I was wondering if we could post everything that is happening this weekend concerning Andre Dawson here on this thread? The events? Times? Channels? Etc… It gets confusing if every event receives its own thread. So, let’s post everything here!

Tomorrow’s “This Week In Baseball” is supposed to be about the career of these 3 new inductee’s. It will be fun to see more/new footage of his career. I noticed it starts at 3pm eastern time.

Sunday is the Hall of Fame. I don’t have times yet but a friend told me it will only be watchable via the internet. Will get more info as I go…

Is there anything more happening?

Thanks for the help! I hope this helps.

I joined BCB right before Al started doing the top 100 players countdown. I wonder if maybe we could do a list of the top 10 Cubs managers of all-time?

I think a list like this will be cool… and it will give us a chance to get to look at and get to know managers from years back. Any chance this could happen?

Personally, my all-time favorite Cubs manager would be Don Zimmer. I know he wasn’t the best, but he was the first manager I really got to know… plus, the ’89 Cubs were "my team." I was too young to really follow baseball in ’84, but was around in ’89 and I just thought the “Boys of Zimmer” were having sooo much fun out on the field.

Who else should be on a top 10 list????

(I dropped the list from 20 to 10. This seems a bit easier as Al said. Thanks.)

I still believe MB will be gone by Spring Training… but, is there a chance, even small, that MB comes back? I believe the odds are against it, but I won’t be surprised if he is forced to return. It appears the Cubs are trying to generate interest in him, but people aren’t biting.

If he remains, what happens next?

Have there been similar situations in MLB history that we can look at and compare?

Just wondering…

I was wondering if some of you may help me out.

I was wondering why… in 1988… Andre Dawson had such a drop off in his power stats? (HRS/RBIS) Besides hitting over .300, everything else seemed pretty much normal for him… (if I remember correctly)… but his power numbers, especially from the previous season, really dropped off.

Though I was a huge baseball/Cubs fan, I can’t remember many of the details from that season. I was only 10, going on 11, at the time. Plus, I didn’t follow all the magazines, nor had ESPN, so… I just knew what I saw on the tube… whatever Harry and Steve told us.

I was wondering if any of you all remember more specific details of the season… if you could help me out? Thanks.  

The Hawk Rules 4-Ever

Would you like to see Juan Pierre return to the Cubs?

With Manny coming back, it’s obvious that Juan Pierre will be returning to the bench. What’s sad is that he is having a career year. I wonder if part of the reason he has been busting rear is because he wants to play FT. With Manny coming back, do you think the Dodgers might shop him around as trade bait? If so, should the Cubs look into re-acquiring him? Or is there better options out there of Hendry to look at? Could he be the Kenny Lofton of '09?

Is Jim Hendry the best qualified person to be GM of the Chicago Cubs?

Personally, I have been a fan of Jim Hendry’s. I think he has made some of the best trades in Chicago Cubs history. However, there comes a point when all things must past and I am wondering if the Cubs might benefit from some front office changes. I honestly do not have a set opinion on this matter, but, I am very upset by the ’09 Chicago Cubs. It’s starting to feel like the last year or two of Dusty Baker’s reign. As a fan, it feels like the Cubs are a chicken with its head cut off. They seem lost… whether it’s the players fault, the manager’s fault, the GM’s fault, or all of their faults… it doesn’t matter. I want the Chicago Cubs to win this season, and it’s not too late. But some changes need to be made because this team will not win it. Will Hendry make any changes? Are the Cubs going to just shrug their shoulders and go home with their tail between their legs?

What does Hendry need to do to turn this team around?  

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/02/11/dunn.nats/index.html

Nationals got him for a 2 year deal for $29 million.

Personally, I would have rather had him than Bradley. But that's my opinion.

I looked forward to seeing Bradley play 120 games and Dunn hitting another 40 HRs with a high on base percentage. My opinion once again.

Thanks Hendry.This has been a great...er, confusing winter for us Cubs fans.

Howdy folks!

What do you all think of this?

While reading some baseball news, I found that Nomar Garciaparra is still out on the free agent market. Do you think it would be a good idea for the Cubs to sign him up to be a DeRosa style replacement? I know he’s injured a lot, but he doesn’t have to be a FT player. He can fill in at SS, 3rd,  and 1st. Maybe he could play a little bit of outfield also.

It seems like he can still hit some. He hit 8 homers in 163 at-bats, plus, he doesn’t strike out much. Because of that, I could see him being a good pitch hitter.

There’s a good chance he probably wouldn’t cost too much, and would sign a short-term contract also.

What do you think?

I just heard the news on St. Louis radio. I looked it up on the 'net and it appears to be true. Scott Boras, Maddux's agent, has came out and said that Maddux is probably going to retire. There is no official word from Maddux himself yet, but it's probably true.

