Bruce Miles Q&A

Today Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald was kind enough to take some time to do a question and answer session with me. You can see the chat by clicking here, or just read the Questions and Answers below:

Cubbiefan07: Bruce, when did you first decided you wanted to be a beat writer?

Bruce Miles: It wasn't until the late 1990s. I had done just about everything in newspapers, including being the backup Cubs and White Sox writer. When the Cubs job came up, I felt I owed it to myself to go for it, given my love for baseball.

Cubbiefan07: Question from a reader; What steps are involved in becoming a beat writer?

Bruce: You've got to spend some time in the business learning how to be a reporter and a writer. I firmly believe in young writers covering high school sports and then moving up. Working in news or on the desk (as I did) also are good.

Cubbiefan07: What is your relationship with the player like?

Bruce: Cordial. I'm 52 years old, which means I'm quite a bit older than most. I like to keep it professional. I don't drink with them or socialize with them. I ask them for interviews, do the interview and thank them. It's worked for me.

Cubbiefan07: How about your relationship with the other Cubs beat writers?

Bruce: It's very good. Paul Sullivan and I go back a long way. He's really a good guy and a Chicago sports fan and historian. Gordon and I get along fine. Carrie Muskat and I have known each other a long time. I get along fine with Carrie, as well. You compete with the others, but there is some collegiality.

Cubbiefan07: Question from a reader; Is there any truth to the rumor that the Cubs are interested in Reds' second baseman Brandon Phillips?

Bruce: I've not heard that they're strong on him. They're exploring all options. One that's been talked about is Freddy Sanchez. I don't see that happening.

Question from Larry: Lou has stated that he wants a left handed power bat, who are the Cubs looking at that fits the bill?

Bruce: I'm not sure Lou and the GM are of the same mind here. Hendry may feel that Lou was blowing off steam the other day, which he tends to do.

Cubbiefan07: The Cubs signed former Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan. Do you see the lefty being a factor in the Cubs pen before the end of the season?

Bruce: If he throws well in the minor leagues I see that, yes.

Cubbiefan07: Speaking of Blue Jays pitchers, where do you see Roy Halladay landing?

Bruce: Not with the Cubs. Perhaps Philadelphia.

Cubbiefan07: What MLB team do you see getting hot down the stretch:

Bruce: Darkhorses would be Colorado and Houston. I see Boston and New York putting up big records.

Cubbiefan07: Bruce, you’ve been covering the Chicago Cubs since 1998, but this year you are not traveling with the team for the first time. Is it nice to have a break from all that travel, or is it strange for you to sit home and watch the Cubs on TV?

Bruce: It's strange. I'd rather be out there. I don't miss airport delays and extra-inning games on get-away days, though.

Cubbiefan07: Which Cubs team was your favorite to cover? 1998? 2003? 2008? Or was there another team that was a lot of fun?

Bruce: I liked 1998 the best, with Beck, Grace, Glenallen Hill, and others. I liked the 2001 team, with E.Y., Stairs, Coomer, Gutierrez, Kerry Wood, Tapani.

Cubbiefan07: Shift gears a little bit, what team in the big leagues has the best bullpen? Stating lineup? Rotation?

Bruce: I like the Phillies lineup. The Cubs' rotation is right up there. Nobody's bullpen comes to mind spur of the moment.

Question from Larry: Which version of Harden are we most likely to see throughout the second half? He has been very inconstant thus far this season.

Bruce: It depends on his health. If everything is fine, and he was throwing 95-95 his last time out, I don't see any reason he can't pitch well down the stretch.

Cubbiefan07: Bruce, thanks so much for taking the time for us. Many fans enjoy your writing, keep up the great work!

I've missed a few days of countdown to the deadline, but it will return tomorrow!

We hope to have more Q&A's for you soon!