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Baseball - Blogs
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Category :: The CCO, Live from Wrigleyville
Stop crying. Just stop it now. It's two games, okay. Two out of 162. Okay? Big picture here folks. The Cubs are 18 games over .500, in first place and still own the best record in the National League. With that being said, it is time to unleash my rambling nonsense on you, the CCO readers. It's been a long time so I have a lot to say....
He strolled to the mound that day as a boy and walked off as a man. In what can be argued as the most dominant game ever pitched, Kerry Wood went from a promising young arm to a legend. But, in some ways, was this a curse? Could he ever really live up to the heightened scrutiny and unrealistic expectations?...
14-6. Yea, I know, feels pretty darn good. After what can be called a 'somewhat-slow' start, the Cubs are on fire and have ripped off nine victories in their past 11 games. The offense has scored 41 runs in the past four games and our Japanese import is fitting in, well, decently, I guess. So, without further ado, here you go.......
One week under our belts and it is time for a rambling session for all to enjoy, well hopefully enjoy. The Cubs have won four of their last five and after a rocky two game start, appear to be gaining steam. Hopefully this trend continues for another 150 games or so. Without further ado....here we go...
In the past few weeks, I have bestowed my greatest gift on the CCO, my voice. Nope, no ego problems here. Anyway, while podcasting has added a fun element to the CCO, writing is at the core of disseminating news and thoughts, and it is about time I get back to doing it. With that being said, I decided to put the pen to paper, or more aptly said, fingers to a keyboard, and share...
The CCO Radio returns for a Friday edition with Brian and Shaun, for the first time, talking Cubs baseball. In the latest edition of the CCO Podcast, Brian and Shaun discuss the Cubs rotation, the National League Central, Kosuke Fukudome and Spring Training among other Cubs' topics, in their unique way. Click on the icon to download the podcast or subscribe through iTunes with the following link http://feeds.feedburner.com/Chicagocubsonlinecom to load into your iPod or iPhone....
First and foremost, thank you CCO readers for your continued patronage and commitment. Our website is growing and in order to keep up with the demands, we are adding a new element....PODCASTS. This will give you the chance to not only read the thoughts of our writers, but also to hear them, when you choose. We are very excited about this development and look forward to hearing your thoughts. We hope you find these entertaining...
Life can change; direction can change; responsibilities can change, and when those things happen, certain things get lost. My changes have taken me away from two of my favorite things over the past month, the Cubs and writing about them. However, there is nothing like a fan convention to snap one back into shape, even if only for 48 hours. So without further ado, here are my thoughts from the 23rd Annual Cubs Convention.......
The Cubs Convention will kick off two weeks from today, and boy am I excited! This will be the third year in a row I attend the Convention and it is quite an experience. I wrote a similar column last year, but I could not avoid doing it again. More and more people read the site than ever before and I want all to know the joy and pleasure of attending a Cubs Convention. Also,...
He was supposed to be a franchise pitcher. He was supposed to be the savio.. He was the young man with a rocket right arm and the perfect mechanics. Six years later he leaves unceremoniously and the story is not even as important as the signing of a Japanese outfielder. Under the cover of darkness Mark Prior left unwilling to sign a two year deal instead choosing free agency. Though he will be rehabbing at...
Hello again everybody. It has been awhile since I have exposed you to my random and ridiculous stream of consciousness. While every other sports site will be talking about the Mitchell report I wanted to give Cubs fans a break. I heard about it, I knew it was coming and it happened. As Sen. Mitchell said, the best thing for baseball is to move on and put this in the past. So that is exactly...
Since the midpoint of 2002 the Chicago Cubs organization has been defined by their two powerful young pitchers. In 2003 the organization and the fans were privy to a great one-two punch and began dreaming of the future years with a hunch. One came close to the Cy Young and the other was almost done. We were all slugging Cubbie Kool-Aid faster than you can say Dr. James Andrews. Unfortunately for these two men the...
As Led Zeppelin simply put it....Ramble on. And that is what I am here to do today. The Hot Stove is boiling with excitement, A-Rod is buying Shaq's home in Miami and I talked to a girl yesterday. All in all things are looking up for everyone. So without further ado....here is my random and ridiculous stream of consciousness....
