Happy Labor Day and Other Bullets

Labor Day isn’t exactly a holiday around these parts (or any other day), so it’s pretty much business as usual. Which means bullets…

  • Randy Wells has pitched very well of late, and, for some reason, people keep asking him about 2010. Worse, when they ask him about 2010, they ask about why he was “down” in 2010 after a great 2009 season. And Randy Keeps saying things like 2010 “was a tough year.” Sigh. Randy Wells was very effective in 2010. I would take 2010 Randy Wells in the Cubs’ 2012 rotation in a heartbeat.
  • Carlos Marmol remains the Cubs’ closure despite his league-leading 9th blown save this weekend.
  • Oneri Fleita is very happy to be returning to the Cubs at his post in charge of the farm system and international scouting. “At the end of the day, this is a match between Tom and I and something I believe in,’’ Fleita said Sunday. ‘‘The Ricketts family has been wonderful for the support they’ve given us. To me, it’s more about trusting the staff here and [ensuring] continuity …. Obviously, when the next general manager comes in, hopefully we’ll be able to serve him well. I think the general public doesn’t realize how many people are involved here. We want to win, and that will remain the focus. Roles are what you eat. Just make sure you do what you have to do to win.”
  • Andrew Cashner’s final rehab outing was rained out last night, but the Cubs still intend to have him up early this week. Probably Wednesday.
  • Bryan LaHair, after his successful debut (in left field, rather than first base): “I’ve played a lot of left field my whole life. I’ve played first base for quite some time in the Minor Leagues, but I’m definitely comfortable [in left].” Translation: PLEASE PLAY ME I DON’T CARE WHERE I JUST WANT TO PLAY.
  • Tony Campana on his successful start yesterday: “When I bunt or put the ball in the right spot, they don’t have a chance. That’s the plan. I’m having fun and that’s what it’s about. I think I’ve shown what I can do. It’s up to them.” Translation: I like bubblegum and Pokemon! Er, I mean … I deserve a roster spot next year.
  • Both Pabst and the Cubs, in prepared statements, are saying how they hope that Old Style remains at Wrigley Field for years to come. So why are we all assuming it’s over? Someone’s playing the PR game.
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

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