardinals have been to the World Series 6 times. Out of those 6 times, they have won the Championship twice, 1982 and 2006. (Should have won it in '85 if it weren't for the infamous blown call by Don Denkinger at 1st base in game 6) Now, I can hear Chicago Cub fans laughing and saying, "You lost 4 out of 6 times!"

My response to them is this:

"Better to have been there and lost, than to have never been there at all!"

The Heavyweights Collide

2009-04-17T09:36:00.010-05:00

Game one of "The Rivalry" is in the books, and I'm happy to say that my Redbirds managed to find a way to eek out a victory yesterday. It was a game that could have gone either way, but Adam Wainwright wriggled his way out of a tight jam in the 6th with the bases loaded in a tie ball game. Errors by Chris Duncan and Brendan Ryan didn't help the Cardinals hurler, but he got a favorable called 3rd strike on Milton Bradley, and a routine fly ball to left off the bat of Soriano to end an intense, pressure packed inning. Duncan and Yadier Molina each had clutch RBI singles in the top of the 7th, giving St. Louis all the insurance they would need to help make Wainwright 2-0 on this young season.

As much as I'd like to use this first meeting between divisional foes as a barometer for things still to come, I have to admit that it is WAY too early in the season to get either too high or too low. So far, the Cardinals look to have a scrappy team thao could have enough to put it all together. Leading the division with an 8-3 record and already having two one run victories under their belts, despite the fact that we still haven't established a legitimate closer, is somewhat impressive. One run victories have been a rare commodity in recent years, so I'm taking this early success as a good sign.

With the good comes the bad, and Chris Carpenter on the DL, especially after how he has performed in his first two starts, is a little deflating. I suppose the good news is that the injury has nothing to do with his surgically repaired shoulder or elbow. An oblique tear that he incurred during an at-bat in Arizona will have him sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks they say. That means P.J. Walters will make his MLB debut this afternoon against Carlos Zambrano at Wrigley. As long as Walters doesn't put too much pressure on himself, he should be fine. Zambrano is one of those guys that you just never know which Carlos will show up on the mound. If the Cardinals can put a few runs on the board early, like they have been doing frequently this year, that just might be enough to rattle the "Big Z" and we can take some shots at the Cubs bullpen.

No matter what happens today, a win or loss isn't going to make or break the season for either of these teams. With that being said, a win from P.J. Walters in his Major League debut, against the ace of the Chicago staff, could be huge and have long term effects on both teams. A win today could go a long way in giving the Cardinals and their rookie pitcher a boost of momentum that could help shape the Central Division race.

It should be a fun weekend. I hope you all enjoy it!

One Week Down...Will the Lineup Stay?

2009-04-13T09:22:00.003-05:00

I am getting more and more irritated that Soriano is batting lead-off. He's off to a great start but it's affecting everything. But it could be argued that he is giving up valuable RBI's and affecting the rest of the lineup by insisting on leading off. It's no secret that the Cubs were hampered by a non-balanced right handed lineup in the playoffs in the last two years, but this is not the way to fix it. These guys are professionals and should be able to hit pitching from either arm, I know it's an advantage and helps when relievers come into play but at what cost? Since Soriano is a righty and leading off we go to Fuke because he is left at second, Lee because he is right at third, Bradley at cleanup because he is left and Ramirez at 5 because he is right. Bradley is batting horrible right now and you are taking your most consistant hitter who averages over 100 RBI's and moving him to 5? I know it's early and it doesn't seem to be affecting Rami right now, but what happens when Fuke forgets how to hit a curve ball again? I think Lou will look into moving Bradley to second but that still leaves things a mess. By insisting on keeping Soriano at 1 and rotating the Leftys and the Rightys you are throwing out the baby with the bath water. Sometimes I think Lou needs to open his mind a bit and not try to force things. The lineup get shuffled from time to time but I don't like it starting this way. I am still happy with the start but I think things could be improved on. Gregg as a closer is a BIG mistake. I would have rather given a multi-year deal to Kerry than that. I hope that they will be addressing this issue. Give Marmol the ball and find a quality set-up man and move on already.

Home Opener @ Wrigley

2009-04-12T19:48:00.001-05:00

It's a strange feeling knowing I won't be at Wrigley for opening day this year. My best friend, who has two young kids, couldn't make it this time. But I did enjoy two spring training games (one at Hohokam and one at Tucson Electric Park).

It certainly has been an interesting start. Soriano's been hitting the ball really well (first pitch HR again today in Milwaukee). We should have Soto back by the middle of this week following his shoulder inflammation. I think the real fun will be to wait and see what lineup changes happen as the season gets underway.

Piniella has just come off two very disappointing playoff years where a lack of left-handed bats was a serious issue. Now he seems dead set on alternating left and right handed batters. I think we may see that change. Kevin Gregg is Lou's choice for closer, but I think we may see more from Marmol. In any case, I'm looking forward to another exciting season. Let's Go Cubs!

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2009-04-10T08:27:00.007-05:00

Here we are, not even a full week into the season, and already I'm speculating in the back of my mind whether or not October baseball is in the cards. (No pun intended)

(The Bad)
After game one, I was certain that it would only be a matter of days before my anxiety would raise my blood pressure to a level that would literally cause my heart to explode inside my chest. A 4-2 lead with 2 outs in the ninth inning... and our new "closer", Jason Motte gives up 4 runs? To me... and maybe it's just me, but I don't think this is a very good sign of things to come. It's a good thing that I put wrist straps (thank you Wii, your concept has saved my television on more than one occasion!) on my TV remote, or it might have found its way thru the back of my 60" flat screen. I watched this 9th inning collapse happen with total amazement, and in that moment, I was convinced that this season was doomed.

(The Ugly)
Todd Wellemeyer didn't exactly make me feel all warm and fuzzy coming off of his first start of the season either. Five runs on 12 hits in just 5 innings on the mound. That my friends, is the recipe that nightmares are made of. All of the ingredients needed for a sports induced, massive coronary were right there, and Wellemeyer was blending them together like Grandma in the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. There was a moment when I felt a sharp pain shoot thru my chest and it became difficult to breathe... then I realized it was just the burrito I had eaten for dinner, not the game, that was causing this discomfort. I have to keep reminding myself... it's just the 1st week of the season.

(The Good)
The first bright spot of the season came yesterday. Chris Carpenter carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning in his first start of the season. Now, I realize that this is only his 1st start, but after multiple shoulder surgeries, and all of the questions that lingered around Carpenter going into this season, yesterday was the best news that anyone could ask for. The 2005 Cy Young award winner looked to be back in top form, picking up the win in his debut. Yesterday he was downright filthy, and his "stuff" was untouchable. Couple that with the fact that Albert has come out of the gate in his typical form, hitting .500 in the first 4 games, with a dinger and a handful of RBI's. Khalil Greene looks solid at shortstop so far, and Yadier Molina is looking stronger on offense, and is in pursuit of back-to-back Gold Gloves behind the plate.

Baseball is a lot like golf if you stop to think about it. You can play a horrible round of golf, but there is always that one hole where you hit the perfect shot. You know... that shot that makes you want to come back and play again the next day. Carpenter's performance yesterday was a lot like that shot.

Who am I kidding??? The season isn't even a week old, and to borrow an over used cliche', there is lot of baseball left to be played! To be honest... it doesn't matter what happens over the course of the season. I'll be there regardless. Checking the box scores of all the games each night before I go to bed. Setting my line-ups for my Fantasy League teams every morning. Standing around the coffee machine with my co-workers, debating who has the advantage in the pitching match ups for that day. I'm not going anywhere!

On a more serious note, I'd like to take this opportunity to send my condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Nick Adenhart, the Angel's pitcher who was tragically killed in an apparent hit and run accident caused by a drunk driver on Wednesday night. We, as Cardinals fans, know all too well how hard it is to lose someone so unexpectedly. The loss of Daryl Kile and Josh Hancock still hangs over St. Louis fans like a dark cloud. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

I Can't Fight This Feeling Any Longer...

2009-04-06T19:18:00.002-05:00

I have to admit...I haven't been all that excited about baseball starting. I don't know if it's because I'm back on the road again, (been in Dallas pretty solid since July), get tired of reading the gloom and doom prediction of the Astros, (I believe the baseball prospectus predicted 92 losses), or tired of all the PED talk. However, here I was today, talking baseball, counting down the clock until first pitch, even telling my client I'll have to send some comments later as the game starts at 6:05. It really is an sociology question. Are we programmed from birth to love baseball or something we've learned over time. I know all of us have had much more heartbreaks than successes over the years. What keeps us coming back?

I will admit watching the Cubs-Astros (it's top of the 6th as I write), my enthusiasm is starting to wane seeing us not move runners and make bone headed mistakes, (Yes Miggy, you were out). However, I know that tomorrow I'll be pouring over box scores and knowing the pitching match ups for the next game. I think for me one of the things I like is seeing the writers proved wrong. The favorites seldom do as well as predicted and there's always a surprise (TB last year, Colorado in 2007).