The World Series is over (it was actually over before it started) and it is time to get on to one of my favorite parts of baseball....the Hot Stove. The GM meeting is approaching and the Winter meetings are right around the corner. It was about 50 weeks ago that Mark DeRosa was signed. About 48 weeks ago the 'Fonz was signed. You get the point. The rumors are swirling, the dreams are concocting, trades...
I have had two weeks to get over the playoffs. I am out of the cave, up from under the rock, took the curtains off the windows, finally got out of bed, dealt with it, came to terms with it, came to grips with it, whatever I actually did, I did it. The season is over. It's been 100 years. It won't be another 100 years. I think. I hope. I pray. Moving along, it...
Well....another season ended in similar fashion to those before it. No World Series. And as we move on to what hopefully is not another century of futility I am here to tell you there is plenty to smile about. First and foremost, we would not have beaten the Rockies. As a friend of mine said, "They are on a mission from God." But unlike many seasons before it, the last chapter of 2007 has me...
After four days of "Cubs this and Cubs that" there is nothing I can say now that has not already been said. Everyone is picking the Cubs to take down the Snakes. Lou is now a genius. McDonough is a true leader. Hendry pulled the right levers. The Cubs won 8 more games than they lost and are now playing in October for the first time since 2003. Is that enough? Many scribes have compared...
Lois Duncan wrote many horror novels in her day aimed at late grade school and early high school students. I read many of these for class or other reasons. Her most famous work was adapted into a movie starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar entitled "I Know What You Did last Summer." Another one of her horror stories is entitled "Don't Look Behind You," and I do not think there is any better...
Do you remember running downstairs on Christmas morning with unabashed anticipation about Santa's presents? Do you remember throwing your arms up in the air right as the coaster started the main, longest and scariest descent? Do you remember running full speed and flopping onto the slip 'n slide as fast as you could trying to set a land speed record? Do you remember plummeting down the big drop-off on the waterslide? Do you remember the...
The phone rang, it was mom....she was crying....the world as most of us know it would never be the same. I was half awake and at my parents' house as I was watching my sister for the week. I had graduated college three months prior and was getting close to the real world. 11 days earlier I had moved from the suburban bubble of Lake County to the urban bubble of Lakeview....
Labor Day, a time to reflect and thank the powers that be for giving us regular folks a truly deserved day off. After what took place on Monday at Wrigley it appears the Cubs took a day off as well....I hope they needed it. The Cubs have a laborious schedule this month while they attempt to win the division title. So I hope Monday provided an opportunity to rest. In 25 days the season will...
Baseball, like many parts of life, is absolutely unpredictable. Many who gamble on other sports rarely touch a baseball game. Even though the saying goes "On any given Sunday..." but an avid viewer of the NFL will be right 12-13 out of 16 games each weekend. Baseball is slightly different. On any afternoon or evening any team can win. The Royals could take down the Red Sox or the Devil Rays could beat the Yankees....
Well, I called it. I told you so. Cubs in first by July 5th or maybe August 5th, or you get the point. The Cubs have now grabbed a hold of first place more than once this season and now must remain in pole position for the rest of the season. 20 weeks of baseball are now in the books with 6 left, it is time for the sports cliches to start flying as we...
That's right folks, you read that correctly, anybody but the Cubs. That is the new battle cry....in Milwaukee and every other corner of Wisconsin that is. Anybody but the Cubs! I returned from a weekend vacation with friends in DePere, WI (basically Green Bay) late Sunday afternoon. After close to 48 hours far north of the border, it was apparent that Wisconsinites hate the Cubs almost as much as they hate the Bears. And that...
For the love of all things goats and related to goats! He was running to third base and directly towards me as I sit in that area of the stadium. I was clapping and excited and then, what the....NOOOOOOOOO! A few hours later I walked home disgustedly and angry. History shmistory, I wanted a victory, but losing an All-Star never crossed my mind. I had not been worried about injuries; it wasn't even a glimpse...
Brian was very upset with the Big Man when he went on his verbal diatribe in Spring Training. Brian understood why he was making the statements he was making, but Brian really hoped he just kept his mouth shut. Why did the mammoth and extremely talented righty from Venezuela have to draw so much attention to himself? Brian hoped and prayed the Big Boy's statements would prove to be accurate, so it is easy to...
It seems like almost a decade ago and unfortunately it really was almost a decade ago. A young fireballer with all of the confidence and determination it takes to strike out 20 major league batters in one game. It was arguably the most dominant regular season game pitched in the modern era according to multiple outlets. A star was born and Chicago braced for a new legend....
