More Raul Ibanez Rumors

Thursday, 2:25PM

Jayson Stark is reporting that the Cubs are OUT of the Raul Ibanez hunt.

Jim Edmonds with 2 homers today off of Dave Bush, showing the old lefty still has pop in the bat. Looks like maybe the Cubs will stick to what they've got.


Thursday, 2:21PM

John Hickey from the Seattle PI reports:

The Cubs may be the team most likely to land Ibanez, and that's still considered something of a longshot, at least before the deadline; waiver deals can be made after the deadline without too much difficulty.

"I don't know."

That's the answer Kerry Wood had for the question about when he'll return to action. Wood threw a simulated game, throwing 26 pitches. According to Paul Sullivan, Wood threw all of his pitches wearing a protective pad on his bum finger.

Ben Sheets also said that the media and us fans are "making a bigger deal of it than it is." If anybody knows about injuries, it's Ben Sheets. Speaking of which, he's about due for one in the near future, if history has taught us anything.

Cubs to trade for Raul Ibanez?

Thursday, 11.50AM

Tom Singer of MLB.com says that while Raul Ibanez is still coveted by the Cubs, he believes that the interim GM, Lou Pelekoudas lacks the authority to wheel and deal on is own, which will hamper any deals. It appears time will run out Ibanez being moved before the deadline.

Wednesday, 7:25PM

Bruce Miles of The Daily Herald is reporting that GM Jim Hendry has discussed a Raul Ibanez trade, but he's not sure a deal can be had.


Wednesday, 3:47PM

Jayson Stark has another update today on the Raul Ibanez/Cubs rumors.

The Cubs, meanwhile, are resisting attempts by Seattle to get Felix Pie and a second prospect for Ibanez. The Cubs almost certainly would be willing to offer a couple of prospects in the Sam Fuld stratum. But teams that have spoken with the Cubs say they've shown little sense of urgency to overpay to add a final piece or two of late.

I totally forgot about Sam Fuld. Fuld's stats are .222/.310/.317 at AAA Iowa & .239/.339/.358 at AA Tennessee.

It's good to see that the Cubs are not willing to overpay for the smaller pieces of the puzzle.

Wednesday, 2:39PM

Jayson Stark reports that the Seattle Mariners are looking for "2 premium prospects" in exchange for Raul Ibanez.

Wednesday, 11:51AM

The Seattle PI baseball blog is reporting that the Cubs are now interested:

Is it possible that the Mariners will wind up at the trade deadline keeping Jarrod Washburn and trading Raul Ibanez?

Well, in a word, yes.

There has been active interest in the Mariner left fielder from the Mets, the Diamondbacks and, most recently, the Cubs.

It does not mention who would be dealt on the Cubs in or who Seattle is looking at on the roster or farm system of the Cubs. If it were to happen, I imagine Raul Ibanez would play rightfield and Kosuke Fukudome would have to be moved to centerfield, where he doesn't seem as comfortable. We agree with MLBTradeRumors and Ken Rosenthal that would give the Cubs quite a shaky defense in the corners of the outfield. One thing that Fukudome has excelled at while he slumped at the plate was play great rightfield defense. Would Ibanez's bat offset the possible defensive hole that the trade may open? What happens to the Reed Johnson/Jim Edmonds platoon? Does Jim Edmonds then get released? (.231/.344/.481 in July, after hitting .319/.419/.667 in June)

Cubs looking at Brian Giles or David DeJesus?

According to Scott Miller from CBSSportsline:

The Chicago Cubs, who already made a big splash with pitcher Rich Harden, are exploring deals to add a lefty-hitting right fielder. The Cubs have inquired about Seattle's Raul Ibanez, San Diego's Brian Giles and Kansas City's David DeJesus, according to sources.

We've already seen that the Mariners are asking for too much for Raul Ibanez.

Brian Giles would have been a nice addition 5 years ago. Giles is still having a good season, hitting .293/.389/.415. He could be a solid backup for Fukudome in rightfield and a great bat off the bench.


David DeJesus is having a good season, where he mostly plays leftfield and centerfield, while he has played a little rightfield. DeJesus is batting .301/.361/.458 this season for Kansas City. The Royal Review believes a deal is highly unlikely and there is no word yet on what it would take to make a deal. DeJesus is only 29 years old and would be the ideal guy to get out of Giles, Ibanez, and DeJesus.

[via MLBTradeRumors]

Scott Eyre going to Boston?

Sean McAdam from The Providence Journal writes:

Kansas City’s Ron Mahay, Atlanta’s Will Ohman and the Cubs’ Scott Eyre — left-handers all — remain on the Sox’ radar, but it’s likely that those talks will go right down to tomorrow’s 4 p.m. deadline.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports also confirms Scott Eyre's availability on the left handed relief pitcher market.

Eyre hasn't pitched since returning from the DL on July 24th. Actually, Scott Eyre hasn't pitched since June 26th. If the Red Sox want him, they can have him because it sure seems like Lou Piniella doesn't need him. I don't think you can ever have too many lefties in your bullpen, so unless the Cubs acquire one soon to replace Scott Eyre, I say hang onto him.

"They outplayed us tonight"

...says Ben Sheets.



You got that right.

