Barrett Returns

In the spirit of brotherhood that now obtains after three Cub wins, it's time for all of us to stop making jokes about Michael Barrett's dugout boxing exhibitions. For my part, I intend to declare a moratorium until someone does something that requires my attention. I also think people should stop blaming Barrett every time the Cubs lose a game.

We should all follow pitcher Ryan Dempster's lead. Ryan says people have been criticizing Barrett far too much. Pitcher Ted Lilly agrees with Dempster. Both say that one passed ball does not determine the outcome of an entire game, and people should stop giving Barrett so much gas.

If Lilly and Dempster are glad to see Barrett back behind the plate, so am I. Case closed.

I really mean it.

Where's Barrett?

Koyie Hill, not Michael Barrett, will catch Carlos Zambrano in Monday night's game against the Astros, and everyone who works for the Cubs is pretending that this arrangement has nothing to do with the recent Rumble at Wrigley.

The reader may recall that the main event on that occasion took place in the Cubs dugout as thousands of adoring fans watched Zambrano try to knock Barrett's head off.

Barrett's first mistake in that bout occurred when he forgot to leave his face mask on. His second mistake happened when he followed Zambrano into the clubhouse for a heart-to-heart talk.

Lou Piniella says Hill will catch because sometimes a pitcher may "feel more comfortable" with this or that catcher. If I were a catcher, I'd feel more comfortable if my pitcher didn't try to knock my brains out. I don't have much in the way of brains to start with.

Hill says he will pitch instead of Barrett because the poor guy "can't catch every game."

Yogi Barra caught every game. So did Roy Campanella.

I hope Hill doesn't allow any passed balls. If he does, I hope he leaves his face mask on.

Give Credit to the Cubbies

The Cubs looked good with the win against the Chicago White Sox today. Let's give credit where credit is due. The Cubs don't often give us the chance.

Barrett hit the ball instead of Pierzynski. Angel Pagan fouled up while running the bases, but hit a crucial triple in the seventh inning. Ted Lilly pitched a good game. And Ryan Dempster looked like a perfect machine as he closed the ninth.

Great job, guys. Give us something to cheer about tomorrow.