JACK HEBRON REPORTS
Well, this season was short and ended up not so sweet! What will now happen to our Cubs over this long off season? Will Darvish still be pitching? Will the Cubs part ways with many of our under performing hitters? Will there be coaching changes? I expect lots of movement in the off season. Look for a new hitting coach to be signed. Also big time closer added to the bullpen is certainly a must.
Cub fans can now browse the 2021 season schedule and dream of some future series. For the Cubs, they are scheduled to open the '21 campaign against the Pirates on April 1 at Wrigley Field, beginning a six-game homestand that will also feature the Brewers.
The Cubs' Interleague slate will again feature opponents from the American League Central, with crosstown games against the White Sox slated for Aug. 6-8 at Wrigley Field and Aug. 27-29 at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Cubs' first home series against the rival Cardinals will be on June 11-13, and Chicago will end the '21 season in St. Louis (Oct. 1-3). Everyone please stay safe and let's hope it won't be long before we can once again enjoy talking baseball at Colony Cottage Rec Center.
Well, this season was short and ended up not so sweet! What will now happen to our Cubs over this long off season? Will Darvish still be pitching? Will the Cubs part ways with many of our under performing hitters? Will there be coaching changes? I expect lots of movement in the off season. Look for a new hitting coach to be signed. Also big time closer added to the bullpen is certainly a must.
Cub fans can now browse the 2021 season schedule and dream of some future series. For the Cubs, they are scheduled to open the '21 campaign against the Pirates on April 1 at Wrigley Field, beginning a six-game homestand that will also feature the Brewers.
The Cubs' Interleague slate will again feature opponents from the American League Central, with crosstown games against the White Sox slated for Aug. 6-8 at Wrigley Field and Aug. 27-29 at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Cubs' first home series against the rival Cardinals will be on June 11-13, and Chicago will end the '21 season in St. Louis (Oct. 1-3). Everyone please stay safe and let's hope it won't be long before we can once again enjoy talking baseball at Colony Cottage Rec Center.
WAYS TO SAVE THE MLB
Our good friend Dave Gran has sent CUBS WORLD CHATTER an interesting piece by Chris Mueller containing 20 detailed ideas that could shape the future of baseball. A few of them are quite radical!
We are very interested in your opinions concerning these projections. We have set up a simple grading system..A+ (the best) to E- (The worst). But as you grade the following three ideas, please feel free to add additional comments on these subjects.
In each upcoming edition of this newsletter, we will present three more ideas. Watch for them all and have fun!
Our good friend Dave Gran has sent CUBS WORLD CHATTER an interesting piece by Chris Mueller containing 20 detailed ideas that could shape the future of baseball. A few of them are quite radical!
We are very interested in your opinions concerning these projections. We have set up a simple grading system..A+ (the best) to E- (The worst). But as you grade the following three ideas, please feel free to add additional comments on these subjects.
In each upcoming edition of this newsletter, we will present three more ideas. Watch for them all and have fun!
For starters, let's really get radical!
No divisions. No American or National leagues. Lump all teams into one 30-team league that plays as close to a balanced schedule as possible, with geographic rivals playing with slightly greater frequency. Analytics fans have increasingly pointed to the small sample size randomness of baseball’s playoffs as a flawed capstone to a grueling regular season; and although TV money means that the postseason as we know it isn’t going anywhere, making the regular season a more legitimate barometer as far as determining the league’s best team would be a good thing. (Top 10 teams make the playoffs; the first- and second-place teams get byes.) If this concept sounds like a modified version of what the English Premier League does, that’s because it is. It pains me to admit this, but soccer does it right.
No divisions. No American or National leagues. Lump all teams into one 30-team league that plays as close to a balanced schedule as possible, with geographic rivals playing with slightly greater frequency. Analytics fans have increasingly pointed to the small sample size randomness of baseball’s playoffs as a flawed capstone to a grueling regular season; and although TV money means that the postseason as we know it isn’t going anywhere, making the regular season a more legitimate barometer as far as determining the league’s best team would be a good thing. (Top 10 teams make the playoffs; the first- and second-place teams get byes.) If this concept sounds like a modified version of what the English Premier League does, that’s because it is. It pains me to admit this, but soccer does it right.
And let's warm up with this
There are enough warm-weather cities with baseball teams to ensure that every series in April happens in those locations. With a newly balanced schedule and the concept of leagues a thing of the past, no one should complain too much about a competitive disadvantage, and fans wouldn’t have to wear parkas, hats and gloves when going to a game. Super-serving fans by actually giving them an enjoyable in-person experience — what a concept!
There are enough warm-weather cities with baseball teams to ensure that every series in April happens in those locations. With a newly balanced schedule and the concept of leagues a thing of the past, no one should complain too much about a competitive disadvantage, and fans wouldn’t have to wear parkas, hats and gloves when going to a game. Super-serving fans by actually giving them an enjoyable in-person experience — what a concept!
Let freedom ring!
