The Chicago National League Ball Club

SHUT UP RICK MORRISSEY

2006-09-04T13:54:00.000-05:00

Baker haters: More bluster than substance

September 3, 2006

We pass each other on the street and know. Maybe it's the averted eyes or the wariness in our step. But we know each other. We're the people who don't think Dusty Baker is evil incarnate.

We've learned we're better off keeping this to ourselves. If you're a man and you don't think Baker is the cause of the Cubs' woes, then you have had your manhood questioned. If you're a woman with similar thoughts, you haven't had your womanhood questioned, and I can't tell you why that is.

Anyway, it's a lonely existence, being in Baker's corner. We know we're a distinct minority. We've learned not to raise a defense of the Cubs manager, not if we value the next two hours of our lives, in which we will be pilloried, flogged, tarred, feathered, quartered and ground into a lovely pesto sauce for offering an encouraging word.

Now this might sound cowardly, but it isn't. It's called self-preservation. We have made our case, and it might as well have been a whisper in a busy train station. You would think Baker had been the captain of the Exxon Valdez instead of the manager of a foundering, no-talent team.

To say the public anger toward him is disproportionate to his perceived sins would be to say an elephant is slightly larger than a flea.

The volume on the criticism is so high now, the attacks so personal that you wonder what the guy has done to possibly bring this on. And if you don't jump on board the Hate Train, there's something not quite right about you. You're certainly not a tough guy. Tough guys chew up people like Baker and spit them out.

It's not that the haters don't have a point. It's that the point has been buried under a mountain of abuse. They could send in rescue dogs and never find the point.

The original point was that Baker couldn't manage his way out of a paper bag. OK, a point certainly worth debating. You say the Cubs have the fundamentals of a Class A team. I say Jim Leyland couldn't have made a winner out of this clump of mediocrity.

See, we actually could have a sane discussion.

But when people make fun of everything from Baker's young son to his wristbands to his way of speaking, dude, where do you go from there? How do you have a discussion in the face of that? Well, you don't.

As the last grains of sand slip through the hourglass for Baker, he carries on. Every day, he is asked questions about his future, and every day he answers them. His responses are all over the board. More pickings for his critics. What used to be considered quaint about Baker—his willingness to talk on a number of different topics—now is considered the ramblings of a befuddled manager.

He talks about race because somebody asks him about hate mail he has received. Critics see this as a blatant attempt by Baker to gain sympathy. No, the guy can't win.

Frankly, I don't know why he would want to stay in Chicago. To turn things around and then have to watch the Baker Haters turn into Baker Backers? How would you stomach that, knowing how you had been treated for at least two seasons? You're supposed to forgive and forget?

If—when—general manager Jim Hendry lets Baker go, it will be a mercy killing. Baker should thank him. He deserves better than he has gotten, from his players and from fans. He deserves his dignity.

Could the majority be right and we in the minority be wrong? Of course. There's room for that, at least on this end. But the other side doesn't want to hear a defense of Baker. It doesn't want to hear about a team that has been decimated by injuries. It doesn't want to hear that Hendry's failure to acquire starting pitchers is the true reason this franchise has stumbled the past two seasons. It doesn't want to hear about the misguided decision to give closer Ryan Dempster a three-year, $15.5 million contract extension last fall.

It would rather turn Baker into a toothpick-chewing caricature.

So we pass each other on the street, we Baker people, and we know. We don't say anything. What's the point?

Everything Baker does is wrong. Why can't we get that through our thick skulls?

2006-08-06T23:54:00.000-05:00

Getting rid of Dusty Baker because his team is not performing is about as ridiculous as trading Albert Pujols because he fails to hit a home run every game. Leave the responsibility for the Cubbies' poor performance where it belongs, with the players. -- John Earl, St. Louis, Mo.

This is the type of Cubs fan I'm embarassed to be associated with.

I'm going to try to update this blog more often.

2006-06-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

I took a look at the top base stealers in MLB so far and noticed two things.

1) Corey Patterson has stolen more bases than anyone in baseball. I'm not saying we made a mistake. I'm just saying he's the leader.

2) Juan Pierre ranks 7th. But that's not what's interesting. Amongst the top 30 base stealers, Pierre has a lower OBP than anyone. He also has less RBI's than anyone in the top 40. And amongst the top 25, only two players (Patterson being one) have drawn fewer walks than Pierre.

He's very fun to watch. He seems like a great guy. He is not getting the job done by any stretch of the imagination.

2006-05-25T13:47:00.000-05:00

What is there to say about the current state of the Cubs?

Boers and Bernstein had an interesting discussion yesterday following the shameful 9-3 loss and eventual sweep by the Marlins. They discussed how the Cubs front office hasn't done anything to give fans the impression that they care the team is losing.

You can see it in the players, most recently with Greg Maddux going medieval on a water cooler during yesterday's game. But what has the organization done in the last month that leads you to believe they are as disgusted with the losing as the fans are?

I'm in the all-too-familiar position of being content with seeing my team fail if that's what it takes to bring real change. Change on the field, in the dugout, and in the front office.

The 2003 euphoria/2004 expectations suddenly feels like a decade ago.

As far as I'm concerned, Derrek Lee and Carlos Zambrano are the only 100% untouchables on the current roster. I wouldn't LIKE to trade Prior, but I'd definitely listen.

Meanwhile, the White Sox, with a smaller budget and smaller fan base, are positioning themselves for a run at another title.

Effin A.

And even though I'm supposed to hate him, Albert Pujols is putting up mind boggling numbers. Part of me hopes he hits 62 HR because there really is no evidence to suggest he's juicing.

If Pujols hits 62, you'd be wise to consider him the single season home run king.

EDIT: According to USA Today, the Sox actually have a higher payroll than the Cubs, $102.8 million to $94.4 million. I apologize for being misinformed.

2006-05-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

In 34 games, Albert Pujols has 18 HR, 43 RBI, has scored 35 runs, is hitting .328, and has an OBP of .466.

Since it appears that he doesn't use any 'performance enhancing supplements', he should be getting more much attention than this cartoon monster.

2006-05-05T00:06:00.000-05:00

I'm having trouble watching this team. Not because I don't stick by them, but because it actually depresses me and it's not healthy.

Seriously.

I get too down when the Cubs are playing like crap and it's not a good thing. Their play affects my overall joy far more than it should.

So when they get down by a few runs, I usually turn the game off. You're calling me a quitter aren't you?

I like to think that my mental health is more important than watching the game. If I continue watching the team swing at first pitches, give up 0-2 hits, walk leadoff men, get doubled off base, and try to pull everything the pitcher throws, I'm going to give myself a stroke.

New Cubs drinking game...have a shot every time Matt Murton gets called out on an inside fastball. Happens about twice a game.

Be Positive

2006-04-21T01:46:00.000-05:00

This is how the Cubs can stay afloat...

1. Aramis Ramirez needs to start HITTING. He can't keep doing this pop up crap with runners in scoring position. He's now the biggest threat in this lineup, and he needs to show why. Heat it up, Aramis.

2. Juan Pierre needs to raise his OBP bigtime. His little punches through the infield are nice when they actually get through. But I'd love to see him break form and work the pitchers more. He is invaluable when he's on base.

3. More power. Speed is great, I'm not denying that. And even WITH Lee, there is not a lot of pop in this lineup. Barrett, Jones, and Murton need to play longball a little more often.

4. Maddux and Z need to carry the starting rotation. Maddux has re-discovered his winning ways, and Z will come around (right?). These two are crucial until the fragile Wood, Prior, and Miller return next month.

5. Bullpen needs to stay sharp. Aardsma did nothing to impress me against LA, and Ohman and Novoa still make me feel like someone is jabbing me with a spork. But Eyre, Howry, Williamson, and Dempster have been studs. PLEASE keep it up.

And hows this for positive...

In 2003, Corey Patterson was arguably the Cubs MVP before he went down with a season ending injury. I remember hearing that on the radio and thinking "we're screwed." We all know how close we came to a World Series that year without our young stud. Anything can happen.

2006-04-19T23:47:00.000-05:00

And once again, Dusty Baker shows why he's a terrible game manager.

Someone tell me why you hit and run with Aramis Ramirez on first base and John Mabry (a high K hitter) at the plate?

Or...explain to me why Aardsma entered a tie game instead of Scott Williamson?

And NOW, Derrek Lee and Scott Eyre have left the game because of injuries.

SON OF A

EDIT: They came back and won on a clutch 2 out single by Ronny 'Shawon' Cedeno. Hopefully Lee and Eyre will be ok. Dusty still sucks.

2006-04-18T10:57:00.000-05:00

Is his career over?

2006-04-10T02:21:00.000-05:00

2 swings, 7 runs.

Up until Saturday, the Cubs weren't scoring all their runs off HR. The past couple days, they have. But they're getting timely hitting, which has been sorely missing the last couple years.

And isn't it funny how baseball works...Ronny Cedeno finished the spring hitting .218, and so far he has 10 hits in 18 at bats for a .556 average.

I think it's time for Juan Pierre to steal a base or two.

2006-04-04T02:15:00.000-05:00

Poor fella

Not our problem anymore.

Says Barry Rozner of The Daily Herald....

2006-03-28T15:00:00.000-06:00

"It doesn’t take long to realize that the most complete package the Cubs have at second base is Jerry Hairston, who has found his defense again.