You can just feel it in the air, can't you? There is a hop in your step, a glint in your eye, more of an upturn in your smile, "The Cubs are on their way"....sing it with me. We are amidst the greatest twenty-something game stretch in 7 years, SEVEN years. Who knew Lou's belly dance would excite a bunch of grown males the way it has. "Hey, hey, holy Mackerel, no doubt it...." We...
After 87 games, one may find it difficult to pick the Cubs' MVP. After a great June, some may point to the 'Fonz. Others may argue that without the Bayou Boys this team would be floundering at 10 games under. Many will say Aramis and his timely hitting and competitive nature are more evident now than any other time in his career. Though his power numbers are almost non-existent, D. Lee's heart, soul and leadership...
As the first half of the season comes to a close, our Cubbies are finally looking like a team that can win. We had a rough beginning, and we almost lost our season in April after a horrendous start to the year. Our beloved and much improved team, so we thought, was off to a 10-14 start. The team to beat was not the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals but a team with a Prince...
In a professional sports world that has gone metro-sexual, politically correct and health conscience in the past 10 years, there are always a few athletes that buck the trend and as my college buddies and I like to say, "Do what they want." From what I gathered over his professional career, Rod Beck did what he wanted, when he wanted. While he may not have known what the inside of a gym looked like, he...
A pop, a hop and a trot....that epitomized the 1990's for the Chicago Cubs. He, in all his glory, was the shining star of the team and the center of attention for all fans. His sprint to right field electrified the entire stadium before a pitch was even thrown. He made millions upon millions for the franchise and gave us the hope of a better day. We watched him grow into a man before our...
It has been quite some time since I have unleashed my stream of consciousness, put pen to paper, more accurately, fingers to a keyboard and shared my inner most thoughts regarding the Cubs with you the reader. So, after the emotional tease that was last week, I am back to let you know some of my random thoughts....
Over the past ten years Reality television has been a crucial part of the American fabric. It has turned nobodies into somebodys and made 'has-been's' millions. American Idol is consistently the top rated show both nights it is aired. VH1 and MTV have not shown a music video in 1,465 days and Big Brother 71 is about to premiere on CBS. Reality TV has produced some heart warming moments and thrilling surprises, but it has...
"Sometimes you just have to tip your cap." As a Cubs' fan I recall hearing Harry's grandson utter this phrase way too often in reference to another dominating performance from the opposition's starting pitcher. Two full seasons have gone by and the only change is that these words are now coming out of Len Kasper's mouth. I even heard Derrek Lee say it a few weeks ago. My problem is that this phrase is not...
We all know the lyrics to Simon and Garfunkel's ballad "Mrs. Robinson," but instead of Joe DiMaggio other names come to mind. Where have you gone Bobby Howry, Scott Eyre, etc.? The Cubs are currently three games under .500, but it would be a completely different story had certain individuals continued to perform like big league players. Honestly, only Lou has kept me patient. As if you thought someone would say that. The manager keeping...
Some players have IT, most do not. Some teams have IT, most do not. As John Madden famously said and as dozens have repeated since, "I do not know what IT is, but he has IT." Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, Chicago Bulls and San Francisco 49ers, these are all examples of players or teams that had it over the past two decades....
As the saying goes, "What a difference a year makes." This cannot be more accurate for the Cubs, but especially for Derrek Lee. At this point last year, the Cubs were mired in a losing streak that felt like it would never end. Nothing was working, no one could get on base and Derrek Lee just had to sit and take it. He was powerless in his efforts to help his team as he was...
Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Ted Lilly, Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Paula Abdul, Chicago Cubs
Beginning last fall at his press conference Lou Piniella used the word swagger to describe the attitude of this Cubs' team. He reiterated the thought at the Cubs Convention and many times throughout Spring Training. Lou was confident his team would adopt this mindset and all things would fall into place. He glanced over questions regarding fundamentals as if it was unthinkable this team would have those issues. Lou described his coaching staff in detail,...
The three week experiment has run its course and now Alfonso Soriano will be moving back to his original, er, well, his most recent position. After playing shortstop in the minors, second base in the American League and left field for the Nationals, Soriano's three weeks in center was special. His circuitous routes to the ball were nerve rattling and his inability to command the outfield were blatantly obvious which necessitated this move. Lou can...
