TCR Friday Notes
There's only one other combination that would have made the World Series any less interesting for most Cubs fans. I'm really not sure how to go about rooting in this series. Sure I'd have to hear it from my White Sox friends if they won, but that might be better than watching Roy Oswalt win one or Berkman.
To the notes:
- Anyone else think this vacuum of silence over the last few weeks is a calculated plan by the Cubs brass and PR departments to stay low? The less noise we make over here on the north side, the less people will notice that we finished below .500 despite a substantially higher payroll then that other team in Chicago who'll be playing for a World Series this week. I see one of two things happening this off-season because of the White Sox success.
Option #1) Endorsed by Jim Hendry himself is that the Cubs stay the course and do whatever they were planning to do this off-season anyway. Not sure what that course is, but I think it involves accumulating every "versatile", light-hitting middle infielder available.
Option #2) That the Cubs PR department isn't about to let the White Sox steal their thunder and there are some discussions going behind closed doors that the Cubs need to make some splashy moves this off-season. I'm not saying expensive, cause when you work for the Trib you stick to the budget, rain, wind or snow. But I do think splashy, some trade or free agent signing that will bring in one of those players that people can't help but talk about. The first name that comes to mind is Manny Ramirez, but he is grossly expensive, a headcase and will make us remember just how good Jason Dubois and Moises Alou actually were in left field. But the boy can rake. All speculation on my part, but one of the advantages of being owned by a mega-conglomerate is the PR department is ready to go at a moments notice.
- Current AFL Stats:
B. Sing .320/.419/.600 5/8 BB/K in 25 AB's E. Patterson .194/.257/.258 3/6 BB/K in 31 AB's 2/3 in Stolen Bases B. Coats .444/.500/.556 1/1 BB/K in 9 AB's M. Murton .428/.472/.667 3/4 BB/K in 33 AB's 8 Doubles A. Guzman 6.75 ERA, 6/10 BB/K, 0 HR, 10.2 IP J. Koronka 0.00 ERA, 1/9 BB/K, 0 HR, 7.0 IP 2 Saves D. Aardsma 12.00 ERA, 6/7 BB/K, 1 HR, 9.0 IPGuzman pitched two days ago, and had an uncharateristic bout of wildness, 4 walks in 3 innings and only one strikeout. He ended up with the loss giving up 2 runs in 3 innings. Koronka has been the Solar Sox's closer of late and best pitcher, picking up 2 saves so far. Cubs Director of Player Development Oneri Fleita said, "nothing should be read into Koronkaís recent appearances late in games; Koronka is only getting innings in wherever possible." I don't know about that though. Koronka's average fastball, and average changeup I'm sure would strike the fear of God into most hitters come the ninth inning. - Adam Greenberg is living it up in Venezuelan Winter League Ball and writing about it for Milb.com. I found the league's official site which they had the audacity to write in Spanish, but thanks to the beauty of Altavista's Babel Fish, we get the following translatations. Original Spanish text:
Anzo·tegui se fue arriba en la sÈptima entrada, gracias al hit de Adam Greenberg, un wild pitch de Lira , y jonrÛn por encima de la barda izquierda de InfanteTranslated by Babel Fish:
Anzo·tegui went above in the seventh entrance, thanks to hit of Adam Greenberg, wild pitch of Lira, and home run over the left horse armor of Infant.Okay, it's not a perfect technology. The infant they speak of is actually Tiger Omar Infante, he's one of the recognizable names down there along with Cubbie Henry Blanco, and ex-Cubbies Chad Meyers and Jose Nieves among the position players.. I also spotted Pat Mahomes (ex-Cub too, right?), minor leaguer Jesus Yepez, Andy Pratt, Ed Yarnall, and abuser Carlos Vasquez. Felix Pie also began playing in the Dominican Winter League and went 2 for 4 in his first game with a double and triple. I'll try and poke around the other winter league sites and see if any other Cubbies have joined teams. -Corey's working on his swing and getting back to basics. Been there, done that, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Free Agent News - The Phils offered another contract to potential free agent Billy Wagner. Wagner seems determined to test the free agent waters or wait for the Phils to hire ex-Astro GM Gerry Hunsicker. It looks like he wants 3 years and $30 million and a no-trade clause. - Furcal and the Braves are going to talk next week about a new deal. Doubtful they'll agree on anything before the free agency period begins. - Carlos Lee's option was picked up by the Brewers for next year. No shocker there. Go Astros!!! I think, maybe Go White Sox, Okay, I really don't care.
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