Controversy springs into the air
I don't have much to add from yesterday's Kerry Wood fiasco, except to say that the Cubs are being mysterious again in regards to Mark Prior. In today's Tribune, Dusty Baker alluded to a setback for the Cubs ace. The relevent part of the article:
Mark Prior still is scheduled to start the second game of the season.
"I expect it, but you don't really know," Baker said.
Baker didn't say whether Prior would make his Cactus League debut next week, as had been planned.
The Cubs sure are taking it easy on him for a guy with a healthy arm, who was just delayed a few weeks because of being sick back in December.
However, until something is announced officially, that's the last time I'll mention the
controversy of Mark Prior's health. While I'm sure we're all concerned, I imagine
honestly that it must get a little annoying to read nothing but whining posts about the
usuaully unhealthy Mark Prior being hurt, and the Cubs keeping it from us. I just imagine that it
could really get on your nerves if all you read was about how the Chicago Cubs are always
keeping secrets from us. Not that I'm naming any names. Really.
Ok, here are some Spring Training pictures to keep you happy for the weekend.
Here we have Ronny Cedeno looking like a bonafide shortstop. Unfortunately the tag was late, but hey - at least Michael Barrett wasn't responsible, this time.
Here's Brandon Sing, who hit two homeruns against Seattle yesterday. Dusty would later claim that Sing is a good fastball hitter, thus explaining his success of hitting two homeruns ... off sliders. Oops. You would think that this is a picture of Sing celebrating a homerun, but in fact, he just found out that by the time he makes it to the major leagues to stay, Dusty will be long gone, so he won't have to battle a veteran like Gary Gaetti for a spot on the roster.
This is a photo of Derrek Lee taken from a Little League game that he participated in. Either that, or he's just a giant compared to A's second baseman Mark Ellis. Seriously, Ellis looks like a hobbit.
"Stand back and watch me spit fire, mon." - Carlos Zambrano, who apparently thinks he's Jamacan.
Henry Blanco, Latino Lover.
Jumpin' Jimminy! That's Angel Guzman! And, while he looks like he just got off the short bus, he actually looks ... healthy! With no signs of scars on his pitching arm! Wow!
Have a good weekend! I'm going to go eat some scones!
Tim
Always nice to see people make fun of the handicapped. Looks like I have another blog to boycott. Thanks for the short run.
kurt
I apologize for having offended you, Joe. Actually, pretty much every member of my family - myself included - have worked with the handicapped. I personally have no ill feelings toward anyone who rides the short bus, so to speak. We'll miss your commentary.
Corky
Come on Tim, it's just a joke. Meh, life goes on I guess.
Jason R.
Well...the title did mention contoversy.
And Kurt, if you're going to talk about Prior and/or Wood, you should really be making fun of cripples. It just makes more sense.
kurt
This is true. Guzman has more in common with a cripple, as well.
Red Hot Mama
What a coincidence: the Reds' backup catcher is a Latino Lover, too. More specifically, a Latin Love Machine.
I'm concerned about Prior. If he doesn't start the second game, whom will the Reds beat up on?
kurt
Red Hot Mama,
We certainly admire smack-talking here at GROTA, but before you start laying down the smack ... well ... shouldn't you wait until your team is, y'know, GOOD?
Mike D.
In all fairness, to RHM, the flippin' Reds have been an utter thorn in our arse for two years now. He's got a right to crow. The Reds may suck, but they've been a genuine fly in the ointment for us.
And nice catch on the backup catcher. That fat little bastard Valentin has got to have at least six home runs against the past two years. As a point of trivia, he's Jose's little brother, too. Go figure, as Jose was a pain in the arse against us as well.
On the list of things that Dusty has driven me nuts on, along with his goofy lineup construction and an inability to manage in a proactive manner (benching guys, calling for squeezes), is his team's utter inability to beat the godawful Cincinnati Reds.
Jason R.
Sure, Mike, that's all true. I still contend, though, if you have to take solace from picking on the Cubs...
Red Hot Mama
You guys raise an excellent point: the Reds suck. I mean it's been, what, 15 years since they won a World Series?
kurt
I'll mention that to the Marlins when they lose 100 games this year. I'll say, "it's ok, guys. You don't suck. You've won two World Championships!" I'm sure their fans will feel grateful.