So, the Cubs have been hard to watch lately, and I hadn’t been doing much watching. Not always because I didn’t want to, but I certainly didn’t seek them out. Sometimes you just need a break.

But when it comes to the Cubs and White Sox, you have to watch. After the rainout, and another disappointing loss, Thursday’s 6-5 comeback brought me back.

My schizophrenic Cubs fan friend Jeff has been on a wild ride. He sent me texts of “They just suck” and “Big win!” in a matter of 18 hours.

So when Friday’s debacle began to develop, I was ready for another renouncement. Instead, eight runs over three innings brought me out of the gutter and into the Land of Hope once again, albeit at the expense of Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood.

My buddy Casey called me during the rain delay programming on Friday. It was a playback of the Sept. 18th comeback win over the Brewers. It was like watching a family reunion, only you knew some faces weren’t with you anymore — DeRo and Wood.

He said, “You know that claustrophobic feeling you get when you really, really want something — something that you lost, and you really want back, but you know you can’t have it?”

I felt that as he was saying it — a very well-described feeling. Watching DeRosa and Wood — two of the best leaders in the 2008 clubhouse, was hard. DeRosa’s pregame interview was equally heartwrenching. He simply spoke of how much he loved Chicago and his teammates, but is moving on.

Why? I still don’t get it. Jake Peavy? Really? I didn’t think it would make me this upset. But Friday’s win was awesome and somewhat sad at the same time. Here’s Derrek Lee handing Wood his third blown save of the season. That just doesn’t seem right.

I can’t remember feeling so awful about the loss of a Cubs player since they didn’t sign back Andre Dawson. But in their defense, The Hawk was at the end of his career. DeRosa has years left. So does Wood. Wood got the rawest deal, in my mind.

I’m really trying to get my brother’s buddy on the phone — the one I spoke of earlier this season — the one who decided he was done with the Cubs after 2008. He wanted a new team. With DeRosa and Wood in Cleveland, they became the obvious choice. I’ve never heard of something like that.

He didn’t jump on the bandwagon of some other team. This is different. He was so challenged by 2008 heartbreak and roster moves that he actually left to become fans of a last-place team.  I’ll try to get him to tell his story.

As for this team — I hope they succeed. They are a game over .500 despite playing pretty lousy, and are very much in the race. Let’s keep it moving.

Oh, hey there. Yeah, it’s been a while (yada, yada, yada, let’s blog now…)

To put it lightly, I have really, really been uninterested in Cubs baseball for the last two weeks. With names like “Andres Blanco” and “Jason Waddell” — oh, and an eight-game losing streak that would make Chuck Norris cry (his tears cure cancer, I’ve heard) — I haven’t been able to muster the desire to watch.

So, when I got a text from a friend Monday night that said, “I hope you’re not watching the Cubs game,” I, of course, tuned in to watch the Cubs game, only to see Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregggggg (mainly the G-man) ruin my night.

It’s true, Kevin Gregg has blown only two saves, but his ceremonial-first-pitch delivery isn’t fooling anyone, and it didn’t fool Jeff Francoeur (that’s Fran-heart in French) with two outs in the ninth.

But, I gave them another chance on Tuesday, and while Ted Lilly got nicked for a game-tying run in the seventh, I was happy to see Micah Hoffpauir get the boys in blue the win, though I wish Lilly would get credit for it. (Angel Guzman pitched well, though, so I’m OK with it.)

My buddy Andy over at IvyEnvy.com — the group I participate in a round-table podcast with — says Ted is his favorite Cub. I am warming. He’s definitely the best Cubs pitcher right now. Randy Wells has pitched well in two starts, and that’s promising, too.

Here are two arguments I think we need to address…

1) Should Micah Hoffpauir get more playing time, as everyone and their grandmother seems to think (and at the expense of whom)?

And…

2) Is Geovany Soto going to break out of this funk?

If you want to comment on…

3) Does anyone miss Neal Cotts (HA!)?

…feel free.

Can I mention, too, that the Cubs are one game over .500 after all of that? How?

Funny baseball card of the day:

Ced Landrum hopes he gets to pinch run today.

P.S. He had 27 stolen bases in 56 games in 1991!

The Cubs needed a guy that could kinda play third base and that kinda got that guy.

