(written by IAN)

Much has been said, written and thought about the mind-bottling paradox that is Cub fans' insatiable appetite for Mark DeRosa.

As a Cub, Mark was actually quite serviceable (after a quick look-see at the numbers) and made an impression on the fans with his versatility, solid play, handsomeness and face stubble (Mrs. Noisewater was quite upset after he was traded, but after I reminded her that "trade" does not equal "died in a axe-throwing contest," she was relieved).

However, during this last homestand with the Cleveland Indians he was treated as if he was once royalty in Chicago. He was receiving applause after he crossed the plate AGAINST THE CUBS. I assume most Indian fan noise to be negligable, but no doubt the majority was probably the douche and fat chick contingent in the stands cheering for "DERO OUR HERO!"

The fact remains that, while the (statistical and monetary) numbers didn't add up and still don't, the former Cub I miss most is still Kerry Wood. Kerry has not been good this year with Cleveland, but that notwithstanding he was one of my all-time favorites. In fact, he's probably right up there with Mark Grace as my absolute favorite Cub.

I think that DeRosa definitely deserves a nice golf clap during his first at-bat back in Wrigley. I'd even go so far to say that Hendry shouldn't have traded him away so hastily, even if it were supposedly to get some ammo for a Jake Peavy (non)trade. However, as I mentioned on another site deep in the dark recesses of the interweb, Mark DeRosa was a nice, serviceable baseball player who merely came and went. Nothing more, nothing less. Cheering for a player that hurts your team is ridiculous. I really like some Cub fans, but most of the popped-collar, shark-fin-hair-do and fat-chick-DeRosa-jersey-wearing types I see in the stands are just idiots.

Yes, Mark DeRosa was a good Cub.  But, he doesn't deserve the fawning he received this weekend.  It's dispicable.

P.S., RALLY MARISA is 3-0.  (PMayo will point out nonsense about a "Rally Hagar," but we'll ignore his homoerotic tendencies as we all know Marisa is better.)  Let's win more baseball games.