If he keeps picking it up and throwing the ball to first, he ought to be the Cubs’ everyday player at second base."

I'm taking a stand...

2006-03-27T14:18:00.000-06:00

This may be an unpopular view, but that's what blogs are for.

Jerry Hairston Jr. should be the starting second baseman for the Chicago Cubs.

But Todd Walker is a better hitter! Todd Walker hit .305 last year! Todd Walker is sexier!

Right on all three counts.

Here's my question...

Will Todd Walker really hit that much higher than JH to justify his inferior speed and glove? Do you really get that much more from having Walker in there?

He's a lefty, that's the best thing he's got going for him.

There could be a huge difference in batting averages. Walker could hit .310 to Hairston's .260. A 50-point drop is pretty substantial.

But what if Hairston and Walker both hover around .280? Or what if Walker hits .290 and Hairston hits .280? Is it worth it? Is a 10 point advantage worth the speed and defense you lose by having Hairston on the bench?

Last year Walker hit 44 points higher than Hairston (.305 vs. .261). But Hairston was never fully healthy last year and had inconsistent playing time.

The debate rages on, but if Jerry Hairston Jr. wins the starting spot over Todd Walker, I can't say I'll protest.

2006-03-17T12:51:00.000-06:00

UNBEFRICKINLIEVABLE

2006-03-15T10:10:00.000-06:00

2006-02-24T23:42:00.000-06:00

So I'm thinking podcasting may not be my thing. We'll see.

Click here to see some spring training photos.

Now my question...

Why do the Cubs give us such BS when it comes to injuries? I prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt, but it gets a little tired.

For example, Prior and Wood threw off a mound on Friday. That's terrific. You can read the story on Cubs.com. Here's one sentence that bothered me..."Prior is sticking to the program in hopes of avoiding any injuries. The other pitchers are facing hitters now."

Does that not make sense to anyone else? So they don't want to rush him back to the mound because he's 'behind' other pitchers right now. But he threw 5 more pitches than Kerry Wood, who is coming off of surgery. I want to believe Prior is fine, and I want to believe him when he says he's healthy. But there's been so much lying from this team over the past few years that I have ZERO reason to believe them.

How many times have they dismissed injury concerns only to result in multiple stints on the DL for key players?

This year is already stressing me out, and we're not even into March.

Question for Sox fans

2006-02-06T00:14:00.000-06:00

Why do you hate the Cubs?

Use as many or as few words as you need.

Interview with 670 The Score's Dan Bernstein

2006-01-29T17:09:00.000-06:00

I shot a few quick questions about our beloved Cubbies to The Score's Dan Bernstein and he fired back some quick answers.

I have a ton of respect for Bernstein's knowledge and opinion. And let me say, it was hard to think of good questions to ask someone who asks good questions for a living.

Anyway, HUGE thanks to Mr. Bernstein for bringing a glimmer of credibility to this blog.

DBrown: What is the Cubs biggest concern going into the 2006 season? Is it the defensive outfield? Do they need another power hitter in the middle of the lineup? Or is it something else?

DBernstein: The biggest concern is whether or not they have improved enough relative to their competition. Are they now better than St. Louis or Houston? Can they hold off an improving Brewer team? They were a fourth-place team last year that has made only marginal off-season changes.

DBrown: The Cubs have played awful fundamental baseball the last two seasons. Can Dusty and his staff find a new way to instill the fundamentals? Is it just a matter of the players not concentrating? How do the Cubs fix this?

DBernstein: There needs to be accountability for fundamental mistakes. Talk is cheap: players who fail to execute the basics of the game need to be disciplined.

DBrown: I've heard a lot of fans complain that the Cubs "overpaid" for Eyre and Howry. The same fans who wanted to spend whatever it took to land Furcal. Is "overpay" still as valid a term as it was a few years ago? Don't teams spend the necessary money to get the guys to make the team better?

DBernstein: "Overpaid" or not depends on several factors -- how his salary affects the money available for other players (present and future), what the market rate is for similar players, and whether or not he is performing well.

DBrown: The Cubs have two unproven players in their projected 2006 starting lineup: Matt Murton and Ronny Cedeno. Can you win a World Series with these two guys in your starting lineup?

DBernstein: It is impossible to answer that question, as nobody has any idea how good Murton and Cedeno are. Young players will prove their mettle in the second half of the season, after the league knows their tendencies.

DBrown: If the pitching staff stays healthy, and there's no reason to believe it will, is this team good enough to compete in the playoffs?

DBernstein: If the pitching staff stays healthy, they could reach the postseason. Many other teams can say that as well.

DBrown: Can the Chicago Cubs win a World Series with Dusty Baker as manager?

DBernstein: Dusty Baker's managerial skill has been lauded only when he's been able to ride on the back of at least one steroid-bloated slugger. His reputation, it seems, is as much a product of the steroid era as the meaningless statistics posted by the freakish perpetrators themselves.

2006-01-24T13:55:00.000-06:00

Pierre CF
Walker 2B
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Barrett C
Jones RF
Murton LF
Cedeno SS
Pitcher

So this is it?

This is our 2006 lineup? At least until further notice?

What are you expecting out of Matt Murton that leads you to believe you're set in LF?

And since when is Jacque Jones a viable left-handed bat?

I'm not saying the Cubs should have thrown $40 million at Brian Giles. Nor am I saying they should have given up Prior for Tejada or Abreu.

But come on...is this offense really good enough to compete with the Cards and Astros?

Does it need to be?

Was the 2005 White Sox offense all that better?

A Tribute

2006-01-12T16:40:00.000-06:00

Have your kleenex ready...

I put this together rather quickly. Low quality tribute for a low quality player.

2005-12-27T15:21:00.000-06:00

These podcasts need to improve. They're bush league.

I need to give you a better product.

And you will get it my babies.

My Prior Theory

2005-12-27T13:05:00.000-06:00

100% speculation

I will get the feed on here soon

MP3 File

Holy Shhhhhh

2005-12-22T01:54:00.000-06:00

Read this article and tell me what you think.

Personally, I don't trade Mark Prior. He's too young and too talented.

2005-12-12T03:39:00.000-06:00

Drink it in.

MP3 File

I SUCK

2005-12-09T02:56:00.000-06:00

I will podcast this weekend.

Promise.

Furcal to the Dodgers

2005-12-04T02:49:00.000-06:00

And over the next three years, he'll be making more $$ than Paul Konerko. Does that seem right?

Time for Hendry's Plan B.

DAMMIT.

2005-12-01T13:27:00.000-06:00

I'm officially very nervous that Rafael Furcal is going to sign with the Dodgers. This feels like the Mets swooping in last year to snatch up Beltran.

2005-11-23T03:05:00.000-06:00

They'll get better. I swear.

MP3 File

Changes a-brewin'

2005-11-10T01:46:00.000-06:00

Podcasts are coming soon to this blog my friends.

Soon as in a few days...

It's time.

Guess who's back....back again...

2005-11-08T09:45:00.000-06:00

Neifi's back....tell a friend

My hopes of never again seeing Neifi Perez in a Cubs uniform have been dashed, as the club will announce today that they've signed him to a 2 year extension.

The most frustrating part is that Dusty will play Neifi FAR more than he should, because Neifi is one of Dusty's guys. I was excited to see a DP combo of Furcal and Cedeno. Now Cedeno will have to fight Neifi for playing time.

What is Hendry thinking?

Don't Do What Donny Don't Does...Part Two

2005-10-31T11:17:00.000-06:00

DO See what's up with Manny. He appears on his way out of Boston and you need to see what it would take to bring him to the North Side. TAKE A LOOK.

DON'T Go after Jacque Jones of the Twinkies. He's a decent fielder, but his bat is not welcome at Wrigley if you ask me.

DO Pursue Baltimore's BJ Ryan. Look at the numbers. Then again, we already have a closer and moving one of them to the set-up spot is easier said than done.

DON'T Keep Todd Walker. It's nice having his bat in the lineup, but he's clearly an American League second basemen. Trade Todd.

DO Strengthen your bench. No more Macias.

DON'T Give Dusty an extension. For the love of God, whatever you do, DON'T KEEP HIM HERE PAST 2006.

DO Put yourself in a position to hire Joe Girardi as manager when the timing is right. I have a thousand times more confidence in him than I do Dusty.

DON'T Spend money for the sake of spending money. Build a team.

How Did the Sox Do It?

2005-10-28T13:51:00.000-05:00

When they made all their moves last postseason, I laughed.

They'd lost their best player in Maggs and replaced him with a decent player in Jermaine Dye.

They traded an RBI machine in Carlos Lee and in return acquired a leadoff man who hit .244 and had an OBP of .313 in 2004.

They signed a washed up El Duque to 'strengthen' their rotation.

They signed a cancerous AJ Pierzynski because no one else wanted him.

Frank Thomas was redefining his nickname as The Big Hurt.

They signed a reliever better known for his facial hair than his pitching skills in Dustin Hermanson.

They acquired a second basemen who had never set foot on a major league infield.

And this is how you build the best team in baseball?

Apparently.

Of course, the White Sox won because of their pitching. As important as defense and timely hitting are, they were carried by the arms of Buehrle, Garland, Contreras, Garcia, and El Duque. None are what you would call household names...though that will probably change now that the baseball world is bowing to the White Sox.

