SPORTS From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

Afew years ago, the Cubs decided not to pay the stars of their World Series winning team, and start over again.

I for one thought that was a terrible idea and wanted them to continue competing for a championship every season. After two weeks this season, I believe that the Cubs were correct.

The front office changed dramatically when Theo Epstein left and Jed Hoyer moved up. Theo was ready to go anyway, and his departure left an opening for Carter Hawkins who was working with Cleveland, and seems to know a lot more about pitching than his predecessor. The team also let their uber popular manager, Joe Maddon go to California so they could hire the equally popular, and much younger David Ross. All of these moves seem to be working out well.

On the field the teams starters were Schwarber, Rizzo, Bryant, Russell, Baez, Contreras, Zobrist, and Heyward. I was really sorry to see Schwarber go, but Ian Happ looks to be a better all around player. Heyward was essentially exchanged for Cody Bellinger and Zobrist had to leave for personal reasons and has been replaced by Seiya Suzuki. The current team also has a few minor leaguers who are almost ready to be stars. The Cub outfield looks to be in good hands for years to come. ( I do wish we still had Schwarber ).

The infield looks better too. Third baseman Kris Bryant has been injured and appears to have lost his power. While Patrick Wisdom may not be the final answer, he has power to spare. The middle infield of Javier Baez and

Addison Russell Is a shell of its former self. Russell last played in Japan and his personal conduct basically ruined his career. Baez followed the money to Detroit, and he is playing terribly. The current keystone combination of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner is the heart and soul of the team and the upgrade is huge.

Anthony Rizzo is missed and I wish the Cubs hadn’t let him go, but they have some decent players on their roster now and a minor leaguer that’s just about ready to take over.

The starting pitchers aren’t as good or experienced as Lester, Arrieta, and Lackey were, but they are young, hungry, and good. Kyle Hendricks, I believe, is the only holdover from the championship team and he should be recovered from his injury in a couple of weeks. While the fans loved catcher Wilson Contreras, the management must not have agreed, so they let him walk. Right now, the team is focusing on better defense from the catching position.

All in all, the Cubs are far better off than they would have been if they had decided to stick with the players that won the World Series. The only two players I wish were still on the team are Rizzo and Schwarber. Good job Mr. Hoyer. And thank you Jonathan Toews, for being the kind of man that’s worthy of our admiration.

Denis Waitley said, “Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energy moving forward together towards an answer.”

Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

The New Buffalo High School baseball team is on a four game winning streak.

The Bison swept a doubleheader at home Tuesday, April 18, against Our Lady of the Lake and took both games of a doubleheader Friday, April 14, at Eau Claire.

Head Coach Adam Lijewski said he feels players becoming more confident and developing a good chemistry after losing the first two games of the season has a lot to do with the team’s recent success.

“They’re believing in themselves. They’re starting to play together. They’re playing as one. That makes a huge