Top of the 6th, Cubs Batting, Ahead 1-0
- D Lee: Single to LF
- A Ramirez: Double to LF ; Lee to 3B
- K Fukudome: Triple to LF ; Lee Scores; Ramirez Scores
- M DeRosa: Single to LF ; Fukudome Scores
- M Fontenot: Single to LF ; DeRosa to 2B
- G Soto: Single to LF ; DeRosa to 3B; Fontenot to 2B
- C Zambrano: Single to SS ; DeRosa Scores; Fontenot to 3B; Soto to 2B
- A Soriano: Sacrifice Fly ; Fontenot Scores; Soto to 3B


Ballgame. Zambrano took care of the rest.

Magic number down to 53.

More Cubs fans not playing nice, face possible felonies in Milwaukee

A Milwaukee Brewers fan apparently threw a beer at a bus filled with Cubs fans. So what did some of the Cubs fans do?

They beat the hell out of him.

Police say that as fans left the game, a 24-year-old Brewers fan in the Miller Park parking lot threw a can of beer at a bus filled with Cubs fans.

Three Chicago fans got off the bus and, according to police, attacked the Brewers fan.

They knocked out one of his teeth and caused other minor injuries to the fan.

This is the 2nd time in two days that Cubs fans are in the police blotter. With the Cubs winning more and more, more fans are ending up in the wrong section of the newspaper. I can't imagine what it'll be like in October if this trend continues.

According to the AP, the Brewers fan was charged with disorderly conduct. One of the Cubs fans was charged with assault after "police say he punched his sister in the mouth as she tried to intervene in the fight." Sounds like solid citizens.

And while this has nothing to do with anything, the title of the article is "Cubs fans could face felony charges after postgame fight." All Cubs fans? I wasn't even there. Why would I get charged for this? Man, Wisconsin people really have a strong distaste for us in Illinois.

White Sox beat the Cubs in very important category

According to PETA, the White Sox have a much more vegetarian-friendly ballpark than the Chicago Cubs. Actually, the Sox have a much more vegetarian-friendly ballpark than 25 other teams. The PETA survey, to which 99% of the world will not give a shit about, doesn't have the Cubs in the Top 10.

So the White Sox win, I guess. Damn hippies.

Last night's game highest rated CSN game in 4 years

Last night's game between the Cubs and Brewers was the highest rated game on Comcast Sports Network since a June game in 2004. It's also the highest game ever on Comcast for a Monday broadcast. I imagine tonight's matchup between Ben Sheets & Carlos Zambrano would beat it, however it's on WGN.

The highest rated game before last night's was on June 16, 2004 against Houston. I've been researching and I don't have a clue why that game had such a high rating. It was Greg Maddux vs. Tim Redding. I'm clueless. If you remember why that game was such a big deal, let me know.

When Bob Howry finally speaks, it's about tobacco

Bob Howry is in year 3 with the Chicago Cubs, yet I can only remember 1 time where he was actually on tv talking to the media. Being that Howry is a middle-reliever/set-up man in the bullpen, it's not really a surprise he's not really sought after for his take on the games by the media. The media usually will talk to the starting pitcher that night, or Kerry Wood when he closes the game out. The only time Bob Howry talks to the media is when he's being attacked by a fan while he's on the mound.

So when I was reading this article about tobacco use in MLB, I was very surprised to see Bob Howry's name in there. And he speaks!

"You look at [what happened to Tuttle], and that's the last thing you want to have happen," Cubs reliever Bob Howry said. "There are options. You just make the choice."

Alas, Howry chooses to chew. Like many players, he said he only does it during baseball season.

So if you find yourself in the same room as Bob Howry, just remember, the robot is willing to talk about tobacco. Maybe then, you can get him to talk about why he seems to give up a homer in every appearance he makes.

Cubs looking at Brian Roberts, again?

Ron Forbes of The Hillsboro Argus seems to think so:

The Chicago Cubs are still hoping to land Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts, but they're reluctant to include righthander Jason Marquis in a deal.

With Kerry Wood's status still up in the air, I would have to agree with Ron on this one. If Marquis is moved out, the Cubs would have to shuffle their pitching again and at this point, it doesn't seem like that's a good option. The Cubs would have to move Sean Marshall into the rotation, who is pitching well in the bullpen, or they would need to move unprovens like Kevin Hart or even Jeff Samardzija into the rotation during a pennant chase. If that happens, who fills into Marshall's role, considering Lou Piniella's distate for Scott Eyre and with Jon Lieber on the DL? Plus, add a struggling Bob Howry and the last thing you want to do is subtract usable pieces right now.

Oh and more Brian Roberts rumors? Ugh. It never ends. We need Roberts to retire just so we don't have to hear or read his name in the rumor reports anymore.

Sesame Street Party features Cubs/White Sox brawl

What happens when you bring 3 Cubs fans and a 1 White Sox fan together at a 2 year old's Sesame Street themed birthday party? Somebody loses an eye. Literally.

Three Cubs fans face felony charges after allegedly beating a White Sox fan so badly at a child's birthday party that he lost his eye, McHenry County authorities said Monday.

