Hey, you think Shane Andrews’ back is okay now? I don’t know how he hurt his back, what with him never moving any faster than a glacier and with his neck not having to support a human-sized brain. Oh, I remember. It’s probably from him swinging from his ass no matter the count, no matter the situation. His numbers reflected his hitting philosophy.
The Cubs signed Andrews in September of 1999 to back up Gary Gaetti, who they had kept around exactly one year longer than they should have. They actually got halfway decent production out of Andrews at the end of the 1999 season, so, in typical Cub fashion, they brought him back for another year. Andrews got off to a hot start with his power numbers in 2000 (hot as long as you didn’t mind him hitting under .230) before his back twanged like a broken banjo string in mid-May.
Andrews ended up playing only 66 games in 2000, as Willie Greene got the bulk of the starts. That’s right. Not only did Andrews suck when he was on the field, but he’s also the reason you had to watch Willie Greene play third base.
The Cubs dumped Andrews after the 2000 season. He was picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2001 season, but never saw the majors with them. He played 7 games in the majors with the Boston Red Sox in 2002 before disappearing for good.
Low Point: September 19, 2000. The Cubs are in County Stadium squaring off against the Brewers. Ruben Quevedo pulls his typical pants-crapping, two-inning, 6-run start, and the Cubs are behind 6 early. The Cubs crawl back into the game with a 6-run 6th inning to pull within one run. In the 7th Corey Patterson ties the game with a home run. With the tying run on 2nd base and 1 out later in the inning, Andrews whiffs. The Cubs take a lead 8-7, with no thanks to Andrews. Andrews has a chance to give the Cubs some insurance in the top of the 9th, and again strikes out swinging. In the bottom of the 9th, Kyle Farnsworth loads up the bases with one out. He gives up a game-tying single to Tyler Houston. The next batter, Marquis Grissom, hits a tailor-made double play ball to Andrews, who botches it, allowing the winning run to score. Cubs lose 9-8.
Did You Know? Michael Barrett is the reason Cubs fans had to suffer through Shane Andrews. The Montreal Expos wanted to give at-bats at third base to the rookie Barrett, which put Andrews on the bench. Andrews was not happy about the move, and the Expos were finally forced to release him. Thanks a lot, meathead.
