In discussing the plight of Alfonso Soriano and the reaction from Cubs fans, Kosuke Fukudome shared this tidbit:

Asked if he has experienced any of the boos and catcalls from fans since joining the Cubs in 2008, Fukudome replied: "Yes, I have had many words that I have been called and (that) I have heard in the outfield. I just try to ignore as much as I can. I can't take it every single time. I just try to focus on what I do."

Fukudome to be called a liar by Bleed Cubbie Blue and others in 3, 2, 1 ...

(click "read more" for full article)

Even so, how many players have to comment on the environment at Wrigley for the concept of the "Friendly Confines" to be lost for good?

From memory, we have Dusty, Jacque Jones, Fukudome, Soriano, Milton Bradley (boo!!), LaTroy Hawkins, Kerry Wood, Mike Cameron and Carlos Zambrano all making comments or answering questions about fan behavior and treatment. In a less than supportive way (Wood on hate mail received by other players, for those who will talk about the love affair with the former "face of the franchise").

Why, exactly, would players want to come to Chicago?

1. Playing in front of fans who have developed a lust for booing and scalps of ballplayers run out of town? Check!

2. Playing for a franchise that hasn't won in more than a century? Check! (As I always say, if something happens 101 times in a row, it will probably extend the streak to 102.)

3. Going to work at facility that was considered antiquated 40 years ago in an era of baseball palaces? Check!

Ladies and gentleman, your Chicago Cubs.

(Oh, and that picture of Soriano above? It was from the clinching game of the second consecutive NL Central title he helped the carry the Cubs to in 2008.)