Magnetic Curses

ok, so because a white player has been booed, that means the slurs shouted at black and latino players is the same thing? the booing of a white player is in no way shape or form proof that racism doesn't exist. And the fact that racists shout slurs at black and latino players doesn't mean all people yelling at them are motivated by racial reasons. The main reason anybody yells at an athlete is the irrational fanaticism they have about the team they support, and the responsibility they place on those athletes to deliver results. And racial epithets are ready-made labels conveniently called upon in the heat of the moment. There are no equivalents WRT Caucasians, IMO. This is in no way meant to excuse the use of slurs. And if it matters, I'm not white. anyone who throws a racial slur out "in the heat of the moment" for sure uses said slurs when not "in the heat of the moment". they're only convenient because they are a part of their vocabulary, which they shouldn't be. the temporary insanity defense doesn't work.

ok, so because a white player has been booed, that means the slurs shouted at black and latino players is the same thing? the booing of a white player is in no way shape or form proof that racism doesn't exist.

no pants?

For the most part, Lee didn't seem to have an issue. Or Marlon Byrd. Mark Prior, however, did. I think the scapegoats tend to originate from players that aren't open with the media, as the beat writers and columnists are often the ones who start these crusades. I totally agree. But there does seem to be a recent and growing anti-Latino bent. I think it's a pale reflection of the general mood of the country. For all the fun and games we have making fun of the anti-Latino thing, there are pretty obvious reasons why these guys are targets. I love Ramirez. I love what he's done with the Cubs. But he really doesn't look like much of a tryer, and it has nothing to do with skin color. Milton Bradley was an unproductive surly prick. People freak out about body language and how athletes look. Jay Cutler gets dumped on for his body language. Reed Johnson isn't very good, but somehow he keeps producing and he looks like he tries really hard, and people love that. Todd Hundley didn't produce worth a crap and he looked like he as constantly waking up in strange hallways, which was probably the case. And people hated him. Some people still insist Ryan Dempster sucks because of some blown saves. Nobody can stand John Grabow. On the fringes there are definitely racial overtones to many statements about certain players. But by and large the perception comes from the reality of how the player acts, and that is the case in every city in America. It's hardly a Chicago thing. no, it's not a chicago thing. south siders don't seem to have an issue with not shouting racial slurs at players of color.

the way minority players are treated on the north side is shameful. if you don't smile and tap dance, the crowds hate you.

if the cubs hire josh byrnes, they are going to have a major problem on their hands. there is your retread.

his only hope is to play well, if he doesn't, he's going to be seriously insane before he leaves town, i mean, more than he is now.

wow, olney really seems convinced we're going to get a huge name.

are you saying that the only job minor league instructors should be tasked with is teaching fundamentals?

ok, then we should focus on fundamentals then and get really good at them. in the low minor leagues with a bunch of teenagers? why the hell not? i've heard this before, cubs players don't learn fundamentals, yadda yadda yadda......cubs should hire ditka, etc. more power, please.

ok, then we should focus on fundamentals then and get really good at them.

Fleita is part of the middle ages thinking that's permeated this system over the past decade. This I assume is based on walks in the system? I can't really say I agree, particularly when the bat prospects in the system are a strength rather than a weakness. I'd say our scouting and farm system are also the organizations main strength right now. Theres no real need to weaken that. No only the approach at the plate, but I think the way they are teaching fundamentals could also use a boost. Maybe the newer prospects are doing ok in this department, but the old ones seems to be sorely lacking in this department IMO. You can not say this has been a fundamentally sound organization. shouldn't you already know the "fundamentals" when you're 12? seems like the cubs' problem is that they haven't produced any power-hitting prospects ever.

odds that we kneel on it?

HOW DOES NOBODY MENTION THE FACT THAT THAT GUY TACKLES HIM BEFORE THE BALL WAS EVEN OUT OF CUTLER'S HAND? [expletive] OFF

pass interference right in front of the ref

should have been a touchdown, what a pass

peppers has been held on literally every single play

that bear pascoe is a [expletive] hold machine

just a blatant hold right in front of the ref

i wouldn't have minded picking up weatherford.

textbook pass on thrid down by cutler, nice protection, too. nice job, roy

oh no, i'm the janitor, i'm supposed to be cleaning but i'm so tired, so sleepy.

I heard on one of the sports talk stations that if the line struggles tonight Tice and Martz will be considering looking outside the organization for help. Apparently, they were privately really frustrated with the performance despite the limited practice time and offseason reshuffling. a little late for lenny

meatballs, you mean. meatheads don't wish to be spoken to, they are non-contingent life forms. they look and grunt.

SLG: 2011: .495 Career: .536 OBP: 2011: .371 Career: .364 UZR has him as a very good fielder at second and inconsistent at third. I'll concede this one to you. He's got enough power and patience in a platoon role, however. All numbers are against lefties. he doesn't need a lot of patience if he hits .355 against lefties and he's used exclusively against them. he's a valuable bench player, i have no idea why someone would want to get rid of him.