Robert Steele, 32, of Gurnee told the Northwest Herald that he went to the Sesame Street-themed party for his fiance's 2-year-old niece on July 19, where the three men allegedly started teasing Steele that White Sox fans had missing teeth. The taunting escalated into a physical fight that involved all four men, Steele's fiance, April Bieze said.

Obviously this is a horrible story. A fight over arbitrary nonsense that results in a man losing an eye is just terrible. Hopefully the 3 Cubs fans serve as much jail time as possible and all the bad things you hear about prison actually happen to them. Every single day they are in prison.

Let's be honest here, though. Most Sox fans don't have teeth. That's like arguing about the sun rising in the East. Nobody should ever lose an eye, especially when it's over the truth.

So about that free furniture...

Remember this story, about Suiteplay in Schaumburg that was promising to give you furniture for free if you bought in March and the Cubs end up winning the World Series? Well.... they've filed for bankruptcy. Now, the company's assets will be auctioned off this weekend.

So, what about that unoriginal promotion about free furniture if the Cubs win it all?

Now, Kelly Claffey, the marketing vice president who led the promotion, as well as the promotion's public relations firm, Henson Consulting, are among SuitePlay's creditors. Claffey and Henson declined to comment.

I imagine they are not rooting for the Cubs in '08

Ernie Banks is looking to be added to the roster

Mr. Cub at the Hall of Fame Inductions yesterday:

"I've dreamed about this for a long time. All of these other [Hall of Famers] have played in the World Series, and they always talk about [it]. This year I'm going to talk with the commissioner and see if I can be added to [the Cubs'] roster Aug. 31 and have a chance to play in the World Series."

Bud Selig went on the podium next and said he couldn't do it. Somebody buy Bud a sense of humor and a personality.

Oh, and Ernie said that this is the year for the Cubs. Typical Cubs fan right there. It doesn't matter what the conversation is about, we want to let you know how well the Cubs are doing this season.

As usual, ESPN gets way ahead of itself

Jayson Stark writes:

Now that Jeff Samardzija looks as if he can be to the Cubs what K-Rod was to the 2002Angels and what Joba Chamberlain was to the Yankees last year, the Cubs are no longer shopping for arms of any kind.

Wow. 2 outings. 2 outings is all it takes to start comparing Jeff Samardzija to Frankie Rodriguez. K-Rod was a middle reliever/set-up man who made a name for himself in the 2002 World Series. Jeff Samardzija has played 2 games. In July. Against the Marlins. Has a blown save already. Let's calm down on the comparisons, Jayson Stark. Sure, he has a chance to be K-Rod. He also has the chance to be Bob Scanlon.

Stark also mentions that the Cubs are still looking for a left-handed centerfielder. Not really news. The Cubs have been looking for a left-handed centerfielder since the ballclub was started.

CC Sabathia awful versus the Cubs in only career start

Sabathia will make his 2nd career start vs. the Cubs tonight, where he looks to continue his streak of 3 straight complete game outings. CC Sabathia's first outing vs. the Cubs was a disaster and it came just 2 years ago in Cleveland.

The Cubs put up 9 runs against Sabathia in a 9-2 beatdown in Cleveland. The Cubs lineup that day featured Juan Pierre, Neifi Perez, Jacque Jones, Phil Nevin, Matt Murton, and Todd Walker (who was the DH). It's amazing how much the team has changed in 2 short years.

Carlos Zambrano outdueled him that day. Ted Lilly will have to do the same tonight.

Wrigley Field to host 2014 All-Star game?

Cubs.com's Carrie Muskat is spreading rumors.

When was the last time the All-Star Game was played at Wrigley Field?
-- Phil R., East Peoria, Ill.

The All-Star Game was played at Wrigley Field on July 10, 1990, and the American League beat the National League, 2-0. Julio Franco hit a two-run double in the seventh, and was named the MVP. I've heard some rumors -- and they're only rumors -- that Wrigley may be the host for the 2014 All-Star Game.

Hold on a second there Carrie. You can't just throw random rumors out like that and not give some sort of explanation. I can't find any other rumors like this anywhere. Where are you getting your info from?

The emergence of Samardzija could make Eyre, Leiber history

Bruce Miles is speculating that the sudden rise of Jeff Samardzija in the Cubs bullpen could spell the days of Scott Eyre and/or Jon Leiber II.

Miles points out Lou Piniella's admiration for hard throwing guys in the bullpen, something that definitely describes Samardzija. He also mentions that Eyre is being passed over for lefties Neal Cotts and Sean Marshall, the latter of which has pitched extremely well out of the bullpen in his latest return to the team.

Leiber is on the DL. When he's eligible to come back, will the Cubs need him? Chad Gaudin may have taken his spot for good. And if the Cubs need another long man, would you rather see old Jon Lieber or have the Cubs recall Kevin Hart? I go with Kevin Hart.

What they're saying before the big series starts

Obviously what the players usually say before a big rivalry, 1st place battling 2nd place series in July is that it's more for the fans. It's true. When the series ends on thursday, there will be exactly 2 months of baseball left. There will be 53 games remaining on the schedule. However, now is the time to put a little breathing room between the Cubs and the Brewers, and perhaps shut the Milwaukee players & fans up for a little while.

So before the big series starts, let's take a rundown on what the Milwaukee players & media are saying.

