This is not cubs related, but I couldn’t help but post this article from Yahoo sports. Gave me some goosebumps. Glad to see that these athletes get it right once in a while….

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The flag traveled around the world and through the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it from home as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never left his Army backpack.

It accompanied Perez to Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday night. He needed some luck for his team, the United States, in its must-win World Baseball Classic game against Puerto Rico. Perez wore a Team USA hat and a Team USA hoodie, and his little sister, Jessica, draped his flag across her shoulders. The United States’ 6-5 come-from-behind victory in the ninth inning sent them into a frenzy. She danced around. He sat in his motorized wheelchair and roared.

On the way out, the 27-year-old Perez placed the flag in his lap and leaned over to a security guard manning Gate G. He was hoping some players from Team USA might sign it. The security guard led Perez and his sister to the U.S. clubhouse, and the flag went inside.

“The next thing I know,” Perez said, “I’m getting called to come back in there.”

And so began the coolest 30 minutes of Felix Perez’s life. On an evening when he felt especially proud to be an American – when a group of his sporting heroes wearing his country’s name across their chests banded together to win a game they had no business winning – Perez found himself surrounded by them, doused with celebratory Miller Lites, with the American flag that was with him during the worst moment of his life passed around the room and signed by every player on the team.

“Everybody,” Perez said.

Then they handed him a ball filled with signatures.

“Everybody,” Perez said.

The half-hour went too fast. Jimmy Rollins, who scored the winning run, wanted to chat more. David Wright, who drove it in, couldn’t hear enough about how the New York Mets are Perez’s favorite team. Almost half the team surrounded Perez for a photograph, the flag draped around his torso, a smile on every face, and none brighter than his.

“I’m just happy to see him happy,” Jessica said.

It’s been four years since Perez returned from the Middle East, where he spent four years. He enlisted after his 17th birthday and was in Afghanistan by the time he turned 20. He doesn’t like to talk about his injury. Some wounds don’t heal.

Perez played ball growing up in North Bergen, N.J., and still loves watching the sport. He attended Team USA’s first WBC game here, an 11-1 mercy-rule loss to Puerto Rico. When the Americans beat the Netherlands to stay alive, Perez woke up at 9 the next morning, called the box office and bought three tickets.

The stadium, practically empty at first pitch, filled to 13,224 by game’s end. It deserved more eyes. Puerto Rico scored in the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie and tacked on an insurance run in the ninth for a two-run lead. The Americans, about to get bumped from the second straight WBC before the semifinals, needed something divine. Shane Victorino singled to right field. Brian Roberts singled to center. And then Roberts, who had joined Team USA just two days earlier to replace the injured Dustin Pedroia, stole second base – even though coaches laid down the hold sign. Roberts hadn’t quite learned the signs yet.

A walk to Rollins, and another to Kevin Youkilis, and the U.S. had cut the deficit to one run. Wright laced a 2-1 pitch from Fernando Cabrera down the right-field line, and out charged all of Team USA, from the bench and the bullpen, in a bull rush to home plate, then to greet Wright. His teammates kept pushing Wright, joyous and unbridled shoves, until he fell down and they buried his face in the dirt.

“I never thought that we’d be dog piling in March,” Wright said.

No one did. The malaise that clouded the previous games involving Team USA seemed infectious. For every Felix Perez, there were dozens, sometimes hundreds, of fans rooting for the opposing team. Every WBC game thus far, even the ones in Florida, felt like it was on the road.

Not even that dampened the Americans’ enthusiasm. They play Venezuela on Wednesday to determine seeding in Los Angeles, where they’ll face either Korea or the winner of Wednesday’s Japan-Cuba knockout game – and perhaps with a few more supporters who can appreciate what Team USA accomplished Tuesday.

“That was the greatest game I’ve ever been a part of,” catcher Brian McCann said. “Ever.”

Same went for Perez. He said he would rather Team USA win the WBC than the Mets win a World Series.

“We’re the U.S.,” Perez said. “This is our game. … This is the world. You’re representing your country. What is more honorable than representing your country?”

