Cubby-Blue

How To Personalize Your Profile For Cubby Blue

So, I've been getting some emails lately asking how to do this.

I'm kind of a dolt, but I think this is correct so here goes:

Okay, you're on Cubby Blue and you've clicked on "comments" at the bottom to read what others are saying, now you...

Step 1: Click on the "sign in or sign up" at the bottom of comments.

Step 2: Click the "Join for Free" button.

Step 3: Fill in your information. The name you put here will be your screen name. Then, click the yellow "Create Account" button at the bottom.

Step 4: go to TypePad and sign in.

Step 5: Click on "edit your profile".

Step 6: Edit your profile. Upload an image (I'd keep the file pretty small), tell a little about yourself if you want.

 

You only have to do this once.

But if you bookmark your profile page you can change the photo or your screen name if you want.

And...that's it.

If somebody has an easier way, let us know.

As always, thanks for commenting.

The Cubs Get A Lemon

You may remember this from '04.

Paul Bako was a back-up on the Cubs then, and he gave all the bench guys this "Lemons" nickname.

If you read the names on the illustration, you'll understand why.

I saw alot of Cubs/Reds games last year, and one thought that stands out very clearly in my head is this: Paul Bako is just not very talented.

Maybe he's one of those good clubhouse guys or something.

But if I have one serious concern with the 2009 Cubs, it'll be Paul Bako.

Should Geovany Soto go down for whatever reason (catchers go through more physical stuff than anybody on the team by like a million percent), the Cubs will be in a rough patch.

I understand the thinking, however.

Geo will be a sophomore.

He's super young for a starting catcher, and with his youth he should be able to hang tough all year.

But I fear the play at the plate, because he doesn't shy away from anything.

I don't need to see that freaking crazy Prince Fielder with a belly full of steam make the wide turn around third heading towards Soto...

Obviously money was a concern when the Cubs didn't re-sign Henry Blanco.

So even if it means they have a weak back-up catcher, if the money saved can somehow help bring Jake Peavy, then I'm fine with it.

I'm Starving For Baseball

This illustration's in the new Vine Line. 

And it happens to be really true - I AM starving for baseball.

Yesterday at lunch I sought out a Polish with grilled onions, mustard and hot peppers.

Harder than I thought, finding one, but I didn't actually go outside either.

Because it sucks out.

Finally found one, but no hot peppers.

Man, I miss the vendor guys at the dog and beer stand behind our seats at Wrigley, I miss the smell of those onions, I miss looking for peanuts with 3 in a shell for good luck, I miss the stupid things people yell at games, I even miss the line out the men's room door.

But mostly I miss the game, and I can't wait to see this new team.

Pretty sure you're in the same boat.

So in the mean time, I suggest you go find yourself a hot dog - it'll lift your spirits.

Promise.

What else is going on?

-MLBTR says Rich Hill may be headed for Baltimore for a player to be named.

- I'm getting up for the Bowl.

Totally pulling for AZ, but Pittsburgh looks like they're just from another, meaner league of hard guys, and I wouldn't want to be Kurt Warner.

- Blago finally got the hook, and he should be jailed immediately for being such a public ass.

- And I see the guys who run Wall Street divvied up eighteen billion dollars in bonuses.

Bonuses are those things they give people for doing a good job, right?

18.

Billion.

 Lastly, I refuse to believe the Peavy thing is over.

Watch what happens the second the Trib finalizes the sale of the Cubs.

New Cubs: Gregg, Gathright and Miles

With all the attention given to Milton Bradley, we haven't really talked about these other guys (and I'm not talking about all the other new guys because I believe most if not all of the others won't really be here long and instead we'll have a new Cub soon who rhymes with but certainly won't be "Lake, Stevey").

Kevin Gregg is in competition with Carlos Marmol for closer ("give him a chance", says Lou), Joey Gathright is kinda the new Felix if Felix had actually played, and Aaron Miles is...well we're not sure what he is yet.

So Gregg has a wonky knee.

Injuries are nothing new to us, correct?

Lets just look at last year and for the hell of it compare with departed Kerry Wood (they both were injured last year).

He pitched in 68.2 innings in 72 games, gave up 51 hits, 30 runs, walked 37, and had 58 strike outs with an era of 3.41.

He was 8th in the NL last year with 29 saves with a record of 7 wins and 8 losses.

Wood pitched 66.1 innings in 65 games, gave up 54 hits, 24 runs, walked 18, and had 84 strikeouts with an era of 3.26.

He was 4th with 34 saves, and a record of 5 wins and 4 losses.

Those numbers are actually closer than I thought they'd be, but certainly not close enough and if Carlos Marmol isn't the Cubs closer on opening day I'll kiss your ass on public square (I used to live in a town that actually had a public square, and people used to say that there).

Joey Gathright is greased lightning.

Lasy year: 105 games, 279 at bats, 41 runs, 71 hits, no homers, 20 walks, 40 strikeouts, 21 stolen bases, and he hit .254 with a .311 on base percentage, and slugged .272.

If Felix can approach those numbers in Baltimore (he's gotta play against alot better pitching there), I'll be happy for him.

But for Joey, I guess pinch running and some late inning D.

Aaron Miles.

I'm trying to give the guy a fresh start here, he was good last year and maybe he starts at 2nd.

Don't know.

But if Mike Fontenot can keep on hitting I'd be soooo happy to see him be the regular 2nd baseman and have Aaron get his playing time at all the positions we'd expect to see Mark DeRosa playing, which was everywhere.

Remember - Lou kept saying how he was gonna keep everybody more rested this year, and Miles might be the guy to allow that to happen. 

Okay, last year Miles played 134 games with 379 at bats, 49 runs, 120 hits, 15 doubles, 4 homers, 31 RBIs, walked 23 times, struck out 37 times, stole 3 and hit .317 with a .355 on base percentage, and slugged .355.

Pretty damn good, plus a switch hitter, plus displaced buddy Cub fan Flack in St. Louis says he'll surprise us.

What do you think?

Most Obvious Cubs T-Shirt Ever: We've Got Ricketts

Most obvious t-shirt ever, besides the immortal "We've Got Wood", of course:

Whether it's a Shepard Fairey knock-off or just type, I would fully expect to see something like this for sale soon.

Just, not here.

I'm still pretty pumped about this Ricketts family and hope the negotiations go quickly and well.

Gotta say, never seen so much giddy excitement over an owner.

Sutter just came down and told me his wife was talking to another mom from Wilmette, and Other Mom said something like, "One of the coaches on my son's little league team - real nice guy. His name is Tom Ricketts. Who knew?"

Come ON - he even coached little league?

Last thing, if you're not aware of Shepard Fairey, go here and here.

He's the "street artist" who designed the Barack Obama graphic you've seen everywhere (and that I aped here, though not very well).