TBDS Late Night: The Buried Lead Part II Takes You To Bed

What Crazy Uncle Milton would do to Steve Rosenbloom if he had a chance.

If I were to come up with the concept of a sports blog today, rather than a little more than a year ago, I probably would call it "Bashing Milton Bradley" because that seems like the easiest thing to do in to do.

So easy, a Cards fan can do it. Easier than Sunday morning. Easier than getting into Upper Iowa University. Easier thank the sorority skank sitting at the end of the bar gulping down her eighth, ninth and tenth Long Island.

You can add Tribune blogger/glorified columnist/former sports radio host Steve Rosenbloom to the list of those who took the easy road to writing a column/blog. Lost in the outrage over Bradley's cynical comments was this tidbit that was oh-so-easy to ignore because it made too much sense.

"It's nice, but I don't think we're going to get any nicer articles written about us. But we're in first place, so you can't find a negative in that."

Translation from the eyes of someone not looking to use Crazy Uncle Milton as a jump-off: "First place is nice, but it's July 26, not September 26."

Also, take note the different lead ins between the columnist and the beat writer. You know, the guy who follows the team religiously.

Paul Sullivan, respected beat writer:

"A crowd of 41,528 seemed to enjoy the fact the Cubs overcame a lot of adversity to get to the top spot, though some, like (Milton) Bradley, downplayed the accomplishment."

Steve Rosenbloom, columnist:

"As usual with the guy whose motto must be “Surly to bed, surly to rise," Bradley offered some comments on sweeping Dusty Baker’s typically bad team and jumping over the dreaded Cardinals..."

Then he followed with:

"Here’s a tip, pal: Nice articles are easier to come by when you don’t sound like a self-pitying brat. Just saying."

It doesn't take a baseball connoisseur to figure out that Rosenbloom's column is slanted more than a weigh scale that has Bartolo Colon on one side and Alexei Ramirez on the other.

Then there was this quote, that instantly made me stand applaud Milton Bradley for something that had to do nothing with on the field stuff.

"Are we going to stop getting bashed by everybody, articles about our lineup and how it was better last year and all that garbage. Last year's team is sitting at home, just like everyone else. There's just one champion."

Translation: "There's no point of popping too much wood at the sight of being in first place in July when there's still two-and-a-half months of baseball to be played."

Look, if you want to be happy with being in first place in the middle of July, then you can join the "It's Gonna Happen" guy, the Can The Cubs Mend My Heart Guy and all those stupid attention-seeking whores in a circle jerk. Don't get me wrong, division titles are nice. Winning a baseball division title means you have to be better than five other teams for the majority of a 162 game schedule. Think about how hard that is, numbers wise.

Cubs fans, you should always remember that your beloved Mark DeRosa didn't lead the Cubs to a World Series. Heck, in two years, he couldn't help the team win one game. So, does that mean if Bradley is a part of a Cubs team that wins one measley playoff game (a feat that hasn't been reached on the North Side since 2003) -- does that make him a savior?

Probably not. It will likely take a walk-off home run in each and every game of the playoffs for Cubs fans to side with Bradley.

Until then, Crazy Uncle Milton has the right to go batshit crazy upside the head of Rosenbloom or any other dumb columnist looking to get off easy on a column.

This Just In: Brett Favre Will No Longer Tease Us

Favre: "I'm crying for Vikings fans who have to put up with Tarvaris Jackson for one more year.

There is a God, and his word has been passed down to Star-Tribune reporter Judd Zulgad who let it flow freely (first?) via the interwebs:

"Brett Favre won't be joining the Vikings. Vikings coach Brad Childress told the Star Tribune late this afternoon that the quarterback informed the team he has decided to remain retired. "

So does this mean the Vikings will go after Mike Vick?

Have fun with Michael Tito Tarvaris Jackson and Ken Rosenthal Drew Rosenhaus Sage Rosenfels as they attempt to boost the morale of a team that was expected to get a future Hall of Fame quarterback in the fold. The only person celebrating this more than yours truly is John David Booty, who gets to keep his beloved No. 4 jersey.

