61/224

by socalbob on Sep 20, 2005 3:41 PM CDT

For those who don't believe the Cubs need to revamp their bullpen, these numbers tell otherwise.

61? What does it mean? It means that the numbers of HR's Allowed by Cubs releivers this season. Dead last in the NL.

224? Que? It is the number of Walks Allowed by Cubs relievers. Again, dead last in the NL.

We all know the OF and 2B/SS need to be fixed, but Hendry cannot fail to fix this part of the team. We haven't had a a "go-to" LH set up guy in Dusty's tenure and the RH set up guys haven't been consistent either.

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Absolutely...

... bullpen help is near the top of the list, which is also why I hope the Cubs DO try to talk Kerry Wood into closing.

That would give the ballclub a terrific RH setup man in Dempster, and that's one less guy you have to go out and get.

by Al Yellon on Sep 20, 2005 4:17 PM CDT reply actions

But then...

we need another starting pitcher.

I want to see Kerry start, and I want to continue to have Dempster come in and seal our W's.

Speaking of bullpen help, what happened to Scott Williamson? I don't know why, but Dusty has used basically all the young guys the last few days. When was the last time Williamson pitched? Should he come back next year?

Cubbie blue always sPaRkLeS in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Sep 20, 2005 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Williamson...

... is about where Dempster was at this time last year, in terms of his recovery.

I think he's definitely worth bringing back.

by Al Yellon on Sep 20, 2005 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions

so...

... the bullpen sucks and you want to take the one guy who has been more than effective and take him out of that role, replacing him with someone who has never closed before? I just don't get this sentiment at all. Yeah, they may end up with a good closer and a good set-up man but they also may end up with a lousy closer and a good set-up man. Why turn a good closer into a good set-up man when you're not sure how well the closer is going to do? Dempster, while I don't expect him to have the same success next year that he's had this year (only blowing two games out of 28, both w/ one run leads), he's been dependable.

I think that the Cubs have some decent parts to their pen. Novoa, Wuertz and Ohman all could play a role. But Dempster has been as solid a closer as the Cubs have had over the last 20 years. Why mess with that?

DmL

by dmlichte on Sep 20, 2005 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Our bullpen

has been out of whack all year. Guys have been moved from short to long relief and vice versa. Add that to the starting rotation that had everyone but Woo-Woo try out and fail.

Good teams have consistency and the defined roles and trades have taken the toll on their performances.

If Rusch isn't a starter, cut him loose. He is just not suited for the rollercoaster ride of long relief, then short relief and finally starter. Keep Dempster as closer. Why mess around with someone who has performed MUCH better than we expected. Either Novoa is setup or he isn't. Make a decision.

Wuertz is fine if he isn't overused. And, most of all, cut down the walks to the 1st batter and we should be fine by adding a few miscellaneous guys.
Personally, I want to see a setup guy ala Farns who can get K's when we need them.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Sep 20, 2005 5:01 PM CDT reply actions

I actually think...

... Novoa could be that strikeout guy, if he can learn to throw strikes more consistently. He's got a good arm and can throw 95.

But as you said, he needs a defined role.

by Al Yellon on Sep 20, 2005 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Haven't had one yet...

Jim Hendry has yet to put together anything resembling a major league bullpen. Does anyone really have any faith he can do it next year? I hope I'm wrong.

by jolietconvict on Sep 21, 2005 12:19 AM CDT reply actions

well...

... Hendry has actually gone out there and gone after the percieved best guys available over the past few years. He targeted Remlinger, who had been one of the top LH relievers with the Braves. He targeted Hawkins, one of, if not the top RH set-up men in baseball. He paid, perhaps overpaid for relievers. Unfortunately Remlinger had arm problems and Hawkins was misused and psychologically wounded.

Hendry has tried to fix the pen, he's just used the wrong tactic. He needs a different strategy than going after the big dollar free agents.

DmL

by dmlichte on Sep 21, 2005 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Is there any chance the Padres will let

Linebrink go?

"You know what God told the cubs. Don't do anything until I get back!" Pete Rose

by Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Sep 21, 2005 9:02 AM CDT reply actions

I had to check this...

... I didn't realize how good Linebrink has been the last three years.

Trade for him if you can. Think they'd take Patterson and Mitre?

by Al Yellon on Sep 21, 2005 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions

no

there are major contract squabbles with Trevor Hoffman who has said "no more home town discounts" after they have sold out Petco the last 2 years. Linebrink will take over as closer because Sandly Alderson won't spend big dollars on Hoffman.

by socalbob on Sep 21, 2005 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions