Cubs Convention Recap

I wasn't at the Cubs convention myself, but there are a few tidbits of news that came out of it which might be interesting. Here's a little recap of the highlights (and lowlights):

• Zambrano thinks Lasik surgery will fix his subpar numbers from the second half of the season last year. Seems unlikely that fixing his eyes will fix the fatigue in his arm.



• Speaking of tired arms, it appears that Harden has a minor tear in his shoulder. It's unclear how serious it is, but the coaching staff assures us its no big deal. Hmmm.



• Apparently Soriano is willing to bat in whichever position Lou puts him. Lou says he likes Fonzy in the leadoff but will consider other options. Same old same old.



• Apparently there will be a competition between Gregg and Marmol for closer. I'm on board with that, but we all know Marmol is the guy. As I've said a hundred times, Gregg is Bobby Howry 2.0.



• Hendry was booed on Friday. I presume it had to do with dealing DeRosa, but who knows with Cubs fans. Apparently when Aaron Miles was introduced, the fans chanted "De-Ro, De-Ro" so there you have it.



• Apparently Samardijza was told to report to spring training "ready to start". Obviously injuries and other circumstances may change that, but the question becomes; Who does he start over? With Harden, Z, Lilly, Dempster, Marshall, there's not much room. I guess Marshall would be the obvious one to lose his spot if Samardijza has a good spring.



• Improvements to Wrigley were discussed. The new Friendly Confines Cafe by right field will be opening. Also the new triangle building across the street should be ready around 2012-2013.



• Soto was MIA from the convention. Probably not a big deal.



• Day 3 was much of the same as day 1 and 2. Repeated assurances from Hendry all weekend that the dealing was far from over. Numerous questions about the order of the lineup.



• Were you wondering why Bradley was given Sosa's number 21? So were a lot of fans, since there are some expectations that his number may be retired.



• A lot of discussion had on Day 3 revolved around the Cubs farm system. I'm not too familiar with it, but apparently there is a push for "more athletic pitchers". Hopefully that means pitchers not made of glass.

All in all the biggest news to come out of the convention wasn't related to it at all. That was the deal that sent Pie to Baltimore for spare parts. Otherwise there was nothing especially interesting. Hendry was very coy in responding to all questions about Jake Peavy, which would lead one to believe a deal is still possible. Pitchers and catchers report soon, so stay tuned...

Today's Links

• 7 Ballsiest sports cheats ever. A lot of retards pretending to be normal and men pretending to be women.
• Eddie Vedder writes a crappy song about the Cubs. Really really crappy.
• I would definitely buy this sweet Bears shirt.
• Cubs win in dramatic fashion. Geovanny Soto is freaking sweet. Magic Number: 2
• Yankees pound White Sox. The division lead is down to 1.5.
  
• Reinsdorf seems to think Ben is hanging around. He may be in a Bulls uniform, but its not going to be pretty.
• These Michael Beasley character issues are starting to add up. I'm glad we took Rose for a number of reasons, and so far he's had his head on straight.
• Quentin is going to test his wrist, but they say they won't rush him back.
  
• Cubs are getting nervous with all the premature playoff talk. I'm nervous too. Everyone shut up, including me.
• McGowan out for the season. That's annoying.
• Hester is hurt too. But how hurt is he? The questions persist.
• I'm just going to copy the headline. You can read it if you want: Topless Midget Wrestling Controversy Rocks Sleepy Illinois Community.
• Thursday Dick Joke Jamboroo. Always a good read.
• I guess they offered that 104 year old Cubs fan tickets. Just let the man throw out the first pitch already. He doesn't have much left.
  

Today's Links-Da Bears Edition

• Bears, Bears, Bears, Bears. That game was unbelievable. The defense is back. Orton looked solid. The O-line got it done and Forte was great. Good analysis here. Breakdown by position here.
• 7 great sports moments that might have been fixed. David Stern has definitely masterminded every result in the NBA since he started.
• Cubs win one this weekend, but still blow the rubber match in classic Cubs collapse fashion. Uh-oh.
• Sox lose the Sunday game, but take the much needed series win following the terrible news about Carlos Quentin.
• Discussion of the NL MVP that includes a mention of Geovanny Soto.
• Sox may have lost Quentin, but Uribe is hot right now. I just hope he doesn't shoot anyone this time.
• NFL season started yesterday. Finally. I don't have any links, but if you look at the "internet", you won't be able to avoid it. I recommend reading Kissing Suzy Kolber. It is the funniest blog ever.
• So who exactly did Derrek Lee and Henry Blanco tie up and put in a laundry hamper?

Today's Links--Fukudome Effect Edition

• The Fukudome Effect on the Cubs has been astronomical, according to one fan's analysis. I don't know how much this impact can be attributed to Kosuke, but either way the numbers are interesting.
• Good riddance to Jay Mariotti. You will not be missed. In fact, I would punch you in the face if I saw you walking down the street.
  
• As Bob Brenly said "The play of the game was when Geovanny Soto put on his uniform." Soto had 7 RBIs to lead the cubs to a 14-9 win.
  
• Joe Crede is back (double meaning there, get it..."back"). Anyways, if he can swing the stick with the kind of power he had before the injury, this is good news for Sox fans.
  
• Barack Obama thinks Sox fans are better than Cubs fans. And get this, he would pick Walter Payton to be his VP if he were to pick an athlete. (Update sent in from Gavin: D-Lee agrees)
  
• The Ricky Manning Jr. era ends in Chicago. It was expensive and overrated.
• Sox beat Orioles. Floyd gets all the help he needs. Isn't it great when the bats and the pitching are sharp?
• Theriot is awesome. This article told me so.