Bleacher Report - Articles by Bleacher Report

Chicago Cubs Dive into Shallow End of Kiddy Pool

Bleacher Report — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:57:35 -0500

After about a six-month disappearance, I'm back. Maybe it's because it's 2009 and I hope that this is the year for my favorite sports teams, or maybe it's that I have too much time on my hands and need something to keep me occupied. But one of the major contributors to MLB and Cubs articles is ready to write again.

So, for a first article for 2009, what do I choose to write on? The Cubs' signing of Mr. Temper Temper himself, Milton Bradley, makes sense to start with. Or I could start with the hopes I have that Jake Peavy will still end up in the city of broad shoulders.

Instead, I'll give my general thoughts and opinions of how the offseason has been for the Cubs this year.

I give Jim Hendry a big C+ for the offseason moves. Losing Mark DeRosa was something that could not happen. I don't know why nobody is making a big deal of this. He is the only player I can remember off the top of my head that can play every position except for Catcher, Pitcher, and Center Field. Has anyone noticed that a guy like this is pretty nice when Chicago can't seem to stay healthy?

Milton Bradley, while he is a great hitter, is not a good pickup. The guy can't stay in the lineup. Between injuries and his flare-ups, he misses way too many games. Couple that with Alfonso Soriano playing left, and that means Chicago better have a deep bench, because they'll be starting in the outfield for quite a few games.

Anyone else looking forward to the first argument between Lou Piniella and Milton? I am.

Not picking up another dominant pitcher isn't too big of a deal, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to sign a Jake Peavy, A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, or some other proven starter.

The pitching staff is perfectly fine without one of these big names, but 100 years since the last championship coupled with the hopes Cubs fans had last year would probably lead me to believe the organization should open up their pocketbooks and try buying a late October appearance.

So, to sum everything up, 2008 was a fun season to watch. 2009 should be as well. I just don't think the Chicago Cubs have done enough this offseason to warrant any talk of a World Series appearance.

And that, my friends, is the only thing the Cubs should be focused on.

Takeaways From the Chicago Cubs' Beat Down of the White Sox

Bleacher Report — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:50:47 -0400

I was lucky enough to be able to witness who the real team is in Chicago. As everyone in the wide world of sports already knows, it is the Chicago Cubs.

The White Sox left their talented play on the South side. Even better, they left their dignity in the North side. Ozzie Guillen and his AL-Central leading Chicago White Sox were forced to crawl home with their tails between their legs.

The games were amazing. I was at the Friday game, sitting in section 202, enjoying the Old Style, and being frustrated with poor hitting by the Chicago Cubs. They couldn't get hits with guys on base.

Then the seventh inning rolls around and Aramis Ramirez began his hot streak by hitting the game-tying solo shot. The stadium went nuts.

Then, to top off the perfect game, the bottom of the ninth comes up and who is at the plate? Ramirez. He jacks a walk-off home run to start what was the best baseball weekend in the majors. It was insane.

I don't know if it was noticeable on TV as much as in real life, but Wrigley Field exploded with emotion. I got the hell beat out of me by about 20 people I don't even know. They were doing back slaps, high fives, hugging, jumping all over, throwing beer in the air, etc....I even got hit in the face with a hotdog. AMAZING!

Here are my takeaways from this series.

1. The Chicago Cubs are indeed the best team in Chicago, and most likely in baseball. The offense is potent enough to erupt at any point for nine runs (see Saturday's scoreline) and come from behind and win. This does wonders for a team's confidence. Think Marquis was worried about pitching from behind? Doubt it.

2. The White Sox's record is a result of playing a bunch of pathetic AL Central teams. This is not their fault, and I applaud them for doing what they have to do: beat bad teams. The pitching of the White Sox is good, but not even close to being great.

The Cubs' potent offense proves that once a lineup with good hitters is staring a Sox pitcher down from the batters box, the ERA starts to climb up ever so steadily.

3. If the Cubs make the World Series, the National Guard better be on hand in Chicago. It is June, people. JUNE. Not even halfway through the season. You should have been in Wrigleyville this weekend. I have never seen so many people go so crazy over a win in June.

