Ryne Sandberg caused a commotion in the Cubs’ clubhouse at the Astrodome Saturday. No, the retired second baseman didn’t drop in. But he was on television, serving as a caddie for his neighbor and friend, pro golfer Mark Calcavecchia, in the Western Open.
The TV cameras caught Sandberg helping Calcavecchia line up a putt, and a half-dozen of his former teammates broke out in laughter and good-natured ribbing.
Crunch time: Saturday night’s game was the first of four for the Cubs in less than 48 hours. They play here Sunday afternoon, then come home for a Monday double-header against the Rockies starting at noon.
Fallout: The glut of games led to a series of lineup changes. Right-fielder Sammy Sosa was out of Saturday’s starting lineup, but is scheduled to play Sunday. Shortstop Shawon Dunston started Saturday, but is scheduled to rest Sunday. Center-fielder Tuffy Rhodes got just his second start in the last 12 games, but Glenallen Hill is expected to be back Sunday. And third baseman Steve Buechele was replaced Saturday by Jose Hernandez and is scheduled to play Sunday. “We’re just trying to maximize our chances during a pretty intense period,” said manager Tom Trebelhorn.
Mighty mouse: Dunston leads the team with five home runs since the end of May. Only six players have homered since June 1. Hill and Sosa have four apiece. Kevin Roberson has three, Buechele two and Rick Wilkins one.
Clutch hitters: Sosa leads the club in RBIs with 45 and is tied with Derrick May for the team lead in game-winning RBIs with six.