tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59991912011-06-08T02:33:10.463-04:00Reporting Cubs Baseball since 2003Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comBlogger2621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1095208107986098732004-09-14T20:28:00.000-04:002004-12-12T10:22:12.513-05:00

We've moved this site to a new location. Here is the address: www.viewfromthebleachers.com Here is the RSS Feed Address: http://www.viewfromthebleachers.com/xml-rss2.php Here is the Link to Subscribe Via Bloglines: Subsribe Now Please make the necessary link and bookmark changes and come visit us at the new site.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1095092676189351492004-09-13T12:24:00.000-04:002004-09-13T12:24:36.190-04:00

Home Plate in Space is a new Astros blog. Give it a look.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1095076704185351462004-09-13T07:53:00.000-04:002004-09-13T07:58:24.186-04:00

It's getting hard to write optimistically about the Cubs. Split a series with Florida. Lose 2 of 3 to Montreal. How does this team expect to have any team respect them when all they seem to do is play down to their competition? Instead of talking Cubs, I want to take a quick second to point out that both my college football teams won big games this weekend. WCU beat Nicholls State 28-7 and Notre

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094829865324280952004-09-10T21:21:00.000-04:002004-09-10T22:02:12.416-04:00

The following is a short story written in remembrance of September 11th, 2001 I remember the day like it was yesterday. I woke up and got ready for class as if it was like any other day before it. On the way to my class, I stopped in the UC, one of the only places open for food in the morning, to get my usual breakfast, a blueberry glazed Krispy Kreme donut and a bottle of Minute Maid cranberry

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094850199153207062004-09-10T17:10:00.000-04:002004-09-10T17:50:31.006-04:00

In the wake of a mistake-ridden first game against the Marlins, this nostalgic Cub fan found one shining light in the ballgame. The seventh inning stretch featured my all-time favorite Cubs player, Andre Dawson. The Hawk gave us his rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and unlike many of Wrigley's guest conductors, every note that escaped his mouth was...in tune. At the top of the eighth,

Andy Rutledgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800744203271939497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094840942437826702004-09-10T13:41:00.000-04:002004-09-10T14:29:02.436-04:00

A short poem on the Cubs' offense Heavy on righties and uppercut heroes, they'll score fifteen one day, then for two days it's zero. With little in mind but swings prodigious, they act as if singles are sacreligious. For if they should happen to get on the bases a baserunning error will redden their faces. And bases on balls are something quite shameful, but shallow pop flies are not

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094701068071770882004-09-08T23:37:00.000-04:002004-09-08T23:37:48.070-04:00

Today's game was clearly disappointing. It reminded me quite a bit like Livan Hernandez's shutout of the Cubs last week in Montreal. However, things have changed. Hurricane Frances caused the Marlins-Cubs series to be postponed, and now after Thursday, the Cubs will not rest until October 4th (for better or for worse). What can we make of this? Well, the Cubs schedule in September is designed

Anthony Odarczenkonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094672446940961102004-09-08T15:40:00.000-04:002004-09-08T15:40:46.940-04:00

I watched the game last night. I was disappointed, but I started to think about if the Cubs really deserved to win anyway. A few of the runs they did get were due to poor fielding on the part of the Expos. So, it's hard to say we should have won, but it is definitely a game we COULD have won.I think Maddux will step up for us tonight and get us the solid pitching we need. After using practically

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094580395653644452004-09-07T13:28:00.000-04:002004-09-07T14:06:35.653-04:00

For the past few days, I decided to take a break from baseball, and writing. It seemed like the perfect time, considering the Cubs were on a temporary hiatus from the game. However, I have to admit, I literally almost went insane from the lack of Cubs on TV. I am addicted and I will not deny it. Come Monday, I was so ready for the game, that it was all I was thinking about all day. I probably

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094336651043685452004-09-04T18:24:00.000-04:002004-09-04T18:24:11.043-04:00

If you're like most Cubs fans, the 2004 season is not exactly what you expected. Lets face it, we all thought the Cubs would be in a more comfortable spot come September. After coming within 5 outs of the World Series in 2003, the Cubs made several acquisitions that they hoped would help them close the deal. Derrek Lee, Greg Maddux, LaTroy Hawkins - to name a few. But after injuries, and many

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094220405472134252004-09-03T09:08:00.000-04:002004-09-03T11:53:32.503-04:00

With the Cubs idle yesterday, and idle today due to someone name Francis, I figured I would take a look at other happenings around the league and sports in general to share my thoughts with the world. I. The AL Playoff Picture Unlike the National League, the American League playoff picture is fairly clear. If the season ended today, the playoff matchups would be as follows: NY Yankees vs

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094051287941247362004-09-01T10:30:00.000-04:002004-09-01T11:33:52.413-04:00

As you know from some of my earlier posts, I really enjoy reading Rick Morrissey's writing. I generally get a nice laugh from it, and generally agree with it. I guess it also kind of helps that he did an interview for us as well. I didn't get a chance to talk about his latest Cubs post, but it was a great one. If you haven't read it, take a quick trip over and give it a read. I don't intend to

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1094006011110930602004-08-31T22:21:00.000-04:002004-08-31T23:18:35.673-04:00