That is, of course, until Favre announces his return before Week 4 -- when he will suit up against the Green Bay Packers.

A Hollywood producer is writing this script, isn't he?

Childress: Favre Is Staying Retired [Star-Trib]

Buehrlevision

(via Chicago Sun-Times)

The Buried Lead Part I: Jake Fox Can Catch

Breaking News: Jake Fox can catch.

There were myriad heroes in Monday night's Cubs win against the Astros. Take your pick. You can have Derrek Lee, who visited Waveland Avenue on a game-tying blast in the fourth inning. How about Carlos Zambrano (3-1, 2.63 earned run average in July) and another stellar summer outting. Of course, there's the obvious choice, Alfonso Soriano. This blog was once committed to bringing out the buried lead in stories, and today, I return to those roots to bring it out.

Last night's biggest hero was Jake Fox.

How?

Fox took over for Koyie Hill in the 10th inning and called a heck of a game behind the plate and did his part to preserve a 1-1 tie. Hill, who is renowned as one of the better game-callers and defensive catchers since debuting for the Cubs in 2007, watched from the sidelines as Fox caught four scoreless innings before Soriano's slam ended it.

The latest in the line of late-developing Iowa Cub phenoms, Fox has proven to be a very valuable asset to the North Side Nine. He can play both corner outfield and corner infield positions. And proved last night, and in some other spots, that he can serve as a back-up catcher. He's like Mark DeRosa, but without the fawning twentysomethingyearold babes dudes with DeRo posters above their beds.

It is almost too bad the Cubs do not play in the American League, where Fox would garner plenty of at bats as a designated hitter. Until the day Jim Hendry goofs and trades him to an American League team in exchange for some burned out prospects and a dozen donutes, it is up to manager Lou Piniella to find him some playing time.

Check that. A lot of playing time.

Will the benches clear tonight for Fonzi?

If I were starting tonight for the Houston Astros I'd make sure I nailed Chicago Cubs frolicking left fielder Alfonso Soriano with a ball square on his hip.

The over the top celebration is a staple of Soriano and his man-crush John Cena and Monday night's walk-off grand slam was a good time to bust out the "You can't see me."

But act like you've done it before for God-sakes.

It's not like I wouldn't behave in the same way but then again I've never hit a home run in anything other than wiffle ball before. And if you're going to have a staple celebration, pick something specific.

First, he started with a long glare at the majestic fly for a few seconds, he was standing still, admiring the ball. Then a slow trot around the bases was punctuated by the signature Cena celebration/intimidation move/marketing gimmick.

That was all fine and dandy even with the mob at home plate. It's just a basic walk-off celebration in the MLB.

But making out with your wife and essentially jumping into the crowd to cap the celebration? Enough already.

Soriano showed up the other team and he should expect to get plunked. No big deal. Just make sure Big Z knows that.

STFU LaTroy Hawkins

Dear LaTroy: A message from TBDS.

In my 23 years of life, there are only a handful (if that) of Chicago Cubs players that I did not like. Some I did not like because of their attitudes. Others I disliked because of their performance on the field. But when it comes to LaTroy Hawkins, it was a little bit of everything.

When Hawkins was a Cub, his numbers weren't terrible -- on paper. 2.76 earned run average, 29 saves and a 1.099 WHIP in 98 career games looks good to the naked eye, but his attitude and his inability to close games down the stretch in 2004 are the reasons he will go down in Cubs lore as one of the all-time free agent busts.

That, and his crummy attitude.

He did nothing but blame others for his shortcomings. Teammates, fans, media members -- none of whom were safe from LaTroy's wrath. And while his mechanics are different since finding a new home in Houston, his attitude apparently hasn't.

Paul Sullivan from the Trib drops this nugget on us via the Internet:

Houston reliever LaTroy Hawkins may be looking at a hefty fine from Major League Baseball after claiming plate umpire Mike Everitt "wanted" the the Cubs to win Monday night's game.

Hawkins was ejected by Everitt in the eighth inning after disputing a called ball to Aramis Ramirez and continuing to complain after Everitt ordered him to "knock it off." ... Hawkins sounded off on the ejection to the Houston Chronicle.