I think my biggest wishes for the start of this season, (wait a second...what a crappy call on Mr. Anal Fissures. That was not a strike). Astros play .500 ball. Yankees don't win anything. Neither do the Red Sox. Braves win the East, (just to piss off the East Coast media predicting the Phillies and Mets) and Head in the Ivy is not shown on TV with his shirt off and the Cubs logo painted on his chest.

Now one more college basketball game to go. Thank goodness for the hotel bar with multiple TV's.

Opening Day

2009-04-06T11:11:00.008-05:00

Peanuts... Popcorn... Cold beer HERE!!! Ahhh..... Can you finally smell it? Opening day is here. Across the country there are thousands upon thousands of baseball fans who woke up at the crack of dawn this morning, went to the closet and grabbed their favorite players' jersey, and threw it on over their favorite t-shirt. They ate breakfast while watching ESPN, and have been "clock watching" all morning, wondering if it's still too early to head towards the ball park? Fathers and sons, husbands and wives, best friends, co-workers, and friendly rivals... all ready to hear the playing of the National Anthem, and to finally hear those two words that they have waited all winter for ..........

PLAY BALL!!!

This Year Is Here!

2009-04-06T08:31:00.005-05:00

I have visions of the beginning of "The Bad News Bears" swirling in my head. I can see the sprinklers going off, the lines being chalked and the bases being laid out. I know there is extensive Spring Training but the 12 year old in me doesn't really recognize baseball until opening day of my favorite team. It hampers my pre-season conversations but it just makes the season all that more special to me.

That being said, it's very unsettling going in expecting big things from the Cubs this year. The "curse" or as I prefer to call it "mystique" has now worn out it's welcome with me and I just want it to end, whatever it's considered. I left last year more than a bit disappointed, I felt that I was cheated out of a great start. It's like driving a luxury car for a week and then going back to your rusted out Honda. I had the taste and it makes the reality all the worse. Today is the beginning of a new day and a new season. Last year is officially over, although I will be wearing my 08 Central Division Champs hat to remind myself and the non-believers that we are the team to beat.

This year will also be my first official live opening day. Chicago usually doesn't come to Houston until MUCH later in the season and I am looking forward to taking it all in. That being said, I think offering "healthy" options at a ballpark is blasphemy. To me "healthy" means peanuts, unsalted it you are really trying to take care of yourself. Welcome to 09 and let the games begin!

St. Louis searching for way to fill the holes

2009-02-24T15:23:00.007-06:00

Going into this season, I once again find myself cautiously optimistic. There are so many holes to be filled in the Cardinals lineup, that I don't know where to start? This off season has been another, almost predictable, disappointment for Cardinals fans. Since the departure of former general manager Walt Jocketty, and the arrival of the new general manager, John Mozeliak, the front office has been hesitant to pull the trigger on any major deal.

The addition of Khalil Greene at shortstop is questionable, at best. While it will be nice to once again have an everyday guy playing the position, the numbers that Greene put up last season leave a lot of room for doubt. If he can revert back to the player he was 2 years ago, then we can all exhale with relief. If not... it's going to be a long season for the fans, and Greene.

Troy Glaus had off season shoulder surgery, and very quietly, Joe Mather has been taking his reps in the infield. Mather, a 6'4", 215 lb. specimen, has the kind of power with his bat that has earned him the nickname, "Joey Bombs" amongst his teammates. Mather, an outfielder in the Cardinals organization until now, was actually drafted as a shortstop, and has played the hot corner on occasion in the minors. So, Joe Mather may be a pleasant surprise this year, filling in until Glaus is ready to re-enter the lineup.

The release of 2nd baseman Adam Kennedy a few weeks ago might be the biggest surprise up to this point. With no real replacement waiting in the wings, Tony Larussa is in the process of trying to convert Skip Schumaker, last years impressive and dependable outfielder, into a reliable and capable 2nd baseman. Other names mentioned to fill the role have included Brendan Ryan, Tyler Greene, and Brian Barden. Ryan is a good utility man, but doesn't have the "pop" that I think most fans would like to see at the position. Barden has all of 23 games of experience under his belt in the majors, and all of those were played as a shortstop. Greene, on the other hand, has absolutely no experience, and to throw him into the lineup as a starter is highly unlikely. Cardinal fans might have to get used to the "position-by-platoon" concept for yet another season.

Unfortunatley, 2nd base may not be the only position to be platooned. Jason Isringhausen, the long time Cardinals closer, was not offered a contract renewal this off season. Injuries had plagued the St. Louis closer for the past 4 seasons, and the organization felt it was time to part ways, with no viable "plan B" in place. Hopes were high on acquiring Brian Fuentes, the highly sought after closer from the Rockies, but Fuentes had his eyes on Anaheim, his home town. The Angels had already lost their 9th inning man, the outstanding Francisco Rodriguez, to free agency. Once Fuentes made his desires to play in southern California known, he basically wrote his own ticket. The day that Fuentes signed with the Angels, Cardinal fans watched the last hope at getting an experienced closer ride off into the western sunset. We'll just have to wait and see how the Cardinals skipper decides to handle this one. I can tell you this... I'm not excited.

The last big question is Chris Carpenter. Carpenter has had a full year to rehab and rest his twice surgically repaired elbow. What he'll have in the tank, and how effective his "stuff" will be, is going to be the question of the day each time he takes the mound. The former Cy Young award winner has the ability to be a dominant force, but only if he's healthy. All we can do, is hold our breath, and hope for the best. All indications up to this point show that Carpenter is back and throwing nasty stuff to hitters in Florida.

With so many questions going into the season, I am not betting the farm on a World Series title in '09. Being a die hard Cardinals fan, I always go into every year with an optimistic hope that they can find a way to do something spectacular. this year is no exception, but I'm also smart enough to know that that the reality is, my Redbirds are going to need the stars and the moon to align at just the right time, and in just the right order for this to be a "dream season". I'm pulling for Albert to win the MVP, among many other awards that he'll no doubt receive at seasons' end. I'm hoping that Comeback Player of the Year will go to Chris Carpenter, and that Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel each can pick right up where they left off last year.

While I always wish for a World Series title, if nothing else, I hope that the Cardinals can find a way to win their division and make the playoffs. Another division banner would look good hanging in Bush Stadium. With that being said, we may not win the World Series, and we may not even win our division, but as long as we finish ahead of the Cubs in the final standings... that's another good season as far as I'm concerned!

Rebirth of Slick

2009-02-16T16:19:00.004-06:00

Can a 49 year old come back and pitch in the Majors? Oil Can Boyd thinks he can, even after an 18 year layoff. He was recently pitching in fantasy baseball camp and says his arm is well rested and healed. He noted that Satchel Page began his MLB career in his 40's and Satch doubles as his hero and inspiration.

Don't you think that baseball could use a "feel good" story right now? That would be great but I don't think this is going to be leaving me feeling all that good. Here is a news flash, according to my memory Satch was pitching in the Negro leagues before the MLB. Oil Cans arm may be fresh but I would put Satch in a different realm of greatness. I would even say that going into the MLB was probably at least an even match to the competition he was facing before getting his shot. Striking out schlubs like me in fantasy camp is not quite the same. He claims he is throwing in the low 90's and still has his off-speed pitches. I may be a little bit of a cynic but a little part of me would like to see him get a shot. With my luck he will be named as the Cubs' fifth starter next week and take over the Viagra void that Palmeiro left behind.
Don't Call It a Comback, He's Been Here for Years

Let's Clear Up Some Misconceptions...Shall We?

2009-02-10T16:35:00.004-06:00

Can I even get excited about the upcoming season without the same stories about PED's and lying to congressional committees? Without getting too sucked in I would like to know why Congress really cares and how it's so strange that politicians invite people into the den of sin and expect them to play by different rules than they play every day. I know that congress threatened to clean up baseball if the MLB didn't, but are we really winning anything here? They know it was rampant, they now have testing that has brought results and punishments in place. Maybe if our fine outstanding politicians can learn to pay their taxes they will be granted the right to put someone under a binding oath and expect them to incriminate themselves.

I keep reading the latest stories and ridiculous statements that other "bloggers" are making and I want to clear up some talking points that have been run into the ground.

First off, I highly doubt you would get fired from your desk job if you were taking a PED that would increase your productivity by leaps, have you miss less days at work and bring in success and millions of dollars to your company. So don't keep spewing trash on how the MLB is protecting these idiots and no other corportation in the "real world" would. Talk to me when they come and take away the coffee machine. Do you ever wonder why many companies provide it for free?

Pete Rose ACCEPTED a lifetime ban from baseball. Sure he thought it would probably be reversed in a couple of years, but he took the deal to stop them from further investigating him. He gambled on baseball games at the least, they would have found many more things if they continued the investigation. He knew that and that's why he agreed to the ban. So let him lay in the bed that he made. He took his deal and it doesn't matter which is worse in the battle of steroids vs. gambling. My personal opinion is to let him in the hall after he has passed away, that way he can't directly profit from it.

