Random Jottings

Some thoughts after tonight's second loss in a row to a AA level team.

Kerry Wood either needs more rehab time, the speed gun in Florida is slow, or he's in big trouble. Last week at Wrigley, his pitches were in the low 90's. Today, the gun in the second and third inning was showing 91. Post TJ Surgery, Wood's pitches have had less movement on them. That means he needs that high 90's heater to offset his low 80's curveball. If he's at 91 on the heater, he's worthless as a starter.

With the possibility of a sweep by the Marlins, the probability increases that someone will have to pay for this ineptitude. Who will it be? It seems unlikely that the Trib will take the correct step and fire Andy MacPhail who has had 12 years to turn the franchise around. No, they need to keep him happy until Bud Selig retires, Andy becomes the Commish, and the Trib can have serious clout with MLB. Even if they sell the Cubs, having access to the Commissioner of Baseball is something any media company would want.

We know that the Cubs really, really want to extend Dusty Baker. As such, Ivy Chat introduces Jim Hendry's Contract Extend-O-Meter. You'll know at a glance the probability that Dusty gets a new contract today. Red Alert seems far off. We're in the blue right now, folks.

A few coaches are possible. Gene Clines? Larry Rothschild? Band-aids when a tourniquet is needed.

Curious that Andy is in Florida right now. The last time I recall the media mentioning him traveling with the team in season was in 2002 when Don Baylor was fired.

Something's gonna happen. As it won't be game wins, perhaps it will be something more beneficial long term.