"It's hard to believe Jeff Gordon (would be booed). For me, this guy is one of the greatest of all time. I don't know if he's going to come back now."
--Dusty Baker
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Another e-mail exchange from the Queen City
From: Our man in Cincinnati
Subject: 7-th inning stretch
So, I was just perusing the article written by Paul Sullivan in the Trib regarding the 7-th inning stretch. http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050525cubsrowcorner,1,1985982.story?coll=cs-home-headlines
After Jeff Redneck’s rendition of the song and seeing the quote from Vin Scully, I cannot help but agree with Sullivan that something needs to be done (I mean, Jeff Gordon? I remember his stiff, intolerable act a decade ago back on Saturday Night Live – he can’t even play Jeff Gordon!!!)
Anyway, I had a board meeting in the middle of Ohio on Monday night and was able to catch Pat Hughes singing the stretch on ‘GN on my way home. The deal is done. Pat, Pat & Ron, or Ron should sing….period. When half the viewing audience of Chicago Cub fans are more than likely turning the audio down on the TV & listening to the radio, why not just let them do it. Scully’s quote of “singing it once for Harry and anything else would be singing for me” rings true in that they do it for the fans. It sure beats suffering through Ronnie trying to remember what movies Gary Sinise has been in.
Just my thoughts……how are things in your town?
Cincinnati
____________________________
I read that column on the train this AM, and totally agree. Good of the fans to boo him.
However, the tourists love it. Jim (the Funniest Living) Belushi got a standing ovation (!!!!!) when he threw out the first pitch the day he sang.
Read Paul Sullivan’s answers to emails. Always funny stuff. He used to work for Royko.
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/askthewriter/
______________________
But then I read Rozner today http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/rozner.asp?id=54270 and when he wasn't beating the drum for drug testing (yawn), he was right on about the stretch.
I still hate the C-Listers doing it (see Jaime Denton below) as much as the loud cheers when the “fans” throw back home run balls.
I think McDonough taught Grant DePorter or vice versa. All of Harry Caray’s Restaurant’s promotions, from foisting a former waiter who ended up on this season’s Twin Peaks on Chicago like he’s royalty, to the entire Bartman ball bullshit makes Chicago look like a hopelessly unsophisticated cowtown.
But a cowtown with a restaurant with bland enough food to please the tourists who must eat in between trips to Navy Pier and Wrigley Stadium, right? And don't for get the t-shirts!
Subject: 7-th inning stretch
So, I was just perusing the article written by Paul Sullivan in the Trib regarding the 7-th inning stretch. http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-050525cubsrowcorner,1,1985982.story?coll=cs-home-headlines
After Jeff Redneck’s rendition of the song and seeing the quote from Vin Scully, I cannot help but agree with Sullivan that something needs to be done (I mean, Jeff Gordon? I remember his stiff, intolerable act a decade ago back on Saturday Night Live – he can’t even play Jeff Gordon!!!)
Anyway, I had a board meeting in the middle of Ohio on Monday night and was able to catch Pat Hughes singing the stretch on ‘GN on my way home. The deal is done. Pat, Pat & Ron, or Ron should sing….period. When half the viewing audience of Chicago Cub fans are more than likely turning the audio down on the TV & listening to the radio, why not just let them do it. Scully’s quote of “singing it once for Harry and anything else would be singing for me” rings true in that they do it for the fans. It sure beats suffering through Ronnie trying to remember what movies Gary Sinise has been in.
Just my thoughts……how are things in your town?
Cincinnati
____________________________
I read that column on the train this AM, and totally agree. Good of the fans to boo him.
However, the tourists love it. Jim (the Funniest Living) Belushi got a standing ovation (!!!!!) when he threw out the first pitch the day he sang.
Read Paul Sullivan’s answers to emails. Always funny stuff. He used to work for Royko.
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/askthewriter/
______________________
But then I read Rozner today http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/rozner.asp?id=54270 and when he wasn't beating the drum for drug testing (yawn), he was right on about the stretch.
I still hate the C-Listers doing it (see Jaime Denton below) as much as the loud cheers when the “fans” throw back home run balls.
I think McDonough taught Grant DePorter or vice versa. All of Harry Caray’s Restaurant’s promotions, from foisting a former waiter who ended up on this season’s Twin Peaks on Chicago like he’s royalty, to the entire Bartman ball bullshit makes Chicago look like a hopelessly unsophisticated cowtown.
