Posts filed under 'Uncategorized'
October 1st, 2008
One of the questions posed on our Web site was “Should Cubs fans forgive Steve Bartman?” Forgive him? For what? The guy didn’t do anything wrong. I wish people would let him live in peace. Can any fan out there say he or she would not have reached for that foul ball? Besides he didn’t muff the ground ball that could have been turned into a double play and he didn’t throw the pitches that allowed the Marlins to score at will that inning.
What was wrong was how fans reacted to Bartman. His life hasn’t been the same since that day.
Come on, folks, forget about Bartman, goats, curses and stuff. Cheer the team and enjoy the moment.
September 30th, 2008
So fans, should Tony, Gareth and I do our own rendition of Go, Cubs, Go for your listening and viewing pleasure (or pain)?
I don’t know about Tony and Gareth, but my singing voice went south after I quit the eighth-grade choir back at St. Alphonsus in Chicago. My singing now could drive a goat away.
So, hey, whadda ya say, should this trio sing today?
September 30th, 2008
Last year when the Cubs won the Central division I decided to pass up buying a division championship T-shirt because I thought the Cubs would continue to win and I could eventually buy a better shirt.
Of course I was wrong.
This year I face the same dilemma. Do I buy a division title T or wait for the NL champs and/or World Series champs shirt?
I’m leaning toward buying the division T because that might ensure better days are ahead. It’s not a curse/jinx thing, it’s more of I-only-have-so-much-money-to-spend-and-if-I-buy-this-I-won’t-be-able-to-afford-the-next-shirt thing. I think that makes it part of Murphy’s Law, but I’m not a lawyer nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night.
Which brings me to a question that some folks will answer in tomorrow’s sports section: What makes for a successful season? Is anything less than a World Series title a failure?
For me, yes. I’ve lived through division titles, but I’ve never seen a Cubs World Series. Falling short this year when the Cubs have been the best team in the NL if not all of baseball for most of the season would be a major disappointment.
Of course 2003 was a major downer and we Cub fans lived through that.
September 30th, 2008
The Cubs postseason rotation has gone from Zambrano, Lilly and Rich Hill to Dempster, Zambrano and Rich Harden (with Lilly ready for a Game 4, if necessary).
Advantage: 2008
September 28th, 2008
Former Cubs Greg Maddux, Nomar Garciaparra and Juan Pierre get another look at Wrigley Field when the Los Angeles Dodgers come to Chicago to start the National League Divisional Series on Wednesday.
It remains to be seen whether Maddux will see the series from the first base dugout or a suite. Joe Torre isn’t planning on starting him nor guaranteeing a playoff roster spot for “Mad Dog.”
September 27th, 2008
The Cubs’ 5-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night eliminated the Houston Astros from postseason contention.
Therefore, the Cubs do NOT have to fly to Houston on Monday to make up the final game of the series postponed by Hurricane Ike.
Better luck next year.
September 25th, 2008
Lou Piniella is resting Soriano, Lee, Ramirez and Soto against the Mets tonight, giving Felix Pie a start in left field, Koyie Hill a shot behind the plate, and Micah Hoffpauir and Casey McGehee manning the corners.
But cheer up, Milwaukee, you’ll probably see these same lineups over the weekend.
September 25th, 2008
If it were up to me, and it ain’t, Felix Pie should beat out Micah Hoffpauir and Casey McGehee for the final position player spot. Edmonds and Johnson can use the rest late, and Hoffpauir remains unable to generate walks.
As for the 11 pitchers, figure the four starters (Dempster, Zambrano, Lilly, Harden, probably not in that order), Jason Marquis earning another spot on a postseason playoff roster in the bullpen, joined by Wood, Marmol, Cotts, Marshall and two of these three: Chad Gaudin, Bob Howry and Jeff Samardzija.
To be honest, I’d almost go with a 23-man roster, but the Cubs are allowed 25. The final three have each played themselves off the roster several times, but they remain the only viable candidates. Can’t throw away a vote on Ralph Nader here.
September 24th, 2008
A Mr. Mike Meyer from Machesney Park, Ill., writes, “Dear Roseanne Roseannadanna … ” wait, sorry about that. Just waiting for Season 3 of “Saturday Night Live” on DVD.
Anyway, Mike Meyer’s letter in Wednesday’s Register Star noted that while Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano received a day in his honor from Gov. Rod Blagojevich, White Sox hurler MarkBuehrle did not get the same love from the self-proclaimed Cubs lovin’ chief executive.
First, a point of contention: Mr. Meyer refers to Buehrle’s team as the “(ahem) world champion White Sox.” Buehrle threw his no-hitter in 2007: The Sox were NOT the World Champion; they weren’t even the defending World Champion. They were an underachieving 72-90 mess.
Having said that, Mr. Meyer is correct to note the inconsistency. Big Z gets a day, and all Buehrle could muster was a resolution from the Illinois House.
Actually, Mr. Meyer should have sympathy for me. A White Sox backer is in line for the presidency, and the only line I’m waiting for Gov. Blago to get in is the chow line behind George Ryan.
September 24th, 2008
I fired off this text message Tuesday night to assorted Cubs fans on my cell phone: “So would it be too cruel to bring the Brewers back into the playoff race by beating the hell out of the Mets, only for the Cubs to KO the Brew Crew themselves?”
Their replies: “No, that is the beauty of rivalry.” “I would love every minute of it.” “I hate the Mets. I remember ‘69, so let the Brewers back in and we beat ‘em in Wrigley North.” “Look out for the Phillies, though. I want none of them.” “Oh the irony.”
Analyzing this immense data, I have come to this conclusion: Cubs fans not only want to win, but they want blood.
Next Posts
Previous Posts
