Scrawny Players

Roger is correct. By removing steroids from the game, we are turning these players into a bunch of scrawny weaklings. Take for example these 3 minor league prospects. I have studiously followed their careers since the late 1970's and have noticed striking changes in their physical appearance. Take note of the larger girth, bigger forearms and dare I say, larger heads! Stop the madness!

2nd Fiddle

Lou is experimenting with new lineups. He is batting Fonzy second to save his legs (less base stealing). I'm really unsure of the logic there, but that's for another post. I don't imagine it'll last long (unless the Brian Roberts trade goes through), but Soriano has already made it known that he's not happy. Alfonso Soriano doesn't like hitting with guys on base in front of him. What?!?!? No wonder he only knocked in 70 ribbis last year with a .560 slugging percentage. Guys on base throw him off his game:

"I never batted second in the big leagues, but the first at-bat was with somebody on base," said Soriano, who was 1-for-3. "I didn't feel very comfortable. But it's the first at-bat. I will have to make a couple little adjustments batting second because I never batted second."

You've got to be freakin' kidding me! I support this guy all the time when BudMan rips him. I know the contract is horrible, but now we've got him and he's our guy. He's not the best player in the league, but he's a really useful guy who does hit really well. But when he says something like this, I don't even know where to start. It bears mentioning that as a whole, hitters do better with men on base because of the pitcher throwing from the stretch and the guy holding the runner on, which opens up holes in the infield.

Scrawny & Weak

Not My Cubbies related, but amusing none-the-less. Roger Clemens (or at least his SNL likeness) says that without steroids all ball players will become scrawny and weak (like those stat geeks nobody likes). Hey, I represent that remark!

Bill Simmons: Keep The Faith Cubs Fans

Bill Simmons is a writer for ESPN and a lifelong Red Sox fan. He has some suggestions for Cubs fans. When I was growing up, it was suggested to me by Cubs Tat that the Red Sox were the AL Cubs. Ever since then I've had a special place for them. When they collapsed along side my Cubbies in '03, I shared their pain. When they won in 2004, I was ecstatic for them. Sox fans are typically intelligent and passionate. As with a Cubs hat, you can usually chat the wearer up about baseball when you share an idle moment. They have overcome in dramatic and convincing fashion. The Cubs have a lot to learn from the Red Sox. We can do this. Just like George Michael said, you've gotta have faith.

Dempster's Called Shot

I would prefer if he would predict a the final scores of the entire world series a la Plaxico Burress, but this called shot aint bad.