With a few minor exceptions, they stayed healthy all year. As a Cubs fan, I know how crucial that is.

Jose Contreras turned into Bob Gibson for the second half of the season. Did anyone see that one coming?

Podesdnik rediscovered how to leadoff and stole bases left and right...though his OBP was nothing to write home about.

Iguchi played better than anyone expected.

Dye led ALL major league right fielders in HR. What??

After the ALDS, A-Rod put on his Joe Crede body suit and played third base for the last two series.

AJ Pierzynski stopped being a horse's ass.

Basically, everything went right.

I wonder what that's like...

Cubs for sale??

2005-10-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

Read this interesting article from the Daily Herald.

Mark Cuban?

Donald Trump?

The Sox

2005-10-23T02:03:00.000-05:00

They won Game 1 tonight and I just have a very hard time believing they're going to lose the World Series.

The Red Sox did it last year.

It looks like the White Sox will do it this year.

It IS possible....

But when will be our year?

And I don't wanna see the Cubs just GET to the World Series. I want to see them WIN the World Series. Just GETTING there isn't good enough.

I'm very sad and very frustrated.

It should have been us....

Don't Do What Donny Don't Does...Part One

2005-10-10T11:51:00.000-05:00

Since it appears a foregone conclusion that Dusty is coming back, I'll just move on to the player portion of this post.

DO Trade Corey Patterson and go into 2006 planning on Felix Pie being your center fielder.

DON'T Get into a bidding war with the Yankees and Red Sox for Johnny Damon. For how old he is, he's not worth the money he's going to get.

DO See what you can do about acquiring a power hitting outfielder. Brian Giles would be adequate, but allow me to get a little crazy. If Manny Ramirez wants out of Boston, make a phone call. It would take a lot to get him, but he'd be a damn nice addition to our lineup. You put Manny in left, I can live with Murton in right.

DON'T Re-sign Jeromy Burnitz. He's a hardworking, likable player who's fun to root for, but that doesn't warrant another year in a Cubs uniform in my opinion.

DO Give Derrek Lee a new contract this offseason. 5 yrs/$75 million.

DON'T Give Dusty Baker a new contract this offseason. He needs to be GONE after 2006.

DO Move Ronny Cedeno to second base. He's younger, cheaper, faster, and better defensively than Todd Walker

DON'T Re-sign Nomar. I know, the last 2 months of the season he looked good. But he also played himself into more money by performing well those last 2 months, and that's money better spend elsewhere. It was fun Nomar. Goodbye and good luck.

DO Take a long, hard look at Rafael Furcal. He's a leadoff hitter, he's very fast, he'll be 28 later this month, he's got a cannon for an arm, he stole 46 bases last year, and he scored more runs than any Cub besides Lee. Problem...he may be a bit of an ass, and we all know how well Dusty handles players like that.

DON'T Assume Matt Murton is going to put up huge offensive numbers over the span of a full season. He may, but I'm not comfortable putting all our eggs into a rookie's basket like that.

DO Look for another starting pitcher, and one who is better than Greg Maddux. AJ Burnett? Do we really need another pitcher who gets injured easily? Kevin Millwood? If we sign him at a senior citizen discount. Matt Morris? You better not overpay for that guy. A trade may be in order...

DON'T Heavily rely on Greg Maddux to give you QUALITY STARTS. Just because he's pitching 200 innings doesn't mean he's shutting people down. We all like Mad Dog, but it's time to call him what he is...an aging pitcher who's becoming less effective every year.

More to follow...

Looking back at my predictions: Pitchers

2005-10-04T01:42:00.000-05:00

I said my predictions were optimistic, but let's see how close they were...

Pitchers

Mark Prior
Predicted: 19-7 2.65 207.2 IP
Actual: 11-7 3.67 166.2 IP

Kerry Wood
Predicted: 17-11 3.14 197.1 IP
Actual: 3-4 4.23 66.0 IP

Carlos Zambrano
Predicted: 18-9 2.55 206.1 IP
Actual: 14-6 3.26 223.1 IP

Greg Maddux
Predicted: 16-12 4.15 206.1 IP
Actual: 13-15 4.24 225.0 IP

Glendon Rusch
Predicted: 11-10 4.35 175.2 IP
Actual: 9-8 4.52 145.1 IP

I also called for Dempster to get the closer's role over JoBlow or LaTroy Hawkins...yet Dusty continued to use Hawkins as the closer. Simply stunning.

Really interesting

2005-10-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

At least Nomar isnt a weiner

2005-09-27T02:01:00.000-05:00

from chicagosports.com

The pressure on the Cubs to end their streak has magnified, leaving a once-forgiving fan base with a win-or-else mentality. Booing at Wrigley Field has become commonplace. Garciaparra knows this fact won't change until the Cubs finally win.

"I've been around it, so that's all part of it," he said. "At the same time, the way I look at it is that [the fans] care. They care so much, and you appreciate that. They fill the stands every day. You'd feel more [upset] if they weren't coming, if they were like, 'All right, I'm tired of that. Forget them. I'm giving up.'

He's hit the ball well since he's been back. He's seemingly grown to love Chicago. Yet...I think we'd be fools to bring him back.

Will the Cubs make the right choice (in my opinion) or the popular choice?

Neifi wants to start in '06

2005-09-13T02:27:00.000-05:00

from the Daily Herald...

Perez is batting .282 with an on-base percentage of .306. He will be a free agent, and the Cubs would like to have him as a backup again.

“My body tells me I can play every day,” Perez said. “I might be looking for a starting job for somebody. I feel happy here to play for a manager like Dusty Baker. I want to come back. I don’t only play shortstop. I can play second base.”

(Insert punch line here)

Another Article by Mariotti

2005-09-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

Read it here.

He mentions possible contract extensions For Dusty (NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!) and Hendry (meh).

I'd like to comment on his 9 player decisions though...

1. Cut Nomar loose-- Despite Nomar's recent production, I agree with this. He's no good to us on the bench, and he's not going to sign for THAT cheap of a contract.

2. Sign Furcal for SS, let Cedeno and Neifi platoon at 2B-- I agree with signing Furcal and letting him lead off. But I dont want to see Neifi back with this team. There's no way in hell Dusty will platoon him with Cedeno. Dusty's definition of platooning means playing Cedeno once for every five games he plays Neifi. NO THANK YOU.

3. Give Derrek Lee $100 million and don't risk losing him after the '06 season-- Mariotti sure likes to spend money that isn't his. But I'll join in. I'd give Lee $75 million over 5 years. He's had an amazing season, but after the Sosa debacle, I can't justify giving any player that much cash, especially based on one season.

4 & 5. Have Murton in left, Pie in center (if ready) and Brian Giles in right-- Sadly I think this may be the best we can do for '06 given the slim pickens in the free agent market. Johnny Damon will be too expensive for how old he is, so forget that idea. I'm still not sold on Murton being a corner outfielder, but Hendry may have little choice. And I badly want to see Pie play.

6. Dont expect much from Kerry Wood-- Amen to that. I just get the feeling that Wood, no matter how many times he has his arm worked on, will never live up to the hype we've been swimming in since his historic 20K performance in 1998. Mariotti also suggests taking a look at AJ Burnett....as if we dont have enough injury-prone starters as it is?

7. Buy an effective closer-- Mariotti suggests chasing Billy Wagner or BJ Ryan. If you can get Wagner for 2 years, by all means do it. BJ Ryan...if the price is right.

8. Dump Rothschild-- It will be a DAMN SHAME if Larry Rothschild gets dumped and Dusty doesn't. A DAMN SHAME. Dusty is the problem, not Rothschild.

And Mariotti ends like this...

Decision No. 9, we'll leave to the fans. Why do you keep clinging to this cause when there's no redeeming value in the end and contracts are being extended to unworthy recipients? To the long list of philosophical toxins that have plagued Chicago National League Ball Club Inc., add a distasteful entry:

Cronyism.

You think I've been unhappy this season? Try talking to me if Dusty Baker gets a contract extension.

Shut up, Todd Walker

2005-09-06T00:21:00.000-05:00

From the Chicago Tribune...

ST. LOUIS -- Cubs second baseman Todd Walker was upset Monday over analysis by the St. Louis Cardinals' broadcasters, suggesting their TV announcers were trying to make Tony La Russa look like a "genius" at Dusty Baker's expense.

At issue was Ronny Cedeno's eighth-inning bunt, which came when he missed a sign but wound up allowing La Russa to intentionally walk Derrek Lee. That contrasted with La Russa's decision to let his No. 2 hitter, Abraham Nunez, swing away before Albert Pujols' decisive three-run homer.

"At this time, you're going to pick on every little thing," Walker said. "I heard the announcers saying in the eighth inning that we chose to bunt our No. 2 guy, and then they get to walk D-Lee. So then they make a genius out of La Russa, saying he didn't bunt [Nunez] and he gets a base hit.

"The reality of it is it didn't work for us and it worked out for [La Russa]. But every little thing is under a microscope now, and you just deal with it."

Walker also disagreed with the perception that missing signs was another example the Cubs are fundamentally unsound.

