It still makes me sick to see Jimmy in a Cubs uniform. It just doesn’t look right. You know how your mom looks during your lifetime? That’s kind of like Jimmy in a Cardinals uniform. It’s what you know, and you’ve known it for so long that it’s normal. But then you discover pictures of her in high school/college and although you see the resemblance, it’s way different. Compare to JEd in Angels threads. But then yo’ momma goes and gets a hell of a lot of work done (cheaply, likely in Mexico) and you’re like WTF? This is not right.
That’s pretty much how I feel about seeing Edmonds in Cubbie pinstripes: WTF? This is not right.
Chicago seems dissatisfied with him thus far; he may have gotten applauded in his first PA, but apparently he was booed by the end of the game. As of now, he’s 2 for 15, which is worse than what the team was getting from Pie (Jesu); not only that, but development of Pie would be more beneficial to the team in the long-term than riding a declining veteran as he fades into the sunset. This would be similar to the conversations that our fans have held over the past season or two — go with the kids who will improve and be available long-term instead of relying on the vets who are falling apart and likely to be available only a short time more.
How long will Jimmy continue to be a baby bear? Who knows. Piniella urged him to start hitting, or else, (and wasn’t so optimistic about when the hits will come) so between that and the fact that he is but a shell of what he used to be, I doubt he would be with the team past June.
When he is done with the Cubs, then what? Again, who knows. Er, Bo Knows. Anyway, I wouldn’t mind if the Cardinals signed him. Not to actually pay him to play and send a kid to the bus leagues, mind you, but sign him for a day so he can sign his retirement papers with us. He may not think his time is done and I’m sure it’s hard for a player to accept that the time for doing what you love has passed, but frankly, his time is done. His health doesn’t allow for him to produce like he used to and production is far exceeded by the young’uns; it’s time for him to move on. He can go hang out with Matty Mo and swap DK stories over drinks. Take up knitting (just for the record, I teach, Jim, in case you’re interested comma comma comma). Play chess. Spend time with your kids. Whatever.
I wish he could have played his last game ever while wearing the birds on bat, but the probability of that seems just about next to the chances of a snowball in hell. The next best thing is to ceremonially sign him and retire. Besides, it would be a good move for business. Ain’t no way in hell St. Louis fans will go to the restaurant of a man who retired as a Cub.