Ben Grieve. That's not too bad. He is the opposite of Tom Goodwin; he's patient at the plate, has some power, can't play defense, and couldn't run if he were being chased by an alligator with a machete sticking out of its mouth and three scared skunks on its back. Grieve's numbers this year to date: .261 BA, .363 OBP, .415 SLG in 234 at-bats. He's supposedly healed up from an injury which

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093975178736739322004-08-31T12:56:00.000-04:002004-08-31T16:38:50.916-04:00

Well, actually, a recorded message of George W. Bush was played by an automated calling system, but it counts. Since I just registered to vote one month ago I was still most recently registered as a Texan, even though I moved two years ago. "Mr. Bush" was reminding me to fill out my voter absentee ballot so that I could vote for him. I don't know what would give him the idea that he would

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093917627336950042004-08-30T22:00:00.000-04:002004-08-30T23:22:02.413-04:00

After completely embarrassing themselves this past weekend, the Cubs looked like a completely different team in Monday night's game. Aside from a rocky 9th inning, everything went exactly as it was supposed to. The Cubs got the runs they needed, in the situations they need to get them in, and the pitching was great. Two particular people impressed me in the game.As always, Greg Maddux does

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093828314525605932004-08-29T21:11:00.000-04:002004-08-29T21:11:54.526-04:00

Houston has worn out it's welcome in Chicago. I am extremely glad to see them go. To put it mildly, the Cubs stunk up the joint. However, they are still in first for the wild card. How can that be? It makes me mad because that means we could have really put some space between us and the pack, but instead we just maintained the close race. Because of the crappy play this weekend, I have decided to

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093614332841941392004-08-27T09:19:00.000-04:002004-08-27T09:50:05.176-04:00

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093479913286756542004-08-25T18:43:00.000-04:002004-08-25T20:29:27.736-04:00

Earlier in the season, Corey earned a one week reprieve from my acrimony for a nice bunt. In late July, he earned a full month's reprieve for good play. With tonight's big homer and his recent performance he has earned a reprieve for the entire season. Furthermore, I take back all the bad stuff I said about the guy all year. He has officially converted me. I am a grumpy, bitter man whose

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093438171705052062004-08-25T08:30:00.000-04:002004-08-25T08:51:07.843-04:00

One of the things I have never done this season is give up. I have had my share of frustrations and heartbreaks with this team, but I am proud to say that I have believed all year that this team capable of good things. All year, Dusty has been saying that this team has not hit it's stride, and that we need to be patient. So, I was patient. Now, I am seeing this team play some pretty good baseball

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093307249599891632004-08-23T20:06:00.000-04:002004-08-25T01:23:46.190-04:00

As we await news of Nomar Garciaparra's MRI (which the Cubs get at 25 % off because of their inclusion in the "Frequent Scanner" club) a little move was made that at the time seemed kind of funny but, in that Rey Ordonez kind of way, now comes to the forefront and portends great sorrow. The Cubs signed Neifi Perez a few days ago. Right about the time Nomar started ridin' the pines. Feast on these

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093235774673159442004-08-23T00:18:00.000-04:002004-08-23T00:36:14.673-04:00

After Aramis Ramirez hit a big homer, Barrett got plunked by Oswalt. Barrett walked toward the mound, and both benches cleared. Later, a wild Kerry Wood hit his third batter of the game and got ejected. Had Barrett kept his cool at the plate, Wood woulda gotten an easy victory. He hasn't had many of them this year. Thirty years ago the batter would have shrugged his shoulders at getting hit and

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093182307623049962004-08-22T09:45:00.000-04:002004-08-22T09:45:07.623-04:00

Last night's loss was like a swift shot to the stomach that knocks the wind out of you. Hopefully that only applies to fans, because this team can't afford to play like that again today. Kerry Wood has to step up today. We need 8 innings from him, and a big enough lead that we don't have to see Latroy trot in.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1093064714047279782004-08-21T00:26:00.000-04:002004-08-21T01:05:14.046-04:00

No, I'm not just copying Joe, but it is important to me to share with everyone that this past Wednesday, August 18th, was the second anniversary of the blessed union of my wife and me. We were off in Niagara Falls, Ontario while the Cubs were blundering their way to a 13.5 game division deficit and a half-game deficit in the wild card. Upon my return this evening I caught up with Joe's work on

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092930473627355682004-08-19T11:31:00.000-04:002004-08-22T09:25:14.386-04:00

In case you did not read the post, Scott over at the Northside Lounge had his house broken into the other day. It's a horrible thing to be robbed. If you've never experienced it, you don't fully understand what it fully feels like. You feel horrible, and used. It's awful!!!! If you're a Cub fan, you have been robbed constantly this year. If you are the Chicago Tribune, you have been robbed

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092839266360668072004-08-18T10:13:00.000-04:002004-08-18T10:56:38.460-04:00

If you've ever had some sort of bug, whether it's the flu, a cold, or something worse like mono, you know that it is a very hard thing to shake. You can try everything. Sudafed, NyQuil, orange juice, and rest. Nothing seems to work. No matter how hard you try, you just can't get past the bug. That is the way this season has gone for the Cubs as well. Coming into this season, we had nothing but a

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092671872844052372004-08-16T11:34:00.000-04:002004-08-16T11:57:52.843-04:00

