5/04/2004 10:05:00 AM by Rob

It's always good to beat the Deadbirds

Not much to say today. My meds just aren't getting the job done today. The print media mouthpiece of the Tribune Corporation, curiously enough, put out something about the effect day games have had on Cub teams over the years.

Of course, I eat shit like this up. And, upon contemplation, it isn't curious at all. The Trib WANTS more night games, so once a year, they publish some bullshit about how the unique schedule takes its toll on the Cubs. Either they are setting up built-in excuses for their anticipated failure, or this is part of a political puzzle geared to further increase the Cubs night presence even after the 2006 season, when 30 home games will be under the lights.

I figure the Trib eventually wants to go with a predominately night schedule, save for the Friday "skip day" special, Sundays, and get-away days. You don't see any other local papers, or even too many national publications, theorizing about the effect of day baseball.

I figure, how can it be a disavantage? Sure, its weird for any new Cub, brought up playing night baseball, at first. But after a few weeks, you get acclimated. Meanwhile, each visiting team has to adjust on the fly. You would think this would amount to the greatest home-field advantage in MLB. The fact that it hasn't is a testament to the lack of both managerial and performing talent over the years at Wrigley Field.

Anyway, it was a great win for the Cubs yesterday. Maddux pitched well, and it seems that, just like last year, he needed the first three starts to get himself started. This was his third straight solid outing, which seems to pale in comparison to the double-digit strikeout outings we have been getting the last couple of years from our other starters. This is vintage Maddux, get used to it.

And, Sammy actually hit a clutch bomb. Who woulda thunk it?

---