dfrancon
Mar 17, 2008 Jul 17, 2011 61 748
Die-hard Cubs fan, via the far-West suburbs of Chicago. Currently serving time in Dallas, Texas. I will live in an NL town again one day! My new summer vacation strategy has me trying to see the Cubs on the road in other towns, too, so I can check out the other ballparks.
UPDATE: As of November 2010, I am living in my beloved Chicago. GO CUBS!
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Kerry Wood Fined For Retaliation
Bruce Miles appears to be the only one reporting that MLB has fined Kerry Wood for his Sunday night plunking of Jed Lowrie. Odd to me that he gets fined for hitting a guy in the buttocks, when the Red Sox pitcher who put into question Marlon Byrd's ability to see gets off scot free.
This is how a real sports journalist writes.
They don't just parrot the sound bites spouted by the owners or management. They analyze the facts and provide a realistic view of those facts.
What, if anything, can be done to get rid of Judd Sirott?
The bottom half of the fifth inning of today's game pushed me over the edge. Judd Sirott was calling the play-by-play, and Marlon Byrd hit a fly ball. I'm listening to the call and can't figure out if the fly was caught or not, if it was an out or a hit. Judd is completely incapable of providing play-by-play that does not leave lengthy gaps in the call where you have no idea what is occurring.
I am not alone in my annoyance. Even Ron Santo became impatient with Judd in the top of the fifth, responding sharply to yet another comment by Judd that revealed how little he knows about baseball.
Is there any hope of getting Judd fired? What would it take? A WGN boycott? A letter-writing campaign or a petition for Judd's firing?
I am serious. I can't take it anymore. All suggestions welcome.
How classless are the Brewers?
Well, maybe not all of them. At least Jim Edmonds realized it wasn't polite to gloat after kicking the tails of the Pirates to the tune of 20-0. But of course Ryan Braun displayed no such graciousness or class, with this being his quote:
"It was fun and it was special," said Braun, who homered, doubled, singled and drove in five runs. "This game is really so much about failure, particularly as a hitter, that you rarely get a day where everyone is enjoying so much success at the same time."
"I've never been involved in a game like this and I likely never will be again. So, I enjoyed it and I'll savor it. It's one to remember," he said.
What do you think? Is it cool to just pile on?
Some Pics from Yesterday's 5-3 Win Over the Reds
by dfrancon on Jul 26, 2009 1:40 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
It was a gorgeous day at Wrigley yesterday, with blue skies, comfortable temps in the low 80s and, of course, a Cubs WIN! If you couldn't make it out to the park, I thought you might like to see some photos from the day. These photos include Cubs-loving fans and ushers and a former Cubs manager, as well as some on-field action.
Please note: these are unedited photos, so please forgive a few fan heads popping into the corners!
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Yet another reason why Judd Sirott annoys me
by dfrancon on Jun 27, 2009 4:03 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
He was interviewing Andres Blanco today and actually stumbled upon an interesting subject: Blanco is reading The Davinci Code, and he explained he finds it interesting because he is learning a lot about the religious theories referenced in the book, which he had "never heard of before in his life." Now, wouldn't that have been a perfect place for an open-ended question designed to help us learn more about Andres Blanco's life?
Instead, we learn that Judd has an agenda, a direction he wants the interview to go. He asked this: "Is there something relaxing about reading before a game?"
ARGH. WGN, PLEASE FIRE JUDD SIROTT. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE US SUFFER THROUGH HIM FOR THIS ENTIRE SEASON. PLEASE, I BEG OF YOU, HAVE RESPECT FOR THE FANS.
Enough is Enough with the Abuse of Muskat
I have sat silently by while many, many posters here criticized Carrie Muskat over the years. Is she the greatest baseball writer ever? No. Does the fact that she writes for MLB keep her from voicing edgy opinions regarding, honest criticism of or the jucier facts about our favorite team? Probably. Do people criticize her more because she is a female writer than they do male writers who commit the same infractions? I don't know, and I always hoped that was not the case.
But I am breaking my silence, having read some of the comments to Carrie's newest emailbag posting at the Cubs site (see link). In addition to some commenters who actually responded substantively to her column (totally fair game), one commenter called her "ugly" and another said it was probably her time of the month. This crosses a line for me.
I have no idea if those commenters also read/post at BCB, but if you do, PLEASE STOP THE SEXISM. Criticize Carrie on substance all you like, so long as you hold male sportswriters to the same standards. But her physical appearance, "cycles" and the like are not fair game.