"Maybe he was having a bad day," Hawkins said. "I thought he had determined who he wanted to win the game anyway."

Some things never change, do they, LaTroy? It was only in 2004 when he gave up a big blast to Albert Pujols at Wrigley Field in which Hawkins blamed the fans for his struggles. A head scratching moment that caused me to think:

1. I wasn't on the mound grooving a low-90s fastball to Phat Albert with the sacks packed.
2. I don't know one Cubs fan that would suggest throwing said low-90s fastball to Phat Albert.

Alas, the Hawk Squaks again, blaming someone else per usual. Dusty Baker will probably have his back, but none of his teammates should. Nor should the fans. They're probably next on the firing line.

Alfonso Soriano 4 Carlos Lee 1

Soriano is smoking in the sixth spot, especially after a walk-off slam!

Carlos Lee might have hit the longest home run of the night. But Alfonso Soriano hit the most important one.

Long story short, it bailed out Lou Piniella's questionable managing and Mike Fontenot's poor execution. But a win is a win is a win. And by the slimmest of margins, the Cubs are still in first place.

Cubs 5 Astros 1 [Yahoo! Sports]

TBDS Late Night: I Won't Let Billy Beane's Star Fade

I got this pushed across my path toward the end of the work day, so what I had originally planned on writing about got pushed back to a later date. Why? Because I must defend Billy Beane.

And despite this glowing piece on ESPN (via @MoneyballMovie) the Oakland A's general manager has lost one of his biggest fans, ESPN's Rob Neyer, who had some not-so-nice things to say in the aftermath of the Matt Holliday trade.

"If the A's made a trade like this two years ago, I would have organized a parade to celebrate Billy Beane's great wisdom.

Today? I just can't do it. Instead of seeing three prospects obtained for a song, I wonder why the A's would want a "pear-shaped" third baseman who doesn't have much power and is widely thought to be a future first baseman, and I think about what a disaster Oakland's last first-baseman-of-the-future (Daric Barton) has been. Instead of applauding Beane for adding to the organization's pitching depth, I wonder what the A's -- who already have eight starting pitchers 25 or younger -- could possibly do with another young starter. And I wonder how Peterson's going to succeed where Ryan Sweeney and Travis Buck and Aaron Cunningham haven't."

This is me admitting something I don't want to admit. The original Moneyball concept is dead. The secret is out. OBP. OPS. Bill James' wisdom. All of it. Dead.

It's like befriending that one average looking young lady friend when she was "just alright" and your friends would have laughed at you had you actually dated her. Then she got hot overnight, and yeah, you two fooled around. Heck, you were the talk of the town. Then she left you and has been gettin' her freak on all around town. Now she's used goods and you're old news.

However, there is still hope for the underlying theme of the concept. Hoarding (and developing) young talent.

Oakland can't compete with the big boys because they cannot afford the price to keep the Hollidays of the world long enough. So they stockpile prospects instead. And if enough prospects flourish, then you have a winning cycle. It's a shame that Beane's genius is being wasted for an ownership group that wouldn't spend a penny to make a dollar.

Oftentimes, I've called for Beane to be the next Cubs GM once a real owner heads into town. Not based on my man crush on Beane, my love of the Michael Lewis best-seller or the movie that is coming out that will star Brad Pitt as the Outback Steakhouse waitress slaying, smooth-talking smoother criminal.

I've wanted Beane to come to Chicago and develop a farm system so the Cubs can be a real team.

Since 1998, when Beane became Oakland's GM, the A's have developed more home grown talent than the Cubs have. Then, the home grown talent gets turned into someone else's overlooked young talent.

Imagine had the following pitching staff been able to stay healthy and in tact: Dan Haren, Rich Harden, Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, Barry Zito.

Or if Oakland had the loot to keep Jason Giambi, Miguel Tejada, Johnny Damon, Jermaine Dye and Nick Swisher around.

