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Analysis, News & Rumors
Archives
August 2005 Headlines
Derrek Lee for MVP - 8/31/05 7:35am
Cubs Care Food Drive - 8/30/05 9:43pm
Rookies Show Their Stuff - 8/30/05 9:27pm
Cubs Fold Season - 8/29/05 8:42pm
Wait Till Next Year - 8/28/05 6:54am
Kerry Wood's Future - 8/24/05 10:59pm
Free Agent Money Plentiful - 8/22/05 8:14pm
Cubs Continue to be Inconsistent - 8/21/05 4:51pm
Next Two Games Critical - 8/16/05 8:03pm
Wood Helping Pen - 8/14/05 9:44pm
Next Year Begins Now? - 8/11/05 6:10pm
Looking Back at Steve Bartman - 8/11/05 6:05pm
Pressure too Much in Chicago? - 8/9/05 9:54pm
Mental Mistakes - 8/7/05 8:11pm
Patterson Odd Man Out - 8/7/05 11:25am
Hendry One of the Best - 8/6/05 6:47pm
Dusty Rumors Racially Motivated? - 8/2/05 10:17pm
8/31/05 7:35am - Derrek Lee for MVP
Many fans are sick of hearing the familiar phrase, "Wait till next year". Without Derrek Lee's
breakout performance, things could have been much worse.
The fact that Derrek Lee still has a legitimate shot at winning the Triple Crown title is enough to
keep any Cubs fan fully engaged. Lee is tied for the most homers (39) and leads the league in
average at .346. The NL leader for RBI's is Atlanta's Andruw Jones with 102, while Lee has 94.
At this point in the season, Lee should win the MVP award without much debate, right? The problem is
that the MVP award has typically went to a player who helps advance his team. In this case, many
votes will go to Albert Pujols because the Cardinals are in first place. The Cubs have already fallen
off the Wild Card radar and have fell to 4th place in the NL East. They have fell as low as 5th place
behind the Brewers and Reds. Past history shows that this won't be good for Lee.
To help determine a proper MVP, two things have to be considered. 1) Where would the Cardinals be
without Pujols. The answer to that is probably still in first place. 2) Where would the Cubs be
without Derrek Lee. The answer to that is probably much worse than they are now. This would answer
the question of who is the better candidate for the MVP award. Derrek Lee has put up better
numbers and been the player who has carried his team more.
Unless he wins the Triple Crown title, Lee may have a tough time winning the MVP award considering how
the Cubs have played this year.
Aside from the MVP award, the Hank Aaron Award seems to be the answer to many who have questioned why
the MVP award doesn't always go to the best player. This award goes to the best offensive performer,
who has also been Lee.
Putting this debate aside, Derrek Lee has salvaged something for Cubs fans to enjoy in the 2005 season.
- Jim | Return
8/30/05 9:43pm - Cubs Care Food Drive
The Cubs wives and Bank of America will host their annual food drive on Saturday, September 17th.
Fans can bring 10 non-perishable food items outside Wrigley Field and receive a free 5x7 autograph picture
of a Cubs player or coach. A donation of $20 will also get you a free autograph picture.
Each fan is limited to 2 autograph pictures. Last year's autographs included Dusty Baker, Moises Alou,
Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Matt Clement, and many more. You are not only donating to a good cause, but this is
an easy way to get authentic Cubs autographs, especially if you are sick of waiting in long lines.
- Bryan | Return
8/30/05 9:27pm - Rookies Show Their Stuff
How good did the Cubs look on Tuesday? Whether it was stealing bases, hitting with runners in scoring position,
bunting, or scoring from a sacrifice squeezing, the Cubs finally put together a solid game. Could this have
been because of the rookies?
With the departure of Matt Lawton and Todd Hollandsworth, Matt Murton is getting his shot. With
Ramirez landing on the DL, Ronny Cedeno and Scott McClain are getting their shots. All three rookies
contributed in Tuesday's win. Murton was 1 for 3 with a run, raising his season average to .339. Cedeno
also raised his average to .292 after going 2 for 3 with a run. Both Murton and Cedeno stole their first bases in
the majors, showing the speed that the Cubs may have in the future. Cedeno even showed his bunting ability.
McClain also contributed by hitting a double in the 8th inning.
