BP (April 6th, 2007)

RFS here with some extra thoughts in a little post that will from now on be titled Batting Practice.

• Congrats to Marky Mark on being the first Cubs batter to knock one out this season. The DeRosa-Bonds Home Run Race has officially kicked off.
• The Cubs have announced that the team will no longer wear their blue alternate jerseys. Carlos Zambrano, who as the starting pitcher often chooses the blue over the traditional uniform, has stated that he will not sign a new contract until the decision is reversed.
• While other team members used Tuesday's day-off to shame the organization's name, Henry Blanco was in Key West after being subpoenaed in a court case involving one of his agents. We can now add "Fighting Injustice" to Henry's already impressive list of accomplishments (which include "Knocking Up Anna Nicole Smith" and "Sexiest Player on the Team").
• Speaking of Blanco, here's hoping that Lou comes to his senses and gives him a start or two this weekend. Seeing as Barrett is 0 for 11 to start the season (not to mention a passed ball or two), I think it's time to put Henry in the 2-spot and let his career .225 average do the talking.
• And finally, props to Jason Marquis for doing the number 21 proud in his first start. After hearing TigerLilly was shot down by management for asking to wear #31 (Greg Maddux and Fergie Jenkins), Jason decided #21 was a pretty safe choice, considering no Cub-great has ever worn it.