- Ryan Braun is declaring that the pressure is all on the Cubs. He claims that the pressure was on the Brewers last season & that all the pressure is now on the Cubs because they've been expected to win the whole division since the beginning. Obviously Braun doesn't want to have the "pressure" on the Brewers like last season. When the "pressure" was on the Brewers, they folded like a cheap tent and lost a division they probably should have won. I wouldn't want the pressure either if it caused me to embarrass myself on the big stage.

- Brewers manager Ned Yost says that his ballclub is right where he thought they would be. He thought they would be in 2nd place behind the Cubs? We all thought that too.

- A Wisconsin radio station says that Milwaukee can finally "tell the Cubs and their ever-invading FIB fans in this I-94 rivalry that Miller Park isn't Wrigley Field North." For those that don't know, FIB stands for "Fucking Illinois Bastard." It's cute that they have a nickname for people from Illinois. I tell you what, if Miller Park finally fills the stadium up with 51% Brewers fans, we'll stop calling it Wrigley Field North. But until that happens, the name stays. People are saying that the Cubs fans will have a tough time getting tickets for this series. That's just not true. Cubs fans locked up seats in February when they went on sale. It's nothing new. It happens every year. It's the Brewers fan, not the Cubs fan, that is having a hard time getting the seats for this series.

- My favorite Brewers blog (not sarcastic, I really do have a favorite Brewers blog)is a bit cocky, with their daily poll question asking who the hero will be in the series versus the Cubs.


And here's what the Chicago media & players are saying:

- Steve Rosenbloom believes that you need to take a drug test if you actually believe the Cubs can win 3 games against the Brewers this week.

- The season is over according to Mike Downey. July has sunk the Cubs.

- "It's July," says Lou Piniella.

Jeff Samardzija looks very different without a football helmet

[Click on the picture to enlarge]
I realize that ESPN probably doesn't have an actual picture of Jeff Samardzija yet, but they could have picked somebody on the team that looks a little more like Jeff, like this picture or this one.

"Moises Alou Approach" unable to cure Kerry Wood's blister

Kerry Wood is unfortunately on the DL now with his troublesome blister. The blister is expected to heal soon & then Wood will have to get his arm back into game shape and back into his routine. With that move, comes the move of Jeff Samardzija making the big league roster for the first time.

It's unfortunate that Wood has to go on the DL for blister. If the blister was anywhere else but his pitching fingers, it wouldn't even be reported to the news. Funny how baseball works sometimes. Wood & Jim Hendry were asked if Wood tried everything to get back on the field. And by everything, we mean everything.

Discussing remedies, Hendry mentioned ointments and pickle juice before adding: "I haven't asked him if he tried the Moises Alou approach. …"

Alou believed urinating on his hands made them harder, so he could get a better grip on the bat.

"I already tried that a couple of weeks ago," Wood said with a laugh.

I'm sure the Alou family is proud "Moises Alou's Approach" is famous. Just like how Manny Ramirez's family is probably just as proud as Manny's bathroom habits.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Your Peoria Chiefs

I don't think we'll be seeing Julio Castillo with the Chicago Cubs anytime soon, seeing as how he's in jail right now.

Cubs continue to set attendance records at Wrigley

Tonight, the Cubs will pass the 2 million mark in fan attendance in their 50th home game. This is the fastest to 2 million in the history of the building. They are on pace to break the 3.2 million mark set last season.

Additionally, the Cubs are averaging 410 cars per game at their remote parking lot at DeVry University, shattering all previous records for usage. The lot, located at Addison St. and Rockwell St., has seen more than 33,000 people utilize the location thus far this season. The service, which began in 2004, is available for all night and weekend games at Wrigley Field.

The parking lot numbers could be used as a sign that more and more people that are not from the Northside or easy access to the Red Line are making the trek to Wrigley Field. I guess. Or maybe the DeVry lot is cheaper than parking your car in that random guy's garage on Sheffield for $35. Or people realized it's better than parking in one of those lots where you have to wait for the 20 people who blocked you in to drive out of that alley you paid $25 to park in.

Cubs fans coming out in big numbers [Daily Herald]

Cubs interested in George Sherrill?

According to a Baltimore tv station, it appears that the Cubs are one of several teams interested in George Sherill.

Scouts from eight teams were at Camden Yards Wednesday night. The list of teams represented includes the Cardinals and the Brewers, both said to be very interested in Sherrill. The other clubs with scouts in Baltimore were the Dodgers, Cubs, Reds, Phillies, Marlins and Tigers.

Sherrill is 3-4 with 29 saves this season and has a 3.89 ERA.
I'm not really sure how the Baltimore TV station was able to connect the dots and assume all 8 teams with scouts at the ballpark were looking at George Sherrill.

It's a little difficult because [a] George Sherrill didn't play, [b] rumored to be traded A.J. Burnett was pitching against the Orioles, and [c] always rumored to be traded Brian Roberts played in the game. Somehow, however, it's assumed they were all looking at George Sherrill. Who didn't play.

