Hello again, everybody. I hope you and yours had a very merry and joyous holiday season. As 2015 gets off to a frigid start, it is fun to dream of warmer temps and more enjoyable surroundings, like the 24-degree game we have to look forward on Opening Easter Sunday Night.
As the country is mired in a second polar vortex in as many years, it is hard to imagine baseball at Wrigley is less than three months away. And with the convention one week away, Cubs talk is about to pick up in a big way.
So with that on the horizon, let’s get down to some good ole’-fashioned ramblings.
- Do you remember that scene in the original Austin Powers, when he finally pipes up and says, “I get it! I have bad teeth.” At this point, don’t you think Edwin Jackson wants to look at Theo and say, “I get it. I was a huge mistake. Geez!”
- I mean, I do not think Theo can be clearer on his thoughts regarding that signing. It is like the little kid who keeps apologizing for the same mistake. Albeit a glaring mistake, it’s time to move on.
I have said it before, and I will say it again … if you are a big Cubs fan and have never attended, you should find your way to the Sheraton and Towers next weekend for the Convention. It is a great experience for fans.- The more I read about Montero, the more I like him, and the happier I am that we are on the hook for only about half of what the Blue Jays are paying an older Russell Martin. Yes, I know there is a difference in contract length, but the overall spend is what I am mentioning.
- Will Anthony Rizzo be part of the MVP race this season? Yes or no? And why. Please unleash your genius below.
- I find it interesting how players can become yesterday’s news so quickly. And can also be given up on so quickly. C.J. Edwards was the center of great joy for Cubs fans a year ago, and he is almost an afterthought at this point.
- And I am NOT saying Mike Olt will amount to anything, but he was a big part of the Garza trade, and, unless I missed something, he has not been voted off the island yet. Or has he?
- Olt is only a year older than Anthony Rizzo, and at 26, still two years away from the beginning of his prime. Not time to give up just yet.
- This will be the first season that I actively check what the channel the Cubs are on BEFORE turning on the game. It is almost like a game in game … are they on ABC … BUZZ. WGN … BUZZ. Oh, they must be on Comcast … DING DING DING. Wait, are you sure you don’t mean “The U.”
- This from Best Pal Stats Inc., the Cubs were third in MLB in home runs after the All-Star break, but 23rd in runs and 24th in OBP.
- The Cubs need to get people on the base paths. This is where the likes of Denorfia and Coghlan need to put the bat on the ball and get on base. Denorfia has a .358 lifetime OBP versus lefties.
- Montero has a .342 career OBP … both of those numbers should help, but more is needed, and maybe that comes from the likes of Soler and Bryant.
- Speaking of this, I am very intrigued by Tommy La Stella. That was a very intentional move. He is not a utility guy, and he fits into the OBP approach.
- It is going to be a very interesting spring for the second basemen. If Javy struggles, does that mean he starts in Iowa? What could that do to him?
- Please know I am not CLAIMING or SAYING or PREDICTING Javy will start the year at Iowa. I am simply stating that the acquisition of La Stella brings many questions into the mix.
- I will take Jacob Turner as my breakout/comeback player of the year from the Cubs. He has the talent, but the question is can Bosio coax it out of him.
- Who is your breakout Cubs player of the year? Let’s hear about it below.
- Three years ago I was so excited about Matt Szczur, and that feeling has faded … faded hard. But I will tell myself the same thing I told all of you about Olt. 2015 will be a make-or-break season for a few on the brink.
- Speaking of fading, Josh Vitters is no longer a member of the Cubs. It has been a long time since that was the case. Vitters was the third overall pick in the 2007 draft. Madison Bumgarner was the tenth.
And that sums up so many things quite nicely. I hope everyone stays warm this weekend, and enjoys great times with family, friends, football, and food. I wonder where my mind is right now. Be safe …
And Until Next Time …
Stay Classy Cubs Fans!!!