Baseball historian and noted Rube Waddell expert, Dan O’Brien, emailed me this nugget about the Cubs purchase of Waddell…109 years ago to the date!
It’s good stuff. Enjoy!…
On this date 109 years ago (May 3, 1901), Chicago’s National League team purchased Rube Waddell from the Pirates. Contrary to a popular myth, the purchase price was not a box of cigars.
The Cubs scored more runs in the first inning Sunday, four, than they’ve averaged all season for Tom Gorzelanny…about 1.75 rpg.
The southpaw entered Sunday’s game as the best pitcher in baseball…without a win! (0-3, 2.45 ERA). But don’t blame Gorzo…the Cubs just don’t score runs for the guy.
Sunday, however, Chicago stakes Gorzelanny to an early seven-run lead…and sure-as-shootin’, the kid wins himself a ballgame. Imagine that.
It’s not like Gorzo needs a boat-load of run support, either. Actually, all he needs are three runs. THREE. RUNS!
Get this…in his last four starts he’s allowed just two earned runs apiece…that’s awesome! And, anytime you get that kind of production from a fourth starter…you’re in business!
Look, Gorzo’s no fluke; he managed a 14-win season with Pittsburgh…which is borderline remarkable.
All the guy needs is a little offense…and with it…there’s no telling where Tommy G. ends up in the win column…could be a 15-win season…maybe more? Only the Cubs offense really knows!
