Baseball’s back, baby!

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

Having our team back enjoying the sun, mountains and beautiful palm trees in Arizona could mean only one thing…. six weeks until opening day! I am anxiously awaiting the 9 long days and 15 hours (as I’m currently writing this) until the first Spring Training game in Tucson! I’m excited about the offseason trades, even if I didn’t agree with the Garland-Cabrera trade. We will have to see how well that works out for us and Garland in Los Angeles. I found that trade very interesting, since we had resigned Juan Uribe just a couple of days before the trade. Also, if we were picking up our Cuban savior, who I assume is going to be playing second because the outfield looks solid, what are we still doing with Uribe? I am also excited and nervous to see the outcome of our stellar third baseman, Joe Crede. I’m crossing everything in hopes that it will help us hang on to him. Unfortunately, it hasn’t helped in the past. Kenny Williams single handedly got rid of all of my favorite players (with the exception of AJ) by dumping Podsednik, trading Ryan Sweeney for Nick Swisher, and trading Garland for Cabrera.

I’m really excited about the outfield situation. The Swisher in Center-Dye in Right situation gets me more and more excited for the season to start every day. It will be interesting to see who gets to fill Pods’ shoes this season. Will Brian Anderson learn how to hit as well as being an excellent outfielder? Will Owens edge out the competition because of last season? Or will Josh Fields step up to the plate? Maybe one of our prospects will really stand out to Ozzie… We will see in the next few weeks!

I’ll keep up with the bullpen situation. I feel like it’s too early to talk about rebuilding the foundation. I think Buehrle is going to be solid, as usual. If Contreras can have a second half of ‘05-first half of ‘06 season, he’s going to be unstoppable.

Hopefully everyone is as excited for this season as I am! I am really happy to be back, at your service, blogging for Chicago’s best! Until the season starts, you can continue to find me at the United Center when the ice is down. While I’m at it, Go Hawks!

Until next time, wonderful Sox fans!

Sox Trade?

Michael Bottigliero, Sox Superfan

The White Sox are a veteran team with a ton of holes to fill in this ‘07-’08 offseason. What I would like to know is what hole did they fill buy trading Jon Garland?

Let us first start out by thinking that we do not know what is going on behind the scenes @ Comiscular Field with Kenny Williams. We can only hope he has plotted a few moves ahead with this trade and more maneuvers are planned. But one thought keeps running through my mind and contradicts the notion that they are thinking ahead- why pick up the ‘08 option on Juan Uribe to play shortstop and then trade for a new starting shortstop (Orlando Cabrera). Now they have about $13 million tied up at that position even though they were trying to skimp on paying Garland’s ‘08 salary of $12 million. The Sox did get cash back from the Angels so we will wait for the word on how much. Doesn’t a team who trades to get cash back really irritate you?

Now let’s look at the now time ramifications of this latest cost cutting move. That gives us a rotation of ace Mark Buerhle- who we all have been hoping would take this honor and run with it. It forces Javier Vazquez to the two spot which is not so bad if he can continue what he did last season. Then we get spotty with Jose Contreras- who started to look his REAL Cuban age, John Danks- who needs to turn in a full season, and Gavin Floyd- he has to prove he can keep bringing what he showed at the end of last season. Then we round out with hopefuls Lance Broadway and Gio Gonzalez- can never depend on prospects! We traded a 28 year old pitcher who showed no signs of slowing down, going 4 years of 200+ innings, and pitched some good ballgames. I do not like the move but only the future will tell.

Our Sox filled two holes- putting a great fielding shortstop on the diamond and a #2 hitter with speed in the batting order. This leaves us with what to do with Uribe- trade or bench? We also have a hole at 2B, LF, CF, and the bullpen. It looks like they cleared up enough room to sign Tori Hunter, but who is our leadoff hitter? Looks like they will grant Podsednik arbitration and chance him not getting injured. Then we have Richar at 2B and Yasuhiko Yabuta possibly coming over from Japan for the bullpen. This could work but I had a few other moves in mind.

