Who wants to be Michael Barrett today?

Long story told elsewhere.

Maybe Barrett wanted to spare the bullpen an draining extra-innings affair. Uh huh. That's it.

I don't want to assume I know how to play the game better than people who are payed at least six figures a year to do it, but that final play was absolutely embarrassing. This proves that throwing money and trades at a team does nothing if the team's culture and level of play fails to show positive, consistent qualities.

On some teams, it can be said each games produces a different hero. Such has been said of the White Sox this season. But for the Cubs, one can easily find a different loser. This game belonged to Barrett.

On the play in question, he thought the ump would call an out for the foul-tip, but he should have at least made a better effort at catching the ball rather than letting it pass. He can't wait for the ump's reaction in such a tight circumstance. Also, he can't excuse his inability to make the right play, which was to chase down the man on third. He also blew an earlier opportunity for the Cubs to score when he struck out with bases loaded.