With the solid game, could this be a sign to Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker? If Cedeno continues to play like
he did Tuesday, there is no way the Cubs will re-sign Nomar. If Murton finishes the season strong, he may be
the starting left fielder in 2006.
Small-ball could be the future for the Cubs if these guys continue to play like they did on Tuesday.
- Bryan | Return
8/29/05 8:42pm - Cubs Fold Season
Today, the Cubs officially ended their 2005 playoff hopes by asking Kerry Wood to have his surgery
now. The Cubs hope that by having Wood's surgery now, he will be ready for the 2006 season.
This news does not come as a surprise after the Cubs fell 7.5 games out of the Wild Card lead and are
on the verge of falling back further after trailing the Dodgers 8-2. With a loss on Monday night, the
Cubs will be behind seven teams in the race for the Wild Card. This list includes the Brewers and
Reds.
If someone told you that the Cubs would be behind the Brewers and Reds in late August, you would have
probably laughed.
By Thursday, the Cubs will be adding four to five minor leaguers who probably include Matt Murton,
Rich Hill, and Felix Pie. These players could earn the right to be on the roster in 2006 if things go
well. This could also have an effect on Jim Hendry's off-season free agent plan. This plan should
still be focusing on a lead-off hitter and bullpen help.
For those of you who still want something to be happy about in 2005, look at Derrek Lee. He still has
a chance to win the Triple Crown, but will have to fight hard to win MVP considering the season the
team is having.
- Bryan | Return
8/28/05 6:54am - Wait Till Next Year
That familiar saying is back. It is time to "wait until next year"!
With the trade of Matt Lawton to the Yankees, the Cubs have conceded that they still do not have a lead-off hitter
and they have also virtually conceded the season. After Aramis Ramirez landed on the DL, there wasn't much of
a choice.
If this year was any indication, the Cubs will be focusing heavily on finding that lead-off hitter and bullpen
help. GM, Jim Hendry, also has some difficult decisions to make about Nomar Garciaparra, Jeromy Burnitz,
Todd Walker, and Corey Patterson.
Nomar may come back for a one-year contract again, but it isn't likely that the Cubs are going to be willing
to pay a high price for him. Instead, the Cubs may focus on Rafael Furcal or put their hopes in Ronny Cedeno.
Burnitz served as a great option to replace Sammy Sosa. In most cases, he probably has done better than Sosa
would have. Because of the Cubs poor season, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cubs trade him to a contending
team in the next week or two. He could be back, but he would be replaceable in right field. With Matt Murton, Felix
Pie and others waiting to come up, the Cubs may decide to let Burnitz go.
Todd Walker will be an interesting subject in the next few weeks. He has playoff experience and will probably be the
player that most teams will want to trade for. Since there isn't much available next year at the second base spot,
it may be wise for the Cubs to hold on to him.
Corey Patterson will have a crucial off-season. If he doesn't show improvements, the Cubs will trade him. They may
already be lining up trades now. The problem is since Patterson had such a tough season; his value isn't high at all.
The Cubs are already working on their bullpen with the trade of Matt Lawton. The Cubs had hoped that Lawton could
serve as the lead-off hitter for the near future, but his .269 on base percentage didn't helped. This opens the door
for the Cubs to spend big bucks on a lead-off hitter like Johnny Damon.
In return for Lawton, the Cubs acquired minor league pitcher, Justin Berg. Hendry classified Berg as a flamethrower
with a hard sinker and a good slider. In 15 games this season, he was 6-2 with a 3.53 ERA in the Yankees Class-A
organization.
The bullpen will receive the most help this off-season. The Cubs will need some veterans who can handle the pressure
of playing for the Cubs. It seems that any veteran pitcher that has come to the Cubs recently has struggled. Once they
leave the team, they seem to thrive. Farnsworth, Borowski, and Hawkins have all pitched well after leaving the
Cubs this year. Youngsters like Ohman, Novoa, and Wuertz all have shown promise, but need to throw strikes.
The Cubs will
almost certainly bring back Ryan Dempster after a fairly good season. Kerry Wood will focus on his surgery, but will
hope to return to the starting rotation instead of the bullpen.
It may be hard to come to terms that the Cubs are done in 2005, but looking forward to 2006 can bring a smile to faces,
especially with the money the Cubs will have to spend on free agents.