I really like Kaz Matsui in the leadoff or #2 spot to play 2B. We will see how this develops. A few vets in the pen and Rowand coming back and we could be set for a good year. But Kenny said he is not done yet so we will wait and see…

Cubs lose game 1 and HOCKEY STARTS TONIGHT

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I am supposed to be studying for an Accounting exam, but I figured you were itching for an update…

I just wanted to say how proud I am that my team didn’t lose 96 games this year. Yes, 90, but that ensures us a pretty easy schedule next year. All you have to do is look at history! The Indians were in 4th in our division last year, this year they won it with one of the best records in baseball. Even look at the Northsiders. They lost 96 games last season and came back this year and somehow slipped into the playoffs.

We had an excellent year for milestones. I know I already touched on this, but I would like to remind everyone that this season wasn’t a complete wash. Mark threw a no-hitter. Jim got his 500th (plus!) career home run, Javier got his 200th strike out, Bobby beat the American League record and tied the MLB record for most batters retired consecutively. Not to mention, Juan hit 20, Paul hit 30. We’re going to have Crede back in April. It’s all good. To paraphrase my northern counterparts “it’s a REBUILDING year!”

I heard on SportsRise this morning that Terrerro became a free agent because he refused to sign a minor league contract with Charlotte. Good luck ending up on a team that will play you like the Sox did. Good riddance. We’ve got Jerry and we’re going to get Rowand back. It will be interesting to see what kind of moves they make soon and during the offseason. I’ll be looking forward to spending another spring break in Arizona with my Sox.

Speaking of Arizona, I can’t begin to explain the joy I felt last night when I realized that the Cubs are 54 outs away from playoff ELIMINATION. Oh please. Don’t get on your high horse and pretend you Cubs fans reading this (usually just to flame me and tell me how my team sucks. How original.) didn’t count down every out until we could potentially be eliminated in 2005. We beat Boston and Los Angeles to get to the World Series. Two of those teams are in the playoffs this year (playing eachother, ironically). Even if there is some crazy way that the Cubs get lucky and make it past the Rockies or Philles, do you think there is a prayer of beating the American League? Boston, New York, Los Angeles, or Cleveland? I didn’t think so. That said, I can’t believe I am rooting for the Indians. I am sort of pulling for them because they haven’t won the series in the last 10 years like everyone else in the AL. Plus, they are in our division, and we have friends in Cleveland that I know would just be so happy if their team pulled it out. Go Tribe! haha.

Anyway, Blackhawk Hockey starts tonight in Minnesota! Hockey is my other passion, if you weren’t aware. I’m so excited for the team this year. I know this is a baseball blog, but I thought I’d give a little insight. Number one draft pick Patrick Kane has been awesome during the preseason. I got to go to all the preseason games at the UC , and got the distinct pleasure of seeing our new guys in action. Keep Havlat healthy and at right, move Sharp to center, and Ruutu to left, and you’ve got the best first line combo in the leage (maybe a stretch, but I’m a believer). I think Patrick Kane and Jon Toews are going to be big for our team’s success this year. Vandermeer is healthy and looking great. Duncan Keith is excellent, as usual. It will be interesting to see who he gives the A’s and C to, because there are so many good candidates for it this year. I’m biased but I’m pulling for Sharp, Seabrook, and Havlat to be Alternates and LaPointe to be the Captain. I <3 Patrick Sharp. Ok, enough of that and enough of hockey for now. I’ll be back to write about WHITE SOX BASEBALL as soon as the Sox make moves or the Cubs lose.

Till next time, Sox fans.

Thome’s AMAZING!!

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I was incredibly lucky to have gotten the opportunity to attend three Sox games this weekend. Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite games to go to, because I love seeing all the green hats, and how we’re going to somehow manage to pull the game off. It’s always a good time.

What I really wanted to talk about is one of the biggest honors of all time, and that is being able to see a great ballplayer hit his 500th career home run. I got the pleasure of seeing Mr. Jim Thome hit his 500th into left center today. It was such a celebration! I got really emotional when the rest of the team stormed the field and met him at home plate, as if he had hit a walk off home run in the World Series. It was comparable to that night, seeing the whole team band together in support of their teammate. It was such a great experience. They had a whole movie and special banners and things to put on the Jumbotron to honor one of baseball’s truly great players. We got to see him relive his entire baseball career, with his first home run at Yankee Stadium, his 100th at the Ballpark at Arlington, his 200th at the Metrodome, his 450th against his old team at Jacob’s Field, to his 500th against the Angels at home on the Southside of Chicago. Seeing Bobby Jenks and Jermaine Dye carry him on their shoulders gave me a bittersweet rememberance of a couple of years ago when they were walking off the field for the final time at home, October 23, 2005. “Hoist the city up on your shoulders, and they will return the favor.” I hope that is what we did for Thome today. Now, our next goal is to get this man a 2008 World Series ring!

