vance_the_cubs_fan

Ha ha. They actually do an ok job of covering the Saints and local sports. Anything else, not so much.

We'll know on Sunday.

This thread moved me to go sponsor Theriot's baseball-reference page.

The Rangers haven't been known to have a lot of pitching prospects.

Thanks!

I don't know. I'm not sure if they disqualify votes and what standards they hold those votes to. My suggestion is on the first vote, sign it with a first and last name. They may feel a vote like this is more legitimate. Obviously, after than we're just hoping the multiple votes count.

Game Notes

Keep them coming!

Thanks!

Echoing the sentiment that has been expressed by many, I think it is too soon. Have I liked what I've heard and seen thus far? Certainly. But it is far too early to see how this will all play out. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I still have to see how he handles things this season and beyond.

According to the Rocky Mountain News, Barmes has lost the starting shortstop job to Tulowitzski. He is being shopped and the interest from the Cubs and Rangers is mentioned. The report seems to indicate that the Rockies would like more for him than teams normally get for utility infielders so that Barmes could be sent to AAA instead.

Many thanks to those who are assisting the cause. And to those who have ethical concerns, let me answer those. First, while it may seem that we're violating the will of the people, I have to doubt whether that is the case. Monroe really doesn't have a true "home team" in regards to baseball. If this poll had been done in the nineties, I'm fairly certain the Braves would have won due to location and TBS. The Cubs would have been in second, the Rangers third, the Astros fourth, and any myriad of teams remaining. The Rangers are really the closest team to us and for awhile the paper did nothing but AP reports for baseball with maybe some attention paid to the Braves and Rangers. The editor and at least one of the four reporters I know are Astros fans. I think the first year they attempted this was a rationale for them to cover the Astros over the Rangers. At the time, the Astros had just signed Clemens and Pettitte and the Rangers were on a downslide. Their plan worked, and the Astros were chosen. Of course, keep in mind that the total votes cast was under 200, and Monroe is a town of 80,000 people. When adding surrounding areas, you can see it was a small number that chose the Astros. The Astros support has grown, and some of that is due to their success, but some may be because the paper has covered them more over the past couple of seasons. If they fall on hard times, I'm fairly certain the interest in them might shift to other teams. If the editors were concerned with the "integrity" of the contest, they would print ballots in the print edition and require voters to submit those. Or they would require address when voting. I don't think they care that much. On the other hand, I do wonder if the outcome is pre-determined. Since it doesn't take much to send an email or letter, I think it is worth my effort to see if I can have the Cubs win this.

I'm just glad people have quit calling him Wuertless.

Thank you very much. And from a Cardinal fan, no less! Thanks! Your effort is greatly appreciated.

My Kent bless you. Also, I have it on good authority that Kent has cast a vote.

Of course it is right...can I mark you down for three votes? ;)

Lou knows Wuertz has been good and that not everything depends on spring performance.

Thank you!

On minorleagueball.com, Sickels has included Pie in a smackdown vs Jacob Ellsbury. Link.

I'm trying to spread the word without drawing too much attention. Last year, they learned of my msg board postings...but I think that was a result of my posting on Cubs.com. I am contacting anyone that I know is a Cubs fan. I think 400 votes wins this. So if any of you can help get votes, it will be much appreciated.

I'll have to admit I have my suspicions. Last year, I cast many votes and I don't think they all were counted. I surely hope not. But I don't really trust the editor to be that honest. I think it's funny that you're expressing doubts over someone's honesty while saying that you voted multiple times in the same post. Either way, good luck with the contest! I'm aware of my hypocricy. :lol: Did you vote?

I'll have to admit I have my suspicions. Last year, I cast many votes and I don't think they all were counted. I surely hope not. But I don't really trust the editor to be that honest. When you're doing your counts, I'm in at 4 votes thus far and will try to get some friends involved. Thank-you.

I'll have to admit I have my suspicions. Last year, I cast many votes and I don't think they all were counted. I surely hope not. But I don't really trust the editor to be that honest.

Aw shucks, Vance......... if I did that, I'd be voting until I have a long grey beard....... oh wait....... Well, I did send 'em another half dozen or so. :wink: Nice!

awesome!