I was exhausted last night reading the heated exchanges between my fellow BCBers over yesterday's trade with the Rays.  Unsure of my own opinion on the matter, I headed to Rosati's for a slice of pizza to mull over the news (It's the closest thing we have here in SoCal and makes me feel like I'm back home).  

As I enjoyed a little slice of heaven during this cold winter day (it's a bitter 67 degrees here), I became curious to learn more about Fernando Perez.  A sabermagician (or whatever they are called) I am not - that's for those smart kids... but   I can figure out how "YouTube" works.   Perez may not be the All Star or big bat we all crave, but after extensive qualitative research, I believe that I have found a glimmer of hope in our newest, speedy CF... LOVE IT!

Video

At the very least, Demp is going to enjoy having this guy.  Hope you enjoy... I have a feeling we're in for a LONG season, but I can't wait!  

GO CUBS!  

Not the best newsline to read on the commercial break from today's game...

According to Mr. Sullivan of the Tribune, "Rich Harden was scratched from his rehab start at Triple-A Iowa for undisclosed reasons.

Harden, who was scheduled to pitch on Sunday, was supposed to pitch on Friday against Minnesota at Wrigley Field, but that start will be pushed back. "

While I think the rotation has done a very solid job lately, does anyone else fear that Harden won't be back until ASB?  Whatya think? 

GO RANDY WELLS!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Dustin Eglseder, the young man who won last year's "Ultimate 7th Inning Stretch Contest". Dustin was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and, according to the article, had undergone a recent surgery. I know he'll be watching down and cheering on the Cubs...

Links:
MLB Story:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070922&content_id=2224019&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
Chicago Tribune:
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_whatsgoinon/2008/07/fan-who-sang-tm.html

Excuse me if this has already been discussed, but I recently returned to Chicago to visit family for my niece's high school graduation.  I purchased tickets for the Memorial Day game only to find out that the graduation party was the day of the Cubbies game.  Ugh! 

Instead, with Sunday being my only "free time" and the Cubs playing out of town, the wife and I headed to Wrigley to find my brick paver and watch the game from a few of the local establishments.  As we searched for the paver (and enjoyed an Old Style at Harry's new place), I inquired about the availability of tickets for a Wrigley Tour.  No luck, I was informed - sold out (the Internet told me the same story).  I was told that I could "stand by" and see if there were any no shows...  15 minutes later, the wife and I went on the tour of Wrigley.  If you've never had the opportunity - DO IT!  It was one of the coolest things ever... The things you're allowed access to is unreal.  I have a whole new perspective of the Friendly Confines.  From the press box to the clubhouse to the dugout - one word "AMAZING!"

Cool side note, aside from all the wedding parties (nice touch for my wife!), we got to see "Challenger", the bald eagle used on Memorial Day's game go through a few practice runs!

Anyone else out there go on the tour?

I know I've seen posts discussing who the back up to Pie should be for the Cubs.  But now both the Tribune and Sun Times are reporting that the both Reed Johnson and Jeff DaVanon "could draw the Cubs interest." http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2008/03/eyre-experienci.html and http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/857360,eyrecubs032308.article - Did I do that okay, AL?  Never done this before :)

Anyways, give me your feedback on the poll - another new adventure for me... GO CUBS!