"It's the perception that if it's a team like the Cardinals that have won 80-something games, that they're perfect," Walker said. "That's not the case. When you're losing, people look for things. In baseball, nobody is perfect.

"But there's the perception that if you're 20 or 30 games over .500, that you are, and if you're a few games under like we are, then they make the assumption you [lack fundamentals]. That probably is a fair analysis, but that's kind of the case with every team. It gets overlooked when you're winning games like the Cardinals."

I normally like Todd Walker's shoot-straight attitude, but once again we have a Cubs player paying attention to broadcasters. Only this time it's the broadcasters for the opposing team.

Todd, they're the Cardinals announcers. You're seriously surprised that they're saying good things about Tony LaRussa? Joe Buck may be a homer, but he's broadcasting the games for Cardinals fans. Of course he's going to make LaRussa sound good. And WHY are you focused on this anyway? WHO CARES WHAT THE CARDINALS ANNOUNCERS ARE TALKING ABOUT??

This is so idiotic. And another example of the crap that Dusty has allowed to happen over the past 2 seasons.

I'd give my left nut to have Tony LaRussa managing the Cubs instead of Dusty Baker.

And Todd Walker, stop trying to start shit with the team that has pounded your ass the past two seasons.

Wood's having surgery

2005-08-31T10:46:00.000-05:00

Finally.

Hopefully this will finally cure whatever the hell is wrong with his 12 million dollar arm. This surgery should have been done weeks ago.

Unreal

2005-08-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

Let's get one thing straight: The Chicago Cubs are NOT going to the playoffs this year.

It's not happening, and Cubs management needs to realize that. Therefore, the rest of this season should be devoted to preparation for next year's team.

One would think that would mean giving a lot of playing time to the younger guys, though we've clearly seen Dusty would rather sit on one of his $6 toothpicks than letting a rookie get significant playing time.

Look at the contradicting comments of Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker...

(from the Chicago Tribune)

"I think [Murton] held his own admirably coming up from Double A," Hendry said. "So it's not like we're going to have 12 guys without big-league experience up here by Sept. 1. … I think if Cedeno and Murton are playing, that's a positive, and I think our fan base would appreciate that."

Now look at what Dusty said...

"We owe it to ourselves and to our fans to put the best team on the field and try to win," Baker said.

That suggests kids like Cedeno and Murton won't play on a regular basis.

"It's too early for me," Baker said. "I haven't been in this position in years. You still owe your best to the team and to the fans and to everybody, for now. Eventually you're going to have to start thinking about that, but right now we plan to end up the best we can. We owe it to ourselves, to the paying customers and out of respect for the game."

IDIOT!! What kind of manager is this??

"We owe it to ourselves..." No Dusty, you had a talented team and you failed with it, just like you did last season.

"...to the paying customers..." So basically you're compromising the future success of the team so that the fans get what they want. I think there's a good number of Cubs fans who want to see what the future Cubs are going to look like, because we all know what the current Cubs look like, and it's not good. Don't let the fans dictate your managerial decisions. Moron.

"...and out of respect for the game." You want to respect the game? Take these fundamentally-challenged players off the field and play some rookies who will play their heart out because they'll be fighting for playing time in 2006. How are you respecting the game by keeping aging, failing players on the field? You'd be better off respecting the game by looking ahead to next season and trying to ensure that the 2006 Cubs don't fail the way the 2005 Cubs have.

I pray that the Dodgers fire Jim Tracy, view Dusty as a good replacement, and get his ass into LA and out of Chicago ASAP.

My first call for Dusty to be fired was on May 5th when we fell two games under .500, in the midst of being swept by the Brewers.

Yet he's still here, continuing to foster failure.

If I had my way for 2006...

2005-08-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

Nomar would not be re-signed. He can't stay on the field. I like Nomar and he's obviously a very popular player, but you cant keep depending on a player like that, especially when you're counting on big offensive numbers. Ronny Cedeno should be your 2006 SS.

Wood would have been shut down a long time ago. This ridiculous 'as long as we're in the playoff hunt we want him in the bullpen'. We're not in the playoff hunt. It's not happening this year. Shut him down, and he better damn well be in the rotation in 2006. Or he better be traded.

Patterson would be traded and Felix Pie would be our starting CF next year.

Burnitz would never again wear a Cubs uniform. I like his attitude, I like everything about him as a person, but God Almighty get him out of Cubbie blue.

Matt Murton would not be my starting left fielder. I might catch some crap for this. But in another world, Murton would be an ideal 2B because thats the type of hitter he is. He hits singles, he takes walks, he's everything you'd like to have in a 2 hitter. However, LF, RF, 1B, and 3B are supposed to be the positions that you get the most production from. LF and RF this year have been abysmal. Matt Murton is not the answer in LF. I wish he was the answer at 2B, but this guy may be nothing more than attractive trade bait.

Ryan Dempster would remain as your closer.

Approximately $30-40 million would be spent on bullpen help, and acquiring a LF, RF, and 2B. It's too bad we didnt sign Luis Castillo after the 2003 season. His .304 avg and .394 OBP would look real nice at the top of our lineup.

We would not spend $70 million on Johnny Damon.

We would acquire better athletes. Better athletes than Walker, Nomar, Burnitz, Murton, and Hollandsworthless.

Oh yeah, and Dusty Baker would be managing an Arby's.

"Dude, I don't know nothin' about no Beef-n-Cheddar. That's society, man. I don't know nothin' about no Jamocha shake, dude. I'm Hard Bake."

Can I say a couple things?

2005-08-14T02:44:00.000-05:00

Like the fact that I hate Ronnie Woo-Woo and I think it's ridiculous that people gush over this toothless moron because he's the closest thing the Cubs have to a mascot (other than Ron Santo). "Cubs Woo! Cubs Woo! Wrigley Woo! Field Woo!"

Or the fact that I have very little Ron Santo love. I've become increasingly sick of Santo over the past few years thanks to the shameless Hall of Fame campaigning he's done as if there could be nothing more important in life. I really wouldnt mind one bit if he just went away forever.

And Harry...well I grew up listening to Harry do the games so he'll always have a special place in my heart. But he's been dead for 7 1/2 years...can we move on?

I'm also becoming increasingly sick of the Wrigleyville assclowns who toss back 8 beers before the game, then head into the bleachers gate and start retarded chants like "Ed-monds-Sucks!" while they hook up an Old Style I.V. to their veins, and then follow the game with a trip to another bar to pound another 22 beers and call it a day. I have no problem with beer. I like it a lot. I'd just prefer to surround myself with more people with baseball knowledge.

Just felt the need to say those things...

2005-08-10T16:09:00.000-05:00

The Cincinnati Reds just swept us.

The Cincinnati Reds just swept us.

The Cincinnati Reds just swept us.

The Cincinnati Reds just swept us.

Silver lining?

2005-08-08T10:36:00.000-05:00

I cant stand seeing this team lose, but I cant help but feel like the end result of this season could mean we'd be Dusty Baker-less in 2006.

And that, would be a very very good thing.

2005-08-06T01:41:00.000-05:00

I cant stand underachieving,

I cant stand seeing the Cards and Astros on top of us.

I cant stand Dusty.

I cant stand not scoring runs with a man on 3rd and less than 2 outs.

I cant stand inconsistent pitching.

I cant stand low OBPs.

I cant stand first pitching swinging.

I cant stand major league baseball players failing to play fundamental baseball in the midst of a playoff hunt.

Hope

2005-08-05T16:58:00.000-05:00

Please tell me this could come true.

(From Chicagosports.com)

Something big happens on Friday for the Cubs.

With Kerry Wood and Nomar Garciaparra rejoining the team at New York's Shea Stadium, they are positioned either to begin their kick to the playoffs or stagger toward the end of the Dusty Baker Era in Wrigleyville.

There's no doubt which is more likely.

Tied for fifth in the wild-card playoff race after Mark Prior got pounded Thursday in Philadelphia, the Cubs fell 5½ games behind Houston, which has a much better pitching staff. While general manager Jim Hendry's stated goal was to push his team toward October, he might have known what he was doing when he added only Matt Lawton at the trade deadline. He showed restraint in not sacrificing big parts of his future to improve a team entering its fifth month of mediocrity.

Consider the Cubs' record by month: 12-11 in April, 14-13 in May, 14-13 in June and 13-15 in July. The Cubs haven't been more than four games above .500 in a month since that 19-8 September in 2003. And they're suddenly going to hit the afterburners, just because they're adding Wood and Garciaparra, the latter of whom could have used more than eight games in his minor-league rehab?

It's not likely, is it?

That leaves us with Baker. He no longer needs to tell us his name is Dusty, not savior.

The Cubs aren't likely to fire Baker, not with a year left on the manager's contract—and not when Wood, Prior and Garciaparra have been sidelined for a combined 328 days over the last two seasons. Baker has many good reasons why his team isn't winning. But with the Cubs floundering under him, his 2006 status will be a hot-button issue until Hendry and his Tribune Co. bosses either extend him (which is unlikely) or let him take a deal elsewhere.

No matter how strongly Baker denied the Los Angeles Times' story that said he is eyeing a shot at the Dodgers' job, currently Jim Tracy's, you can't help but wonder. The same kind of whispers began in 2002 when he was angry with San Francisco Giants owner Peter Magowan.

