Mister Faded Glory | www.misterfadedglory.com

Uh, we could support the Dodgers. Yikes.

As Cubs fans, what does this mean? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN???? Well, probably nothing. We’ve hoped that we could pawn Dusty off on the Dodgers for some time (Wouldn’t be the first time they’ve taken crap off our hands).

It means the Dusty-to-LA rumors still have some life (hope!), but it also serves as a reminder of how negatively bad ownership can infect teams. And, I’ll stop right there — I neither mean to indict nor support the detached Tribune Company.

Anyway, as long as the Dodgers are tossing away valuable pieces of their organization, it seems paramount that I should mention Cubs pipe dream No. 2 — acquiring Milton Bradley to play center. (I know, I know. He’s a gamer. Heh.)

Anyway, Bradley is, by all reports, a caustic, inflammatory, nutjob. By other reports, he is committed to winning, and even committed to helping his community. At times, his energy boils over and he clashes with teammates. (Seriously, who doesn’t clash with Jeff Kent?)

But hotheads can be rehabilitated. They can be fostered. Talent is almost always forgiven. And, I’m much more a fan of someone who’s a little overexcited than someone who routinely is in trouble off the field.

In any case, my endorsement of Bradley should come as no surprise. Last year I would have supported the signing of Jose Guillen, another malcontent expat driven out of SoCal’s other side.

Anyway, instead of Guillen in right, we wound up with King Jeromy — who became a fan fave because of his hustle — but who was a severe drop-off even from Sammy Sosa’s last season in Chicago, in all categories except errors and batting average. He had a cool nickname, though. King Jeromy the Wicked. Now, he’s likely not coming back. Fine.

So, if we could get Bradley for cheap (Say, another mercurial CF prospect), then I think we’re at least moving in the right direction. As noted, the Cubs also re-signed Todd Walker and Scott Williamson, which I can live with. So for now, the pipe dream includes Bradley in center, Nomar in left, and Murton in right.

RF Murton
CF Bradley
1B Lee
3B Ramirez
LF Garciaparra
2B Walker
C Barrett
SS Cedeno
P…

And so forth. However, rumor has it our friend Manny Ramirez has requested a trade. Hmmm… what team could possibly have enough prospects or cash to accommodate this fellow? Stay tuned….