4. The Cubs have a team that is more than capable of beating anyone in baseball, and possibly winning a World Series. I still, as history proves, believe pitching wins championships.

While the offense the Cubs have, which if I remember right is the top offense in baseball, can score runs, the team still can't afford to enter into high-scoring affairs on a regular basis. One of these will bite them in the rear.

Look for Jim Hendry to add a big arm to ensure that the staff is more than capable of matching up against a team like Boston with four really good starters. C.C. Sabathia would be perfect.

It is only June. I know I shouldn't be this excited about a record and performance this early in the year, but you have to be extremely happy with how things have gone.

The Cubs have what should be an easy series to win against Baltimore this week, and then it's across Chicago to the south to US Cellular Field to face the White Sox for the second series in two weeks.

Let's hope they bring the brooms again.

GO CUBS!

Chicago Cubs Building a New Stadium in 2013!

Bleacher Report — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0400

Imagine this: It's 2014. Wrigley Field is officially 100-years old. Let's also imagine that in 2012, Boston decides finally, "Wow, our fan base is huge. Let's build a new stadium to capture more of it and sell more tickets."

This leaves the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers as the only teams with a "historical landmark" for a stadium.

Now, I'm going to be sacrilegious and piss of Cubs fans all over the country, including myself. On the 100-year anniversary of Wrigley Field, imagine hearing in the news that the owner of the Cubs has decided to build a new stadium, following Boston's lead in realizing that the Cubs would EASILY fill a 50,000 seat stadium.

First question I want you to respond to: How would you react to hearing that the Cubs are no longer going to play at Wrigley Field?

Second question: There is no place to build the new baseball stadium in Wrigleyville. So, where would the Cubs play until the new baseball stadium can be completed on top of the grounds of the current Wrigley Field?

Third Question: What are your top three favorite baseball stadiums that you'd like to see the New Wrigley Field modeled after?

I'll answer my own questions now.

First off, I would be pissed upon hearing that Wrigley is being replaced. That place is baseball heaven. I'm from Nebraska, and I was furious to learn that the City of Omaha is building a modern, beautiful baseball stadium in downtown to replace Rosenblatt Stadium for the College World Series. I'm a baseball fan that believes in history, and a stadium is a shrine for baseball history.

Second: Here is my strategy for where the Cubs would play the 2013 season while a new park is being built on top of the existing Wrigley Field. I would use Soldiers Field in the same way the Oakland Athletics use the Raider's football stadium as their home turf. It would be annoying, but it's just for one season.

And there is now way the Chicago White Sox would share US Cellular with the Cubs. No chance in hell. The pressure would be on the building crew to complete the stadium in 1.5 years in a very unpredictable climate. Good luck!

Third: My three favorite stadiums, other than Wrigley. 1) Coors Field 2) New Busch Stadium 3) Pac Bell Park

All of those stadiums are gorgeous, fan friendly, great for baseball, and provide great views. Oh, there lies the problem.

Imagine, this is the last time, having a beautiful new park smack dab where Wrigley Field is now. Imagine that it is made by the same company that made the three named stadiums. See the problem: New and old don't go good together.

You would have a Ferrari parked in a garage filled with Ford Pintos. The buildings around Wrigley show their age, and would look very awkward next to a brand new, shining gem of a stadium. Also, imagine what the architects would have to work with for a view!

Busch has the downtown skyline of St Louis and the Arch, Coors has the mountains and downtown Denver, and San Francisco's Pac Bell Park has the gorgeous bay, bridges, and mountains.

The new Wrigley would have views of 1) three-story flat condos, 2) McDonald's on Clark, 3) bars everywhere.

So, to sum it up. If the Cubs need to build a new stadium, don't expect it to stay in Wrigleyville. I don't see this happening anytime soon, but you have to be realistic, and realize that with age comes problems and costs, and at a certain point, it is more cost effective to start from scratch—Yankee Stadium.

Go Cubs!

Ozzie Guillen: Shut Up and Leave Chicago!

Bleacher Report — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:59:24 -0400

Dear Ozzie Guillen,

You are a blubbering idiot that deserves to have duct tape wrapped completely around your head, blocking off that anus you call a mouth. My great grandmother would make a better manager than you, and by far a more professional one. It's time to realize that you aren't a player in the clubhouse anymore, and grow up, show some class, watch what you say to the media, and quit crying like a little baby. Oh, and quit kissing your players. That's just creepy.

