Cubs’ Future: Brett Jackson Homers as Team Loses

August 28, 2012 @ admin → No Comments

Random thoughts (or what passes for thinking with the editorial department at elliottharris.com) while wondering how the Chicago Cubs are going to justify increasing ticket prices — or even maintaining the current level — while providing patrons at Wrigley Field with a big-league experience except for the team they put on the field:

Thanks to the fine folks at Midwest Ethnic Models Photography for this picture of Jennifer Doumel -- even if there is nothing about the Bears in today's edition.

* Anyone judging the Cubs’ future by their 15-4 loss Monday (Aug. 27) to the visiting Milwaukee Brewers doesn’t have a grasp of what team president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and his crew are trying to do. Fine. But is it OK to pencil in utility player Joe Mather as a bullpen specialist? Hey, all four pitches he threw were for strikes.

* Speaking of strikes, Cubs rookie Brett Jackson went strikeout-less (if that’s a word — and even if it isn’t) in a 1-for-3 night that included two walks and his fourth home run and improved his batting average to .219. Picking up his slack in the strikeout category was rookie third baseman Josh Vitters, who had three in an 0-for-5 game as his average dropped to .093. Ah, the future.

* Speaking of strikeouts, White Sox slugger Adam Dunn had his 183rd of the season in a 4-3 loss at Baltimore. On the bright (???) side, he did go 1-for-4 to raise his batting average to .204.

* Although the abacus at corporate headquarters of elliottharris.com has disappeared, the editorial staff believes the Cubs (49-78) need to win 14 of their last 35 to avoid 100 losses this season.

* The Sox (71-56) need to win 19 of their last 35 to reach 90 victories. Whether that means they reach the postseason is another question for another day. Or another month.

* In case you were wondering who won the National Pro Fastpich women’s softball championship, the answer is no one. The Chicago Bandits won the first game in the best-of-three series, but Sunday’s game(s) at the Ballpark in Rosemont lost out to the rain. The league called off the series and declared no champion would be declared. And, no, baseball commissioner Bud Selig was not involved in the decision. Players, such as Bandits star pitcher Monica Abbott, had flights to go overseas Monday. Even so, both teams reportedly were willing to play. For a league seeking a big-league identity, the entire situation semed more like a rec league. No offense intended to rec leagues.

* A Labor Day Sports Collectible and Autograph Convention will be held Sunday and Monday (Sept. 2-3) at the Westin Hotel. 400 Park Blvd., in Itasca, Ill. Admission is $5. Scheduled for Sunday are hockey hall of famer Grant Fuhr (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), Bears legend Gale Sayers (noon to 2 p.m.), former Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame star Paul Hornung (noon to 2 p.m.), Bears tight end Matt Spaeth (2-3:30 p.m.) and Cubs prospect Jorge Soler (10-11 a.m.). Monday’s lineup: Sox players Alexei Ramirez, Dayan Viciedo, Alejandro De Aza and Dwayne Wise — all from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; and former Bears coach Mike Ditka (noon to 2 p.m.). Tickets and information such as prices for autographs are available by clicking here. Or you can call (630) 627-1975 or (630) 294-4207.

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Every day since the Chicago Luvabulls held auditions on Saturday (Aug. 25) for the 2012-13 dance squad, this site has been fortunate to be able to provide some video from the session at the United Center. Today is no exception. If things go according to plan (when they involve something as special as the Luvabulls, the generally do), there will be more videos for Wednesday — which at last check is tomorrow (depending, of course, whether you are reading this today or some other time).

Anyway, here are some videos to enjoy: