Decisions

Sports scheduling conflicts.  I’ve dealt with this before, but tonight is the first time in quite a while.  I started following the Cubs purely to fill in from the end of the college basketball season to the beginning of college football. 

Well, college football kicked off tonight, with LSU v. Miss. St. on ESPN primetime.  I love college football.  But, the Cubs are finishing up their final series of the season against the Brewers, who led the NL Central most of the season.  Thus, the all-important question: “What to watch?”

As with any decision, I weighed the merits of each event.  I have been looking forward to college football for months, and I can watch almost any team.  But, I am now fully invested in the Cubs, having faithfully followed them since the beginning of April, and this game carries a bit of weight, since this series is currently tied.  LSU is one of my least favorite teams. I didn’t appreciate the meanness of the “Tiger bait” chants on Bourbon Street prior to the 2002 Sugar Bowl, and the tragedy of Katrina didn’t sway my firm dislike of the team Nick Saban built, though he has moved to ‘Bama.  Plus, I’ve had a soft spot for lefty Ted Lilly since I saw the ex-American League pitcher successfully steal. 

After careful consideration, I opted to go with Cubs/Brewers, with college football for commercials.  And, if it gets too ugly at Wrigley, I can focus a bit more on Sylvester Croom’s upset bid to start the season.  Now, if only all decisions could be resolved so easily…

Update:  Clearly I made a good decision — Cubs/Brewers was entertaining — if somewhat nerve-wracking.  The more observant among you may ask why the Bears/Browns preseason game didn’t make my list of options.  I realize that the NFL preseason is important, especially since the games mean so much at playoff time, whereas college non-conference game results count toward their bowl eligibility.    In fact, here are a few thoughts to add to TheWittyOne’s initial comments on the importance of the NFL preseason, in no particular order:

1. Fans in cities like Minneapolis, Buffalo and Green Bay can attend games in shorts
2. See if rookies can still do what they did in college (for example, Q: Can RB Brian Leonard still jump over tackles? A: Yes)
3. Creates other football news besides Vick
4. Something to watch in case High School Musical 2 isn’t on, and you forgot to TiVo it
5. Reminds us who teams drafted last spring – and provides a quick check that those drafted were signed (ie: JaMarcus Russell)
6. Opportunity for companies to slot last year’s Peyton Manning commercials – or to test this year’s new ones
7. Let beat football reporters get warmed up on the topics of the season (Rex’s future as the Bears QB; How to follow up last year’s New Orleans comeback theme; How Quinn will turn the Browns around even though he will be on the bench at first; etc.)

I Still Hate Dusty Baker

Leave it to the Chicago Tribune to ruin the afterglow of a crucial win by reminding me of how much I loathe Dusty Baker and his managerial philosophy (or is that “managerial” “philosophy”?).

In an article about how much Lou has mellowed since the famed hat-kicking incident, the question was raised if Dusty Baker, master of strategery that he is, could have gotten a club with this talent to a whopping 3 games over .500. I’ll grant that there’s some validity to that question. There’s no denying that, despite being in first place, the Cubs have underachieved this year.

However, in opining on the differences between Lou and Dusty, Aramis Ramirez (recall that Dusty’s failure to “jack up” Aramis was a particular source of consternation toward the end of his tenure) pointed out, “I didn’t see him [Dusty] like a manager, I just saw him like a friend. He’s a players’ manager. Lou is a little different. Lou is all about winning the games and playing good ball.”

Oh dear Lord. Give me strength. Were the expectations during the Baker era so warped that the new manager’s focus on “winning the games” and playing “good ball” is seen as remarkable? Isn’t winning the raison d’etre of a ballclub? Shouldn’t everyone–from the manager on down–be “all about” winning and playing good baseball?

 It sort of fits with a theory I first floated back in April of 2005:

No Cubs team in the Dusty Baker era has ever just plain old won. There’s always some sort of drama, some sort of politicing, some sort of theory to be peddled or player to be coddled. I honestly don’t think Dusty believes winning is priority #1. Dusty’s got a host of other priorities and things he wants to do (most of them aimed at safeguarding himself and his players, insuring that they stay safely insulated within the cocoon of their self-legislated status quo), and he sure as heck hopes that winning will be compatible with those things.

It’s Come to This

Tonight begins the biggest Cubs series in quite a while. The Brewers come to Wrigley to play three games. The nice thing about being 1.5 games up is that the Brewers will have to sweep in order to reclaim 1st place. Even taking 2-of-3 still leaves them a game down in the loss column.