In fact, I wrote that September that at least two of his close friends were telling associates he was headed to the Cubs. Baker and Hendry denied it, and where did he wind up after the Giants let the World Series slip away from them?

If the Dodgers or another team, say Oakland or Arizona (now operated by Baker's former agent, Jeff Moorad), asked the Cubs if they could talk to Baker in October or November, I bet they would let them, provided they were going to hire him. The only risk to the Cubs is if Baker interviewed with someone and didn't get the job, returning to Chicago as a lame duck.

While injuries and an unreliable bullpen have sunk the Cubs the last two years, you could see management deciding that maybe somebody else could get this team over the top. It's a decent time to consider replacing a strong manager, as there are at least three good candidates within the organization or nearby. In no particular order they are:

Grady Little, who got the Boston Red Sox to Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series and currently is a roving catching instructor in the Cubs' organization.

Bob Brenly, who won a World Series with Arizona in 2001 and is spending this season doing great work as a color man on Cubs telecasts.

Joe Girardi, the Northwestern graduate and seven-year Cub who is serving as a bench coach/understudy to Yankees manager Joe Torre.

In Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Greg Maddux, Ryan Dempster and possibly Garciaparra (whose immediate future will be decided by his play down the stretch), there are playoff cornerstones in place. The key for 2006 lies in getting contributions from enough guys like Matt Murton, Rich Hill, Ricky Nolasco, Roberto Novoa, Ronny Cedeno and Corey Patterson or Felix Pie.

It's fair to say these aren't the kind of guys who have thrived under Baker.

Bakers critics fault him for his inflexibility in playing young position players (with Todd Hollandsworth Exhibit A); the failure of his two hitting coaches, Gene Clines and Gary Matthews, to tap into Patterson's talent; for the continuing injuries to Wood and Prior, whom he pushed extremely hard in 2003; and too many fundamental breakdowns, with Wednesday night's 4-3 loss to the Phillies providing a three-hour, two-minute indictment.

A coaching shuffle doesn't seem likely, given Baker's loyalty to so many of his coaches. That leaves the responsibility with Baker, who wouldn't want it any other way.

But remember this: A Baker team hasn't finished below .500 since 1996 and his teams have compiled a .554 winning percentage since '97. To put that into context, that means Baker's teams have won 90 games a year for nine seasons.

And this is a guy not good enough for the Cubs?

Thanks to the increased expectations that came with Baker and his predecessor, Don Baylor, this isn't the same Cubs organization as in Sammy Sosa's heyday. It certainly is not the same group of Cubs fans. The bar has been raised, and no one wants to live with mediocrity, including Baker.

Unless things turn around in a hurry, it's easy to see why he would want to take his chances elsewhere, especially if means a return to the West Coast.

2005-08-04T12:33:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to tell myself that we still have a chance.

But this team has been horrendous this week.

Playoff teams dont lose 3 of 4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Playoff teams dont waste run-scoring opportunities.

Playoff teams dont literally throw games away.

This team pisses me off to no end.

But look at the bright side, we get to look forward to another year of Dusty the Clown.

Mariotti and I: Two peas in a pod?

2005-08-03T10:03:00.000-05:00

In Mariotti's article today, he continues ripping Dusty. In fact, he wrote some of the EXACT same thoughts in the article as I did in my 7.29 post, asking if Joe Torre or Terry Francona would respond to boos the way Dusty does.

He also defends himself against allegations that he's anti-Dusty because of Dusty's race. It's a little ridiculous.

Dusty leaving?

2005-08-02T15:18:00.000-05:00

One can only hope.

Read an ESPN article about it here.

Lawton? Really?

2005-08-01T00:26:00.000-05:00

This is our big move?

Back when we got Gerut I said that he might be spun for a bigger name, but I dont think Matt Lawton qualifies.

Lawton's a decent player, with a respectable OBP and more leadoff skills than anyone currently on our roster.

But I dont see why we couldnt make this deal in the offseason. I know we were held up by not being able to dump Sosa right away, but Lawton should have been a Cub going into Opening Day. Perhaps we were stupid to think Hollandsworth and Dubois would be a good fit for LF.

We didnt get bullpen help, we didnt get a big bat for LF. We got a 33 year old decent lead-off hitter with an average glove.

Sorry Mr. Hendry, I think you could have done a little better.

Mariotti rips Dusty the Clown

2005-07-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

I usually have no love for Jay Mariotti, but he's right on in this article.

Reason no. 43, 836 that Dusty is an idiot

2005-07-29T01:32:00.000-05:00

This comes from chicagosports.com.

"I understand [booing], but not to that magnitude and that intensity and degree," Baker said. "It's something I heard didn't go on here much before. Why now?"

Surprisingly, Baker then brought Sammy Sosa's name into the discussion, adding a new wrinkle to an old story about their soured relationship. Baker acknowledged Thursday that Sosa had blamed him for the incessant booing at Wrigley in '04 when they spoke briefly on the phone after Sosa was traded to Baltimore on Feb. 2.

"That was one of the things that really upset Sammy when he was here," Baker said. "One of the things he was upset with me about was that I didn't stop them from booing him. I don't know how I was going to do that.

"You saw it with Corey (Patterson). You saw it with 'Hawk.' You saw it with me. It's just something that seems to be growing."

Cubs closer Ryan Dempster theorized Wednesday that the high expectations of Cubs fans since the team's close call in the 2003 postseason have changed the atmosphere at Wrigley.

Baker doesn't buy it.

"I've had high expectations in a lot of places," he said. "Like in L.A., San Francisco. … They can boo if they want to do it. They have the right and nobody can do anything about it because it's your opinion."

The booing continued Thursday, with Todd Hollandsworth and Michael Wuertz receiving the harshest during a lackluster 6-0 loss to Arizona.

GIVE ME A BREAK.

Dusty is so freaking thin-skinned. Can you imagine Joe Torre complaining about boos? Or Terry Francona? Of course not, because they're actually PROFRESSIONAL MANAGERS.

You're playing baseball in a major market. This isnt Tampa Bay, this isn't Kansas City. The Cubs have one of the largest fan bases of pro sports teams, and people want to see you WIN.

If you cant handle boos, go to Kansas City. They'd be happy to have you.

At least Ryan Dempster gets it. At least he sees that the Cubs are no longer lovable for losing.

I think the boos are here to stay. This isnt the same atmosphere as it used to be. People used to come to see Sammy pop one, and a Cubs win would be the icing on the cake.

Now we want WINNING and we want it now.

Hollandsworthless

2005-07-25T21:00:00.000-05:00

Maybe that's a little harsh, but this guy is NOT the player we need in left field.

Left field is supposed to be one of your power positions. This year Todd Hollandsworth is hitting .260 with 5HR and 29RBI in 235AB's. And let's not even mention that .313 OBP.

We need a real left fielder. Hollandsworth is a decent bat off the bench and a nice spot starter.

Wild Weekend in the Lou!

2005-07-25T10:01:00.000-05:00

The Cubs should have swept the Cards, but we'll take 2 of 3.

Neifi Perez, God love him, comes through with a GRAND SLAM in extra innings to beat the Cards after Ryan Dempster blew a save after converting 14 consecutive attempts.

Is it just me, or are you a LITTLE bit more uncomfortable with Dempster closing now than you were a week or two ago? He's still the best option we have, but after a blown save on Sunday, a near blown save on Saturday, I think his next save chance is HUGE. Hopefully, he'll respond well.

And how hot is Aramis Ramirez? Despite his awful first two months of the season (hitting .244 on May 29) he's bounced back to rank among the NL leaders in BA (6th-.316), HR (4th-27), and RBI (8th-73).

He's only 9 HR shy of his 2004 HR total. He's playing like the 3B we gave a ton of money to in the offseason.

Yesterday was a great win. They had the Cards down to their last strike in the 9th with no one on base and still blew the lead. That type of game can beat you down. But they came right back and attacked the Cards bullpen and took the series.

Now lets beat the hell out of the Giants.

If I had to pick the best team in baseball right now...

2005-07-24T01:23:00.000-05:00

It pains me to say it, but it's the St. Louis Cardinals.

I don't see any other team, at least right now, that can beat you in so many ways. Solid starting pitching, a lethal offense, a very dependable bullpen, good defense, and a great manager. I don't see another team in baseball that is THAT good in all those areas.

If I had to put money down on the 2005 World Champion, I think it's the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kerry Wood is hurt

2005-07-21T11:21:00.000-05:00

In other news...

Smoking causes health problems.

Two plus two is four.

The earth revolves around the sun.

It's time to trade Kerry Wood, my friends.

2005-07-20T02:46:00.000-05:00

And I'm back.

Can someone tell me why Dusty doesnt play Ronny Cedeno? Or why he would sit Matt Murton after he goes 4-5 yesterday?

Granted, behind the big bats of DLee and Aramis, we won again tonight. We're beating the teams we should beat. Prior wasnt his sharpest, but he still got it done.

Gotta say I like the Jody Gerut trade. Jason Dubois was probably not in the Cubs future plans, so out the door he goes. I wonder if Gerut is a 1st step to a bigger trade? If he'll be spun in a deal to land a bigger name? Or maybe he'll find himself a home in Cubbie blue. Who knows...

This is an exciting time of year, especially for a team like the Cubs who have a very aggressive GM.

