I don’t love L.A.

Add comment September 28th, 2008 06:19pm Tony Garcia

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.”

No anguish over this defeat

Add comment September 27th, 2008 12:57am Tony Garcia

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.

Not gonna make Brew Crew backers happy

Add comment September 25th, 2008 05:42pm Tony Garcia

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.

Roster battles

1 comment September 25th, 2008 05:08pm Tony Garcia

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.

Sympathy for the White Sox

Add comment September 24th, 2008 06:22pm Tony Garcia

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.

Survey says

Add comment September 24th, 2008 05:25pm Tony Garcia

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.

Believe it; it’s on the Web

Add comment September 23rd, 2008 12:41am Tony Garcia

The Brewers faithful are cheering for the Cubs for most of this week. The Mets faithful are cringing about another potential collapse. The Rays will play after Sunday, and the Yankees won’t.

Robin Williams said it best … reality, what a concept.

And now, we focus on the campaign

1 comment September 22nd, 2008 07:21pm Tony Garcia

Put Jason Marquis on the postseason roster … as the first left-handed bat off the bench.

Awesome experience

Add comment September 22nd, 2008 02:11pm Wally Haas

I was fortunate enough to be at the clincher Saturday. If I hadn’t gone with Cardinal fans, I still might be at Wrigley celebrating.

When I watch baseball highlights on ESPN, I’m amazed at the number of empty seats in parks where teams still have a shot at wild-card berths. At Wrigley, very few people left after the Cubs won. The crowd waited for players to come out and celebrate with them. And the fans were rewarded as players came out and sprayed champagne as far into the seats as possible.

As we made out way  out of Wrigley, I don’t think I’ve ever high-fived that many strangers in my life.

As happy as fans were, I got the sense that they knew the REALLY big celebration is a few weeks away. I’m glad I got to be a part of that one.

BTW: Bike check is the way to go.

Cubs complete step one

Add comment September 20th, 2008 06:17pm Gareth Sleger

 

It’s been 100 years since the NL Central Champion Cubs last clinched the playoffs in consecutive seasons. It’s also been 100 years for something else…something the Cubs had problems with last year.

Geovany Soto said it best after the division clincher:

“We’re not going to talk about it. We’re just going to go ahead and play.”