The Cubs, Sammy, and Baker
A few baseball notes before I get into some football talk.
- Jim Hendry announced Baker's finishing the season. Fine, I guess. I'd rather have an interim than another day of Baker beating the patience out of his hitters, wearing out his starting pitchers, and showing a complete lack of confidence in his players; but so long as the word "extension" doesn't come into play any time soon, I guess I can deal with it.
- Sammy Sosa's been in the news recently. First off, he said he wants to play next year, but only if the right offer comes in. My guess is not too many teams are going to be knocking at the door for a 38-year-old clubhouse diva that hasn't been even remotely productive in three years; one that brings a train full of baggage in the form of steroid accusations. Good luck.
- He's also been in the news for this MLB promotion where fans vote for the best player of all time for each team. Each team selected five candidates, and Sosa was NOT included among the Cubs. (Ryno, Santo, Mr. Cub, Billy, and Fergie are the five Cubs.) Sammy pulled a typical Sam-Me and had a fit. But as several people have pointed out, it's a crap contest anyways, so don't get your panties in a bunch. That said, he has a point. Go ahead and take Sammy's suggestion, "calculate his numbers". Sammy was THE MAN here for a long time, and he deserves recognition. Time will heal these wounds. Expect the Cubs to hold a Sammy day at some point when the attendance is suffering. (I'd put money on 2010 or 2011 for his triumphant comeback.)
And with that, let's get to the stuff that really matters. Football.