The steroid era created a warped view of what players are capable of in their 30s. Now, with presumably few players using, careers are ending earlier and teams aren’t willing to pay big money to players approaching 30 despite that being the first chance most have at free agency. More player movement is good for the game, so the solution is simple: free agency after four seasons.
The steroid era created a warped view of what players are capable of in their 30s. Now, with presumably few players using, careers are ending earlier and teams aren’t willing to pay big money to players approaching 30 despite that being the first chance most have at free agency. More player movement is good for the game, so the solution is simple: free agency after four seasons.
THEO MAY GO
Theo Epstein's contract with the Chicago Cubs officially ends at the end of the 2021 season. But Epstein has been meeting with Tom Ricketts lately to perhaps discuss an exit strategy.
It suffices to say that Theo brought some magic and knowledge to a team that needed it. Magic worked pretty well helping to bring the Cubs to a World Series...wouldn't you say?
But, the Cubbies are once again, in a re-structuring mode and there's really no telling how things will transpire. As a matter of fact, there is a rumor about that Theo might head West to join his friend Joe Maddon. CUB WORLD MEMBERS....WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
Theo Epstein's contract with the Chicago Cubs officially ends at the end of the 2021 season. But Epstein has been meeting with Tom Ricketts lately to perhaps discuss an exit strategy.
It suffices to say that Theo brought some magic and knowledge to a team that needed it. Magic worked pretty well helping to bring the Cubs to a World Series...wouldn't you say?
But, the Cubbies are once again, in a re-structuring mode and there's really no telling how things will transpire. As a matter of fact, there is a rumor about that Theo might head West to join his friend Joe Maddon. CUB WORLD MEMBERS....WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
WAS THE SHORT SEASON WORTH IT?
by Wayne Richards
Regardless of the fact that this ridiculously short season is official on the books, the entire process felt weird from the get-go. I believe many people feel this way.
The reduced schedule has thrown off some players timing. Others seem to have lost the enthusiasm for the game they once possessed. You might say the sun has gone down before anybody really had a chance to enjoy the day.
Of course, reduced compensation probably factored in with regard to some of the bitching and moaning. This season was the first time I've ever seen so many players BALK so much.
David Ross is, perhaps, the exception. No matter how next year's team will be constructed, Dave will give his decisions and choices considerable thought. I didn't have much faith in Ross at the start of the 2020 season, but happily, he proved me wrong.
His energy and strategies helped keep the engine moving along, despite several obvious spurts and shutters. The machine needs new oil and one gets the feeling that Rossy has some ideas on overhauling the engine so that we can once again cross the finish line....perhaps in a longer and proper seasonal race ahead.
It was the great Bob Dylan who stated, "The times...they are a changing". This holds true for the future of our Cubbies.
by Wayne Richards
Regardless of the fact that this ridiculously short season is official on the books, the entire process felt weird from the get-go. I believe many people feel this way.
The reduced schedule has thrown off some players timing. Others seem to have lost the enthusiasm for the game they once possessed. You might say the sun has gone down before anybody really had a chance to enjoy the day.
Of course, reduced compensation probably factored in with regard to some of the bitching and moaning. This season was the first time I've ever seen so many players BALK so much.
David Ross is, perhaps, the exception. No matter how next year's team will be constructed, Dave will give his decisions and choices considerable thought. I didn't have much faith in Ross at the start of the 2020 season, but happily, he proved me wrong.
His energy and strategies helped keep the engine moving along, despite several obvious spurts and shutters. The machine needs new oil and one gets the feeling that Rossy has some ideas on overhauling the engine so that we can once again cross the finish line....perhaps in a longer and proper seasonal race ahead.
It was the great Bob Dylan who stated, "The times...they are a changing". This holds true for the future of our Cubbies.
A CLOSER TO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON
Manuel Rodriguez once played with pelicans...the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to be exact! Although it was a bit of a surprise when the 23 year old was picked up in 2019 by the Chicago Cubs and despite a grade two biceps strain , management and team mates alike feel he could be a reliable closer for next season.
Rodriguez's speciality is the ability to throw a super charged pitches, regularly delivered with an average of around 97 mph. He also has an off speed curve ball.
Manuel was born in Merida, Mexico and began his baseball career playing for the Leones De Yucatan. Now that he has made it all the way to the majors, he is officially the first player from the Yucatan to do so.
Pitching speed with control is the main goal for Manuel Rodriguez. When fully recovered and in good health, there is every confidence that he will become an important closer for next season.
Manuel Rodriguez once played with pelicans...the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to be exact! Although it was a bit of a surprise when the 23 year old was picked up in 2019 by the Chicago Cubs and despite a grade two biceps strain , management and team mates alike feel he could be a reliable closer for next season.
Rodriguez's speciality is the ability to throw a super charged pitches, regularly delivered with an average of around 97 mph. He also has an off speed curve ball.
Manuel was born in Merida, Mexico and began his baseball career playing for the Leones De Yucatan. Now that he has made it all the way to the majors, he is officially the first player from the Yucatan to do so.
