A Big Save

Did you see Dusty Baker cheering Jacque Jones' homer yesterday? You'd have thought he won a pennant instead of one regular season, non-divisional game. I hear Dusty called the win their biggest of the year. THIS game? Why was this the biggest win of the year?

Because they came from behind to win a game that was lost until Paul Konerko decided not to make a strong reach for Juan Uribe's slightly off-target throw? Was it because Jones hit a homer off a lefty? Was it because the Cubs broke a losing streak of 2 games? Was it because they got one win against the World Series champs?

More likely, it was big because Dusty realized he hadn’t wasted time packing his bag for the Cubs' trip to Miami.

I thought about this yesterday, and Barry Rozner articulated it today. That win yesterday probably saved jobs. It may have saved the whole coaching staff and certain members of the front office.

And what the hell is Jim Hendry doing saying the timing isn't right to give Dusty an extension, but expectations remain that he’ll likely give him one later? That's insane. What this means is that Hendry has already made the decision to keep Dusty, but he won't tell us that right now.

Why not? Because Cub fans would be pissed right now. In other words, not because Dusty doesn't deserve it, rather because it would be bad marketing.

Hell of a way to run a baseball team. (Note: If you want some good marketing, run, don't walk, and go hire Whitey Herzog)

Just maybe the Cubs front office staff should show some leadership. If you've made a decision, don't wait until people won’t notice to announce it. Execute that decision and defend it right now. Then again, expecting real leadership at 1060 West Addison is something that's been lacking since Dallas Green left.

A quick note to Neil Cotts: Any left-handed pitcher giving up a home run to Jones might need some career counseling.