Rambling on the Last Day of the Cubs Season

And now it mercifully ends today. It’s funny because a lot has happened since Opening Day, but it does not seem so long ago. They say time flies when you are having fun, and though the last six months went by rather quickly, fun is not a word that comes close to coming to mind when I think about this year’s installment of the Cubs. So, as we head to the offseason and the hot-stove time of year, there is a lot that will be going on and a lot to pay attention to for the Faithful. So, I think it is prudent to ramble about that. What do you think? Well, it is going to happen anyway, so just jump aboard.

• I wrote it last week, and I will write it again. The Cubs need to hire a new GM within the next three to four weeks. Tops. This must happen.
• And according to Ken Rosenthal, that person will not be Theo Epstein. It has been a rough month for the BoSox, but Theo did win two World Series in eight years as GM. Not too shabby.
• Here is a question for all of you, and I would like to hear your thoughts below. Please tell me the last time a homegrown everyday player gave you as much excitement as Starlin Castro. Mark Grace is one that comes to mind.
• I think Starlin will be better.
• And this then leads me to ask the last time the Cubs could possibly have a lot of players from their system starting at one time:
• BJax, Castro, Colvin, Barney, LaHair, Soto/Castillo …
• My knowledge of the Cubs farm system is decent, but not extensive. However, I really cannot think of a time that there could be up to six players from our system starting in the field at once.
• If I am wrong, please let me know. And I mean six real starters, not stop-gaps.
• So, Tom Ricketts is mending fences with Ryne Sandberg. Not surprised the papers were all over that one.
• If Quade is indeed done, it will be interesting to see who the new GM hires. From most accounts, Ricketts loves Ryno and wants him to be the manager. If the new GM goes in a different direction, it will say a lot about how much autonomy he or she has been given.
• So, here is another feedback request. If Quade is out, who do you want? Who would you like to see? I would like to see Ryno, but am open to many ideas. I just do not know who is available, and/or who would want the job.
• According to a Chicago publication, Zambrano’s house is on the market. This could really be the end of his tenure with the Cubs. It seems to be over.
• And while this is the biggest understatement I have made in a long time, “it is about time.”
• I have trouble believing the Cubs can make a quick turnaround next season, but as I have said, I didn’t see the 2007 happening after the debacle of 2006.
• And that statement is an insult to the word “debacle.”
• However, the Cubs spent a lot of bad money after the 2006 offseason, and I would rather not see that happen. They should keep building and work from with-in.
• I knew I would be very unhappy with the second half of Soriano’s contract, but I felt it would be worth it for his first four years of production.
• I have been wrong about a lot of things in my life, but WOW, I was so far off on that one, it’s like I missed the water when I jumped out of a boat.
• I had a week to think about it. CJ Wilson is not worth $100 million. I am sorry. Soriano’s contract is proof enough. A guy who plays once every five days cannot be given that kind of money.
• It wasn’t Steve Bartman’s fault. If you still think that, please talk to someone about it.

That is it for today, the final day of the season. I cannot tell you how I will feel about next season for a few more months. Turnarounds can happen quickly in baseball. We will see if the Cubs hire the right people who are smart enough and sound enough to make it happen now.

And until next time …

Stay Classy Cubs fans!!