With Dempster due to start tonite's game, someone obviously nees to be sent down. A pitcher makes sense right now.  My guess is that Justin Berg is probably the odd man out.  Samardzija may've been walking a thin line, but he looked ok last night and is probably safe.  Jeff Stevens probably solidified his spot for now after last nite's outing.  I like his arm. Any other thoughts on who is likely to get demoted?

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but ESPN has article on the All-Time Gold Glove team (voted on by the fans) http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2985977. I think if ESPN's experts/writers voted, the results may've been somewhat different.  Sandberg was beaten out by none other than our old buddy, Joe Morgan.  Not exactly sure why, as Morgan only won 5 gold gloves.  In addition to Sandberg, I think I'd rate Frank White higher than Morgan, too.

I think I've got the final 6 in Al's list, but putting them in order is tough, but here would be my top 6 (of those not ranked yet)

#6  Cap Anson (easily forgotton, but great player)

#5  Gabby Hartnett (top Cub catcher)

#4  Ryne Sandberg (one of the best 2B)

#3  Sammy Sosa (stats may always be in question)

#2  Billy Williams (one of the sweetest swings)

#1  Mr. Cub (any doubt?)

I previously posted that my wife surprised me with a combonation birthday/Christmas gift with a trip to Mesa, AZ. last week to attend Randy Hundley's 25th year anniversary fantasy camp (cubsfantasycamp.com).  It was awesome.  If you have ever thought about doing this, but aren't sure, just DO IT.  You will NOT be disappointed. There were 8 camper teams and we played double headers monday thru friday against each other.  Stay with me as this is the first time I've tried to post pictures. On Saturday, we played the ex-Cubs http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/BullandFergie.jpg
at Hohokam Park http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/gameday2.jpg. Each team got to play one inning in the field and got one at bat.  I played SS http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/Cubscamp.jpg and was fortunate enough to be asked to pitch http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/pitching3.jpg  http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/pitching4.jpg  against the ex-Cubs, too.  I got a line drive single to right field off Ron Davis in my at bat.

I thought I'd send some shots from the week.  The camp is expensive, but I had the time of my life and knowing the die-hard fans some of you are, you guys would have a blast, too. Being the 25th year anniversary, Hundley brought in the big guns http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/DSCF0020.jpg  http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/DSCF0013.jpg

My manager for the week was Lee Smith http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/LeeArthur.jpg  and he was quite a character.  I lead off for our team http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/cubscamp26.jpg and he had me at shortstop http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/cubscamp38.jpg just about every inning, except after I pulled a hammy in mid-week, he played me some at 3B and 1B instead so I didn't have to move as much.  The fields at Fitch Park were amazing and you wouldn't believe the infields and the true hops you get.  I must've had at least 30 chances at SS during the week and had only one error and that was a throwing error.  I'm gonna be spoiled once I get back to the fields I'm used to playing on when I get home.

Best off the field moment: "Bull" Durham says to a bunch of us in the parking lot that he has room for one more in his car as we were leaving Fitch Park and heading to Hohokam Park for the big game on Saturday.  I run over and say "thanks".  Little did I know that there were other passengers in the car.  Durham is driving, Jody is sitting shot gun and Sutcliffe and me are in the back seat.  Pretty cool.  Too bad the ride was only 5 minutes.

My assigned roommate at the hotel we stayed at was from the south suburbs of Chicago like me and we found out we play in the same 35 and older hard ball league at home. Small world!

Randy Hundley is a true gentleman and works very hard to ensure every camper has a great time. http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/cubscamp20.jpg  The coaches there this year http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238/cubboy89/cubscamp9.jpg were great, too.  They are very accessible and will pose for pictures, sign baseballs, baseball cards, etc.  It was special for me as there were guys from the '69 team (Santo, Banks, Williams, Fergie), players I grew up watching as a youngster like Cardenal, Reuschel, Biittner and then guys from the '84 team I watched as a teenager like Sut, Jody, "Bull", Moreland and Bobby D.  I'm 39 and I was probably one of the younger guys there (the minimum age requirement is 30 years old), but the camp is for anyone who has a love for the game and wants to live out that dream for a week.  Any questions, feel free to contact me .

Has anyone ever attended one of these camps in Arizona?  If so, can you give me any suggestions?  Helpful hints?  Things to bring or not to bring?  My wife got me this as a birthday gift yesterday and I'm going in late January. I'm pretty jacked about it.  Thanks for any help you guys/gals can provide.

Accrding to ESPN 1000 radio, the Cubs have resigned Henry Blanco to a two year deal worth 5 million.

Good to have Henry back in the fold.  Hendry appears to be signing the lower tier guys first again.  Also heard in the same radio report that Gil Meche joining the Cubs rotation is a real possibility.

From Rotoworld.com----

ESPN's Jayson Stark said he's not as confident that Rafael Furcal will join the Cubs as he was two days ago.

Talks are continuing, and it's possible no deal will be reached before the end of the weekend, as was previously expected. The Arlington Heights Daily Herald is reporting that the Cubs have offered Furcal $50 million over five years. The Dodgers also appear likely to beat the Braves' four-year offer. Agent Paul Kinzer met with the Braves yesterday and will continue to do so. "I'm based out of Atlanta. I'd love to keep him here," Kinzer said. "Ultimately it's going to be his decision. There has not been a decision made."

Dec. 1 - 5:12 pm et