- Bryan | Return
8/24/05 10:59pm - Kerry Wood's Future
The next couple days could determine Kerry Wood's fate for the rest of the season and the fate of the pitching staff for 2006. If the Cubs start winning, Wood
will continue to pitch in the pen. If the Cubs keep losing, they may ask Wood to have surgery on his arm now.
Yes, Wood has been throwing 100 mph fastballs, but his shoulder still needs the surgery since he can't last more than 60 pitches without inflammation.
If Wood waits until after the season to have his surgery, he should still be ready for Spring Training. The reason why they would want to have the surgery
earlier is to determine what the Cubs may need for 2006. If they aren't satisfied with the results of the surgery, Wood may remain in the bullpen for 2006. If
that is the case, the Cubs would have to find a solid starting pitcher as a replacement for Wood.
If the Cubs are satisfied and feel Wood can re-join the starting rotation, they may not have to go after a free agent starter. Instead, the Cubs would look
to strengthen their bullpen with other relievers.
- Bryan | Return
8/22/05 8:14pm - Free Agent Money Plentiful
If you have already ruled out 2005, you may want to start thinking about 2006. If money is any indication, the future looks good for the Cubs.
Andy McPhail, Cubs President, has already indicated that the team will keep their payroll around $100 million next year. If this is the case, they will be the front runners in the 2006 free agent race.
If things stay the same, the Cubs will have approximately $35 million more to spend on free agents in 2006. Remember, the Cubs are paying the majority of Sammy Sosa's 2005 contract. They are also paying Mike Remlinger, Moises Alou, Latroy Hawkins, and a few others.
Some of the possible free agent candidates are Johnny Damon, A.J. Burnett, Preston Wilson, Billy Wagner, Rafael Furcal, and B.J. Ryan.
- Jim | Return
8/21/05 4:51pm - Cubs Continue to be Inconsistent
Cubs fans have had just about enough inconsistency. After taking 3 out of 4 from the Cardinals and then
taking 2 out of 3 from the Astros, fans would hope to take at least 2 out of 3 from the Rockies. That wasn't
the case on Sunday as the Cubs lost the series to the Rockies.
After riding Kerry Wood through game 1, the Cubs were hoping to do the same in game 2. The experiment of pitching
Wood in back-to-back games failed after he gave up a homer. With Wood unavailable in game 3, the Cubs again
showed how shaky their bullpen really is after Scott Williamson gave up a pinch-hit 3-run homer in the 8th.
Though the Cubs made it interesting with back-to-back homers by Lee and Ramirez in the 9th, it wasn't enough
to overcome the 4 run deficit.
Things don't get much easier now with a 9-game home stand coming up. The Cubs start with 3 against the NL East
leading Braves. Do the Cubs have enough in their tanks to come back? They are again 6.5 games back depending
on Sunday's games.
- Bryan | Return
8/16/05 8:03pm - Next Two Games Critical
Buckle your seatbelts Cubs fans. The next two days could determine the fate of the 2005 Cubs.
Losing the first game of a 3 game series against the Astros wasn't a good start. If the lose 2 out of 3, the will
be 8.5 games out of the Wild Card. If the are swept, they would be 9.5 games out.
If the series is over and the Cubs are 8.5 or 9.5 games out of the Wild Card lead, expect Jim Hendry
to begin his preparation for next season. It isn't impossible for the Cubs to come back from a deficit like
that but with 6 teams ahead of them, it will be close to impossible.
Would it be such a bad thing to give some of rookies a shot? Put Murton in left, Pie in right and Patterson
in center? Maybe Patterson finally did figure out his swing. What about Cedeno at short stop. While
most fans love Nomar, there is a pretty good chance he won't be returning next year. Then again, will any
other team be interested in him?
Many of the young guys need a shot and some of the veterns need time to get themselves in order. If Jim
Hendry declared the season a bust, he would ask Kerry Wood to take care of his surgery now, instead of
during the off-season. This may help address the concern of where Wood will be next year: bullpen or
starting rotation. If he stays in the bullpen next year, the Cubs will have time to pick up another starter
to fill his spot. The Cubs may not be willing to keep Wood in the pen considering what they are paying him.