As I sat in my living room, frustrated after another game that seemed to get out of hand way too quickly, I began to think about something. A question stuck with me all day that I really do not think I know the answer to. I'd like to see the Cub fans weigh in on this question so I will argue both points of view to present an unbiased opinion on both, because I am, as I said before, on the fence

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092578105201837382004-08-15T09:55:00.000-04:002004-08-15T09:55:05.206-04:00

Before we cheer and raise our hands to the heavens because we beat a good team, lets see what the Cubs do today and the rest of the series. If it goes well, then I will comment. I have to admit though. Kerry Wood played a heck of a game.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092378015872534882004-08-13T02:03:00.000-04:002004-08-13T02:22:55.510-04:00

I have been cursed not only with being a Chicago Cubs fan since before I was able to think for myself, but with having the birthdate of August 12th. Today was my 33rd birthday. Seeing the Cubs lose the 2nd straight series, this one to the wildcard runner up, may seem like a sucky birthday, but it's pretty low on my list. For starters, Today was Matt Clement's 30th birthday. He left the game up 2

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092283139171341862004-08-11T23:45:00.000-04:002004-08-12T14:42:35.600-04:00

This game has filled me with happiness. Zambrano's dominance is important; he's been pretty consistent this year, and I believe that he, not Prior or Wood or Maddux or Clement, is the foundation of this pitching staff this year. So seeing him go out and dominate in a game in which the last hope of the Cubs, the wild card leadership, was on the line, was a big deal. It was also nice to see a Cub

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092180302651534692004-08-10T16:58:00.000-04:002004-08-10T19:27:53.770-04:00

There have been some pretty definitive statistical studies that show that your lineup doesn't appreciably affect your runs scored per game no matter how you fill it out, given that you're using the same names to fill it and they put out the exact same production. On a day-to-day basis it matters a lot; I'll bet every one of us can think of three or four examples this year in which the lineup

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092153216150051752004-08-10T11:50:00.000-04:002004-08-10T11:54:01.526-04:00

On this day, 2 years ago, I got married. I want to take the time to say that I love my wife very much and I am so glad that you are in my life. I look forward to growing old with you. You're my best friend. She is a great person. She is a great cook, as much as she thinks she isn't. She is a great friend. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1092052474862842992004-08-09T07:39:00.000-04:002004-08-09T11:19:26.073-04:00

I have to admit, I was pretty excited about last night's game. I felt with Kerry Wood on the mound, and a young kid as his opponent, we would roll over the Giants on national TV. Instead, the Cubs simply rolled over, and died. There was not one part of this game that was pretty. The baserunning? Awful!!!! Corey Patterson gets picked off on a non move to first base, then, instead of at least

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091932393087014122004-08-07T22:33:00.000-04:002004-08-07T22:33:13.093-04:00

I am not going to write a long, drawn out post on this. All I can say is congratulations to my favorite player. I am so glad we were able to see this picture in February. You've made us all proud.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091809100686878152004-08-06T11:53:00.000-04:002004-08-06T13:48:03.776-04:00

As I was browsing the links to writers we love and hate, I clicked on one of my favorites, Rick Morrissey. Ever since I can remember, I have always heard people who talk about curses in baseball link the Cubs and the Red Sox together. When they mention one, inevitably the other comes up in some way or another. Red Sox fans identify with Cub fans, and for the most part, it seems to be vice versa.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091741588456380642004-08-05T17:24:00.000-04:002004-08-05T17:33:08.456-04:00

Top 9th B:1 S: 3 O: 1 Derrek Lee strikes out swinging. Top 9th B:2 S: 3 O: 2 Todd Walker strikes out swinging. Top 9th B:2 S: 1 O: 2 Paul Bako singles on a line drive to shortstop Royce Clayton. Top 9th B:0 S: 0 O: 2 Glendon Rusch doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Jeromy Burnitz. Paul Bako scores. Top 9th B:4 S: 2 O: 2 Corey Patterson walks. Top 9th B:2 S: 2 O:

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091482795766498262004-08-04T16:54:00.000-04:002004-08-04T22:46:42.916-04:00

This is how the Cubs' starting eight (nine if you count the two-headed monster at second base as individual entities) now looks with Nomar there (update--I've been having trouble with the geocities site this chart is posted to, so it might be gone when you look at it. If it's not there and you're still interested, click here to go to the chart): VORP (Value over Replacement Player) and EqA (

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091590841667457952004-08-03T23:40:00.000-04:002004-08-03T23:42:25.920-04:00

As the Cubs entered a series in Colorado, where scores at times are in double digits, the bats looked very promising in the early going. We scattered a few hits, and had a 5 run inning. Then, the offense decided to leave the building quicker than Elvis Presley himself, not scoring again in the game. This is worrisome to me. The addition of Nomar is supposed to help our offense put up the runs we

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091482813386779942004-08-02T17:40:00.000-04:002004-08-02T17:40:13.393-04:00

One of the most awkward experiences a person can go through is the experience of starting out at a new job. As you enter the building on that first day, knowing few, if any people, you are filled with excitement as well as sheer terror. Thoughts race though your head like "Will they like me?" "Will I fit in?" "How is the environment here as compared to other places I have worked?" For the most

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091312820825939072004-07-31T18:22:00.000-04:002004-07-31T18:27:00.826-04:00

The Cubs have Garciaparra. My quick-posting colleague Joe has already sorted out the trade, but I am very happy about this. I don't care if we keep him long term. I don't care if Francis Beltran turns into Eric Gagne, or if Justin Jones becomes Walter Johnson. All I care about is that Hendry made the deal I was hoping for instead of trading for Orlando Cabrera. YIPPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Go Cubs!