Cubs interested in George Sherrill? [WJZ]

Leapin' Lanny Poffo is anti-smoking advocate, Cubs fan

Leapin' Lanny Poffo, for those of you who don't remember, is the brother of Macho Man Randy Savage and wrestled together in the WWF. Poffo was known for his poetry in the ring and for beating Hulk Hogan in a match that was rigged according to Poffo. (Pro wrestling rigged!?!?! Next you'll say there's no Santa Claus)

Here's Lanny reciting some poetry in 1989.


His poetry today is a little different, as Lanny Poffo is speaking to anyone who'll listen about the dangers of smoking.

These days, “The Genius” travels around the continent teaching youngsters about the importance of non-smoking. His wrestling background gets youth interested and opens the door to a more important message.

"When I go to the kids, I use wrestling as the gateway because a lot of the kids are wrestling fans. Then I’m honest with them,” explained Poffo. “I admitted that I did steroids in 1989. I was going from “Leaping Lanny” to “The Genius” and this was my big break and I’m sorry I did it.

Wait a second. His wrestling background gets the youths interested? Wrestling is still relevant in 2008? I guess that's a different topic for a different time.

If a former steriods using professional wrestler, who is also a Cubs fan, says to not smoke, you listen, right? Right? Come on, listen to him. He's the Macho Man's brother for God's sake. The MACHO MAN! Oooooh yeaaaaaaah!

Leapin' Lanny Poffo still spitting rhymes [Evening Tribune]
Lanny Poffo's website [LannyPoffo.com]

Steve Bartman says no to $25,000

Steve Bartman, who just yesterday was offered $25,000 for his autograph at a Sports convention in Rosemont, has turned down the offer.

A family friend says Bartman won't accept $25,000 to show up to the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont and autograph a photograph of the moment in the 2003 playoffs when he came between Moises Alou and a foul ball.

Obviously I don't blame him. There's a lot of things that went wrong in that game. However and unfortunately, there are still a ton of idiots out there that still blame the 2003 NLCS loss on him. $25,000 isn't enough money to go to a convention filled with those idiots. Actually, there might not be enough money in the world to make that happen.

Bartman says No [WANDTV]

Chicago Sun-Times says Mark Cuban makes 2nd round

A source for the Chicago Sun-Times claims that Mark Cuban has made the 2nd round in the bidding process for the Chicago Cubs. So far, that makes 1 bidder identified. The other 4 have yet to be identified, other than the fact we know that it is not Bud Selig's buddy John Canning.

Chicago Tribune reports John Canning's bid shot down

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the 10 bidders has been knocked down to 5 for purchase of the Cubs-Wrigley-etc package.

A group led by John Canning, chairman of Chicago private-equity firm Madison Dearborn, valued the Cubs, Wrigley and the team's stake in Comcast SportsNet at far less than the $1 billion or more that the four or five groups team owner Tribune Co. deemed satisfactory to continue, a source with knowledge of the process said.

Canning declined comment.

Interesting to see that Bud Selig's buddy was unable to get approval to be sent to the 2nd round of bidding. The article says that Canning does have the opportunity to make a better offer and join the 5 already allowed to advance, but it's important to see that the favorite to buy the team was seriously outbid to the point that the group wasn't allowed to continue. This sale sounds like it'll have an absurd dollar amount, and not just given to Bud Selig's friend, John Canning.

It's also noted that 3 groups out of 10 vying for the chance to buy just Wrigley Field were able to advance to round 2.

No word yet on how Mark Cuban's group did. I'm sure he'll be saying something somewhere on TV or the internet soon about it.

Cuts made in the Cubs buying process [Chicago Tribune]

Darryl Strawberry predicts Cubs World Series win in 2008

Yesterday, Darryl Strawberry was giving a speech where he thanked the St. Paul Saints, an Independant Minor League baseball organization, for helping him get his career on track after his bout with drugs & whores. During the speech, Strawberry made a comment that I'm sure will make

Cubs fans feel better about their current offensive slump:
Playing to Saints' minority owner Bill Murray at the luncheon, Strawberry predicted the Cubs would win their first World Series in 100 years. "Everybody up!" Murray yelled, leading the standing ovation. Added Strawberry: "I hope there aren't any Boston fans in here, because we can't stand Boston." That stems from 1986, when Strawberry's Mets beat the Red Sox in the World Series.

Hey, if a former drug addict predicts that the Cubs will win the World Series, I'm excited. This is actually ground breaking stuff right here. Who would have thunk it? A felon, former drug addict that is making a prediction about the World Series involving a Chicago team and it's not coming from a White Sox fan? Strange times, indeed.

I'm off to Vegas to put my life savings on the Cubs. If Darryl Strawberry says it's going to happen, it's pretty much a done deal.

Strawberry says Cubs going all the way [MinnPost]

Bartman offered $25K for his Herbie Hancock

Poor Steve Bartman. Just when his name was out of the news circulation for a couple months, Sportsbuy.com & a bunch of nerds who collect autographed crap put Bartman right back in the news. Bartman is a wanted man. He's wanted this time for his autograph.

SportsBuy.com and the National Sports Collectors Convention are offering $25,000 -- a briefcase with 250 $100 bills inside -- to infamous Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman if he comes out of hiding attends the show and signs a single autograph.

Yeah I really don't see that happening.