What I like best about Thome is what a stand up guy he is. He seems like there isn’t a mean bone in his body. He doesn’t yell at umpires, carry on, hit other players, or go crazy in the dugout when he strikes out. He doesn’t break bats over his neck, throw his bats, or slam down his batting helmet. Some of the Sox fans call him “Mr. Incredible.” My family calls him “Mr. Baseball” because he always is one of the first guys on the field, ready to warm up for the game. He always seems ready to play, even when he’s hurt. He is one of those guys that you know has developed some serious friends in the dugout.

It was a great day for baseball, if you look past the adventures of our bullpen. That was pretty scary for a little while there. Unfortunately, it’s too late to remember how to play Grinder Ball. Oh well, live, learn, and leave Buckvich in Arizona next year. Thanks, Thome, for an exciting end to an almost disasterous day!

We gone!

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

Last year, it came down to the wire. Twins, Tigers, White Sox. This year we’re the first team in our division to be eliminated! Oh well. I guess this season has come to a bittersweet end. Even though we haven’t started the postseason, our season is virtually over. I say it is bittersweet because of ‘05 and then how close we came last year, only to be on the verge of being worse than the Cubs last year (that’s 96 losses, if you don’t remember). The sweet part comes from how the painful season is finally over. We can go to the game and enjoy the fun. Richard Roeper (my hero) made a comment in his article the other day that he has come down to trying to give away his season tickets: “First prize, two tickets to the Sox game. Second prize? FOUR tickets to the Sox game!” Another great quote I heard this week comes from my other favorite Sox fan, Mr. Steve Dahl. He said that this is the time of the season where the fun starts. I believe he referred to it is “Ligue Season” after the infamous father and son duo who decided to beat up the Royals’ first base coach Tom Gamboa in 2002.

Something we can look forward to is having our players back. I can’t wait till spring training when I can see Joe Crede and Scott Podsednik 100% and healthy after a nice relaxing offseason. I’ll be looking forward to seeing them back and ready to perform. If we can have those two guys in ‘05 shape, we wont be in the same spot we’re in right now. And, a year from now if the good people at NBC5 decide to do this again, and I get the honor of blogging my team’s season highs and lows, I will be writing in a much less somber tone.

We have witnessed some of the most wonderful milestones this season. Mark Buehrle no hit the Rangers in April! How exciting was that?! He also got his 100th career win in June against the Astros! Bobby Jenks broke the American League record and is tied for the Major League record for most consecutive batters retired! Jim Thome is (as I am writing this) TWO away from hitting his 500th home run… and he is ready to do it against his old team! Juan Uribe just got his 100th career homer. It has been a good season for milestones for our Sox. I guess if you have to look on the brightside, those are the places you can start.

I hope we will be able to continue blogging into the post-season, just to see how everything plays out. I am pulling, I mean PULLING for the BREWERS (obviously, even though I couldn’t complain if the Cardinals won the Central) and the Mets. So, we’ll see how that turns out. Now that there is that big “E” next to our stats, I can say that I am spending the rest of the energy that is not being burned out by school on rooting against the Cubs. Not to diss any Cubs fans or my fellow bloggers on the northside, just to do what I’ve always done. This year, though, their losing means so much more to me than it ever has before. I’ve been harassed by too many a northsider (I go to school at Loyola, so I am CONSTANTLY surrounded by Cub Nation) to let the team get away without my entire baseball soul rooting against them.

On that note, I think I will focus on my major: sports. Let’s go White Sox. Let’s pull this one out. Let’s use this time to ruin the other teams’ chances to go to the postseason. Let’s get the Royals in there! All kidding aside, let’s focus on knocking these Indians out!

Errors Galore

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

Texas is terrible. They make 30 errors a game, but somehow we still manage to lose.

Josh Fields is not so good in the outfield. I hope and pray that the powers that be decide not to let him start in left next season.