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091309524041272492004-07-31T17:32:00.000-04:002004-07-31T17:32:04.046-04:00

Ok, here is the official deal. Hang with me, because it's confusing.The Cubs get:Nomar Garciaparra - SSMatt Murton - OFCashBoston gets:Orlando Carbrera - SSDoug Mientkiewicz - 1BMontreal gets:Alex Gonzalez - SSBrendon Harris - 3bFrancis Beltran - RPMinnesota gets:Justin Jones - SPI will post my reactions on this unbelievable deal later tonight. Right now I am still in shock.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091307079230913302004-07-31T16:51:00.000-04:002004-07-31T16:51:19.236-04:00

We got NOMAR. I can't believe it

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091217667880629072004-07-30T14:24:00.000-04:002004-07-30T16:27:29.116-04:00

Assuming there is a possibility of getting a shortstop who could hit, I would give up any or all of the following: -Gonzalez -Mitre -Clement (regrettably) -Grudzielanek -Bobbie Brownlie (yes, Bobbie Brownlie. That'd seal the deal). -Macias (Take my scrub, please!) -The entire sportswriting staff of the Trib. -Lake Shore Drive. -The Wisconsin Border (they would be suckers, but who knows...) -

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1091140587486768092004-07-29T18:36:00.000-04:002004-07-29T18:36:27.496-04:00

Before the game today, I was talking to Kurt from Cub Fan Nation on AIM and I mentioned how I had a feeling Big Z would be cash money in todays game. I am happy to say I was right. He had been making me a little nervous of late, with his lack of wins and emotional breakdowns. He proved to me that he is gonna be just fine down the stretch. When he got into some early trouble in the first, I almost

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1090964035964787452004-07-27T17:33:00.000-04:002004-07-27T17:33:55.970-04:00

This is a title that applies to a numerous amount of things, the first of which is an end to the World Series of Blogs. I would like to congratulate Blue Jay Way for claiming the title this year. I hope that the contest generated new readers to all the blogs involved, as that was the purpose. There are numerous writers out there that don't get the credit that they deserve. Hopefully this helps a

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1090820223846031222004-07-26T00:34:00.000-04:002004-07-26T19:56:31.966-04:00

I have been living in Allentown, PA for the last two years. During this time I have not been able to go to see my beloved Cubs. So when a co-worker told me he had two tickets as part of a Sunday season ticket plan that he couldn't use for today's game, I took him up on it. For fifty bucks I got seats and parking to the new Phillies Park. As a feeble, but complicated, protest I have taken it upon

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-109068480053204322004-07-24T11:53:00.000-04:002004-07-24T12:00:00.533-04:00

From the Tribune: "We depend, it seems, on hitting the ball out of the ballpark," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. That says it all. And a team which doesn't get on base a lot that relies so much on the longball is a team that will go hot and cold offensively. Which is exactly what the Cubs do. It bodes ill for the season and the postseason, which I still believe we'll see. Since the only

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1090443457046948322004-07-21T16:48:00.000-04:002004-07-21T16:57:37.046-04:00

Does yesterday's game break the Cubs' backs? NO! Here's why: 1) They still have a good pythagorean spread. 2) The Cards are not as good as they have appeared over the last two months. No one is. This is a run...a good streak. Nothing more. Come September they'll be sputtering. 3) In a short series, the difference between winning the division and taking the wild card becomes nearly irrelevant. IF

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1090275506084497882004-07-19T17:31:00.000-04:002004-07-19T19:25:57.113-04:00

Being a Cubs fan is like being a guy who's renting a house with some really likeable features, but it's not the greatest house. It has vaulted ceilings, a nice yard, it's in a good part of town, and he's been there so long that it feels like a part of him. But there's always something wrong with it. Sometimes he doesn't know exactly what it is -- one year it's the plumbing, another year it's roof

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089824015167374362004-07-14T12:35:00.000-04:002004-07-14T16:55:56.076-04:00

I didn't watch the All-Star game last night for what I thought at first were a set of principled reasons, but as I woke up this morning I continued to think about the question, "Why does the All-Star Game make me want to vomit?" I reasoned to myself that, in a marathon like the baseball season, one game can't show you anything about which league has better stars. I used to complain about how

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089571089563491862004-07-11T14:38:00.000-04:002004-07-11T17:18:21.093-04:00

Early in my softball season this spring, I hit a ground ball and proceeded to run as fast as my legs would to try to beat out the throw to first. Unfortunately, in the process, I came down extremely hard on my heel in the stretch to first. I immediately had shooting pain all throughout my foot and thought for sure I had broken it. I limped back to the dugout and sat in pain. I sucked it up and

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089408491174976712004-07-09T16:07:00.000-04:002004-07-12T23:52:08.700-04:00

If the Cubs team is a 5th grade schoolboy, the Cardinals have been playing the role of class bully. The Reds have been that sneaky kid who tapes "kick me" signs on people's backs, the Astros have been the smart kid who everybody kind of ignores because he (his ballpark, actually) is freaky, the Pirates have been the skinny runt, and the Brewers have been the humorous fat kid. This weekend, the

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089301009369038462004-07-08T11:14:00.000-04:002004-07-08T11:36:49.370-04:00

I went to see that movie Sniderman 2. First of all, I should tell you that I didn't see Sniderman, so I don't know what really happened in the first one. Maybe that was the problem. The movie is about this guy named "Peter Sniderman." He has this girlfriend who's only eighteen but already has saggy breasts. But she's going to get married to some other guy; I think he was a Spaceman. Anyway, Mr.