But a cowtown with a restaurant with bland enough food to please the tourists who must eat in between trips to Navy Pier and Wrigley Stadium, right? And don't for get the t-shirts!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Republican Hypocrisy: Today's Example
The Nuclear Transfer Option
The off-and-on principle of up-or-down votes.By William Saletan
http://slate.msn.com/id/2119416/
The off-and-on principle of up-or-down votes.By William Saletan
http://slate.msn.com/id/2119416/
An email exchange with my buddy the Cubs fan in Cincinnati
Reds cut closer Graves
The Reds on Monday cut ties with longtime closer Danny Graves, who had run into trouble on and off the field this season.
What are his “off the field” troubles?
__________
He said some things after a game that were perceived to be slighting the fans. I still feel that his statement (which, as I am not a lawyer, I am paraphrasing) to the effect went: “I hate when the fans boo. That makes us feel small.” Again, I don’t see where he “bad-mouthed” the fans. Also, after he gave up 5 runs in the top of the 9th in a 3-2 game against the Tribe, he came off the field and was heckled. He made a point of avoiding the major crowd at the one dugout entrance but when he got to the other near the high-priced seats, somebody screamed obscenities at him and he yelled back and may have shown the guy that he was “number one”. Truth is, he was sucking in even non-save situations I guess.
The Cubs will probably pick him up after the steroids finally leave his body and he naturally gets 5mph back on his sinker.
So? How was this weekend? I’m sorry I couldn’t be there. Turns out L & the boys were fighting off the flu last week, so I put in some good Daddy time.
______________
Graves could be a find, and I don’t mind a guy who isn’t afraid to flip off some fans. Think Hawkins would?
Anyway, Saturday was fun. Started at the Cubs game, which was disappointing when Patterson closed his mitt too soon. Had one Sox fan kinda stare us down, when I said something about his taxes paying for US Cellular. “Don’t get personal” was the response. Huh?
We cleaned up at my house before going to Sullivan’s, where we celebrated “G’s Birthday” acc to the menu. We started playing $2 blackjack in our private room, but were not too over the top or obnoxious (I don’t think), and we eventually all (11 of us) drifted into the cigar lounge. We were then presented with the bill, and told we were not going to be further served. The explanation one of us got was that the gambling did us in. Whatever.
The nearest place that made any sense was Harry Caray’s, where we hung out for a couple beers before packing it in. Over 12 hours of drinking, and I had no real interest in fake tits, but only because I knew I would be passing out soon.
Sunday, B got up and left without saying goodbye, even though he saw Dr. T and said hello (but not goodbye), who was getting up for work. Gator and I went to the game, which was fun too because all the season ticket holders showed up, so it was a mini reunion from the 2003 playoffs. We all had lots of opinions. About 8 rows up, two Ligue-like Sox fans were stacking their mai tais and doing lots of misplaced taunting. The guy in the Fordyce #8 jersey (with wifebeater underneath) was booted in the 8th to great cheers.
The Reds on Monday cut ties with longtime closer Danny Graves, who had run into trouble on and off the field this season.
What are his “off the field” troubles?
__________
He said some things after a game that were perceived to be slighting the fans. I still feel that his statement (which, as I am not a lawyer, I am paraphrasing) to the effect went: “I hate when the fans boo. That makes us feel small.” Again, I don’t see where he “bad-mouthed” the fans. Also, after he gave up 5 runs in the top of the 9th in a 3-2 game against the Tribe, he came off the field and was heckled. He made a point of avoiding the major crowd at the one dugout entrance but when he got to the other near the high-priced seats, somebody screamed obscenities at him and he yelled back and may have shown the guy that he was “number one”. Truth is, he was sucking in even non-save situations I guess.
The Cubs will probably pick him up after the steroids finally leave his body and he naturally gets 5mph back on his sinker.
So? How was this weekend? I’m sorry I couldn’t be there. Turns out L & the boys were fighting off the flu last week, so I put in some good Daddy time.
______________
Graves could be a find, and I don’t mind a guy who isn’t afraid to flip off some fans. Think Hawkins would?
