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Vine-Line Tidbits, December 2004

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

My Vine-Line came in the mail today, and after a quick squeal of excitement (it was a bad day) I realized that it was Vine-Line after all, and probably wouldn't contain anything too Earth-shattering.

My first quick read through seems to support that idea... so the highlights.

-->>> The Roster tracker on page 4 has a few changes. Mark Grudzielanek has been moved out of the 'players under contract section' and moved to the 'filed for free agency' section (following the Cubs declining their option). Similarly, Neifi Perez has been bumped up from the 'eligible for free agency' to 'signed' as he is now signed through the 2005 season. The 'signed' section does not include Glendon Rusch, but I'm sure it will next month.

-->>> On page 5, the 'By the Numbers' section tells readers that Wrigley Field and the surrounding property had an estimated value of $2.25 million on Dec. 6, 1927.

-->>> Also on page 5, we learn that the person who sorts the Cubs mail is named Randy Skocz, and that he has worked for the Cubs for 19 years. He says he gets about 400-500 letters a day, and routes them to current and former players. According to Skocz, Ernie Banks and Ryne Sandberg are the most popular. He sends a box full of things to Banks every month and a half, and one to Sandberg every month. We also learn that November and December are the slowest months of the year.

-->>> On page 7, Managing Editor Lena McDonagh (no... I don't think so since its spelled John McDonough) informs loyal Vine-Line readers that the magazine will be increasing subscription rates beginning January 1. The increase is the first in 5 years and appears to be pretty modest. Turning to page 41, I put together this rate table:

I would say the rate increases are pretty reasonable.

-->>> Also on page 7, A response to a letter to the editor lets all Cubdom know that they can order a replica of the "win flag" by calling 1-800-248-9467. The flag is 3 foot by 5 foot and costs $35.

-->>> Pages 24 and 25 have a collage of photos labeled '2004 Cubs Outtakes' and includes 23 pictures of smiling Cubs personnel in various settings.

-->>> On page 37, there is a nice bio of Jon Leicester. In one of the sidebars we learn that "Jon's surname is pronounced Lester and is British in origin, stemming from England's East Midland's region, where the city of Leicester sits in the county of Leicestershire."

-->>> And finally on page 45, the crossword puzzle theme is "Cubs Rookie Record Holders." So the question is: Who tied a Cubs rookie record for saves in 1976? Its 6 letters.

For an extra bonus, #50 down: "Ex-Phillies president; also founded sporting goods company. 5 letters.

More Vine-Line Tid-bits Please!

Posted by Byron at November 30, 2004 12:46 AM | | |

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