flat top timmer to don zimmer

In watching this year's Cubs team, I can't help but be reminded of my favorite team of the past: the '89 Cubs. In the seemingly endless string of years in which we as Cubs fans would let out a collective expletive come August/September (let's be honest: most years it was June/July), mine were typically directed to the managers. I feel the style of play has to come from the top. When a manager (whose name will not be revealed--we will call him, Wusty Daker) allows his "superstars" to swing out of their shoes trying to hit a five-run homer with no one on base, trailing in the eighth inning, not only Dan Roan could tell you that something has to change. Although, maybe I'm being too hard on him--he did some stuff that fell under the radar. Like for example, I know it wasn't Sammy Sosa's idea to make a 3-1 count an automatic swing situation regardless of pitch location, speed, break, inning, score, outs, runners in scoring position, runners not in scoring position, who's on deck, in the hole, nuclear war, no--he was swinging 3-1. Now I know Du--I mean Wusty had to be coaching him to do so. I mean, could Sosa really have thought of that on his own? We as a knowledgeable group of fans want a manager who is going to coach his guys to, get this, TAKE A WALK should a 3-1 pitch not be what he's looking for. Double steal, sac bunt, squeeze bunt, hit and run, steal home. This is the style of play we want. So naturally, when I saw our Cubs playing the game the right way, I thought, wow, the last time we had a manager who preached such a passionate style of baseball was Don Zimmer. Here are more similarities between the two:

Don Zimmer was born in Cincinnati; Lou Piniella used to manage the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cincinnati Reds radio announcer is Marty Brennaman who recently insulted Cub fans everywhere (see link below). His son, Thom Brennaman was once an announcer for the Chicago Cubs.

Chicago also houses the White Sox whose former announcer was Harry Caray. Harry Caray was the announcer for the Cubs in '89, coached by Don Zimmer.

Don Zimmer played middle infield. If you combine the numbers 89 and 08 the middle numbers are 90.

Lou Piniella's Cincinatti Reds won the World Series in '90 whose radio announcer was Marty Brennaman, whose son at the time was announcing for the Cubs along with Harry Caray who was drinking Old Style at the same time Lou Piniella was getting doused in it.

Don Zimmer many years later was tragically slammed to the ground by Pedro Martinez.

So...

Here is Marty Brennaman spouting off:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky9Kso9q_Ws

An open letter to Marty from me:

Dear Marty,
I just want to start by saying that I haven't been following your career since day one. I am not a huge fan, and it is not an honor to be writing you. First off, I know how embarrassing it must be to call yourself a loyal Reds' fan. I mean, besides Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, Ken Griffey jr., Barry Larkin, the Nasty Boys, Chris Sabo, Frank Robinson, Johnny Bench, Eric Davis, and Royce Clayton, who did that team ever have? And who, really, is a Reds fan? At least when our team breaks our hearts, we can bitch and complain with fellow Cubs fans. The reason the Cubs are infamous for losing is because it affects so many across the country. So one can clearly see what is going on here: you are simply jealous of the passion and commitment that Cubs fans exude in astounding numbers. I don't know much about broadcasting, but I know this: when something happens during a sporting event which does not please you, you are paid to have a voice of reason--not to make blanket statements directed at the millions of Cubs fans around the country, simply because you didn't like the drunk few in the (perennially sold-out) bleachers on that particular afternoon. You cannot just whine and cry like a little baby on the air when something does not go your way. Who do you think you are, Hawk Harrelson?
Sincerely,
An ACSF

- posted for jghack by the numbers guy

Flat Top Timmerman

Nuff Said

Roger and Me

No this is not a commentary on Michael Moore's debut film about the sad state of the car industry in Flint, MI, but rather a turn back the clock to 2003-2005 when there was a collective exodus out of Chicago by sports stars and corporate stars alike. I'm obviously referring to the departures of Roger Mason Jr. from the Bulls and Kasey Kirby from the KPMG corporate auditors. To have your life changed, click below:



While I wish that I had the photo of Roger Mason Jr, Lonny Baxter, Tyson Chandler, Jamal Crawford, Tuomu Ruutu, and Mark Bell accompanied by corporate stars Kasey Kirby and another anonymous KPMG employee, I let my emotions get the best of me when I recently pulled the picture out and furiously threw it in the garbage after not one of the listed athletes still puts on the proverbial Chicago sweater. Roger and me, born 17 days apart, both ended up out in Washington DC, living happily ever after. After what? After, after.

Pargo headed to Russia, Russia immediately loses war with Georgia.

Our favorite Ex-Bull here at ACSF has left the Hornets to play professionally in Russia. Granted, it's only a one year deal but life without Pargo in the NBA is going to be tough. At least league wide field goal percentage will rise next year without Pargo taking the chance to shoot anytime he touches the ball.

speaking of 1st round picks

wanted to compare a random teams 1st round draft picks up against the bears over a period of a few years and here's what i found:


cowboys:
1988 - michael irvin (hall of fame)
1989 - troy aikman (hall of fame)
1990 - emmitt smith (hall of fame)



bears:
1988 - brad muster (who the hell knows)
- wendell davis (starter for the bears...wouldn't make any other NFL team)
1989 - donnell woolford (baggin groceries?)
- trace armstrong (known as the guy to wear #93 b4 philip daniels)
1990 - mark carrier (decent player, but certainly not HOF)



keep in mind this was the bears decent streak before hitting their stride in bad picks starting with thierry in 90. and also keep in mind that we had 5 first rounders in those 3 years and how far that got us compared to what the boys did with 3 1st rounders over as many years.

- the numbers guy

Chris Williams - Injured? Really? Damn It!

So #1 pick Chris Williams is out for an extended period of time. I guess the Bears are interested in Fred Miller, but I personally would be willing to wait it out until after the Olympics and sign the lady above named Ohla Korobka from the Ukraine. Name me one D lineman that could penetrate through Ohla. Keep it clean, or not.

Favre to the Bears?

Now taking comments from Bears fans about the potential that exists of Brett Favre being in a Bears uni for the unfolding 2008 season. What a turn of events that would be? Personally I could see him in a Bears uniform. Although they'd have to pre-unretire Captain Comeback's #4 that he solidified in the Neal Anderson/Brad Muster era, but just has yet to become official due to work backup in the front office at Halas Hall. Brad Muster fumbled 3 times in the inaugural 1990 season, but also recovered 1 for a net fumbles lost statistic of 2.

Ex-Cub of the Week - Carmen Fanzone

Pro's:
Contradicts his feminine first name with a manly stache.
Signature is classic cursive and easy to read
Last name makes me hungry for a calzone

Con's:
Called dibs on a helmet by writing his number on it.
0 triples in over 588 career at-bats.
Was born in Detroit, Michigan

Ex White-Sox of the Week - Kelly Paris

Born : October17th, 1957

White Sox Stats: 44 AB's, 11 hits, 3 dongs, great stache, looks like my 7th grade History teacher.

Yes, you did see us at the Cubs game

Super fan of ACSF, Jon Caesar.