Sincerely,
A female lifelong Cubs fan and longtime member of the BCB community
Gathright headed down
by dfrancon on May 8, 2009 10:17 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
It's about time for Gathright to head down! I'm sure he is a nice guy and all, but he has not been able to contribute this season and we need to fill his spot with someone who can.
Gordon Wittemeyer reports:
Apparently, Gathright's service time is sufficient for him to "refuse the assignment and become a free agent, but he would give up the remainder of his $800,000 salary. The Cubs have discussed the move with Gathright's representatives the last two days after putting him on waivers." It's about time!To make room on the roster for pitcher Randy Wells to start tonight, the Cubs plan to send speedy outfielder Joey Gathright to the minors this afternoon -- if he accepts the assignment -- when the waiver period on him expires, sources confirmed Thursday.
Once again, MLB.com Screws the Customer
by dfrancon on Apr 6, 2009 7:19 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
So here I am in Dallas, trying to listen to WGN audio for the Cubs game on Opening Day. I was perplexed because 30 minutes before gametime, when you usually can hear pre-game interviews and such, I kept getting the Astros broadcast despite clicking on WGN. There was no error or warning message letting me know of any issue on MLB's end. I can't watch the game on MLB.com because it is blacked out in Dallas, apparently.
I called MLB.com's customer service line and got a person who clearly had no idea what was going on. She finally put me on hold and asked, then came back with the news that MLB is having trouble with their WGN feed. She had no answer for why they have posted no notice to let their customers understand the annoyance of getting the Astros feed when clicking on WGN. A higher up guy had nothing to offer, other than that they don't know when it will be fixed. I asked about lifting the blackout or refunding a portion of the fee to compensate subscribers for missing--of all games--the Pat/Ron broadcast of Opening Day. That didn't go over so well.
So, here I am on Opening Day listening to the ANNOYING Milo Hamilton. I would boycott MLB.com, but I don't have television and this is the only way for me to follow the team. I posted this so you could save yourself the money and aggravation if you have any other options.
I am not happy, but such is the effect of a monopoly.
ARGH.
I like Doug Glanville
by dfrancon on Aug 8, 2008 11:08 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
and he has written another New York Times column, this one about being traded. Yes, he mentions the Cubs a few times.
Even if he had not referenced our beloved team, this would be a good read. Doug is a good writer and has a way of imparting the feel of the club house.
And, he provides short-notice moving tips:
I had my moving plan: I would pack as much as I could possibly carry on the flight to Chicago, then clear out my apartment and jam everything I could into my car. Then, on the Cubs next trip to Houston, I would catch a plane to Dallas, meet up with an auto shipping company and have my car shipped to Chicago. Amazingly, it all went off without a glitch.
Check it out while you wait for the Cubs/Cards game to start!
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A story for people who love baseball
by dfrancon on Jun 17, 2008 9:28 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
In today's Washington Post, Dave Sheinin interviews Bill Werber and it is a must-read. Who is Bill Werber, you ask? He is a 100 year old man who played in the major leagues and is the last living ex-teammate of Babe Ruth. Heck, he's the oldest living baseball player, period. He is the man who, in the late 1930's, saw his teammates on the Cincinnati Reds get "into a fight in the clubhouse when Derringer accused Goodman of not having any guts after the latter allowed a fly ball to drop in."
There are many great stories in this article--just go read it ! If you love baseball, you'll love this article.
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Edmonds signing imminent, per Paul Sullivan
by dfrancon on May 14, 2008 5:08 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
According to this article:
Veteran center fielder Jim Edmonds is expected to clear waivers Wednesday and sign with the Cubs, opening the door to what could be a prolonged debate.
Sorry, all . . . I thought that Sullivan story was new. Here's one that really is new , again confirming the signing and saying:
The Cubs will have to make a roster move to make room for Edmonds. While Felix Pie is expected to be sent down to Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs may also put Daryle Ward on the disabled list within the next day or two. Piniella said Ward’s back is bothering him and he can’t run.
That would give the Cubs an opportunity to bring up another outfielder, perhaps Matt Murton or Micah Hoffpauir, to serve as the fifth outfielder behind Alfonso Soriano, Edmonds, Kosuke Fukudome and Reed Johnson.
I had a heart attack when I saw this in the new story, re Edmonds:
“He’s going to hit ninth,” manager Lou Piniella said. “I’m going to move the pitcher to eighth, and hit him ninth.”
But then I saw this:
Piniella was joking, of course, and spent most of Wednesday’s press conference trying to avoid talking about the new Cubs outfielder.
