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Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Christian Ruzich on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 12:35pm.

In a move that will surely change the landscape of Cubs blogging, one-time TCR writer Christian Ruzich announced that he was moving back to Chicago. A new job has necessitated a call-up from the minor leagues (Harrisburg, PA), and Ruzich and his family should be back in the city before the playoff roster deadline.

Scouts question what, if anything, Ruzich can bring to a Cub Reporter team without any glaring weaknesses. Known for his wit and insight in the early '00s, Ruzich has not been a regular fixture on the TCR scene in years, appearing only occasionally to offer a web link, off-hand remark, or occasional comment post.

Unnamed sources within the TCR organization have questioned whether Ruzich has anything left, but are quick to say they're happy Ruzich has returned home: "If all he does is hang out at the TCR clubhouse, telling stories about the Don Baylor days, that would be great. I'm just worried that, if he tries to write again regularly, he might upset the team's chemistry down the stretch." When asked if he saw this as an opportunity to re-establish himself in the Cubs blogging world, Ruzich mentioned that he has been doing towel drills for months, and hoped to be able to contribute to the team in any way possible.

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#1 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by ruz on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 12:39pm.

Seriously, though, I am moving back to Chicago. Full info available at:

http://www.cruzich.com/2008/07/and-wheel-goes-roun...

Because of where the job is, housing costs, and school concerns, we're looking at places in Evanston and a handful of north side neighborhoods (Albany Park, Irving Park, Logan Square, Avondale). So anyone with realtor recommendations, please email me (ruz @ cruzich.com).

Once I get settled in, one of the first orders of business will be a Cub Reporter get-together, so start thinking about where and when that can happen. I'll be there full-time as of the end of August.

#5 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by big_lowitzki on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 1:22pm.

No Rogers Park? That's no fun.

I just e-mailed you a realtor recommendation: Meg Kravitz, from Baird and Warner.

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Antagonizing TCR posters with my my "assinine" "socialist drivel" and my signatures since 2003.

#7 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Stevens on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 3:25pm.

Been happy with Keller-Williams realty. Just moved out of Andersonville and I'll really miss the neighborhood.

Great to have you back around, Ruz. Looking forward to the get-together.

And as far as re-acquisitions go, this is much better than Trachesel. : )

#2 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Cubnut on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 12:42pm.
Regardless of what we had to send to Harrisburg in the deal, this is a great acquisition for us.

#10 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Wes on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 3:35pm.

Chad got optioned to the Senators.

#3 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Rob Richardson on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 12:43pm.

Look at Rogers Park too. Sure our alderman is a nut, but otherwise it is nice.

__________________________

That's great in practice, but how about in theory?

#14 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Mister Whipple on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:39pm.

Bernie Stone is insane! He sleeps through council meetings!

__________________________

Let's hug it out, bitch.

#21 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by big_lowitzki on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 5:52pm.

Well... most of Rogers Park had Joe Moore.

Bernie Stone has west Rogers Park.

__________________________

Antagonizing TCR posters with my my "assinine" "socialist drivel" and my signatures since 2003.

#4 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Tito on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 1:10pm.

Is that company still hiring?

__________________________

Voting for non-Americans since 2008.

#6 Too bad Ichiro doesn't play for NL

Submitted by jacos on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 3:09pm.

Ichiro f bombs NL in locker room speech every year befor All Star game-

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-ichirospe...

__________________________

I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst

#20 Re: Too bad Ichiro doesn't play for NL

Submitted by nohit on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 12:51am.

That ROCKS! I've always liked Ichiro. I like him even more now, that crafty bleeper!

----

EDIT: Here's some (NSFW due to language) more Ichiro goodness.

__________________________

Equal Opportunity Offender

#8 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Andrew on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 3:32pm.

Not sure if it's more of a Greg Maddux or Chad Fox type return, at this point. Or perhaps this is a Zell-like maneuver to move in on RobG's baby.

Hot damn, though, that's exciting. Any chance of bringing back Smart and Hill just for old timers' sakes?

#9 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by dbt on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 3:32pm.

Of course, this happens just as I'm getting ready to move to the west coast.

Anytime there's beer involved, I'm in.

#11 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by carlosrubi on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 3:52pm.

Welcome back Ruz!

__________________________

The Mexican homeboy.

#12 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by ruz on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:09pm.

> Not sure if it's more of a Greg Maddux or Chad Fox type return, at this point.

Trust me, it's more like Fox.

We did look at Rogers Park, but didn't see many listings in our price range/size. What's the neighborhood like? Is there stuff to walk to (restaurants, shops, etc.)? That's a major factor for us...

#13 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by The E-Man on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:18pm.

Rogers PArk has terrific values, burgeoning culture east of Ridge, finally, ethnic restaurants on Clark (mostly Mex, but Middle Eastern gems have popped up recently), and has been "gentrifying" or "transitioning" for 30 years. I expect the trend to stay this slow for another 20.

__________________________

Disappointed by "Cubbery" since 1966

#16 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Mister Whipple on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:48pm.

Well, the neighborhood by the Howard Street station is significantly worse than it was 30 years ago when it was 90%+ Jewish. Now it's pure urban blight and decay. On the bright side, you can get a new pair of sweat socks from the guy with the shopping cart for cheap!

__________________________

Let's hug it out, bitch.

#15 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Mister Whipple on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:46pm.

Rogers Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago. Lots of South Asian, Jewish, and college students by the lake. Nice homes West of Western too.

And don't ignore Roscoe Village. It's nice and quirky with tons of small, local businesses and a nice mix of young liberal white families and entrepreneurial Mexican American homeowners happily coexisting. It's gone up in price a bit in the last five years, but it's a cool neighborhood.

