I'm A Tool (A Story of Personal Growth)

by graceunderpressure on Sep 25, 2008 1:14 PM CDT

As I was watching Big Z meltdown in the third inning (throwing a bigger tantrum than my 22 month old son is capable of) I began thinking of all the reasons he is now #1 on my S@#t List. Then it hit me like a ton of S@#t. I reviewed this season and all the ups and downs (mostly ups) and realized, there have been a lot of guys in the dog house for brief periods throughout the year. And they all have sorted things out just fine. First it was Soriano (he's Soriano, but he's working out just fine). Then there was Lilly (his bad start to the year seems like it never happened). Then there was Marmol's crazy week (did that even happen?) Then there was D Lee (he has been really productive recently). And now there is Big Z. You know, with the exception of Fukodome, all of these guys turned it around and are producing. I guess this is my way of saying that I believe in the course of a long season, things happen, players struggle, players catch fire, and I'm a tool for getting myself worked up thinking they have permanantly gone in the tank. As long as no one goes in the tank during the playoffs I will be fine.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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How many TOOL posts are we gonna get today?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 25, 2008 1:20 PM CDT reply actions

Here is my challenge...

… to anyone considering writing a fanpost today (I’m lookin’ at you Ivy Walls):

Work the word “tool” into your title in way or another. I’d like to open up BCB later tonight or tomorrow and see my entire fanpost bar bespeckled with the word “tool.” Let’s talk Felix Pie (five-TOOL player), the Cubs’ postseason roster (does the team have the TOOLS to succeed?)…hell, let’s talk about gardening implements if we have to (what TOOLS do you use?).

Don’t be a tool, fanposters. Participate.

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by daver on Sep 25, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Done and done.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 25, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes! Thank you!

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by daver on Sep 25, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm Honored

to have started such a fine tradition if only for a day. I’ll try to come up with another Tool later.

by Chodes on Sep 25, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Perhaps a Tool of the Day post?

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Bill Potter on Sep 25, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I realize I left off Howry...........

even he is turning it around (said with a smile on my face)

"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus

by graceunderpressure on Sep 25, 2008 1:20 PM CDT reply actions

Howry

He might not have pitched well this year but I bet if you ask Santo his favorite reliever (minus Kerry of course) he might say Howry for having Shea boo louder than ever.

by ak123 on Sep 25, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

He's number one on your Salt list?

It hit you like a ton of Salt?

The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions

by daver on Sep 25, 2008 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

like Lot's wife?

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Bill Potter on Sep 25, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

But were all those other issues simply the guys

not doing well during a certain stint and not acting-a-fool on the field?

I mean Fonzie, who knows what kind of sissy he is behind the scenes, but on the field he doesn’t blow a head gasket.

Lilly? I want him on my side during a bar fight; nuff said.

D-Lee? I need to take his pulse from time to time to make sure his ticker is still ticking.

Marmol just had a slump. He’s not a psycho, he’s not an ass from what I can see. He’s just a kid that slumped now he appears about 85-90% back from his early season dominance.

Z on the other hand is a basket case. He often acts like he’s a couple cans short of a six pack. If he can just lower his peak to average ratio and get that talent harnessed, he’s gonna be an awesome fixture on the north side for years to come.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Sep 25, 2008 1:32 PM CDT reply actions

Are you really upset that Z is "acting-a-fool"

or that he is slumping? Isnt the whole genesis of these posts that his “acting-a-fool” is hurting his performance and therefore the team?

Marmol had the same problem as Z. Getting too amped up and over throwing.

Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB

by californiachicagoan on Sep 25, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions

He acts a fool even when he doesn't slump

Like the thing with Edmonds a couple years ago, bat breaking over the knee (ask ChiSox fans about their LF’er doing something stupid that put him out for the season) etc.

I’m not upset with that solely but it sure doesn’t help. I can’t tell if his mental approach hurts him or not but sometimes it sure seems like the case.

I’d rather him deal with any issues without acting a like a toddler (like mentioning in the initial post).

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Sep 25, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions