Conflict in the Ranks

Jerry Hairston was peeved yesterday that he didn't play and that Neifi Perez did. Welcome to the club, Jerry. And by that, I mean the club of people who don't like Dusty Baker's logic. Hairston decided to mouth off to the press about how he didn't like the decision. Well, that's worse logic than Dusty's. Dusty is a my-guy, not-my-guy guy. He's plays his guys and benches everyone else. A sure way to stay on the not-my-guy list is to mouth off to the press.

But on the bigger issue to Cubs' fans, the Trib said one thing, the Daily Herald another, while the Sun Times was silent.

Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald wrote:
"(Jerry) Hairston likely will be the Cubs' starting second baseman more times than not in the near future..."

Paul Sullivan of the Trib penned:
"... the Cubs have a capable defensive replacement for Walker in Neifi Perez, who will receive the bulk of the playing time at second..."

So, which is it? Clearly Sullivan comes off as more confident while Sassone sounds speculative. Does Sullivan have a quote to back it up?

If Neifi Perez gets more than 50% of the at bats at second base while Todd Walker is on the mend, the Cubs will be no better than a .500 ballclub when Walker returns. If Neifi gets 50%+ batting first or second, the Cubs will be below .500.

Mark it down.

Betting Line

With Mark Prior set to start today, I'm in line to lose a bet to Al "Faith Healer" Yellon. That's OK. Let's also be clear about one other thing: Starting Mark Prior today is a drastic mistake. The guy has had essentially one spring training start (the Albuquerque Disaster). The weather today is cold. Perfect conditions to start a guy who has an elbow problem. The weather today is wet. If Prior has to field a bunt, I'm sure that old Achilles problem won't be affected by some slippery grass.

This is the guy who was, two years ago, set to be "The Franchise" and lead this team for the next ten years. Let's take a chance with him on a day like today and not give him one more rehab start in the minors.

Just f'n brilliant.

Here's hoping for a rain out. Either that, or Al better hope that the beer I buy him doesn't subsidize and MRI for number 22.

:::UPDATE:::
It looks like Hairston will start and leadoff today. Oh, but Neifi Perez is still in the lineup -- playing 3rd. Yes, it's too cold and wet for Aramis Ramirez to play, say the Cubs. But not cold and wet enough to keep Mark Prior out.

Just f'n brilliant.