Dan

The second chapter is about Emil Bossard who, I believe, is Roger Bassard grandfather.  Roger Bassard is overseeing this renovation projects and takes care of the field at the Cell.

The Bossard family has a long history of doctoring fields (within the rules...sort off) to help their team win.  Examples are building up foul lines to help bunts stay fair, softening the basepaths to deter stealing, messing with the pitching mound so opposing pitchers aren't comfortable.

Of course both teams have to play on the same field, so the key is to doctor the field to favor the home team.

What do you think could be done to Wrigley to play to the strength of our team?

There were only around 75 people there, so Pat stood around and talked for nearly an hour.  He began with the "Ronny sets his hair on fire story," and went on to talk about his book, Harry Caray, and the Cubs.

He did a really long question and answer session, telling us some more Ronny stories (his favorite is the "Brant Brown" day when he went down to the locker room and saw Jim Riggleman consoling Santo, he still seemed perplexed/shocked/amused that the team's manager had to put his arm around the broadcaster and talk him through a tough loss), a few Harry tales, and bits about Bob Uecker and Al Maguire.  He didn't hold back much either, evaluating where he thinks the team is now (he assessed the glove and bat of each starter), the SS role, JJones, Geovany Soto, the opening in CF and outfield defense, steroids, Fukudome (Pat wants him here too), OBP (he loves high on base guys), and the Hall of Fame (someone asked him if he thinks about it for himself, no talk about Santo in the Hall).

He shared a few personal stories about his childhood, his college basketball playing days, his career, the CD series, and who his favorite players are (DLee - who he gushed about, Sammy (never saw anything steroid related, loved the guy for sheer entertainment), Ryno, Yount, and Molitor if you were wondering).

During the book signing portion, he graciously took pictures with every fan, signed as many books, balls, photos as you wanted and talked to and thanked everyone.  He is a class act.  

On a personal note - Just hearing his voice booming through those speakers gave me goosebumps.  I was deep in baseball withdrawl, but I think that was enough to hold me over til the convention.  If anyone sees that he's doing another signing near you, it's definitly worth going.

Also, FWIW, the book is fantastic. If you're around today Bruce Miles, you guys did a fantastic job.  Great pictures, lots of fun Harry stories.  I haven't had a chance to listen to the CD yet.

Did anyone watch the Ray Mancini Story last night on ESPN?  I thought it was done nicely and gave a good recap of the man's life.

The detailed account of the Kim fight was rough.  I cannot believe the guilt Mancini must feel still with all the reminders over the years.

I was not familiar with the whole thing but Kim dying, Kim's mother committing suicide, then the ref who did the fight killed himself years later.  I cannot imaging having reminder after reminder of something that I did like this.  

Mancini seems like a good person who could not escape something that was truly a hazard of the sport.  

I enjoyed it and learned a lot about the man too.

I was hoping on checking out this blog with some teriffic news about a press conference featuring Kosuke Fukudome, but this sod will have get me through the day.  

According to this Ken Rosenthal story, the team should go after Torii Hunter to upgrade CF. Seems like he's suggesting that Juan Pierre should be moved to a corner outfield spot.

Oh wow. I'd love to see that arm in RF.

DmL

During the meeting, he "felt their passion."

He has not had any meetings with MLB teams yet, and says he'd like to have a deal by New Year's.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20071115TDY19304.htm

(You already know what I want for Christmas!)