Sincerely,

Tyler

There, now that that is out of the way. Is anyone else getting sick of the actions of this guy? The Chicago White Sox are by far the team I dislike the most, since I'm a lifetime northside-loving Chicago Cubs fan. But even I feel sorry that White Sox fans have to put up with this idiot.

His latest rant on ESPN, and every other major sports publication, was just another tirade by a man that can't think of anything constructive to say, other than crying and streaming profanity. My mom raised me to never complain unless you have a constructive way of solving the problem.

Ozzie's latest rant was about not wanting to "protect anyone" anymore. He threw the GM and several players under the bus. Here's my opinion: If you are going to try and take shots at the guy that writes your paychecks, you better do so with some constructive advice on how to improve the situation.

Try it at work sometime (if you get fired, sorry). Go up to your boss, scream at him and tell him how bad he sucks at his job, and that he isn't putting you in a position to succeed, and then finish it by saying what has become Ozzie's new catch phrase: "Fu** It." I'll bet you are told to clean out your desk within five minutes.

What I'm trying to say is that it's time for Ozzie Guillen to be let go. Any success of his World Series team a few years back had NOTHING to do with him. The White Sox won because that was one of the best pitching staffs in the last 20 years in the World Series.

He hasn't done anything positive in the last few years, and in all honesty, with the talent he has, his team should be far better than it is this year and WAY better than it finished last year. Last year's record was a sign of a team quitting on a manager, or vice versa.

So, to sum things up:

1. I am a HUGE Cubs fan. So, my team will do our part in getting rid of this blubbering idiot. We will sweep the White Sox this year. We'll win all three at home and all three in hell, I mean the Southside. I'll be there to watch all three at Wrigley. Hope you all join me.

2. Ozzie has to go. I love that he is the cancer plaguing the team I dislike the most, but I can't take hearing this guy on TV anymore. Him being the manager is like having a mentally challenged kid with tourettes and a short temper in a spelling bee. It's bound to do nothing but bad things, but also would be slightly comical.

I'm curious to hear what others think of the "Ozz." I hope that everyone agrees that baseball has no place for this idiot.

Go Cubs!

Jim Edmonds' Controversial Signing Proves Meaningful for Chicago Cubs

Bleacher Report — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:45:41 -0400

In the fourth inning, Chicago Cubs’ fans got to see, yet again, why Jim Edmonds may go down as one of the top five defensive center fielders in MLB history.

Cubs’ fans are familiar with those catches by Edmonds, but this time was happy to benefit from one.

Eight gold gloves in his display case and catches like these still seem surprising. In particular, this catch saved at least a run, maybe two.

I am one of the many writers that have been saying signing Jim Edmonds was a dumb move by Cubs’ management, but like my many articles criticizing Soriano as of late, I am eating my words now.

Edmonds is up there in age, but as he proved tonight versus the Houston Astros, his glove has not diminished in value. And his bat can't be any worse than Felix Pie.

I still think I would play Pie and work on grooming him into a starting role. If Edmonds keeps playing like he did tonight, my opinion will change.

Let’s hope that Edmonds keeps playing solid defense, can hit at least .250 in the bottom spots in the lineup, and that the Cubs keep getting contributions from lesser known players while Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are struggling.

If this continues, Chicago may just have the biggest party in the country in October.

Go Cubs!

Chicago Cubs: Who Would Look Weirder in Cubbie Blue?

Bleacher Report — Fri, 16 May 2008 06:39:58 -0400

I am still looking for a job, though the search is getting far more promising. So, for the time being, I still have lots of free time. Here is the third article today, and don't be surprised if another comes up later.

In my free time, I was just thinking of how awkward it is seeing Jim Edmonds in a Cubs jersey. So, I wanted to start an open discussion on which active players would look the weirdest in a Cubs jersey.

Here are my picks:

1. Albert Pujols: Could you imagine this? The anti-christ of Cubs nation suiting up in Cubbie blue, and hitting 50 homeruns for Chicago? Man, that would be wierd seeing him in Chicago.