Mark McGwire is retired and doesn't owe you the truth. I respect him more for not blowing smoke up my ass and instead saying that he would rather focus on stopping future players from making the same mistake. He answered the questions in a way to keep him from having to give further testimony and others should have learned from him instead of proclaiming false innocence. There are plenty of stories showing the down side of steroids out there, Big Mac's record breaking home run season isn't what you want to use to scare players away. His use of other performance enhancers were very well documented and so are his countless lingering injuries.

And finally, I don't care if Phelps smoked pot. I know he's not a baseball player but enough is enough. If you think pot can provide a performance boost, look no further than me in my college days. I was barely able to lift the pizza from the box to my mouth on most days. LET IT GO. If swimming thinks they don't need him, think again. I've seen more ping-pong on ESPN than swimming. I don't think I would feel comfortable benching my only commodity for the next three months. He won 8 gold medals for our country, he made a mistake and had the balls to admit it without having to be dragged to Congress. He could have just have easily said that the bong was a new training tool for breath control and I would have never thought anything different.

Really? REALLY???

2009-02-09T14:04:00.003-06:00

Snippet of my imaginary interview: (Actual A-Rod answers)

January 9, 2009

Ghost of Jack Buck (GJB): "So, Alex, let's go back. It's 2001. It has been 3 years since Mark McGwire broke the single season home run record. Barry (Bonds) breaks that record a year later, and ever since then, the media has been all over the steroid issue. Allegations swirling in the media that steroid use is rampant in Major League Baseball. A new testing program is being discussed by the players and owners. And it is during this time that you tested positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED's)?"

A-Rod: "I was young, I was stupid, I was naive."

GJB: "Really?"

A-Rod: "I did take a banned substance. For that, I am very sorry and deeply regretful."

GJB: "Really?"

A-Rod: "I had just signed this enormous contract I felt like I needed something, a push, without over-investigating what I was taking, to get me to the next level."

GJB: "Really? So, you sign the largest contract in MLB history. 10 years, $252 million dollars, $25.2 million a year... and you decide you need steroids?"

A-Rod: "Overall, I felt a tremendous pressure to play, and play really well"

GJB: "Really? Really?? OK, so what substances did you start using?"

A-Rod: "To be quite honest, I don't know exactly what substance I was guilty of using"

GJB: "REALLY??? REALLY??? You were making $25 million dollars a year... OVER $155,000 a game... and you don't know what substance you were injecting into your body??? REALLY???

Forgive me for saying this out loud, but that in itself, the fact that you were injecting a banned substance into your body, and you have no idea what it was... all the while you are making an obscene amount of money for playing a game! Well, Sir, that is just about the dumbest thing I have heard in all my life!!! REALLY???"

State of the Game: We've Been Cheating Ourselves

2009-02-09T08:50:00.008-06:00

As more than a casual baseball fan, I feel that the recent A-Fraud accusations are leaving a bad taste that go back even further than 2003. Allow me to play devils advocate here and say that there is no drug that you can take that will allow you to hit the ball, or really even hit the ball further. Nothing can replace pure athletic talent, hand-eye coordination and good old fashioned hard work. As it has been stated by every reporter, baseball is all about stats and numbers. Maybe we are buying way too much into that. Baseball is a beautiful sport all into itself and maybe we are tainting the game by letting the numbers get into the way. I love the numbers as much as the next guy, but maybe, just maybe I am letting them cloud my vision a bit. If a guy bats a buck-and-a-half and goes to the World Series and wins, he won the World Series. If a guy hits 73 home runs and doesn't even make the playoffs, does he really win anything?
Let's face it, the numbers have been tainted by more than just steroids. The stolen base doesn't hold the same value as it did in the late 70's early 80's. That doesn't mean I value Lou Brock or Ricky Henderson any less. Hank Aaron's homerun record will always be special because he was doing something more important than breaking records, he was breaking barriers. To be honest, the 56 game hitting streak by Joe D. and Ripkens 2632 game streak are the only current stats that I can truly appreciate, and it's because they were streaks (not a common stat). The game has changed and I am fine with that, the game is not the same as it was even from when I was a kid and I can accept that. Players will always be looking for an edge and I can understand that. The only way for baseball and it's fans to truly win is to acknowledge the game for the beauty that it is and not for the stats that people put up. Stop comparing the modern games stats with the stats of the last era and you will truly appreciate what the game brings.

Update: A-Rod has admitted the steroid use over a three year period. Based on his apology it will probably end the conversation in a couple of weeks like it did for Giambi and Pettitte. I bet that Clemens wished he would have gone a different route at this point. In 2003, 104 players tested positive during baseball's survey testing, which wasn't subject to discipline. That averages out to over 3 people per team. To say that the games stats had been compromised would be an understatement. More importantly, just think of the players who would not have even made the big leagues without that little edge.
Full Article Here

Winter Meetings Preview

2009-01-18T20:37:00.002-06:00

Winter Meetings Preview

My Favorite Potpourri

2009-01-10T14:13:00.004-06:00

Everyone has one. For some, it might be a hot apple pie, or fresh fallen rain. Maybe it's Grandma's house, a perfume, or a brand new car. Not me. For me, it's stale beer, pine tar, dry roasted peanuts, hotdogs and chewing tobacco. Put them all in a pot and let them simmer on the stove. Let the smells of each intertwine and weave themselves together into an aromatic tapestry. The aromas, when all brought together, create the most perfect potpourri that I can think of. Close your eyes and try to imagine. Allow your mind to drown your sense of smell and breathe it in. Inhale deeply and slowly. Can you smell it? Can you almost taste it? That's the smell of baseball!

Every year, right around this time, I start to get a little antsy. Pitchers and catchers will be reporting to camp soon. Followed by the position players not too long after. It's just around the corner... and I can almost smell it!

You see, baseball is the game that I fell in love with at the age of 4. My earliest childhood memories involve baseball. It all began with watching my Dad. He would sit in the garage (pretending to be working on some project) and listen to Jack Buck narrate the action through the transistor radio that sat on his workbench. Telling the story of the game as if he was reading some classic Walt Whitman poem. I could see the happiness and excitement in my Dad's eyes. The anticipation of every pitch. The glow on his face as my Dad soaked in every minute of every game. Every night, Jack Buck was orating his modern version of "Leaves of Grass", and baseball fans listened.

It was baseball. Nevermind the fact that it was St. Louis Cardinal's baseball for a moment. For the purest of baseball fans... it doesn't matter who it is. Baseball fans know exactly what I'm speaking of. It IS BASEBALL! Everyone remembers walking into the baseball park for the very first time. For me, it was like entering the great Roman Coliseum. There I stood with my Dad and my little brother. Standing at the end of the the long dark tunnel at Busch Stadium, looking down on the field as if it were filled with the greatest Gladiators of all time! And the smell.......oooooooh.......... that smell!!! It was fantastic!!!

It doesn't matter who your favorite team is, or who your favorite player is. It doesn't matter if you are in first place or last place. The only thing that matters is that the game is there for all of us to enjoy. Cards fans and Cubs fans, Yankee fans and Red Sox fans. We may protest our disdain for one another's teams each year, but the truth is, we are all in the same brotherhood. We are all guilty of being in love with the same mistress. We're all in love with baseball.

It won't be long. It's just around the corner... and I can hardly wait!!!

Can you smell it?

HOT stove!

2009-01-09T13:32:00.002-06:00

I find it curiously coincidental a ball club owned by a guy who also owns a newspaper would spend so much to sign on a player with a moniker providing such a vast wealth of headline pun fodder...

It's been a great year......

2008-10-09T23:31:00.002-05:00

Am I upset about another collapse? Yes. Do I feel cheated? Kinda. Am I fed up? Not at all.
That is something all the Cards fans and those who root against the Cubs simply don't understand and never will. If I have to explain it and put it in drawings (mostly for Cards fans), you still wouldn't get it and understand.

This is why the Cubs have the support they always have....win or lose......mostly lose. But how does that differ us from the Reds fans or Red Sox fans? Red Sox fans may understand more, but still haven't the history a Cub fan has had.....either seen or told.

How many fans go to a game.....a game that means nothing...and still go just to see your team? Especially one that lost any hopes for the playoffs? I do.....even to an Astros game........and they tried to win the wildcard.

Don't lose faith. The Cubs are good....real good. Did they win a series....Nope! How are they good? Because they finally care about winning.......even if the fans have always cared but still loved their team. They spent the money (less than some with more talent on paper), the fixed and upgraded their stadium at NO cost to the city (sure....tix aren't cheap), and gave us a great 6 months of baseball.

Do I care that they lost......YES! How can I support this team with the 100 years of failure? I don't call it failure...I call it tradition and that's something other fans just don't get. Failure isn't always bad......Just like winning the lottery isn't always good.

In the last week I have been consoled (still on suicide watch), laughed at and told I was cursed as well. I laughed and agreed and would have it no other way. Teased when they lost 3 in a row....again.

Contrary to belief of others on this blog....Cubs fans are the best fans. Do they get worked up....Heck Yeah......it's not that often we get a good team....much less a great team. I'm not putting other fans down, they just don't understand.

I am disappointed (again)

2008-10-05T01:17:00.001-05:00

“The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.”