The Andy MacPhail pipeline remains open from Chicago to Baltimore as the Orioles send a guy who was carried off the field after getting hit in the head by a throw to the Cubs for a guy that can jump over parked cars, and can talk about that one time he, like, hit a home run.

Freel has some versatility. He plays more outfield than anything else, but can play second and third — again, a poor man’s Mark DeRosa. Very poor. Like, Enron poor, but nonetheless another backup possibility.

Here’s the book on Freel: .976 overall fielding percentage in 8 seasons — .940 fielding percentage at third base. He’s a .271 career hitter with high marks as follows: HRs (8 in 2006), RBIs (28 in 2004), OBP (.375 in 2004), intentional walks (1 in 2003).

He doesn’t strike out much, but he’s not in Chicago for his bat.

That just had to be said. First of all, I don’t get the train. Why a train? Really? And, B, there’s a hill and a flag pole IN PLAY in center field! And, 3, get out of here with your 315 down the left-field line. I’ve got guys in my sandlot baseball league that hit the ball farther.

The walls there just feel like they’re all around you. It’s like playing baseball in your living room, only you’re not using balled up tinfoil and one of those mini-wooden bats. (My brother threw one of those through the wall once while doing just that as a kid. Oops.)

OK, I’ll calm down now, ‘cus Alfonso Soriano does seem to like the juice box, even though he didn’t need any help from a short porch. He killed those pitches, and the Cubs wound up needing every single run since Chad Fox is so old. I’m not sure he’s got it in him. He is a good story (one that I typically like), but my job is to be observationally in the present, and he looked anything but a Major League pitcher Thursday night.

He struggled to throw strikes and resorted to simply chucking fastballs down the middle of the plate. I feel bad for him, because he has fought through injury to get back there, and he was pitching close to home, likely in front of family and friends, but you know Lou doesn’t give much slack to his relievers.

Len Kasper said he was “Shaking the rust off,” but he has thrown well in 11 games in Triple-A and the mound is the same distance there as it is in the Show. I hope he can rebound and shove this rant in my face.

So, they had to go to Kevin Gregg who managed to get the final two outs. My brother made me laugh Thursday when he said, “Kevin Gregg looks like he’s always throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.” That’s hilarious, because it’s true! He doesn’t bend at the waist. Just shot puts it.

Anyway, good win, rant aside. They needed it. Randy Wells gets his first start today.

How about the question of the day: What’s the most memorable autograph you’ve gotten? And I’m not necessarily looking for a big name, I’ll take a funny moment or circumstance.

I’ve never been a big autograph guy — in fact I haven’t asked for one since I started studying journalism — but when I was a kid I remember running across the street to the less-important Cubs players lot to get an autograph from Hector Villanueva through the window of his SUV, while Spanish music pumped loudly through his speakers.

Rich Harden dug dirt out of his fingernails as he sat between Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano.

“Hey, guys?” he said like a kid about to ask where babies come from. “What… what’s the eighth inning like?”

Dempster drew a long sigh, and smiled.

“It’s like being at the gate of heaven,” Dempster said. “A little further, and you’re there. But there’s always a chance Kevin Gregg is waiting to pull the trap door from under you.”

Zambrano simply rubbed his head and chewed his bubble gum.

Rich Harden, my friend. Welcome to the eighth inning.

OK, thought I’d start it off with a little drama, only to bring things back to reality and note Harden didn’t actually record an out in the eighth, but he was there having thrown only 100 pitches. Impressive outing, and Carlos Marmol and Gregg (who had a nice outing, I’ll admit) did well to make it hold up.

I don’t like to question Lou, ‘cus he gets it enough, but I’m not sure I would have put Harden back out there. Harden had never pitched in the eighth inning in a Cubs uniform until last night. He even batted in the top of the inning. But, as they say, all’s well that ends well. (They say a lot.)

Harden last pitched eight innings June 26 of last season when he was still with the A’s. He’s thrown two complete games in his life — both in 2005.

So, to get to the eighth was a nice surprise, and it was a quality game overall. I like to see Reed Johnson and his beard get things started. I also liked the uneventful 9th from Gregg. His slider looked good.

I thought it was hilarious how few people were in the stands in the eighth. My buddy Jeff and I drove to Houston once for a four-game series at “Enron.” I was absolutely amazed at the crowd. If the ‘Stros were losing after the third out in the seventh, it was just mass exodus. They sang their “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and got the “H” outta there.

