Former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa said in an interview that the Cubs' continued use of the number 21 shows the strain in his relationship with the team.
"That number should be untouchable because of the things that I did for that organization," Sosa said in an interview with Chicago Magazine. "That right there shows me that they don't care about me, and they don't want to have a good relationship with me."
Former Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis wore the number 21 from 2007-2008, then Milton Bradley wore it for his troubled 2009 campaign, and now outfielder Tyler Colvin wears it. If there was any time to retire Sosa's number, it would be now. Rookie Tyler Colvin is having a solid year with the team, and appears destined to be the club's opening day right fielder in 2011.
Before he truly establishes himself as the teams right fielder, the Cubs could have him quietly change numbers. However, Sosa did not leave on the best terms and is not in the best standing with the league.