Cubs pitcher: Wrigley Field 'looks like Baghdad'

By Jason Rowan

With opening day only a few days away, the Chicago Cubs are full of hope as the team gears up for the 2015 MLB season. It’s a shame that even though the outlook on the upcoming season is positive, the Cubs’ home ballpark is not quite yet in opening day condition.

Despite Wrigley Field being in somewhat disrepair due to ongoing renovations, Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel is nevertheless excited about all the improvements being made to the historic ballpark, although he made a curious comment to describe its current state as the team prepares to head north.

“I’m excited,” Hammel said, via the Chicago Tribune (by way of Big League Stew). “It looks like Baghdad, but you know there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow there. It is what it is right now, and we’re going to deal with it, but it’s exciting. It’s a long time coming and fun to be a part of, even if it will be a little sketchy to get around.”

Despite Hammel’s questionable choice of words — although no offense was likely intended — the fact remains that things haven’t gone swimmingly with Wrigley’s renovation.

A long and hard Chicago winter has delayed the renovations of Wrigley. Team officials insist the ballpark will be serviceable and safe come Sunday -- rat problems in Wrigleyville notwithstanding -- when the Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals in its home opener. And yet, the first phase of renovation is nowhere near finished.

While a brand-new Jumbotron has been completed, the left field bleachers reportedly won’t be ready until May 11. The right-field bleachers are expected to be ready for fans by mid-June.

Despite the setbacks, Hammel probably speaks for all Cubs officials, players and fans when he also said he is looking forward to seeing the historic ballpark all polished up and updated once all the construction is completed.

More from Sportress of Blogitude: