13.3%

That's the probability of the Cubs getting shut out each time they take the field. That's, in case you don't already know this, not a championship calibur stat. This page, once again, calls for an upgrade to the top of the order. And that call is for Carlos Beltran.

I don't wanna hear about any prospects being given up for anything pitching-wise, other than a high-end closer. Pitching is not this team's problem.

Side note to Dusty: Batting Corey 2nd, 7th, 8th, 3rd and 2nd over the last two weeks is not how to straighten this kid out. A trip to Iowa, perhaps, is the way.

History Repeating Itself

My afternoon drive team of Roe and Garry seems to be spliting up for good. Roe will accept WLS' new cotnract offer while Garry will turn it down. This is depressing. But it gets worse. Bob Feder is reporting that a possible replacement is Dan Bernstein.

That's just an awful paring were it to pan out.

What made Roe and Garry so good was the extremely high intelligence of Roe and the sharp wit of Garry. Roe also has the ability to be smart with his caller, yet not condescending. Garry moved the show along, managing callers and keeping the timing smooth. He'd also add a bit of nasty humor along the way.

Bernstein, whom I generally like, adds none of that. He is almost always condescending to his callers. He's not a smooth manager of the show. He's very smart, sometimes funny. In other words, he's Roe but with a prickish side. That's good for a sports show when you get Bob from Northlake saying, "The Bulls should trade the #3 pick for Tracy McGrady." That's bad when Suzy from Morton Grove calls in to say, "Fantasia should not be the American Idol."

Don't do this, WLS. You'll kill Roe and the whole show.