NBC Sports Fantasy Fix

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 5:07 PM CDT in Interviews

I gave a short interview to this online show this morning... the interview is posted here. They asked questions about Alfonso Soriano, Jason Marquis, Z, and more.

Note: I have tried to open this link myself and was unable to do so, on two different computers and trying both IE and Firefox. The producer of the segment assures me that it's there. Hope you have better luck than I did.

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The link now opens...

... for me. Enjoy!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 5:10 PM CDT reply actions

Yep, link works here, too

Thanks, and good job on the interview. Nice and succinct.

by John Q Freejazz on May 31, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice comments, Al

I wonder if you would have been more colorful if they taped this piece say, oh, around 10PM your time last night???lol

BigJohnAZ

by BigJohnAZ on May 31, 2007 5:17 PM CDT reply actions

LMAO

I suspect I would have been. And maybe even MORE colorful at 10 pm the PREVIOUS night.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions

There is one good thing

about being out here. I only get to see maybe 1 or 2 games a week. ;)

But, it is maddening hearing Ronnie on Gameday Audio on the verge of cursing as these Cubs underacheive. My wife has to leave the room if the game is televised out here, she can't take all the negativity and swearing. And then it gets worse when I am watching the game and my brother from the South Suburbs calls and we bitch at the TV screen in unison! LOL

BigJohnAZ

by BigJohnAZ on May 31, 2007 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Very Good!

So right about the outfield situation.

by gocubs40 on May 31, 2007 5:26 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks.

I have offered to appear again if they'd like to have me; if I do I'll let you all know.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh lord....

The man has publicity photos. What's next Al? Can we expect a publicist?

No really, it's a great interview. And NBC Sports, no less. I'm sure though the bloggers (you know who you are) will be seeing green for days over this one.

by Damen Jackson on May 31, 2007 5:55 PM CDT reply actions

LOL

That's hardly a publicity photo. It's a picture I took of myself with my camera phone at spring training. Could have looked better, I guess, I was kind of squinting in the sun. But it was the only recent photo I had handy.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Well Done.

Well Done, Al. I know of a few teams (esp. the Astros) that could use you as a color commentator!

by Ghost of Fred Merkle on May 31, 2007 5:55 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks!

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Tiffany's pretty hot

by DTJchris on May 31, 2007 5:56 PM CDT reply actions

AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did I say I agree. BTW, I agree.

BigJohnAZ

by BigJohnAZ on May 31, 2007 5:58 PM CDT reply actions

Nicely Done Al...

....you obviously come across as knowledgeable and the two hosts, well, they managed to read the cue cards. The girl's pretty cute, though. Great legs.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on May 31, 2007 6:26 PM CDT reply actions

And I never even saw them...

... until I saw the video on the site. The whole thing was done by phone.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions

How about John

Scheurholtz on the North Side, hired by the new owners?

Could a guy of his caliber who has won for a long time consider the Cubs the ultimate challenge for their careers?

I mean, would someone like this, with the right money, be interested in becoming the new GM?

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on May 31, 2007 6:39 PM CDT reply actions

Maybe.

How old is Schuerholz? He's been around a LONG time, first with the Royals, then the Braves. I'm guessing he's close to retirement.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions

thats sweet

al your movin on up!!

by tbizzle83 on May 31, 2007 6:45 PM CDT reply actions

I agree...

Great interview, Al! Wish it was longer.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on May 31, 2007 6:58 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks!

Maybe next time. They were happy with it, and hopefully I'll be back on with them later in the season.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 31, 2007 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Really good stuff, Al......

I sure hope we can turn this thing around soon. After the the debacle last year, I was so sure that things would be much improved in 2007.

Regretfully, things are going pretty much like 2007..... It's about enough to make me puke.

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on May 31, 2007 7:35 PM CDT reply actions

OOPS!!

Or regretfully, things are going pretty much like 2006.....damnit, anyway!!

Hey Lou, we're long overdue.

by deadcatbounce on May 31, 2007 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Great interview

You sound like you could know what you're talking about! ;)
But thinking about it, weren't you sort of working for the competition? Kidding, of course.
Also, did they give you the questions in advance?

by shop girl on May 31, 2007 7:41 PM CDT reply actions

Impressive debut performance....

its just a matter of time before "Baseball Tonight" is asking for an interview! :)

Go Cubs!

by Neifi Puppy on May 31, 2007 8:26 PM CDT reply actions

Very.......

impressive Al. I think Carrie should keep a close eye on you........

What was the logo on the hat?

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 31, 2007 8:37 PM CDT reply actions

The hat...

http://images.bleedcubbieblue.com/images/admin/07stcap.jpg

by grogg2434 on May 31, 2007 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Thank you.....

n/t

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 31, 2007 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for taking my hypothisis on....

...the reason for big Z's sluggish start and shooting it down for everyone to hear.

It is to the contract!!!!!!

"The Cubs are due in Sixty-Two" - Ernie Banks

by TimeForChili on May 31, 2007 9:37 PM CDT reply actions

Re

Nice job, Al. Way to represent.

And Tiffany can be my closer any nite of the week.

