May 08, 2007
Improving Hustle
Ivy Chat speculates that Lou Piniella exerted a positive effect on Aramis Ramirez:
Some people have suggested that the new, always hustling, playing smart Ramirez is a sign that A-Ram's bad hamstrings were really bad last year. That's doubtful. Under Dusty Baker, a guy with hammys as bad as all that would have asked for, and received, a few weeks off.
No, clearly Lou and his "take no shit" attitude had an effect on A-Ram. And it's all been for the good.
That's been one of the refreshing things about watching the Cubs this year. There's finally a guy in the dugout who isn't willing to just enjoy a day in the sunshine and shrug off a loss as a "tough day, dude."
He's off to a much better start than at the same time last year.