Enough said. This is life as a Cubs fan. Swept in the post-season again. Say it with me ... "There's always next year."

Will Gerard, age 11

2008-10-03T17:07:00.002-05:00

My son "hunted & pecked" out this note to me today recounting his first "playoff atmosphere" experience...it is worth noting Will was celebrity batkid when the Cubs beat the Cardinals on an ESPN Sunday night and watched - from the front row of the left field bleachers (Soriano tossed him a ball between innings) Carlos Lee misplay a Fukudome liner to give the Cubs a win over the Astros in April...not to mention the countless hours we spent playing catch & listening to Pat & Ron on the radio, listening to Big Z's no-no on the radio, watching some amazing comebacks and some simple fundamentally sound games won by a good, sound team...

Anyhoo...here is Will's note:

go cubs!
The thing that was most disappointing about last were the fans support. All this one guy was saying after dero's error was "this is the f******* playoffs. make the plays, defense!" OVER AND OVER AGAIN! we were down 1-0. the lee had a shot at him and everyone thought the inning was over. E-3. again "this is the f******* playoffs. make the plays, defense!" poor Z IS GOING THOUGHT THIS. he's getting mad. 3 run double. 5-0 and everyone was down teary eyed and I'm thinking WE'RE STILL IN THIS! SOMEONE STRIKES OUT
''BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO*******OOOOOOOOOOOOO**OOO****************** ! More and more people are restless till it's dead silent. I was feeling sad for the players.E-5. 3 errors. STILL 5-0 and people are getting more flustered. " Put in the batboy!" Manny crushes one and it goes ping you can hear it bounce off the camera place. The ump rolls it past Z and Z gets it then he almost does it again and Zambrano makes a kick save to stop it. More wisecracks and Z pitches with that ball. Speaking of throwing it away Soto rolls one to Z and throws one past him with a man on first. No consequence but still boos, same for a derosa's catch. Plus the only ones there in the eight are super drunk. In the 9th people are rooting for the dodgers. A PAPER AIR LANE WHIZZES BY LEE! Someone says " who says we can't get 9." "I do", says someone so far away we can't see them. The noise level is on pin drop. Then finally E-6.PLUS PEOPLE FLIP OFF THE UMP. AND ARGUE WITH MEANINGLESS CALLS.

But was a learning experience and I would have had fun if the final score was 26-2 dodgers. Sadly the place was booming in the first.

Sincerely,
will

PS SORRY THE EMAIL WAS SO LONG IF YOU GOT THIS FAR!

As much as I wanted to have the shoe on the other foot....contragulations...CUBS!

2008-09-28T00:28:00.003-05:00

I might have miss-spoke, or actually spoke out of emotion....I was angry based on the situation, which I thought was justified...however...

I greatly respect the Cubs fans I know on this blog like, Head in the Ivy, Hatfiry, I guess that's all...OK..Tinkers to Evers to Chance...I might respect your fandum...the rest of you I don't know. So anyway...I want to root against the Cubs based on the entire Milwaukee situation ( did you also know the Cubs were the only NL Central team to not play the Red Sox or Yankees this year? Hmm...could MLB really want the Cubs to win like the Red Sox before them?)

However..I know how my friends have labored for years. I know how they've gone through end of season collapse to the point where they always expect it. Even a couple of weeks ago some of my Cubs friends didn't belive they would win...they expected a collapse., I know how Head in the Ivy has been realisic about the Cubs...same with Hatfiri...now Tinkers to Evers to Chance...um.. Todd...I think you owe me lots of labor if you took my bet at the beginning of the year. Hey BTW, it's the guy from Surviror that sings the " Real American Genius" adds. Todd should owe me something similiar.

I guess my last thought for the year is actually Go Cubbs...but I'm scared of the media blitz like what the Red Sox have experienced...know they are now the most hated team in MLB.

I will only root for the Cubs because I like you guys.

Helllllloooooo Newman

2008-09-24T13:20:00.003-05:00

I know it's been a while and I as still powerless in more ways that one. I just want to get this out there before it's too late. I can't keep up with everything Cubs related on a daily basis and between Fantasy Football and baseball playoffs along with Ike cleanup my head is spinning.

That being said, the Bandwagon is full people. I don't have any more room for the casual fan to hope that the Cubs break that awful curse of the Bambino and win so you can get a new t-shirt that says "100 years of suffering over". Unless you have lived the doomed existence of being a Cubs fan, you need to STFU. I know that baseball is Americas pastime but I don't want to see all the media play of the frenzy and pretend to understand what is going on and the impending doom if there is a letdown again. With that being said a have a short list of fans that I want to see covering the playoffs, I know I am missing some so pile them on in the comments.

1. Jim Belushi
2. John Cusak
3. That fat comic that is on every Cubs special imaginable
4. Bryant Gumble
5. Ron Santo
6. Me

Sucks?

2008-09-23T13:37:00.002-05:00

Fox game announcer (when Cubs clinched division) - "The regular season is like a scientist studying elephants, but the playoffs are like a scientist studying parasites. I say this because once the playoffs begin everything is under a microscope."

Coincidentally - Leitches:

I'm Not Crying...It's Just Raining...On My Face...

2008-09-21T07:38:00.003-05:00

Dick justice says the Astros cannot blame Bud as it turns out it was Houston Owner, Drayton McLane who screwed the team's schedule:

Selig is an easy target for Astros fans, but the problem began with their own team owner, Drayton McLane.

As MLB peppered him with questions before the storm, McLane maintained until the last minute that some games still could be played at Minute Maid Park.

He appeared to be so obsessed with getting the revenues from three large crowds that he allowed his judgment to be clouded. Until Saturday morning, as Ike began to move out, McLane still held out hope of playing a game or two of the series in Houston.

By the time the matter was dumped in Selig's lap, his options were limited. Arlington was the first choice, Atlanta the second.

In the end, baseball settled on Milwaukee because there were scheduling conflicts or rain in the forecast at every other place.

"Was it perfect? No," Selig said. "I went through every option. I finally looked at it and realized I didn't have another option. I'm always sensitive about the Brewers (as an ex-owner of the franchise), but I feel in my heart this was the best option."

I'm guessing if Selig had it to do over, he would risk the rain in Atlanta rather than send the Astros into the Cubs' backyard.

The Astros lost again Monday afternoon, but before they flew to South Florida, Cooper called a team meeting.

"It's over and done with," he said. "We've got to move on."

Except the Astros couldn't move on. Or didn't. Whatever. They lost three more lopsided games in Florida. They didn't pitch, hit or field.

They had a great alibi for one game, maybe two. By the time they got to Florida, they should have been back in a normal routine.

A lot of Texans were inconvenienced by Ike. But the Astros had some advantages others didn't. Chartered jets. Great hotels. Selig even offered to send a plane for their families. If they were still focused on Selig or the unfairness of playing in Milwaukee, shame on them.

They continued to say the right things, but they weren't the same team. Sloppy. Lifeless. Deflated.

In the end, it couldn't have been all about Selig. Maybe after weeks of putting retreads and kids in critical situations, the clock finally struck midnight for this team...

Hey, This "Eddie Somebody" Might Just Make It In That Crazy Music Biz!

2008-09-21T07:25:00.003-05:00

...although, admittedly, he's no "Cool Hand Leuk".

That's "Clinch" - Not "Choke"

2008-09-20T17:24:00.002-05:00

When I was in St. Louis a couple weeks ago, I saw what I thought was a conflicted individual. He was sitting just one row in front of me, and he was wearing a Cardinals jersey with a Cubs hat. When he turned around - I finally saw that he had turned the Cubs logo into the word "Choke". So wherever that guy is right now ... the word is "Clinch".

So any bets on the NL wild card? I'd love to see Houston or St. Louis pull it off.

Really Gets My Goat

2008-09-19T11:22:00.001-05:00

Boy, if one more person talks about the Curse...

Maybe it Wasn't the Schedule?

2008-09-17T20:50:00.003-05:00

After watching the Astros for the last two days, maybe the Milwaukee trip wasn't the issue. They have not played well at all in Florida. They lost 14-2 including a Granny. Add to that the fact that the two runs were both Hunter's solo HR's, and it again was not a good night for the Stros.

After seeing this, I am not sure that we can only blame the two home-games-that-weren't. I will grant that a flight from Milwaukee to Florida probably was not fun, but they certainly have done it before, and they would have had to fly from Houston to Florida, so it's not an unexpected trip.

All this being said, it seems that the Chicago series was the beginning of the end any way you slice it. Whether the trip to Milwaukee, Ike and its distractions, or just bad timing for a hitting slump are to blame now seems irrelevant.

All this being said, I would personally LOVE to see the Stros come on strong and overtake the two teams in front of them. I am a big fan of the Central, and want to see the Wild Card come from our division. Moreover, the first round matchup would be with the Dodgers for my Cubbies if the Stros (or Brewers) can pull it out, and I like that matchup better than the Phillies. It's a win for all of us if the Stros can get in. I personally will be pulling for the Stros every game from now until the end of the season, and I will even go out and say that I would root for them here in Houston on the last game of the season if they can make it necessary. That's big since it would be against the Cubbies. It'll be wierd rooting against them, but in this one case I will gladly do it if it means the Stros can get into the playoffs.

