Title: Bullpen Brian

Super Bowl Prediction

Published on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:15:12

Once a year I break away from Cubs baseball to talk a little NFL, specifically my Super Bowl prediction. And would you believe this is the tenth year of my self titled ‘Brian’s Super Bowl Bash?’ Wow! For the newbies, it’s very simple. I need three things: Super Bowl winner, final score and most importantly the MVP read more..

The Mike Fontenot Trade

Published on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:15:10

On February 2, 2005 the Cubs made a trade with Baltimore for Mike Fontenot and the pride of Naperville, Illinois, Jerry Hairston. Fontenot was the Orioles first round draft pick in 2001 (19th overall) and Hairston a super utility player during his first seven seasons in Baltimore. But does anyone remember who Chicago sent packing in return? In read more..

Curt Schilling’s Bloody Sock

Published on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:15:33

The suffocating coverage of Dwight Freeney’s injured ankle reminds me of the Curt Schilling ‘Bloody Sock Saga.’ Believe it or not, that was just five short years ago that Schilling mowed down the Yanks in Game 6 of the ALCS on October 19, 2004. 99 pitches, seven innings, one run, four hits, four K’s, no walks. Thing-of-beauty! It read more..

Brewers Sign Jim Edmonds

Published on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:15:16

It’s easy to get caught up in baseball’s numbers, to forget just how talented major league players are — even those .230 hitters off the bench. It’s easy to forget the human side of the game, the importance of leadership, the need for team chemistry. It’s easy to forget that statistics tell us only part of the read more..

Wrigley Skate To Benefit Haiti Relief

Published on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:15:36

The Cubs Community Connection is making a nice effort to benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The fundraising event takes place tomorrow –Sat, Jan. 29– at the Rink at Wrigley from 8:30am to 10:30am. The event is open to the public and PARKING IS FREE! Suggested donations are $20 for individual skaters and $40 for families, read more..

Andre Dawson Forever A Cub

Published on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:15:20

The Hall of Fame got it wrong — the Hawk should be enshrined wearing a Cubs cap. The fact Dawson believes his six years in Chicago elevated his status to Hall of Famer, not his 11-years in Montreal, should’ve been a deciding factor, at least much more than it appears to have been. I understand the Hall’s read more..

Xavier Nady A Chicago Cub

Published on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:45:46

Signing Xavier Nady is a smart short-term risk for the Cubs. One-year, $3.3M with incentives is a little pricier than signing Johnny Gomes or re-signing Reed Johnson, but Nady’s a solid all-around ballplayer, well above average coming off the bench, and durable enough to start if need be. I have little concern he won’t rebound from his read more..

Erik Bedard To Cubs?

Published on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:15:37

If the Cubs are willing to risk a contract on Ben Sheets why not look at Erik Bedard too? It’s a big risk, no doubt, with Bedard coming off back-to-back seasons shortened by shoulder surgeries, but no more of a gamble than signing the former Milwaukee ace, either. Tim Kurkjian pointed out on Baseball Tonight that Bedard read more..

Chicago Cubs History 1901

Published on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:15:52

With a month left before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training I’m taking a look back at Cubs yesteryear. This first post begins in 1901, the first season of the American League as we know it today, and a time in which the Cubs were still two years away from changing its nickname from Orphans read more..

Cubs And Jonny Gomes

Published on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:15:23

Glad the Cubs are giving Jonny Gomes a strong look. He’s in his peak years as a 29-year-old, and a strong right-handed bat off the bench. Last season Gomes batted .267 overall –.307 against left-handers– hit 20 HR and drove in 51 RBI for the Reds…all in just 98 games played and less than 300 at-bats. Of read more..