"No one in sports memorabilia history has ever been paid $25,000 to sign one autograph -- not Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, or any other athlete,” said Mike Berkus, co-Executive Director of The National. "Steve Bartman has been a recluse for years, but we’re hopeful that he will accept our invitation and generous offer to appear ... We have personal security to provide to Steve at The National and to a destination of his choosing.”

If I were Steve Bartman, I wouldn't sign anything for under $25 million. Would you go to an event where they actually have to provide personal security for you? Are all the nerds at a sports convention going to get slap happy? Would you seriously want to go to a sports memorabilia convention?

$25K for a Steve Bartman appearance [Orlando Sentinel]

Jon Leiber out with foot strain

I had said earlier that it was mentioned that Kevin Hart or Neal Cotts could be going back to Iowa with the return of Micah Hoffpauir. Well, that turned out to be untrue, as Jon Leiber was put on the 15 day DL with a foot strain.

Cubs fans buying up the tickets for series at Miller Park

The Cubs/Brewers 4 game series in Milwaukee in a week and a half is almost completely sold out, as there are only single seats and standing room only left. So the Milwaukee fans are coming out to support their 3rd place Milwaukee Brewers?

Not exactly.

Interestingly, ticket brokers say the demand is being driven by Cubs fans, who travel well and are usually willing to pay a premium for their beloved Cubs.

"They are used to paying higher prices in their market," said one local ticket broker.

So as Brewer fever runs over Milwaukee, it looks like the Cubs fans will once again make Miller Park, Wrigley Field North for the week. It's nothing new. The Cubs have always filled that ballpark up. Chicago in general. I remember an exhibition game between the White Sox & Brewers in the spring of 2005 and the place was practically filled, all with Sox fans.

I'll never forget in 2004, when the Cubs were playing in Milwaukee. I went to school in Milwaukee and I was watching the game in my apartment on tv. The Brewers announcers were giving their "keys to the game." Key #3 for Milwaukee in order to win? Keep the crowd out of it. It was a home game & it was important for them to keep the crowd out it.

Shut your mouth

MLB.com had an article yesterday about the giddiness for the Chicago Cubs so far this summer. Whenever an article is written about the fans and contains Cubs fan quotes, stupidity ensues. I have no idea why it bothers me so much, but moronic comments like the ones included in this article piss me off something awful.

It's gonna happen.

It's been the lame slogan in the crowd since last season. If "it" was supposed to be winning the World Series, "it" didn't happen last season. So maybe "it" means that the Cubs WON'T win the World Series. Will the Cubs end another season without a World Series? "It's Gonna Happen." Get a new sign. Your 2007 slogan didn't work. Get a new slogan. Stop being lazy.

"I think World Series tickets should go on sale tomorrow," Bachman said.

Really? Randy or Robbie Bachman from Bachman-Turner Overdrive pitching in their 2 cents?

"Dempster, where did he come from?" Kristin Bachman said. "We were ready to send him back to Canada last year."

Apparently the entire Bachman family is getting into the mix. Where did Dempster come from? The Cubs were 45-21 in games Dempster appeared in last season. Dempster was 4th in the league in games finished with 58. Dempster had 28 saves in 31 attempts. He wasn't exactly garbage as Kristin suggests, where "we" would send him back to Canada. "We" would like to send "you" to Canada though, until "we" feel it's time that "you" can come back.

Just how sought-after are tickets? Kish's brother-in-law is a higher-up in the Cubs' ticket office, but he could only score standing-room-only passes for the Giants series.

Hey Kish, your brother-in-law obviously doesn't like you. "Higher-up" and all you got is standing room only? And don't forget Kish, he's banging your sister.

Even a Fall Classic appearance, not necessarily a title, would suffice for some.

"I think it's time for a pennant," Bryan Bachman said. "At least get us there."

If you're ok with the goal just getting to the World Series, then I'm not ok with you being a Cubs fan. Go cheer for the Rays. They would be ok with just getting to the World Series.

But what if they come up short?

"Probably throw another party, but not as impressive," Petreikis said.

A party if they lose? What is wrong with this world?

Would it be worse than Barkley's golf swing?

Brian Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote that a Cubs meltdown is inevitable this year, he just doesn't when it'll happen. He just knows that it'll happen. And when it does happen, Burwell predicts that "it will be more excruciating for these delusional Chicago fans then watching Charles Barkley's golf swing."

While we obviously believe that Burwell is wrong about the Cubs this season, is there really anything worse than Charles Barkley's golf swing? I mean seriously, just look at this golf swing:

The Hoff is back

Micah Hoffpauir is back on the big league team & either Kevin Hart or Neal Cotts will be sent down according to Paul Sullivan. I would think it would be Neil Cotts, considering the lefty out of the bullpen has trouble getting out lefties. (.412 OBP & .819 OPS vs. lefties)

Cubs to try and acquire Brian Fuentes?

Bruce Miles seems to think it's likely that Jim Hendry will make an attempt at bringing in Fuentes. Fuentes has had 5 consecutive scoreless outings since this disaster.

Miles also believes we could see Jeff Samardzija, most likely when the rosters expand in September.

Just as We Started to Like Jim Edmonds

Jim Edmonds has been quite good since he got to the Cubs this year. So good in fact that most fans have started to forget that he was actually a Cardinal at one point. That is all likely to change though, with the news that he was married on Wednesday at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton.