Personally, I still want to see a big bat added in LF, and another SOLID relief pitcher to set-up Dempster.

In Search of Bartman

2005-07-11T11:07:00.000-05:00

An ESPN.com feature writer/die-hard Cubs fan seeks out Steve Bartman.

Game 6 is still so painful to think about. Yet I'm sure it gives Sox fans instant chub when they hear it brought up.

Anyway, this is a pretty cool article.

Quick Article on M-V-Lee

2005-07-11T02:16:00.000-05:00

From ESPN.com

Written by Jayson Stark

NL MVP of the Half-Year
Derrek Lee, Cubs.

We'd feel better about this choice if the Cubs hadn't just careened to six games out in the wild-card race. But it's still hard to pick against a guy who's a threat to lead the league in not just the standard old triple-crown categories but also all these departments: runs, slugging, on-base percentage, hits, extra-base hits, total bases, average with runners in scoring position and average against left-handers and right-handers. Even though just about no one is ever on base in front of him, if Lee's second half matches his first half, he'd finish at .378, with 49 homers, 102 extra-base hits, 220 hits, 19 stolen bases and a .721 slugging percentage. So how many players have ever had a year like that? Exactly none. (And only if we lower the SB bar to 15 do we drag in one man -- George H. Bambino Ruth.) APOLOGIES TO: Albert Pujols, Andruw Jones, Chad Cordero, Morgan Ensberg, Bobby Abreu.

The sh*t hits the fan

2005-07-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

Wow.

Corey Patterson and Jason Dubois will be wearing Iowa Cubs jerseys the next time they step onto a baseball field.

Matt Murton and Adam Greenberg were called up from Double-A West Tennessee.

Yet, Dusty Baker remains as manager. What will it take for Dusty to get fired?

Here's a great article from Phil Rogers of The Chicago Tribune

Well, at least the Cubs have an official scapegoat now.

Identifying the root of their troubles was about all that will be accomplished by the Cubs sending Corey Patterson to Triple-A Iowa after getting swept Thursday in Atlanta.

It would be nice if this stark wake-up call could send a signal to Patterson, but that's asking too much. Patterson does not appear capable of adjusting his free-swinging approach, so the guy once likened to Rickey Henderson is doomed forever to remain on the Gary Pettis career path.

No, if the Cubs were going to accomplish something significant, they would have found somebody to take Patterson in a trade, saving themselves the tease. With the exception of the first half of 2003, before he blew out his knee, Patterson has been a major disappointment for two managers now.

Anyone paying attention grasped this long before Cubs manager Dusty Baker, who had Patterson in the right spot in the batting order for exactly one game back in June--when he hit him eighth at Yankee Stadium. Why Baker let Patterson persuade him to put him back in the leadoff spot--the move that triggered the losing streak that reached eight games with the sweep by the Braves--is a mystery.

But the truth is Baker has had just as bad a season as has Patterson. Ditto general manager Jim Hendry, who is spitting in the wind if he thinks neophyte outfielders Matt Murton and Adam Greenberg will be upgrades over Patterson and Jason Dubois. They have potential, but neither has played above Double A. They could get eaten alive.

Dubois was as well prepared for the majors as a hitter can be, proving himself through the minors and in winter ball. But even such a relatively seasoned 26-year-old couldn't handle being jerked around by a manager who would rather turn a veteran role player (Todd Hollandsworth) into a regular than develop a young hitter. Dubois would have survived with regular at-bats but wasn't getting them.

While Patterson's 6-for-46 slump was the centerpiece of the Cubs' latest swoon (7-17 since June 11), it's too easy to put their problems on him. The reality is that the biggest problem remains the bullpen. And Baker's handling of the team has been curious since spring training.

It's July 8, and the Cubs still don't know who their second-best relief pitcher is. That is an indictment of both the front office and the manager.

Was anyone surprised when the bullpen surrendered six runs in the eighth inning to lose the nightcap against the Braves? Ryan Dempster has been a blessing as the closer, but the setup crew has been in shambles all season. The worst injury of the year, worse than Nomar Garciaparra, Kerry Wood or Mike Prior, was Chad Fox's blown elbow in April.

That, of course, could have been prevented (or at the very least delayed) if Baker had not brought Fox into a 10-3 game and not left him in for 29 pitches on a night he didn't have it. The season-long bullpen situation might have been better if Baker had not called a late audible that moved Dempster into the season-opening rotation.

If Dempster had opened the season as the closer, which was the plan entering spring training, LaTroy Hawkins might have found his comfort zone back in setup relief. Instead Hawkins infected the staff with bad karma until Hendry peddled him to San Francisco--the best move he has made since the Sosa trade.

Meanwhile, the thin lineup around him exposed Patterson for being little more than a supporting player.

For all the talk about how he needs to use his speed, the one thing that kills Patterson is his vision. He swings at far too many pitches, including pitchers' pitches that are just outside the strike zone, and struggles to make hard contact. He never has learned to trust his bat speed, letting the pitches get closer before he commits.

Murton and Greenberg are both promising hitters, but the best outfielder in the Cubs' farm system is Felix Pie, a 20-year-old center fielder who was playing between Murton and Greenberg at Double-A West Tenn. The Cubs don't want to rush him, but he's a better bet to be the Cubs' center fielder in 2007 than is Patterson.

Will Baker still be the manager in '07?

Barring a dramatic turnaround, that's the question that will occupy the last months of this season. A center fielder can be assigned only so much blame.

I hope it doesn't take until 2007 to get rid of Dusty.

And lastly, don't be surprised if Jerry Hairston is dealt by the end of the month. Recent quotes indicate that he and Dusty Baker are not friends.

At least we have some interesting stuff happening as we're losing!

Interesting comments from Hairston

2005-07-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

From chicagosports.com

Jerry Hairston, who ranks third among NL leadoff men with a .394 on-base percentage, was out of the starting lineup despite going 4-for-7 with two walks in his previous two games leading off. Hairston came in to play second base when Derrek Lee went down with left shoulder irritation, forcing Todd Walker to move to first.

Hairston occasionally has missed signs, a sore point with the Cubs coaching staff. He conceded the season has been a "disappointing" experience for him.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed, because I want to play," Hairston said. "… I really thought I would fit here. But it hasn't worked out, I guess."

Overhearing the interview at an adjoining locker, Aramis Ramirez offered his third base job to Hairston. Hairston laughed, although he did say he was willing to play left field if Baker was interested.

Baker is not interested, saying it was the most difficult outfield position to learn. Hairston said he played it last year in Baltimore and had no problem.

"Just because something is tough doesn't mean you run away from it," he said.

7/5

2005-07-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

I can't watch anymore. A baseball team with this much talent playing this poorly this far into the season is absolutely inexcusable.

We had the same problem last year even with Alou and Sosa. This offense is anemic right now. And I'm wondering if there's an off-the-field reason that Jerry Hairston isn't getting into the lineup more often. He succeeds in the leadoff role, yet Dusty refuses to find a spot for him.

During this losing streak, I tell myself that the silver lining is that we may be getting closer to the end of the Dusty Baker era. I don't know if it's true, as his contract doesn't run out until 2006 and he makes $4 mil a year.

I'm still holding out hope that we can do what Houston did last year (and is doing again!) or what the Fish did in 2003. And that is make an improbable run. But what did those teams both do when they were failing? That's right! They fired their manager.

Let's start there.

7/4

2005-07-05T01:17:00.000-05:00

Where the hell is the offense?

7/2

2005-07-03T00:06:00.000-05:00

I'm almost to the point of losing hope. The more I witness Dusty Baker's managerial decisions, the more I'm convinced he's costing us games.

These are the days I try to tell myself "it's only baseball." The way the past 4 months of my life have been, you'd think that would be easy. But still I get stressed out when I think about how much this team is underachieving.

Here's a nugget from Dusty the Clown in talking about his laughable 1-2 hitters.

(from Cubs.com)

"We've got to change something," Baker said. "In the case of Neifi, he's hitting the ball harder than probably anybody on the field. You can't guide it. Corey's struggling. Yeah, we've got to change something."

Neifi is hitting the ball harder than anyone? What the hell is he talking about?

And how about this stat....

Since Corey Patterson volunteered to bat leadoff on June 22, he has gone 5-for-38 with 18 strikeouts. And Dusty the Clown continues to bat him in the leadoff spot.

This team is LOADED with talent yet they continue to hover around .500. Is it ALL Dusty's fault? No, but I'm completely convinced he's the number one reason this team continues to underachieve.

FIRE DUSTY THE CLOWN.

7/1

2005-07-02T00:47:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how frustrated Dusty Baker makes me.

Day in and day out, the Cubs have less chance of winning because of the lineups he puts on the field.

YOU DON'T PUT YOUR 2 WORST HITTERS IN FRONT OF THE BEST HITTER IN BASEBALL. 8 YEAR OLDS PLAYING MVP BASEBALL ON THEIR XBOX PROBABLY PUT TOGETHER BETTER LINEUPS THAN DUSTY.

I JUST DONT GET IT.

Jerry Hairston should be getting a chance to start in LF, and leading off. Why this hasnt happened yet is beyond me.

Until we make any trades, this should be our lineup.

Hairston LF
Walker 2B
Lee 1B
Burnitz RF
Ramirez 3B
Barrett C
Patterson CF
Perez/Cedeno SS

FIRE DUSTY.