Here is a link:

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=482367

Personally, I wish he'd keep on playing. Even if he was a player-coach. He's still better than a lot of other pitchers in baseball. Still, I wish him the best. Without doubt, he's the best pitcher of my lifetime, and the best pitcher baseball has seen in many, many, years.

I know there is a top 100 Cubs of all-time here at BCB. I also know that we all probably have our own individual top ten Cubs list… but I wonder who are some of the worst men to ever wear a Chicago Cubs uniform? Has anybody wearing a Cubs uniform ever been a disgrace to this beloved team, or to Major League Baseball in general? 

Is it possible to make up a top 25 worst Cubs of all-time?

By this, I don’t mean a player coming up and only having one major league at bat and striking out. Or a player only getting the chance to pinch run and get out attempting to steal. But, these people has to have really cast a negative light upon this team or MLB while wearing a Cubs uniform. 

Personally, I think my most hated Cub is not a player, but a GM. Larry Himes. I’m sure some will argue because he brought over Sosa, but I find his work despicable and it was during his tenure that I almost became bitter at this team. I thought him disrespectfully releasing Dawson and Maddux unforgivable, and his silly rules having played a part in Ryne Sandberg losing his joy of baseball…for awhile. He came back after Himes was gone.

What do you guys think? Any forgettable/unforgivable Cubs? Any front office move you wish never happened? How come? 

I would love to hear some of your thoughts and examples. Take care! 

Go Cubs Go ’09!  

Howdy folks. I don't know if you have seen this, but it's worth a look. This guy is a big Cubs fan, and spent over 100 hours putting this picture together. It's incredible. Art comes in many weird styles, but this guy has really got an incredible ability... One person left a comment about him being a Jedi Mast on Etch-A-Sketch and he truely is.

Check it OUT! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyCe3RNT7pw&eurl=http://www2.timesti.aol.com/si_blogs/1/posts/12901

I challenge all of you major Cubs fans to pull out an Etch-A-Sketch, (maybe borrow your kids, or even funnier, take the kid next doors Etch) and try putting together a homage to the 08 Cubs. Haha... I wonder if any one of us have any talent?

I know the last two games have been atrocious, but it’s a new day, and it’s going to be a “Cubs Win, Cubs Win” type of day. Regardless of what happened, or what will happen, the Cubs will not quit and are not going to go down without a fight. If you have any faith at all that the Cubs can come back, post a comment stating that you still believe.

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” &  “The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.” -Arnold Schwarzenegger

“This is not time for words anymore, this is time to go out on the field and play to the best of your ability and relax and get the job done. That's it…The Dodgers have not won three ballgames, they have to win three to go to the next round.” -Lou Piniella

"We're going to win tomorrow, we have to win. That's what we play for. We're going to bring the series to Chicago.” -Carlos Marmol

(Sorry, I just had to throw in some Arnold quotes. It just felt right.)

WOW! I cannot believe it. I have been so busy for the last month or so, that I haven't been able to watch any Cubs games. I've seen a few highlights here and there, and always checked BCB to see scores and to keep up with everything... but tonight, I dropped everything I was doing just to watch the game. I didnt even know Z was pitching... I tuned in at the 4th inning and watched it from there. Wow... the Cubs needed this and Z just showed why he is a leader on this team. This IS the season, there is no doubt about it now.

Did anybody get to see this game? What was your thoughts on it?

I do wish I could hear Santo calling the last inning! Is it on the net anywhere?

It's 3AM, Chicago time, and am taking a break from work. I turn on the internet and what is the first news article I see?

Willie Randolph is fired as New York Met manager.

I don't really have too much of an opinion about Willie. I remember him as a player, and he seemed solid. More so as manager. He appears to be a class act person. It's disappointing when such things happen to good baseball people. However, this has seemed to be coming, especially with the Met collapse of last year, and that they haven't played up to their hype this year.

Bench Coach Jerry Manuel is taking over for the time being. I wonder who they plan on bringing in? Is there any way for them to salvage the season?

Anyway, here is the link I read it on.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080617/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbn_mets_randolph_fired

Come on Cub fans. State your opinions!

Howdy folks! Hope all is well. Does anybody out here collect the baseball figures from McFarlane toys? I was, but since I have missed a few, I’ve become discouraged. I noticed the other day that in their Cooperstown series, they have a Ryne Sandberg figure. It originally comes in the Cub’s home team uniform, but also comes in a more limited edition blue “away” uniform. I’ve been keeping an eye out for one at my local toy store but have yet to see the Ryno figure. I’m surprised they are all sold out being that I live in the Cardinal country of St. Louis. Maybe Card fans are buying them and burning ‘em? Haha… anyway, does anybody have the figure? What do you think about it? Does anybody collect the Cubs players from McFarlane toys? What do you think of the figures? I believe they look pretty cool. I did see some Alfonso Soriano figures in a Cub uniform there. I need to pick that one up. I believe the only figures I need are and old Wood figure, the orginal Sosa, the rare Maddux in Cubs uniform, and the “Zamzilla” (hope some of you Cub fans remember what I am talking about) figure that came in the Cubs box set.

