98navigator

Just win the series...

I don't think it's stupid and as it has turned out the grandkids aren't getting as much as they might have otherwise... In hindsight, it really was no loss on his part because the Cubs didn't win the WS in '07-09 but they were generally a hell of a lot closer than the Royals. Also, my point wasn't that I expected the Cubs to match the Royals offer I just don't understand taking more money to play for a team without a realistic shot at the playoffs (and by extension the World Series). It makes me believe that he was more comfortable pitching in obscurity; in which case I'm glad he signed with them because the pressure to perform in Chicago would have been immense.

FWIW, I think the Cubs wanted both Meche and Lilly. I completely lost respect for the guy when he picked the Royals over the Cubs (especially when that team was built to win).

I don't know if North's racist but I could only stomach him when he stuck to sports. That one year when he constantly talked politics and tried to tell everyone who to vote for was a huge turn off; I only started listening again when The Score made him stick strictly to sports. Anyway, North has been off the air for a couple of years now. The only thing he and Jackson ever really talked about was sports. I thought it was odd too but whatever...

Whatever your thoughts are about Jesse Jackson politically, or otherwise, he's a big Cubs fan. FYI, he was an outspoken advocate for Banks getting a statue. Mike North first talked about getting it done and he brought Jackson (a frequent guest of the show) on air to help get the ball moving. From my understanding, Jesse Jackson helped procure some of the funding for the statue. I think he was in the front row because he's local clergy and probably a friend of Ron's

I recorded the funeral while at work so I could watch it last night. It was a fitting send-off. Apparently, Ron and Bud Selig have been close friends for years which is why he spoke. It was good to see that Ryno made the trip even though he's separated himself from the team. It was great to see Kerry Wood in attendance as well (Gary Mathews Sr. was spotted in the audience and even Ted Lilly flew into town as did Sean Marshall, Dempster, Gorzo, Koyie (who were all reportedly training in Mesa) and a few other current and recent Cubs). Of course, Hendry, Quade, and Len & Bob were there in addition to the Santo family. I think the entire infield from the '69 team was present too. Even Tribune executives came out of the tower to pay their respects... Oh yeah, Tom Ricketts spoke because he's the managing face of the team. The ceremony was as much about the Cubs as it was about Ron and the connection between the two. Coincidentally, the head Priest at Holy Name Cathedral is a type I insulin-dependent diabetic and long time Cubs fan. There was also a huge "Cubs" flower arraignment on the stage. John McDonough, who hired Ron for the booth way back when, also eulogized him. Finally, Pat Hughes did an outstanding job sharing both on and off-air moments. I was crying like a baby. Ron endured a lot. In addition to his battle with diabetes, becoming a double amputee and fighting bladder cancer, I learned on the telecast that both of his parents were killed in an auto accident while driving down to see him play in spring training. I guess for a while the Cubs were his only family... Through all that adversity he lived a very full life.

Very sad news. I as shocked to see the headline... The radio broadcasts will never be the same.

I've watched every game this season. It has been disappointing overall, but the last few weeks have been very fun (strictly from an entertainment standpoint). Hopefully, next year they play well with something on the line.

Looks like Hawksworth was nailed in the mouth with that comebacker...

I believe DeWitt was on first base and Starlin was unaware of the game situation: He was running down the first baseline, the reports I've read that he wasn't running aren't true, but He didn't know how many outs there were in the inning and or he thought he had been called out at first base (even though he was safe). He was tagged out as he left the base on the way back to the dugout. Moments before that play, Quade had come out to argue DeWitt being called out at second base on the play so I think that seeing Quade come out confused Castro and he thought he'd grounded into a DP. He should have at least looked at the first base coach or the umpire to make sure he was out... The bench and DeJesus were screaming at him to get back on the base but he was tagged before he could get back. Anyway, I don't think the benching had anything to do with his missed swipe tag at second base. I've continued to watch every game. Yesterday, or the day before, I noticed the camera panned over to the end of the bench and he was laughing and talking to Aramis and not paying attention to the game. Usually that kind of stuff means nothing to me; I don't begrudge people chatting it up on the bench but when you're caught not knowing the game situation there's a problem. It was no coincidence that Quade also said he wanted Starlin to sit up front near the coaches and watch the game. The truth is these games mean very little to a vet like Aramis but Starlin is still learning and should be paying attention to the game. However, I was surprised he gave him 2 games off. One game is enough.

Ok, that montage of women was ridiculously hilarious. LOL, I love how they shot them as they were stroking their hair, rubbing on suntan lotion, and then gave a hint of girl on girl action at the end.

Baker was in the original lineup at 3B but he was scratched with a sore achilles. I don't know what's up with Aramis (unless this was a scheduled off day for him).

I really hope not, but I wondered the same thing during yesterday's broadcast. When Len mentioned that Trammel won't be a candidate, he started talking about how poorly they played while he was managing during Lou's absence. He was doing it trying to defend Trammel, but I couldn't help but wonder if he heard from Hendry or someone else that it was a factor. I think that was just Len's way of defending Trammell independent of anything he may or may not have heard. Len has said on more than one occasion that Trammell was his childhood idol.

Trammell's decision to stay on until the end of the season also suggests that he didn't feel slighted by Hendry. I don't think he really wants to manage again (and I guess I won't be convinced otherwise until I see him throw his name into a managerial opening)

Trammell's comments then, and now, are odd to me. He never said he wanted the job and seemed content to be the bench coach. Maybe he was doing it out of respect for Lou but IMO a leader would have made his feelings known...

I don't believe Hendry disrespected Trammell at all. Making Quade the interim manager, after Alan had replaced Lou two other occasions this year, begged an explanation; which is why I think Hendry came out and said Trammell was being excluded from consideration. I could be wrong, but my guess is that they will be focusing more on finding a manager with direct connection (past or present) with the team and the city. There's been a lot of local chatter about the manager needing to understand the Cubs' culture and the unique pressure that comes with leading a team/franchise that hasn't won in 102 years. Even though Lou played for, managed and GM'd the Yankees, many people think Lou (and Dusty before him) was ill prepared for the media, fans, pressure to win and general climate of "negativity" that follows the team (that's negativity/curse blah, blah, blah as expressed by both DLee and Lilly in their respective final interviews as Cubs). Anyway, if I'm right that leaves Joe, Quade, Ryne, and possibly Brenly (long shot) as the top candidates with the bench coach Trammell void of enough Cub-ness for consideration.

I didn't always agree with his decisions but I'm sad that this game/season is how he ends a very good career. In the end it's the right decision; he knew this was his last year so, with the team being so bad, he'd never forgive himself if his mom passed away and he wasn't there (I speak from experience).

Lou's postgame made me cry. I'll miss him.

Of all the utility players Hendry has acquired over the years, it looks like this is the one he should have kept. I don't second guess Hendry about Infante; he's having a career year and today is probably the best, if not one of his best, game(s) ever. His career line is .274/.318/.396/.714 with a 90 OPS+

Infante with 2 HRs and 4 RBI. [-(

That was much too interesting.

Man, these damn rookies are killing me and now Marmol can't throw strikes.

Starlin looking off balance in this game

Demp comes through! LOL

WTH? Another double by Hill. I'll take that too