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089253972257499902004-07-07T22:32:00.000-04:002004-07-07T22:54:02.026-04:00

While listening to the game on Gameday Audio tonight in the 7th inning, Cubs broadcaster Pat Hughes spoke up and said, "Always remember, Ron, when you lose, you're not as bad as you look. When you win, you're not as good as you look." While it is a nice, heartwarming phrase that may work on little league kids, it doesn't work on me. The fact is, 2 runs scored in 3 games against a less than elite

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089225293717920842004-07-07T14:34:00.000-04:002004-07-07T14:53:20.096-04:00

As I was scanning my list of recently updated blogs using a wonderful application called Bloglines, I came across the latest musings from The Rooftop Report, which is one of my favorites. He talks about the recent rehab start of Kerry Wood, which has everyone in the Cubs organization excited. When Wood comes back, we will see the rotation, 1-5, the way it was supposed to be from opening day.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089086901644438332004-07-06T00:08:00.000-04:002004-07-09T17:16:01.576-04:00

Usually, I agree with Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune, but for once, I am going to agree to disagree with the man. As the Cubs beat the Sox in a rain shortened 6 inning game on Saturday, Greg Maddux came out to pitch after 3 separate rain delays totalling 1 hour and 45 mins. I didn't really think anything of it, but Morrissey did. "Greg Maddux is a big boy, and if he says he's OK to return

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1089002435477651332004-07-05T00:40:00.000-04:002004-07-05T00:40:35.483-04:00

We live in a world that is filled with sex. Everywhere you look, there is sex. Don't believe me? Just check out The Uncouth Sloth for proof. One of the most popular aspects of sex in todays society is pornography. People love watching other people "do it". I guess for the stars of the show, it makes them feel like they are the best in the world, even though they look like normal people. For the

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088868175242297702004-07-03T10:40:00.000-04:002004-07-03T13:19:31.236-04:00

Mr. Jay Mariotti and Mr. Ken "Hawk" Harrelson have been feuding; read the story here. It sounds like Mariotti is acting like a jerk. Harrelson, ever playing the role of homer, has been retaliating on-air about Mariotti's incessant Sox attacks, and the two met recently. What followed must have been pretty funny to see; Mariotti puffed out his chest and threatened to punch Harrelson, who responded

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088735751521676092004-07-01T21:47:00.000-04:002004-07-01T22:35:51.523-04:00

    #5: No one was injured.     #4: Beltran hit 2 homers, but it wasn't enough. Just as the Beltran trade is not enough for the 'Stros to cause the Cubs trouble in the division race.     #3: Sosa won a game in the 10th with a homer. Whether it is justified at this point in his career, Sosa is still seen as the go-to guy for the Cubs when the chips are

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088655041196272622004-07-01T00:10:00.000-04:002004-07-03T22:43:17.600-04:00

Well, our little win streak against the hated Astros has come to an end. It was a nice run while it lasted, but alas, all good things must come to an end. I didn't feel great about this game despite having my boy Matt Clement on the mound. Something about having to face a 300 game winner that just doesn't sit well with you I guess. This was a game we could have won, but ultimately the Astros

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088571718495520532004-06-30T01:01:00.000-04:002004-06-30T13:38:51.753-04:00

Coming into this game I was feeling good. Every now and then you just have a gut feeling that your team is going to win. I thought my feeling was wrong when the Cubs went down 3 after a horrible job in LF by Alou. The Cubs just kept clawing away at a less than effective Andy Pettite. Then, thanks to a gift from Biggio, my gut proved correct. Cubs win.For some reason, the Cubs have had the Astros

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088480079992721542004-06-28T23:34:00.000-04:002004-06-29T00:27:16.990-04:00

With the All-Star game quickly approaching, I look at the voting and see potential lineups that if assembled on a real team would feature a payroll higher than even the Yankees. That got me thinking about who would be on an all star team of players making next to nothing. I decided to do some research and came up with an All-Star team of players whose salaries do not exceed 1 Million for this

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088307567235075492004-06-26T23:39:00.000-04:002004-06-27T16:55:58.663-04:00

As I was at work today, unable to watch game 2 of the Cubs/Sox series, I turned on ESPN 2 to get a score update. I was reduced to scanning the bottom line scores scrolling by to see how the team was doing. I fully expected the Cubs to win this game. We had Zambrano on the mound, and the Sox were featuring a kid who had just been called up from the minors. I felt pretty confident it would be a low

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088223442041609432004-06-26T00:17:00.000-04:002004-06-26T00:21:23.566-04:00

