Sandberg or Girardi? For most of us the next Cubs manager will be one of those, however, Mike Quade is the one with the job right now. Take this into consideration: the guy is from Evanston (first suburb to the north of Chicago for all the out-of-town fans), graduated from Prospect High School (Mt. Prospect), and has been in the Cubs system for years and years and years. Here's another interview with Mike Quade in which he says everything you want to hear from a manager of our beloved Cubs. More ->
If you think you've seen all the angles of the Nyjer Morgan fight/meltdown, well, think again. Have you considered the Japanese perspective? This does beg the question, why was a Japanese broadcaster calling the Nationals-Marlins game? There is much better stuff on Japanese TV than this! MXC anyone?
Are you still one of those people who thinks Will Ferrell does the best Harry Caray impression? Even Ryan Dempster's Harry Caray is Will Ferrell'ish (see below). Well, count me in as one of those who thought Ferrell's version was crap. For me the highest honor goes to Jim Volkman who has nailed the perfect (1990's version of Harry) impression from the not-so-subtle coughing all to way down to the microphone waggle.
Three interviews with Dempster! Ryan checks in after each and every start, but we get a bonus "Piniella reaction" interview.
September 1st Interview
Dempster checks in to discuss what the hell happened with his start resulting in a blow-out loss to the Pirates, what it's like to be managed by Mike Quade, if there is any extra energy due to the new manager and the presence of rookies, and what it's like to have Tommy John surgery. More ->
It's time to finally hear from Mike Quade! Quade sounds enthusiastic enough, but I am surprised to hear that he is easing into the job "to make the transition easier for the players." Ugh. Anyway, Waddle & Silvy ask how he will handles the stretch run, is it possible to change the culture in the clubhouse (even in a slight way) with six weeks to go, what exactly happened in that 15 minute team meeting - especially with the rumors of a supposed airing of pet peeves. Quade talks about his initial reaction to Jim Hendry giving him the job. Finally, he's asked if he is truly a serious contender for the manager position in 2011, why did he take Ryan Dempster out after 72 pitches the other day, has he thought of how he is going to handle a Big Z meltdown, why isn't Colvin playing regularly at first, and has he spoken with Lou? It's an interesting conversation! More ->
Andre Dawson talks about his Hall Of Fame Induction experience, his upcoming day of recognition at Wrigley, (also!) whether the Cubs should honor or recognize Sammy Sosa, should Sosa be considered for the Hall of Fame, and who will be the next manager of the Cubs ("can't imagine Girardi will leave his current set-up"). More ->
With speculation about the Cubs managerial spot for 2011 at an all time high AND with the Yankees in town playing the Sox, Girardi must have known that 90% of the questions headed his way were going to be about his interest in joining the Cubs. One way another, for the sake of all involved, I hope this turns out well. We know of situations where coming home is fabulous (Joe Mauer, Cal Ripken, Jr., Tony Gwynn, etc.) and when it has gone horribly wrong (Todd Hundley, Ken Griffey, Jr., etc.). What gives me great satisfaction (Yankee hater that I am) is the reaction from Yankee fans and the northeast media -- they can't begin to fathom why Joe would want to leave what they perceive to be the best position in baseball to join the lowly Cubs. I'm loving it! More ->
There has to be some part of Mark Prior that is appreciative of the sudden media attention headed his way -- especially as he is attempting to make yet another comeback to the big leagues. Prior is asked about his thoughts on what lies ahead for Stephen Strasburg and the obvious comparisons that are being thrown around on ESPN and sports radio. Prior also responds to how he reacts to the "they baby young pitchers and treat them so much differently these days because of Mark Prior" statements. The interview concludes with an update on Prior's progress as he adjusts to the relief pitcher mindset. More ->