Pitching speed with control is the main goal for Manuel Rodriguez. When fully recovered and in good health, there is every confidence that he will become an important closer for next season.
DAN THE MAN!
How many Cubs World members remember Dan Haren? After playing for the Cardinals, Athletics, Diamondbacks, Angels, Nationals, Dodgers and Marlins, he finally pitched for the Cubs in 2015 and made a tremendous connection with people with his loose sense of humor. He had and has the ability to make fun of himself.
In a recent barrage of interesting Tweets, Haren reflected on various things with honesty and humor. Here are just a few...
"One of my favorite moments ever was hitting a home run off Chris Carpenter. I took my time running the bases!"
"I went into almost every start thinking, HOW THE HELL AM I GONNA GER THESE GUYS OUT?"
"I had to take imodium most days I pitched to plug myself up."
"There were about three or four times I thought the team plane was going to crash!"
Dan The Man can be found tweeting away. Look for him and say hello. Maybe he'll share more thoughts.
How many Cubs World members remember Dan Haren? After playing for the Cardinals, Athletics, Diamondbacks, Angels, Nationals, Dodgers and Marlins, he finally pitched for the Cubs in 2015 and made a tremendous connection with people with his loose sense of humor. He had and has the ability to make fun of himself.
In a recent barrage of interesting Tweets, Haren reflected on various things with honesty and humor. Here are just a few...
"One of my favorite moments ever was hitting a home run off Chris Carpenter. I took my time running the bases!"
"I went into almost every start thinking, HOW THE HELL AM I GONNA GER THESE GUYS OUT?"
"I had to take imodium most days I pitched to plug myself up."
"There were about three or four times I thought the team plane was going to crash!"
Dan The Man can be found tweeting away. Look for him and say hello. Maybe he'll share more thoughts.
YU HAS A MESSAGE FOR YOU
Yu Darvish has been improving his command of the English language with every passing day. In fact, he's becoming a bit of a tweet monster.
Yu recently posted this for all Cubs fans.....
"This season was a tough one, but with everyone's support I was able to pull through it. It was a bitter end to the season, but let's all come together and go get a world championship. Thank you for your support!"
Despite taking a loss in the wild card, he demonstrated through the short season that his optimism for the future is based on solid effort. YOU GO YU!
Yu Darvish has been improving his command of the English language with every passing day. In fact, he's becoming a bit of a tweet monster.
Yu recently posted this for all Cubs fans.....
"This season was a tough one, but with everyone's support I was able to pull through it. It was a bitter end to the season, but let's all come together and go get a world championship. Thank you for your support!"
Despite taking a loss in the wild card, he demonstrated through the short season that his optimism for the future is based on solid effort. YOU GO YU!
Here is a fun video that might bring back a few memories. These images can make one grin, smile, or let out with a belly laugh. After all...baseball is supposed to be fun!
Sit back...pop open a beverage...and enjoy these blasts from the past!
CLICK HERE
Sit back...pop open a beverage...and enjoy these blasts from the past!
CLICK HERE
FROM THE DESK OF WAYNE RICHARDS....
If my desk ever gets this messy, just shoot me and put me out of my misery. Please?
My editor, Dan Marx, encourages yours truly to add personal thoughts concerning some of the pieces presented in our newsletter. You will always be able to read my editorial rantings in articles clearly marked with my name.
In this edition, there is a piece entitled, BIG AND BOLD IDEAS, which offers all Cubs World members an opportunity to grade some predictions about the future of baseball and also add some comments. We will be offering three predictions per edition.
Let me just state that I am not a supporter of anything that would destroy the integrity of baseball. It is meant to be a human experience. I know some people who remember a play called by an umpire 30 years ago and are still arguing about a call. THIS is the real joy of baseball to my mind.
I am going to ponder over all the ideas as they are published in the months ahead and present some comments as these things come across my desk. I'll have much more to say.
We hope you enjoy these newsletters and always remember, we love hearing from you. There are some great things coming up for your entertainment. In the meantime, stay safe! GO CUBBIES! GO AWAY VIRUS!
If my desk ever gets this messy, just shoot me and put me out of my misery. Please?
My editor, Dan Marx, encourages yours truly to add personal thoughts concerning some of the pieces presented in our newsletter. You will always be able to read my editorial rantings in articles clearly marked with my name.
In this edition, there is a piece entitled, BIG AND BOLD IDEAS, which offers all Cubs World members an opportunity to grade some predictions about the future of baseball and also add some comments. We will be offering three predictions per edition.
Let me just state that I am not a supporter of anything that would destroy the integrity of baseball. It is meant to be a human experience. I know some people who remember a play called by an umpire 30 years ago and are still arguing about a call. THIS is the real joy of baseball to my mind.
I am going to ponder over all the ideas as they are published in the months ahead and present some comments as these things come across my desk. I'll have much more to say.
We hope you enjoy these newsletters and always remember, we love hearing from you. There are some great things coming up for your entertainment. In the meantime, stay safe! GO CUBBIES! GO AWAY VIRUS!