Well, good game. Seems that this question game has been enjoyable, so let’s keep it going. What’s the most ridiculous jersey you’ve seen someone wearing? I once heard of a guy wearing the jersey of a bullpen catcher. But I think the funniest one I’ve seen in somewhat recent times is a Mike Harkey jersey.

Go Cubs!

In the off-season, he’s a substitute teacher. But when he’s not teaching, he’s playing for the Chicago Cubs. He’s Bobby Scales. And his name spelled backwards is Ybbob Selacs (bwuh, ha, ha! <- Harry).

I like a good story. Here’s a guy that has spent over 10 years in the Minor Leagues — you know — just waiting for that call. Then he gets his first career hit in his first career pro game. That came Tuesday against the Giants. He scored a run because of it. Atta-boy, guy I’ve only heard of.

By the way, they kept the ball for him, and when they were throwing it into the dugout, the toss sailed high, bounced off the dugout top, and into the stands. Thankfully, the fan gave it back. (One question, does that happen everywhere? Or, maybe the better question is, does that happen if it’s not Bobby Scales?)

Anyway, that’s your highlight. Oh, and Joey Gathright was leading off, Aaron Miles was batting second and Koyie Hill was in the lineup. Oops.

Hey, Tim Lincecum is good. I’m just glad that series is over. It took for-EVER!

Cubs to Houston tomorrow for another arduous two-game set. I really wish they would shorten up this post-strike schedule.

Here’s your question of the day: Who would you most want to drink with — Ryne Sandberg, Ernie Banks, Mark Grace, Andre Dawson, Ryan Dempster, or Kyle Farnsworth?

I had to endure my buddy Jeff giving me the business on Sunday. He said, “There was this guy, who worked for the paper that used to write this VetoPower blog… blah, blah, blah” (I stopped listening).

Yes, he’s right. I’ve been as absent as a Mel Rojas save lately, and I apologize for that. I don’t get paid to do this. There. The secret’s out. I’m simply crazy enough about the Cubs to donate my time to this blog and allow the paper to host it and place my goofy face with each post. (That’s a perfect swing, though, by the way.)

Anyway, I don’t feel like I’ve missed much. Just some average (ugly at times) .500 baseball, but the time I’ve spent not writing a blog, I’ve been talking friends and fellow Cubs fans off the ledge, while soaking in the badgering of Cardinals fans.

OK, the Cubs are not meeting expectations. I participate in a Cubs podcast hosted the the IvyEnvy.com bloggers. (Check it out here. It’s an hour of Cubs fans talking baseball. Very loose.) Corey Fineran, the leader of IvyEnvy and I discussed these expectations. I say after years of watching them lose, and now finally become somewhat successful, we should be allowed to demand success, while he doesn’t want to set himself up for what has seemingly been inevitable failure.

The fact is, if we survived last season, we can survive anything.

So, how about Ryan Theriot? Three home runs is as many as he’s hit in a single season. He did it in 2006 and 2007. It’s really sad that he’s providing the power latley, but it’s nice to see Derek Lee get started here.

Another intesting question posed on the podcast centered on the Cubs pitching. Just how good is it? Carlos Zambrano is going to miss two to three weeks, so that doesn’t help.  The starters haven’t met my expectations — granted the bullpen has not been very helpful *coughNealCotts*. (Sorry, you have one job, and it’s one batter.)

So, here’s your blog space. Bicker away. Here’s a topic: you’re on Cubs survivor with Antonio Alfonseca, Felix Heridia, Todd Hundley, Steve Trachsel, Kevin Orie and 1998 Chip Caray … who do you vote off first?

We’ve had this conversation before, but it begs resurrecting. We’re all very angry the Cubs are not on T.V.

And they won’t be on T.V. again April 30. But the reasons for the absence of Cubbie blue will be different.

On April 30, WCIU will have the game. That’s a Chicago-only network that is guaranteed rights to a certain number of games each season. Wednesday night, though, caused a stir.

Comcast SportsNetPlus is an auxillary Comcast station that it typically uses when it’s overbooked. The Chicago Blackhawks scored an agreement to have all of its games on television this season. The Hawks played Calgary last night in the playoffs during the Cubs-Reds game.

Typically the Cubs get shoved onto Medicacom Channel 22, or Channel 78. That no longer seems to be the case this season, and I haven’t been able to really land a specific reason as to why this is happening, but with a little Googling, it seems the acquisition of the Big Ten Network might have something to do with it.

Whatever the reason, it’s annoying, even though we didn’t really miss out on much last night.

Speaking of annoying (I kid, I kid…sorta) there’s a guy that I work with in the media world who loves to send anti-Cubs email to me and other Cubs fans periodically. While I usually give him the simple pat on the back and a “Yes, I do realize the Cubs haven’t won a World Series in a 100 years, and I thank you for being so concerned about a team you don’t follow,” this one was actually pretty hilarious.

Seems that a guy is hoping to put the “die” in “diehard Cubs fan.” Here’s the link.

First of all, I love walk offs. And I love to see the Cubs win a division game (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s against the Cardinals, right?)

“Amber” commented about this game in my previous post:

Great win today! Nice to see Kevin Gregg and the bullpen finally do well. Don’t know if you’ve read it before, but you should check out Reed Johnson’s blog, it’s pretty funny.

Yes, it was a great game, and, yes, Gregggg… (ah, what the heck, sprinkle a few more in there… gggggg) wasn’t bad. He does have some tail to that fastball, and when he hits his spots, he is OK. It’s just that so far he has missed his spots more than he’s hit them. But he got the Cubs through a jam in this game, which is nice to see.

As for Reed Johnson’s blog, I haven’t read that yet, and plan to. I knew he took over for Mark DeRosa, but sadly, I haven’t made my way over there yet. I will do so.

As for external Cubs happenings… fans at Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night got a surprise when Bob Brenly was introduced as the “celebrity” seventh-inning stretch singer. (To illustrate the caliber of their “celebrities” so far, they have asked me to sing.) With Fox taking the Cubs-Cards Saturday, and ESPN broadcasting Sunday’s game, he slipped in town to watch his son Michael play for the Peoria Chiefs, so he really kind of fell in their lap.

I was able to talk to him before the game. We talked mainly about his son – just the process of becoming a fan and father instead of coach and mentor. He said “It’s his turn,” really kind of passing the torch and letting him run with it.

First impressions? He really seems as genuine in person as he comes across on television. I think he is a legitimately friendly guy. He’s not at all intimidating to the average fan as he was quick to chat with folks that recognized him. When Ryne Sandberg was here, I think fans were a bit more nervous, and he was a bit more standoffish.

What sealed it for me was his taking the time to sing “Take me out to the ballgame” while he is visiting mainly to watch his son. I think that speaks volumes.

He’ll be at the game Sunday, too.

I was too busy watching a no-hitter unfold at Modern Woodmen Park during this disgusting game, so unfortunately, I missed Rich Harden throwing over 90 pitches in three innings of work.

WOW! That’s a lot of pitches. Feel free to mix in a groundball out.

Always fun to see one of your most talented starters give up a two-run single to a pitcher — not to mention a pitcher that used to wear Cubs pin stripes. Jason Marquis… I don’t think anyone should be surprised that he came back and got a win in his return outing against his former team.

This goes to show, I think that Marquis really is not that bad of a starter. He was a very good No. 5 for the Cubs. He is a lot of team’s No. 4 starters, and still a No. 3 quality starter for others (like the team he’s on, for instance). Colorado is not an easy place to pitch, though, so his overall value in Mile-High land will remain to be seen.

Like to see Dave Patton have a decent game. Hasn’t pitch above A ball in his life and he’s on a Major League roster. That’s a pretty good story. Have patience with this fella.

I guess I’ll leave this one up to you guys? What did you see? Who was brutal? Who was OK? Did anyone fall over the railing chasing a foul ball like that guy back in Milwaukee? How did I forget to bring that up last blog? That was nothing short of hilarious.

In other baseball news, an old guy in Boston had a no hitter into the 8th inning. Oh, and he throws around 70 MPH. It’s pretty amazing that a knuckleballer like Tim Wakefield could nearly throw a no hitter. He mystified the A’s. Tip of the cap to him.

Also, Chris Carpenter is hurt in St. Louis. This coming a day after an AP story in the paper noted he could pass his 2008 innings-pitched mark in Wednesday’s game. Now he’s on the DL.

Cardinals fans… no more Kerry Wood, Mark Prior jabs, OK?