2. AJ Pierzynski: I may have butchered the name, but the feeling is the same. This guy is such a huge punk, and normally is one of the main reasons a fight or confrontation happens every year between the Cubs and White Sox.

3. Chris Young: If you don't know who this is, he pitches for the Padres, and took place in one of the most awkward fights I've ever seen last year with Derrek Lee. Both guys threw haymakers, but none landed. Quite frankly, it was hilarious.

4. Michael Barrett: Never gonna happen! But imagine if he came back. Would you welcome him, or would you cross your fingers that Carlos Zambrano kicks the crap out of him?

5. Alex Rodriguez: Do you want him? Lots of talk around this in the offseason last year. Sure would be nice, but man it would be weird seeing him manning the hot corner for the Cubs.

Those are my picks for players that would be awkward in Chicago Cubs jerseys. I'm curious to read what you all respond with. Speak up Cubs Nation!

Go Cubs!

Chicago Cubs Fans: Give Felix Pie a Chance!

Bleacher Report — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:52:55 -0400

Pardon me while I vent. Chicago Cubs fans are making me very angry. Don't get me wrong, they are the best fans in baseball, but the lack of patience in a player's progression is getting old.

From reading many different blogs, it is very apparent that Cubs fans have zero trust or patience in Felix Pie. Never mind the fact that he is the best defensive outfielder on the Chicago Cubs. All the Cubs fans care about is that he can't be patient at the plate and start hitting the ball.

Let me ask a serious question: Why do you think our pitchers are so dominant, especially Ted Lilly? They have the utmost trust in the defense behind them, and this helps them throw strikes. The reason I say especially Lilly is because he is a proven pop-fly pitcher. Most of his outs are strikeouts or lazy flyballs to the outfield.

Felix Pie is by far the best outfielder on this team. He has the speed to run down any ball hit his way. This makes a pitcher feel really good, knowing that the power-alley gaps are significantly smaller with him out there than a Reed Johnson or 'Old Balls' Jim Edmonds.

My question is simple: Why can't Cubs fans and Cubs management be patient with him, and leave him in the game? Do you all realize that he is on the team primarily for his defense, and not for hitting? Do you realize that he is hitting in the eighth spot on the lineup? He doesn't need to produce in that spot. It would be nice, but I would sacrifice an extra 50 hits a year for a surefire out in center field.

I have two main issues that I want to bring up with the recent move to get Jim Edmonds, which will most likely put Felix Pie back in AAA Iowa.

1. Felix Pie is DOMINATING AAA pitching. He has proven that he is too good to be in Des Moines. For some reason, and I think it is a lack of confidence, largely brought on by booing and impatient Cubs fans, he can't translate that success to the bigs. I wish you all would give him a shot. Dustin Pedroia had the same issue last year. Boo birds all over Fenway Park, fans were down on him, yet the best coach in baseball (yes, I said best) Terry Francona, stuck with him. What happened? Oh, he won Rookie of the Year and ended up being a premier second basemen.

I'm not saying this is the case with Pie, but who cares! He is hitting in the eight spot. All he has to do is hit .250, steal a few bags, and keep playing amazing defense. That brings me to my next point.

2. Defense. Felix Pie is on this team because of defense. With Edmonds out in center field, the Cubs might as well print off huge signs saying "Hit it here", and hang them in left center. Neither Alfonso Soriano nor Jim Edmonds will have a chance at getting to those balls.

So, here is my argument: Get off Felix Pie's back. He will come around. You don't hit over .330 in AAA only to hit .200 in MLB. Respect him for what he brings to Chicago, which is amazing defense and tremendous speed if we need a run and we have a runner on second to pinch run for. Let him play. Put Edmonds back on the bench, and use him in situational-hitting situations only.

I'm curious to hear what you all think. After all, I did just call you out as being a bunch of impatient, whiny, baseball fans. The season is long, let's give Pie a chance.

Go Cubs!

Chicago Cubs Pitching: I Hate the Taste of Crow!

Bleacher Report — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:47:23 -0400

I love the Chicago Cubs. I love it even more when they make me eat my words and prove me wrong. If you may remember, I wrote an article not too long ago stating the Cubs are great, but they lack a No. 2 starter.

