MIAMI - The Cubs are the visitors this weekend, but Sammy Sosa expects to feel right at home.
That's partly because Miami has been his primary offseason home, partly because he has a large contingent of friends and relatives flying in from his native Dominican Republic and partly because he always enjoys great support from the South Florida fans, some of whom will wave Dominican flags.
"It's like Christmas for me, going to Miami, having a chance to sleep in my own bed," Sosa said. "I have a chance to see my family. I'm going to have a great time and definitely I have so many people that's going to arrive Friday, coming from the Dominican Republic. It's going to be awesome."
Sosa said the support from his countrymen is especially touching.
"I know I'm not alone in the world," he said. "I get so much support from my country, from the American people, from everybody. They know how I play this game and that I'm not a bad person. When you conduct yourself that way I don't think you'll have any problems no matter where you go.
"So seeing that (reception) will make me very proud. It's something I appreciate."
Sosa said he always liked the Miami area and decided about six years ago to buy a house, one with seven bedrooms and a movie theater. "Miami is a place just like the Dominican," he said. "There's so many Spanish people that live here, so many people from all over the world. I've always liked Miami. It's a good place to relax, and it's an hour-and-a-half (flight) from my country."
A reporter asked if he was recognized as much in Miami as Chicago.
"I'm recognized all over the world, big guy," he said, laughing. "Who do you think you're talking to?"
GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION: Reserve Lenny Harris was signed by the Marlins after being released by the Cubs. That means he could get playoff bonus shares from both teams. And he doesn't plan to keep any of it.
Harris told the Sun-Sentinel he'll give any postseason money to the Boys Club of Miami.
"I don't want the shares," Harris said. "I don't think I deserve any shares, so I'll just donate it. Why not? That's something I figured I should do. This year has been a bad year for me, so I don't deserve it."
OVERHYPED: Marlins manager Jack McKeon sounded a little tired of hearing about Cubs starter Kerry Wood, who pitched two complete games against them this season and allowed one earned run. "He's seeing a better ballclub than the last time he pitched against us. I'm not taking anything away from Kerry Wood, he's an outstanding pitcher and he's going to be tough, there's no question about it. But he's been beat 11 times so far, so he's not unbeatable."
WAYNE'S WORLD: Several Florida papers picked up a note from the Chicago Tribune about former Marlins owner Wayne Huizenga showing up at Wrigley Field on Tuesday and saying he was rooting for the Cubs. Apparently there was a problem: Huizenga faxed a letter to the Associated Press on Thursday claiming he never was in Chicago.
MISCELLANY: Cubs manager Dusty Baker still refuses to commit to Carlos Zambrano as his Game 5 starter, raising the possibility he'd bring Mark Prior back on short rest. ... Hall of Famer Tony Perez will throw out the ceremonial first pitch tonight, with U.S. Gen. James T. Hill scheduled for Saturday and tennis star Venus Williams on Sunday.
