Hire Jim Essian

Regardless of what you may think about George Will's politics, it's fair to say he has always demonstrated an abundant passion for baseball. Though I would probably be considered a foul, liberal heathen by the likes of Will, I have long identified with him, not only for his appreciation for the game of baseball, but more specifically for the ... Read More

Wow. Carlos Marmol lost the job that he never technically had, but we always assumed he'd take. I had assumed this entire offseason that Marmol was the closer, and that Kevin Gregg was only on the team so that Sean Marshall wouldn't be the ugliest pitcher on the roster. But, let's face it. Marmol has had a mediocre ... Read More

Since he's been flat-out bad during Spring Training, Jeff Samardzija is either going to go north with the team and pitch out of the bullpen in Chicago, or he's going to head down to the AAA Iowa Cubs where he'll most likely start. That brings us to our very Clark Kent vs. Superman Friday Night Fukudome. VS. Chicago Samardzija Iowa Samardzija ... Read More

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know your Friday mornings are oh-so-bright thanks to the Roundup, and I'm late. Why don't you cry about it? That will make everything okay. Here's your Roundup: Paul Bako's hot spring has made us ever so torn about who should be the backup catcher. Do we take the guy who plays like all ... Read More

I'm going to be honest here. Ryan Klesko didn't particularly kill the Cubs any more than he did any other team. He didn't rise to the occasion against Cub pitching. He didn't perform well in Wrigley Field. In fact, Klesko was actually worse against the Cubs than his career averages suggest he should have been. ... Read More

How long has the Muskbag been back in Muskbox form? A couple of months? Why is this still at the top of every single one? The mailbag is back, but it's now the Inbox... Are there people out there so hopelessly confused that they can't find this column? Some Dipshit's Thoughts: I think I'll head to my favorite site, Cubs.com, to see ... Read More

I haven't watched much of the World Baseball Classic, but I did watch most of the game last night between the United States and Japan. Why exactly was Davey Johnson responsible for bringing pride back to United States baseball? Team USA played like crap for most of the game, but Johnson certainly didn't put them in a position ... Read More

I promised myself I'd try to keep the Fukudome Cub-related (or at least baseball-related) as much as possible, but tonight is a sad night, so I can't resist breaking my promise. All good things must come to an end, and the same holds true with Battlestar Galactica, which is the best science-fiction show in the history of television. ... Read More

Business first. If you e-mailed me to be part of Neifiball, you should have received an invitation to an ESPN fantasy baseball league. SOME PEOPLE (I won't name names...yet) haven't accepted those invitations. Please do it immediately so we can set draft dates. Or else, the public shaming will begin. Seriously. Accept the invitations ... Read More

Unbeknownst to me, HJE was nominated by the fine fellows at Zoner Sports for "Best Sports Blog NAME." That's a pretty clever idea for a tournament, but unfortunately, we're getting killed (and upset) right now. If you feel like it, go vote early and often. ... Read More