JC

So true.

Admittedly, I haven't read this whole thread. However, I cannot see why you would want to expand the league? The talent seems pretty watered down to me. Further, internationalizing the sport to the degree of placing teams in Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc., doesn't feel right.

No kidding. This is really an embarrassment. Three different losing streaks of 6 games or more? Four games under .500 on 8/9? Hendry is lucky if his own neck isn't on the block. I would like to see some urgency in repairing this mess. Start by shutting Wood down and getting him to surgery. At this point, its not pessimism to admit that the Cubs aren't going to the playoffs--its realism. Espousing faith that they can turn it around at this point just closing your eyes to the product in the dugout. For the good of the organization, Hendry has to start focusing on 2006. That means, assessing your young players at the ML level and giving them the experience that will help them come spring training. Lets not relive the sins of Bruce Kimm and the McGriff/Choi debacle. Lets not package young guys in offseason trades because we weren't sure about their value at the ML level. Admit this team's failings and do something productive with it, even if that means (gasp!) getting rid deadweight like Hollandsworth, Macias, et al.

I received my brown belt in Hap-Ki-Do about 10-11 years ago when I was in college, but haven't kept it up. It was a pretty cool discipline.

The papers are saying that he is headed to Arizona because he has a home there.

Juan Cruz at AAA Sacramento: :P

It wasn't his only mistake. Try standing behind him for so long to justify his hiring. That is a big mistake. There have been others as well, even if the good outweight the bad. Foolish loyalty gets people fired sometimes. Dick Jauron got fired for not getting rid of an inept offensive coordinator. It would not shock me to see Hendry go down with the ship in this case. Jim "Playoffs?" Mora got fired from the Colts because he wouldn't get rid of his defensive coordinator.

The Cubs are now closer to Cincy (5 games ahead) than they are to the Wild Card lead (6 games behind). Send Woody to surgery.

What does Mark Prior picking his nose have to do with anything? Or Jon Lieber digging a sunflower seed shell out of his teeth with his tongue?

Very cool.

What, no polo or badminton stories of your own to share? Ok, big shot. After being an All Conference keeper in middle school, I attended a high school with an established keeper. So, wanting to play immediately, I switched to center midfielder and was pretty good. Anyway, the first game of the playoffs in my senior year, I raced for a loose ball. Their sweeper, a Norwegian exchange student who I battled in an epic 5 set tennis match earlier that year, was going for it also. We struck the ball at nearly the identical moment. However, a bone on the top of my foot fractured and I went down. The referee, with no medical training, grabbed my foot while I was on the ground. He bent it toward me, asking if it hurt, and I exclaimed, "F#%$ yeah, it hurts!" He then gives me a yellow card! Regardless, we won that game and I attended the next game in a cast. The guy replacing me moved up from left fullback. The guy replacing him was a freshman. The freshman tried to clear an in-coming ball about 10 yards out from the goal by one timing it. The ball went of the outside off his foot and spun into the goal. We lost 1-0. Mostly because I broke my foot in the last competitive soccer game I ever played. (While I play some indoor now, its not nearly the same.) Now, one time in badminton, I had this shuttlecock... EDIT: The captain won't let me spell correctly.

Interim managers are dangerous because you run the risk of being trapped with them for the following season. Unless you know of a candidate that will provide a strong run to the post season NOW, I don't know that there is a lot to gain with the move. However, under the circumstances, I wouldn't let that concern stop me from getting rid of Dusty immediately. But, I wouldn't place a serious candidate in the job now. Perhaps you ride the wave and bring in Sandberg in the hopes of bringing a more professional attitude to the team. I admit, I wouldn't want Ryno as a long term solution, but an interim job might be perfect--it allows him to get his feet wet while capitalizing on his HOF run. However, any such move would have to lead with Ryno stating in his press conference that this is only temporary and doesn't intend on staying around (for now). But, it was hard to sit through a half season of Bruce Kimm. The Cubs aren't the 2004 Astros or the 2003 Marlins. We know what this team has. As much as it pains me to say, there is no evidence that this club will make the playoffs this year. If there is no legit shot at the brass ring, hold on to Dusty and make an informed, thought out decision in the offseason.

