Spring

You can tell me once and you can tell me over a hundred times. Spring training does not mean anything. It is just practice for the real season.

Many teams over the years had losing records in spring training and went on to dominate and win the World Series.

Still, I hate it that the Cubs have a losing record. I want them to win, even if it is spring training.

Carlos Zambrano did not have a terrible outing, but did give up four runs in less than six innings. The most embarrassing thing today was that the Cub hitters only generated two hits. It was not the kind of day that gets you excited about opening day.

Speaking of which, we are only a couple weeks away. We still have forty-four men in camp. Hopefully another slash is due. The fight for the three remaining spots is heating up. Fire is being felt under the toes of people like Kerry Wood and Neal Cotts who were virtually guaranteed spots on the roster. They better get things moving or they will start the year on the DL or worse.

Daryle Ward is another who better start showing what he can do. He may go the way of Marquis Grissom, who retired on the last days of spring training last year, giving his seat to Angel Pagan. This may be Pagan’s only way of making the club again this year.

It was a disappointing day at the end of a disappointing week. The Cubs have a losing record going into a split squad day tomorrow. If the Cubs could nab them both, the sun will reappear again. I am hoping, but not holding my breath.