And once again, the Cubs dropped a series opener last night.
Why is this a big deal? Well, the Cubs haven't won a series opener since May 25th. Since then, the Cubs have managed to win only one series. When you consistently lose the first game of a 3 game series, it becomes extremely difficult to win that series. The likelihood of them coming back and winning the next two games against a surging Mariners team is remote at this point...boo!
I haven't really reported here since the LOHO get-together on Saturday...which was loads of fun (well except for the game)...but it really appears there is currently a common thread amongst most (not all) Cubs fans right now...they don't want Lou Piniella fired. And believe it or not, I understand why. But basically every reason is based on compassion for the best Cubs manager in the last 20 years. I feel letting Lou (and Jim Hendry) go is, logically, the right move.
"So, Lou, the retirement home is over there."
(Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images)
This team is not going to win the division or even make it to the playoffs this year. Hopes for a turnaround are practically pointless. Why? Because this team is showing no signs of being able to turn things around.
Here is something else...
Often times we hear the term (especially during this season) that the Cubs let a game slip away. Basically, what this means is that the Cubs had a game that was winnable (like last night), but were unable to come up with any big hits, or the bullpen let them down late in the game.
We have had a lot of that this year.
But, when was the last time the Cubs "stole a win"...meaning that they came from behind in a game that looked as if they where going to lose?
Honestly...I can't think of any games like that over the last month and a half. The most statistical way to look at this is what the Cubs record is in 1 and 2 run games. I don't have the time to look it up, but I bet that record is horrendous right now.
Ok...so back to Piniella...with the season a lost cause, you start looking what what changes can be made for the future. I don't see any way in hell that Piniella will come back next year. So why keep him around for a lost season?
Rebuilding this team starts at the top...and Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella should be replaced...now! My feeling is (and it is based on nothing) that the Ricketts family wants Ryne Sandberg to be the next manager. So bring him up now. Let him manage this group of clowns and see if anything comes from it. If this job is completely over Sandberg's head...well, we will have lost nothing since the season is pretty much over anyway and then the Cubs can go ahead and search for the next Joe Maddon.
There is no reason to take a chance on Sandberg next year when we can find out about his managerial ability now. Why possibly waste another season?
My biggest issue with Sandberg being a big league manager has been the idea that Sandberg would be able to gain the respect of veteran players. He has proven himself with young players...but I'm not sure if his style would actually work with a team of veterans. What better way to find out than to have him manager this group of jokers?
The Cubs trade options are quite limited right now...no body wants Kosuke...Derrek Lee waives his no-trade clause around like a WWII veteran waiving a flag at a Fourth of July parade. So that leaves nothing except new management.
I'll keep harping on this all year (or at least until the Cubs get above .500).
Ok...back to house issues.
(And at least Milton Bradley went 0-3 last night.)
