NEWSLETTER
While there is undoubtedly something supremely special about a long-time Chicago Cubs player coming back – think Kerry Wood, for example – there’s something cool in a different way about a guy who played for the Cubs for just a few months, and then made it a priority to get back immediately after he was traded away.
That’s the story of Jason Hammel, whom the Cubs re-signed this week to a two-year, $20 million deal, just five months after they traded him to Oakland. Not only did he perform exceptionally well with the Cubs, he also seemed like he fit in right from the get-go, immediately hitting it off with teammates, the front office, and, perhaps most importantly, pitching coach Chris Bosio. (I remember reading about Bosio making effusive comments about Hammel all the way back in Spring Training, how he was a beast and was going to dominate, and that kind of thing.)
You don’t have to like every Cubs player to enjoy the team and the sport, and feel passionate about your fandom. But, let’s be honest: it’s always a little easier and more fun when you feel like the guys for whom you’re cheering are also cool dudes who truly enjoy being a part of the team. Hammel is that guy.
Also important:Â he has a nice bum.
Long story short: it’s cool to have this guy back in Chicago, for all kinds of reasons. He met with the media yesterday to discuss his return, and you can read about his comments here, here, here, here, and here, among other places. Some of the highlights:
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