- TR takes charge
I’ve decided to open a branch of the Theodore Roosevelt Lilly fan club in Section 409. Sure, I wish we had eight All-Stars and Lou at the helm of the NL team. But if we get one representative, Ted Lilly is the guy.
For those of us still relishing the 2008 MidSummer Classic, it was hardly a break for the All-Star loaded Cubs team. Remember when Soto was a frisky freshman, Kerry Wood was still a Cub and Fukudome was batting close to .300? Who was missing from the 08 contingent? Lilly.
But 2009 has potential to be a charmed season, too. The Wrigley faithful hope it extends through October. I believe Ted Lilly is the center of the dream. He came to us desiring a “change in scenery” and the spectacle of Wrigley Field has suited him well. He’s dependable, a stopper, always funny during the post-game interviews. You gotta love a guy who bursts from the dugout to challenge the ump in a game he’s not even pitching.
Let’s hope this unabashed admiration I’m feeling doesn’t turn Ted into trade-bait. (My favorite players tend to disappear as soon as my love fully blooms. See Mark DeRosa, and before him Michael Barrett, even Neifi Perez). Before I close this thought about favorite players of seasons gone by, did you hear how the Cubs reacted to DeRosa being dealt to the Cards? “It stinks,” said Theriot. “You don’t want a team you’re chasing to get a player like that,” Ramirez told MLB.com. And TRL sums it up, “He’s going to help that team.”
Bring it in St. Louis, Ted. We’ll be cheering. And ready for the second half.
