Sad News from Chicago

I was sad to hear about the passing of Ron Santo, legendary Cubs player and broadcaster.

As a player, Santo was a borderline Hall-of-Famer. I'm not going to start that debate, so let's just leave it at he was a tremendous ballplayer. Unfortunately, he never got to play in a postseason. In fact, Santo played in the fifth most amount of games in baseball history without making a postseason appearance.

As a broadcaster, Santo was the epitome of what you learn NOT to do in broadcasting school. Shouting over the play-by-play guy, moaning, cheering, and the general flood of emotions at the simplest of plays is something that you learn to keep in check over time.

Yet, Ron Santo got away with it. He was allowed to do all of those things because he wasn't just a former Cubs player or the Cubs announcer. He was bigger than all of that. He was the voice of the fans.

I am not much of a Cubs fan and have said many times that "Pat Hughes is a saint for putting up with Ron Santo for all those years." Even still, I can appreciate an iconic figure and Ron Santo certainly was that and more to Cubs fans.

The Cubs family has lost a legendary member, and the broadcasting fraternity has lost a one-of-a-kind personality. Ron Santo will be missed.

Poll Results

As you can see on the right side of the page, the majority of people that voted don't think the Cubs will win a World Series in their lifetime. That's both sad and amazing all at the same time.

I'm trying to think of a new poll question, but my brain isn't working today since we had to be up early and had a long bus ride to Bowling Green. I'll likely have one tomorrow. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

The Loons Take a Hit

Today, the Dodgers acquired Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot from the Chicago Cubs. That's not really why I am posting however.

The reason for this post is that the Dodgers sent pitcher Brett Wallach to the Cubs organization. Wallach was 6-0 for the Great Lakes Loons this season.

That marks the second pitcher this week that the Loons have lost in a trade, as they also lost Elisaul Pimentel to the Royals organization for Scott Podsednik.

Plus, Ruby de la Rosa and Will Savage have been promoted in the last month. The Loons have lost four starters since the All-Star Break, and suddenly, this league looks a bit more winnable for some of the other teams.

Lunchtime Links

I'm so hungry I'm about to gnaw my arm off, but before I go to lunch, I will post some baseball-related links for you (because your happiness is more important than my hungry stomach).

-First, I'm not a real big fan of Gene Wojciechowski (mainly b/c I had to refer back to the article page 4 times to spell his name right), nor am I a real big fan of Pete Rose anymore (should be in the Hall based on his playing career, but the guy is a first rate...well, pick whatever word you want to fill in). However, Gene makes an interesting case about Mark McGwire versus Pete Rose. It's worth the read whether you like them both, hate them both, or just like baseball.

-Andre Dawson wanted to go into the Hall of Fame as a Cub. They said "nope, you're an Expo."

-Speaking of the Cubs, they signed former Silver Hawk Chad Tracy to a Minor League deal yesterday.

Heilman Trade: A Link to some Links

Want to know the various reactions to the Diamondbacks acquiring Aaron Heilman? I'll link you to MLB Trade Rumors, and allow them to link you to the reactions from across the country.

Also, as Pete pointed out in the comments of the last post, I neglected to mention where Aaron Heilman went to college. Most are aware, but some aren't, that Heilman is indeed a former star for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

So between Heilman playing at Notre Dame and having been on the Cubs, Ryne White playing for the Silver Hawks and having gone to school at Purdue, and of course, the Diamondbacks being the other team involved in the trade, this story has an angle for just about everyone who reads this blog.

More Top 10 Rankings

As mentioned last week, Baseball America is working their way through ranking the top 10 prospects in each team's farm system. I figure most of you are smart enough to go to www.baseballamerica.com and find the rankings, but when a team that has an affiliate in the Midwest League is posted, I'll try to link you.

Today, the Chicago Cubs are up, and of course, the Peoria Chiefs are their low-A affiliate. There are a handful of players in the top 10 that were in Peoria this last season, including Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson.