“I would have fired him on the spot.”

So sayeth Mitchel Lichtman, of a peculiar Dusty Baker maneuver during last night’s game. Be sure to read the comments, too.

Years ago a writer for a big sports magazine (No... no... yes.) complained that Cub fans treated Lou Piniella as a “deity” after his first season in Chicago, even though he only won 85 games, whereas Baker, who twice won more than 85 games with the Cubs, was given the cold shoulder. I pointed out to him that...

1) During Baker’s first season in Chicago, Cub fans wore T-shirts inscribed with “IN DUSTY WE TRUSTY.” That is, they replaced the word “God” (A FAMOUS DEITY) in our national motto with “Dusty.”

2) While it’s true that the Cubs won 88 games in Dusty’s second year with the Cubs, and that 88 is more than 85, Piniella’s team won the division, while Baker’s team suffered an epic collapse the last week of the season, losing five of their last six after leading the wild card standings on September 28th. As well, Baker did little to diffuse (and some say exacerbated) a bitter, public feud with the team’s broadcasters.

But of course you’re right, fans should care more about the number of games won rather than the order of finish. That’s why we constantly celebrate the 1999 Atlanta Braves.

But, whatever. It’s not like I’m still bitter about those years or anything.