Why would that matter to Cubs' fans? It really shouldn't except that fact that he wore jeans and a t-shirt to his own wedding. Seriously Jim? Couldn't spring for a nice pair of khakis or even some corduroys? I realize it was low key. I realize you did it on a day off during the season and thus didn't want to do anything grand, but jeez. It also says they went back to his restaurant, F15teen, probably because T.G.I.Fridays was too crowded.

Next time remember that you play for the Cubs now Jim, if you want to do stuff like that you should have resigned with the Cardinals, or the White Sox for that matter.

Edmonds Marries, Forgets he is Grown-Up (stltoday.com)

Cubs mauling the Sox in Comcast TV viewer numbers

The sale of the Chicago Cubs has started a conversation of the new owner possibly starting an all-Cubs TV network, similar to the New York Yankees.

While I couldn't careless about a Cubs TV station, there was a small blurb towards the end of the article that talks about the Cubs TV viewer numbers on Comcast SportsNet so far this season. The White Sox are mentioned as well. The numbers are quite staggering:

Thanks to its on-field success, the Cubs are averaging a 4.9 rating (about 170,000 households) on Comcast SportsNet at the All-Star break, an increase of 53 percent from the same time last season, the network said. Viewership of the White Sox also is up, but not as much. The South Side team is averaging a 1.9 rating, up 27 percent compared with last season's 1.5 rating at the midseason point.

4.9 to 1.9. 170,000 households on average to 66,000 households on average. Sox fans get made fun of all the time for never supporting the team, for never selling out U.S. Cellular Field. At the same time, Sox fans are also praised for being such demanding fans for their refusal to show up to the ballpark when a bad Sox team is on the field.

But maybe it's not how most people think. Maybe Sox fans aren't the idiots people think they are for not showing up to the park. Maybe Sox fans shouldn't be praised for their supposed refusal to see a poor product on the field. The simple fact may be: maybe there aren't that many Sox fans to begin with, period.

Cubs showing interest again in Khalil Greene?

Tuesday:

I was informed that the link to the San Diego Tribune no longer works, which probably means the entire thing could have been made up by the newspaper. So it looks like the Cubs might not be interested in Khalil Greene after all.


Monday:

The Cubs have supposedly inquired about San Diego Padres shortstop Khalil Greene. The Padres won't be trading Greene though, because he sucks. No really, that's the reason. Greene is batting .216/.264/.329 at the break. His trade value is so low right now, the Padres refuse to trade him.

Why would the Cubs want him anyways? Would he take Ronny Cedeno's role? Are the Cubs worried that Ryan Theriot will burn out like he did last September?
Are the Cubs short on the prerequisite of a tranny-look-alike on the squad?

THIS WHITE SOX FAN IS A PERVERT

I had this emailed to me from the Chicago Tribune website.



She knows she has them, pal. Not exactly sure why you're pointing at them. And since you're in LA, you couldn't at least find some fake ones to point at?

Cubs say goodbye to their Anal Wuertz

Michael Wuertz has been sent down to Iowa, while Kevin Hart will be back with the team according to the Trib.

Wuertz hasn't pitched much lately, but his outing yesterday was a disaster.

Is Kevin Hart up for the Cubs to showcase him? Is there a future trade in the works involving Hart?

People in Milwaukee pretending 2007 never happened

There's an article written by Mike Hunt (Is there another writer named Dick Hertz? Is the editor Jack Goff? Harry P. Ness? Mike Rotch? Poor guy. High school must have been brutal.) that claims that the Brewers have finally arrived to the national stage.

There's a problem with that: Were the Brewers not on the national stage last year? Weren't the Brewers in first place for 121 days last year? Didn't they have an 8.5 game lead at one point? Weren't they in first place until September 18th? Didn't Ryan Braun win Rookie of the Year when he clearly didn't deserve it because of ESPN's fascination of homeruns? (Troy Tulowitzki deserved it) Wasn't there a pennant race last season (albeit, an ugly one)with the Cubs that involved the Milwaukee Brewers that last all of August & September?

So why are the Brewers ignoring the choking disaster of 2007? This year is different because the Brewers overpaid and possibly set their organization back 5-10 years for a rent-a-pitcher, a pitcher who threw horribly in the 2007 playoffs against the Red Sox in the ALCS? Shame on you. You've been on the stage since last year. When the team shit the bed last September, you were on center stage.

So whatever's convenient, I guess. Put whatever spin you want on it. Write up these "cute stories" of the little guy (15 out of 30 in payroll) You can go ahead and forget about last year's disaster in the NL Central.

But we'll keep reminding you.

BREAKING NEWS: Joe Morgan is an idiot

I stumbled upon an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that was keeping tabs on what Steve Phillips & Joe Morgan were saying about the Brewers & Cubs. I was going to make fun of the fact that the newspaper was actually keeping tabs on what the morons at ESPN were saying. A tip for those in Milwaukee: don't pay attention to what they're saying on ESPN. Nobody on this earth gives a flying fuck what Steve Phillips says. Nobody ever has. If people did, he wouldn't have been fired for the clusterfuck he created with the New York Mets that sent the organization back 6 years before competing again.