Well, it turns out that they have not just a number two starter, but a three and maybe a four.

Ryan Dempster pitched yet another lights-out game to improve to five and one on Thursday. Striking out 12 is impressive, even if it was against one of the five worst offenses in baseball.

And on Wednesday, Ted Lilly pitched yet another great game to improve his record and take down Jake Peavy.

Jason Marquis has pitched some really good games as of late, too. If you take out his first couple starts, he has about a 3.50 ERA, which is more than sufficient for a fourth starter.

Get Rich Hill some confidence in his breaking pitches, and this could be one heck of a starting pitching staff, followed up with a great bullpen.

So, I am done trying to say that the Cubs need pitching help to win the World Series. After all, I am not too fond of the taste of crow.

This team looks more than solid enough to make a serious run to the World Series. It is early, I know, but they have proven a lot so far. We'll see how the Jim Edmonds deal works out, but at a cost of only around $300,000, even if he sits the bench all year, it may be worth the money.

I just hate seeing the Cardinal that rocked the Cubs over the last seven years in Cubbie blue.

Check the schedule the rest of the month. The only series that looks worrisome is the series against the SMOKING HOT surging Houston Astros. Hopefully the Cubs pitching will cool off Lance Berkman, and keep the lead they are building in the NL Central.

Worst come to worst, the Cubs play the Pirates another six times in May, which certainly can't hurt the record.

Here's a drink to hoping the Cubs keep the pitching solid, and that the bats can consistently pound out four or five runs a game. If that happens, I will be in Chicago with my good friend Zack, having at least 20 beers for each win the Cubs get in the World Series.

Let's hope they force me to drink 80 beers!

Go Cubs!

Carlos Zambrano Halts the Slide

Bleacher Report — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:54:54 -0400

Carlos Zambrano is one of the few pitchers in baseball that can be known as a "Stopper." A stopper, for those of you that aren't familiar with the term, is a lights-out pitcher that is a sure way to end a losing streak.

The Chicago Cubs have dropped a lot of games as of late, but every Cubs fan, and I'd be willing to assume that the Cincinnatti Reds as well, knew going into May 6th's game that Big Z would get the win and end the slide.

Big Z went eight innings, gave up no runs, had 3 Ks, and was his usual firey self, which ignites the rest of the team to fuel off his energy. He only had one inning in which he got himself into a bit of trouble, but other than that, it was game over from the minute he stepped on the mound.

Since Dusty Baker no longer manages the Cubs, Big Z was pulled for the ninth inning, to prevent throwing his arm to the plate with the ball. Look at Dusty's resume: Prior, Wood, Schmidt, etc...He has over-used and ruined these three players' careers, but that is a different story.

Big Z is the man. I am glad to have him as a Cub for the next few years, even gladder that Jim Hendry made it happen. I hope Cubs management will fix a few other areas of need, such as one more starter and one more good hitter that will hit for a high average and steal bases.

If we do that, with Big Z as the pitcher in game one of each postseason series, I still believe this team has a great chance to make a deep run in October.

Here are a few players I'd like to see the Cubs pursue by the time the trading deadline ends. I only listed the players we have a realistic chance at landing.

1. Brian Roberts, 2B Orioles—He would solve so many needs. Hits for average, high on-base percentage, steals bases, and would be WAY better at leadoff than "Swing and Miss" Alfonso Soriano.

2. Carlos Quentin, OF White Sox—He has been amazing while filling in for the injured CF for the Sox (I think Brian Anderson). Hits for good power, good fielder, and clutch with the RBI.

3. Justin Duchscherer, SP Athletic's—Would be a great arm for the Cubs making a playoff run. 3-1 right now with a 2.45 ERA.

4. Andy Sonnenstine, SP Ray's—5-1 right now with a bad ERA. Don't let this scare you though. He's young and will get FAR better. Actually, give me any of the Ray's young pitchers. Matt Garza would be another on my wish list.

5. Scott Olsen, SP Marlins—They like to bail talent and this guy is money. I'll take him gladly.

I'm curious to see what names you all throw out that the Cubs could make a run for. Speak up!

Go Cubs!