Go Cubbies.. And (for now) Go 'Stros!!

Until next time... Be safe everyone!

What a Joke! A Cubs Fan Perspective

2008-09-17T20:50:00.002-05:00

I agree with "Let's Go Astros"... And I don't. Allow me to explain:

I totally agree with the agitation at Cubs fans that had, "Thank you, Ike" signs and the like. It is indeed rude and totally insensitive not only to the Astros, but to the victims of the hurricane to reduce it to such meaningless drivel. I should know, as I am one of those victims. I live in Pearland, TX and have been without main power for almost a week. The sad thing for all of us is that I have fared much better than most, and this is my exact point. Many, MANY people have suffered because of the hurricane, and to thank Ike for ruining a baseball series shows a remarkable lack of any decorum on their part.

However...

As in all things, those few Cubs fans don't speak for the VAST majority of Cubs fans that not only support the Astros and the people of Houston, but hurt with them when they hurt. They feel the same human compassion that most people share. I am betting that there were as many people holding signs like, "Our prayers are with you!" but those signs don't have the emotional impact. It's like any other "shock" medium. You always see the shootings on the news and never the guy holding the door open for the little old lady. It's just not as newsworthy, and I completely believe that this is what you saw from the game.

Talking about the game for a minute, Carlos was brilliant... Most baseball people know that he's certainly capable of throwing a no-no on any given night, so the fact that he threw one should not be any big surprise. To me, the bigger telling factor is not this game, but the next one. Ted Lily's one hitter to me showed how tired and unsettled the Astros were. For that, I am really apologetic.

The reality is that there was just no other alternative. Between Drayton's insistence that they wait for the hurricane to decide what it's going to do, MLB's not imposing a timeline and then a decision, the necessity that there be enough money in it to play the games, and the need for the logistical setup to be completed (ushers, concession workers, ticket sales, etc), Milwaukee was the only place that worked. Arlington was empty, but no one could guarantee that the hurricane wouldn't go right up I45 and rain those games out. All minor league parks were out due to gate receipts, logistics, or both. Ballparks like LA and Arizona wouldn't work because of the two days needed. You get the point. After considering averything, Milwaukee was the only choice.

For those that believe that they should have played at the end of the season, I put to you that trying to play three games in two days, then not having any time for either team (should they both make it) to prepare their rotations for the playoffs or having the ability to rest of any of their regulars just isn't fair to either team, either. Since the Cubs will have probably already clinched, it makes it doubly difficuly on the Astros should they win. Playing the games at the end of the season isn't a good option either.

All told, it sucked no matter how you slice it, and not for the game. It sucked for the reasons the game had to be moved, the reasons the games were not played somewhere else, but mostly for the people of Houston that didn't get to see their team play two (or three) home games this season.

Until next time... Let's all keep safe and pray for those that aren't able to even power on a computer or travel to a baseball game... Much less bitch about why it wasn't played in Houston.

What a joke!

2008-09-17T12:38:00.002-05:00

The Astros playing a "home" series in Milwaukee? What a joke. Cubs fans having signs that said "Thank you Ike" and shirts that said, "hurricane series" were not just dis-respectful, but down right rude. According to people there, the Cubs fans that caravan ed to the game showed no acknowledgement for the players or team and want they went through. I mentioned in an earlier post how un-sportsman like Cub fans have been in our stadium, but being a good sport I am, have been tolerable. No more. I will never be nice to a Cub fan in our stadium, will never pull for the Cubs to win a playoff game and hope the "Billy Goat" lives forever. No Lou...it wasn't just the pitching, it was days of no power, little sleep and a three hour commute for a "home game". Lets see the Cubs go through that and then play against Roy O. To say the Cubs looked good "at Houston" or that the pitching shut them down is a joke. I'm not saying the Cubs would not have won in Houston or that they wouldn't make the playoffs, but come on people...call it what it is. The Astros asked for alternative sites that MLB said no to.

The NFL stood up to the Ravens when they asked for the game to be moved to New Orleans and played on Monday. It's too much with houses in disarray, no power, and questionable food to ask people to travel and focus on anything else.

I Don't Want to Say I Told You So, But...

2008-09-16T21:25:00.003-05:00

I said during the losing streak that I was happy that the Cubbies were in a funk and I was.... Shall we say... Scoffed at. But look at them now. Again, it's still too early to be too giddy, but they looked REALLY good "at" Houston. As I write this, they are winning 4-3 against Milwaukee in the bottom of the 8th inning. Should this continue, the magic number will be 4, I believe. Not too shabby for the swoon. ;-)

I really feel badly for Houston. I would have loved to had them play here. I don't think it was all that fair of them to play just 90 miles from Chicago. I think that if they wanted to play at a neutral site, they should have picked Florida. After all, neither of the Florida teams seem to be using them much, even during their home games!! ;-) Seriously, I think that they should have tried to play on the West Coast, but even then since the Cubs have such a large fan base compared to Houston, even that may have felt like a home game for the Cubs. Maybe Arlington would have been a good choice, but I don't know the schedule and I am sure they were worried about Ike there as well.

Speaking of Ike... Going through a hurricane ia NOT the part that sucks! Going through the RECOVERY is. I spent two hours and ten minutes today in line for gas! There is no perishable food, so no meat, eggs, cheese, etc. Most of these things should be back in a week or so, but still it's no fun. I have been without power since Friday evening at 9:00. I don't have a generator, and the only way I am able to use the computer is through a power inverter attached to my car battery. I had less than 1/2 tank of gas when I refueled today and went a total of 71 miles since I had to leave the car running most of the time to keep the battery charged. It's still better than most people who had nothing for power, and many thought the hurricane would miss us and didn't gas up, buy food, make ice beforehand, etc and now are struggling for anything they can find. Many on Galveston lost their homes, so compared to most, we got off very well. Still, I will be VERY glad when the power comes back.

Getting back to the NL Central... Does anyone else think that we should get rid of the "NO NL Wildcard" sign on our blog page? ;-)

Until next time... stay safe, everyone, and pray for a speedy recovery to all of us affected in any way by Ike.

In Lou we trust

2008-09-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

"Houston came in here really, really hot, playing really good baseball. Our pitching basically just shut them down." - Sweet Lou

Zambrano & Lilly ... take a bow. Six for the clinch, ten for a hundred wins, and fourteen to play. Go Cubs Go!!!!

Six Sense

2008-09-15T16:29:00.004-05:00

The evil Bud Selig went and caused the "hottest team in baseball since the All-Star break" to only get 1 hit in 18 innings...bummer.

Brought to you by the letter "W" and the number "11"

2008-09-12T08:31:00.001-05:00

13

2008-09-10T23:56:00.002-05:00

Losing Streak @ 6 and I Couldn't Be Happier!

2008-09-05T23:15:00.003-05:00

I know... Being a Cubs fan and saying this seems like sacrilege. However, stick with me, North-siders. Last year, the Cubs had a similar stretch, but they waited a month later to do it and started in Arizona. My thinking is that they're finally going through the rough patch they've been avoiding all year. Once they're through this, hopefully they'll get back to playing well.

Either way, they're going to have to earn their way into the playoffs since every single game after this Cincy series is with teams over .500 and a majority of the games are on the road. This includes the final six of the year at Milwaukee and New York. Should be a fun month.

I wanted to apologize for not posting in quite a while. I don't have any good excuses, but some crappy ones are the usual... Work, family, and being off the continent for the last month... Ya' know... Same 'ole, same ole.

The good thing is that when I left, the Cubs had a five game lead, when I returned they had a five game lead, and even tonight as I write this it's four. I can live with that.

Until next time, my friends....

Dempster The Maven

2008-09-04T12:28:00.002-05:00

"We've just got to come to the field and have a good day off [Thursday]," (Ryan Dempster) said, "maybe go get some Einstein's Bagels in the morning, go for a nice run, then have a nice plane flight, go have a nice dinner and go to Cincinnati refreshed and put this behind us and just play well."

Astros sweep!

2008-09-04T09:48:00.002-05:00

Astros sweep Cubs in Chicago!!! Is this the late season swoon Cub fans have experience over the years and have been dreading? The Cubs will still make the playoffs, but playing like they are now, it could be three and out. What about the Stros? Why do they wait so late to play well? Looking at the schedule, they could actually make the wild card. Hard to believe, but possible. only 6 1/2 games back.

Cubs fan...what's going on with the North Siders?

Won the tournament

2008-08-31T01:59:00.003-05:00

One other thing...I was at my industry conference this past weekend and played in the golf tournament on Sunday at the Cowboy Country Club. It was outstanding to wear a Houston Texans golf shirt while playing and even better winning the first place trophy!

I'm glad we are over .500

2008-08-31T01:49:00.002-05:00

At this point of the season I'm glad the Astros are over .500. The season reminds me of past relatsionships. We've had great times (10 game win streak, twice taking 2 of 3 from the Cubs) and some painful ones (are we the only team to get swept by the Pirates since the '79 "We Are Family" Bucs?).

