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Random thoughts while wondering how long it will be before the Chicago Cubs deal away outfielder Nate Schierholtz, who hit two home runs Monday (Aug. 19) in an 11-1 victory against visiting Washington:
Kim DeJesus won’t be around? Say it ain’t so!
* Speaking of Schierholtz, his homers tied Anthony Rizzo for the team lead (18). Rizzo has 461 at-bats to Schierholtz’s 347. In case you were wondering about left-handed productivity.
* Speaking of Rizzo, he sat out Monday’s game because of illness. No word whether he became ill when he looked at his batting average (.230) or his numbers of strikeout (97).
* Speaking of home runs, Donnie Murphy also hit two Monday for the Cubs, giving him six in 44 at-bats. Meaning — at his current rate — he would have 18 home runs in 132 at-bats.
* Speaking of Murphy and projected statistics, he has 12 strikeouts. Meaning if he had 440 at-bats, he would have 120 strikeouts. Which the Cubs likely would be willing to tolerate as long as they accompany a projected 60 home runs.
* Speaking of triples (OK, we weren’t, but they are close to home runs, no?), Avisail Garcia has more triples in 37 at-bats than Alexei Ramirez does in 502 for the White Sox.
* When one of the highlights of your baseball team’s season is applauding a former player pinch-hitting for the opposing team, chances are it’s not much of a season. Of course, it could mean your baseball team has really attentive fans who know their stuff. And the player fit in nicely on and off the field.
* The Washington Nationals, who obtained outfielder David DeJesus from the Chicago Cubs on Monday (meaning he still had to show up at Wrigley Field but reported to a different clubhouse), reportedly have placed him on waivers. Meaning he might want to wait before signing any rental lease — even short-time — in the D.C. area.
* On the bright side for DeJesus, he did receive a warm ovation from the Wrigley Field crowd. And quite likely a $1.5 million buyout on his option at the end of the season. We all should have such lovely parting gifts.
* Of course, those lamenting the loss of DeJesus might be referring to his wife Kim. Her high-profile presence was one of the highlights during his tenure with the Cubs. OK, somebody better find a photo of her to go with today’s effort.
* With the White Sox in Kansas City for a three-game series starting Tuesday, they have a chance to extend their three-game winning streak, current best in the American League. Hey, in a season like the ones the Sox are having, you have to grasp for whatever gratification you can.
* The Sox do lead the major leagues in one-run games with 45 (18-27). They also lead on one-run losses. So much for grasping gratification.
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