The most recent seven days of Cubs baseball saw the first weekend games as well as the first night game of the season. Unfortunately the Cubs lost two of three to the Reds over the weekend but came out of the first evening tilt with a victory over the Padres. We saw the offense come alive, finally, but saw our $136 million man fall victim to recent trend of April injuries. Last year after the...
Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick's weekend, the annual bus trip to see Jimmy Buffett and my birthday rank up there with the best days of the year, but Opening Day at Wrigley may take the cake. Certain things in life are special and walking into Wrigley after a six month layoff is right up there. The experience is unforgettable even if the game is not, and it is one every Cubs fan should have at...
The 2007 Baseball season is upon us which means it is time for the first installment of ramblings. So much has happened in the past four weeks regarding Cubs baseball, I do not even know where to start, but I do know that my head is cluttered with thoughts, you may share some, I hope you share others, and for your sake I hope you have no idea what I am talking about sometimes. So,...
The Most Valuable Player is one of, if not, the most sought after personal award in Baseball. It can validate a great stretch, a great season and in some cases, a great career. This award also sparks a great deal of debate about the qualifications that are used to judge the MVP. Yesterday morning I listened to an argument on ESPN radio that questioned why pitchers never win the MVP, but yet are always drafted...
Instead of slicking my hair back and throwing on my shades last week to do my best Bono impression, I should have grabbed a jean jacket and relived the greatness of Tawny Kitaen. You know Tawny, rolling around on the hood of that car while Whitesnake jammed late into the night. She is also famous for beating up then husband Chuck Finley when he was pitching for the Angels. Well, I use her for the...
As I sit here and ponder what to write, it dawns on me that the answer is nothing, really. How much more can be written? How many more predictions can be proffered? How many more awful Prior outings can be disputed and discussed? The games are meaningless, unless you are an unnamed coach and Sweet Lou is simply giving you the business. While they may not count, these games offer a chance to see what...
Mork and Mindy, Laverne and Shirley, Lucy and Ricky, Jerry and George, Joey and Chandler, Norm and Cliff....Prior and Wood. Since 2003, Mark Prior and Kerry Wood have been synonymous with one another. Rarely could a reporter mention one without the other....cue the "Married with Children" music. The past three seasons have begun with the infamous, "If Prior and Wood stay healthy...." Well, they have not and the Cubs have not done a thing. However,...
During his six minute diatribe detailing the trials and tribulations of a Cubs fan, Steve Goodman brings to life the frustration of the Faithful in song. He takes a few jabs at ex-players while blaming the Cubs for many of his vices. He goes on to tell his buddies he wants a funeral at Wrigley and to have six bullpen pitchers carry his casket. All in all, this is a riotously funny perspective and even...
As I walked to Wrigley Field on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2002, this Soul Asylum song was not in my head. The night was not about Promises Broken, but simply about promise itself. The Cubs had a lackluster team in '02, but this night in late May gave hope to the throngs of Faithful at Wrigley and watching on television. The baseball world held its collective breath to see what would materialize. The game was the...
He was my grandpa, well not really, but kind of. He was your dad, kind of. He was someone's best friend, he was Dutchie's husband and most of all, he was adored by throngs of fans throughout the country. Harry Caray may be the most visible baseball commentator of his time. Fans of all teams know Harry, not just fans of the Cubs. This evening, as thousands of people gather throughout the country to raise...
Updated - 9:55pm with Information from Carlos Zambrano on WGN TV People do not normally associate a cost with a certain letters of the alphabet, but for the Cubs, that is not the case. Currently Z is the most expensive letter because it stands for Zambrano and it going to take hoards of money to keep this letter in the portfolio. While the Cubs were spending record money on acquisitions this off-season, fans were still...
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, these seasons may be marked by changing temperatures, Holidays, birthdays or just one month turning into another. The human race recognizes four parts of the year, one quarter at a time. While I am technically a member of the human race, I do not always act in accordance with certain beliefs, and seasonal interpretion is just one example. You see, I only recognize two seasons during the year, football and...
As I sit here on a cold winter's day, all I can do is dream of April, a new season and wait for hope to spring eternal as it does every year. It has been awhile since I have rambled and since it is safe to say the Cubs' hot stove has been relegated to a low simmer, there is plenty to discuss. Spring Training is around the corner and if I strain hard enough,...