I have been enjoying that over the last two days we've beat the Cards and their "all-incredible-world-best ever-let's change the manager of the year trophy for him-he loves abandonded cats-thinks wearing sunglasses in the daytime is cool" Tony LaRussa. Amazing that nearly all our runs have come from the long ball. I'm sure that once LaRussa has seen us being uncharastic and knocking balls over the wall, he mentally checked out and was thinking about the fajitas at Pappasitos. Hey Tony...it's an 162 game seasion...maybe you shouldn't have mailed it in so early. Geeze!

I'll wait a few weeks until I start blogging on football, however, let me say Michigan starting three true freshmen on offensive is not good (even if two of the three were from the Houston area). A&M lost to Arkansas St???????? I can't even come up with some type of repectful comment.

Magic Number

2008-08-28T11:08:00.002-05:00

The Cubs' magic number for the division title is...

Run Centraly Run

2008-08-26T14:11:00.003-05:00

Holy crap.

The Cubs' run differential is stupid crazy...

Maybe they are saying "Chieeeeeeeeef..."

2008-08-26T11:15:00.002-05:00

Boo.

All the third baseman did during his time in Pittsburgh was put together one of his most successful seasons -- one in which he hit .300 and slugged 34 home runs and 112 RBIs as a 23-year-old.

He never complained or asked to be traded.

"They boo their own players, so I'm not surprised they boo me," said Ramirez, who was traded from the Pirates to the Cubs in 2003. "They booed me while I was playing here. That's the way they are.

"They just traded me, so they should boo whoever traded me."

Special Olympic Edition!

2008-08-21T12:46:00.004-05:00

"In the sand the ball bounces +++ but the bounces are few +++ for the bobbies +++ They're held...

...by BRA 1 & BRA 2!"

Deb Gurke's Big O

2008-08-18T11:20:00.003-05:00

Hey Tim,

I was thinking (always a dangerous thing). But last night Lou put in the lefty lineup. I am proposing the all "O" lineup.

Soriano--LF
Theriot--SS
Blanco--1B
D-RO--CF
Soto--C
Cedeno--3B
Fonteneau--2B
Fuko(dome)--RF (Okay, I cheated a little on that one)
Zambrano--P

1st base coach--Sinatro
3rd base coach--Santo

Go Cubs Go!

Deb

Posted by: Deb Gurke | August 17, 2008 at 11:26 AM

Turn On Your Face(book)

2008-08-16T12:24:00.003-05:00

Hey, facebookers! Join today!!!

Cubs 18, Scalpers 2

2008-08-14T09:59:00.002-05:00

Did you know the last time the Cubs beat a team by eight or more runs in both games of a double header was in 1908?

...and do you know what happened in 1908?

You guessed it - the Feyenoord Rotterdam football club was founded.

Cubs 6, Cardinals 2 - August 10, 2008

2008-08-12T14:22:00.002-05:00

What Were The Padres Thinking?

2008-08-08T16:41:00.007-05:00

Boy, where’d that Edmonds kid come from? He’s pretty good!

FROM ESPN Online:

Edmonds' stellar afternoon came on the Cardinals' first visit to Wrigley Field this season.

During Edmonds' return trip to St. Louis last month, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was miffed about Edmonds' comments that he was happy to be with the Cubs and tired of talking about his past. Edmonds responded by saying La Russa ducked him before the first game of that series.

Edmonds appeared to enjoy his first homer Friday, pausing at the plate momentarily to watch it take off before rounding the bases. Before the drive, Edmonds was 0-for-7 this season against his former team.

His second homer, his 15th of the season, was an opposite-field shot to left-center. He ran quickly around the bases after tying the game but did come out of the dugout for a curtain call.

Junior Mince

2008-08-01T11:11:00.003-05:00

Sources report Ken Griffey, Jr. has been quoted as saying he is looking forward to having the opportunity to move to the American League and looks forward to having a new team put him on the DL.

Knee Kurkjian Response

2008-08-01T10:57:00.004-05:00

Last night on ESPN Tim Kurkjian reported the Milwaukee Brewers are enjoying the results of acquiring CC Sabathia as witnessed by sellout crowds at Miller Park for the four-game series with the Cubs.

The Z is SOOO big...

2008-07-30T12:36:00.001-05:00

...it takes two stories to cover his awesomeness on Yahoo.

Cubs Bring Out The Wurst In Milwaukee

2008-07-29T10:25:00.005-05:00

Where to begin?

Note to CC - you might have done better had you put it on a tee for Soriano.

Gaudin & Marmol had as many Ks each as did the MLB-strikeout leader, Sabathia...and not only did CC take 124 pitches to get a pair of strikeouts (the most pitches he's thrown in a game in four years, by the way) half of his pair of punch-outs was against Ted Lilly!

Note to Yost - Ummm...first game of a four-game series and your ace closer throws a 37-pitch inning...nice.

Lenny Dykstra may have been "Nails", but Reed Johnson is freakin' "Railroad Spikes".

Tonight, the Big Z...who can, and will, beat you with his stick!

"Ayyy!" to Z

2008-07-25T15:25:00.003-05:00

...the Big Z is ready for the second half.

Halftime Thoughts and Musings

2008-07-16T13:41:00.003-05:00

Hey all!

Much like my man, "Let's Go Astros!" I have been traveling extensively as well. But I am home for a while and taking a minute to catch up.

Are any other Cubs fans like me all nervous that the Cubs have been so good all year? If you're a (Bleck!) Yankees or Red Sox fan, you may be familiar with being in first all year, but for we Cubs fans, this is all unsettling. I keep waiting for a '07 Rockies team to come out of nowhere and foul the whole thing up. But the more I see the other leagues (The NL West... Are you kidding me?!) the more confident I feel... Which just scares me more. Ah, well... Such is life when you're a Cubs fan I guess.

Our slogan of, "Six Degrees of Mediocity" seems to be a bit of an understatement. If the last place team in the division were sitting in the West, they'd be only a couple of games out at the break. San Francisco at 15 games under .500 is only seven games out of first, and Arizona is under .500 at the break. I think even I could manage a team in that division!

Back to the NL Central... The top two teams in the wildcard race, and arguably the most dangerous teams in the playoffs would be the Cards and the Brewers. I don't know what smoke and mirrors the Cars are using to keep afloat, but the Brewers with that lineup and as good a front two starters are there are outside of Chicago (tongue in cheek only slightly) makes them very dangerous if they make the playoffs.

A final note about the All Star game: I went to bed in the 11th, but the game was REALLY good. Far better than most I remember. It would be really interesting if the Rays and Cubs end up reaching the Fall Classic since both are outstanding on their own turf but below .500 on other ground. It would be so like the NL if that series came down to a deciding Game 7 in Florida.

That's the good thing about baseball, though... It, like a box of chocolates, is something where you never know what you'll get.

God bless us all.

All-Star thoughts

2008-07-15T09:25:00.002-05:00

I like the All-Star game. Check that, I love it. I remember as a kid, it was a big deal. The drive for expansion hadn't happened so even having one member from each team, everyone was worthy. Not to mention the novality of having the leagues playing each other. Back then only the All-Star game and World Series was when you could see interleague play. It was an event. The NL won every year until 83, when Fred Lynn hit a Grand Slam off Atlee Hamacker. Does it still hold the same feeling for me? Yes. Not because it means home field advantage in the series, but because it reminds me of being a kid. Isn't that what baseball should do?

I don't know about you but I root more for the local guys in the All-Star game than any other time. I want my guys to do well on the national stage...get some publicity. Let the country know what I believe, how good the local nine are every year, (yes drinking the Kool-Aid). I remember being pissed when Joe Niekro didn't get to play in the All-Star game, then the next year Jose Cruz didn't play either.

For the most part, I think the fans, at least in the NL, got it right. Except for Fukudome, one of the top two at each position was voted in. Fukudome, while not putting up spectacular All-Star number, wasn't a surprise with the on-line Japanese vote and the Cubs fans storied support. I think we're seeing a "changing of the guard" where the young guys like Hanley Rameriz, Chase Utley, Ryan Braun and Matt Holliday getting their chance. There's nothing worse then when fans pick some guy batting .250 becauase he's been there for 10 years.

I'm off to Dallas this afternoon, and yes I get in to town with plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the game.

Three Degrees of Superiority

2008-07-14T13:28:00.002-05:00

Now, Let Me Get This Straight...

2008-07-09T11:50:00.003-05:00

Your last name is "Harden" and you name your kid "Richard"...?

...oh, wait...his name is actually "James Richard"...my bad.

C.C. Rider

2008-07-08T13:23:00.002-05:00

So, let me get this straight - we give the Brewers the division title because they acquired a pitcher with six wins versus eight losses?

Huh.

Oh, you say he has all those losses because of a lack of "run support"?

Oh.

So, John Kruk tells me the front office "sent a message" to the players on the team they are going to go get the starting pitcher the team needs to rack up the wins.

...and when said pitcher arrives the team - message received - responds by scoring three runs (late, no less)?