__________________________

Let's hug it out, bitch.

#17 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Mister Whipple on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:52pm.

Mmm...replying to self. I adore me.

I forgot to mention about Roscoe Village since schools are a concern that I've heard really good things about Audubon Elementary http://www.audubonschool.net/.

__________________________

Let's hug it out, bitch.

#32 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Rob Richardson on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 8:45am.

Rogers Park is a very mixed area, which is in part because of its size.

While it has stuff to walk to, mainly restaurants and coffee houses, there aren't many good shop.

In my opinion the biggest perk is that you can get a single family home, with a large lot, near the lake and Evanston without paying Evanston's much higher taxes.

http://www.rogerspark.com/

__________________________

That's great in practice, but how about in theory?

#18 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Dmac on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:57pm.

Having lived in Roscoe Village for over 10 years at this point, I can attest to the Audubon's rapidly improving performance over the past few years. But it's ridiculously expensive here, the homes typically go for over $$1.6MM these days, and that's in a down market.

#22 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Mister Whipple on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 7:27pm.

Hmm...My friends' 3-flat was just appraised at 750K in RV. I'm dubious that some decent deals can't be found in Roscoe Village right now.

__________________________

Let's hug it out, bitch.

#34 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Tito on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 10:07am.

You can find condos in Roscoe Village very easily. (Ours, just on the outskirts near Hamlin Park is a duplex down and on the market for $490K if interested. ;))

It's the single family homes that are outrageous in Roscoe Village. We wouldn't be leaving for the burbs if we could afford one there.

__________________________

Voting for non-Americans since 2008.

#38 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by big_lowitzki on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 9:08pm.

$490K

For a condo?

That is outrageous.

__________________________

Antagonizing TCR posters with my my "assinine" "socialist drivel" and my signatures since 2003.

#19 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Dmac on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 4:59pm.

Mr. Whipple, there are next to no Hispanics left in the area either - they started moving out when the regentrification process went into full swing, not to mention the El Cardenas grocery store burning down to the ground. They said it was a spontaneous fire (cough, cough).

#23 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Jumbo on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 7:28pm.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=ke...

This is a pretty fun article. It covers AL teams, but each team gets a persona from the '84 Cubs. For anyone who actually remembers the players, it should be a fun read. My favorite player segment in Rick Reuschel

Enjoy

#30 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by jacos on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 8:27am.

2008 Cubs should be Sandberg, all around good.

__________________________

I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst

#31 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by nohit on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 8:44am.

Who does that make the 2008 Brewers? Palmeiro, trying to bed the NL Central title?

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Equal Opportunity Offender

#35 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Dr. aaron b on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 11:59am.

Davy Martinez

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Rooting for Laundry since 1987

#24 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Pell Mell on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 8:03pm.

Welcome back Ruz! Looking muchly forward to a TCR get-together as I had to miss the last one. I especially anticipate a Cambodian-garage-rock soundtrack for the gathering.

__________________________

"Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is: never try." -- Homer

#25 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by O.Julius on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 8:04pm.

Rumor has it Ruz was busy going bankrupt and getting high on crack. He'll return to glory at next year's Chicago Sports Blog Derby.

Welcome back.

#26 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Jackstraw on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 8:16pm.

Funny how Ruz disappears during the height of the steroid scandal and is now coming back. I bet he looks 15 pounds "lighter" and will claim that he's been on a diet.

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#27 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Tom_C on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 8:30pm.

anyone is better than DS9-loving Trans...

...kidding

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I am an Armenian Cubs fan who loves my family and Deep Space 9, what else is there in life?

#28 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Mister Whipple on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 9:16pm.

Oh, and welcome back Ruz. Here's to hoping we get the pleasure of reading you again regularly. I must warn you though, Parachat has become a beast unto itself. Proceed with caution.

__________________________

Let's hug it out, bitch.

#29 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by CA-Phil on Wed, 07/16/2008 - 10:23pm.

Welcome back Ruz!

#33 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by 10man on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 8:47am.

Welcome back, Ruz! Now all we need is for Cubfan to come back and DC and kjk to make an appearance and we have ourselves a grand reunion.

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That's Manila with an "L"

#36 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Mister Whipple on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 12:18pm.

I was just wondering about DC. I wondered if he switched usernames.

kjk has surfaced in Parachat recently. It was nice to see him around.

__________________________

Let's hug it out, bitch.

#42 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by dc60124 on Sat, 07/19/2008 - 5:22am.

i am one of the designated readers. perhaps for the t-c-r shindig i could be a designated driver. sorry, could not form a proper haiku.

__________________________

"knowledge is good"

#37 Re: Chicago Night Out To Watch game

Submitted by jacos on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 3:03pm.

Let me know if this happens.

__________________________

I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst

#39 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by Tito on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 2:56pm.

It's 2,300 square feet, 3 bed, 3 full baths, two floors and in Chicago. So there you go. And it's not even the highest priced one you can get in this neighborhood (ones that have less space but are newer can get over $500K).

__________________________

Voting for non-Americans since 2008.

#40 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by WISCGRAD on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 5:08pm.

That is a deal. Some condos here in Madison, WI, particularly those downtown with lake views, are going for 500-600K and are only about 1,500 square feet.

#41 Re: Chicago Re-Acquires Aging Writer

Submitted by dc60124 on Sat, 07/19/2008 - 5:18am.

t-c-r part 3
coming to a screen near you
"return of the ruz"

welcome back, sir !

__________________________

"knowledge is good"