Jim Edmonds' Return to The Lou

So Jim Edmonds is back in St. Louis this weekend, but he's wearing blue.

After all, he IS a Cub now.

Bernie Miklasz says we should treat his return with indifference - don't boo him because that will be some sort of backhanded tribute to him. But don't cheer him either, because that would be (gasp!) akin to fraternizing with the enemy! We can't have Cardinals fans applauding Cubs players!

I disagree.

Jim Edmonds spent his best years with the birds on his chest. But, toward the end of his time on the Cardinals' roster, he wasn't the same player he was when he first set foot in St. Louis. His option for this season was as follows: be a part-time player in St. Louis or be a full-time player somewhere else. It's that simple.

And as for the quotes cited in Miklasz's column, of course Edmonds wants the Chicago media to put his time with the Cardinals in the past. That's exactly where it is. Jim Edmonds is on the Chicago Cubs' roster now. His job is to be a Cub. He's focused on the present and the future. I mean, let's be honest - Jimmy Baseball knows what it's like to be on a winning team, and right now, he's on the best team in the National League. He's no fool. He's merely focused on doing his job - helping the Cubs play past September. And frankly, I'm happy for Edmonds. He is happy to be a Cub because he's playing baseball. The Cardinals have a very crowded - and, with the exception of Chris Duncan, talented - outfield this year. If he remained in a Cardinals uniform this year, he would not be starting every day.

And another thing, if you're ever at a Cardinals game, you may notice that when a former Cardinal steps to the plate for the opposing team, they are announced as such. Just this week, I attended three games, and this was the case at each one. Sure, the Cubs and Cardinals are arch-rivals, but is this any reason to be disrespectful?

I say go ahead and applaud Jim Edmonds when he steps to the plate in a Cubs uniform. Applaud him for the memories he helped create. Applaud him for being a down-to-earth player (i.e., the anti-Barry Bonds) and appreciate the fact that he's doing one hell of a job on what is shaping up to be an excellent Cubs team (for now.)

Besides, Cardinal Nation isn't about hating the Cubs. Cardinal Nation actually doesn't hate the Cubs. Cardinal Nation loves the Cardinals AND the game of baseball, but never, ever hates.

Kudos to those of you who stood up and applauded Jimmy Baseball. And for those of you who booed him or turned your backs on him because of his team, shame on you.

Normally, this is where I'd end this post, but while writing it, I e-mailed Bernie Miklasz my thoughts on the matter, and he replied within two minutes to say:

Thanks, Bob.
Appreciate the note.
No one would have made a big deal if Edmonds had returned in another uniform (not Cubs).
For the last quarter century, Cardinals fans kept telling me how much they hate the Cubs.
As it turned out, it was a lot of posturing. And that's swell with me.
Thank you, sir...

Bernie

I think true Cardinals fans don't need to posture like that.