Answer the poll and write what you all think of the figure line! I hope I didn’t forget any…

Howdy folks. I've been a huge Cub fan since '87. For many different reasons, I've never been able to get up to Chicago to watch a Cubs game at Wrigley. I have wanted too so bad, but for the last 6 years, my wife and I have only been able to take one vacation and we had to keep it in state. Anyway, earlier in the year, my wife made a promise to me that no matter what, we are going to go see the Cubs at Wrigley sometime this season. The date we go is up to me. Of course, the mere thought of this has me excited! I'm in the process now of trying to decide when to go... and I have a question some of you might be able to help me with.

My favorite player/hero as a kid was Andre Dawson. In fact, my son is named Dawson after him. Andre was the hero I needed to keep me out of trouble as a youth and I would love to go to Chicago sometime when he will be there. I know he has sung "take me out to the ballgame" at least once over the last two seasons there. I wonder if anybody knows if (and when) he'll be doing it this season? Haha, I assume they were both in games against the Marlins? Does anybody know if he'll be making any promotional appearences in the city also? Any info or links with info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys!

Go Cubs!

You’ve got to read this. The New York Daily News is definitely against it’s home team the Yankees for printing a story like this.

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/50693

Man, I have never read anything like this. I guess the secret to the Yankee’s "winning" ways is that it’s star players share wearing a golden thong. Who would have guessed?

The secret is now out. The Yankee’s have built their dynasty upon the helpings of a Golden Thong.

In Game 6 of the ’77 series, Reggie Jackson hit three homeruns. How did he do it? The Magical Golden Thong.

Maris hit 61 in 61… McGwire and Bonds said he used the Thong. Since they didn’t have it in their possession, they used the ‘roids.

Don Larsen’s perfect game? The Brooklyn Dodgers blame the Thong!

Ever wonder why the call the Babe… the Babe? The Thong man… the thong!

Anyway, if the Yankee’s actually do turn it around, I am sure the "Magical Golden Thong" will go down as one of those significant superstitions of Yankee fandom. Who knows, if they turn it around, maybe it will show up in the Hall of Fame someday.

*shutters*

Anyway, I was wondering, besides the goat, has any other Cub players throughout history had any wild superstitions? I seem to remember Turk Wendell used to jump over the white baselines, brush his teeth between innings, and chew black licorice.

Does anybody remember any of these superstitions? Does any of the Cub players today have any? Thanks!

PS. I hope Lou isn’t wearing one of those thongs right now. You never know what kind of habits one picks up from being a Yankee.

Hey folks... I don't know if anybody is interested, but the Boston Herold recently ran an article about Roger Clemens trying to pick up the wife of former WWE(F) wrestler, Brutus the Barber Beefcake. Here is the link...

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1090659&srvc=home&position=also

It's amazing how much stuff has came out on the Rocket in the last six-months or so. With there being so much stuff pop up against him, it just seems impossible to know what's truth and what isn't. I'm really interested to see how all of this plays out in a few years when it's time for the Hall of Fame selection. Anyway, I thought I'd show you all on case anyone was interested.

BTW: If I booked the match, Beefcake would put Clemens to sleep with a sleeperhold, and then cut all his hair off.

Hey guys...

I hope this question doesn't annoy anybody, but I really have no idea what went down concerning why Grace left the Cubs. I have been a Cub fan for over twenty years. One of my favorite players was Mark Grace. While I kept up with how my team was doing in the standings, I didn't read much into the teams "behind the scenes" issues. Anyway, to this day, I still do not know why exactly Mark Grace left the Cubs. I've heard him and Hendry had some problems... but what kind? Grace was an all-star, so there was no reason to let him go. I know "Crime Dog" came in, and did OK stat-wise for us... but still, he wasn't Grace. I was happy to see him in the World Series with the Dbacks, but felt disappointed that it wasn't with the Cubs. Anyway, does anybody have any information about why he left?  Any chance of him coming back and working with the Cubs in another capacity? While I doubt he'll get into the HOF, does anybody here believe he will?

Thanks!

Isn't it just me, but would anybody else LOVE to see Wrigley filled with fans wearing a "marty loves the Cubs" t-shirt? Why doesn’t somebody print some up for the next time the Reds are in town? Make it look like the “I Love The 80’s” logo from VH1. Ha… I would love to hear Marty’s lovable verbals after seeing a shirt like that. Maybe a cartoonist could sketch up a picture of Marty and the Cubs bear hugging, or maybe him holding its arm up in the air and waving "number 1."

Onery... yes I know. Still, I feel something of the sort is deserving.