C.C.'s ERA is 3.84.

Huh.

So, had he been on the mound he would have been handed his ninth loss by .84 runs?

That is just sad.

Astros commentary

2008-07-05T16:03:00.001-05:00

Some outstanding commentary on how the All-Star Break can effect the routines of player and teams. Notice the top notch authentic jersey. http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid823425601?bclid=769355872&bctid=1640650359

Double Life?

2008-07-05T01:50:00.003-05:00

Is it possible that one of our bloggers leads a double life? And if so.....who have are tickets been given to?

(He is no longer with the Cubs)

One other thing...

2008-07-04T04:03:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone on the blog's family is safe from the most recent Mississippi River floods.

I'm baaaacccckkkk and more frustrated than ever

2008-07-04T02:32:00.003-05:00

To all,

I apologize for my absence from the blog for the past couple of months. I've been doing some serious traveling. Not the type of traveling I normally do, where I am spending three months or more, Monday - Friday at a client site, then coming home on weekends. No, I've had the joy of doing multiple one and two day trips going everywhere from Chicago to SF to LA to Dallas (multiple times) to Tucson. As much as I travel, it's refreshing to know I'll be traveling to Dallas as the flight is between 37-45 minutes; however, my last two flights back from DAL have been weather delayed. One of those we took off from Love field heading north, went around Wichita Falls, past San Angelo, took a slight left at San Antonio, then a sharp left around Galveston. that 37-45 minute flight too nearly 2 1/2 hours. Even my 2 hour flight from Tucson took over 6 hours due to weather including a delay to the tarmac at DFW (why does Dallas continue to haunt me? Is it because I hate the Cowboys?) I'm scared as it looks like I'll be managing a project in Dallas, possibly until September of 2009, but I digress.

While I'm in town I've been catching as many Astros games as I can. My first two were against the Cubs, the first game was a 7-2 Astros loss and the second was a 4-2 Astros win, thank you Hunter Pence for the grand slam. This was the first time I noticed how many jerks dressed in Cubs jerseys were in the stands. Let me be very careful on what I'm saying here. I'm NOT saying all Cubs fans are jerks, as many friends of mine, including ones on this blog, are straight up good fans. That to me means rooting for your team with all energy until the end of time. Represent when you go to games, and cheer your team. I have never heckled (at least not seriously) someone at an Astros game who is just cheering for their team. The fans I experienced wearing Cubs gear were talking more smack than any fans I've seen, reminding me of local Dallas Cowboy fans as they were similar. For example...one young man in front of me was quick to give double rods to Berkman anytime he came to the plate, and if Berkman got out, he would turn and give the fans double rods, and point to people wearing Berkman jerseys. Fortunately for him, there was a mother with kids close to him that reported him to security and had him removed. I'd preferred to have us deal with our own security, if you know what I mean. Yeah, wishful thinking. While I've been in sections (including today, more later) that are screaming for the 'Stros until the last out, as a group we are pretty passive. Yet this guy during the first game, with the Cubs other similar fans just got my goat, (oops, I shouldn't mention anything about a goat...lol). The second game the Astros fans did represent as when the "Lets go Cubbies!" cheers would start, the would be quickly taken over by "Let's go Astros!". I even saw a group of Astros fans walking through the concourse after the game yelling, "Cubs suck! Cubs suck!". I thought that would lead to a throw down and even pushed my wife behind me while I...um those other guys were yelling that to Cubs fans. :)

I also went to two game of the Yankees series and what a let down. The Saturday game was at least somewhat competitive 8-4, but I was at the 13-0 Father's Day massacre. I've never seen less energy from a team ever. From rec league softball to Chachi to MLB, this was one of the worst representations I've ever seen. Roy Oswalt, who has been non-Roy like this year, gave up seven runs....but only three were earned. Here was the tipping point. I believe it was the sixth inning, the bases were loaded and two outs. Jeter batting...full count...ground ball just to the right of 1st base. As Coop decided to rest three of his infield starters for the game Erstad was playing first and let the ball go through. Maybe I've gotten ruined by Berkman's (furthermore referred to as Big Puma) effort, but it seemed like Erstad didn't make an attempt. He watched the ball go into right field and was even late positioning himself for the relay. The only thing I can assume was he was day dreaming about his great days being a punter for University of Nebraska. Next batter was Abreau, who I belived reached, so the Stros' made a pitching change. Wesley Wright, who I really like as a young guy with a good arm. Um...didn't work out well for him. First batter he faced was some A-Rod guy. He hit it off the glass. Next batter was "Porn Stache" Giambi, who got on base, then Jorge, don't call me George, Posada took one out. Sigh...not the best father's day result.

Today I took my three boys to the game. Rough start...as we moved from eating the good food in the club level, to our seats in behind 3rd base, we went from two outs and no one on, to down 3-0. Talk about your head spinning! Big Puma didn't do well tonight at the plate, which is consistent with Astros games I attend. It's similar to Bagwell. Every game I went to, they sucked. Didn't always effect the team as I was 12-0 in Minute Maid Park in attendance for the first three years, but the stars never did anything. Anyway, our section kept pulling for the Stros' loudly until the end. I appreciate the Astros making things interesting, but the frustration is getting a bit much. First of all, why does Coop keep changing pitchers while down by at least three? Why cant the Astros learn to work a count? You should have seen how many early count outs we had today. It seemed like a competition to see who could hit of the handle the most times. Is Dewey Robinson, the pitching coach, soon to go? I would hate it on a personal level as he autographed two baseballs for my boys today, but it seems that whenever a pitcher is having a problem, they either call AAA pitching coach Burt Hooten, who used to be the Astros pitching coach, or Tampa Bay coach Jim Hickey...hmm...another pitching coach who used to be with the Astros. I haven't heard anyone say they've worked with Dewey. That would be too bad as he's a nice guy. At this level, how much does a batting coach help? If it's important, than Sean Berry should be gone. Today was a perfect example, as through eight innings, the Dodgers pitcher was still around 80 pitches, because we don't know how to work a count. Don't even get me started about our "leadoff hitter" that rarely get's on base. The best part of today's game was getting interviewed by Anna-Megan Raley from Chron.com (the Houston Chronicle's web site) after the game. Anna-Megan is a real up and comer in the local media and picked me out to interview as she saw my authentic, bad a** Berkman jersey. I'll post the link as soon as it's on the Chron.com site.

I'm frustrated with our team as we took two out of three from the Rangers, Rays and Red Sox, but then drop three of four to the Dodgers. Just like our road trip that we won like eight in a row, then tanked against the Pirates. I know the Cub's fans have to be as frustrated as they sweep the White Sox at Wrigley, then get swept at Comisky...um New Comisky...um US Cellular Field...um if you're in the upper deck, beware of bullets from the projects next door and are 3-7 in their last 10. Hard to believe the best team in baseball right now are the Rays. Actually it's not hard to believe if you realize the connection to the Astros. Gerry Hunsicker, is their Sr. VP of Baseball Operations. He was the Astros GM during ALL their recent playoff runs. Allegedly our owner, Drayton McLane didn't like that Gerry would stand up to him. Sense then, there have been many many many bone headed moves, (See Jason Jennings, Miguel Tejada, etc). Does anyone realize we gave away FIVE pitchers in the two moves I mention above? I really really like Tejada, but long term, I believer I'd rather have Patton and Alberts. They also have our former pitching coach that I mentioned above, Jim Hickey, players that used to with the Astros, (Trever Miller (3.74 ERA), Dan Wheeler (1.82 ERA) and numerous players from the Houston area such as Scott Kazmir (Cy-Falls) and Carl Crawford (Davis High School). There are lots of fingers to blame, but why is our minor league system so empty of top notch talent?

BTW - I will still continue in my belief that I would take Lance Berkman, (aka...The Big Puma), over Derek Lee (aka...The Big Wu**Y)

I still belive we have the best PA announcer in baseball. Long live Bob Ford!

Fontenot's Greatest Hits!

2008-07-03T10:53:00.002-05:00

Mike Fontenot: makes men's clothes, sings, hits game-winning home runs.

Going into the Break

2008-07-03T08:57:00.005-05:00

Good morning folks,
It's been awhile mostly due to my own superstitions but it looks like it doesn't matter at this point. We are coming to the All-Star break and all seems to be well. I will admit that I don't know what to do at this point, I am normally just happy to be .500. All the constant winning left me in uncharted emotional territory. I was almost suffering from Braves/Astros Syndrome (where the team always does so good that you ALMOST lose interest). Nice to see that reality is back and I can feel more like myself. It's nice to not be chasing the Cards at this point, and much like last year, I am usually looking to see what the Brewers are doing instead. It used to be that my daily mood would be determined by the Cubs winning or losing. This was a special treat especially with all the day games and the having to go to work thing. I haven't been suffering with this as much this year and that let's me focus on other things to get upset about. Yea, for me. I remember when the All-Star break would fall around the 4th of July to match my little league and APBA All-Star Games, guess it doesn't jive anymore. Maybe the NL can win for the a change to give the ahem...Cubs a boost in the postseason?

Let's Get Joe Morgan's Thoughts...

