Two Down, 120 to Go

The Cubbies lose two games in Tokyo, and my South Side starts to show. Another 120 losses, guys, and you beat our record. Go, Cubs, go. If I were a Cubs fan (perish the thought), I’d be a little ticked at having to start the season close to two weeks ahead of everyone else (except the 2-0 Dodgers, of course). This has got to hurt team rhythm, if there is such a thing, and I think there is. Maybe all this rushing explains why Jed Hoyer put the immortal Jon Berti on the roster instead of Nicky Lopez, who can at least catch the ball. If I were a Cubs fan (see above), I’d also start to wonder about manager Craig Counsell. At least Joe Maddon had a shelf life. Counsell’s supposed savvy in the dugout translated into a 83-79 record, which seems a tad modest given his five-year, $40 million contract. And talk about a cure for insomnia. Alas, honesty forces me to admit Will Venable sounds like an excited Counsell, if there is such a thing. That said, 0-2. Keep up the good work, everyone.