There's Always Next Year

The season for the Chicago Cubs ended yesterday, in the same fashion the rest of their season went... in a loss. After an offseason of big moves, expectations were higher than ever to break the 101 year curse. The lovable losers were loaded and everyone thought "this was the year."

Instead, the Cubs are packing up their lockers and headed on Vacation in October again... at least this time they weren't swept in the first round. I'm not sure what's worse... painfully watching the Cubs struggle and underachieve for an entire season or watching the Cubs get embarassed in the Playoffs for 2 years straight.

But why did the Cubs suck so bad this year? Here's my take...

Cubs GM Jim Hendry's offseason moves to solidify their lineup blew up in his face. Getting rid of Mark Derosa and Kerry Wood and replacing them with Milton Bradley and Aaron Miles? Did he seriously think that would work? I won't lie, I was a huge Milton Bradley advocate in the beginning of the season, because I'm a die hard Cubs fan and I wanted him, and the team, to succeed. But even with this optimism, there was always a doubt in my mind and I knew I was just saying that without actually believing it. In the end, Bradley proved to be the true piece of shit that he is and even blamed the fans and the organization for his performance. If I could meet Bradley face to face, I'd do 2 things. 1) Ask him "Do you really believe that Cubs fan boo you because you're black?" Pulling the race card is a coward move, how about taking responsibility and saying "ok, I get it, I suck." After all, he finished batting .257 with 12 homers and 40 RBI's. IN THE 5 HOLE! Even Fukudome hit better than that and I'm pretty sure that Asian guy doesn't even know how to play baseball, not to mention he tries to screw himself into the ground every time he swings. The 2nd thing I'd do is punch him in the face. Then run. This would be to vent all my frustration out.


But it wasn't all milton's fault, he was just the scape goat. No one ever mentions Mike Fontenot (the lovable midget) or Aaron Miles, who were supposed to fill in at 2nd base and make up for DeRosa. They each had HORRIFIC seasons. Fontenot batted .236! People nicknamed him "little babe ruth," but last time I checked Babe Ruth had astronomical numbers and he played drunk half the time! Aaron Miles hit .185 with 5 RBI's!! I'm convinced these guys couldn't even make it in the little league world series... let alone start for the Cubs. And the season stats for Mark DeRosa, the guy the Cubs thought they could replace? .250, 23 HR, 78 RBI. FOR THE CARDINALS! Please, for the love of God, bring DeRosa back next season.

This one is my favorite. Alfonso Soriano. I love this guy, but I often ask myself "Why?" Does this guy even know how to play baseball? A blind kid could play left field defense better than him. You know what, probably hit better too. Soriano has done great things for this franchise, but his season (.241, 20 HR, 55 RBI) was pitiful and difficult to watch. How come nobody knew he couldn't hit off speed stuff when we signed him for a billion dollars? And more importantly, why can't he just lay off those breaking balls? or why can't he learn?! He just doesn't care. I wouldn't either if I was getting paid his salary. Time to bench him and make Jake Fox our every day LF.

Kevin Gregg, you are also responsible for this shit pile that we call the Cubs. You're goggles are a joke. And do you really think you're fooling anybody with that fast ball? Nothing is more demoralizing than a blown save and you crushed this team from having any hope. If I met you, I'd break your goggles. Get out of town, buddy.

Geovani Soto... rookie of the year last year and a catalyst for the Cubs having such a dynamic offense. Then he get's caught smoking pot during the WBC and gains about 25 lbs in the offseason, and then gets benched for Koyie Hill (who can't hit if his life depended on it). Dude, lay off the rice and beans this offseason and work hard for a change. Get back in shape and play with the passion you did as a rookie. Please.

Last but not least, does anybody else think Lou Piniella has a case of dementia? He doesn't even care anymore that his team is underachieving. When people ask him about it, he just speaks like a stroke victim and mumbles out something along the lines of "I just put together a lineup of whoever they give me, what else do you want me to say?" Um, ok... I hope your motivational speeches are a little more inspiring than that. Can you imagine this guy giving a pregame pep talk? How does the Riot hold back from laughing? and Fukudome clearly doesn't understand a word he's saying. Can this old man and bring in Bob Brenley. He'll rejuvanate this clubhouse in a way no 95-year-old can. See ya Lou!

The Cubs face another long off season. I've been a Cubs fan all my life, but I can't handle another season of such an inept product on the field. It's time to make changes and if we don't, we'll be saying "Next year" in 2010.

Until then, thank God for the Bears...