Team USA’s manager, Davey Johnson, grew up an Army brat, his father a prisoner-of-war in World War II.

“There is nothing more honorable,” he said.

Wright was raised near Naval Station Norfolk, one of the largest military bases in the country.

“When you see those guys and get a chance to see how much it means to them, that makes it extra special,” he said. “They take a lot of pride in that red, white and blue, and to have USA across your chest and have supporters like that – that’s what this tournament means.”

Outside the clubhouse, Perez started moving toward the stadium exit. His dad, Felix, had called. He was wondering where Perez and Jessica had gone. They were headed back to the car, Jessica said. They had a pretty amazing souvenir.

A minute later, Rollins walked by and spotted Perez.

“All right, baby,” he said. “Keep a smile on your face.”

“Hey,” Perez said, “as long as you keep swinging the bat, I’ll be happy.”

Perez lifted his right arm as high as he could to wave goodbye. He wasn’t sure he’d see these guys again. He said he might fly to Los Angeles for the finals. He doesn’t know.

Perez moved his hands onto the flag. It’s a struggle, but he wanted to touch his prize. He plans on hanging it next to his other American flag, the one his friends in the 82nd Airborne sent to him when he was injured.

The old flag’s traveling days are over. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it to his home Tuesday night as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never will leave his heart.

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So I am not really a big fan of the WBC truth be told, but it has had its share of excitement. The Dominican Republic has already been eliminated, which is a huge surprise. To make things even worse, the pitcher that took the loss for the DR was none other then our new closer Carlos Marmol.

Did anyone else cringe like watching a car crash when seeing the highlights of Marmol imploding? You couldn’t help but not wonder if somehow blowing this chance for his country would no doubt result in a lingering hangover effect going into the regular season. That’s the Cubs way of life.

I love the kid. He’s got stones, but you just have to wonder about his mental state right now. I hope Pinella and Hendry have something planned to try and take his mind off the WBC. Easier said then done when your playing for country pride, but we can’t afford to have a closer that could be pretty fragile.

Looks like Sean Marshall is in line for the 5th starter spot. Somewhat surprised that Pinella decided on this so early, and while nothing has been confirmed, if you read between the lines, that’s where it looks like he’s headed. Because of the couple days off in the first week of the season, the Cubs will be on a 4 man rotation to start, and probably add an extra hitter to start. The opening day nod at Wrigley will be between Zambrano and Dempster, both who have said they wanted the start, but only one will get the ball and that has yet to be determined.

Rich Harden made his first spring start on Tuesday and did quite well as he gave up two hits over two innings with no runs. Most importantly, no pain in his shoulder which will no doubt be the focus every time he’s slated to start. The Cubs brass are trying to not make a big deal out of this every time, but as always in Cubdom, we are waiting quite simply for Harden’s shoulder to fall off.

It’s been a quiet spring. I think that’s a good thing. Time to tune up for the regular season and make sure we don’t have any big sustained injuries.

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Cubs are undefeated in spring training. Lets soak all that in.

Ok.

DId you drink the kool aid for the day?

Good.

All kidding aside, you can look at the score and think that all the big stars played a huge part, but in reality it was just bits and pieces of what you wanted to see.

Aaron Heilman pitched two scoreless innings strking out four which was the most impressive sign of the day. He is fighting for the 5th starter spot and certainly made his pitch with that impressive start.

Micah Hoffpauir had two more hits along with a walk to add to his already impressive spring start. This kid just is ready. I was the first to say after last season that I would be perfectly OK if we traded Derrick Lee for some pitching or outfielder and put Hoffpauir at first. It didn’t happen, and we’ll see just how many at bats the kid can get. You don’t want to be too stubborn and not utilize him when he’s getting to his peak. I hope that Pinella is wise to see this.

Neil Cotts and kevin Gregg also pitched scoreless innings as that’s about it on the regulars side.

All in all a very good day for the Cubbies, and anytime you can beat the White Sox in anything is a positive.

Next game vs San Diego Padres. Lets keep the streak alive!

