So far, he's undefeated as a Cub manager.
But lets consider all Mike Quade has to deal with in his little window of opportunity thru the rest of 2010.
First, there's the team.
Oh, them.
Zambrano, Alfonso, Kosuke, Hello Nady (you have to say "Hello Nady" like Seinfeld said "Hello Newman"), Aramis, the bullpen...
You think that ain't a tap dance?
Try breaking in rookies and placating damaged egos and making disinterested players care again while trying to make yourself look smart on the field at the same time.
Then he's got the whole spectre of Ryno The Next Manager, who remains my favorite Cub of all time and I would still like to keep him that way by not having him manage this team, at least not yet.
You've got General Manager Jim Hendry, who I guess still has the firmly flexible backing from the New Ownership. But if you can name any fan who says, "Man, I LOVE Jim Hendry because he's done such an awesome job" I'll kiss your ass in front of the Ernie statue with hundreds around on game day.
Which brings us to Tom Ricketts and the College of Owners.
(I kinda feel Tom is getting lambasted a bit too much - it feels like a long time but really, he just got here didn't he?)
So far, they've been mostly silent and have yet to do anything to hint at a personality.
If in fact they are a small herd of deer in the headlights, what will happen when they come out of it? Iron fists? Backtrackers trying to re-coup some cash? We'll see it when it happens, and so will Mike Quade.
He's surrounded by people and situations that are all in flux.
Is there any possible way he can win?
You wouldn't think so, but there he is with the best record in baseball so... who knows.
Cubs beat the Nats last night with a couple homers from Alfonso and Tyler Colvin (just how many will the kid hit, anyway?), and another Dr. Marmol and Mr. Hyde finish.
So far, Quade is freaking Gene Kelly.
Can he sweep?
ps: Just to keep the summer interesting, how awesome would it be if the Sox actually got Manny?
ps ps: Tomorrow, I'm gonna once again begin my annual Jerry Angelo is a freaking maroon crusade.
