Cubs and their Aussie connection

ajenko80 · 08-27-2007, 04:48 AM

Excerpts taken from Chicago Tribune 1st of Feb 2007

" Gee February in Chicago sure is a lot colder than February down under".

With that proclamation the new Australian GM of the Chicago Cubs, Alex Jenkins had arrived.

When asked about his previous work within the game of baseball Jenkins replied.

"Work ha ha ha, I've never even played the game, let alone work in it. I've watched a ton of games on t.v back home but more importantly I took the K.C Royals to back to back world series wins playing Out Of The Park Baseball. I'd invite anyone out there to succeed at that whilst holding down a job and sustaining a meaningful relationship. Don't you worry i'm prepared."

Jenkins was then pressed on matters concerning coming and goings of players.

"I'm gunna get a good feel around the ball club, have a good chat to Lou and we'll make some descisions. Lou has been in the game for a long time so i'd be stupid not to take his advice on board. Having said that, i'm my own man and i don't care if your from Australia or Timbuktoo 98 years is a long time for any sporting team not to win the biggest prize. I'm going to fix that."

ajenko80 · 08-27-2007, 05:27 AM

Conversation held between Lou Pinniella and Alex Jenkins

15 minutes are filled with customary introductions, idle chit chat and Jenkins remarking how he is looking forward to seeing Lou "going right off" at least half a dozen times this season. The conversation then turns to pitching.

Jenkins: Well Lou I think we are both in agreeance that the first three spots in the rotation are safe. Zambrano and Lilley are shoe ins then Rich Hill I think will fill the number 3 starter role.

Piniella: I'm happy with that, I think Hill will only get better, and at 25 is going to be, along with Zambrano, the lynchpin of the starting rotation for years to come.

J: What about the rest of the rotation?

P: Yeah i'm not to happy with this. Angel Guzmann I think will improve but he will need to be on the top of his game. Then number 5 spot is up for grabs. Sean Marshall might get a go but it's in the air at the moment.

J:What's the deal with Jason Marquis. I was going through the books today and this man is going to be earning $21 million over the next 3 years. Last year with St Louis he had a 6.02 era. Can you get me the number of his agent.

P: I agree, Marquis will need to produce massive numbers this season to justify that contract. Look how about we settle on the first 4 starting spots. And i'll give a few blokes a go at starting through spring. See how they shape up.

J: O'k now, relievers Lou, what can you tell me

P: I'm gunna roll with Bob Howry as my 7th inning guy and Micheal Wuertze as 8th guy. Howry brings good experience to the mound. While Wuertze has some a grade stuff, plus throwing the rock around 98mph helps. I'm confident these two can kill games off quickly.

J: What about Dempster

P: He'll close no doubt about that. Good movement on his fastball, excellent baseball brain, he is my man.

Jenkins and Pinniella talk long into the night covering subjects diverse as kangaroos, the dh rule and techniques for kicking maximum amounts of dirt on umpires. Finally finishing talks around 2am agreeing to meet tomorrow and discuss offense.

08-27-2007, 04:48 AM	#1
ajenko80 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 83	Cubs and their Aussie connection Excerpts taken from Chicago Tribune 1st of Feb 2007 " Gee February in Chicago sure is a lot colder than February down under". With that proclamation the new Australian GM of the Chicago Cubs, Alex Jenkins had arrived. When asked about his previous work within the game of baseball Jenkins replied. "Work ha ha ha, I've never even played the game, let alone work in it. I've watched a ton of games on t.v back home but more importantly I took the K.C Royals to back to back world series wins playing Out Of The Park Baseball. I'd invite anyone out there to succeed at that whilst holding down a job and sustaining a meaningful relationship. Don't you worry i'm prepared." Jenkins was then pressed on matters concerning coming and goings of players. "I'm gunna get a good feel around the ball club, have a good chat to Lou and we'll make some descisions. Lou has been in the game for a long time so i'd be stupid not to take his advice on board. Having said that, i'm my own man and i don't care if your from Australia or Timbuktoo 98 years is a long time for any sporting team not to win the biggest prize. I'm going to fix that." Last edited by ajenko80; 08-27-2007 at 04:49 AM.

08-27-2007, 05:27 AM	#2
ajenko80 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 83	Fly on the wall part 1 Conversation held between Lou Pinniella and Alex Jenkins 15 minutes are filled with customary introductions, idle chit chat and Jenkins remarking how he is looking forward to seeing Lou "going right off" at least half a dozen times this season. The conversation then turns to pitching. Jenkins: Well Lou I think we are both in agreeance that the first three spots in the rotation are safe. Zambrano and Lilley are shoe ins then Rich Hill I think will fill the number 3 starter role. Piniella: I'm happy with that, I think Hill will only get better, and at 25 is going to be, along with Zambrano, the lynchpin of the starting rotation for years to come. J: What about the rest of the rotation? P: Yeah i'm not to happy with this. Angel Guzmann I think will improve but he will need to be on the top of his game. Then number 5 spot is up for grabs. Sean Marshall might get a go but it's in the air at the moment. J:What's the deal with Jason Marquis. I was going through the books today and this man is going to be earning $21 million over the next 3 years. Last year with St Louis he had a 6.02 era. Can you get me the number of his agent. P: I agree, Marquis will need to produce massive numbers this season to justify that contract. Look how about we settle on the first 4 starting spots. And i'll give a few blokes a go at starting through spring. See how they shape up. J: O'k now, relievers Lou, what can you tell me P: I'm gunna roll with Bob Howry as my 7th inning guy and Micheal Wuertze as 8th guy. Howry brings good experience to the mound. While Wuertze has some a grade stuff, plus throwing the rock around 98mph helps. I'm confident these two can kill games off quickly. J: What about Dempster P: He'll close no doubt about that. Good movement on his fastball, excellent baseball brain, he is my man. Jenkins and Pinniella talk long into the night covering subjects diverse as kangaroos, the dh rule and techniques for kicking maximum amounts of dirt on umpires. Finally finishing talks around 2am agreeing to meet tomorrow and discuss offense. Last edited by ajenko80; 08-27-2007 at 05:29 AM.