Cubs Show Class With Rings for Santo and Banks...

Kudos Cubs.  Kudos to you, The Ricketts Family.

World Series Rings

In the midst of all the crazy celebration, the pomp, the circumstance at Wrigley Field the last few days, you didn't forget anyone. You rewarded front office members, ushers, broadcasters and even your part-time seasonal workers with World Series rings. That is incredible. 

But more importantly you didn't forget a couple of guys that bled Cubbie Blue their entire lives. 

Plus, there are posthumous rings for Ernie Banks and Ron Santo, to be saved in the Wrigley Field archives. #Cubs

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) April 12, 2017

From Jeff Santo's Facebook Page

What an amazing, heartwarming gesture made to these two fine gentlemen, their families and fans. Such a classy move by the organization.

Both of these All-Star players gave their all, 9 innings at a time for many years in Cubs pinstripes. They are two of the greatest players in the history of the organization and truly deserve this honor.

I couldn't help but get a little choked up at the site of other great Cubs legends that never experienced the ultimate prize, but nonetheless were a huge part of the banner raising and ring ceremony.  Hall of Famers Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and Ryne Sandberg were made to feel as though they were still players by this family run organization. They looked so proud as if they were still playing.  This is how greats of yesteryear should be embraced and appreciated.  They laid the groundwork, built the framework of what was ultimately accomplished after a long long 108 year championship drought.

During the Cubs run to the 2016 World Series, I couldn't help but think of how much I wanted Ron Santo sitting next to me, watching every game.  I imagined the bruises on my arms from him punching me with excitement, or grabbing my shoulder in frustration. Gladly I would have accepted a few games worth of pain to have my friend getting to enjoy it with me.  But seeing how the Cubs honored Ronnie and Ernie made me smile a little through the tears, making it a little easier to take.

I wrote my grandpa's name on the wall
at Wrigley Field

I've gotten to know Ron's children, Ron Junior, Jeff and Linda Santo over the years, I'm so happy for them.  They were all invested deeply in this run to the title for the Cubs. I remember having Jeff on our radio postgame show soon after the final out of Game 7.  He was tearing up with emotion. It was real. It meant a lot. I'm sure his reaction and that of his siblings is much the same tonight thanks to the Cubs organization.

It's funny how the emotional memories of November 2, 2016 came flooding back to so many of us as the flag was raised and several fortunate Cub fans handed over the rings to the players.  For me, thinking about Ron and my late grandfather Sam Masur, the man who made my dad Steve a fan, who in turn passed it on to me.  "Papa" Sammy would have turned 108 years old November 5, 2016.

Thank you Ricketts Family for showing you can win with class. 

Cubs Spring Training Preview...

For the first time in over a century, the Cubs will report to Spring Training as the defending World Series Champions.  The 108 year drought is over, now the quest to win it again, begins. 

Last year manager Joe Maddon used “Embrace the Target” as the team’s rallying cry.  This after an improbable playoff appearance in 2015 and a trip to the NLCS.  Now the target is firmly on the Cubs’ backs as the 2017 season begins. 

This year according to MLB.com, at Maddon’s opening press conference today, the themes will be: 1. Be uncomfortable, 2. Authenticity, 3. That's Cub, and, 4. Don’t forget the heartbeat.  Interpret how you want, but it seems like Maddon won’t stand for complacency off of last year’s performance and crazy offseason.  An offseason that included countless appearances on late night and daytime television programs and a trip to the White House. 

As for the actual baseball outlook, Maddon plans to emphasize many of the same principals he did last season, telling MLB.com, "I think we have our best opportunity to repeat by pitching and playing defense that we've done in the past.”

OUTLOOK:

Most of the core group from last season is back.  The notable exception is Dexter Fowler, who signed a free-agent deal with the Cardinals.  While Fowler’s prowess at the top of the order (.277/.393/.449) will be missed the Cubs do have several options at this spot. Realizing that the entire infield returns, including swing guy Javy Baez is certainly a plus. The emergence of his game in the post-season, combined with the way Addison Russell bounced back in the playoffs has fans drooling over the possibilities of what is to come.  Add in All-Stars Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist and NL MVP Kris Bryant and the optimism is at all time high levels.  

Looking at the outfield, the Cubs will use a platoon of Albert Almora Jr, and Jon Jay in CF. Kyle Schwarber will be the main man in LF at least to start the season, and the thoughts of him being healthy and in for the long haul this year is a plus.  Jason Heyward’s down season offensively didn’t affect his defense, and the 184-million dollar man has been working on his swing all off-season.  He has to be better this year than last right? 