Andy Gonzalez! WHAT is he still doing in Chicago?! He is TERRIBLE at third. After tonight’s antics, he should have his bags packed. It’s harsh, but I am sick of getting swept by BAD teams (teams that have a similar record to ours) because of stupid errors that can be avoided.

Story of Danks’ life. He has been pitching well (besides the two games before this) and still we offer him no run support.

That said, I am going to be very upset if we lose 96 games this season.

"Throw in the Towel" Day

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I wish I could say I enjoyed sitting in left field watching my baseball team during a beautiful sun-soaked weekend. What I saw was little less than a disaster that seemed to sum up our less than stellar season. Holiday Inn’s giveaway was a “rally towel” and I jokingly said to my dad, “it should be ‘throw in the towel’ day.” At the time, I also thought Contreras was starting, so when I noticed it was Vasquez, my mindset changed a little bit. Unfortunately, I left feeling the same as I came in.

I was looking forward to playing Boston before getting back to the grind of College life. What I saw these past two days (live) was being outscored 25 runs to 3. Four days of awful pitching and playing added up to the BoSox outscoring us 45 - 7. Those are some of the worst numbers I’ve ever seen!

I think we need to focus on a couple of things during the offseason: pitching and scouting. Before we think about getting any more players, we need to do whatever we can to make sure CC Sabathia is in our starting rotation next season. So long, Jose. We can put him in the bullpen if Coop and Art really believe that he is worth saving. We need to use some of that trading power to get some prospects off to other teams and build up that ever-important bullpen. We can’t have another year like this, and try to depend on AAA players to get it together enough to pitch at the big league level. I’m really angry that we didn’t try to get Gagne when he was being dealt, and we didn’t try to get David Wells after the Pads designated him for assignment. I am watching him pitch against the Mets as I am typing this, and he seems to be pretty solid. The other thing we need to do is get an entirely new group of Scouts. We are trading away excellent players for prospects and the Scouts are telling us guys like Andy Gonzales are the best we have in our minor league system.

With another losing streak on my mind, I am going to say goodnight. I have a long “first day of school” ahead of me, and I would like to end the day tomorrow night on a good note: a White Sox win and a happy blogger.

Until next time, Sox fans.

Milestones, Batting Order, Trades, and September Callups

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

What an exciting game we got to see last night! It was a satisfying win. I think it was more satisfying to know that we can beat someone in our division besides the Tigers… even if it is the Royals. A win is a win, and I will take it. We got to see something that seemed to resemble Grinder Ball last night, with a special appearance by a Scott Podsednik homer!

I’m so proud of our Bobby Jenks! He’s got the AL record covered, beating David Wells’ previous of 38 consecutive batters retired in a row. He tied the major league record at 41 before Joey Gathwright broke it in the 9th of last night’s game. It was bittersweet, because we wanted Bobby to break it so bad. Because, if he did, we could have looked back on this season with memories of two huge milestones: Mark Buehrle’s no hitter and Bobby Jenks tying the Major League record for most consecutive batters retired; instead of a losing record and a losing season.

I think Pods needs to be batting higher in the order. I think Ozzie needs to switch him with Josh Fields, who has been striking out almost every time he steps up to the plate. He comes up with some big hits- homers, doubles and triples- but not enough to make me believe that there should be a competition for third base next year when Crede is healthy. Scott will be used better towards the front. The combination of Jerry and Scott, getting on and over, would be a huge catalyst for the offense. Plus, this has a better chance of getting guys on for Paul, Jim, and Jermaine.

I was happy to see that we made an addition to our pitching staff yesterday by getting Mike Myers from the Yankees. A one-year deal with a club option seems like a good idea to try to rebuild the bullpen at the end of a season where we so desperately needed help. 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in the bullpen seems like the second coming. This is a good move, and it gave us the opportunity to get Andy Gonzales more help down at AAA Charlotte. We also have room for two more guys to come up in September.

With September callups right around the corner, I was wondering who we should call up to try to help the team. I’m going to suggest we get some pitchers or teach Ryan Sweeney how to play second base. I read something on whitesox.com today about Brian Anderson wondering if he will play with the club again. Brian always came off as kind of smug to me. After his comments about Williams and CO trading Aaron Rowand to clear up a spot in center for him to play, I was very critical of his playing skills. He is a good fielder, but he can’t hit the broad side of a barn. He isn’t a good enough player to have an ego the size that he has. Ask anyone in Chicago if they would rather see Anderson or Rowand playing center field, and I would be willing to bet that most if not all said Rowand.

