NEWSLETTER
I love the holidays. It always makes me feel like a kid again. Sure, it’s pretty cliche. It’s also very true. There’s something about hearing Christmas music everywhere, seeing Santa, and watching those Coca-Cola Polar Bears that gets to me (I’m not joking). I may be alone, as I know that for some, it’s annoying and stressful. To each their own, I suppose.  But for me, it’s just the best.
My favorite part about Christmas, however, is wishing for stuff. It’s not really about what you get. It’s about the possibilities. When I was a kid, it was Star Wars Legos and a life-size cardboard cutout of Michael Jordan taking a free throw shot (still have it). When I 16, it was a car (I accidentally blew up the engine). But now as an adult, I only wish for two things: (1) to see the smiles of my family when I give them their gifts and (2) stuff from my favorite sports teams.
I’ll spare you the details of my gifts to others … even though they’re freaking awesome this year.  I will, however, share my self-proclaimed “Cubs Wish List” for 2014.  I narrowed down my list to 5 things. This isn’t the normal, “I WANT A CHAMPIONSHIP,” wish list.  Everyone of course wants that every year.  This is different.
1. I wish to like Rick Renteria
I’ve heard a lot about our new skipper. Most is great baseball stuff that I’m looking forward to seeing. But there’s one other aspect that I wish for: I just want to like the guy. I want him to treat the fans and the media well.  I want him to be honest and say as much as he can to us without it harming game plans, player moral, etc.  From what I’ve heard so far, we’re off to a good start.  I hope that continues and he stays around for years to come. If we’re lucky, we as fans will be able to view him as that awesome uncle that always brings you Star Wars Legos for Christmas. Fingers crossed.
2. I wish for Ron Coomer to not suck
I’ll be the first to say that I really enjoyed hearing Keith Moreland on the radio. It wasn’t an easy task to fill Santo’s shoes. He was the man. But Moreland did a great job and I’m sad to see/hear him go. As Ron Coomer steps in, I’ll admit that he is not a guy I was all that familiar with. It rang a (tiny) bell, but it’s obviously not a household name. My point is that I just want him to not suck. What’s sucking entail? I don’t know. But I’ll tell you if it happens. I have all the faith in the world that he won’t, but still, I worry. I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s that we won’t know until we’re already “in it.” This isn’t a contract-to-hire situation.  He’ll be there for 162 games plus Spring Training. On the upside, if it does go south, it’s only a 2 year deal. Let’s hope for the best and that the suck stays away. Go get ’em, Coomer!
3. I wish for a “breakout” player
I don’t know if I can really quantify this one. But let me explain my issue. The last jersey I bought was Ryan Theriot in 2007. Not a bad purchase. I was able to get three solid years out of it. But I’ve been hesitant to pull the trigger on another. I want the grinder that’s also going to be around for a couple of years. Maybe it’s Ryan Sweeney. Maybe it’s Schierholtz. Who knows. The problem is that because of where the team is right now, the possibility of a trade is very real. It always is, but even more so when you’re trying to rebuild. My wish is that there’s a guy who turns into a stud, and who the Cubs then keep around for a while. At least long enough for me to buy my jersey from a Chinese website MLB.com.
4. I wish for progress
This is self explanatory.  But please allow me to explain more. I’m not expecting the playoffs. But I am expecting an improvement from last year. We all are. I want to see that our most recent patience is going to pay off eventually. I want to see that we’re not losing close games as often. I want to see that our bullpen isn’t as shaky. I want to be able to root for something outside of the minors. That’s not too much to ask, right?
5. I wish for a sunny opening day
I go to opening day every year. Most years, as many of you know, it’s the worst type of weather: cold and rainy. This year while I’m consuming many beers and gallivanting with various baseball fans, I just want sun. That’s it. The Cubs don’t even have to win. Just give me like 55 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Well … actually … the Cubs do have to win. Otherwise it puts a damper on the day.  But the sun is important.
I think that covers it. It’s pretty straightforward really. I know for a fact I’m not asking for too much. This stuff is all “gettable.” So, if you’re in charge of any of the above, Christmas is almost here. Get to work.
 P.S.
For those of you noticed my hiatus (not that you really would’ve), I wanted to explain/brag that it has been solely because of fantasy football. Because of my dedication, I’ve made it to 2 separate championship games set for next week. Thanks for all your continued support in fantasy and real life.
