July 11, 2008

GREAT SEASON

Is this season getting great, or what? The Cubbies have the best record in the NL, but made their big news off the field this week. Fans and fantasy geeks alike (myself included) are always playing the “what if” game this time of year, since we all know that the trading deadline is only 3 weeks away. (July 31) It always feels better when the team you live and die with makes a move for the stretch run, although we know that it doesn’t always turn out to be the “difference maker” we’d hoped it would be. Since he became GM in 2002 Jim Hendry has shown that he’s not shy about making things happen. My personal favorite trade was among his first ones. The ability to get anything for Todd Hundley, let alone two important cogs for the 2003 team in Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek let everyone know that there was a new sheriff in town, and he meant business. He outdid himself near the 2003 deadline adding Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez for Jose Hernandez. Who got the better of that deal? He then set the city abuzz at the deadline in 2004 by orchestrating a three team trade that brought Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubbies. That one didn’t work out as well, but the point was he did something. As impatient fans, that’s what we want to see. I remember last year when all I listened to behind the bar was, “Why didn’t we do anything?” when the deadline passed without that “missing piece” being added. Although I seem to recall last year, Atlanta paying a steep price for Mark Teixiera and being rewarded with a third place finish and a big contract decision to make. In that same vein, I don’t have to mention the name, Lou Brock, to make any Cubs fan shudder. It’s considered by many to be the worst deadline deal ever, and haunts the Cubbie faithful to this day. Brock went to St. Louis, hit over .340, and helped lead the hated Cardinals to a World Series title. So, as always, it’s be careful what you wish for. Deadline moves are fun but they don’t guarantee ultimate success.

When it was announced that the Brewers were going to get C.C. Sabathia, oops, I’m sorry, CC Sabathia, there was a notable angst among my Cubbie brethren. “No Periods” is a certifiable stud. He’s young, durable, and oh yeah, the reigning AL Cy Young award winner. Put together with Ben Sheets, and that team from up north looks a lot more formidable. No wonder there was considerable squirming. Not to take advantage of the situation, (Would I do that?) I asked the fans at the bar what the Cubs would do next, trying to stimulate conversation and increase beer sales. Many tried to poke holes at the rest of the Milwaukee pitching staff, but you could tell that they were only trying to convince themselves as they spoke. (I need more beer!) This was a big deal and it moved the Brewers to the top of the threat list. The Cubs are going to have to make a move this year.

Then Tuesday came. As I drove into work, all I listened to on the radio was talk about “No Periods” upcoming first start for the Brew-Crew that night. Within striking distance of the Cubs and now heavily fortified, everyone wanted to know what the Cubbies would do next.