Cedric Benson Busted for Boating While Intoxicated: Who Cares?!?

Bleacher Report — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:29:04 -0400

By now everyone has heard about Cedric Benson getting busted in Texas this last weekend for driving a boat under the influence. My question is: Who hasn't driven a marine vehicle while drinking?

At least where I'm from, granted we don't have many large lakes in Nebraska, everyone drinks on the shore, grills, plays drinking games, and then climbs into a boat for an hour of cruising and then repeats the cycle. The driver of the boat is always the soberest one of course, but he has been drinking. So, I don't feel any animosity or anger toward Cedric for enjoying a nice hot summer day.

By they way, if you haven't been to the lake outside of Austin, TX (I believe its Lake Travis), take a week off of work and go now. Imagine all those hotties you see on television in the crowd for the University of Texas football, basketball, or baseball games. Now imagine them in skimpy swim suits. And now imagine them intoxicated and becoming extremely flirty. Now throw in the millions of dollars that Cedric has and his amazing boat. Cedric, YOU DA MAN! Drink up and have a good time!

As long as drinking on a lake is done responsibly, I can't blame Cedric for having a beer or five and hopping on a boat. Everyone does it. I guarantee the only reason his boat got busted was because of the number of people on it. Every other drunk frat boy with daddy's boat was drinking too.

So, before passing any judgement on this matter, ask yourself what you do on summer weekends at the lake. Do you sit around and sip iced tea before hopping on a boat, or do you and your golf buddies have a few beers and hop on the boat for a bit? That's what I thought.

Chicago Cubs + May = First Place in NL Central?

Bleacher Report — Sun, 04 May 2008 07:41:46 -0400

Finally, my favorite month of the year: MAY.

Weather starts to turn to the bright side, ivy starts to turn green, no humidity, just a calm breeze off Lake Michigan, girls start to look better in the bleachers, and Cubs baseball is starting to heat up.

So I have to ask: How will the standings and roster look at the end of the month?

It's pretty obvious that this division will come down to the Brew Crew, Cards, and the lovable losers. So, who steps up and makes the push to put some distance between themselves and the rivals?

My prediction: A close race still at the end of May.

Here is how I envision May going:

Brewers

Prince Fielder will finally heat up, Ryan Braun will continue hitting well, and the Brewers will emerge as one of the top five offenses in baseball.

Their pitching, other than Ben Sheets when healthy, is bad. So I predict they'll fall about six games back of the second place Cardinals by the end of May. Ben Sheets will be hitting the DL here in the next four weeks.

Cardinals

Pujols will get hot and have about 18 home runs by the end of May. Their other hot hitters will cool off and their offense will resort to small ball. That makes Tony LaRussa one of the top 5 coaches in all of pro sports.

Their pitching will remain steady, as Adam Wainwright is a solid pitcher and "Izzy" is a decent closer. I can see Looper and the other three starters cooling off though.

At the end of May, it will be fairly close still with the Cubs three games ahead of the Cards. I hope the Cubs are further ahead of the Cards, because once Carpenter comes back that will only make the Cards that much better.

Cubs

This offense is ridiculous. If they can stay healthy, the Cubs should finish May and the year with the best offense in baseball. Top to bottom, they have hitters that could hit cleanup for most teams in baseball.

Soriano will struggle, and he will hurt the Cubs with poor defense and a terrible leadoff situation. After him though, if the Cubs can get used to starting the game with one out every game, the lineup is crazy.

Theriot, D.Lee, Aramis (if his wrist is better after getting smoked against the Cards with an upper 80MPH fastball), Fukudome, D-Row, Geo, and then Pie to round it off. Crazy lineup.

I foresee DLee keeping his pace up and hitting over .340 at the end of May with about 15 home runs. He is my MVP pick if Chase Utley cools off.

The Cubs pitching is the only question. The bullpen is great and will only get better if Marmol becomes the closer.

The starters are another story. Zambrano is great and could win the Cy Young if Brandon Webb cools off in Arizona (I don't see that happening though).

After him, there is no definite scary No. 2 starter. Lilly, Marquis, and Hill (if he isn't in AAA soon) aren't very good. They are solid No. 4 and 5 starters but not a No. 2.

