Former Cubs outfielder Juan Pierre returned to Wrigley Field for the first time since signing a five-year, $44 million deal with the Dodgers, and was pleased to discover his old friend, Jacque Jones, has become a fan favorite thanks to his second-half surge.
“He’s getting a chance to play, and people are backing him,” Pierre said. “That’s what I expect out of him, and I know that’s what he expects out of himself. He’s been doing real well, and this is just the beginning for him.”
Pierre has no regrets about leaving Chicago after only one season.
The Cubs didn’t pursue him last off-season, and were surprised he received a five-year deal.
“I enjoyed it here,” Pierre said. “We didn’t play well as a team, so that left a sour taste in my mouth, but I played hard and gave everything I had for the Cubs. No hard feelings. I’m happy where I’m at now.”
Asked before the game what kind of reception he thought he’d get, Pierre said: “They’ll probably boo me. They like their own, which you can respect. I’ll probably get a couple boos, but hopefully they won’t see that white flag up there for four days. That’s my goal.”
Pierre was indeed booed, and the blue “L” flag was raised after the Dodgers’ win.
Lights out
Before lights were installed in 1988, Cubs fans were used to the expression “game called on account of darkness.” On Monday, the game was delayed twice on account of “brightness.” Crew chief Joe West delayed the game in the bottom of the fourth because the lights had been turned on in the middle of an inning. After the inning, the game was delayed for several more minutes while they waited for the lights to go back on.
Lou’s method acting
Manager Lou Piniella was asked about his acting performance in a recent filming of an Aquafina commercial, which took place last week in Joliet. He said he was arguing with an umpire in the commercial. Any dirt-kicking involved?
“I kicked a little dirt,” Piniella said. “But not on an umpire.”
Piniella joked that he had to ask Major League Baseball for approval to kick dirt in the commercial.
Extra innings
Outfielder Cliff Floyd was out Monday with a minor back problem that he said was nothing he couldn’t play through. … Catcher Jason Kendall’s hand was “puffy” after being hit by a pitch on Sunday. He may get another day off on Tuesday to let the swelling subside.