Anyway, Saturday was fun. Started at the Cubs game, which was disappointing when Patterson closed his mitt too soon. Had one Sox fan kinda stare us down, when I said something about his taxes paying for US Cellular. “Don’t get personal” was the response. Huh?
We cleaned up at my house before going to Sullivan’s, where we celebrated “G’s Birthday” acc to the menu. We started playing $2 blackjack in our private room, but were not too over the top or obnoxious (I don’t think), and we eventually all (11 of us) drifted into the cigar lounge. We were then presented with the bill, and told we were not going to be further served. The explanation one of us got was that the gambling did us in. Whatever.
The nearest place that made any sense was Harry Caray’s, where we hung out for a couple beers before packing it in. Over 12 hours of drinking, and I had no real interest in fake tits, but only because I knew I would be passing out soon.
Sunday, B got up and left without saying goodbye, even though he saw Dr. T and said hello (but not goodbye), who was getting up for work. Gator and I went to the game, which was fun too because all the season ticket holders showed up, so it was a mini reunion from the 2003 playoffs. We all had lots of opinions. About 8 rows up, two Ligue-like Sox fans were stacking their mai tais and doing lots of misplaced taunting. The guy in the Fordyce #8 jersey (with wifebeater underneath) was booted in the 8th to great cheers.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Today's Rozner Column
The real purpose here is to recall the summer of 2002, when the rotting corpse otherwise known as the Cubs’ 25-man roster sold Don Baylor down the river and got him fired, which was absolutely a blessing without disguise.
Now we’re not suggesting current manager Dusty Baker will be or should be fired, but there are some parallels.
In mid-May 2002, as talk centered around Baylor, Cubs president Andy MacPhail denied the manager was in trouble.
In mid-May 2005, as talk centers around Baker, Cubs president Andy MacPhail denies the manager is in trouble.
Said MacPhail of Baylor on May 15, 2002: “We remain supportive. We know better days are coming.”
That was after 37 games.
Said MacPhail of Baker on May 18, 2005: “He’s got my complete confidence.’’
That was after 37 games.
The Cubs in early 2002 were decimated by injuries.
The Cubs in early 2005 have been decimated by injuries.
By the end, Baylor clearly was hoping to get whacked because it wasn’t worth the risk to his health.
Already, Baker sounds like he could do without the headache, and many of his friends — though not Baker himself — have suggested he wouldn’t mind a vacation.
In mid-May 2002, Baylor had one year, 4¨ months left on a very expensive four-year deal, and everyone said there was no way the Tribune Co. would eat that contract.
In mid-May 2005, Baker has one year, 4¨ months left on a very expensive four-year deal, and everyone says there’s no way the Tribune Co. will eat that contract.
MacPhail on Baylor in May 2002: “One thing that distinguishes Don … is that we were the most improved team in the National League last year.’’
MacPhail on Baker in May 2005: “(People) forget that we won more games in ’04 than we won in ’03.”
MacPhail on Baylor in May 2002: “We had 88 wins (in 2001) with a team that, fairly evaluated, was about the most you could have hoped for.’’
MacPhail on Baker in May 2005: “People forget that in ’04, despite a series of significant injuries early on, we hung around and went 13-3 in the first part of September.’’
MacPhail on Baylor in May 2002: “He did a good job the last two years.’’
MacPhail on Baker in May 2005: “You have to go back to World War II before you can find a manager who strung together two seasons with as many wins as we enjoyed the last two years.’’
In May 2002, MacPhail gave Baylor a vote of confidence.
In May 2005, MacPhail has given Baker a vote of confidence.
In April 2002, when it was suggested that Baylor might not make it through the season, MacPhail denied it, saying it’s “not worth the ink that’s needed to print this sentence.’’
Baylor was fired July 5, 2002.
Baker’s team has a much better record and much better talent — and much greater expectations.
Now we’re not suggesting current manager Dusty Baker will be or should be fired, but there are some parallels.
In mid-May 2002, as talk centered around Baylor, Cubs president Andy MacPhail denied the manager was in trouble.
In mid-May 2005, as talk centers around Baker, Cubs president Andy MacPhail denies the manager is in trouble.
Said MacPhail of Baylor on May 15, 2002: “We remain supportive. We know better days are coming.”
That was after 37 games.
Said MacPhail of Baker on May 18, 2005: “He’s got my complete confidence.’’
That was after 37 games.
