Wednesday, October 15, 2003

Curse Words 

I'll have plenty to say about the Yanks-Red Sox Game Five later, but in the meantime, how about that other series going on? I haven't been able to spare an ounce of agita over the Cubs-Marlins matchup, or a moment for a writeup -- as a fan of a potential opponent I'm glad to see them go seven -- but I'm alternately admiring the cockroach-like tenacity of the Florida Marlins and the bad luck of the Chicago Cubs.

That said, anybody who has watched Dusty Baker over the past few seasons could tell you that his propensity for staying with his starters beyond rational comprehension -- hey Dusty, did you hear about this new-fangled invention called a bullpen? Been around since the '70s -- would bite him on the ass like a 15-foot alligator sooner or later, and on Tuesday, the gator ate. Ate as in eight runs in the eighth, which the Marlins scored when the Cubs were just five outs away from their first pennant in 58 years, holding a 3-0 lead.

The moment which may live in infamy for the Cubs came when a fan in leftfield attempted to catch a foul ball off of Luis Castillo's bat, without realizing that leftfielder Moises Alou could have made the play. Alou slammed his glove in frustration, but umpire Mike Everitt ruled no interference -- the ball was in the stands, the fan hadn't actually leaned over the railing. Cubs starter Mark Prior then walked Castillo, and from there, a big inning exploded in the Cubs' face.

Christian Ruzich, the Cub Reporter, is a man beside himself, cursing up a storm as he points out that just six living men know what it's like to play for the Cubs in a World Series. Check him out.

--posted by Jay at 12:59 AM LINK