6/30

2005-06-30T09:29:00.000-05:00

The Cubs are on a 4-game winning streak, so I know I shouldn't be complaining too much. Kerry Wood looked awesome yesterday after spending almost 2 months on the DL with shoulder problems. I know--Wood and Prior have both only had one start each since coming back from the DL so we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. But if their performances over the past 5 days are any indication of how they'll pitch the rest of the season, things could go very well for the Cubs.

That is, unless, Dusty Baker continues to astonish us with terrible decisions game in and game out.

The number one problem....

THE CUBS LEADOFF HITTER HAS AN OBP OF .277!!!!!!
AND THE 2 HITTER HAS AN OBP OF .300!!!!

Derrek Lee has been the best offensive player in baseball this season and these are the two guys you have hitting in front of him?? Is Dusty retarded??

If the Cubs land Mark Kotsay, the leadoff situation will be solved. There's no way Jim Hendry would acquire Kotsay and let Dustbag bat him anywhere other than leadoff.

But for now, the worst hitter in the lineup is leading off. And don't give me this "Corey told Dusty he wants to" crap. So now because he wants to lead off all of the sudden he's going to succeed in the role? STUPID STUPID STUPID.

Show me another team in baseball who has a leadoff hitter with a .277 OBP. I don't believe one exists.

And I swear if we make a trade for Preston Wilson I might throw someone through a window.

DUSTY BAKER SUCKS.

6/28

2005-06-29T01:02:00.000-05:00

No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy
No leadoff hitter and no left fielder makes Drew go crazy

2005-06-27T15:56:00.000-05:00

http://www.heavethehawk.com/

Cubs-Sox is OVER

2005-06-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Thank God. Every season this series gets so overblown and brings out so much stupidity in people I'm almost wishing it would be done away with. The season series ended 3-3, they beat us at Wrigley, we beat them at the Cell, now we can all move on with our lives.

What's much more significant about yesterday is how unhittable Mark Prior looked. This guy hadn't started for a month and goes out and dominates the White Sox for 6 innings. If Kerry Wood can be anywhere near as effective as Prior was, we might have a new baseball team on our hands.

Also, ESPN's Buster Olney and Peter Gammons are reporting that the Cubs are the frontrunner to acquire Oakland A's outfielder Mark Kotsay, a move that would improve the Cubs outfield and give them a legit leadoff hitter.

I'll tell you right now, I want this trade to happen badly. We'll see if it goes through. The Yankees and Red Sox are also interested.

More soon.

2005-06-23T13:41:00.000-05:00

Dusty Baker is batting Corey Patterson in the leadoff spot.

Can this man get any dumber?

POST GAME EDIT:

PATTERSON GOES 0-5 WITH 4 STRIKEOUTS IN THE LEADOFF SPOT.....

NICE MANAGING DUSTY

I'D LIKE TO SEE ANOTHER MANAGER WHO PUTS THEIR WORST HITTER IN THE LEADOFF SPOT.

DUSTY, WELCOME TO MORONVILLE, POPULATION: YOU

6/20

2005-06-21T00:31:00.000-05:00

It's not that I dont trust our bullpen pitchers, it's more that I dont trust the way Dusty uses the bullpen. I have very little faith that Dusty will make the right decision in the right moment of a tight game.

Case in point. Friday, 6/17, Cubs vs. Yanks. I was in attendance.

With Hideki Matsui batting and representing the lead run, Dusty brings in lefty Will Ohman to face the left handed Matsui. Normally, this would be a good move, lefty vs. lefty.

However, Matsui hits lefties about 50-60 points higher than he hits righties. The result? A game changing home run over the right field wall. And we won't even mention the 2 run double Matsui hit off of LEFTY Mike Remlinger to widen the Yankee lead.

I don't mean to whine, especially since we won tonight. I'm just having a hard time believing Dusty Baker will ever lead this team to a World Series.

6/19

2005-06-20T01:29:00.000-05:00

I'm so lame. The amount of time between blogs is embarassing. Please accept my apologies.

I was at Game 1 of the Yankees series. I think I may be bringing some negative mojo to the team, or "nojo" we'll call it, because I've been at 4 losses in a row.

After a very hot stretch, we've gone ice cold. And not "ice cold" in the cool Outkast way of being ice cold. No, this is bad.

We're not hitting. Our defense as of late has been very average. And the pitching has been inconsistent to say the least.

We're only 2.5 out of the Wild Card lead, but the question that I posted a couple weeks ago remains....WHO ARE THE REAL CHICAGO CUBS??

Right now it's easy to say it's the team that has lost 4 in a row, the team that struggles to play consistent baseball. But what the hell was that 7 game winning streak? And taking 2 of 3 from the Red Sox?

It's so mysterious.

6/07

2005-06-07T11:56:00.000-05:00

I've been slacking lately...and I apologize.

But when they get on winning streaks I dont wanna mess with the mojo...so thats why you see delays...Tom Delays.

I'm going to the game tonight to celebrate the birthday of my best friend....I miss her so much

Go Cubs!

6/03

2005-06-04T11:15:00.000-05:00

Alright, I can blog again.

Once the Cubs started the winning streak, I decided not to blog until they lost. I'm happy to say I had to wait a week!

This team has suddenly come alive. The offense is clicking, the bullpen has been solid, the starting pitching has been more than sufficient. And having Derrek Lee doesnt hurt either.

I cant help but wonder, is THIS the real 2005 Cubs? The team that swept the Dodgers in LA and shutout the Pads Thursday night? Or are they just hot and will soon revert back to form? Who knows?

I wont recap the week, let's just start a new winning streak today. I want to see at least a split in SD to end the road trip at a great 5-2 mark....6-1 would be sweet too.

5/27

2005-05-28T01:54:00.000-05:00

There's no such thing as curses.................right?

Cubs 10 Rockies 3

Cubs, 22-24

5/26

2005-05-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

This team makes me sick to my stomach.

Rockies 5 Cubs 2

Cubs 21-24

2005-05-17T02:17:00.000-05:00

I'm out of town this week so I wont be updating until the weekend.

Go Cubs!

5/15

2005-05-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

Dammit! Just when it looked like we were getting things headed in the right direction, we drop 2 out of 3 to the lifeless Nats. SICK.

Then again, when you have Jose Macias instead of Aramis Ramirez, Ronny Cedeno instead of Nomar Garciaparra, and Neifi Perez instead of Todd Walker, you shouldn't be surprised when the shit hits the fan.

IT'S ONE THING TO WATCH YOUR TEAM WHEN THEY'RE JUST PLAIN BAD....IT'S ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TO WATCH THEM CONSISTENTLY UNDER-ACHIEVE.

Nats 5 Cubs 4

Cubs, 16-20 (it's getting old)

5/14

2005-05-15T01:06:00.000-05:00

Unreal.

How in the world does this keep happening to the Cubs? Is it purely bad luck? Is it having bad trainers? Or, is it possible that Dusty Baker is clueless as to how to manage pitchers?

It's up to the front office to figure out the answer to that question.

In the meantime, we can watch our most valuable players be mismanaged and led to their spot on the DL.

WHENEVER WE WIN A GAME, IT'S DESPITE DUSTY'S IDIOCY.

Nats 4 Cubs 3

Cubs, 16-19 (F***)

5/13

2005-05-14T09:45:00.000-05:00

Are we ever going to get a comfortable win?

I felt like a 4 run lead going into the bottom of the 9th would be enough, and it was, but not before some white knuckle situations.

Glad to see some bad breaks going against other teams for once...i.e. Jeromy Burnitz getting caught into a run-down between 3rd and home only to have the catcher drop the ball allowing Burnitz to score. We'll take it.

Glendon Rusch had a strong outing and I cant help but think he's better for our team right now than Kerry Wood.

Prediction for today's game: Aramis jacks another one.

Cubs 6 Nationals 3

Cubs, 16-18 (come see me)

ESPN's Rob Neyer on the White Sox

2005-05-13T14:15:00.000-05:00

Neyer answered a question from a White Sox fan during an ESPN.com chat.

Paul (Chicago): Rob, if the Yankees are off to the start the White Sox are, all we will hear is how they can't be stopped from going to the WS. If Billy Beane makes the same moves as Kenny Williams with these results, Billy's hailed a genius. All I hear is people like Kruk and Brantley ripping the White Sox, saying they won't win the division. What does it take for the Sox of the Midwest to get some national respect?

Rob Neyer: (1:16 PM ET ) Oh, those poor, poor White Sox from the third-largest city in North America; oh, how my heart does weep for them. Look, the White Sox wear ugly uniforms in an ugly ballpark with an ugly name, and the truth is that it's just not easy to like them. Are they for real? Twenty-five wins on May 12 don't lie, and at the moment I'd give them roughly a 40 percent chance of reaching the postseason, because they have to compete with not only the Twins, but also maybe the Red Sox and/or Yankees and/or Orioles. Two of those teams will not reach the postseason, and I think the White Sox are one of the two least-talented teams in the group.

Ouch.

5/11

2005-05-12T14:34:00.000-05:00

No need to say much else other than Derrek Lee saving our ass again.

I know Dempster blew his first chance, but I wouldnt mind seeing him have another shot. Seriously.

Oh yes, also my obligatory Dusty is an idiot statement...that doesn't change.

Cubs 4 Mets 3

Cubs, 15-18

5/10

2005-05-11T11:59:00.000-05:00

Somebody has gotten to Dusty...he's actually started playing Jason Dubois in left field. It's about f'ing time.

Greg Maddux owned the Mets last night with an unusually high striekout total (10) through 6 2/3 innings.

Corey Patterson continues to be a 3 hitter trapped inside a leadoff hitters body.

Let's win the series today behind Marky.

Cubs 7 Mets 0

Cubs, 14-18 (step by step)

5/9

2005-05-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

Son of a...

This would already be a completely different season if we had a solid bullpen.
Instead of 13-18 I think we'd be closer to 19-12. 7 games over rather than 5 games under.

I thought LaTroy could still be a great set-up man, but I'm beginning to think his confidence may be shot and he needs out of Chicago. He'll be another addition to the list of stud relievers that come into Chicago as a star and leave as a scrub.

We need help.

Mets 7 Cubs 4

Cubs, 13-18 (holding out hope)

5/8

2005-05-09T00:41:00.000-05:00

Finally! Good Lord...

As long as our starters can throw complete games for the rest of the season we should be fine.

Seriously, how much of a stud is Carlos Zambrano? His talent is ri-DICK-ulous and I think the older he gets, the more he'll learn how to harness his wicked stuff.

I need to make a comment on Dopey Baker though...he put Patterson back in the leadoff spot. He's so CLEARLY way more comfortable in the 2 or 3 hole and we bat him leadoff.

I'm at the point where I hope we win despite the handicap of Dopey's idiocy.

But a win is a win! Now lets put together a little winning streak shall we?

Cubs 2 Phillies 1

Cubs, 13-17 (climb the ladder, Monty)

5/7

2005-05-08T01:52:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the very short posts lately. I've been busy and not able to write until very late at night usually. Plus it's pretty exhausting writing about a team thats playing as badly as the Cubs are right now.

But I'm choosing hope.

Phillies 4 Cubs 1

Cubs, 12-17 (puke)

5/6

2005-05-07T02:39:00.000-05:00

It's really late right now, and I'm too tired to come up with any thoughts on today's debacle.

LATROY HAWKINS SHOULD NEVER PITCH THE 9TH INNING....EVER

Dusty continues to show his astonishing level of idiocy.

Phillies 3 Cubs 2

Cubs, 12-16 (slip-sliding away)

5/5

2005-05-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

FIRE DUSTY BAKER

I'll never EVER root for the Cubs to lose, but the silver lining of their bad start this season may be that Dusty's clock is ticking.

As for the game, I dont blame Hawkins for this loss. Hairston should have caught that ball.

Brewers 6 Cubs 5

Cubs, 12-15 (disgusting)

5/4

2005-05-05T00:39:00.000-05:00

I was at this pathetic game tonight and I have 3 words for you.

FIRE DUSTY BAKER.

Brewers 4 Cubs 3

Cubs, 12-14

5/3

2005-05-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

I'm EXTREMELY discouraged with this team right now.

I dont even feel like writing.

Brewers 4 Cubs 1

Cubs, 12-13 (way to go guys)

Holy crap

2005-05-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

Did you see Ichiro's catch last night?

Go to see the video part of MLB.com if you missed it. It's worth a look.

Best all around player in baseball.

5/1/05

2005-05-01T23:44:00.000-05:00

The word I have landed on to describe the season so far is DISAPPOINTMENT.

Our offense is 2nd in the National League in runs scored yet we're a disappointing 12-12. Our situational hitting still sucks....

Today, we had 3 runs on 12 hits. When you pound out 12 hits you better be scoring more than 3 freaking runs. With runners in scoring position and 2 outs, we are hitting an abysmal .190!

The offense as a whole has been pretty good, but we are losing close games because we are leaving a ton of guys on base. As a team today, we left 31 runners on base. If you continue to hit like that you're going to lose a ton of games...and rightly so.

Prior had a bad start...he's human.

Astros 9 Cubs 3

Cubs, 12-12 (ugh)

4/30

2005-04-30T23:59:00.000-05:00

This is getting ridiculous...

First of all, I didn't see the game because I was at a wedding in Milwaukee. But friends, I am not liking the info I am getting.

If Kerry Wood has arm problems, put him on the DL for a while and let Glendon Rusch pitch. Wood is not helping the team right now and if he has arm problems, he needs to get them fixed.

This may sound blasphemous to Cubs fans, but I'm seriously wondering if we need to trade Wood for players who can actually STAY ON THE FIELD!!

And when the hell will Dusty give Jason Dubois some playing time? He's hitting a very solid .346 in 26 at bats. Hollandsworth isnt exactly lighting it up, so give Dubois a shot to see what he can do. Oh thats right, Dusty is an idiot so he's not in favor of anything that gives the team a better chance to win the game. Sorry, I forgot.

By the way, Cubs.com has a poll asking people who should be the Cubs closer.

These are the results.

LaTroy Hawkins
2782 votes (30%)

Roberto Novoa
848 votes (9%)

Mike Remlinger
908 votes (10%)

Michael Wuertz
2037 votes (22%)

Bullpen by situation
2829 votes (30%)

How anyone can vote for LaTroy Hawkins simply AMAZES me.

Astros 7 Cubs 5

Cubs, 12-11

4/29

2005-04-30T02:09:00.000-05:00

Greg Maddux emerges victorious in the historic battle of the 300 game winners!

Maddux surrendered 2 earned runs on 7 hits over 6 innings....not exactly 'lights out' pitching but certainly a solid performance. Roger Clemens gave up 3 earned runs on 7 hits over 7 innings.

Jeromy Burnitz ("They're saying Booo-urnitz!") launched a 3-2 Clemens pitch into the right field seats in the 7th inning to give the Cubs the lead and the bullpen actually held it. Very impressive outings by Mike Wuertz, Roberto Novoa, and....::sigh::...Latroy Hawkins. He got it done tonight, but it still astounds and angers me that Dusty is letting him close. It's unbelievable.

Let's hope Kerry Wood does the job tomorrow vs. Brandon Backe.

Cubs 3 Astros 2

Cubs, 12-10

This is Beautiful...

2005-04-28T09:40:00.000-05:00

A Sports Illustrated writer listed the 5 Worst Sports Teams to Root For and guess who's number 1?

Here's your answer...

1. The White Sox. (With apologies to SI p.r. guru Art Berke.) Though they haven't won the World Series since 1917 -- a drought almost as long as the Cubs' -- the Sox can't win for losing. The Cubs are lovable, the Sox are overlooked. The Cubs have Wrigley, the Sox have a character-less barn. The Cubs had Harry Caray, the Sox have Ken Harrelson. (He makes the Yankees' Michael Kay look like the picture of dignity and restraint.) Put it on the boarrrrrrddddd ... YESSSSSSS! Grab some bench! Come on. Every White Sox out is a screamer, every opponent's hit is a bleeder with eyes. Ken, it's not radio. We can see it. And don't get me started on the nicknames. When Sammy Sosa was with the Sox, Harrelson called him "The Panther," for crying out loud. And I don't buy this year's fast start. Their lineup just doesn't seem that good, and Ozzie Guillen looks like he needs to take a deep breath. Mitigating factor: Eight Men Out was a pretty good movie.

I love the dig at Hawk Harrelson.

4/27

2005-04-28T00:41:00.000-05:00

Derrek Lee is the hottest hitter in Major League Baseball

Wow...what a series with the Reds!

Corey Patterson needs to stay out of the leadoff spot for the rest of his career. He can't do it. He's not that type of hitter.

Keep Hairston there.

Patterson's batting average is higher than Hairston's, .299 to .275. But Hairston's on base percentage is way above Corey's, .383 to .315.

And in 29 less plate appearances than Patterson, Hairston has more walks (5 to 2) and 10 less strikeouts (6 to 16) than Corey.

Much higher OBP, more walks, less K's, works the count much better...need I go on? It's up to Dusty to figure out a way to get Hairston in the every day lineup when Todd Walker gets back from injury. And I think you know how much faith I have in Dusty.

And what the hell has gotten into Derrek Lee?? This was supposed to be the guy who doesn't get hits in April, and he's leading the major leagues in hitting (.430) and RBI (27). He also set the Cubs franchise record for RBI in the month of April.

Not a great pitching effort today, but we'll wave the W flag and head to Houston.

Cubs 8 Reds 7

Cubs, 11-10

4/26

2005-04-27T00:04:00.000-05:00

What the hell was that?

Z gets pounded and gets tossed for the second time already this season, the bullpen implodes, Dusty makes more brilliant managerial moves........THIS WAS FRUSTRATING.

I hate our bullpen and Dusty Baker sickens me.

I'm done writing.

Reds 11 Cubs 9

Cubs, 10-10

Who will hit more home runs?
	Derrek Lee
	Aramis Ramirez

Free polls from Pollhost.com

Which of the following will have the highest batting average?
	Juan Pierre
	Todd Walker
	Matt Murton

Free polls from Pollhost.com

Who will lead the team in wins?
	Carlos Zambrano
	Mark Prior
	Greg Maddux
	Glendon Rusch

Free polls from Pollhost.com