The Cubs in early 2002 were decimated by injuries.
The Cubs in early 2005 have been decimated by injuries.
By the end, Baylor clearly was hoping to get whacked because it wasn’t worth the risk to his health.
Already, Baker sounds like he could do without the headache, and many of his friends — though not Baker himself — have suggested he wouldn’t mind a vacation.
In mid-May 2002, Baylor had one year, 4¨ months left on a very expensive four-year deal, and everyone said there was no way the Tribune Co. would eat that contract.
In mid-May 2005, Baker has one year, 4¨ months left on a very expensive four-year deal, and everyone says there’s no way the Tribune Co. will eat that contract.
MacPhail on Baylor in May 2002: “One thing that distinguishes Don … is that we were the most improved team in the National League last year.’’
MacPhail on Baker in May 2005: “(People) forget that we won more games in ’04 than we won in ’03.”
MacPhail on Baylor in May 2002: “We had 88 wins (in 2001) with a team that, fairly evaluated, was about the most you could have hoped for.’’
MacPhail on Baker in May 2005: “People forget that in ’04, despite a series of significant injuries early on, we hung around and went 13-3 in the first part of September.’’
MacPhail on Baylor in May 2002: “He did a good job the last two years.’’
MacPhail on Baker in May 2005: “You have to go back to World War II before you can find a manager who strung together two seasons with as many wins as we enjoyed the last two years.’’
In May 2002, MacPhail gave Baylor a vote of confidence.
In May 2005, MacPhail has given Baker a vote of confidence.
In April 2002, when it was suggested that Baylor might not make it through the season, MacPhail denied it, saying it’s “not worth the ink that’s needed to print this sentence.’’
Baylor was fired July 5, 2002.
Baker’s team has a much better record and much better talent — and much greater expectations.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Well, he WAS due...
Dusty cannot help himself. How will we ever know if he is a clutch hitter, if Dusty insists on pinch hitting Hollandsworth for DuBois?
OK, Dusty is a genius. Big hit for Todd.
So, now that Mesa blew two straight saves, does that reduce his value on the trade market?
Hope not. He would be Rojas-ed here.
OK, Dusty is a genius. Big hit for Todd.
So, now that Mesa blew two straight saves, does that reduce his value on the trade market?
Hope not. He would be Rojas-ed here.
When C-Listers marry
Comedian David Brenner and Olympic figure skater Tai Babilonia got engaged in New York on Friday the 13th, but there was no romance on bended knee. "I just said `Let's go for it,'" Brenner told the New York Post. "We went out for the first time on the 13th of October [2003] and it was lucky for us," he added. Babilonia and Brenner hooked up after she sent an e-mail to his fan Web site after a brief meeting. "Best move I've ever made," she said. The couple has not yet set a date.
I guess that means David Brenner and I have something in common.
I guess that means David Brenner and I have something in common.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Cubs are off, so let's spread rumors...
There is nothing funnier than spreading true stories about people that failed and were likely crushed under the pressure of the family business.
http://www.thebunnyblog.com/blog.html 5.15.05 entry
It is not difficult to deduce (look it up) that Bunny is talking about Matthew Boone, brother, etc. of the Boone clan.
Bad form to laugh at others’ misfortunate. Isn’t that what the internet is all about?
http://www.thebunnyblog.com/blog.html 5.15.05 entry
It is not difficult to deduce (look it up) that Bunny is talking about Matthew Boone, brother, etc. of the Boone clan.
Bad form to laugh at others’ misfortunate. Isn’t that what the internet is all about?
Saturday, May 14, 2005
One More Biscuit For Breakfast...
So, we can all be happy that the Cubs have won 3 in a row and 4 out of 5, but we were only a few feet away from giving up a five run ninth and a game winning grand slam.
Kudos to Todd Wellemeyer, who earned the save on what can only be called a long out. However, as much as he seemed to be sweating, he got his one out in 3 pitches, while Mike Remlinger used 30 pitches (including 11 on a walk where he was ahead 0-2) to get two outs.
Mike may be a fine human being, but he does not appear to have the stuff anymore.
Which leads to the bigger question: Why did Dusty take out Mike Wuertz, who had a perfect inning on nine pitches? To keep him available for tomorrow and Sunday? I think he is confusing his bullpen pitchers, as he is one of the few down there who can pitch a few days in a row,and with two off days next week, what's the pressing need?