“The only gripe Anderson has with the White Sox deals with not getting a “fair shot” at the start of this season, when Anderson hit .117 in 17 at-bats as the team’s 25th man. Anderson felt more opportunities should have been afforded him to hit against left-handed pitchers.
After being sent down to the Minors, the 25-year-old also didn’t understand how Luis Terrero was called up to play the same role after Anderson beat him out in Spring Training. With no disrespect to Terrero, Anderson called the move “a low blow.” ” - from Scott Merkin’s MLB.com cell phone interview with Brian Anderson.

Sorry, dude, if you’re not cutting it, you’re not cutting it.

That said, let’s go Sox! Let’s get back into forth place!

The Drive for Five

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I’ll be one to admit it when my team is playing poorly. So, let me start out by saying that my team has been playing nothing but bad baseball for at least over a week…if not the majority of the season. Being swept two series in a row, and not having a win since last Friday just seems to put this season into perspective. It’s been like this all season, and it seems like it’s just getting worse. Our bullpen has been just awful, and it seems like as soon as they start turning it around, the starting pitching gives them 5 runs or so to work with. I expected Garland to win 17, at least, this season. I know some of his starts have been great, he wasn’t getting run support, or the bullpen blew his lead. He’s just had less than quality starts in his last three. You can’t give up 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings and expect to win a game. Contreras has been outstanding coming out of the ‘pen. Then, what does he do when he’s back in the rotation? Get lit up in the first three innings! Unfortunately, we don’t have another quality pitcher to make the starts. I think it’s almost a better idea to cut the losses and go back to a 4-man rotation. Let Jose come out of the bullpen when we need him. Send Gavin Floyd back to Charlotte. Send Ryan Bukvich wherever anyone will take him. How about we use those “spectacular” players we gave up Iguchi and Mackowiak for.

I am so glad we didn’t get rid of Pods, ESPECIALLY to the Cubs. One of the Customer Service guys that is in our section asked me what I would do if they traded him to the Cubs. Obviously he doesn’t know me that well, because he laughed when I replied “sell my season tickets.” Not just because I am a big fan of Scott’s, it is because it would have been the final nail in the coffin of this season. Also, it would continue to let the northsiders attempt to buy their pennant. Anyway, I was in the East last week, and I was constantly checking my phone for updates. I was having a heart attack until midnight Tuesday just to make sure we hadn’t given my beloved left fielder to the Cubs.

I am looking forward to playing the Royals, with Mark Buehrle starting it off. I’m also looking forward to this weekend, because the Red Sox are my favorite team to play at home. The Royals should be a hilarious three games. It will be a battle between bad and badder. They always seem to beat us, but maybe we can get something going and get three games up on them. Maybe the Twins, Tigers, and Indians will feel bad and decide to also lose three in a row. Ha, wishful thinking. I usually like playing the Red Sox because it is usually a pretty good matchup. I think that it would be a good time to beat a first place team, and try to get some of our morale back.

With all of the controversey swirling around the NBA and their referees, it makes me wonder if there are officials in other sports that are betting on games, taking bribes, or a variety of other ways they could be cheating. When you look at it, the umpires in MLB control the entire outcome of the game. It isn’t just us, but I see the Sox more than other teams, and it seems like the umpires have been worse than ever this year. This umping staff that we had during the Seatle series has been awful. Before last season, I could have probably named three umpires at most, because I usually don’t pay enough attention to know who is officiating. However, this year, I can tell you the names of at least four different crews of umpires. The biggest repeat offenders this year: Joe West’s crew. This group of umpires is the worst I have ever seen. 90% of the games that have major controversey, these men have been umping. Padres/Astros game: two home runs were reversed. REVERSED! Crosstown Classic: triple play overturned to give the Cubs NO outs. If you disagree with me about this, I have a copy of the rulebook and these particular rules were highlighted just because of this incident. These men need to be investigated by the MLB. These men would include: Joe West, CB Bucknor, Ed Rapuano, and Mike Dimuro… most of the time they feature my favorite Rover: Ed Hickox! Paul Nauert is an awful umpire. Chris Guccione is a terrible umpire. The other crew of umpires that just have a way of “screwing up” (aka blatantly handing the other team the game) would be: Larry Young’s crew, that includes: Angel Hernandez, Mark Carlson and Ted Barrett. Just in case you’re unfamiliar with them, go back and watch Fox Saturday baseball yesterday afternoon, featuring Mr. Albert Pujols being called out at the plate after 60% of his body had already crossed it…. oh and having the biggest Cubs cheerleader in broadcasting, Joe Gerardi, disagreeing with the call at the plate. Even Matt Vasgursian thought the call was wrong! It makes me wonder if these guys are blind or if there is something fishy going on. I think that refs and umpires from all over the sporting world need to be checked out. There is too much controversey. Too many bad and close calls for my taste. Maybe something should be checked out to try to keep the integrity of the league… since there doesn’t seem to be much with the players these days anyway.

