Flipped

A little over four years ago, this blog started by declaring 2003 over in mid-July. This page also declared 2005, 2006 and 2007 over in May. In 2005 and 2006, Ivy Chat was right.

This year, Ivy Chat was wrong. Dead wrong.

What this team has done in the last nine weeks is nothing short of remarkable. And, it is a tribute to the skills of one person: Lou Piniella.

This team, as originally constructed, was horrendous. Back in March, Lou was either unsure of the team or simply willing to give Jim Hendry's assemblage a chance to play.

In early June, Lou had seen enough. He pulled Hendry and John McDonough aside and, one can only guess, said, "It's them or me."

Soon after?

Michael Barrett - Gone.
Matt Murton - Gone.
Jacque Jones - Benched.
Cesar Izturis - Benched and gone.
Scott Eyre - Benched.

That's 20% of the team.

But, it's more than that. Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, Angel Pagan, Felix Pie, Billy Petrick and Carlos Marmol all got significant playing time. And they've all contributed. Imagine that under previous management.

But, wait, there's more!

If the Cubs do go on to take a playoff spot, and this curmudgeon now believes they will, it's the play of MVP candidate Aramis Ramirez that will be a big reason why. Ramirez has been outstanding this year. And he's been hustling this year in a way that would make Zig Ziglar jealous. That's all on Lou, too.

We fans finally have a manager who holds players to the same standard of play and professionalism that we would hold them to. As has been said before in this space, how refreshing.

The rest of 2007 will be enjoyable, and can be even better if Trader Jim isn't satisfied with his current roster. One more big bat, in center or right, and this team can really go places.

But, even if it doesn't, Lou has made it fun and respectable to be a fan of the Chicago Cubs again. Wishing and hoping is out of style. Excellence is expected.

By fans and franchise, alike.

And on Ivy Chat, the parrot has been reanimated!