It seems Dusty uses his bullpen as if every game will only go nine innings, and that no one oitcher can go more than one inning. I am the first to say that we should just be happy, but when it is in spite of the manager, you gots to wonder.
That said (that he is a BAD in-game manager), there is something to be said for him when Derrek Lee goes to the lengths he does to defend him in the press.
Today, we have Big Z going against a guy just like him in Livan Hernandez.
Kudos to Todd Wellemeyer, who earned the save on what can only be called a long out. However, as much as he seemed to be sweating, he got his one out in 3 pitches, while Mike Remlinger used 30 pitches (including 11 on a walk where he was ahead 0-2) to get two outs.
Mike may be a fine human being, but he does not appear to have the stuff anymore.
Which leads to the bigger question: Why did Dusty take out Mike Wuertz, who had a perfect inning on nine pitches? To keep him available for tomorrow and Sunday? I think he is confusing his bullpen pitchers, as he is one of the few down there who can pitch a few days in a row,and with two off days next week, what's the pressing need?
It seems Dusty uses his bullpen as if every game will only go nine innings, and that no one oitcher can go more than one inning. I am the first to say that we should just be happy, but when it is in spite of the manager, you gots to wonder.
That said (that he is a BAD in-game manager), there is something to be said for him when Derrek Lee goes to the lengths he does to defend him in the press.
Today, we have Big Z going against a guy just like him in Livan Hernandez.
Livan wears his war wound like a crown
He calls his child Jesus 'cause he likes the name
And he sends him to the finest school in town.
Livan, Livan likes his money
He makes a lot they say
Spend his days counting
In a garage by the motorway
He was born a pauper
To a pawn on a Christmas day
When the New York Times
Said God is dead and war's begun
Alvin Tostig has a son today
And he shall be Livan
And he shall be a good man
And he shall be Livan
In tradition with the family plan
And he shall be Livan
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Livan.
Livan sells cartoon balloons in town
His family business thrives
Jesus blows up balloons all day
Sits on the porch swing watching them fly
And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus
Leave Livan far behind
Take a balloon and go sailing,While Livan, Livan slowly dies.
And he shall be Livan
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Livan
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Where was I?
It seemed like such a good idea to start this blog, I mean every body in the world is doing one, which I guess is the best argument against it.
As a buddy described a blog, “you mean, a waste of time.” Yes, I guess so. Better than working.
Instead of just keying on the Cubs and their awful record so far, I will just keep this as a virtual diary, and it may be interesting some day.
I am the only Cubs fan in the history of the world who owns an authentic Dan Serafini #33 jersey, so if you see me on the road, that’s me.
Here are his career stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/s/serafda01.shtml
What a shitty weather day today. I bought tickets to see Sammy Sosa’s return to Chicago on eBay, but only for a few bucks over face value. The guy who sold them to me bought them the week before. I guess if you sell enough tickets, it becomes profitable, but I don’t know. I recently found out that this is called arbitrage.
So, anyway, Sammy says he has a bad foot and is put on the DL. I guess the fact that he is playing for a first place team, but that he is not getting enough pub hurts both his feeling and his foot.
I never hated Sosa like some Cub fans and like all Sox fans, but I was never in love with him like everyone else was either.
They guy grew up selling oranges and never had a pot to piss in. Suddenly, he gets a pro contract, and sees that the there’s gold in them thar hills. Reason enough to get on the juice (allegedly) and win hearts, etc.
That’s the point, he was never about winning. In 1998, during the midst of the HR chase, I cared only about the Cubs getting a playoff spot. It was an exciting run even without Sosa’s HRs, and I was disappointed that the Cubs didn’t hardly show up against the Braves that year in the NLDS.
So, I am going to the game with some friends, and we’ll dodge the raindrops, eat $1 hot dogs, drink some beers and leave the game when we get really cold. If the Cubs were playing tonight, I would skip it altogether to watch them. It’s bad enough I will miss Survivor, but I have it TIVO’d, so I should be OK.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Could Be Worse, Could Be Raining...
The fucking Sox just keep winning. It makes me sick. The scumbag Sox fans just can't be any happier, and they don't even show up!
Good News, IU fans!
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050505/SPORTS0601/50505007/1004/SPORTS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