That brings me to another rant: steroids and baseball. For as long as I can remember, people were saying Barry Bonds was juicing. If there have been that many accusations against one player for as long as it has been, I think it’s time to take a look at it. Maybe MLB has just given up. From what has happened this week, it seems like they are telling us that it is okay to be cheating by injecting players with hormones that will make them bigger and stronger, and have the obvious advantage over other players. The travesty I am writing about would be Jason Giambi. This week, MLB decided that they would not punish Giambi for taking steriods. Apparently, he gave up some names of other juiced players. He admitted to taking steroids! He is still playing baseball! Am I the only person who sees a problem with this? I don’t care if he gave the name of every Yankees player, and pictures of them getting injected, it should not be enough to make that kind of a deal. He is cheating. He should be punished. For goodness’ sake! Sammy Sosa was punished for corking his bat! He hasn’t even been tested for the steriods he’s been taking. He gets punished for an illegal substance in his bat, but not in his body. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, I suppose, but shouldn’t that make Giambi guilty? He admitted to doing it. Instead, he gets to continue being a DH, a huge part of the Yankees offensive lineup, and could potentially play a role in a pennant race! Something just doesn’t add up.

Eh, oh well. Above all, I’m a Sox fan, so I am used to having a couple of good seasons and a couple of bad seasons ;). Hopefully we can pick it up just a little bit so we don’t have to end the season in the basement. That might be the only bright light at the end of this tunnel. Let’s go, White Sox! I’m always going to love them, and there’s nothing more I can say right now.

We need him

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I’ve been hearing some nasty rumors about my dear Scott Podsednik heading north… to the northside that is. I am not sure what I will do if this happens. The Cubs have claimed him off waivers and the Sox have until Monday to keep our team together. If Kenny deals him, it says to me that the front office doesn’t care about their fans, their team, or their legacy. Scott was a huge part of our team in ‘05, and has continued to be a major part of the team every night. Some of the catches he has made lately are worthy of Web Gems. He has gotten on base and been able to make the big plays. He got on to continue the inning for Juan to hit the game winning HR against the Indians two nights ago. Him not getting on would not have lead to the third out, but I’d like to think it shook up the Indians pitching just enough to serve Juan a cookie in the bottom of the 13th. I also think that one of the single most important events in White Sox history came from one swing of the bat on October 23, 2005. Bottom of the 9th. 2-1 is the count. Remember that moment? Remember how you felt when you saw that ball leave his bat. We need him on our team. We need him out there stealing bases. We need him making the big plays and getting the big hits. I’d sooner sell my season tickets than see my favorite player go to the Cubs. I just don’t know what I will do. I’d like to have faith in my front office, that they will make the decision that is in the best interest of the fans. The Marlins have done GREAT since they dismantled their World Series team. It seems like Kenny Williams and company are taking a page out of their book. I can’t believe we’ve given up on the season. I can’t believe we’ve given up on our dream team. I can’t believe we’re getting rid of fan-favorite position players INSTEAD of trying to play with the bullpen and our minor league system OR using the waiver system to OUR ADVANTAGE by claiming a couple of guys who can pitch off of waivers. Hey, I hear David Wells is available. But why would we do something stupid like try to go out and get him? Let’s just let the Cubs claim Pods off waivers.

Make the right decision, Kenny. Please. Don’t break my heart any further.