Interesting strategy....

I can only assume the Cubs strategy is to let the teams still within reach win games so we can crush their hearts out later in a close race. Right??? No other excuse for letting the Astros, Padres, Giants, Dodgers (and I only can assume Marlins) win series' from us. Sat. night was another brutal one run loss, this time a comical play involving Zambrano and Barrett. I don't know about you guys, Barrett's bat has been fantastic this year, but as a defensive catcher.....I can only say 'Oui'. I know he came up as a 3rd baseman but he just never looks comfortable going after pop-ups, blocking pitches and I can't tell you how many times I've seen the ball pop out of his glove. It's like he's still not used to the mitt.

And if we can talk Patterson into moving to left, I'll be happy to sign Beltran. Otherwise I certainly hope he liked the American League more and I certainly EXPECT him to sign with the Yankees (they in need of a CF and they with money to burn)

Last night Maddux was his vintage self. I know everybody realizes his defensive greatness, but have you ever actually watched him after every pitch. It's just amazing... Once he releases the ball he's already shading his body towards either 1st or 3rd depending on the location and is in perfect fielding position after almost every pitch. Genius!!! This is in stark contrast to K. Wood who after every pitch is usually falling so far off to the 1st base side that he completely opens up the middle. I swear ballplayers don't watch games when their in the dugout...

Week in review....

- The Angels win 9 in a row, 10 of their last 12 and I believe lose a game in the standing to the A's and Red Sox. That's tough.. They did play tougher competition though and the Red Sox still have 6 games left versus the Yanks, not to mention a brutal 9 game stretch starting tonight versus the Angels, A's and Rangers.

- Speaking of Angels, went to the game Sunday afternoon and low and behold, T. Glaus is back. I'm sure statistically the Red Sox, Yanks and Cards all have better middle of the order lineups, but you can't tell me there's anybody who wants to look at V. Guerrero, G. Anderson, T. Glaus and then J. Guillen all in a row. Who do you pitch to? Saber folks I know aren't big fans of Anderson in particular (and well this year his power has just disappeared and the long-term deal he signed wasn't such a smart move by the Angels), but well he still hits the crap out of the ball and if they get anything resembling good starting pitching, I still like them to get one of those playoff spots.

- B. Bonds hits 2 moonshots on Sunday and will now be walked for a week straight...... Wimpy managers.

- K Farnsworth injured himself after kicking a wall or fan after a brutal outing on Friday. The words "poetic justice" come to mind, either that or "about time". Kyle, if you need to take, let's say 3 month to recover, feel free no one wants you back.

- K. Williams (GM of the White Sox) in so many words said he's not going to re-sign M. Ordonez. I have this on-going bet with a buddy every year at a $1 a game between the Cubs and Sox. (Whoever is up in the standings at the end of the year by how many games wins the money). With K. Williams as the Sox GM, I'll be winning for years. I don't know anything about Ordonez's injury but when he's healthy he's damn good. Way to give up on one of your best players.

Short list (5 best Gm's in the game)
1. John Schuerholz (Braves)
2. Billy Beane (athletics)
3. Terry Ryan (Twins)
4. Brian Sabean (Giants)
5. Jim Hendry (Cubs)

Honorable mention: Walt Jocketty (Cards), Brian Cashman (Yankees), Mark Shapiro (Indians), John Hart (Rangers)

I'm neglecting guys who haven't been on the job for at least 2 years as it's too hard to judge at this point.

Worst 5 Gm's
1. Kenny Williams (White Sox)
2. Jim Duquette (Mets)
3. Chuck LaMarr (Devil Rays)
4. Allen Baird (Royals)
5. Dan O' Dowd (Rockies)

Keep beating up the pastsies Cubs!!!!