However, as much as I don’t wish to seem fatalistic about this series (there is still over a month of baseball left, after all), I can honestly say I will be dissatisfied with anything less than a Cubs sweep. Think about it. The Brewers are in the middle of a nosedive of epic proportions. They’ve been godawful on the road all year long. We’ve got the top three in our rotation–Hill, Zambrano, Lilly–going. Though Zambrano and Lilly have had a few shaky starts lately, both have shown dominance over extended stretches this year.

And who do the Brewers counter with? First, Jeff Suppan. Nice guy, I’m sure. Hasn’t notched a win since June 22. The Brewers are 5-6 in his 11 starts since then, including 1-3 in August. His ERA is near 5. Next, Claudio Vargas. His ERA tops 5 on the road. His BAA tops .300 on the road. Finally, Yovani Gallardo. He’s 2-4 in his last 6 starts. His is ERA near 7 on the road, and his road BAA is also over .300.

Plus, we’re getting Soriano back.

A three-game sweep pushes the Brewers 4.5 games back, and probably behind the Cardinals, unless they collapse against the ‘Stros (more on that in a sec)–all of which adds up to a death knell on their season and, perhaps, a dogfight with the Reds over the last month to avoid slipping all the way to 4th place in the division.

So while we continue to wait for the bottom to finally fall out on the Cardinals, they might be catching tailspinning Houston at just the right time. Owner Drayton McLane just canned the GM and manager Phil Garner (insert obligatory “Houston, we have a problem” joke). Some teams respond to this sort of drama with renewed fire, with each individual player trying to justify to the new manager why he shouldn’t be next on the chopping block. Some give up and limp through the rest of the season. Me, I think Drayton McLane is off his nut.

But back to the Cardinals. The odd thing about the last several months of chasing the Brewers is this: I don’t actually hate the Brewers all THAT much. They, along with Pittsburgh, rank as the least hateable teams in the NL Central, probably because they’ve been so hapless lo these many years. However, the Cardinals are a different story. Let’s put it this way: if we lose this race to the Brewers, I’ll be really disappointed for a bit and then I’ll get over it. If we lose this race to a Cardinals team that is held together with duct tape, then the line for the edge of the cliff forms behind me.

Update: Well, so far so good. I did spend the first half of last night feeling bad for Rich Hill, so terminally underloved by the offense that he’s been reduced to driving in his own runs. Tonight should be rather interesting, what with the third-place Brewers playing rotation roulette and bringing Blister Sheets off the DL to pitch. No one ever said a pennant chase would be boring, kids.

There’s a New Comedian in Town…

At least I hope that’s the case.  Lou Piniella has a new bit in his dealings with the media and it’s called, “Who?”.

Case in point:  Piniella, in an interview after last night’s game blathered on about Sean Marshall’s pitching performance but seemed to run out of steam quickly.  It was enough to remember the basics of Sean’s night, Lou decided.  He just couldn’t be bothered to remember any details from the offense.  “I don’t remember how we scored those runs.  Well, whoever drove them in did a good job,” (paraphrased).  This is just one example of Lou’s “I’ve lost my mind” bit.  Just last week he upped the hilarity by calling Scott Eyre, Stevie Erye.  The media attempted to correct Lou to which he said, “Is it Iyre?”  No Lou, it’s Scott.  “Oh, well, Stevie Eyre played for me in Cincinnati.  Wait.  No he didn’t.  Just Kidding!”

Ha, ha, ha.  Lou is such the comedian.  I prefer to believe that over, he’s gone loco and believes he is managing the 1990 Cincinnati Reds.  Evidence to the contrary has Lou stating he is starting Abernathy at second, apparently another name from Lou’s history in Cincinnati.  Personally, my favorite story of Lou’s gift for having no idea of who anyone is has him congratulating the Cubs bullpen catcher after his 5-for-5 performance.  Apparently, Lou had mistaken him for Mike Fontenot.  Forget that it’s ridiculous that he doesn’t recognize his own players from the team staff, I’m guessing this bullpen catcher has a few pounds and inches on tiny 5′8″ Mike Fontenot.

Well, Lou.  Thanks for the laughs.  And here we thought you’d be dull once the team began performing and you no longer had an excuse to yell at the media.

We (Heart) Wrigley

I think I can speak for all of us when I say we love Wrigley Field.  I was reminded of that when I finally made it to a game during the last home stand.  Here are a few random reasons why:

• I’m a Cubs fan.  
• It’s hard to find a really bad seat.
• Fans care enough to cheer for every big play (including the replacement of divets made in a soft outfield after a diving catch).
• Random stats on the scoreboard, like Theriot’s batting average as the lead-off hitter since Soriano has been out.
• Heckling from the bleachers. 
• Baseball is better live. 
• The stretch, ivy, and the scoreboard.
• Summer breezes off the Lake.
• It’s all about the game.
• Ballpark food.
• And so much more…

Vick Pleads Out

So what happens after jail? Ron Wolf think he should get a second chance. Because “you’re supposed to get a second chance in this country.” Pfffft. Too much huffing cheese during the Green Bay years, Wolf.

