As a former boss of mine once said when I told him that I wanted a raise, "how does it feel to want"?
Well, Aramis Ramirez apparently wants something and that something is to swipe a few bags.
While I probably have a better chance of dating Keeley Hazell than Ramirez does of becoming a base stealer, it just goes to show you what passes for news in the spring.
These spring training games are so riveting, so intense, that we find ourselves reading about a very injury-prone and slow third baseman wanting to become the next Rickey Henderson.
Hey, at least he isn't calling anyone out in the dugout. But speaking of that, perhaps he should focus just a bit more on trying to stay healthy and playing better defense than stealing bases.
Just a thought.
This current Cubs team talks about the importance of chemistry, but chemistry starts with winning. I know, it's kind of a 'chicken or the egg' type of deal, really.
But let me ask you this: have you ever heard of a divided clubhouse in a winning season? At least, while the winning is actually happening?
Of course not, and so it goes that Ramirez makes errors, and there always seems to be a Carlos seething with anger.
Last year, it was Carlos Zambrano angry with Derrek Lee. Never mind that he was a gold glove first baseman, don't let the facts get in the way of a good hissy fit.
This year it's Carlos Silva, who seems shocked that his blimp of a body doesn't have a guaranteed spot in the starting rotation. Talk about a guy who needs to look in the mirror.
No, Ramirez will never be confused with Ryan Zimmerman at third base. And sure, he can at least cut down the errors. Still, these Cubs spread the wealth and aren't just picking on Silva.
As for Ramirez staying healthy? Um, running the bases like he's being chased by a mountain lion wouldn't seem to be the best idea for a body seemingly so fragile that even Kerry Wood wouldn't wish to use it.
The fact that Ramirez has missed more games than Silva has apparently missed meals shouldn't be lost on anyone.
Look, if Ramirez wants to focus on swiping the occasional bag when they're not holding him on, fine.
But the Cubs have much bigger fish to fry. And no, I don't mean for Silva, though perhaps the occasional fish dinner might be a good idea for him.
I'm talking about defense. Team speed. Power.
So, Mike Quade, what are you going to do about this defense?
While I don't want to sound like Lou Piniella, what can he do?
He's got to dance with who brung him. And this team just wasn't constructed with defense in mind.
The left side of the infield contains Ramirez and a very young and error-prone shortstop.
Left field will be a defensive disaster for the next four years.
While GM Jim Hendry keeps trying to find that elusive left-handed power bat and a second baseman, perhaps he should look at run prevention and on-base percentage.
Ah, but none of that matters now that we have have Speedy Ramirez on the base paths. Here's betting he pulls a hammy on his first attempt.
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