Anyways, a Joe Morgan quote caught my eye. Just when you thought he couldn't possibly be any dumber, he says something like this:

Phillips’ ESPN colleague, Joe Morgan, was asked about the Boston Red Sox and Cubs having seven players in the All-Star Game. Morgan made his comments before Holliday replaced Soriano.

“In the case of the Cubs, I think it’s more of a popularity deal,” Morgan said. “If I’m a player, I don’t like that. . . . The Red Sox deserve this because they are world champions. The Cubs are not world champions.

“From a player’s perspective, I don’t like the fact that the Cubs got more than anybody else. I understand why the Red Sox did.”

However, Morgan says he considers the Cubs the best team in the NL.

So the Cubs, who Morgan says is the best team in the NL, don't deserve to have the most All-Stars in the NL because they didn't win the 2007 World Series? So the stats and play from 2008 have no bearing on the 2008 All-Star game? What happened in the 2007 playoffs determine who goes to the All-Star game? The Rockies went to the World Series last year, so are they supposed to have the most all-stars?

So here's your Joe Morgan logic: The best team in the NL only deserves the most all-stars if they won the previous year's World Series. Got it.

There is dumb. And there is Joe Morgan dumb. Wow.

NOT SURE HOW DUSTY CAN WALK WITH BALLS THAT BIG

So I'm stuck at work during the Cubs game today & I take a minute away from being a corporate nobody to see how the Cubs were doing:

- Wow, Ted, nice outing.

- 7 homers for the Reds? Good lord. Whatever you're throwing, STOP. It's not working.

- Kosuke, 0-5 with 3 K's. Enjoy that silver sombrero, buddy.

- And then with the Cubs batting in the 9th, Dusty Baker decides to show the most testicular fortitude of his career by playing the 9th without a centerfielder.



Somehow, the Cubs couldn't get any hits! There's nobody there! Hit it to center! Unbelievable. Dusty's gamble paid off. Where was this craftiness in '03 & '04? Unless you were moving the toothpick in your mouth, we had no idea if you were even alive in the dugout.

Cubs lose, 12-7.

THE CUBS MAGIC NUMBER IS 67

- Was there any real reason to use Carlos Marmol last night? Does Michael Wuertz exist anymore? It was a 4 run lead after all. If Wuertz gets in trouble, then you can bring in Wood. How about Jon Leiber? If Leiber gets in trouble, then you can bring in Wood. Marmol, on the other hand, has pitched in 4 straight games now. Wuertz has pitched 1 time in the last 9 games.

- Remember when ESPN crowned Jay Bruce as the second coming of Jesus Christ and all but enshrined him in Cooperstown? Well, it looks like somebody in the Cincinnati organization needs to teach Bruce the strike zone. He's 1 for 8 with 5 K's so far in this series.

- The Cardinals responded to the Harden-Cubs/Sabathia-Brewers trades by getting Mark Mulder back into the rotation. Mulder lasted 16 pitches and he's probably headed back to the DL.

- Former Cubs pitcher Glendon Rusch helped out the Cubs by shutting down the Brewers. The Brewers are now 5 back.

Do we all agree that something bad needs to happen to this man?

Buried in an avalanche?

Attacked by wolves?

Something, please?



Commercials usually don't bother me that much, no matter how annoying. This one is different though.

With Murton gone, what will idiot Cubs fans gripe about now?

Matt Murton, a corner outfielder who hits like a 2nd baseman, was finally traded yesterday. I'm pretty jacked about the trade because [a] the Cubs no longer have a member of the Patterson family in their organization, [b] added a good starting pitcher that could finally put Jason Marquis out of the rotation, and most importantly [c] got rid of Matt Murton.

For the last couple of years, Matt Murton has been like a backup quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Many fans want to see them in there playing because they have this "hunch" about Murton. Many fans will go on & on about how, if given enough at-bats, could be this unbelievable hitter. I don't see it. The Cubs organization didn't see it. Matt Murton didn't ever show it (1 homer in 231 at bats so far this season from a corner outfielder). Murton's on-base percentage is good, which is probably why Billy Beane is taking him in this trade. So far this season in Iowa and in Chicago, Murton actually has a higher on-base percentage than his slugging percentage. It's either a single, walk, or an out from Murton. The Cubs already have that guy and his name is Ryan Theriot. If Murton can play better a shortstop defensively than Theriot, then Murton has a spot on the roster.

So, here are some of the Matt Murton replacements, with some of the normal names this time of year:

[A] Jeff Samardzija

[B] Greg Maddux (if I read another blogger write about getting Greg Maddux, I will go on a shooting spree)

[C] Kenny Lofton - Hey, he helped lead the Cubs to the playoffs FIVE years ago, why can't he help now? Well, he's fucking old and not in baseball anymore, that's why.

[D] Ronny Cedeno & [E] Mike Fontenot - Will play the "doesn't get enough at-bats" cards.

[F] Any others?

CARLOS ZAMBRANO IS LAUGHING SOMEWHERE

Barrett final
Uploaded by bsap11

Yeesh. That looked awfully painful. It's probably not as bad as when he took a fastball off his coin purse and had to have surgery for it, that's for sure.

Get well, Michael. (Stop laughing, Carlos!)