10/03/2003 08:41:00 AM by Rob

If you only read one newspaper today

If you live in Chicago, don't have internet access (but then again, you wouldn't be here) and only 50 cents for a paper, then buy the Sun-Times today, and save the extra dime and nickel for a rainy day.

They have the most quotes today about the series. Here is a representative sampling.

"Three million in attendance may have been a big deal for our marketing people,'' club president Andy MacPhail said. ''But it was not a goal for me.'' Why not? ''Well, for what I think is an obvious reason,'' he said.

"We really need to go out there and be ready,'' said Sosa, a lifetime .232 hitter against Maddux with three home runs and nine RBI. "You have to respect him because Maddux doesn't give up. We have to be ready to make adjustments on every pitch.''

''We are going to celebrate with the fans one more time,'' Simon pledged Thursday.

“A lot of people that were Cubs or former Cubs could have had pounded in their heads that second place is OK,'' Baker said. "It's not OK. You look at Bill Parcells. You look at Larry Brown, coaches who have gone to different teams. They have definite philosophies.


Tonight is the biggest game of the year. We rarely beat Mad Dog, but maybe now is the time. If we win this one, then we probably turn it around and win the series tomorrow afternoon. If we lose, then the momentum goes Atlanta's way.

I don't have anything smart-ass to say right now. I am as nervous about a game as I ever have been. This is big. I can't say it enough. Tonight tells the world that Mark Prior has arrived. It's Pass the Torch night at Wrigley Field. Old Lion vs. Young Lion.

Here is the only worthwhile quote from the Trib today. Of course, it says the most for me.

"I wouldn't want it any other way," Prior said. "This is my opportunity."

---