Sweet Swinging Billy

Disgruntled Cubs fan wrote: "Don't make excuses for Baker. Excuses are like A-Holes, everyone's got one....and they all stink". --Man, where have I heard that crude saying before? I must admit that I probably let my emotions get the best of me because Dusty Baker is such a decent human being. Ooh, that felt good to get off of my chest! Maybe at a later date, I'll post the contents of my last phone conversation with Baker before he left Chicago. I really don't think I'm making excuses for Dusty, the only thing I think I said was, for two years in a row Baker was stuck with often injured Wood and Prior-- which is a fact. I appreciate y'alls feedback.

I have to voice my displeasure in Hendry letting Baker go from the team. Yes, I too disagreed with a lot of the moves that Dusty made but when you have a GM who doesn’t supply you with the players you need to win, that what chance do you have to succeed? How can a GM for two years in a row pin all of his hopes on his two often-injured pitchers (Wood and Prior), like Jimbo/Fatso did? Please! Dusty Baker was made the scapegoat for all of the Cubs’ troubles. I think Baker is better off, getting out of Chicago. The Cubs don't deserve him. Dusty will be all right, he’ll land on his feet somewhere. I do agree with those of you that say that it is important that we separate Dusty Baker –the man from Dusty Baker – the manager. This is true and as I have said, I wasn’t happy with some of the managerial moves that my man Dusty, made. I know many you didn’t like Baker, and that’s fine but what I had a problem with, was how some of the posters on this board, got personal and ugly with regards to their feelings of Baker –some people even joked about doing some sort of violence to Dusty, just because they were upset with some move that he had. C’mon as much as I love the Cubs and baseball, it is after all, just a game. You’ll have to excuse me, but I can’t understand how some of our Cub fans, can get so ugly and rude with the players and the manager of the team. Some players even received death threats, are you kidding me? Whether it was LaTroy Hawkins or someone else, the behavior of some fans was and is, still inexcusable. I understand that Juan Pierre is practically out the door because of some of the things that occurred this summer. Hendry better get off the couch and do something to retain Pierre and Ramirez right now. If this type of behavior continues, it won’t matter who Jimmy brings in, whether it’s Torre, Girardi or someone else, nobody is going to want to put up with the fans at Wrigley.

Keener98 wrote: "Tell me why you would want Joe Torre managing this team? The guy has had an all star team for the past 6 years and has won 1 WS. He was an average to below average manager before the Yankees, just ask St Louis fans how they feel about him. Plain and simple Joe Torre is not a very good manager, and would be a terrible choice for the Cubs. Please retire Joe". For one thing Keener, he would be a big draw, not only with possible free agents wanting to come here to play (I think he has the respect of many ballplayers), but marketablity wise, he would be a big draw at the ticket office, among other things. And as been said earlier, I don't think it's fair to singleout Torre for all of the Yankees' troubles. Heck, he might even manage better on the Northside, without all that pressure he was under in NY with Steinbrenner.

If what the NY papers are saying is true, then I say Hendry needs to move quickly and hire Joe Torre. I also like Torre's coaching staff as well.

Besides the big three that have already been mentioned for the Cubs job, I was wondering if there would be any interest in Ron Washington, as manager of the Cubs? What is he, a bench coach for the A's? I think it was Joe Buck on Fox, that thought he would be ideal for the Rangers job. Your thoughts on the matter? My preference: 1) Girardi 2) Brenly 3) Piniella

Heard on Baseball Tonight the other day that the Astros are trying hard to obtain him (Tim Kurkjan thinks it's a possibility), in that case some team needs to block that deal--like the cubs for instance. Carlos Lee and Soriano would sure look good on the corners next year!

Tejada? Any thoughts on this?

The other day when Len Kasper was interviewing Greg Maddux on the "Lead Off Man"/WGN, Len asked how would Mad Dog feel if he were traded by the Cubs...and one of the things Maddux said was that with free agency and everything, that he would seriously consider coming back to the Cubs. I certainly wouldn't want to overpay him but I really hope "Ole Jimbo" goes after him hard. I would sign him for middle relief and spot starting. I see on the Cubs schedule that it's not until Sept. 12-14th, that the Dodgers will be in town. I hope and pray that everytime that Mad Dog's and Nomar's names are announced that both players receive a standing ovation! Although I don't know where we would play him, Nomar is another player I wish the Cubs still had.

...And yes to my suprise he was acually in the office (and working). I just wanted to give him some suggestions with regards to the trade deadline, I ended up holding back some of my comments because his secretary said he was busy. It was approximately 2:00pm (CST) when I called, so I would imagine he was really working the phones. His secretary said that all the Cub scouts were there with him, in his office.

halplm wrote: "it amazes me how people can buy into things so quickly. If anything, this team got pumped up to be playing the Cardinals. It had nothing to do with anything Hendry said. I'm sure he believes it did, and I'm sure Dusty does too..." ---Oh without a question, not knowing whether your manager or you yourself might not last out the season, can have a tremendous effect on a ball player. I'm not saying that this is the reason for the winning streak but "a lack of stress" can certainly go a long way in helping someone to play better. History proves this to be so.

