Catching up with old friends

Of note to Cubs fans today are two major stories - Greg Maddux has said it's time to head home and Ron Santo was not allowed into the Hall of Fame again.

I'll point you to this feature on Maddux and wish him well. He was always one of those players where it was difficult to separate fact from fiction, in fact, I challenge you to make up a story about the man's control over his pitches and not get your friends to believe it.

The great thing about Maddux was that he wasn't some hulking monster waiting to clobber home runs to straightaway center - which is funny because he was the original "chicks dig the long ball" guy - but rather, a quiet man who got by on his intelligence and preparation.

In short, he's the player we all assume we could be if we worked that hard.

If only it was that easy.

Santo was kept out yet again in a tale that has long since being surprising. Sorry, Ron. Better luck next year. If you could keep a lid on bemoaning the fact all season, we'd all really appreciate it.