Of course if the Cubs can win the final 2 games of the series, they will still have a good chance to make
a run. Taking 3 out of 4 from St. Louis should have been a pretty good stepping stone to this series against
Houston.
- Bryan | Return
8/14/05 9:44pm - Wood Helping Pen
How great is it to see Kerry Wood coming into a game after Carlos Zambrano or Mark Prior?
The recent arm problems with Kerry Wood has added some stability to the bullpen. So far this year
when the bullpen took over, there wasn't much confidence. Now, when Wood starts to warm up, the
stadium erupts bringing confidence to the team. It also brings fear to the opposing team knowing
they just faced an ace and will be facing another in the pen.
Wood may not love the new role, but he is willing to do anything he can to help the team. He is also
able to unleash his fastball, which has climbed up to 99 mph at times.
The next two weeks will tell the future for Wood. If the Cubs can't make up any ground on the Astros
in the NL Wild Card race, the Cubs may be willing to push up the off-season surgery Kerry Wood is
scheduled to have.
This also could mean the Cubs will be dumping other players like Burnitz, Walker, or Lawton. Taking
3 out of 4 games from the Cardinals will defiantly bring some momentum to the team.
Looking past this season, the next question is: Where does Kerry Wood fit next year? Assuming he
has successful off season surgery, will he go back to the starter role or will the Cubs find some
free agent help to fill the holes in the starting lineup?
Wood has already shown he can turn an ugly situation in the bullpen into something positive. Could
the Cubs be willing to keep him there in 06? Its hard to say where he would be more valuable.
- Bryan | Return
8/11/05 6:10pm - Next Year Begins Now?
Even though they snapped their losing streak, it shouldn't surprise anyone that the Cubs are probably done
this year. Mathematically, they do have a chance to come back, but
if the way they are playing is any indication, they will be lucky to finish ahead of the Brewers.
The next question is what will happen next? If they continue to lose, will they start to dump players? What will happen with Burnitz,
Lawton, Walker, and the bullpen? Will the Cubs attempt to trade Corey Patterson or Kerry Wood?
Next year, the Cubs will have about $20 million extra since they will no longer be paying Sammy Sosa or Moises Alou. This
will free up some space to fill the holes that Jim Hendry tried to fill last year. Instead of spending the whole off-season on trying
to dump Sammy Sosa, Hendry will have time and money to fix the problems that have been around since 2003. Does this open
the door for Johnny Damon and A.J. Burnett?
Lets face it, Lee, Ramirez, and Barrett are tied up in long term deals. What will happen with the rest of the team? Players like
Burnitz, Lawton, Garciaparra, Walker, and others may be dumped even before the season is over. Hendry may be willing
to go with Ronny Cedeno at short stop to replace Nomar and also may be willing to insert Felix Pie into an outfield position.
Even if the rookies come up, the outfield will again need repairs. More than likely Corey Patterson will be traded, as his recent call-up seems
more like a chance for the Cubs to showcase him to other teams. Whether its rookies or acquisitions like free agent, Johnny Damon,
2006 will again see new Cubs in the outfield. Don't be surprised if Matt Lawton and Jeromy Burnitz aren't around.
With Prior and Zambrano the only solid starters to return, the next question will be what happens to the rotation? Maddux may be retiring and
at this point, nobody knows what is going to happen with Kerry Wood. Rich Hill, Jerome Williams, and the other pitchers who have filled in
as starters may be good options, but the Cubs will likely attempt to pick up some free agents like A.J. Burnett.
At the same time, Jim Hendry will be working to patch up the inconsistent bullpen. Ryan Dempster has already said he wants to continue
to Close for the Cubs, but with free agents like B.J. Ryan and Billy Wagner, he may not be part of the equation. Worse case scenario,
the Closer role should be taken care of, but what about the middle relief? If this year is any indication, Jim Hendry should be focusing
much of his time on the bullpen.
As all this unfolds, the next question will be if Jim Hendry decides to keep Dusty Baker and the rest of the coaching staff. With all the
recent rumors, you can't be sure what to believe. Does Baker want to stick around to finish what he started or does he want out as
bad as some think?
