Sep 13 2008
hey MLB, never let the Astros decide on anything again
It’s 8:30 PM CST and there is still no word from MLB about whether tomorrow’s Cubs/Astros series will be played or where the other games will be played. This is starting to get pretty ridiculous on many accounts:
1) First of all, it’s really great to hear that Minute Maid Park did not sustain any structural damage. It’s amazing that the building managed to withstand the power of the storm while Reliant Stadium, home of NFL’s Houston Texans, was severely damaged. It is also very unfortunate to hear about the flooding and the many residents that are without power. It was also very sad to see images of other buildings that had been destroyed by the hurricane’s force. Hopefully, things get better down there very soon.
2) So, while the park is in good shape, conditions outside and around the area don’t seem to be safe enough for fans, players, and the media. Therefore, it would seem most reasonable that the Astros and Cubs play this series in a neutral site like they should have all along. However, the Astros are a bunch of babies— they have been quoted as saying things like, “Miller Park? Well, that’d be a virtual home game for the Cubs!” Who cares if more Cubs fans make it out there? I’m sure there is a significant amount of Cubs fans that would attend the games in Houston; actually, by this logic, it would practically be a home game for the Cubs no matter where the games were played. Cubs fans travel well and that’s a fact. I think it’s also pretty funny that this is the Astros’ biggest worry when they seem to forget that they just swept the Cubs at Wrigley Field a week ago. Oh, and by the way, the Astros are the only team in MLB to sweep the Cubs in Wrigley this year… so what is all of this talk about a home field advantage? It’s stupid.
3) I don’t understand why MLB decides to give the Astros any say in any of this. I think that the Astros have been given way too much power in this whole thing and MLB should have taken over by this point. Yeah, the whole situation does suck for the Astros and residents of Houston. Look at the NFL, though. From a sports/business perspective, the NFL has handled this very well. They not only called Sunday/Monday’s game against the Ravens/Texans, but they have even already decided on a make-up date (all the way in November) AND rearranged the bye weeks for a few teams in order to accommodate this change. It’s odd to see how the two organizations are both handling this so differently. Give the power to Bud Selig and the MLB; the Astros obviously can’t make up their minds about anything.
4) I hate how we knew this was going to happen all along and there were no plans to be made whatsoever. Especially now with the Cubs being stuck in Chicago. It’s going to be difficult to transport them to Houston to play this series Sunday/Monday because the airport is only allowing certain flights and small planes to arrive. Also, the games probably need to be moved to a site with a roof/dome due to these awful rain storms that have caused so many games to be postponed this weekend.
Here’s what I think is going to happen. These games will either be played in Miller Park on Sunday and Monday or one of the games is going to be pushed back on the day after the regular season ends. If I’m the Cubs and the division is wrapped up by that point, forfeit the games. Why should the Cubs have to cater to the Astros in all of this when they should be more focused on the playoffs? I know that Milwaukee or Philadelphia or whoever the wild card leader is will probably be upset, but this whole situation clearly should have been handled by MLB and not the Houston Astros.
But gosh, after all of this, I would love to see the Cubs sweep the Astros in a series at Miller Park, Minute Maid, or anywhere. Especially with a go-ahead home run coming off of Jose Valverde. That’d be amazing.
Go Cubs!
EDIT: Turns out this is what will happen: According to mlb.com , the Cubs and Astros will play a game Sunday night at Miller Park. They will play game two on Monday afternoon at Miller Park also. Game three will be played at the end of the season only if there are playoff implications. Glad to see that there is finally an answer to all the questions.