I don't know if I have ever mentioned it on here or not, but I really enjoy video games. Usually I play a certain game for an ungodly amount of time for about a month or two. Then, the game gets boring and I move on to another game. One of my favorite types of games are baseball games. I enjoy them for a different reason than most people do. I enjoy baseball games in which I can wear a lot of

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088182982838143502004-06-25T13:03:00.000-04:002004-06-25T13:03:02.906-04:00

Every now and then, you make a prediction using your crystal ball that people ridicule and laugh at, and something strange happens. It actually happens. Well, I hate to tell you naysayers "I told ya so", but I did. I Predicted that not only would the Cubs not get Beltran, but that the Astros would to replace Biggio in CF. So far that is the first of what looks to be all my predictions that come

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1088140363485074162004-06-25T00:22:00.000-04:002004-06-25T13:43:56.456-04:00

I like to pretend to myself that I am a man of few vices. I drink alcohol, though seldom excessively. I do no other drugs. I am in control of my temper. I do not womanize, I do not gamble, I am punctual, and I do not spend excessively. I have a healthy diet for the most part, primarily because I love vegetables and don't like cheese, salad dressing, condiments, or dessert. However, there are two

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087880207926600092004-06-22T00:56:00.000-04:002004-06-22T10:15:03.963-04:00

As I look at the calendar, I am constantly reminded just how quickly July 31st is approaching. As all baseball fans know, that is the beginning of the stretch run. Teams have reloaded with the ammunition for the chance of winning the World Series. Last year, Jim Hendry retooled the Cubs lineup by adding Randall Simon, Aramis Ramirez, and Kenny Loften. These moves helped plug some glaring holes in

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087857585270183432004-06-21T18:39:00.000-04:002004-06-21T18:43:30.476-04:00

One of the major things that I like about putting my opinions on the internet is that I get to see other people's responses and opinions on a lot of topics. So, I would like to know how many of my readers or other writers have AOL instant messenger or AOL. I would love to start to build a network of people. So, if you could, E-mail me your screenname or leave it in the comment section. If anyone

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087788185850433212004-06-20T23:23:00.000-04:002004-06-21T00:01:16.483-04:00

So far the World Series of Blogs has been a great success. Round two will be ending this Friday and the two blogs leading their poll will move on to the final round. The World Series. Good luck to those blogs.Also, as you will notice in our last post, we passed the 10,000 hit mark over the weekend. That is just because of people like yourself that read this blog consistently. Thank you so much

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087728358205853092004-06-20T06:44:00.000-04:002004-06-20T06:45:58.206-04:00

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087666646275568402004-06-19T13:10:00.000-04:002004-06-20T00:00:45.400-04:00

Today, Mark Grudzielanek was activated from the disabled list. That's a good thing. However, I just don't understand why we sent Jimmy Anderson down. Anderson was pitching decently and throws left-handed, which is always a plus. On top of all that, Dusty himself said that these next few days we would have very few days off so we would need to keep out pen strong. But getting rid of one of its

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087539107009959222004-06-18T02:06:00.000-04:002004-06-18T15:20:21.696-04:00

This week's Friday Five covers one of my favorite topics: baseball books. I'd like to say that the frantic pace of my life is the reason that I haven't been able to read as many of them as I'd like recently, but that's no excuse; there are ways one could make time. At any rate, I do manage to get some reading time in -- mostly when I'm taking a dump. But it counts. I promise you that none of the

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087500482377210042004-06-17T14:44:00.000-04:002004-06-18T15:50:50.956-04:00

Recently I have acquired a horrible disease of the brain. It's one that many deal with each day. It causes you great anguish and emotional pain. It can at times cause frustration and lack of desire to move forward. While it is not usually fatal, it at times can be. Hopefully my case does not turn out to be. I will find out in the next few days. I disease I have is none other than......Writer's

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087153399114665982004-06-13T23:00:00.000-04:002004-06-13T23:34:18.680-04:00

One of my favorite reads each day is the column written by Rick Morrissey. I generally agree with his opinions on the Cubs. Recently, we had the privilege of asking Rick some questions. It's always a great privilege to pick someone's brain, especially when they are getting paid to do what we all love to do. We asked Rick ten questions. His responses were very well thought out and enjoyable to

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1087053954492356612004-06-12T11:19:00.000-04:002004-06-12T11:25:54.493-04:00

Tonight, I will be a guest on a radio show called "Life's a pitch". It's on sports talk Cleveland. There is an internet feed if anyone would like to listen. I will be on tonight from 9:05pm est - 9:30pm est. If you would like to listen, click here. If that link doesn't work, go to Sports Talk Cleveland website and click listen now.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086982330931034522004-06-11T14:48:00.000-04:002004-06-11T15:47:31.400-04:00

Part I: Ryne Sandberg Ed Sherman wrote an interesting story in the Trib today about Ryne Sandberg. I've mentioned before that Ryno was my childhood hero, and he has managed (unlike some other pro athletes) to keep his personal flaws hidden from the world his whole life. Apart from his first Larry Himes-related retirement, his divorce right around that time, and that moustache he wore for a while,

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086927990420976452004-06-11T00:20:00.000-04:002004-06-11T01:20:09.490-04:00

I've left several very successful and popular managers off this list, and no, I didn't forget about them. The impact of a manager on his team varies depending on how much you believe in "intangibles," but regardless these five are the ones I'd want as field general. 5: Buck Showalter How can a guy who's never been to a World Series be the fifth best manager in the game? Because, that's why. He's

