Hello,

I just wanted to let everyone know about a book I've written called THE COMEBACK SEASON. It's intended for young adults, but at its heart, is a story about what it means to be a Cubs fan, and about the way they teach us to hope. I love this site, and would really appreciate any help in spreading the word to everyone out there in Cubdom!

Here's the Amazon link to the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Comeback-Season-Jennifer-E-Smith/dp/1416938478/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205940925&sr=8-1

Cheers,
Jennifer E. Smith

Hello,

I just wanted to let everyone know about a book I've written called THE COMEBACK SEASON. It's intended for young adults, but at its heart, is a story about what it means to be a Cubs fan, and about the way they teach us to hope. I love this site, and would really appreciate any help in spreading the word to everyone out there in Cubdom!

Here's the Amazon link to the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Comeback-Season-Jennifer-E-Smith/dp/1416938478/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205940925&sr=8-1

Cheers,
Jennifer E. Smith

First, a quote from today's Chicago Tribune...

Drinking starts in the clubhouse
Hancock's death brings questions about alcohol use

Published May 2, 2007

For some reason, we Cubs fans feel that it is our duty to share our ideas with the Cubs management on how to run their ballclub, ballpark, etc. Even our Governor shares this sense of duty. Go figure.

Anyway, here are my ideas. Feel free to reply with your suggestions too.

If the rumors are correct and Sam Zell buys the Tribune Company, that is reason for cautious optimism about the future of the Cubs. The good news is Zell is a long time Chicagoan. The additional good news is he is very smart. The question is whether his likely affection for the City and the team will translate to him keeping control or selling off the organization to ease the debt burden on the Tribune. If he chooses to sell off, one hopes he will favor local ownership. Maybe he will get creative and offer shares to fans. In any event, it is better that he wins the contest for the Company than a non-Chicago person.

There is a theory that Cubs fans should delight in spring training losses, because in the past a lousy spring training w/l record would be followed by a winning Cubs regular baseball season.

My question is... do the Cubs baseball statistics prove this theory?

I don't know where to find the Cubs w/l records for spring training, or I'd check it myself.

Diana

Photos from Ryne Sandberg's Chicago Cubs jersey number retirement ceremony at Wrigley Field

Quote from the front page of the Chicago Sun Times...

Tribune on trial

The Under Armour advertising on the doors at Wrigley seems to be annoying the Trib writers, but do fans - or bloggers - really care that much?

I haven't seen much anger on blogs this morning, and we at Wrigleyville23 aren't the least bit bothered by it. Are others?

In a headline that makes a Cub fan gulp, Carlos Zambrano has indicated that the Cubs must give him a contract now "OR ELSE" he will be gone after 2007. What better way to bring negotiations to a climax, huh? My take on this is that this is Zambrano letting his real feelings show. He has himself pumped up. He is a proud man, and he feels he has earned a new contract with a whole lot of money (and he has). Whether his ego and agent will be satisfied in a deal between now and arbitration is a very important question for the Cubbies. It would be ironic for them to quibble over the last million or two, given what has gone on in the market for lesser talents. My guess and hope is that they reach a deal extending for four years, with increasing pay increments and bonuses galore.
See the ESPN story: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2763803&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

I think we all need more Ryan Theriot in our lives. Why did the Cubs sign DeRosa??

We have a contest going at Wrigleyville on when Carlos will sign, with whom, for how much and for how long. Enter today!

11/17/2006 2:46 PM ET
Chicago Cubs announce front office change

The Chicago Cubs today announced Sharon Pannozzo has resigned as director of media relations for the club effective Dec. 31, 2006.

cubs.com weblink

THE CHICAGO CUBS SEEK A DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS

The Chicago Cubs have an immediate opening for a Director, Media Relations reporting directly to the President, Chicago Cubs. This position is responsible for directing all media relations activities associated with the Chicago Cubs team and coaching staff. These responsibilities include directing the writing and design of the annual media guides; writing press releases and daily press notes; directing activities related to promotional events such as the Cubs Caravan; maintaining contact with local and national media and acting as media spokesperson for the club.

Could someone explain the different ways that a team having an awful year can benefit from their record in the off season?

I see that in 2002, the Cubs finished with a 67-95 record. The following year, they went 88-74 and we Cubs fans had an exciting year.

What does MLB (Major League Baseball) offer poorly performing teams to make them more competitive the following year?

2002 record 67-95, Finished 5th in NL Central Division
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/...

2003 record 88-74, Finished 1st in NL Central Division
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/...

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2006 record 66-96, Finished 6th in NL Central Division
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/...

2007 record ??-??, Finished ?th in NL Central Division