Wrigley Field just average

Add comment May 2nd, 2008

Wrigley Field was ranked the 15th “best” MLB ballpark according to a Sports Illustrated fan survey. The overall rank was based on the results of 10 separate categories.

Turns out the “Friendly Confines” is a traditionally inhospitable cash-cow that serves crappy food and fields a mediocre team but still maintains a great atmosphere with knowledgeable fans in a first-class neighborhood…sure, sounds about right.

Avoiding the jinx?

Add comment May 2nd, 2008

 

Kosuke Fukudome has now played one game since his mug on the cover of Sports Illustrated hit newsstands. And by going 4-for-4 yesterday, it appears he’s avoided that mysterious SI cover jinx (which apparently doesn’t mean much to him). And according to SI writer Lee Jenkins, the cover boy didn’t even know about the Cubs’ infamous 100-year drought/”curse” until after he signed his contract.

But, that doesn’t mean the Cubs as whole are in the clear after blowing a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning. The “It’s Gonna Happen” headline will have a lot of fingers pointed at it if it doesn’t happen.

Soriano bashing out of control

Add comment May 2nd, 2008

No one ever said Alfonso Soriano was a perfect leadoff hitter, but he’s not a bum, either. He’s a six-time All-Star as a leadoff hitter (he certainly didn’t make it because of his glove). Anyway, the cries to move him down in the order are now getting hysterical and have lost all reason. Case in point: A Chicago Tribune columnist ripped Soriano on Friday for hitting pitches when the count was 0-1, 1-2, 1-1 and 1-0. What, he’d rather Soriano take a called third strike on a 1-2 pitch, like the White Sox’ Nick Swisher striking out looking on three pitches to end the game with the tying run on base Wednesday? Soriano went 0-for-4 Thursday, and you could argue that it was because he was TOO patient, rather than not patient enough. He was behind in the count in each of his first three at-bats. When pitchers are throwing strikes, you have to swing the bat. All good hitters are going to be looking to swing at strikes when the count is 0-1, 1-2 and 1-1.