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Ok, it was the first game. And being the eternal optimist, maybe the title is slightly far fetched. Sue me.

Cubs beat the LA Dodgers yesterday 5-3 in a come from behind victory highlighted by Micah Hoffpauir’s grand slam. I will say this, if the kid produces like he did last spring, Pinella would be a fool to not have him as a back up to both Lee, and Bradley. He’s 29 years old and ready to produce.

In a spring where there are few if any position battles, a name that we haven’t said at all made Lou Pinella’s interview after the game; former Minnesota Twins second baseman Luis Rivas. He came into the game replacing starting thrid baseman for the day Bobby Scales and really impressed Pinella. Looks like Pinella is looking for a back up for Aramis Rameriez, and Rivas might be an answer.

Jeff Samardzija looked decent in his first start of the spring. He is in line for the 5th starter spot, although I think he might be better off in AAA working on being a starter. He’s got options, and there is no reason to rush this kid when he’s got so much upside, and so little experience in the big leagues.

Leadoff hitter Alfonsio Soriano really impressed Pinella. He singled and walked…yes folks I said walked in two at bats, and his range in the outfield looked good as well. No just do that in October Fonzie.

Cubs 1-0 in spring. Next up the rival Brewers.

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For a manager that preaches speed, and on base percentage, Lou PInella sure is stubborn about his lead off spot.

When asked about the middle of the order yesterday, Pinella commented that he’s got a nice mix of players with Lee, Ramierez and Bradley, but wouldn’t be opposed to putting Soriano in that mix as well, and he’s got the spring to play around with it. Pinella admitted that Soriano doesn’t run as much as he once did, and that opens the door for possible change.

But as quickly as he said that, he also said that he loves and likes Soriano as his leadoff hitter. UGH!

I wish Lou would take the diaper and pacifier off Soriano and put him where he belongs as a number 4, 5, 6 hitter. Fukudome, Johnson, Theriot, Fontenot and Miles could all lead off, and do a better job of getting on base and stealing some bases.

We have 39 spring training games to see what Lou has in store. Stay tuned.

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Go Cubs go by Steve Goodman will always be a great cubs tradition, but this one made it’s mark quickly last year, and this year will be even more.

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Brings chills when i hear this song. Love it.
GO CUBS!!!!

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One thing you can say about Lou Pinella, is that he is not afraid to change.

After a 97 win season, Pinella still thought that change was in order in the offseason, and change was made with a lot of additions and departures this year.

So look for guys like Lee, Rameriez, Soriano, and Soto to get a lot more rest this year with additions of Milton Bradley, Joey Gathright and Aaron Miles who can all play the outfield spots. Miles can also play the infield spots as well, and along with Micah Hoffpauir and Mike Fontenot, look for them to get some time playing in various positions to give the starters a rest.

I can’t say I disagree with Pinella’s direction. I don’t think that lack of rest is the reason the Cubs are 0-6 in the playoffs the last two years, but I think this should do nothing but help the cubs down the stretch and hopefully in the post season.

Finally on a side note, the full page article that Kerry Wood paid for in the chicago papers thanking the fans for cheering him on for the decade plus he was in Chicago was pure class, and I expected nothing less from him. Kerry Wood is going to be missed. That is the one move the Cubs made that I disagree with, but I have to understand from a business stancepoint. He wanted more then a one year deal, and given his health, I understand fully why the Cubs weren’t willing to do it. Doesn’t mean I have to like it!!

Pitchers and catchers reported yesterday, I will be having a lot more articles coming up in the near future!!

Go Cubs!

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Well the one thing you know about Jim Hendry is that he never rests on his laurels. In yet another move before pitchers and catchers report in 11 days, Hendry traded Rich Hill to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named, while dealing Michael Wuertz to the Oakland Athletics for two Minor League players.

Both moves free up spots in the 40 man roster, but none of the players the Cubs got will more than likely make it to the bigs at least at first. The Cubs acquired Minor League outfielder Richie Robnett and infielder Justin Sellers for Wuertz.

