The Cubs Quickie

Well it appears everyone here at the Saloon is too intimidated/busy/lazy to write a new post following the epic media social article. I guess that leaves me to write something incredibly boring and lackluster to surely disappoint our avid readers, which I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say now numbers in the twenties.

One quick note about Chaim and Tommy's report. The 'Thunder Matt' nickname grass roots campaign appeared to get a real shot in the arm, now that we know Mr. Murton is aware of it. Also the fine folks over at GROTA are starting to use it in their writing as well. My wish this year is to hear Len/Bob or Pat/Ron refer to Murton as Thunder Matt during a broadcast. So make sure to do your part and help get the name out there.

Moving on, here's a quick review of the Cubs news from the past week. So if you didn't already read about all of this on every other Cubs blog that is more on the ball than us, enjoy!

Floyd to the Cubs
Dammit, I already spoke my mind on this a while back. Well the deal appears to be for real finally. Reports out of the Cubs Convention made it sound like Murton was still the man at LF for them, but then there are reports like this, that suggest otherwise. Of course that Tribune article seems to be mere speculation that Floyd would be the main starter. We have to consider the variables here.

1. The man has bad kidneys.
2. In the last four seasons, Floyd has played in 108, 113, 150, and 97 games respectively. I can't foresee him really being sturdy enough as a full-time option.
3. The most common speculation that supports a possible Floyd-Murton platoon is that Floyd would hit against righties and Murton would hit lefties. Fine, but if you look at the splits, Murton batted .295 last season against righties. Not too shabby. Meanwhile over the last 3 seasons, Floyd has batted .277 against righties. If Murton struggled against right-handed pitching while Floyd flourished, that argument would make a little more sense.
4. Floyd could possibly hit for more power than Murton. Emphasis on 'possibly'. Floyd is on the wrong side of 30, and is oft-injured. Meanwhile Thunder Matt is 25 years old and heading into his second full season in the bigs, and while he only hit 13 homers, keep in mind that 9 of them came in the final two months of the season. Given the opportunity, Murton could put up 25 homers this season.
5. Floyd is a Chicago-native. That always works out well when they bring in a hometown boy. Oh wait...
   

Honestly, I see Floyd being a solid option as a 4th outfielder coming in for pinch hit situations and occasionally getting a start to spell Jock and Thunder Matt. At least that's what I'm hoping for.

Glendon is Gone
The Cubs released pitcher Glendon Rusch, who had his abysmal season cut short last year due to a blood clot in his lung. With Neifi gone too, this latest cut makes my list of players that draw my ire and frustration even shorter. Here's my preseason list for 2007

1. Roberto Novoa - Lou better have you on a short leash.
   
2. Jason Marquis - You're coming with a strike against you having been a Redbird.
3. Cliff Floyd - I see you eyeing that starting lineup. Don't even think about it, unless it's RF.
4. Neifi - I don't care that you're in Detroit. You'll still be responsible for at least 2-3 losses this season.

Cubs Ticket Prices Posted
We're less than a month away from that glorious day that I take a full day off to sit on my ass in front of the computer at home, and impatiently stare at the damn 'Virtual Waiting Room'. Tickets usually go on sale at 10:00am online. Last year I got in at 10:04am. Will I get so lucky this year? Probably not.

I have to say though that my days in the bleachers are probably over. Maybe it's just me, but I can't bring myself to drop $42 for a general admission seat. For that price I'd rather have a back to my seat, my own cupholder, the possibility of shade and vendors that can bring the beer to me. The bleachers have completely sucked the last few years I've sat there anyway. No one gives a shit about the Cubs or the game out there. Apparently it's the best place for your frat to have a reunion. Don't get me wrong. I'm not against getting drunk and having a good time at Wrigley. But dammit, watch the game somewhat, cheer for the Cubs, and if a guy jumps up and starts chanting "Right Field Sucks!", stand up and follow suit!

Also, God bless the Value Date. I don't care if it's a game against the Pirates, it's just fun to ditch a day of work, catch a 1:20 game, drink beer and watch baseball. It's the American Dream, and once a year in the Spring I live it to the fullest.