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086842946484104322004-06-10T00:36:00.000-04:002004-06-10T12:52:04.210-04:00

As you will notice on the bottom right of our site, we have a section called "Writers we love and hate." Among the names is Tribune Columnist Rick Morrissey. He is personally one of my favorites. He always tells it like it is. I look forward to reading his stuff each day because more often than not, I feel the same way he does. Recently, The View From The Bleachers caught up with Morrissey and

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086801278095026222004-06-09T12:03:00.000-04:002004-06-10T09:34:20.360-04:00

The city of Chicago has had its share of drama in the closer role this season. Both teams, stricken with a question mark in the role, have suffered setbacks because of the problem. The Cubs have since replaced their "problem." The White Sox are about ready to follow suit. All of the ineffectiveness, coupled with the recent comments by both players in response to media questions about the job they

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086729054057449262004-06-08T15:56:00.000-04:002004-06-08T17:10:54.056-04:00

Last night, with the fog settling over the corn fields of Pennsylvania, I lay my head down to sleep. The struggles of my beloved Chicago Cubs were, as usual, on my mind, but I was gripped with a greater fear -- the looming job interview in the coming morn. Perhaps my concern over the Cubs grew jealous on that night, for when I closed my eyes and my consciousness released my mind to unfettered

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086669548010331112004-06-08T00:34:00.000-04:002004-06-08T00:44:35.546-04:00

Well, the draft has begun. The Cubs are now the proud owners of not 1, but 2 Pattersons. Can my day get any worse? What I noticed though was from the article on the Cubs Site. When referring to the younger of the two evils, the article read as follows:"Eric Patterson is a solid second base prospect and a contact hitter like his older brother." HUH?!?!?!?!? Last time I checked, Corey Patterson

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086653640625595342004-06-07T19:58:00.000-04:002004-06-07T22:29:56.606-04:00

Top 1st No Pujols!!!! Thank God!!! Todd Walker made a great play to start the ballgame. Who said he can't field his position very well. He's done a great job as far as I'm concerned. I love how fast Glendon Rusch works. I remember when I used to watch the Cubs game and Steve "Human Rain Delay" Traschel was pitching. It went something like this when he got someone on base. Look in, throw to first.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086546682318099812004-06-06T14:29:00.000-04:002004-06-07T09:42:06.916-04:00

Top 1st The wind is blowing out. That could mean an early exit if Maddux isn't careful. He looked good in the first inning, getting the Pirates 1,2,3. Hopefully we see the Maddux we paid for and not the one we have gotten in about 40% of the starts this year. Bottom 1st Why is Rey Ordonez hitting 2nd? His first At Bat is evidence as to why this shouldn't be. He swung at the first pitch he saw

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086496636698647992004-06-05T23:30:00.000-04:002004-06-06T00:37:16.700-04:00

The Cubs get a much needed win today, courtesy of an inept Pittsburgh defense. For the second straight day, the Cubs offense decided that they need to make their starting pitcher nervous due to a lack of run support. Yesterday it cost Mark Prior a win. Today it could have cost Carlos Zambrano a win. He gave the Cubs seven strong, and was all but out of the game down 1-0, until Pittsburgh makes a

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086413892529726572004-06-05T01:31:00.000-04:002004-06-05T01:54:44.656-04:00

The time has come. I am now declaring Charles Rector, TEMPORARY writer for The Reds Roundup, Public Enemy # 1 to The View From The Bleachers & The Cubbies Corner. In case you're not familiar with some of his work, please, be sure to check them out. Since taking over at the Reds Roundup, all he has done is bash the Cubs. I can understand where he is coming from. Really, I can. Myself, Dave, and

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086407960697136022004-06-04T23:47:00.000-04:002004-06-04T23:59:20.696-04:00

As much as I hate to say it, I think I am finally coming over to the dark side when it comes to Joe Borowski's fan club. In an earlier post, I said that we needed to stick with Joe because he hadn't blown a save all year. Well since then, he has looked beyond horrible. I don't know that I am officially giving up as Borowski as our closer forever, but I am offering this solution for now. My

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086377767335568492004-06-04T14:44:00.000-04:002004-06-04T16:12:02.050-04:00

Joe mentioned on our other blog that his childhood hero was Rey Sanchez: "Let me give you some examples of the players that I loved when I was growing up. Rey Sanchez, Steve Buchelle, Joe Girardi, Mark Clark, Mitch Williams, etc...What the heck is wrong with me? Why would I like these guys? I’m actually kind of embarrassed to admit that I did. I even remember trying to be a 'great SS' like Rey

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086304991394372852004-06-03T18:47:00.000-04:002004-06-03T19:28:40.203-04:00

I'm not really sure how many people saw this mini article in the Chicago Sun Times on May 29th, but it caught my eye, and I would like to pick it apart a little and give you my thoughts (worries). "Rey Ordonez refused to acknowledge so early in his Cubs career that he could be a long-term solution to the dearth of shortstops in this organization." You're kidding right? You don't think the Cubs

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086204562250379082004-06-02T15:00:00.000-04:002004-06-02T15:33:37.863-04:00