Robnett, 25, was selected by the Athletics in the first round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. He was added to the Cubs’ 40-man roster and will report to Spring Training camp.
Sellers, was selected by Oakland in the sixth round of the 2005 Draft and spent an entire season at Double-A Midland for the first time in 2008, batting .255 with 15 doubles, eight triples, six home runs, 46 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 123 games. He will report to the Cubs’ Minor League camp this spring.

Both moves don’t shock anyone. Both players were out of options, and with all the moves that Hendry has made to bolster the bullpen, it was better to get something then nothing.

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Everyone is entitled to a bad century and a year, aren’t they?

As has been the common theme, we Cub fans are left to say, “Well there is always next year”.

After an agonizing playoff sweep by the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, the Cubs have again re-tooled with a good amount of changes this off season. With pitchers and catchers reporting soon, the first spring training game less than a month away, it’s time to once again take a look at what the Cubs look like in 2009.

First and foremost the Cubs finally got some much needed left handed hitting to the lineup. The acquisitions of CF Joey Gathright, 2B Aaron Miles and OF Milton Bradley will help balance what was a very right handed hitting lineup. Miles will start with the departure of Mark DeRosa, Bradley will start and Gathright will more then likely platoon with Reed Johnson in center. The Cubs have added depth in both the infield and the outfield which means that you won’t see the same starting 8 every single day. There will be a lot of mixing and matching based on the match ups which means more playing time for Micah Hoffpauir, and Mike Fontenot with the departure of Ronny Cedeno.

Gone from the Cubs the aforementioned Mark DeRosa, a move that surprised and disappointed a lot of Cubs fans who tagged him as a fan favorite. He was Mr. Everything from playing second base, to third, left and right field and even played first. He genuinely wanted to be a Cub and was honored to wear the uniform. DeRosa was traded to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gaub. Also gone CF Felix Pie, a top Cubs prospect for many years who never lived up to his hype. He was traded to the Orioles for pitchers Garrett Olson and Henry Williamson. SP Jason Marquis was traded on Jan 6, 2009 to the Colorado Rockies for RP Luis Vizacino. And finally, long time Cub Kerry Wood was not re-signed as a free agent and signed with the Cleveland Indians.

The Cubs starting rotation is just about set. The only battle is for the 5th starter. That battle seems to be between recently acquired Aaron Heilman, and spot starter Sean Marshall. The first four starters seemed to be locked in with Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly.

The bullpen will be revamped this year. Gone as mentioned closer Kerry Wood which leaves the door wide open for Carlos Marmol to step in and take the role he has been groomed for the last two years. As an insurance policy the Cubs signed the former Florida Marlins closer Kevin Gregg. Gregg last year for the Marlins was 7-8 with a 3.41 ERA. He saved 29 games for Florida in 28 chances. More impressive might have been his splits vs. lefties who only hit .181 against him. He will go in as the set up man for Marmol to start the season with Luis Vizcaino, Chad Gaudin, and Jeff Samardzija fighting for the 7th inning spot.

There isn’t quite the buzz as there was last off season as many thought last year was a shoe in for a sure World Series birth. Looking at all the changes, do you dare say the Cubs are a better team than they were last year? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure, the Cubs brass didn’t stop tweaking an already winning team and made them at least on paper, that much better to make a deeper playoff run.

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Going into the 2nd half of the season our Cubbies find themselves in unfamiliar territory.  In the lead!  The Cubs have been in first place for the better part of the last 2 months.  Both the Brewers and the Cardinals have been hot on their heels but just can’t quite catch them.  What can we expect here after the all-star break?

Well, as you all know… We got Rich Harden.  Great move and if he stays healthy that is the best 1-2 punch in the bigs (Zambrano/Harden).  The hitters will warm up as the weather gets warm, ala Aramis and DLee.  Look for Soriano to come back and make his presence felt.  We expect a Kerry Wood DL trip but that won’t hurt.  Marmol should be nails again.

Anything less than a World Series appearance in 2008 is a failure in our books.  Check back at Cubs Diamond often for some more blogs and news!

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