Since, once again, there's no real news out there, we get to play"Let's Make Fun of Other Cub Fans" today. Or at least I'll attempt to make fun of them, with a little help from Carrie Muskat's mailbag. First up, Mike H. wants to see more of Gritty McScraphustle-Wallbanger.
I hope someone from the Cubs is reading this. I don't know why any of us haven't thought of it till now. I was going to go on an OPS tirade, but in 97 AB this year, Sam had an OPS of .821. Maybe he is the answer. But Carrie says Lou wants an RBI man, so with his whopping total of two, Sam's probably only in the mix for fourth outfielder.
Have the Cubs considered Fuld to play center field next year? From what I've seen, he's by far the best outfielder of anyone on the roster and he has a great on-base percentage (both in the Majors and Minors). It would seem economically reasonable along with re-signing Reed Johnson. They both generate a lot of energy, something in short supply last year.
-- Mike H., Santa Ana, Calif.
I hope someone from the Cubs is reading this. I don't know why any of us haven't thought of it till now. I was going to go on an OPS tirade, but in 97 AB this year, Sam had an OPS of .821. Maybe he is the answer. But Carrie says Lou wants an RBI man, so with his whopping total of two, Sam's probably only in the mix for fourth outfielder.
Next up is Peter O. who sounds perfectly reasonable in being upset over rumors that the Cubs might give up prospects for Curtis Granderson. I'll skip him. Reasonable isn't fun. On to Greg H., who seems to know Rudy Jaramillo personally.
I just wanted to say I believe signing Jaramillo will help Milton Bradley. I know Jaramillo does not take a lot of nonsense. It just seems like a great move to bring someone in that Bradley is familiar with (and has had success with) and can hopefully put him back on the right track. Has Bradley mentioned anything about the signing?See! Greg's got it all figured out. He knows Rudy doesn't take a lot of nonsense. He's a straight shooter with upper management written all over him (identify movie reference). As you can imagine, Carrie's response mentioned that signing Jaramillo didn't have anything to do with Milty, but that should Milty come back, there is indeed a level of comfort there.
-- Greg H., Elmhurst, Ill.
Blair S. wants a second baseman and he wants one now!
The Cubs had problems last year determining an everyday second baseman. There are many candidates such as Dan Uggla, whom the Marlins are trying to unload, and even free agent Chone Figgins. I see the biggest need this offseason is to get an everyday second baseman. What do you think?
-- Blair S., Chesterfield, Mo.
Carrie points out that Figgins has played more third and outfield than second and that everyone wants to move Uggla from second after he led the league in errors at second base (16). Don't forget that memorable All Star Game performance a year ago. Carrie's happy with Jeff Baker there, as am I.
Dean S. from Goshen, Ind. knows enough about the internet to know who the Cubs drafted this year, but doesn't quite know how to find their statistics from the minors. I think most of these people just need to read a site other than Cubs.com to get some news, and they might find they don't need to email Carrie.
How did Jackson, DJ LeMahieu, Austin Kirk and Christopher Rusin do in the Minor Leagues this year? Which one is most likely to make it to the Cubs roster or to any MLB roster?
-- Dean S., Goshen, Ind.
And finally, Scott R. has a novel idea. Something that's never before been considered, and could possibly, nay will bring the Cubs a World Series this year.
Do you think the Ricketts family would approve a "Goat Day" at Wrigley Field? On this day, a goat and its handler (like from a petting zoo) would be allowed onto the field to watch the game and therefore undo the curse of the billy goat. I say do it.Anyone think there's a position for Scott in the marketing department? The Cubs haven't tried this since 1994! Or maybe a priest or something could bless the dugout or something?
-- Scott R., Dixon, Ill.
One last bit of fun. Ever since reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil I've wanted to go to Savannah, Georgia. But it's certainly not for their knowledge of baseball:
Whom might the Braves go after? No inside skinny here, but Kevin Gregg looks like a good fit to me. The Cubs just let him hit the free agent market. Dude has saved 84 games the last three seasons for the Marlins and Cubs. He made $4.2 last year in Chicago. Major League batters hit .212 against him the last 3 seasons. Just saying.]]>