Imaginary Sports Writer

At the risk of sounding like a sore loser because the Cubs were the ones getting swept this time around, I’m really happy that both teams in Chicago are finally done playing each other. The games are entertaining, both stadiums have a great buzz, and every year there seems to be less and less fights between over-served idiots on both sides.

Still, every year these two series take on a life of their own, and everything else these teams are doing is completely ignored. Call me crazy, but I’m was more concerned about the Cubs losing two of three at home against the Orioles, than the sweep this weekend. But, the playoff-like atmosphere in the stands carries over to over-joyed or over-panicked fans on Monday morning. Now, everything can go back to normal, and hopefully the Cubs can keep beating up the rest of the National League.

I hate you, Ryan Ludwick

The Cardinals not only survived not having 13 games without Albert Pujols, but actually gained a game in the standing.

On a side note, I’ve recently come to the decision that I hate Ryan Ludwick. Because for four years, Ludwick was a bad major league player. Then, he was out of baseball for a year before returning last season to be a still bad player in St. Louis. Now, he’s hitting .285, with 16 home runs, leading the team in RBI, and softened the blow during Pujols injury. How is he doing it? No one really knows and it makes no sense, so I decided I hate Ludwick for everything he stands for.

Back to the Cardinals. The Cards still have a little while before they get Adam Wainwright back, but losing Pujols didn’t appear to be too much of a problem. But, I’m not worried. Do I seem nervous? I’m not nervous. Oh no, I’m nervous.

Keep your mask on

Sunday’s Cubs-Sox game was another example of what is becoming the most annoying trend in baseball. Umpires taking their masks off and letting everyone in the world know they’re upset.

On Sunday, 1st base umpire Chad Fairchild missed a call on a check-swing by Joe Crede. Then, Lou Piniella went out to talk about it, and probably to get tossed because some people think this “fires” up the team or whatever. Anyway, Fairchild just pointed for Piniella to go back to the dugout, but home plate ump Rob Drake had to come behind Piniella throw him out, and then shake his head for about ten minutes afterwards.

No one wants instant replay to be used everywhere, because it would take away the human, nostalgic element of the game, but umpires should be the closest things to machines as they can be. If journalists and columnists aren’t supposed to show their emotion in the press box, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for umpires to be stoic on the field.

The worse case of “umpire baiting” was earlier this week.

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