So thanks for not skewering me too badly for posting an old story.
For what it's worth, I think signing Edmonds is a terrible idea and worry about mucking up an otherwise happy and cohesive clubhouse with his presence. But Lou has done pretty well so far, so I'm going to try to trust him on this until . . . well . . . until I can't.
For Jessica: A Fun Maddux Story
by dfrancon on Apr 13, 2008 5:44 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
From ESPN.com is this story about a fun little Greg Maddux experiment that took place last fall: does Maddux pitch so much like clockwork that a person could catch him with his eyes closed?
The answer?
You'll have to read the story to find out.
But here are some choice quotes:
Okay, people, listen up. (UPDATED)
by dfrancon on Sep 25, 2007 12:00 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
I am going to ask you something nicely. But you should know that this is not optional. Ready?
PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT THE PLAYOFFS AS IF THE CUBS MAKING THE PLAYOFFS IS A DONE DEAL. Seriously. Do you know how you are tempting fate? Do you?
Henceforth, please let all talk of the playoffs, if any, include the word "IF" or another modifier (i.e., "knock on wood") that indicates you realize there is every chance in the world that the Cubs might not make it.
Giants say goodbye to Bonds; Bonds bitter
by dfrancon on Sep 21, 2007 7:08 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Barry Bonds just posted this journal entry in which he says the Giants told him yesterday he isn't coming back next year. He is upset that they didn't tell him sooner so this year could be a "Barry farewell" tour. He plans to continue playing elsewhere.
Please, dear Lord, let the Cubs owners, whoever they may be, NOT sign Bonds.
Cubs Roster Moves: Catcher Jason Kendall Acquired for Blevins/Bowen
by dfrancon on Jul 16, 2007 8:52 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
According to this and this story on the Cubs' web site.
Hendry is talking about it now with Pat and Bob; Kendall deal completed about 1 1/2 hours ago, and has been in the works for 2-3 days. The title of the linked MLB.com article says it's Marshall who is going to the A's, but the article itself does not say who the minor leaguer is.
The title of this story says it's minor leaguer Jerry Blevins who is going, not Marshall.
Paul Sullivan also says it's Bowen and Blevins. To round things out, here is Carrie Muskat's story.
Update [2007-7-18 8:46:32 by dfrancon]: With the large cash contribution by the A's, the Cubs' price for Kendall is a bargain. According to this Sun-Times story, they will only pay $890,000 of Kendall's $13 million salary this season.
Whose jersey do you have?
by dfrancon on Jul 1, 2007 8:16 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Hey, all,
This may be a frivolous topic for a diary, but I was curious regarding which Cubs players' jerseys are the most popular among BCB readers. I thought of this because yesterday I ordered a new Cubs jersey, only after deep thought.
Quick notes from last night's Cubs/Rangers game
by dfrancon on Jun 20, 2007 8:50 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
I attended last night's game, paying the price of an hour-plus commute home (typically 25 minutes) due to the brilliant Texas wisdom that led to the only highway that runs near the Ballpark being reduced from three lanes to one for the night.
But enough growling. The Cubs won, 5-4, the bullpen sparkled and Sosa the Team Abandoner did not hit his 600th home run. Life is sweet!
Here are my quick notes, to be supplemented soon by game pix:
Have your voice heard regarding Umpire Jim Wolf's derailment of last night's game
by dfrancon on Jun 11, 2007 2:25 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
The more I think about Umpire Jim Wolf's egomaniacal, irrational display last night, in which he tossed Ted Lilly in the first inning for accidentally hitting Renteria, the madder I get. I became so mad in thinking this over that I called the MLB offices at (212) 931-7800 and asked for the person in charge of umpires.
I was connected with Cathy Davis, and asked her whether a review is taking place. She said that the umpiring management is looking at it. I asked if it is possible for discipline to result concerning an umpire's acts, and she said it is. I asked if such discipline will be public if it occurs, and she said only in the case of a suspension, but not a fine.
Sosa leaves early again . . .
by dfrancon on May 11, 2007 12:30 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
this time, from a Rangers charity event. Ed Bark, former long-time television critic for Dallas' Evil Newspaper Which Must Not Be Named, and now of his own delightful "Uncle Barky" blog, writes:
Ryne Sandberg morphs into Lou Piniella?
by dfrancon on May 8, 2007 12:34 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
How many of you would have taken a bet that Ryne Sandberg would be ejected from a game before Lou Piniella this year? Me neither.