First of all, need I point out the obvious–not everyone does get a second chance. Some people go to jail for life. Now, I’m not advocating that Vick go to jail for life for dogfighting. I’m just pointing out that there’s no inalienable right to second chances. We get life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Second chances, particularly when the first have been blown spectacularly, are not a guarantee.

But then, I also submit this to you: Vick will get a second chance. He will get a second chance to to return to society and prove himself a productive member. He will get a chance to relish his freedom again. He will get a chance to go back to most of the things that he enjoys. Professional football just might not be one of them.

See, we don’t get to dictate the exact terms of our second chances. “Second chance” doesn’t necessarily equal “automatic return to precisely same station and situation in life, with no ill effects.” A second chance can still be meaningful, even if he’s lost certain elements irretrievably.

If Vick was smart with his money, he’s probably set for life. Even if the Falcons try to recoup some of the signing bonus money, he had endorsement money coming out his posterior. If he’s so inclined, he’ll have his chance to restore his good name (good being a relative term with the water bottles and the middle fingers and such). He’ll be a free man again. If the worst that ever happens to Michael Vick as a result of these crimes is that he doesn’t get to take another snap in the NFL, then you won’t hear me crying for him.

Also, I realize this has escaped notice for many years, but HE’S NOT THAT GOOD OF A QUARTERBACK. Don’t cry for him, Argentina. Or Atlanta, for that matter. Five years from now, this could look like the best thing to happen to the Falcons, ever, so long as it forces them to get an actual quarterback. Being a good athlete with a freakish skill set is not the same as being an NFL QB.

Who’s In First?

At least in the weak NL Central, the answer depends on the day — and time of day.  The Cubs made it to the top on a 2-game winning streak that happened to coincide with a dismal Brewers 5-game losing streak.  I’m glad the Cubs finally decided to win a few while the Brewers spiral downward.  But the Cardinals current play will keep things interesting, especially this weekend as they play at Wrigley.

I’ve enjoyed the consecutive Cubbie victories, which have showcased red-hot hitting (5-for-5 from DeRosa, 20 total hits in a game — even Koyie Hill had a hit) and solid starting pitching.  Rich Hill still isn’t getting much run support, but he finally got a W.

Despite these encouraging signs of life from the Cubs, this division is up for grabs.  So although the quality of play might be “low to middling”, the pennant race will be entertaining.  I expect that any of these teams could be in first place on any given day.  I do hope the Cubs pull away over the final month of the season to own first. (But by then, football will be in full swing, so I may not care as much as I do right now — we’ll see.)

Here’s a Problem

In the last 20 games (4 starts each per SP), the Cubs staff has only come up with 7 quality starts–two each by Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis, and one each for the other three. There’s a recipe for ballooning ERAs and a spent bullpen.

On another note, Carlos Zambrano has signed a 5-year, $91.5 million extension. That’s $18.3 million per year, or the highest ever for a pitcher on a long-term deal (i.e., not counting the 86 gajillion dollars the Yankees are paying Roger Clemens and his old arm this year). Since Barry Zito is getting paid $18m to suck, and since it seems that the market for free agents is only going to keep going up, this could wind up being–gulp–a bargain? Though it will only be a bargain if “Big Z” starts pitching like an $18 million man. And hey, no time like the present to get started on that!

And on the other side of town, Kenny Williams once again looks like a giant genius for getting Buehrle for the $$ he did.

Lou Piniella, Candidate for Manager of the Year?

It may seem early to be talking about the Manager of the Year, but since I heard talk of it on the radio I thought I would take an objective look at the facts and make a case for, or against, Lou Piniella for Manager of the Year.

Okay, so its unlikely to be an objective look.  Its no secret I’ve disapproved of the Cubs choice of Piniella as manager from the beginning.  My candidate of choice was Joe Girardi, not the least of which because, in his first year as a manager, he sparked a bunch of kids, with a payroll of about 30 million, to over-achieve.  Can you imagine what might have happened during the 2006 season if our Cubbies, with a payroll pushing 100 million had overacheived?  Afterall, the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals won our division with a paltry 83 wins.  No, the Marlins may not have ended up on top, or even at .500, but their heart and will to win, even in light of an 11-31 start, was nothing short of inspiring.