As told to MLB.com

The rotation returns basically intact.  Jason Hammel is gone to the Royals, with Mike Montgomery getting the first shot at the 5th spot this spring. Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lackey are all back and coming in off of respectable seasons a year ago.  Brett Anderson adds some depth if healthy. The free-agent made only 4 starts for the Dodgers last season (after undergoing back surgery in March 2016), but in 2015 won 10 games in 31 starts in LA. Keep the names Caleb Smith (Rule 5 Draft pick), Eddie Butler (acquired from Rockies) and Alec Mills in mind for further pitching depth. 

Some changes were made in the bullpen this off-season.  Aroldis Chapman signed as a free agent with the Yankees, Trevor Cahill is now with his hometown Padres and Travis Wood signed with Kansas City yesterday.  Wade Davis is the new closer.  The Cubs gave up Jorge Soler in a trade with the Royals to get him. Davis made only 45 appearances last year after going on the DL with a right forearm strain, but he saved a career best 27 games. He was the closer on the Royals World Series Championship in 2015, and had an ERA of only 0.94.  A proven commodity and a guy that used to pitch for Maddon in Tampa Bay, makes the loss of Chapman easier to take. Many of the familiar faces are back, including Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm and Carl Edwards Jr will feature prominently. Newcomer Koji Uehara will provide some veteran experience in the back end of the pen. 

QUESTION MARKS:

The biggest one as mentioned a bit earlier will be production from the leadoff spot.  Fowler leaves a big hole at the top of the lineup.  Early contenders to fill in the blank so to speak are Kyle Schwarber and Ben Zobrist. Of the two, Zobrist has the most experience (duh!) in the spot. All time Zobrist is a .238/.330/.376 slash line hitter, with 17 homers in 705 career appearances in the top spot.  Schwarber has just 8 career appearances as a leadoff hitter, hitting .375 with an OBP of .375 as well.  Zobrist offers a switch hitting option, while Schwarber is a good contact hitter.  Neither are the ‘pototypical’ leadoff hitters, but that notion has kind of gone by the wayside recently.  An option that could evolve later, with some seasoning and development is Almora Jr.  This is worth keeping an eye on as the Spring moves along. 

Will Kyle Schwarber catch this season? According to the beat reporters on scene in Arizona the plan is to use Schwarber in LF everyday, and be the third “emergency” catcher”.  He meets with doctors today to see if he can be cleared to catch. 

Once Schwarber gets OK to catch, Theo says #Cubs will ease him in here, 1-2 days a week of catching work.

— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) February 14, 2017

Theo said Schwarber examined today. If cleared to catch, he'll be brought along slowly. "We'll walk before we squat."

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 14, 2017

Who will catch Jon Lester?  With David Ross in retirement, here’s your answer…

Plan is to have Contreras catch Lester. David Ross will work with Willson this spring #Cubs

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 14, 2017

CONCLUSION:

Seemingly the Cubs have an excellent chance to repeat this season.  Lots of things still have to go right.  Health is always an issue with every MLB team, as they traverse the 162 game schedule in only 6 months time.  Don’t expect too many surprises when it comes to the 25 man roster to open the season.  This team should repeat as Central Division champions for sure, but will face some big competition when it comes to the NLDS and NLCS.  This team though is built to win, with depth and versatility.  Bottom line: Repeat. 

Advantage Yankees...

Nick Swisher? The same Nick Swisher the White Sox got rid of? The Nick Swisher that was benched by manager Joe Girardi in game 2? Yes, it was that Nick Swisher who came back to help the Yankees, win game 3 and take a 2-1 lead in the World Series. A crushing blow to the Phillies, who give up a game at home, and now will have to hope they can force the series back to New York. Cole Hamels last year's MVP has looked like anything but that this post-season, while Andy Pettitte looked like the solid veteran pitcher he is, in helping his team to a win.

It wasn't only Swisher (2-4, HR, RBI), it was replay to the rescue in a critical part of the game. The Phillies had a 3-0 lead, as the top of the 4th began. Mark Teixeira drew a walk, and then Alex Rodriguez drove a ball to the right field corner, it looked to have hit off the wall, for what was ruled a double. But after further review...the ball hit the TV camera down the line and over the wall, and was ruled a 2 run homer, and the Yankees were rolling after that.

Tonight, the Yankees and Phillies go in game 4...Joe Blanton will take the ball for Philadelphia and CC Sabathia will throw for the Yankees, on 3 days rest.

After further review...my thoughts on replay...

REPLAY. It's the dreaded "R" word for baseball and its umpires. This was the first time the video was used in a world series game, EVER. Is it a sign of things to come in the regular season? It very well could be. To me, you can't slow the game of baseball down anymore than it already is (not a bad thing to me, love the drama and no clock), but something needs to be done. I realize the human element has been in place since the game began, but these humans make critical mistakes and cost teams games. Something like the NFL plan can be put into place. Allow team's managers to "challenge" 2 plays a game. Here's the way to regulate it though. If you lose your first challenge, you lose your second challenge as well. This way, team's will have to be absolutely certain of their challenge or they could lose both.

