Does the SI Jinx Translate?
I’m not a superstitious person, so it doesn’t bother me that Kosuke Fukudome is on the latest cover of Sports Illustrated. The only thing I worry about is when players believe it and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Since Fukudome was just told about it, I don’t think he’ll put much credence in it. So Wood and Prior self-destructed after appearing on the cover together a few years back. Red Sox players have been on the cover plenty of late and they’ve been collecting rings the last time I looked.
You can’t blame a jinx for the last few Cubs losses. Poor middle relief and not taking advantage of runners on base have killed us lately. The Cubs had 11 hits, drew 8 walks and put 7 runs on the board in a maddening loss to our northern neighbors last night. It was the first time all year that the Cubs have lost after scoring 4 or more runs.
At least Soto broke out of his strike-out streak (8 in a row). He went 2-4 with a walk. Now we just need a strong outing from Dempster and the bats to stay hot tonight. The bench players are also playing for their spot, as Soriano comes off the DL for tomorrow’s game. I’d like Murton to stay up but it doesn’t look likely.