Here are the facts:

April
Even with a payroll over the 100 million mark, the Cubs start the season a dismal 10-14 in April.  Lou Piniella goes from stuttering talk of World Series victories and “Cubbie Swagger” (Piniella’s game plan with the media appears to be: keep ‘em guessing) to outbursts directed at the media and comments about how the Cubs are even worse than his former team, the Devil Rays.  He adds that he is finally starting to see why this team loses (apparently having just heard about the curse of the goat).  Chicago is not impressed.

May
The Cubs go from bad to worse dropping to nine games under .500.  Piniella complains to Jim Hendry that he hasn’t gotten him the players he needs to win.  Apparently, Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Zambrano, and Lilly, with Theriot, De Rosa, and Marmol thrown in cheep are not good enough for Lou Piniella.  The bad vibe in the clubhouse is blamed on “nice guy” Michael Barrett.

June
Piniella has had it with Barrett and demands a trade.  The Cubs are desparate and the Padres are savy, so they take Barrett for Rob Bowen who does not last a month as a Cub.  Forget what Michael has been doing in San Diego.  He had the credentials to warrent a better trade had the Cubs cultivated some interest.  Also, Lou kicks some dirt.  Many speculate this is the turning point for the team (“Hey, Lou kicked dirt for us.  Maybe we should start trying”). 

July
The Cubs go on a tear winning 19 out of 25 times.  Piniella is credited for getting rid of Barrett, benching Jacque Jones, sending Matt Murton to triple-A and discovering Mike Fontinot.  The Cubs are looking like a team in the hunt.

 August
Given time to play, both Murton and Jones make an impact.  Somehow, Piniella is given credit for this as well (geez, I’m not the only one who is biased).  Mike Fontinot is hitting .211 over the last six weeks but no one has noticed.  Piniella is still getting credit for discovering “the second baseman of the future”.

September
Who knows?  The Cubs are currently two games over .500 and a half a game out of first as of August 16th.  They may pull it off yet.  Or they may tank.  The Cubs could win the division, and it will be up to the fans to decide if its because of Lou or inspite of him.  I know my vote.  Either way, I’d rather have Girardi.

Are You Ready…

For some football?  The line is definitely overused, but the answer is YES!  The Cubs have been disappointing the last couple weeks, and training camp buzz is getting more air time from the World-Wide Leader and sports talk shows.  I am really excited about football season.

I’ll start with the pros.  The Bears have competition at the #2 spot for QB, with Purdue’s Kyle Orton making massive improvements during the off-season to challenge Michigan’s Brian Griese for the right to back Rex.  Rookie recieve Greg Olson is getting rave reviews, and the defense appears to be on track. 

And in Atlanta, first-year head coach Bobby Petrino has the best chance of any recent coaches to be successful.  He won’t have to deal with a “star” QB who seems to thrive on sending coaches on to their next opportunity and not living up to his potential.   Vick has already lost any scrap of respect I might have had for him, and if the allegations against him are true, he will be out of Petrino’s hair for a while.

 Oh, and pre-season play has started in the pros.  As TheWittyOne pointed out, these games are essentially irrelevant (although TheSassyOne will claim that last year’s pre-season game against Arizona forshadowed the close call the Bears experience on Monday Night Football versus the Cardinals).

But let me be honest.  I am most excited about college football.  I love the passion of the fans and the atmosphere of the college game.  There may not be as much talent on the field as there is on Sundays, but there is plenty of heart. 

The Illini look to improve this year.  With a stellar recruiting class and a few years under Coach Ron Zook’s system, I expect a higher number in the win column.  The 2006 team was incredibly competitive (only Michigan and Florida played a tighter or better game against Ohio State), and with a bit more experience, 2007 should be at least a .500 season.  QB Juice Williams has a bit more experience, and spent the summer at the Mannings’ camp.  Freshman star Regis Benn will be fun to watch at receiver, and he will have the ball in his hands quite a bit.  He will make both freshman mistakes and jaw-dropping plays.  The defense includes senior linebacker J Leman, who led the Big Ten in tackles last season.  I am cautiously optimistic about our chances, and genuinely excited to watch this team play.  For more details on the football team, visit my favorite Illini blog, Illinitalk.

But the high-quality college football probably won’t be in Champaign.  I will be surprised if John David Booty & Company can maintain the #1 spot, but the Pac 10 conference does tend to be a bit softer than the SEC and Big 12.  I look for Wisconsin to maintain a spot in the top 5, and Michigan to be in the top 10 most of the season.  And despite the digs at the Big Ten, I found the ESPN overview of “What’s Hot, What’s Not” in college football helped me get excited about the entire college football season.

I am so ready for some football!