Chicago Cubs

Milton Bradley hasn’t done much good on the field this season. Now, a reporter for a Chicago radio station says Bradley’s struggles have divided the Wrigley Field clubhouse.

David Schuster of WSCR “The Score” implied Friday that the hoopla surrounding Bradley’s eleven-day media boycott is negatively impacting the Chicago Cubs’ chemistry.

Bradley refused to speak to media members for almost two weeks following his injured groin on April 12.

First off, I want to make a huge correction from last week regarding Lance Armstrong.  How can I forget his streak?  I basically cried when I saw his Nike commercial that used his press conference footage for the first time, so I have no idea how in the world I missed that one.  If a man can make you cry during a Nike commercial, leaving him off a streak list is absolutely inexcusable. 

Speaking of Armstrong, here is a related question: who holds the record for longest time wearing one of his Livestrong bracelets or an imitation?

"In the past, I haven't tried to be outspoken, I didn't try to be friendly. I was just in there trying to play baseball, and that's all I want to do. I found that if you rub people the wrong way, they get the wrong impression. If you don't talk a whole lot, they assume things."

Really Milton?

"If we can get away from all the negativity and going back four, five years and the stuff I did—I'm just focused on what I'm doing now. I can be a positive influence, and I think I'm a good guy."

C'mon... seriously?

Filed:April 22nd, 2009

Cub reliever Luis Vicaino (Cubbie Nation/file)

Luis, we hardly knew ya.

The Cubs made moves Thursday, designating reliever Luis Vicaino for assignment and recalling Jeff Samardzija from AAA, in an effort to stabilize their bullpen.

On this date in history, 95 years ago, baseball was first played at what is now known as Wrigley Field.

But the Cubs didn't exactly pay homage to the anniversary, as a lack of offense and a porous defense contributed to a 7-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on a Thursday afternoon.

On Apri. 23, 1914, the park at 1060 West Addison St., then known as Weegham Park, opened its gates for the first time.

Baseball is a game of superstitions.

It is the only game where teams are damned with century-long curses—curse of the Bambino, Billy Goat Curse, etc.—and failures can be blamed on something that happened two generations ago.

Batters are some of the primary examples of superstitious acts.

We all know about Nomar Garciaparra's rituals when he comes to the plate, and I think it's safe to assume that Wade Boggs was the most habitual man on the planet. 

According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs will call up pitcher Jeff Samardzija on Thursday to join the bullpen.

Sullivan speculates that the team could release Luis Vizcaino to make room for "The Shark."

Now, first of all, Paul Sullivan is a real dumb ass. But if this is true, it makes little sense.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs

Free Pick: Cincinnati Reds
April 21, 2009 8:05 PM: Baseball Odds
Visit Touthouse.com for more Baseball Betting Picks from Ted Sevransky

This is why I love baseball.

I love baseball because it signifies the end of a long cold winter in the North, and the start of the springtime.

I love baseball because of its rebirth; a new beginning where hope is abundant and all sins from the last year are forgiven.

I love baseball because of its sounds—the crack of the bat, the thump of the ball in the catcher's mitt, the roar of the crowd.

I love baseball because of its smells—the grill at the concessions; the freshly cut grass.