Ouchies? :binkybaby:

Yeah, here is a thought. Keeping your "criticism muted" is wimp talk for not admitting you didn't have the sack to voice your concerns when things were going well. Your assent to moderator is an abomination. Hilarious. Is this blowback from the Goony comparison? :D BTW, JC, you owe me $4 for dry cleaning. When I read this I spit up diet coke on my shirt. :P I have no idea what you are talking about...or something... Check the other thread, where you called Raw an angrier JC. High comedy. I'm going to go buy wine and drink at my desk. Anyone else want anything while 'm out? You are adept at picking up on a complex, muti-thread, carryover insult, but you completely miss fairly obvious sarcasm? None for me, thanks. I just got back from a "working" lunch with Cpt. Morgan.

Yeah, here is a thought. Keeping your "criticism muted" is wimp talk for not admitting you didn't have the sack to voice your concerns when things were going well. Your assent to moderator is an abomination. Hilarious. Is this blowback from the Goony comparison? :D BTW, JC, you owe me $4 for dry cleaning. When I read this I spit up diet coke on my shirt. :P I have no idea what you are talking about...or something...

As is your attempt at the word ascent. Agreed.

Yeah, here is a thought. Keeping your "criticism muted" is wimp talk for not admitting you didn't have the sack to voice your concerns when things were going well. Your assent to moderator is an abomination.

Thanks, Tim. I don't know anything about their farm system.

You're right - it's time for me to get off that topic now. It's water under the bridge. It just upsets me that the Cubs had a chance to get this guy twice - after the 2002 season, and again after the 2004 season, and both times couldn't (or wouldn't) close the deal. I don't know how much of a shot this had of happening, but the only non-move that I keep wishing would have happened is signing Tejada a couple years ago. Alex Gonzalez's presence shouldn't have been a determining factor in getting one of the game's best SS. Of course, no Tejada may have meant no Derrek Lee/Choi trade. You're like an angrier JC.

LOL, I remember that. Quite funny, actually. One of the best overreactions ever. The best part is, Neifi is about as tall as me. It was more a shot at Neifi being a Baker pet (who else gets asked to a sleepover with the manager's kid?) than his size. Non-premium

I hate every single one of you. Stop giving me hope.

With Macias playing center yesterday, it wouldn't surprise me if he, Holla and Burnitz split time there. Perhaps they don't send out Ronny like they had originally planned, with Neifi being available to backup 3B. Or, bring up McClain as 3B depth and send down Ronny. More than likely, however, I'd guess Murray is brought up.

They figure he'd be good at that role since he wouldn't have to squat to get into position. Be careful, Wastra. There was a spectacular amount of protest when I suggested that Neifi could fit into Darren Baker's pajamas.

What big spenders will be looking for SS help this year? Not: Yankees Mets Red Sox Orioles Toronto Angels Houston Rangers Detroit Phillies Dodgers Giants White Sox Cards Cheapskates not looking: Royals Reds Pirates DRays Padres Rockies Brewers A's That leaves: Seattle Braves Cubs Nats (Guzman ?) Indians Marlins Twins D'Backs I think Seattle might try to grab Nomar and I doubt the D'Backs will want to commit to a SS when they just draft two pretty highly. The Twins and Indians wouldn't go after Furcal. So, I'd guess the market would be between the Cubs and Marlins (isn't AGon a FA?) at best.

That is stunning to me. I mean, excerpts of the speech have been played over and over in the media, not to mention the fact that his employer has been pimping it for some time now. Morgan's hatred of Sandberg is utterly transparent. It is among the most embarrassing grudges in professional sports. Everyone recognizes Morgan's actions as slights. Its gone beyond absurd. Morgan's comments further demonstrate why he is an ineffective analyst. He virtually admits that he cowtows to today's player, rather than providing fair and honest commentary. Its no wonder that Johnny Bench is my favorite player of all time, as he and Morgan are pretty much diametrically opposed on everything.