Open Thread: Cubs vs. White Sox, Saturday 5/20, 12:20 CT (Or, Your Place To Bitch About Fox TV)

by Al on May 20, 2006 9:59 AM CDT in Game Threads Comment 248 comments

Today, Fox starts its annual Saturday afternoon "Game of the Week" series, which means that many of you won't get to see the Cubs.

Given the state of the team, some of you may think that's a blessing. Fox's national coverage today is as follows:

Yankees-Mets: 56% of the country
Cubs-White Sox: 21% of the country
Angels-Dodgers: 13% of the country
Giants-A's: 10% of the country

For those of you who can see the Cub game (and want to), consider yourselves lucky. You could have had Lou Piniella as the color commentator, but he's under the weather:

Lou Piniella, Fox's newest hire who was a guest commentator on last year's American League championship series between the Angels and Chicago White Sox, was set to make his regular-season debut Saturday. He was supposed to be in Chicago with Thom Brennaman for the Cubs and White Sox but has been sidelined by an eye infection.

Piniella will be replaced on Saturday's telecast by former White Sox outfielder Darrin Jackson.

Piniella, also on this week's conference call, said he didn't miss managing and was taking his new venture seriously, seeking advice and studying various broadcasters.

"I'm a little nervous," he said, "and rightfully so."

Note he says that he doesn't miss managing. So give it up, folks -- I don't want him as Cub manager anyway, and he's not coming here. He ought to just retire -- he's terrible in the booth, as you know if you heard him during last year's playoffs. And to replace him with a Sox broadcaster? Gee, how neutral. With Brennaman on play-by-play, the telecast might be completely unlistenable.

Fox is pulling the same stunt in the Bay Area, where Giants announcer Mike Krukow will be the color analyst on the Giants-A's game. Gee, think A's fans might be a bit miffed?

This state of affairs may be in its death throes. This South Carolina newspaper article notes that this is the last year of Fox's TV deal, and they might not renew it in its present form:

The network's $2.5 billion contract with Major League Baseball expires after the World Series in October.

Earlier this year in a Media Week article, FOX said it had no interest in renewing the contract at an expected 20 percent increase on the price tag. FOX has said it might be willing to share the package with another network, as it did with NBC from 1996 to 2000. As of now, no deal is in place for 2007 and beyond.

[And] now many people wonder if the ?Game of the Week? has outlived its usefulness because of the number of games televised daily by ESPN, TBS, WGN and other cable outlets. That will be determined sometime this summer when TV contract talks heat up.

Note, that article is from a paper in a non-major league market. I think those of us who live in a major league city, would likely prefer to see the Saturday ?Game of the Week? vanish.

Oh. There's a game today, too.

Today's Starting Pitchers


R. Hill Cubs	vs.	F. Garcia White Sox


0-3	W-L	6-1
7.63	ERA	4.56
9	SO	28
10	BB	16
3	HR	5
vs. Sox	--	vs. Cubs

Not only does this appear to be a mismatch based on these pitchers' 2006 records, but Garcia has been nearly perfect against the Cubs in his career: 3 starts, 3-0, 22 IP, 18 K, 0.88 ERA. Hill, meanwhile, has sucked against pretty much everyone.

I am, however, reminded of a similar matchup two years ago at the Cell, where Carlos Zambrano came in at 8-2, facing Felix Diaz, who was making his third major league start with an ERA of 11.42.

You can guess what happened even if you didn't follow the link above. Diaz threw the game of his life, allowing three ER in 6 IP, and Z sucked, giving up five walks, two homers, and five earned runs.

Is something similar LIKELY to happen today? Of course not.

But that's why they play the games.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

The only thing...

I don't like about Fox games are the announcers. That's a pretty big thing, but I like the way they do everything else during the game.

Freddy is a Venezuelan, but I can't cheer for him. I hope Hill just pitches OK. Please score.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 20, 2006 10:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Even if Hill pitches okay..

the last point you made rings loudest I will echo it so maybe someone on the team will hear it..

PLEASE SCORE

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Piniella

"Note he says that he doesn't miss managing. So give it up, folks -- I don't want him as Cub manager anyway"

Why? are you afraid he might just contribute to a winning product?

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on May 20, 2006 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think...

there are probably better options out there. Where's the long list someone gave me the other day?

Why do you want Piniella?

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 20, 2006 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reading Mariotti's article today...

Who is Mariotti referring to when he talks about Andy McPhail writing letters to the editor about a Tribune beat reporter not spinning the Cubs in a positive light. Is it Paul Sullivan? Is there any other press on this issue, or is Mariotti just making this up?

