Monday Mailbag
Hey Gang, I thought I'd answer/address a few posts today...
Hey Len,
Thanks for the input. And YES... the CUBBIES are big EVERYWHERE. Coming from Florida this must be new to you, but we've got a strong contingent of Cub fans in Idaho and Oregon too. And what's more, Cub fans KNOW how important supporting their team is in the big scheme of things. So we come out, no matter the city. Posted by lenny c at June 4, 2005 06:10 PM
Lenny, love the name first and foremost. I knew the Cubs had an incredible following when I took this job, but until you experience it for the first time, it doesn't REALLY register just how far-reaching it is. I'm so honored to be able to be around it every day.
Len and Bob:
What are the Cubs doing to curb the number of strikeouts Corey Paterson in accumulating this season? I believe Cardinal manager Whitey Herzog used to fine or punish Ozzie Smith when hit the ball in the air. Do you think something like this would work with Paterson. Thanks Posted by James at June 4, 2005 09:43 PM
James, I don't think that's a solution at this point. It's a different era now and managers can't do the same things they used to do. I'm sure Dusty and Bob have some interesting stories of how tough their managers were when they played, but today's players are just treated differently. I'm sure the guys who played in the '40s and '50s were amazed at how easy the guys in the '60s and '70s had it. Guys were always tougher way back when, right! No matter the era. Dusty has been pretty upfront about Corey needing to make adjustments and let's hope he does. There's a lot of talent there...the Cubs are just looking for some consistency.
Len,
Consider yourself lucky. I'm only 24 years old and have been "targeted" by pigeons every time I travel--once in Venice, Italy; once in Bath, England (no pun intended); and once on my honeymoon in Honolulu. I'm a walking bullseye--maybe it's the Cubs hat I wear everywhere. Funny it never happens when I'm at home....
Jeremy Uecker
Austin, TX Posted by Jeremy Uecker at June 4, 2005 11:19 PM
Jeremy, I guess I was fortunate! Yikes.
I recently relocated to N.C. two weeks ago and am so happy that I get to watch Cubs games on TV again! I lived for 4 years in a town that refused my petitions to carry WGN, can you believe it? Mississippi needs an overhaul. The Cubbies are playing quality baseball and Derrek Lee is still on fire. My question is... HOW is he not leading the all-star vote? I think I maxed out my voting privileges. Also, if he continues the season as he has started it, there is no question that he is the unanimous MVP. The Cubbies would not be where they are now without him and he has shown this in is play with his walk-off homers, 3 run hr's in a 1 run game to change the complexion of the game, and ability to hit everything he sees. From what I understand, that is VALUABLE. Why would anyone on ESPN (PTI, Around The Horn) be able to continue their "valid" arguments of Pujols to be a better candidate than D. Lee? I am so confused. Let's get some more runs. Posted by Jason M at June 4, 2005 11:19 PM
Jason, this isn't that hard--guys with a long-standing reputation always get the votes. It's just the way it works. Derrek has never been an All-Star, so even if he were hitting .600, non-Cubs fans are still going to consider voting for Pujols. Derrek will make the team, probably as a back-up and then next year he'll get more votes. All-Star voting isn't normally about who's having the best first half. It's about who's a more widely-known commodity.
I have a question about tonight's broadcast.
Why would you advocate ejecting Harry the Heckler for throwing back a home run ball? Debris on the field??? We've been doing it at Wrigley for YEARS. The left field bleachers would be empty if everyone who threw back an opposing team's home run ball were ejected for throwing "debris" on the field. ;)
Or were you just being facetious?
Sincerely,
A Proud Left Field Bleacher Widow Posted by Debi at June 4, 2005 11:28 PM
Debi, I don't recall advocating Harry's ejection. If any reference was made to it, it was done with tongue firmly in cheek.
1 more post.... some helpful words.
tractable \TRAK-tuh-buhl\, adjective:
1. Capable of being easily led, taught, or managed; docile.
2. Easily handled, managed, or worked; malleable.
This can be used to describe Derrek Lee's effect on a baseball or the effect of the Cubs on opposing teams this road trip.
inscrutable \in-SKROO-tuh-buhl\, adjective:
Difficult to fathom or understand; difficult to be explained or accounted for satisfactorily; obscure; incomprehensible; impenetrable.
It is inscrutable that D. Lee is not leading the all star voting.
And lastly.....
lambaste \lam-BAYST\, transitive verb:
1. To give a thrashing to; to beat severely.
As in the 5th inning in tonight's game. Posted by Jason M at June 4, 2005 11:32 PM
Jason, thanks for the suggestions. We've gotten a great response on the Word of the Day and I feel a lot smarter already!
Thanks for the posts as always. Should be a fun homestand with the Jays/Sox/Marlins coming in. We'll see at the park or on the Superstation!
Len