Look for one of the Cubs AAA prospects or bullpen pitchers to step into the rotation. My pick: Sean Marshal. He is more than ready to be a solid pitcher. After all, with this offense we only need six innings and a 4.00 ERA to win.

So, at the end of May, it will be the Cubs followed closely by the Cards and the Brew Crew. Cubs fans will be pumped at the prospects of winning a World Series.

This is great, because I believe it will force Jim Hendry's hand into making an impact trade in late May or early June. I see Pie getting traded for a solid pitcher, and don't rule out the Brian Roberts trade talk.

Go Cubs!

Alfonso Soriano: How Much Money Did the Cubs Waste?!?

Bleacher Report — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:44:05 -0400

Alfonso Soriano does it again! By doing it again I mean the usual. You know, strike out with men on base, lazy fly balls, and jog to a ball on the warning track that is a sure out only to see it fly over his head and bounce into the St Louis crowd.

How many chances will he get? He is hands down the worst piece of the Cubs roster right now. Maybe its pressure, maybe its injuries, or maybe its just another bad move by Cubs general management. He was over the age of 30 when he became a Cub. This is usually a good sign that the player is nearing or has passed the peak of his career.

This article will be short and sweet. Alfonso Soriano sucks and does not belong in left field. And if he does belong in left field, he certainly doesn't belong in the leadoff spot.

I'm curious as to what the rest of Cubs nation thinks. My opinion: Soriano hits in the 6 spot after spending at least 3 weeks in AAA to prove a point that you have to TRY to play in order to be a Chicago Cub.

National League Superstars Unite! Best Team Ever Assembled (in 2008)

Bleacher Report — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:08:35 -0400

I stumbled onto this website by accident, and it's great. Gives me something to do in the off time when the Cubs are not on television. And time is something I have a lot of right now beings I am currently looking for a job as of Tuesday.

So, being a huge baseball fan, I figured I'd throw out the "round of the mill" best players at each position list for the National League. I won't include the American League because I truthfully don't care much for that side. This is an opinion list of course, and being a HUGE Cubs fan, I'm a little biased. I formed the team with players that I would want on my team if I were building a World Series Roster. More than offense goes into this list, so keep that in mind. Without further ado, here is the list:

Catcher: Geovany Soto: The guy can hit for average and power. It was a toss between him and Russel Martin of the Dodgers.

1B: Derrek Lee: Another Cub, but another offensive beast. You could sub Pujols in here, but again, Cubs bias and I think DLee is better at defense.

2B: Chase Utley: You HAVE to take him here. Nobody else even compares.

3B: David Wright: again, you HAVE to take this guy. He'll hit .330 this year with 40 HR and 25+ SB's! And he's an amazing defensive 3B.

SS: Hanley Ramirez: Find another shortstop (ARod doesn't count) that will hit 40 HR this year with over a .300 average? Oh, and he's pretty good on the base paths too.

OF: Matt Holliday, Eric Byrnes, Justin Upton- Alright, before you grill me on the Byrnes and Upton picks, read this: You need role players. Byrnes is a great locker room guy, and not to mention is balls-to-the-wall in the Outfield. Great fielder and a good offensive guy too. He's a near .300 hitter with 25HR and 50SB potential. That's hard to come by in the NL. And Justin Upton, he's young but watch him grow. He's hitting over .360 right now with 5 HR, 5 doubles and 1 triple. And he's only going to get better. Holliday speaks for himself. He's so good that he can even score runs when he's clearly out (vs Padres in the one game playoff last year)!

Starting Pitchers: Carlos Zambrano, Johann Santanna, Cole Hamels, Jake Peavy, Danny Haren- These are my 5 favorite starters. All 5 are lights out most of the time.

RP: Brad Lidge- He's back... Remember pre-Pujols Lidge? Ya, he's back. A second closer is Carlos Marmol. I know he isn't the closer for Chicago, but he should be. And when he is, he'll be the best closer, behind maybe Pappelbon, in baseball.

There's the list. Feel free to butcher the picks and yell how your favorite player should be on here. I like reading that stuff and until someone returns a call about my resume, I've got all the time in the world.

Go Cubs!