Abandoned? Never. Lazy? Probably.

When I stopped by the blog the other day and realized it had been nearly two weeks since there had been a new post, I nearly fell out of my chair. A thousand humble apologies, four readers. I have been neglecting you.

It's not that I forgot about the blog or about our Chicago Cubs, it's just there hasn't been a whole lot to talk about. In addition to the slow trickle of news out of Mesa, my Missouri Tigers have made a "historic" run to the Sweet 16 and have kind of taken up all my free time over the last few weeks (Memphis should take care of this problem on Thursday).

That being said, I thought I would make it up to you with a quick post, filled with even quicker thoughts about the 2009 Cubs and a variety of other topics. Think twitter, but more interesting (maybe).

Zambrano Named Opening Day Starter:
Well, we weren't going to go 162-0 anyway, might as well get it out of the way as soon as possible. The collective amnesia surrounding Z and his opening day performances is getting a little re-dunk-ulous at this point.

Bradley Nursing Injuries and/or the Flu:
How many times you think Milton is gonna get the "flu " this year? 20? 40? I have him penciled in for 75 games at this point which is saying something since I am one of the idiots who wanted him here.

Sam Fuld Demoted, Might Not Be That Good:
Experts: Inconceivable!
Me: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Japan Wins WBC:
I watched four innings last night. Seeing how pumped the fans were was pretty entertaining. Listening to Joe Morgan was not.

Marshall Named #5 Starter:
Want an example of how little I've been paying attention? COI broke this story for me. Zing!

Soriano Is Not Hitting Lead-off/Soriano Is Hitting Lead-off:
I don't think there is a storyline I care less about. As long as he hits the ball, he can bat wherever he wants. D-Lee on the other hand...

Fuku's Struggles Where About Making "Cultural Adjustment" to US:
Here I thought it was because he had adopted a "Close Eyes, Spin Like Top" batting style. Shows what I know.

DeRo Still With Indians, Wife Still Sad:
She saw a highlight of him at the WBC and nearly broke into tears. Thankfully, I beat her to it and ran out of the room sobbing.

Fast and Furious Hits Theatres April 3rd:
Let me be the first to say: Best. Movie. Ever.

Go Cubs.

FOTG Recommends...

Jimmy Rollins, Master Thespian

So thanks to the darn WBC, my DVR didn't record the 30 Clubs in 30 Days as scheduled. Super. There goes my idea for today's post. While I wait for the next recording, I thought my four readers would enjoy this new Dick's Sporting Goods commercial starring everyone's favorite little person...Jimmy Rollins.



Go Cubs.

FOTG Recommends...

The MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days.

Today (right now, actually) the Cubs are the subject MLB Network's ground-breaking show.

For all of you with jobs that require you to work full days, don't worry. This episode will air again on 3/11 at: 12 AM, 5 AM, 6 AM and 7AM.

Set your DVRs accordingly.

I will give my thoughts on this historic program tomorrow.

Go Cubs.

"Live" Blogging: After the Missouri Game Edition

The Cubs and Sox are playing a split squad game in Vegas tonight. Sounds like live blog material, right? I agree...and I will, as soon as my Missouri Tigers are done crushing the Sooners.

10:17PM:
Things I thought before I started officially "live" blogging.

1) Lou needs to be introduced to this thing called sunscreen.
2) As reader Brent points out, the problem isn't Soriano hitting 1st...it's Lee hitting 3rd.
3) Len mentioned that "fans are already getting on Soriano" which brings up a great question. How much does your life need to suck for you to be the guy booing at a Cubs spring training game in Vegas?
4) Brent's second contribution: Smarja not impressing me. Agreed.
5) John Van Benshoten, I will draft you for that name alone.
6) Do we really need to interview a guy to find out why people should come to Vegas?
7) I heart spring training baseball Part 1: Micah hit one to the warning track and it bounced in FRONT of the outfielder.
8) I heart spring training baseball Part 2: So Taguchi drives in two runs. Last time I ever type that sentence.

10:19PM
We were wondering if Bob's kid was at spring training when we were down there. Turns out he is. Good to know now that we are 3.5 hours away.

10:22 PM
Wait, it's Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker or Billy Joel and Elton John? Talk about too close too call.

10:24PM
Please insert your own snarky comments about Jermaine Dye while I walk my dog.

10:27PM
4-2 Sox in the 5th. The Riot gets a hit off Von Longest Name and is "ready for opening day right now."

10:29PM
Cubs are in business after ARam "doubles" down the line. I can't believe he isn't hustling in game 9 of spring training. Lou can't believe it either and pulls him for a pinch runner.

