The Cubs... and football

I’m not sure if I’ll have a chance to post this weekend, so we at I’m just sayin... would like to wish all of you trick-or-treaters a safe Halloween. Remember to travel in a group and don’t go into any houses. And with all due respect to the Freeman family (who I love dearly) it’s ok to skip the house that is giving apples (or any other kind of fruit whose name doesn’t start with “candy”).

Did you see the Cubs hired a new manager? Did you see it wasn’t Ryne Sandberg? As you know, I’m not one to call names or to second guess the decisions of others, but we at I’m just sayin... think the Cubs ownership and upper management are a bunch of freakin’ idiots who have a long way to go just to get to be plain stupid. This has got to be the worst decision from an organization that has made plenty of bad decisions (hello, Sammy Sosa). Maybe this isn’t the worst, but it’s firmly in the top 3 (along with getting Sammy and letting Maddux leave). How could they NOT go with Ryno? He’s an icon in the city. He’s been a great AAA manager. He wanted the job. Instead, the Cubs hire Mike Quade... listen, I’m sure Mike Quade is a nice guy, but so is Sonny and I wouldn’t hire him over Ryne Sandberg (and he’s my brother!). You know who you hire over Ryne Sandberg? Ernie Banks. That’s it. That’s the list. If I was the one in charge and looking for a manager, I’d call Ryno and say, “Listen, I want to give you the job... I just need to hear back from Ernie to see if he wants it”. That’s how the conversation would have gone. Of course, Ernie wouldn’t want the job... but I’d still ask him. Why? Because he’s “Mr. Cub”, and by God if you’re “Mr. Cub” I think you should get first refusal. Then you give it to Sandberg. Really, what would be the harm? The Cubs ended up 16 games out of first place... would he cost them some games and have them end up 18 games out of first? He’s a hometown hero. He should have been given a shot.

North Charleston said ok to casino boats. It’s not in this article, but on the news last night I heard the mayor say that the crime associated with this kind of thing is just “People breaking into cars in the parking lot”. What went unsaid is that this kind of crime is much better than what North Charleston has right now. We at I’m just sayin... are not entirely sure how we feel about this. For now, we will treat it like every other vice and recommend that you do it in moderation (the casino boat thing... not the breaking into cars thing).

The I’m just sayin... Football Predictions

Friday Night
James Island at Stratford – It won’t be easy to beat Stratford at home, but I think the Trojans will be able to do it. JI by 3.

Summerville at Beaufort – This won’t be an easy one for the Green Wave, but I think they’ll find a way to win. Summerville by 5.

Ashley Ridge vs Goose Creek – I like Ashley Ridge. I do. Just not tonight. Goose Creek by 21.

Fort Dorchester at Wando – Wando by 14.

Dorman vs Byrnes – I have nothing witty to say about Dorman today. I’m not sure if Byrnes is as good as they’ve been in the past, but I’m pretty sure Dorman is as good as they’ve been this season (huh?). I’m picking Dorman by 3.

Saturday
#17 USC vs Tennessee 12:21pm (SEC network, WMMP down here I think) – Derek Dooley said his team was like the Germans during WWII on D-Day. The Germans lost, so will Tennessee. I like the Revolutionary War Heroes to win this one by 14.

Clemson at Boston College 12:00pm (ACC Network, WCSC down here I think) – The Tigers had a good game last week... now they travel up north to face Boston College. With NC State’s win over FSU last night, the Tigers still have a shot at the ACC Atlantic Division Title. But they’ll need to beat BC to keep that dream alive. I think they will. Clemson by 6.

Navy vs. Duke 3:30pm (CBS maybe? I don’t know) – After yet another win over the hapless Catholics from Notre Dame, Navy will now face the even more hapless Methodists from Duke. I’m picking Navy by 7.

CSU at Stony Brook 3:00pm – The Bucs are still looking for their first Big South win of the year. I doubt they’ll get it this Saturday. Stony Brook by 21.

Sunday
Pittsburgh at New Orleans 8:20pm (NBC) – This ain’t the Saints from last season. Steelers by 10.

Miami at Cincinnati 1:00pm (CBS) – The Dolphins are on the road, so I like their chances. Miami by 3.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private George L. Banks (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 25, 1863 at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee. His citation reads:

As color bearer, led his regiment in the assault, and, though wounded, carried the nag forward to the enemy's works, where he was again wounded. In a brigade of 8 regiments this flag was the first planted on the parapet.

Corporal James A. Barber (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 2, 1865 at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Was one of a detachment of 20 picked artillerymen who voluntarily accompanied an infantry assaulting party, and who turned upon the enemy the guns captured in the assault.

Captain William E. Barber (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from November 28 – December 2, 1950 at the Chosin Reservoir area, Korea. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company F in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assigned to defend a 3-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line and commanding the only route of approach in the march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Capt. Barber took position with his battle-weary troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the frozen, snow-covered hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength savagely attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought 7-hour conflict, Capt. Barber, after repulsing the enemy gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by airdrops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after 2 reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. Aware that leaving the position would sever contact with the 8,000 marines trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. Although severely wounded in the leg in the early morning of the 29th, Capt. Barber continued to maintain personal control, often moving up and down the lines on a stretcher to direct the defense and consistently encouraging and inspiring his men to supreme efforts despite the staggering opposition. Waging desperate battle throughout 5 days and 6 nights of repeated onslaughts launched by the fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic command accounted for approximately 1,000 enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter subzero weather, and when the company was relieved only 82 of his original 220 men were able to walk away from the position so valiantly defended against insuperable odds. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor, and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.