Yesterday, I watched something take place in the game that absolutely sickened me. I very much enjoy this website and I don't post very often, but I cannot hold my tongue any longer on this subject either. I make my living as a Head Athletic Trainer for a college football team, and the decision to let Austin Collie risk not just his season, but his career was absolutely ludacris. These types of decisions lead me to believe the reason for our injury problems this year and in years past can be placed on the shoulders of those who's job dresciption is to help prevent, manage, and rehab athletic injuries.  

Continue reading this post »

I think teams are going to stop trying to pound the ball on us, and spread us out more after the Super Bowl. Therefore, we are going to need to add more depth in the secondary.

I just can't help but think that Javier Arenas could really help us, next year. I really think this guy can come in and do so much for our defense, and be a significant upgrade in the punt return game. I think Arenas can be outstanding as the nickel back, he's physical and tackles well, his game fits our zone scheme, and you know he has an excellent defensive IQ coming from Saban's system. The knocks on him are his speed and ability to handle larger receivers; however, he is extremely quick, and most slot guys are small and quick, so he would match up very well. The guy is a play maker, and with his high IQ I could see him jumping a couple of those quick routes people like to use against us, because they are scared to take a deep drop with Freeney and Mathis coming.
He's projected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round, and I would love to see the Colts draft this guy.

What does everyone else think?

I hate to bring negativity back, since we have won two games in a row, but we just took 2 of 3 from the Pirates, that doesn't mean this thing has been turned around. If we are going to win this division I think some things are going to have to change. Therefore, I've put together a list of what I'm tired of seeing from this team.

1) It starts at the top... I'm tired of seeing Lou Piniella getting out-managed. I love Lou, and I think he is a fine manager, but I'm tired of Tony LaRusa making him look like an idiot, last week we pitched out 3 times in one AB because we thought the Cardinals were stealing, that doesn't exactly help your pitcher out. When Lou was hired it was clear the organization was trying to win now, but now I really wished we would have hired Joe Girardi.

2) I'm tired of our prospects coming up and either struggle from the get go, or have a little success before dropping off. It seems like the Cardinals and Braves bring up 3 or 4 guys every year that fit into a role on the team, contribute, and help the team win. Pie and Rich Hill are prime examples. Please... Jake Fox, please produce... I think we should put Fox at third until A-Ram comes back. Derek Lee helped turned Aramis from a below average defender to a above average defender. I'm sure D-Lee can help Fox out too. 

3) Everyone in the bullpen not named, Marmol and Guzman. For years, Guzman was our number 1 starting pitching prospect, now that he is back from injury I think he can possibly have the same success that Marmol has had going from the rotation to the pen. I think Guzmon should pitch the 6th & 7th when needed anytime the game is close, and Heilman's role should be reduced. Why do we always have one or two guys in our pen, that no one can stand to see pitch.

4) Soto hitting soft grounders to 3rd. We all know Soto can rake, last year he hit balls hard all over the yard. Hopefully, it's nothing more then a slow start.

5) Soriano never having a approach at the dish. He is hitting in the .250's right now and that just isn't good enough. I know he has 12 homeruns, and a lot of big hits, but this team needs him to carry them until some of the other guys start hitting. That's what guys who have contracts over 100 million do

6) People saying we need to bring up Vitters. The kid is still 19. Yes, he is tearing the cover off the ball playing against players his own age, but in no way is he ready for the bigs.

7) Derek Lee grounding into double plays. 

8) People hating on Zambrano. The guy would do anything to win, I don't care if he loses his mind once a month on a Umpire, the catcher, his bat, or the Gatorade thing. He will do anything to win, and I love players like that.

9) Milton Bradley complaining. Just shut-up and hit, we brought you in to hit, not to talk about hitting.

Man I can't wait for Aramis to get back, I think most of our hitting complaints will go away when we have Mr. Clutch back.

Go Cubs Go