During an interview on Friday at Fitch Park, I asked the always blunt (Paul) Bako whether he smashed the boom box, as had been rumored. Bako didn't mention Sosa by name, but denied having anything to do with it.

"One thing I can tell you is I didn't see it happen, but I was still in the clubhouse when stuff was going on," Bako said. "But I didn't have any ill will to that area. I thought (the music) was too heavy, superstitious-wise, but that certain area, so to speak, treated me well and treated me with respect.

"I can tell you 100 percent it was not me, but as far as who it was, I'd be speculating."

For the uninitiated, "that area" refers to the space occupied by Sosa and the boom box, which basically had its own locker.

So the mystery remains unsolved, though one suspicious ex-Cub catcher has yet to be interrogated.

Stay tuned.