Dugout Diary by Joe Boesch

Baseball is only a pastime, a sport, an entertainment, a way of blowing off steam. But it is also the national game, with an appeal to Americans of every race, color, creed, sex or political opinion. It unites Americans in the common cause of rooting for the home team. - Former Brooklyn Dodger Great Jackie Robinson -- Joe Boesch

The signing of Joe Maddon as the Cubs' skipper is a turn in the right direction for Chicago. Hopefully they can reverse the curse of the Billy Goat. A.J. Burnett will return to the Pittsburgh Pirates next season. Burnett signed a one-year, $8.5-million contract. Burnett also stated next season will be his last. Victor Martinez has signed a four-year, $68-million contract with the Detroit Tigers. For all Mets fans, Josh Lewin and Howie Rose will continue to call Mets games on WOR next season. Until then, see you at the park. -- Joe Boesch

"A hot dog at the ball game beats roast beef at the Ritz." - Humphrey Bogart -- Joe Boesch