| Chicago Fanatics Message Board https://mail.chicagofanatics.com/ |
|
| Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch https://mail.chicagofanatics.com/viewtopic.php?f=128&t=34598 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | Sasha Fierce [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 11:02 am ] |
| Post subject: | Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Awful TV interviews tainting 7th inning at Wrigley Actually, the singing can stay; it's those celebrity TV visits that have to go July 9, 2009 BY DAN MCNEIL It took 2½ years, but give Cubs manager Lou Piniella a virtual hug for demoting enigmatic left fielder Alfonso Soriano in the batting order. Now it's time to find a solution for another issue that has vexed Chicago for a decade. After digesting Erik Estrada's ''Take Me Out to the Ball Game,'' and the subsequent visit with Len Kasper and Bob Brenly in the television booth Monday, I realized that getting Carlos Marmol to throw strikes is not the most pressing concern in Wrigleyville. Time for a good, old-fashioned town meeting on this heatedly debated guest-conductor thing. Actually, I'm fine with whomever the Cubs deem worthy of grabbing the microphone to sing. If racer Jeff Gordon incenses the locals for calling the shrine ''Wrigley Stadium,'' so what? The unpredictability of who sings and what they butcher is part of the attraction for most of us. Therein lies the payoff. And there is nothing divine about this song. It's a song with double negatives, one that extols the virtues of ballpark fare. It's a fun song and reaches all generations. It is not sacrilegious to scratch or burp when ''Take Me Out'' is being belted. Matter of fact, overserved former Bears and Blackhawks have been among the well-received crooners. If we truly want to pay homage to Harry Caray, the guy responsible for making ''The Stretch'' so indelibly etched in the culture here, we must continue to throw the party he never wanted to leave. Bring back as many blurping, incoherent ex-jocks and washed up rock stars as you can find. I want Ozzy Osbourne back. Give me Jim McMahon, beer cup full of chew spit and all. Lighten up, naysayers. Music is good for the soul. Advocating fun is fun. Let the singing continue. The bigger problem is fixing the TV visit when the Cubs are hitting in the bottom of the seventh. While Estrada was praising adult film star Ron Jeremy, oddly intermingled with a pitch for his task force against Internet predators, a Cubs hitter took a count to 3-2 before Kasper could get a word in. I'd tell you which Cub, but I can't recall, as I was learning Jeremy also is a skilled pianist. Oh, by the way, the Cubs were trying to add to a two-run lead. Awkwardness that morphs into crawling skin seldom rears its head in a baseball broadcast. The tangent on which the motorcycle-driving supercop from the '70s traveled -- the serious and sensitive issue of child pornography -- felt like 30 seconds of a dentist's drill without a gum number. Solutions aren't that difficult Too often, fly-by guests have an agenda, and close games get ignored. It's terribly annoying, almost as loathsome as the ''I'm too cool for this, but I'll do it anyway since I'm here'' approach taken annually by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder. Enough already. Fix this. And remedies are as plentiful as the ways the Cubs strand runners. The simplest solution is having the affable and versatile Kasper and Brenly record an interview before the game. Producers then can take the best 10- to 20-second chunks and roll 'em out during mound visits or pitching changes. No critical at-bats are missed. No exposing an indifferent participant. Everybody wins, right? Not really. There are those who revel in uncomfortable, pull-the-covers-up-over-the-head television. And sometimes those moments produce instant gold, like in 2001 when McMahon had to inform analyst Joe Carter that former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle (Mac's adversary) was, in fact, dead (since 1996) and that they hadn't stayed in touch. I'm good with keeping ''live'' spontaneity, but the interviews should be conducted several innings earlier. The potential for deliciously bad moments still would exist, without the fear of an overzealous guest redirecting the focus from a tight game in the seventh when the Cubs are rallying. And the Cubs are smart to continue inviting A-listers who get it. We like willing participants -- like Chicago actors William Petersen and Vince Vaughn -- who express an appreciation of the game while not getting in the way of it. Engaging but deferential guests should be the only ones who make the cut. Let's start with Cubs-Cards The town is assembled. Motions have been made. These are solutions that make everybody a little happier, and they could be employed Friday when the Cardinals hit town. Ooh, Cubs and Cardinals. That smacks of the Mayor of Rush Street, doesn't it? Lemme hear ya. Good and loud. Ahh, one ... ahh, two ... ahh, three. ... Dan McNeil hosts a sports-talk show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays on WSCR-AM (670). |