But he was, according to this Carrie Muskat story:
Save your money and your blood pressure: boycott MLB.TV
by dfrancon on Apr 14, 2007 3:16 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Warning: you are about to read a rant. A full-on rant.
I live in Dallas and do not have TV (not satellite, not regular, no TV). The only way for me to "see" the Cubs is via the internet. My beloved Cubs. Those I have now followed for 37 years. Despite this, I considered not renewing my MLB.TV subscription from last year because so many games were blacked out and the quality of the video was so bad that I did not think it was worth the expense and the annoyance of not being able to actually watch the games I was paying to watch.
Then I made a huge mistake.
Bizarre Z Silent Treatment
by dfrancon on Apr 12, 2007 12:10 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
In his story on today's "snow-out," Paul Sullivan reports:
How Zambrano felt was unknown. He declined to speak to reporters from the Tribune and Comcast SportsNet, saying his recent comments about the Reds' lineup being more potent than the Brewers' were misinterpreted.
Zambrano did not deny his statements but said he didn't mean to demean the Brewers with an unfavorable comparison to the Reds.
Several Brewers criticized Zambrano after reading his comments the next day. On Monday, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he would prefer his players "talk about your own performance, your own team and not worry about anyone else."
Zambrano, who predicted this spring he would win the Cy Young Award and the Cubs the World Series, always has been friendly with the media.
Though he spoke on the Cubs' Web site Wednesday, he later said he would talk to print media only after he pitches.
"And I'll just answer 'yes' and 'no,'" he said.
Play Ball, Cubs Nation
by dfrancon on Apr 9, 2007 10:39 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
I have a crushing amount of work to do before heading to Chicago for the Cubs/Cards series, but this weekend, I found myself feeling the need to do something baseball-ish. So, at long last, I read the copy of Gene Wojciechowski's Cubs Nation book that has been gracing my packed bookshelves for a few years now. (Yes, I read the entire book in less than a weekend--meaning my work week will be lots of fun!)
As I suspected, a search reveals that Al reviewed the book a few years ago when it first came out. But I thought that today, as we all eagerly anticipate the home opener, would be a good time to write a bit about this book in the event that you, too, had not yet read it and cannot cram enough Cubs baseball into your life right now.
Cubs Spring Training Photos, Part II
by dfrancon on Mar 30, 2007 1:35 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Hey, guys . . . this series covers Sunday's and Monday's games against the Angels. You will find all my Spring Training photos from this trip, both new and old, at this link.
Photos from Cubs spring training . . .
by dfrancon on Mar 25, 2007 1:54 PM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
specifically, Friday's Giants at Cubs game (6-2, Cubs) and Saturday's Cubs at Giants game (3-2, Cubs) . . . may be found here, on my web site.
Here is a sample of what you will see there:
There are also a few close-up photos of a $126 million dollar pitcher. I'll update later with pics from today's Angels at Cubs game and tomorrow's Cubs at Angels game. Have a great Sunday!
Pierzynski: Just when you thought he couldn't get crazier.
by dfrancon on Dec 14, 2006 2:22 AM EST
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Via the ever-excellent Bat Girl, we find this truly amazing story:
In short, Little A.J. (of White Sox fame) became jealous of the attention that David Eckstein (of Cardinals fame) and his brother, a minor league coach, were receiving at a studio event.
A.J.'s explanation is below:
Cubs sign Jason Marquis
by dfrancon on Dec 9, 2006 10:25 AM EST
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
. . . according to this story.
Three years, $28 million.
According to the article, "The Cubs believe pitching coach Larry Rothchild can fine-tune Marquis and make him a more consistent pitcher. His best season came in 2004, when Marquis went 15-7 with a 3.71 ERA. His career record with Atlanta and St. Louis is 56-52 with a 4.55 ERA."
They say this ends the Cubs' search for a second big arm.
Thoughts?
Go TIGERS!!!
by dfrancon on Oct 20, 2006 1:15 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
You may have heard about a little game 7 that was played Thursday night. And you may have heard that a team--my least favorite team in all of baseball--won that game. Unlike Al, I did not find the series to be boring. And unlike Al (I believe), I feel terrible for the Mets.
Is A-Rod Really Staying put?
by dfrancon on Oct 11, 2006 2:41 AM EDT
on Bleed Cubbie Blue
In this Tribune story, Paul Sullivan says maybe not. He writes:
As general manager Jim Hendry continues his managerial search and attempts to rework Aramis Ramirez's contract, he also might address the possibility of Rodriguez being available for the right price. Multitasking seldom has been so fascinating.
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