And how can Sullivan paint anything about the Cubs right now in a positive light? Seriously...

So I jump ship in Hong Kong...

by Ryetronics on May 20, 2006 10:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, it's Sullivan

McPhail and Hendry took time out of their busy schedule to criticize Sullivan's coverage. Sullivan talked about it on the Score yesterday.

http://www.670thescore.com/includes/news_items/news_items_more.php?section_id=1&id=919

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, that's sad.

Sad and pathetic, just like this team.

They'll blame this season on Dusty, and they might be partly right. But the ringleaders need to go also.

Fire MacPhail and Hendry. Time for management that can build a roster.

by salparadise23 on May 20, 2006 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Regional Telecasts

I think the networks try to shoehorn baseball into the same formula they use for football, and with 10 times the number of games each season, it just doesn't work. Each game means a lot less towards the overall standings in baseball. During football season, you can get stuck watching the Cowboys vs. the Eagles and will watch it. If you are on the West Coast and get the Dodgers hosting the Nationals or the Angels and Twins, you probably won't watch it if you aren't a fan of one of those 4 teams. You will find a way to follow your team via the internet or some other source.

On the Krukow comment, I will agree the A's fans will be unhappy. Krukow and Ray Fosse, the A's announcer have nearly come to blows in the past, and Fosse is at least as much of a homer as Krukow. I have heard Krukow broadcast the regional games before and I think he does a great job. He seems to be able to take off his Giants cap and call the game in a relatively unbiased manner. When he's teamed up with Kuiper for the Giants broadcasts, that's another story. Personally, I don't have a problem with a teams announcers being biased toward the team they cover as long as it's the teams local broadcast.

by MHef08 on May 20, 2006 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, Krukow...

can and will call it straight on a national broadcast. Sometimes, the bias is all in your head.

And having Jackson do the FOX game doesn't bother me, any more than having Brenly (who has national experience) doing the game would bother a Sox fan. You have to expect these guys to have Monday-Friday jobs...

by bison on May 20, 2006 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here in Southern Texas...

Our Game of the Week is Yankees/Mets. WTF!?

I guess I should probably thank Fox. Now I can go out and get something productive done today instead of screaming and yelling at the TV.

by sanantonecub on May 20, 2006 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lineup

Pierre CF
Cedeno SS
Walker DH
Barrett C
Jones RF
Ramirez 3B
Mabry 1B
Murton LF
Hairston 2B

by VS on May 20, 2006 11:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pierre should be

hitting 9th, Murton 2nd

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baker puts...

...Murton in the 2hole and they win 2games in a row sinceapril. Now he's back to juggling around the lineup. If not for a little consistency. Only Dusty can have a guy in Cedeno go from 2nd in the order to 8th back to 2nd. He's a friggin idiot.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on May 20, 2006 12:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Jay Mariotti usually has his head stuck

so far up his rear that he can't write anything decent, but this column is dead on. Bravo Jay!

And Kiley (another writer I don't particularly like) with a good column of his own.

The Cubs proved again Friday why the club really isn't for sale. It isn't worth a plugged nickel.

by VS on May 20, 2006 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mariotti

is just trying to sell papers with shock and awe...and yes his head is still up his butt. He is not a fan of anyone, he just wants to tear apart any Chicago team that does not win every day. I take what he says with a grain of salt.

by mrcubsfan on May 20, 2006 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Fan Journalists

I happen to like Mariotti b/c he's not a fan. I can't stand reading columns that are just pep talks for the team they're covering. Carrie Muskat is the worst. Her columns nauseate me. It says she's a writer for MLB.com, but judging from her "every day is a sun-shiny day in Cub World" approach, her pockets are filled with Cub Cash.

So I jump ship in Hong Kong...

by Ryetronics on May 20, 2006 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty at it again ... unbelievable

Is this the 40th different lineup? Seriously?

by Critical Fanatic on May 20, 2006 12:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

damn double play

i thought we might have a big inning.

by mrcubsfan on May 20, 2006 12:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

come on

if you didn't see that coming you haven't been watching

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

MLB.TV is....

...blacking out the game, so please give us out of region fans frequent updates. Thanks

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 12:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A few thoughts on Piniella

I don't think he's that bad of a broadcaster. At first, I thought he was terrible. His voice and accent is beyond grating and he had a rather halting style in the booth. But once I got beyond that, and once he got more comfortable, I thought his insight and commentary was great. That said, I'd have preferred Fox give the job to Al Leiter, now that he's officially retired.
When he says "he doesn't miss managing at all," you can take this two ways. a) I don't miss managing the awful D-Rays, b) I just signed a big new contract with my network and I don't want them to think I'm a sourpuss and will jump at the first job I get.