|
| Author: | Linda S. [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Although I agree with getting rid of the stretch singer 1000%, I am going to take you to task on this one. I'm sure your former ESPN 1000 Afternoon Saloon partner H. Teinowitz will have a blast reading this column because he has had these thoughts for the LAST 5 YEARS!!! I realize your new show is taking up a lot of your time but I know you're scraping for ideas when you start ripping H. Teinowitz off!! YOU NEED TO DO YOUR JOB, DAN, A LOT BETTER! Linda S. |
|
| Author: | Frank Coztansa [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Quote: This post was made by Sasha Fierce who is currently on your ignore list. Display this post. This post was made by Linda S. who is currently on your ignore list. Display this post. Beautiful! |
|
| Author: | Pappy's Crappy [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Linda S. wrote: Although I agree with getting rid of the stretch singer 1000%, I am going to take you to task on this one. I'm sure your former ESPN 1000 Afternoon Saloon partner H. Teinowitz will have a blast reading this column because he has had these thoughts for the LAST 5 YEARS!!! I realize your new show is taking up a lot of your time but I know you're scraping for ideas when you start ripping H. Teinowitz off!! YOU NEED TO DO YOUR JOB, DAN, A LOT BETTER! Linda S. It comes up every time there's an embarrassing rendition or an embarrassing interview. I specifically remember MJH having John McDonough on the show to discuss it (maybe after Steve McMichael? Ozzy Osbourne?) and they were laughing at Harry and saying the only reason Harry wanted the tradition stopped was because he was never asked to sing. I guess an old idea, after it's not acted on for a certain period of time, becomes new again. |
|
| Author: | Douchebag [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
I've said it many times before, but why can't they just play a recording of Harry Caray doing it? That's what they did when he missed some games late in his career. I am sure he has turned over in his grave too many times to count, why not give him a fitting tribute and still be able to keep the tradition going? |
|
| Author: | Pappy's Crappy [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
The fact that there have been complaints for years and nothing's been done about it and that after a particularly bad rendition, everyone's talking about it the next day indicates to me the Cubs are just fine with it the way it is now. |
|
| Author: | rogers park bryan [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Douchebag wrote: I've said it many times before, but why can't they just play a recording of Harry Caray doing it? That's what they did when he missed some games late in his career. I am sure he has turned over in his grave too many times to count, why not give him a fitting tribute and still be able to keep the tradition going? Is there any singer canadian or otherwise that hasnt done it? |
|
| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Frank Coztansa wrote: Quote: This post was made by Sasha Fierce who is currently on your ignore list. Display this post. This post was made by Linda S. who is currently on your ignore list. Display this post. Beautiful! Seconded. Doing my best to be troll free on this board. Someone can just call me when either make a worthy post. I won't be waiting by the phone. |
|
| Author: | Gloopan Kuratz [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
DegenerateDave wrote: Seconded. Doing my best to be troll free on this board. Someone can just call me when either make a worthy post. I won't be waiting by the phone. We'll be sure to let you know when Mac posts so you can get your tissues and lotion ready. |
|
| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Gloopan Kuratz wrote: DegenerateDave wrote: Seconded. Doing my best to be troll free on this board. Someone can just call me when either make a worthy post. I won't be waiting by the phone. We'll be sure to let you know when Mac posts so you can get your tissues and lotion ready. Meh - not one of your better offerings today Gloopy. I know you can do better. I think the whole man crush on Mac has run it's course here - it's getting kind of over played. |
|
| Author: | Elmhurst Steve [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 8:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
I thought it was really an uninspiring read. It's an old subject that gets mulled over too often. Mac, you have to work a bit harder to come up with something better than this. I get the feeling you were stumped when trying to figure out what to write about and just went with something that always gets some calls, when the subject comes up on radio. You are better than this. |
|
| Author: | full moon [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:01 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
I hate the 7th inning stretch... It caters to old women and frat boys... |
|
| Author: | Mr. Reason [ Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
DegenerateDave wrote: Gloopan Kuratz wrote: DegenerateDave wrote: Seconded. Doing my best to be troll free on this board. Someone can just call me when either make a worthy post. I won't be waiting by the phone. We'll be sure to let you know when Mac posts so you can get your tissues and lotion ready. Meh - not one of your better offerings today Gloopy. I know you can do better. I think the whole man crush on Mac has run it's course here - it's getting kind of over played. Dave, don't tell me you are turning your affections elsewhere? Does this mean Mac will have to wipe his own ass now? I've been told, Mac won't wipe his ass for less than $350K or is that roll out of bed? Hell, I can't remember which is which. Either way, you may need to rethink your position, if you will, as it were. Otherwise, Mac may suffer from an epic case of swamp ass. |
|
| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
I think the whole man crush on Mac has run it's course here - it's getting kind of over played.[/quote] Dave, don't tell me you are turning your affections elsewhere? Does this mean Mac will have to wipe his own ass now? I've been told, Mac won't wipe his ass for less than $350K or is that roll out of bed? Hell, I can't remember which is which. Either way, you may need to rethink your position, if you will, as it were. Otherwise, Mac may suffer from an epic case of swamp ass.[/quote] Now see Gloopy you can learn something from Reason here. He actually brings it in this comment. Won't wipe his ass for less than 350K - now that's funny. |
|
| Author: | Gloopan Kuratz [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Mac's columns are so disjointed. I hate the singing but it's ok. Let's have a town meeting. The interviews suck, so let's tape them earlier and jam them into the game somewhere. If you are going to have a column Mac, make a point. |
|
| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:48 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Gloopan Kuratz wrote: Mac's columns are so disjointed. I hate the singing but it's ok. Let's have a town meeting. The interviews suck, so let's tape them earlier and jam them into the game somewhere. If you are going to have a column Mac, make a point. I enjoy Mac's show moreso than his column, but I think I can make that comment about any journalist in the opposite. I enjoyed Mariotti's columns and hated his show. Same thing for Telander, Mully, Hanley, etc. I think the difficulty involved in Mac's case is conveying the edgy personality that he has on his radio show into a column while still making cogent and interesting points. That is the closest I have ever come to criticizing Mac. I feel so dirty and shameful... |
|
| Author: | Elmhurst Steve [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:25 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
It seemed like Mac's collumn was better when he was "on vacation". Now, he has so much going on again and it's not like on AM1000, where it was on cruise control the last few years. Perhaps it's slipped a bit on the list of priorities and not being given the consideration it had previously. |
|
| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Elmhurst Steve wrote: It seemed like Mac's collumn was better when he was "on vacation". Now, he has so much going on again and it's not like on AM1000, where it was on cruise control the last few years. Perhaps it's slipped a bit on the list of priorities and not being given the consideration it had previously. I think columnists, Dan included, who don't do it for a living are hit or miss reads. I like Dan and have followed his show for years, but for me his "fire and passion" doesn't translate well to a column most of the time. Grammatically it's fine - he knows very well how to quip and prose and proper use of verb predicates and the like, but it just doesn't scream "must read" to me. But, there are few columnists who do, so take it for what you will. |
|
| Author: | Spaulding [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Well written article. I didn't find Estrada's comments weird, so the subject is a little off to me. I think he has trouble picking a subject. Why don't you guys that are complaining give an idea instead of complaining. |
|
| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Spaulding wrote: Well written article. I didn't find Estrada's comments weird, so the subject is a little off to me. I think he has trouble picking a subject. Why don't you fuckers that are complaining give an idea instead of complaining. It's much more fun for certain people to be haters and point to Mac's supposed "aloofness" and "better than everyone else" attitude that they prey on and I don't think anything could be farther from the truth. |