Visit The Digital Gazette

by Jed Taylor on May 31, 2007 9:49 PM CDT reply actions

Great job Al....

I just fear the Cubs will be so irrelevant the rest of the season that you may not have many more chances to appear again.

Hopefully I'm wrong.

by Chico Walker on May 31, 2007 10:01 PM CDT reply actions

Dead ringer for Mini Me, only taller

Just kidding.

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room."

by BlueMike on May 31, 2007 10:02 PM CDT reply actions

A fine interview Al

Seriously. Your comments are well articulated. You already are better than 99.9% of the chuckle heads on sports radio in this town.

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room."

by BlueMike on May 31, 2007 10:09 PM CDT reply actions

Fine piece of Work, Al!

n/t

"Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year" - Sparky Anderson

by MPH73 on May 31, 2007 11:58 PM CDT reply actions

Al..

How many of these interviews have you done?
You look like a natural there. I would be freaking out and stuttering.

by gocubs40 on Jun 1, 2007 12:23 AM CDT reply actions

Your comments

are just like when you discuss things face to face, very natural and informative. Hope to "see" you on this again. Great job!

BigJohnAZ

by BigJohnAZ on Jun 1, 2007 12:51 AM CDT reply actions

Nice job Al !!!

1-RUN GAMES = 2-12 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-5

by SackMan on Jun 1, 2007 1:12 AM CDT reply actions

Hey...

... thanks to everyone for your compliments!

Now if only management would listen...

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2007 4:11 AM CDT reply actions

Zambrano

I also agree with TimeForChili that Z's problems are contract related. Look how hot-headed he gets when he doean't get the strike call or someone goes yard on him. Imagine what's going through his mind now with the possibility of being a $100 million man being growing dimmer with each lackluster performance. He is trying too hard forcing him to change his mechanics. In my opinion, I believe that is what's happening.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Jun 1, 2007 6:11 AM CDT reply actions

Great job Al

Next time your on please get Tiffany's phone number for me! Also send this link to espn, maybe they'll want you to replace Kruk.

by pageian on Jun 1, 2007 6:38 AM CDT reply actions

LOL

I think I have better facial hair than Kruk, anyway.

Can't help you with Tiffany's phone number, either. Sorry. ;)

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2007 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions

tWWL

Are you sure ESPN would want him? Sober analysis is always cast aside for blustering buffoonery and catchphrases at the four-letter network. Boo-yah!

I was saying Boo-urns.

by jrm78 on Jun 1, 2007 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions

edit...

The last sentence should read:
I pick the Pirates to win the NL Central, boo-yah!

I was saying Boo-urns.

by jrm78 on Jun 1, 2007 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Not to mention...

... the fact that I wouldn't be constantly talking about the Red Sox and/or Yankees.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2007 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions

No, replace Dusty!

LOL

by Fraggin Judge on Jun 1, 2007 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions

i know you guys re distrated by that prety gir

but whats with her cohost, fred savage?

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Jun 1, 2007 8:46 AM CDT reply actions

Nice interview!

Your comments were all right on target. Too bad the Cubs aren't giving us fans more positives to discuss right now.

"It's a good team. We just haven't won enough games." ~ Jim Hendry, 5/30/07

by daver on Jun 1, 2007 9:06 AM CDT reply actions

marquis

regarding Jason Marquis you said you'd be happy for the middle ground, and would be pleased if he matched his 2004 season.

his 2004 season was the outlier. the "middle ground" was his 2005 season.

by jacob on Jun 1, 2007 10:03 AM CDT reply actions

The "middle ground"...

... would be about in between his unbelievable start, and his sucky year in 2006.

That'd about come to what he did in 2004.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2007 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions

No...

it would be closer to his 2005, at least ERA-wise. What's in the middle of 2.93 and 6.02?

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jun 1, 2007 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions

I wasn't referring...

... to his CURRENT ERA; I was referring to his 5-1 start with the ERA at 1.70.

Geez, you guys are SO literal. Either that or you all want Marquis to fail.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2007 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions

OK.

I am literal, but I really was just being annoying. I succeeded. :)

But 2.93 is pretty unbelievable, that's why I picked it. Why would we want Marquis to fail? That's not even worth saying. I love Jason.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jun 1, 2007 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions

LOL

I was kidding. I know no one hates Jason.

Right?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2007 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Marquis

If Marquis can deliver 13-14 wins, an ERA under 4.50, and 200 innings then the Cubs should be very pleased.

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room."

by BlueMike on Jun 1, 2007 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

i see, sorta

you are saying the middle ground between what Marquis has done this year, and what he did last year is equivalent to his career best season. that makes sense i suppose. i guess i consider it a weird turn of phrase to talk about "settling" for a career season. :)

but that's hard-to-argue-with quintessential optimism at it's finest. take a player's career year, establish that, for yourself, as their talent level and expect it to be matched. perhaps there is an answer in there regarding constant disappointment...

So, if Marquis ends '07 with a 5+ ERA you'd be disappointed, right? How about 4.25+ a full half-run above '04 and even worse than '05? Would you be disappointed with that?

by jacob on Jun 4, 2007 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions