More Amusing Than Sad

A tremendous athlete was forced to retire today. Barbaro, who tried to win the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes today, was diagnosed with a fracture above and below his ankle. Dr. Larry Bramlage, of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, called it a "life-threatening" injury.

Too bad that wasn't Michael Barrett.

This page has never been a big fan of Barrett. While he can hit decently, his hitting isn't good enough to make up for his poor presence behind the plate. There's a reason Henry Blanco catches Zambrano and Prior (every year or so). Barrett's a numb nuts. What's more ammusing is that Jim Hendry has had a woody for Barrett for years. Landing him in 2004 was a coup for Hendry.

I wonder if he still feels that way.

The Tribune has a nice gallary of the Barrett Fiasco today at Comiskey Park (until that cell phone company sends ME a check, the old name stays). Be sure to check it out.

As AJ Pierzynski calls Jim Rome a friend, see him clocked is always good times. But, he's just an ass. Barrett's an idiot. This team has a lot of idiots. Has had a lot of idiots. It's a common thread in the Hendry era.

Well, it looks like Barrett got what he deserved right back.


It does seem like even the most intractable members of Cubbie Nation are coming around to face reality. That's good, because just maybe some suits in Trib Tower, who do monitor Cubs blogs, will finally learn that change is needed. Just perhaps they realize that no change will start to cost them money (and a big "THANK YOU, WHITE SOX!" will be in order if this is the catalyst for change).

While a change in approach is clearly needed, firing an entire coaching staff mid-year would seem to be nearly impossible.

What's clear is that there needs to be a mandate to only play kids who will be here in 2007. If Dusty Baker won't do that, as he didn't last year, then he needs to go.

2007 started a few weeks back. Will the Cubs make the most of it? That's all there is left to watch until next April.