10:34PM
According to Len, Micah is the "2009 version of Daryl Ward." I wish he was the 2009 version of Derek Lee.

10:39PM
Non-roster invitee Jason Waddell, who has an "intriguing" arm according to Lou, gives up a bomb to Konerko. Lou has an eye for talent.

10:45PM
Len and Bob have spent the last 5 minutes defending Waddell to the handful of fans still paying attention to this meaningless game on a random late Wednesday evening. That's why I love them.

10:50PM
Fontenot takes advantage of the single A talent in the outfield and turns a double into a triple. HUGE at bat for Hill (little known fact: Lou is famous for making his backup catcher decisions based on ABs that take place in the 6th inning of the 9th spring training game). He flies out. Good news for Bako.

10:56PM
You know it's a split squad game when the guy we traded Wuertz for is playing.

10:58PM
Things I've Learned in 2009: Fake to third, throw to first works in three situations: 1) College baseball 2) Spring training 3) When Mark Grace is on 1st.

11:01PM
Theriot gets "funky with it" down the line and the game is tied.

11:06PM
Nothing says Cubs baseball is back like a cheesy Menard's commercial.

11:06PM
I agree when Len says Chad Fox has had a lot of arm issues. I disagree when Len says we are happy to see him back on the mound.

11:11PM
I heart spring training baseball Part 3: After the PA guy announces the new White Sox batter Cole Armstrong, there is a pause and then you hear some random fan yell, "Boo. Boo Armstrong." Kudos, sir. Kudos.

11:17PM
Josh Fields (aka the waste of space I refused to drop on my keeper team) chunks a grounder. So glad I held on to him.

11:20PM
Dave Van Dyck from the Trib is in the booth now which reminds me...Martin and I saw Paul Sullivan up close down in Mesa. He may have even appeared in a picture or two, I believe. He is my new favorite beat writer for the Cubs and it's not just because I could fit him in my pocket, I swear.

11:29PM
DVD and Len discuss Arod for nearly a second and half and I almost changed the channel. Let's move on, folks. Please.

11:31PM
Bob quotes Jon Kruk talking about day games after night games, "It was much easier to stay up than to get up." Bravo.

11:34PM
Since I'm too lazy to actually look up the name of the guy who just stole second, I will assume it's the name I heard Len say: Rob Nen. Yes, it's late.

11:40PM
Hey, it's everyone's favorite cock-tease...Angel Guzman! Unfortunately, the line was off in Vegas tonight on whether or not he actually explodes on the mound. He did give up a jack, though. 6-6.

11:46PM
Butter Burger may be the best name for a food product ever. I need to go to Culver's soon.

11:49PM
I'm pretty sure that my blackjack addiction would keep me from going to this game if I was in Vegas. Actually, I'm pretty sure my gambling addiction would keep me from going OUTSIDE if I was in Vegas.

11:54PM
Heading to the bottom of the 9th and much like the Cubs and Sox, I will not be going extras. My conditioning isn't quite where it needs to be to attempt that yet, sorry.
UPDATE: They will go extras, apparently. I still will not.

11:55PM
Sam Fuld flashes the leather and I am two outs from bedtime. Newish second baseman "Barney" almost makes it two outs even after a 5-foot throw towards first. Good times.

11:59PM
Rule 5er Patton gets the loss after giving up an RBI single. Damn. Only 30 games to go BEFORE Opening Day.

Go Cubs.

Ok Winter, That's About Enough Out Of You.

As I sat in my home shivering after another exciting game of "Hurry-Up-And-Poop" with my dog, I was flipping through my DVR's To-Do-List and noticed this one on the Superstation: MLB Preseason Baseball.

After confirming that I was not accidentally recording a White Sox game, I found myself getting a little excited for some reason. It happens. After a week in Mesa watching nothing but batting practice and random fielding drills, I am ready for some "real" baseball!

Before my three readers even start, yes, I know that the Cubs have been playing baseball for almost a week now. I'm not a complete idiot. It's even possible that they have played on TV already (remember, I said I am not a "complete idiot"). It doesn't really matter. Wednesday night will be my first game on TV in 2009 and that means one thing...baseball is back. Hallelujah.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE winter. I mean, it has bitter cold, snow, ice and NBA basketball. What's not to love, right? Right? Hello? Exactly. Other than college basketball games involving anyone but Duke, Dayton, the Big East and Kansas, winter blows. That's what makes this Cubs game so special. Welcome back baseball. I've missed you.

Go Cubs.