- Jim | Return
8/11/05 6:05pm - Looking Back at Steve Bartman
Remember the Steve Bartman fiasco of 2003? He was the fan who attempted to do what every other fan would have done. He
tried to catch a foul ball. Unfortunately, it was still in play as Moises Alou attempted to catch it at the same time. This play was
the "goat" of 2003 as fans blamed Bartman for the meltdown in the 2003 playoffs, but was it really his fault?
Bartman ended up being the excuse for many Cubs fans who were looking for the Cubs to overcome their curse. These same
fans seem to think they wouldn't have done the exact same thing Bartman did. The problem is that almost every fan would have
done what Bartman did.
Yes, its easy to blame Bartman. Fans seem to forget that if Moises Alou hadn't reacted the way he did, it wouldn't have drawn
so much attention to Bartman. At the same time, Alex Gonzalez should have converted the double play which could have ended the inning.
You could also argue that Dusty kept Mark Prior in too long during that inning. These pieces of the puzzle seem to be overlooked
when talking about that game. Considering all this, there was also a game 7 that the Cubs should have won.
One of the most impressive things about Bartman is that other than his official apology, he has remained silent. He has not
giving interviews, written books, or signed movie deals. He has dealt with fans and media stalking him, yet he remains a Cubs fan and
continues to follow the team.
Its clear now that things are a bit different for fans who are able to make an impact on the game. Last week, a similar play happened
with the Yankees and White Sox. A fan attempted to catch a foul ball, but instead the player caught the ball. You can't blame a fan
who attempts to catch a ball, because for many, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. In the case of Steve Bartman, it turned a city
against him for the wrong reasons.
- Jim | Return
8/9/05 9:54pm - Pressure too Much in Chicago?
17.5 games out of first. 7 games out of the Wild Card lead. 3-10 in their last 13 games. With all
the talent the Cubs have, its unbelievable how poorly they have been playing.
With the slump comes more rumors about Baker as well. It seems as the rumors intensify, the
Cubs play worse. Baker has continued to say that he wants to stay with the Cubs and Jim Hendry
has said that Baker's job is not on the line.
What could be the problem? Well, for starters, the starting rotation and bullpen has been inconsistent, when
healthy. Second, the offense has not been able to score runs. Third, the defense has been horrible.
Could this be a result of the years of expectations and the latest rumors? Could they be trying too
hard?
Recently, some of the former Cubs have been showing some success. Look at Joe Borowski or Kyle
Farnsworth. Both had success at one time with the Cubs. During times of pressure, they seemed to fold and
were unable to rebound. Now on different teams with less pressure, they are both thriving. The same goes for Matt Clement, who
is now 11-3 with Boston.
With all the talent the Cubs have, could the years of expectations and hope be the thing that is hurting
them the most? Could it be the pressure of being expected to win? As the Cubs continue to lose, the pressure
grows and grows. The Cubs could be on their last legs for 2005.
- Bryan | Return
8/7/05 8:11pm - Mental Mistakes
With the return of Nomar and Kerry Wood, you may think the Cubs will be sparked to start
playing a little better and make a run at the Wild Card.
Unfortunately, if they can't overcome the mental mistakes, the Cubs may have to again wait
until next year. Missing cut-off men, throwing errors, pitchers not covering first base, pass balls.
You name it, it is happening to the Cubs when they are on defense.
Sunday, it cost them another run when Ramirez made a bad throw to Lee at first. The runner ended up
scoring from first on a base hit up the middle. Instead of Macias charging the ball, he jogged up to
the ball which allowed the base runner to score.
These type of things can't continue to happen if the Cubs want to remain in contention. Yes,
the Cubs have many more games with the Cards and Astros, but if they continue to play like this, it
won't matter if they can't score runs. Their mental mistakes will lose games.
- Bryan | Return
8/7/05 11:25am - Patterson Odd Man Out
If Corey Patterson regains his confidence and starts to show he belongs in the majors again, where would he fit into the new Cubs?
With the addition of Matt Lawton and the future prospect of Felix Pie, Patterson may be the odd man out in 2006 or 2007.
Patterson has had 3 years to show he is truly the 5 tool player that people keep saying he is. He had 3 years to correct the
holes in his swing. He had 3 years to lay off the high fast balls.
If Jim Hendry sticks to his plan, the Cubs will probably re-sign Lawton next year unless they can get a player like Johnny Damon.
