Tribune Co. and the Chicago Cubs Marketing Department: Hilariously Dumb

Yesterday, during a quick Mother's Day trip home to the greater Chicago area (a.k.a. Suburbiaville, a.k.a. Whitebread, USA), I noticed one of the most hilarious/baffling/stupid advertisements I think I have ever seen. (Courtesy, Chicago Tribune)

If I can find an image of the ad, I will most definitely post it. But basically, it's your typical "Today @ 1pm on WGN: Cubs vs. __!" newspaper graphic ad with accompanying photo.

But get this; the ad's photo is of Neifi Perez.

...And he's squared up to bunt.

This image is wrong on so many levels. Let's count them:

1) The ad is an obvious reaction to the White Sox's World Series win last year, which (purportedly/laughably) was the result of the "Ozzie-ball" style of play that featured frequent runner movement and many bunts.

2) Neifi Perez is probably the least valuable player on the current Chicago Cubs' roster (.206 BA, .501 OPS this year, .679 lifetime OPS), and his very presence on the team only seems to compound the many problems that the Cubs now have.

3) I don't care how much game trends have changed over the last few years--bunts simply do not evoke passion or excitement (or attendance) from any fan base, let alone the thrill-happy Chicago Cub fanbase.

4) The ad is totally gay. (Basically the same observation as #3 but in less articulate terms.)



Neifi Perez? Bunting? For real???

(Wait...one more before I go...
5) Neifi Perez is such an awful hitter that he no doubt whiffed on the pictured bunt attempt.)