Memo from Cy Borg, Pitching Machine Project Leader CLEMEN Industries Robotics 6/2/04 Status: Models A-R disabled. Clemen S and Clemen T in active duty. ClemenS Update: Still our most successful model, The ClemenS pitching robot was in retirement due to worn parts over the offseason. However, lead field researcher Pettitte was able to get ClemenS up and running in tme for the season's start. He

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086128027660315262004-06-01T18:06:00.000-04:002004-06-01T18:13:47.660-04:00

Joe's comments about Mariotti and Rogers are in line with mine. I have to admit that I liked Mariotti on Around the Horn, but he's on the wrong side of the suck line in print. Phil Rogers is jaw-droppingly bad; the day espn.com started printing some of his stuff was the day I realized I need to stop visiting the site. My dad always talks about Mike Royko, but I was too young to get to read his

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086124578922636702004-06-01T17:03:00.000-04:002004-06-01T17:37:22.650-04:00

There is a good article on ESPN about Mark Prior today written by Phil Rogers. He continues to blame Baker for the Cubs injuries to the pitching staff. I really wish people weren't so fickle about this team. When things are going great, Dusty is a hero, and has brought the franchise from the dead. When things are going a little less than ideal, then the bash the manager stuff starts. I may not

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1086047901799177952004-05-31T19:34:00.000-04:002004-05-31T19:58:21.800-04:00

I am a big fan of a hard candy called Mega Warheads. For those of you who have never had these before, the way they work is when you first put them in your mouth, you get this blast of, well, nastiness. It's like a spicy pepper taste. It's really quite unpleasant. This taste lasts for about 10 seconds. If you can stand the nasty taste, a wonderful flavor begins to fill your mouth. I personally

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085974544454063102004-05-30T23:31:00.000-04:002004-05-30T23:35:44.453-04:00

It's arrived. The 2004 World Series of Blogs. These are the rules. Dave and I have narrowed the finalist down and have placed them in their appropriate divisions. Voting will run until mid-June or so. Vote as many times as it will allow. The 6 polls will appear randomly each time you visit the site, or you can refresh each time. Make sure you check out the sites and be an informed voter. All the

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085972029517437602004-05-30T22:43:00.000-04:002004-05-31T14:19:10.703-04:00

The Friday Five (Special Monday Edition) The Cubs have been low on nicknames recently, with names like "Woody," "Gracey," "One Dog," and other poor excuses for nicknames filling the lineup card. However, when Dusty Baker tagged Derrek Lee with the nickname "Rodan," it gave me hope that this team could have one of the great all-time nicknames. Here are the top five Obscure-But-True MLB Player

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085961962465877722004-05-30T19:53:00.000-04:002004-05-30T20:07:44.130-04:00

I am very excited to announce that Dave and I have been offered the opportunity to write for Most Valuable Network. Now don't be afraid. The View From The Bleachers is not going anywhere. I wouldn't want to lose our few fans. This site will continue to try to bring amusing and humorous content to you, while Cubbies Corner (man, I hope we can get THAT name changed) will bring game recaps and other

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085888596375293152004-05-29T23:41:00.000-04:002004-05-29T23:43:16.376-04:00

Each time I watch Sergio Mitre come to the mound and get shelled, all I see is his trade value becoming less and less. When we first called him up, he was one of those prospects that was mentioned often in various trade discussions. Now, each time he gets killed on the mound, the chances of someone taking him off our hands and giving us ANYTHING for him at all becomes smaller and smaller.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085809044235093722004-05-29T01:01:00.000-04:002004-05-29T01:37:24.236-04:00

Last week my computer locked up and, after a fair amount of research, I determined that I needed to re-install my OS. The fun part was that I'm still not sure why I needed to do so; I know just enough about computers to know it had to be done but not enough to explain why. Other time constraints made devoting a lot of time to this problem difficult, but last night at about 3:15 a.m. I restored

David M. Beyernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085756803724994702004-05-28T11:05:00.000-04:002004-05-28T11:06:43.726-04:00

I probably won't get a chance to write anything over the weekend. I will be gone. The Friday Five will be appearing in full on Monday morning. Sorry.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085629312715793072004-05-26T23:21:00.000-04:002004-05-27T11:12:21.006-04:00

What does it mean to be a true fan of a team? Does it mean that you know all about the players and try to watch as many games as you can? Does it mean that you follow the team from city to city to catch some road games in addition to the home games you go to? Does it mean buy TV packages or radio packages so you can follow your team wherever you live? I'm not sure if being a true fan of your team

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085547039151300362004-05-26T00:49:00.000-04:002004-05-26T00:50:57.136-04:00

Please leave your requests for the Friday Five in the comment section. We would like to make sure we are covering this that interest the readers so please make some suggestions.

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999191.post-1085458666338797842004-05-24T23:52:00.000-04:002004-05-25T00:19:50.123-04:00

I am so sleepy, but I feel like I owe it to the readers to get something new cranked out each day. There is not much to say on an off day. As you all probably know by now, Wood is out for a few weeks. I say, no problem. The great Sergio Mitre will fill his space. Oh wait, he's already filling in for Prior. Maybe this will be Jaun Cruz's big chance. Oh wait, we traded him for crap. Well then, I

Joseph E. Aiellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03931948958625433686noreply@blogger.com