Where would Patterson fit? Lawton would be around through next year, which would be about the time when Felix Pie should
be ready for the majors.
The Cubs probably would have traded Patterson before the deadline if his stock was higher. At this point, the Cubs will be
waiting for Patterson to raise his batting average in the minors to prove he may be valuable again. When or if this happens,
he may be packing his bags.
- Bryan | Return
8/6/05 6:47pm - Hendry One of the Best
Even though 2005 is slipping away, you can't fault Jim Hendry. He has been working hard to turn around the Cubs fate
for a few years.
Looking back to 2002, Hendry Acquired Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros from Los Angeles Dodgers for Chad Hermanson and a busted
Todd Hundley. Both Grudzy and Karros were crucial parts to the Cubs success in 2002 and 2003, while Hundley and Hermanson
played a combined 35 games in the majors after leaving the Cubs.
In 2003, he brought in Derrek Lee from Florida for Hee Seop Choi and Mike Nannini. Lee is currently making a good argument
at winning the triple crown, while Choi has showed power, but hasn't shown he can hit for a good average.
Also in 2003, he was able to bring in Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton for Jose Hernandez, Matt Bruback, Bobby Hill. Lofton
and Ramirez were key pieces to the puzzle in 2003 when the Cubs were just outs from the World Series. Lofton
showed the value of a good lead-off man and Ramirez has showed his power and ability hitting 78 homers, knocking
in 220 RBI's and batting above .300 since joining the Cubs. Jose Hernandez was usually leading the league in strikeouts, while
Bruback didn't make it to the majors and Bobby Hill has still been working to become a starter.
In 2004, Hendry was able to orchestrate a 3-team deal which ended up sending Alex Gonzalez packing and brought in
Nomar Garciaparra. Gonzalez was a great defender but had a problem with strikeouts and wasn't the greatest hitter. In return,
the Cubs received an injury prone, but talented hitter in Nomar.
This year at the deadline, he had the option of sending Rich Hill and Felix Pie to the Rangers for
Alfonso Soriano. Instead, he worked out a deal to send Jody Gerut to the Indians for Matt Lawton, the lead-off
hitter the Cubs desperately needed. Ultimately the deal turned out to be Jason Dubois for Matt Lawton, since Dubois was
traded earlier in the week for Gerut.
Looking at the players that have left and the players that Jim Hendry has brought in, you could argue that he may be the
the best GM in the majors. He has a talent for letting players go after they served their purpose, and he knows how to swing
deals in the Cubs favor.
Don't forget the moves Hendry made to acquire Michael Barrett and bring back future Hall of Famer, Greg Maddux. For those
of you who think the Cubs will continue to suffer the fate of the Curse, as long as Jim Hendry is around, the Cubs will always
have a shot.
- Bryan | Return
8/2/05 10:17pm - Dusty Rumors Racially Motivated?
After Dusty Baker denied the rumors that he was interested in leaving Chicago to coach the Dodgers, it was
a matter of time before someone pointed the finger or made another excuse.
Is Dusty really unhappy or is the media out to get him? If you read Scoop Jackson's article in ESPN,
you may believe that fans want Dusty out of Chicago and you may believe the media has a racial
motive to kick Dusty out of Chicago.
Dusty has denied the rumors and said that he loves Chicago
and came here for a reason: To take his 4 year contract and turn the Cubs losing past around.
Remember, the Cubs have been a team of injuries for the past two years. Yes, they haven't reached the
potential that they showed in 2003, but are there that many good candidates to replace Baker? What could
a replacement manager do if they were in the same situation with the injuries of 2004 and 2005?
Hardcore fans get on Dusty about several things: 1) How he may keep certain pitchers in longer than they should or
how he won't yank a pitcher when they should be yanked. 2) It seems he plays favorites and plays favorites
more to the veterans, though he has denied it.
It's easy to see how this rumor started. Baker is having a hard time with this team, especially because of
the talent. He may not be happy, though he says he is. Injuries have taken its toll and the fans can
be less than forgiving at times.
Who wouldn't think about going somewhere a bit easier? Its doubtful that the media is feeding rumors
to the public because Baker is black. Its because Dusty Baker manages the Chicago Cubs!! The lovable losers who are
finally starting to put together a team. The cursed team who can't seem to get to the World Series.
- Jim | Return
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