As expected, Dusty Baker was relieved of his managerial duties today. This move was necessary as the Cubs have gotten progressively worse over the past 3 seasons. A 66-96 record should not get your contract renewed. In Dusty's defense, he did not have any control over the plethora of injuries that have befallen the North Siders over the last 2 years. However, the key is that he did not motivate his players to overcome adversity. More importantly, Dusty had no clue how to properly use the bullpen (in the immortal words of Kenny Rogers, you've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em). His management of the pitching staff was pitiful on a good day. In addition, the Cubs have not played fundamental baseball during his regime, especially with regards to properly running the bases and executing basic plays they should have learned in Little League...
I can only hope and pray that the new manager will lay down the law and bring a winning attitude to the franchise. Former Cub Joe Girardi is the right man at the right time. It would be in the best interests of the Tribune Company to hire the probable NL Manager of the Year and turn the Cubbies around. Will we need some new players? Hell yeah! Should we count on the services of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior in the rotation again without acquiring some top of the line starters? Hell no! Let's learn from the mistakes of the past 98 years and stop being "the doormat of the National League." Wouldn't it be nice to be a winner instead of a laughingstock? Can I get an amen?!? I'm already looking forward to next season because it can't get much worse than this one. We're closing in on a century of futility-let's reverse the curse! None of us are getting any younger, and I want to celebrate a World Series victory while I can still party like a rock star. GO CUBS IN '07!!!
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