Balls and strikes would not be a situation allowed to be challenged. Fair/Foul, HR/no HR, catch/no catch, and perhaps those bang-bang plays on the bases would be challengeable. Wonder if baseball will agree with me? Wonder if you agree with me? Comment!

Random musings on a Sunday...

I still don't get this daylight savings time thing. Why do we insist on being miserable in the winter time with less light? I know that there were reasons for it way back when, farmers and the like needed earlier sunrise in the fall/winter to harvest crops, but now we have portable lighting systems and other technology. Hmmm.

Just in case you didn't know. Brett Favre is returning to Lambeau Field as a Viking today to play his former team the Packers. Not sure if you heard that enough.

I predict that the Chargers will roll over the Raiders today at the Q. The Raiders are playing better lately, but their QB JaMarcus Russell looks lost at times. Ron Rivera will have to get his troops to the QB, not just to sack him, but to hit him, make him uncomfortable and he'll throw picks a plenty.

Personal Note...

It was 10 years ago today that a childhood hero of mine passed away, much too soon. Walter Payton, the man they called "Sweetness" died of complications due to liver cancer on this date in 1999. Two of the toughest things I've ever covered in my career as a sportscaster were Payton's announcement that he had the disease. He broke down on the podium and it was a surreal feeling to be there. Payton passed just before a Bears/Packers game at Lambeau Field. I covered his funeral from a distance, and then the game in Green Bay. The Bears had a 14-13 lead with :05 left in the 4th quarter. Ryan Longwell was setting up for a chip shot field goal to win the game. Somehow, Bears lineman Mike Wells, reached up and blocked the kick. It was an amazing scene on the field. Everybody knew that #34 had something to do with it and who am I to disagree. Rest in peace Sweetness.

That's it for me...enjoy the game tonight and football today....

Andy

Hoyer looks like the man...

Although it won't become official until Monday, multiple sources, including MLB.com, and the San Diego Union Tribune, are reporting that the Padres have hired, Red Sox Assistant GM, Jed Hoyer to replace Kevin Towers as the new GM of the Padres.

Hoyer, is 35 years old, and will be a GM for the first time, at least a full-time GM for the first time. Hoyer has worked under Theo Epstein for the last 7 years, and briefly assumed power when Epstein walked away for 44 days, at the end of October 2005. While in charge, Hoyer helped to engineer the deal between the Red Sox and the Marlins, acquiring Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, sending Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez to the Marlins. The deal has been widely regarded as one that worked out well for both sides.

Padres Vice Chairman Jeff Moorad stated in his press conference, that he wanted a person to come in and have a more 'strategic' approach. Moorad also wanted a candidate who could use the numbers, and also rely on his knowledge through scouting and gut feel. Hoyer has that reputation. He also happens to be the same age, 35, as Josh Byrnes, when Moorad hired the latter in Arizona.

There will be plenty more available on this story, after it becomes completely official.

Rain Rain Go Away...

As I suspected, the rain would not subside and the Yankees/Angels game 6 was postponed until tomorrow night. Yankees manager Joe Girardi decided to stick with Andy Pettitte for the game, preferring to keep CC Sabathia on normal rest, if a game 7 becomes necessary. As far as the Angels are concerned, they'll stick with Joe Saunders, and now, with an extra day, Mike Scoiscia can come back with John Lackey in a game 7 situation. Rain is still in the forecast for New York on Sunday.

Phree Time for the Phillies...

How will this long layoff affect the Phillies? After finishing off the Dodgers in 5 games, the Phils have been off since October 21st. I guess you could argue it either way. One thought is that now Charlie Manuel can set up his rotation to best compete against the American League Champ. It also gives the Phillies a chance to get some much needed rest and be fully prepared when the World Series starts. The other school of thought is perhaps the Phillies have lost their momentum, and could have a hard time getting re-started once the WS starts. I say this, the Phillies are the defending champions, they've been here before, they have the experience and will be ready when the bell rings. Sometimes we like to over think these things, don't you think?

The Ocho?

I told you yesterday that Chad Ochocinco was fined by the NFL's uniform police for an improperly colored chin strap, now comes news that Ochocinco would rather report the news, than be the news. He's planning to form his own social news network on Twitter, and use his contacts around the league, to break stories, and bring his followers news on other teams. He has a name and a slogan already, the network is OCNN "The Ochocinco News Network", and the slogan, as he told the AP in a phone interview, "If I break it, you might as well believe it". Hey Chad, I'd like a t-shirt with that logo and saying on it please! Someone who is following Chad, please pass that request along will you please?

UFC...

Ok, I have to admit, I'm really not into the UFC thing, but I happened into a local establishment tonight, and watched the title bout between Lyoto Machida and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua won by Machida on a unanimous decision. I was amazed to see so many people of all different ages, races and gender getting into every punch, kick, block and connection. My jury is still out, but it did open my eyes to the popularity of the sport. Maybe I'll watch it again?

