After Friday night’s debacle, blowing the 3-0 lead, the game shown on Apple TV, the Cubs bounced back and won a close game on Saturday night in Arizona. The bonus of watching this game, which Marquee actually had, was that Pat Hughes was broadcasting. It was so nice not to have to listen to Boog; still can’t get into him. Unfortunately, instead of JD who will actually shut up and let Pat talk, we had Rick Sutcliffe in the booth; if it was only possible to have a mute button for a specific person…
I like Rick Sutcliffe. Red Baron as he was known back in the day, ingrained himself into my memory the way he pitched in 1984 after we acquired him from the Indians; 16-1 I believe. His motion, curling his pitching hand holding the ball behind his body before making the delivery to home plate… I’ve imitated that many times, even today pitching to my son. He seems like a fun guy, like somebody you would love to go out and have a couple beers with; I’m sure he has some great stories… we’ve heard some of them over the years. Yet, on this night in Arizona, he needed to shut up. It sounded like he might have already been indulging in some brews during the game, turning into Hawk Harrelson in the booth; you know how bad that is. He kept running his mouth, while future Hall of Famer (he should already be in the HOF) Pat Hughes patiently waited to do his job. He is the consummate professional, and the best thing about listening to the Cubs on the radio. The fact that Marquee rotates him on TV every once in a while, may be the best thing they do. Yet, Rick was ruining it. I yelled at the TV for him to shut up multiple times, just wanting to hear the soothing voice of Pat call the game. Pick your spots Rick; don’t talk over a HOF. I know you like to hear yourself talk, but my God…
Thankfully, the Cubs got it done on the field. One thing, another thing that I am upset about is the way the Cubs have been mute on the whole Willson Contreras contract extension. From every indication, there will be no new deal; I feel like Contreras is as good as gone, and that pisses me off. Why wouldn’t we keep him? Why should it surprise me, based on everybody else we let walk out the door? Where do you rank Willson with today’s catchers? Top 5? Top 10 worst case? Well, if you’re a fan of fantasy baseball, he currently has more points than any other catcher. I don’t think you can honestly name me more than 3 other catchers that are better now, that will be better for the next 5 years. How old is he? He just turned 30 on Friday; another contract certainly would not be pushing the envelope on his age. Funny thing is that the Cubs have nobody else banging down the door at the position either. Yan Gomes? Hey, nice player, excellent backup, don’t get me wrong. I thought there was some other hot guy down in the minors a couple years back; haven’t heard or seen him, whoever that was. Although Contreras had 3 Ks in this one, he did draw the leadoff walk in top of the 9th; he would come around and score the go ahead run later that inning. He had been zoned in at the plate. I was remembering that one year, I want to say it was 2017, where he was a legit MVP candidate for a while there. Funny, or sad enough, I remember that game in SF where he hurt his hamstring; I was at Ricobene’s with my wife and son; I was pissed when I saw that. He always wears his heart on his sleeve, which is always appreciated; love to see Willson get fired up and/or get pissed off about what is happening on the field… at least somebody cares! Unfortunately, the Cubs will move their most attractive trade piece and get some minor leaguers we may or may not ever see. It just pisses me off so much.
Until then, I will enjoy Willson; I’ll also enjoy Pat as long as he keeps doing his thing… as long as whoever they pair him with on TV LETS him do this thing. Glad to see a Cubs W, as always. Do they dare win another series? Go Cubs!
Leave a Reply