After sweeping the Cardinals, the Cubs have now won 4, or is it 5 in a row? For the most part the Cubs have been playing good sound baseball. Could the reason they are doing so well, have anything to Hendry's vote of confidence in Dusty? Maybe if Jimmy had woken up from his nap earlier, the Cubs would have had a better June and July, who knows? Many of you will shoot down this notion but it is possible. I think it's fair to say that with Jimbo's decision, the players are probably more relaxed now because for the most part I know, they enjoy playing for Baker.

TheMojoPin wrote: "Typing in all caps is so obnoxious, it makes me want to punch people in the face". --Three letters in caps makes you suddenly violent? Do yourself and society in general a favor, get some professional help.

Despite being a huge fan of Aramis Ramirez, do y'all think the Indians would be interested in trading Andy Marte and mabe another quality prospect for ARam, if the Cubs threw in some cash to offset Aramis' contract? Your thoughts? David Wright would be awesome but there's no way the Mets would go for that.

Oh that felt so good! I get so tired of Hawk Harrelson and his little trade mark saying("Yes"!). I can't stand to listen to him, he makes me violently ill. I can't stand for the most the Chicago media because they are so negitive --always ripping on the Cubs. They never have anything positive to say about the Northsiders. And I'm really beginning to dislike Comcast Sports Chicago, especially Gail Fisher and Kerry Sayers and their little snide remarks about the Cubs...Okay, I feel better.

"I used to be a big fan of Hendry's and somewhat anti-Baker, but I've come to believe that Hendry is a lot more at fault for what's happened recently than Baker is. The club was fundamentally flawed when the season started and in retrospect, what has happened could probably have been predicted". ---I couldn't agree with you more. How can Hendry expect Baker to win when he doesn't supply him the players. Besides those players you already mentioned, I would definitely hang on to Marmol, Pierre...and possibly Prior. I'm still not convinced that Dempster should close for us --maybe the Cubs should trade him too.

What better way could the White Sox improve their bullpen than to acquire Scott Eyre and Bob Howry in one single trade? I would hate to lose our two most dependable relievers but for these two guys I wouldn't hesitate to make this trade. Imagine a 2007 rotation that might look like this: Zambrano Vasquez Zito or Marshall Prior or Marmol Garcia ** It would be great to be able to sign Zito but if not, we always have Marshall. I would also try to sign Maddux at a reduced rate and use him as a middle reliever and spot starter. I know I'm crazy but it's fun to dream.

Zorbist and Talbot sound like two excellent prospects. So, Y'all think the Astros gave up two much? I think I'm starting to feel better already. What would you guys say would have been the equivilent of prospects, the Cubs would have to give up to acquire Huff? Would they have wanted Pie?

Again thanks for your prayers. Thanks be to God, I did catch the cancer early so I know I'm going to get through this. Hey just a warning to you guys, I'm 48 yrs. old and I considered myself in to be in pretty good health, when I found out I had cancer. And I heard just the other day of someone being diagnosed with cancer--this guy was also 48 yrs old. It used to be when you were 50, you should get checked out...so all I'm saying guys, is that you might want to check with your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy. With regards to Dusty, I know guys I agree with you that it is important to seperate a person's character (i.e. being a great guy) from his ability to perform/communicate. Did I also tell you that Baker signed two baseballs for me last September when the Cubs were in town? Anyway, I guess it's because he's such a great human being, I just wish things were different and the Cubs were playing up to their potential-- but they're not. I must say though, I don't understand how Hendry can fire Dusty when he himself hasn't been doing his job. And now the Astros have acquired Huff...where were you Jimmy??

Thanks guys, I appreciate your comments and support/prayers. God bless.

Hey Everybody; it's been a few months since I last posted or even visited the site for that matter. The reason I haven't is that in April, I was diagnosed with Colon cancer. it's been rough at times but I know God will heal me and I'll be all right. Please keep me in your prayers. Anyway, I wanted to share something that Dusty did, that I'll remember the rest of my life. I can't tell you how but I got word to Dusty when the Cubs were in Houston, that I was suffering from colon cancer. Anyway to my suprise, he called me and told me to hang in there. He reminded me that he himself is a survivor of prostrate cancer. What a class act! To think he took the time to call me, it blows me away! Even before this, I was a big fan of Baker. I don't blame Dusty for the Cubs' season, instead I blame Hendry and the players. Dusty Baker should do himself and his family a favor and resign as Cubs manager-- the North Siders don't deserve him!

the Cubs responded this year to the D-Lee injury, in the same manner that last year's team responded to Prior going down? How many games was it that the Cubs won in a row? 12,13?

...all good points.

Like everyone else, I'm a big fan of Todd Walker but if Bowden was willing to take him straight up for Soriano straight up...I think I would do it. Todd might be a little better defensively but Soriano has more power.

Brooks Kieschnick...he sure brings back a lot of fond memories. I lived in Corpus Christi when he was a star player for Carroll High School, and later for UT. He was such a stud! I was so excited when the Cubs drafted him. I remember I wrote "Vineline" and told them he was a can't miss prospect. Wow, I was wrong on that one.

Sorry if this has been suggested before but the more I think about it...late Fall (after the WS) would have been a better time to play the WBC, than in the Spring. What y'all think? ---#26 Sweet Swinging Billy Williams (formerly ITex)