If Oakland's owners had Bill Gates money, the West Coast baseball scene would be poppin' like Tupac's California Love video. Instead, the Oakland baseball soundtrack plays like an old blues record.

Sean May Is Gonna Prove You Wrong

Illinois fans are going to hate that I'm writing this blog more than the fact that I posted this picture.

Last we saw Sean May, he was torturing a trio of University of Illinois "big" men on the low block. With a stunning array of post moves, combined with brute force that came from a man with that much size and strength, May scored 26 points and pulled down 10 rebounds en route to a 75-70 win clinching a national title for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The Gateway to the West was truly the Gateway to a Championship for Roy Williams.

Wait, what? You say May has been in the pros for X years now? And that Williams and the Tar Heels have won another title since? Pardon me. So, May is an NBA superstar averaging 20-10 after being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets Bobcats, right?

Well, not quite.

It has been quite the fall for the 2005 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, who was selected with the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft. Expected to team with Emeka Okafor (a former Final Four MOP at UConn) to provide the Bobcats with a formidable front court. Aside from Andrew Bogut at Utah, he was college basketball's best big man and was destined for a reputable pro career with his UNC pedigree in tow.

But since joining The Association, May has averaged 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds. Hardly the numbers anyone expected out of the Tar Heel product. He's had strength and weight issues, but has vowed to make a strong comeback.

"I will prove everybody wrong. Yeah, there’s people that have written me off and that’s fine. I understand that and I accept that challenge."

May recently signed with the Sacramento Kings, and said that he had an offer from Cleveland Caveliers and had been talking to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Chicago Bulls worked out the former McDonald's All-American, recently, as well.

Here's hoping that May returns to form with a little bit of hard work and a lot luck on the health side. If May comes back, even as a reserve, I might question the Bulls for not signing him.

He can't be worse than Aaron Gray or Jerome James ... can he?

Sean May: "I Will Prove Everybody Wrong" [Hoops Hype]

Roy Halladay Ain't Comin, But The Cubs Could Fleece The Pirates Yet Again

Upon hearing trade rumors, Ryan Doumit is begging Zach Duke to take him with if he gets traded to Chicago.

Roy Halladay has been ticketed to go anywhere and everywhere that isn't the North Side of Chicago. It's almost sad, too, seeing that each of the Chicago Cubs' top four starters has spent time on the disabled list.

But off in the distance, help might be on its way. And if the Washington Nationals are baseball's starter girlfriend, that means the Pittsburgh Pirates are baseball's neighborhood pusher. Because whenever you need it the Pirates got it and are willing to give it to you.

Not long ago, the Cubs turned Bobby Hill, Matt Brokeback Bruback and Jose Hernandez into Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton. Lofton turned into the lead-off man the Cubs still haven't had since 2003 and Ramirez has become a franchise cornerstone.

And no one has ever heard from those "prospects" ever again.

Fast forward to 2009 and the Cubs have their eyes on another coup of the Pirates' ship.

With Ted Lilly hitting the DL, there is an apparent interest in lefty starters Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny. Duke has come across some rough times since going 8-2 with a 1.81 earned run average as a rookie, but that's to be expected from a franchise that hasn't won anything since Roberto Clemente roamed right field.

After going 18-37 after his freshman campaign, Duke has posted a 9-9 record, 3.42 ERA and 1.227 WHIP for the bottom-feeding Bucco's. As for Gorzelanny, the Evergreen Park, Ill., is wasting away in the minors somewhere -- like most Pirates prized prospects.

The Cubs also might have an interest in Freddy Sanchez, as the team is in search of offensive production out of the second base slot. Same can be said about lefty specialist John Grabow and probably closer Matt Capps.

The purging of the Pirates is already underway (as Phil Rogers points out) as Pittsburgh has already traded Nate McLouth and Adam LaRoche for a 1970s Pinto and a steaming pile of garbage to be named later.

So, here I am, wondering whether or not Jim Hendry can take Neal Huntington to the woodshed for one more Pirate heist.

My prediction: Duke, Grabow, Capps and Sanchez for Aaron Miles and David Patton.

Let's get it done, Jimbo!