Sullivan: Early reviews positive for Cubs’ designated ‘goofball’

That barbituric acid test is a killer!

The early returns are positive. Kevin Millar has hit .333 with a 545 on-base percentage, and melded well with his new teammates.

“We like chemistry, we like for this team to be loosey-goosy and have fun,” manager Lou Piniella said. “He fits in all of those categories… We’ll see how this thing works out. He’s actually performed well in camp, and we enjoy having him.”

...Millar’s reputation as a fun-loving sort precedes him, and he’s doesn’t shy away from it.

“I’ve always been a guy that likes to have fun, I’ve always enjoyed my teammates, and picking and ragging (on each other),” he said. “But at 7:05, you go out and compete. It’s such a better time when you have guys that care about each other, that laugh together, that go out together, that eat together and shower together. Let’s do it.

“That’s the big picture. It’s not like I’m the ‘goofy guy’ and that’s why I’m in the big leagues. There’s some stuff I’ll say a lot of times, what people want to say. But when it’s time to go to business, it’s all business.

“I enjoy everybody — Latins, black, Mexican, white. … It’s fun to get everybody together. There’ve been no cliques on any team I’ve played for. It’s easy to be nice to people. Real easy.”