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Baseball Tue Apr 15 2008
The Real World: US Cellular
While reading MLB Slaps Thome, I recognized an overlooked benefit of following the White Sox instead of the Cubs...drama! Since my life as a web denizen prevents watching reality TV, I typically rely on the White Sox for my dose of turmoil and tragedy. Let's examine a classic episode of The Real World: US Cellular aptly entitled "Who Is On Second?"
The White Sox began the 2007 season hoping second baseman Tadahito Iguchi would return to his 2005 performance level. Remember the go-ahead shot in game 2 of the Red Sox series? GM Kenny Williams remembered and counted on a repeat performance from the first Japanese athlete to play in a World Series. Iguchi's time with the White Sox, however, ended with a mid-season trade to the Phillies that reunited him with center fielder Aaron Rowand. For some fans, the Iguchi trade signaled the end of the 2007 season but others trusted Manager Ozzie Guillen's middle infield expertise.
Triple A phenom Danny Richar joined the club in late July to fill the void with utility man, Juan Uribe. Splitting time with the territorial Uribe, however, was no easy task for Richar. Uribe was earlier accused of shooting a fellow Dominican for approaching his Jeep, and he understandably protected his career with the same intensity as he defended his car.
As Uribe and Richar continued to battle for second base (a competition which continues to this day), Iguchi was experiencing an identity crisis in Philadelphia. A Japanese man was arrested outside of a Charles Barkley owned nightclub for impersonating Iguchi and profiting from forged autographs. Compounding the damages, Phillies middle infielder Abraham Nunez was upset by Iguchi's arrival, believing he was entitled to the second base position.
Four players, one position...welcome to The Real World US Cellular. You think you know, but you really have no idea.
