Born in Elmhurst, IL.
Finished 4th in 2003 R.o.Y. Award.
Acquired by the Cubs in’05 for Jason Dubois.
Had the first base hit & HR at Mets’ Citi Field.
First player in MLB history to open a new ballpark with a leadoff HR.
Name that Cub!
1.) What does the loss of Cards’ Wainwright mean for the Cubs?
2.) Cubs vs. Cards ranks where in sports Top 100 rivalries?
3.) Where exactly is Catalina Island?
4.) Michael Wilbon on why Cubs should pursue Pujols.
1.) The early indications of Wainwright’s injury is ligament damage which could result in season-ending surgery.
If, in fact, this is the case, the Cardinals’ rotation would presumably be Chris Carpenter, Kyle Loshe, Jamie Garcia, Jake Westbrook and Wainwright’s replacement. But there’s no filling the void of a 29-year old stud this late in the offseason. Terrible news for St. Louis, great news for Cubs fans.
1.) Who left a dump in the Cubs dugout?
2.) Zambrano ‘cured’ of acting like a fool?
3.) Is White Sox GM Kenny Williams asinine?
1.) Jon Paul Morosi of SI.com brought to light more of the struggles Dusty Baker suffered near the end of his stint with the Cubs, including an incident in which someone crapped where Dusty stood in the dugout.
The way Chicago fans ran Baker–a proven winner, mind you–out of town is embarrassing. To simply blame the manager for all that went wrong in the 2003 postseason and beyond is silly business.
Mike Quade’s decision to name Ryan Dempster the Opening Day starter was an easy one. Dempster has both the talent and mental toughness it takes to be the stopper. Had it not been for the Cubs’ decision to coddle Carlos Zambrano’s fragile mentality, Dempster would have been the Opening Day starter three years ago. You know it, I know it, and Quade certainly knew it standing down the third base line.
What’s important is Quade’s choice is fair and well-informed. Dempster is the best candidate, he’s earned the honor and Quade handed him the job. Such practice is sure to boost the confidence in the clubhouse. No longer are the Cubs catering to Big Z, his huge contract and poor attitude. Just another sign there’s a new sheriff in town.
Presumably, the same strategy will apply throughout the locker room. And perhaps, this will raise a few eyebrows on certain players such as Fukudome and Soriano who have lacked in production but play because their contracts say so. Under Quade, at least it appears, the best man gets the gig. Wouldn’t we all agree, it’s about time.
Born in Riverside, CA.
Hit a grand slam in his first MLB game.
His 187 strikeouts in 1987 set a then-MLB record.
Five times hit 30 HR & stole 30 bases.
A three-time Gold Glove winner & All Star.
Earned the All Star game MVP Award in 1973.
At one time played for seven different teams in seven years.
His final season was with the Cubs in 1981 (.215, 6 HR, 19 RBI).
Name That Cub!
Damn you, AMC
The Bullpen Session is a weekly round-up of my observations surrounding Cubs baseball and much, much more!
The weekly Bullpen Session comes to a close now that Cubs pitchers and catchers have reported to Arizona. Although, this feature is sure to resurface whenever Cubs baseball isn’t being played, like during the All Star break.
–My Friday Cubs poll asked if the Cubs should pursue Albert Pujols if he remains a F.A. following the season. The results of that poll…
55% said ‘Yes, absolutely.’
44% said ‘Nah, too pricey.’
Here’s my take on some of the recent Cub headlines:
1.) Evaluating the Carlos Marmol deal.
2.) Addressing Michael Young to the Cubs rumors.
3.) Pujols feeling pressure from Players’ Union?
Daniel Shoptaw of C70 At The Bat asked me to answer a few Cubbie questions in preparation for his annual Playing Pepper Series which takes a look at all the other teams around MLB. You can read more on this series by visiting www.cardinal70.com.
DANIEL’S QUESTIONS FOR BULLPEN BRIAN:
1) What was your opinion of the Chicago offseason?
2) Will Carlos Pena be able to adequately compensate for the loss of D-Lee?
3) Can Carlos Zambrano still regularly be a dominant force on the mound?
4) Is there a Cubs prospect that will make a significant impact this season?
5) What is your prediction on Chicago’s record and divisional finish?
