Wednesday is a Special Day

The Cubs will be in the same ballpark as Marlon Byrd. His clubhouse leadership is so powerful, the positive effects can be felt in the umpire's dressing room, the visitor's dressing room, and the restrooms down the left field line. And have you ever seen the man high-five?

Just think, the Cubs could've had him for the low price of Murton, Ceda, Gallagher, Sam Zell's grandkids and a 35% equity stake in the Illinois State Lotto. And a left-over O'Henry bar, found in the dirt during the field replacement.

In tomorrow's game, the Cubs will face the one, the only, The Aruban Monsoon himself, Sidney Ponson. He'll get two innings after Jason Jennings starts and throws what is scheduled to be four innings.

Here's a quick snapshot from a couple games in Houston last year for Mr. Jennings. I'm not sure pitches 1 and 4 are truly distinct pitches. ALl charts from catcher's perspective. Spin is measured in inches, but the last two charts are in feet (release point and plate location)

Spin Movement:


Release Points:


Plate: