As he did a couple of years ago before Sammy Sosa’s contract expired, Rick Morrissey is on a mission to blame all the Cubs’ failures on Sosa. Other Tribune writers also go out of their way to knock Sosa at every opportunity. Is Sammy the complete player? Of course not, but who is?
What bothers me is the level of criticism thrown at him is nowhere near what past leaders on the Cubs had to endure. Ryne Sandberg was basically ineffective in April and May for most of his career and would start to hit when the Cubs were out of contention. Mark Grace? His physique looked the same the day he came to the majors as it does now. He never got stronger and had no power at a position that requires more offensive production than he gave them. (Not to mention the fact that he was involved in the most losses of any player in the `90s).
Should Sosa be treated differently than the other players? Yes. In any business, there is a hierarchy and certain perks that come with the level you attain. Try asking for the same perks the CEO in your company receives and see what happens.
I wonder if all this invective will be thrown at Kerry Wood when his contract is up for renewal. Here is a guy who has averaged a little over 11 wins in the years he has pitched. I’m sure that statistic will not be mentioned by writers falling all over themselves to make sure the Cubs sign Wood no matter the price.