Alright that's it time for bed and a full day of NFL tomorrow...if you have the DirecTv package, make sure you check out my friend Andrew Siciliano on the Red Zone Channel, it's a great way to watch all the games, and he does a great job.

Later all...

Andy

And then there were 4...

Baseball's version of the final four is now set, and the run to the World Series should be an interesting one. I offer you this breakdown.

NLCS...Philadelphia/Los Angeles

The Dodgers played a great NLDS series in sweeping the Cardinals. I admit again, I never saw that result coming. I wonder now, how the LA pitching will match up in a longer series. It came to haunt them last year after taking care of the Cubs in 3, then having to face the Phillies and their potent offense. I will say this, the Dodgers have found a way to get things done all year long. They managed to not only stay afloat but actually increase their lead in the west without Manny Ramirez for 50 games, and just seem to have that ability to surprise.

The best thing that may have, and I stress MAY HAVE, come out of the Phillies series win over the Rockies, was a renewed confidence in Brad Lidge, and Lidge's confidence in himself. We know the Phillies have the offense, and starting pitching, but the bullpen has been an achilles heal with Lidge and Ryan Madson. I can't help but root for Charlie Manuel, a good old fashioned "baseball guy" who got the giant monkey off his back winning it all last season. Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Ibanez and Werth is a formidable 1-6 that not many teams can match up with.

Bottom Line:

Here's why. I would still take Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and JA Happ, over the 4 that the Dodgers will likely send out. Randy Wolf, Clayton Kershaw, Vicente Padilla, and either Chad Billingsley or Hiroki Kuroda (who's neck injury is healing) is good, but not as good or better than the Phillies 4. Also remember, that when you play games this late in the year in cold weather cities it comes down to starting pitching. I give that edge to the Phillies. The Dodgers will keep the series competitive, it's hard to argue that their bullpen as a whole isn't better than Philadelphia's. It's also fair to compare the late inning heroics that the Dodgers have managed, especially in walk off wins at home to the magic of the Phillies. In the end though, I believe that the Phillies are the better team and will advance.

My Pick: Phillies win in 6

ALCS...Los Angeles/New York

The two best teams made it through the Division round and now await each other in the league championship series. Is it me or do the Angels seem like a team of "destiny"? A team record 47 come from behind wins including the improbable 2 out comeback against Jonathan "Riverdance" Papelbon and the Red Sox. Then there's the Yankees, playing in a New Yankee Stadium which has been referred to as the "Jack in the Bronx" with all the homers being hit there, clicking on all cylinders. Big names, Jeter, Rodriguez, Teixeira and Posada have come through for them the entire year. Enough pitching and an emerging bullpen anchored by a sure fire hall of famer (but not the best closer ever as he's been described, what a show of disrespect to the greatest of all time, Trevor Hoffman) Mariano Rivera will make them a favorite.

Bottom line:

It's a great match up. Two very classy managers, both former big league catchers, in Mike Scioscia and Joe Girardi and two fine franchises over the years will battle it out. If the game one pitching matchup is John Lackey against CC Sabathia, all I can say is WOW. The Yankees have been the best team all year long, they have just about everything a team could want, pitching, power, some speed and defense, which makes them tough to beat. I think though that the Angels are equally as good. They had a terrible tragedy to deal with and lost a bit of focus after the sudden passing of Nick Adenhart, but they regrouped and climbed atop the West standings and never looked back. I think the Angels are the team to beat here. They may not have the names, but they have the talent. Torrii Hunter has been a stabilizing force, Chone Figgins creates challenges with his speed, Vladimir Guerrero is one of the best pure hitters in the game, and the surrounding cast of guys like Kendry Morales, Juan Rivera and Erick Aybar to name a few will get it done.

My pick: Angels in 7

Well there you go, agree or disagree, those are my thoughts. Your comments as always are welcome. I just hope that these two series are good and competitive!

Random Musings...

I know hockey isn't a popular sport in Southern California, but where I grew up (Chicago an "original 6" city) it's big time. I have to give a shout out to my beloved Chicago Blackhawks, who were down 5-0 in the first period, and fought back to win the game 6-5 in OT. The biggest comeback in team history. Ok, stop laughing and keep reading....

It was a pretty good Monday Night Football game too, I'm sure the viewership was down a bit from last week, for obvious reasons. But a hard fought game with the Dolphins scoring with under 10 seconds to beat the Jets. From the little I've seen of Mark Sanchez, he's going to be a good QB in the NFL.

Just wondering, if Brett Favre retires (AGAIN) what will ESPN do? Is he the face of the NFL? I mean come on ESPN, there are other good stories out there, and they deserve some coverage as well.

Alright, more tomorrow...have a great night!

Andy