2008-06-27T12:30:00.004-05:00

Dear Joe Morgan,

I was hoping you could give us your thoughts on how taking on the herculean task of managing a Class-A ball club - that is, riding around all Summer on a crummy bus with the only real reward being the satisfaction of having the opportunity to impart some baseball wisdom upon a bunch or kids with little more than some raw talent and a dream - will add to the legacy belonging to the Hall of Famer - and greatest second basement of his generation - Ryne Sandberg.

Best,

Don

P.S. Keep up the fine work.

...you should bookmark the Cubby-Blue blog.

What happened to LGA?!?

2008-06-23T15:07:00.002-05:00

I miss LGA! Is he still alive? Have we checked all the fast food establishments in the greater Houston or Chicago area?

If you see or hear from him.....please....please feed him some fried twinkies or cheesburgers. Let's all help to get him back on track.

Fat Friday

2008-06-20T11:48:00.003-05:00

Who is bigger SOX FANS or CUBS FANS?

HOF RIP

2008-06-17T08:54:00.003-05:00

...what was to be the last "Hall of Fame Game" was rained out yesterday.

Head in the Ivy had to say something

2008-06-11T22:00:00.002-05:00

He had to say it. Best record in Ball, Best Era and a great season. Then I got this call. "We have been injury free for the most part"............It's like talking to a pitcher who has a No No going. Nobody knocked on wood.....and I don't mean Kerry.

I am superstitious. I do the same thing before each game, after each bat and NEVER speak of Ill toward one of our own. I realize was just making an observation, but when those words were spoke.....I almost reached through the phone like in the cartoons).

Well, we have outfielders who can absolutely play better defensively, however the bat will be missed. And as Rocky once said "It's not how hard you get hit, it's how hard you get hit and still keep moving forward".....or something like that.

Pujols is out......darn.

One complaint registered by MLB is that games will now take longer as the automatic 0-2 count to Soriano will be gone for at least 6 weeks.

Rebirth of the Tool

2008-06-10T16:02:00.003-05:00

Kudos to Ken Griffey Jr. on his induction into the 600 club.

Despite a rash of injuries—he’s played more than 140 games just twice this decade—numerous recent campaigns of Austin Kearnsian production, and defensible press musings about whether he’s just been hanging around long enough to limp past the hallowed 600-dinger mark, the Kid is legit. The only time his name has been mentioned in the steroids snafu was when Barry Bonds allegedly (yeah, right) told Griffey of his plans to start doping up in the late-1990s.

Junior has always been juice free, making him possibly the last bona fide member of the 600-homer club we’ll ever see other than ARod (steroid accusations pending) and maybe Manny (who, in the interest of “being Manny,” will probably hit 599 and then vanish like DB Cooper).

The Kid’s cleanliness also means that we’re in for some heavy-duty lionizing of him by the media. They’ll fall all over themselves lauding him for being everything Bonds, Sosa, and Big Mac were not, conveniently forgetting that despite his jaunty nicknames, Griffey has always been lukewarm to the fans, indifferent to his teammates, and surly with the press. As always in sports, big, round numbers, honestly attained, tend to make the jackassery fade.

Luc Hatlestad

Holy Mackerel!

2008-06-06T08:41:00.009-05:00

Which major league team has the HOTTEST FANS?

The 2008 baseball season just kicked off, and everyone has questions. Will the Yankees or Red Sox prevail in the next chapter of the age-old rivalry? Will the Cubs’ pitchers stay healthy and lead Chicago to the promised land in year 100 of the curse? What will happen to Barry Bonds?

Of course, all of those questions are stupid when compared to this one: Which team has the hottest fans? Using many highly-scientific methods, we measured the attractiveness of each MLB fan base and, with the help of some groundbreaking new technology, determined which fans’ good looks really pushed their club to the next level. So yeah, we basically scanned the Internet for pictures of hot chicks in baseball shirts.

HEY, HEY!

...drawing courtesy Cubby-Blue.com

THIRD NOTICE

2008-06-03T09:08:00.003-05:00

The Big Z will continue to beat you with his stick.

Almost June

2008-05-30T15:15:00.003-05:00

June Swoon Soon?

2008-05-29T11:11:00.004-05:00

As of May 29 the top three teams in the National League Central are only one game off pace with the top three teams in the American League East in total victories (and the Yankees are in last place).

Save Ferris

2008-05-23T10:16:00.002-05:00

Maddux back to the Cubs?

...only if he brings back that cookie-duster, please.

Discuss.

My Moment of Clarity (Mission Statement)

2008-05-20T15:05:00.003-05:00

I had a very "Jerry Maguire" feeling as I made the trek into work today. I know that this baseball season has all the beginnings of what could be a life changing year for my superfandom. The reality for me is that this baseball season has all the makings of being the best summer ever, or quite possibly and probably the absolute worst. I am glad that we have this place to document the victory or collapse of the Chicago Cubs. Chances are, I will probably look back on this log in 5 years and it will take me back to when the Cubs were on top and have everything to look forward to. I am spending my fist year with my son and dream of the day that the curse can be lifted and he can enjoy being a healthy and well-adjusted Cubs fan. The reality may be that he will continue the tradition and torture that comes with the end of almost every season. I think this will bring us closer. I can remember the thrill of almost going to the World Series just a few short years ago, but the bandwagon was starting to fill up and I felt that some fair-weathered fans who happen to have WGN were almost going to ruin it for me. It was a very solemn moment when I actually realized that some of these fans didn't suffer in silence as Steve Garvey laid down the hammer in '84 or experienced the collapse of '69 that was even before my time. The truth of the matter is, I wasn't ready for the Cubs to win the World Series. I think I have fully prepared for this moment either way. Last year was the lead-in that I needed to get to this point. I am ready if the Cubs are willing but must admit, the fact that Jim Edmunds is on the team taints it for me a bit. I really can't get excited when he makes a great play like he did last night on the hill vs. the Astros. Maybe as the summer sets in the mentality will change. But in the end, I am ready for what this season could bring. Now as I am grabbing the fish in the aquarium I ask you..."Who's with me?"

Catcher Run Like Pie

2008-05-20T08:56:00.001-05:00

Big Blue Blogs Bleed Cubby Blue Blood

The Cubs have historically - and without exception - never failed to excel in the second half of the first decade of a new century...

2008-05-19T13:59:00.003-05:00

As of Monday, May 19 the Cubs have the second-best record in baseball (27-17) and swept a three-game series from the team with the best record (Arizona - 28-16).

...tip of the hat to Cubby Blue Blog

...and he shaved his red Van Dyke!

2008-05-16T11:08:00.001-05:00

Wow!

Big Mac sure looks different now that he is not taking those "vitamin supplements"...

Angel in the outfield?

2008-05-14T19:36:00.006-05:00

What will happen? If Edmonds passes the physical, he's in. He's cheap (probably league min.) and he can make catches over his head. I say keep RJ and send Pie back to the Minors. He simply needs more at bats.

Will the 38 year old help? Yes. He will give great defense, a solid 7 hitter (my guess) and he has experience that can be passed along to the youngsters. What is the risk? Pie? Ah....he'll be prime for a sub player, September call up, and next year. Simple fact is that Jimmy is better than Pie and not necessary in the all categories but in the right ones.

Plus I am 37 and pull for anyone my age who I feel can play as I think of me...only not as talented, not as much money, and not near the pulling power (don't mean at bat either)!

I Think I'm Turning Japanese

2008-05-14T09:38:00.006-05:00

I really think so.
It's hard to pin success on a single player, but I have seen more of the baseball that I have grown up loving in this particular season. The sight of dwindling baseball fundamentals has been building over the years,. But with the resurgence of Japanese players, we are seeing these fundamentals that we hold dear flourish, and I think it's becoming contagious (along with stolen bases). Coupled with an old school coach like Lou, it could be the winning combination that makes all the difference in the end. I have been seeing some great heads up baserunning, effective bunting and players battling themselves into better hitting counts at the plate. Not to mention some great glove work all around. It's made the game so much more fun to watch, even though there will always be times when you fall short. The D-Bags series was exciting in particular. I saw 4 close plays at the plate in the second game alone. It feels even better when you are winning the games on fundamentals and hopefully it continues. Fukudome possesses some of the strongest fundamentals I have seen in a Cubs uniform ever, and I really hope that the younger generation is watching him instead of getting fixated on adjusting batting gloves correctly for the fifteenth time in an at bat. Winning through fundamentals, who would have thunk?

2008-05-13T11:04:00.004-05:00

As of May 13 the top three teams in the National League Central have won more games combined than the top three teams in any other division in Major League Baseball.

Discuss.

Huh?

2008-05-07T10:34:00.001-05:00

Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals each post franchise record number of wins in April (18 and 19, respectively).

Discuss.

Ozzie Tirade

2008-05-06T17:39:00.006-05:00

The White Sox are a rival of any Cub fan. And Ozzie just doesn't understand Cub Baseball! Most fans can't figure it out.........but Cub fans know.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3384466&n8pe6c=3

Cover your kids ears as the South Side has more color to their words.