First off,

thanks Al for removing those vile threads from last night. To say that guy “illini” whatever, was over the top is putting it mildly.
Now, on another note, if I was Lou, and I had the time, I would gather the players for a “special meeting,” then tell them we are going to watch a movie that portrays a man who really knows how to handle adversity, to come through when the chips were down … then I would play “National Lampoons Vacation!” That movie absolutely puts me on the floor every time I see it, and if it could get those guys to laugh again, and hopefully relax, then I’ve done my job. Those players are wound so tight right now that nothing they do comes out right. 
I recall in 1966 when the Orioles were on their pennant and WS run, they set up a “Kangaroo Court” with Frank Robinson the judge. I don’t remember exactly what he did – he fined people for silly things and whatnot – but the results were a loose and relaxed group of players, and the rest is history. 

I hear Ryan Dempster is quite the comedian, I would like to see him step up and suggest something he could do to lighten things up. I also hear he does a great Harry Cary. I would love to hear that! 

Anyway, if there is one thing I have seen from my 44 years of being a Cubs fan during our times when we were a winning team, was our habit of making the big error, or giving up the big hit. I believe that happens because of anxiety or tightness. They are afraid of making a mistake - after all these are the Cubs they always blow it. I think Lou needs to do something to get an atmosphere of looseness in that clubhouse, now, and for the future.