|
| Author: | Tad Queasy [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Spaulding wrote: Why don't you fuckers that are complaining give an idea instead of complaining. He's getting paid a fair amount of money to do that himself. Besides, there was a fair amount of legitimate criticism directed at his style of writing after his first few columns appeared that he did not accept. He needs to let the Eddie Vedder stuff go, too. It got tiresome hearing about it on his show and it's unfortunate that he's carried it over into his column. |
|
| Author: | Spaulding [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
I think writing is one of the toughest things to do especially if you are not given a subject. He is not a true columnist and this is a challenge fo him. All things considered I think he is doing a adequate/good job. He did accept and use some of the criticisms to improve. Maybe not all or your ideas but he has the right to do that. I'll send you sawbucks if you can write a weekly column as good or better. I don't think you could do it for 8 weeks. |
|
| Author: | Tad Queasy [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Spaulding wrote: I think writing is one of the toughest things to do especially if you are not given a subject. He is not a true columnist and this is a challenge fo him. All things considered I think he is doing a adequate/good job. He is very critical (and often incorrect in his criticism) of other people's writing, usage, grammar, etc. He also said he received a chilly welcome from his new "colleagues" at the Sun-Times because they were jealous of him when I think his boorish attitude was most likely responsible. He promoted himself as being an outstanding writer too often and for too long to merely be adequate. Spaulding wrote: I'll send you sawbucks if you can write a weekly column as good or better. I don't think you could do it for 8 weeks. I think a lot of people on this board could do a better job if it was their job. |
|
| Author: | trickybeck [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 6:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
You could at least link to his column rather than copy&pasting it wholesale. |
|
| Author: | Jalapenos and More [ Fri Jul 10, 2009 6:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
It's a well-written and considered piece. It reminds me of John Canzano more than Jay Mariotti. |
|
| Author: | Gloopan Kuratz [ Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Spaulding wrote: I think writing is one of the toughest things to do especially if you are not given a subject. He is not a true columnist and this is a challenge fo him. All things considered I think he is doing a adequate/good job. He did accept and use some of the criticisms to improve. Maybe not all or your ideas but he has the right to do that. I'll send you sawbucks if you can write a weekly column as good or better. I don't think you could do it for 8 weeks. If he wants to write about many topics, then he should write like Sneed or Larry King and divide smaller thoughts into smaller, digestable pieces. His current work is rambling and disjointed. His columns are like his radio show, many little bursts of thoughts, yet no deep analysis. He should use his columns to back up some of the thoughts he blabbers about. But that would actually take some work and some time. It's obvious that he justs throws it together in about 10 minutes. Do some deeper homework Macky. And here's some advice, when you write a column have a point. |
|
| Author: | Spaulding [ Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
That's a good thought and I've never looked at it like that. He could do some deeper analysis of things he has already discussed. I think what might hold him back from that is some folks saying he is using his column as an extension of his show. Some of the reading audience might not get that because they don't listen and those that listen might say he is repeating himself. It's fair to say he could dig a little deeper in his columns no matter the topic. For somebody with a strong personality he isn't stepping out on the ledge much. So that was a good point. |
|
| Author: | jimmypasta [ Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Danny Mac Suntimes column on Cubs 7th inning stretch |
Wow,how can Mac win! Deep Analysis? It's sports & it's the newspaper that smells bad! He did a fine job in his column. He did break things down,by offering up an idea. Interviews should be pre-recorded and "fit" into the game. Mac's new show with Speigel is a good listen & has brought me back to WSCR. I WAS not a Mac fan,either on ESPN. |
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ] |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group https://www.phpbb.com/ |
|