If given the opporunity to manage a team within spitting distance of the postseason, I think he'd take it. Not that the Cubs are within spitting distance of anything, mind you.

by MikeJ on May 20, 2006 12:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What does Rothschild

teach these guys? Why do our pitchers have such control problems?

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 12:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

9 batters faced

1 hit, 4 walks, 1 SF

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barrett just punched a guy in the mouth..

AJP steamrolled him... and then slammed his hand down on home plate

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

seriously?

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Barrett was blocking home plate.. And then AJP Ran him over.. we are talking Albert Belle steamrolling the 2b run over his hands were above the shoulders.. Then he slammed his hand down on home plate because he was safe.. Barrett gets up grabs him and then punches a clean punch AJP right in the mouth

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

that-a-boy Barrett. One thing you can count on is Barret being pationate. Maybe this will light a fire under these guys. Of course now we have to put up with Blanco's .057 average for a few games.

Thanks for the update

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett

is my hero

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

HOLY CRAP

AJP is a piece of shit. Barrett rules.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Blocking plate, no ball

Then Barrett had it coming.

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, no question

But AJP slapped the plate then got up and gave Barret a little shoulderblock. WTF?

Anyway, good to see SOMEONE is breathing on this team.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AJP

did not need to use his arms in the fashion that he did.. He is just as guilty

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett is a petulant child

In 2004, Barrett mouthed off to Roy Oswalt, and we know what followed from there. A week ago, Barrett mouthed off to Dave Roberts for having the temerity to steal third base when the Padres were up 5-0 (in a game they eventually won 10-5, so Roberts' run -- the sixth of the game -- turned out to be the winning run). And today, he punches Pierzynski in the head. The 7 and 8 year olds that I coach are better sportsmen than this guy.

This guy is an immature jerk, and he's symptomatic of what's gone wrong in this organization. Barrett's only doing what his idiot thug manager, Dusty Baker, encourages him to do. And Baker, in turn, is merely a manifestation of what Andy McPhail has wrought. McPhail once again revealed his character (or lack thereof) this week by calling Tribune sportswriters Paul Sullivan and Dan McGrath in to complain about the paper's coverage of the Cubs.

Is it any surprise that Kent Mercker complained about Steve Stone and Chip Caray back in 2004 when the team President is doing the same thing himself in 2006?

I truly feel sorry for longtime Cubs fans. Until your team gets rid of the McPhail/Hendry/Baker regime, they're never going to win, and they're going to be a low class organization, something that didn't used to be the case.

by Lance on May 20, 2006 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you actually watch the play?

or are you just spouting off your distaste for Cubs management?

There is a difference between Little League strategy and ML strategy. First of all, if any LL would have done what AJP would have done he would have been ejected.. I know because I've umpired LL before everything from instructional to the majors (13-14).. I've been behind the plate several times.. and know what its like when you have kids taunting each other. I put an end to it quick like.. and I have tossed two kids in my 3 year career for taunting.

Barrett got run over on a borderline play and let AJP get to him after the play was done. AJP is dirty and personally I would have punched him too.

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I watched it

And my reference to little leaguers was obviously misconstrued by you. My point is that Barrett seems to be a poor sport. We teach our children to win with grace and lose with grace, and Barrett doesn't seem to have learned that last part. When things are going poorly for the Cubs, you can count on Barrett to behave like a jerk.

And he did it again today.

by Lance on May 20, 2006 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And what is your defense

for AJP, who is an extremely bad sport?

by dfrancon on May 20, 2006 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

barrett and ajp

I just saw the play again. Barrett had both arms around AJP and then punched him. No way AJP should have been thrown out of the game. I don't know of anyone that would say that that was a dirty play. Barrett is just frustrated although it doesn't make it right.

by sanman on May 20, 2006 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was a clean punch too...

we will be without Barrett for 6-10 games

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And listen to these pricks in the NYY/NYM game

God I hate Joe Buck.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

They just spent a half-inning not showing the game, not calling the game, but talking about Johnny Damon's hair and what McCarver would look like with long hair and a beard.

by baturkey on May 20, 2006 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where's Farnsworth when you need him?!

May Fox burn in hell for making me miss this.

by VS on May 20, 2006 1:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn Fox!

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

good

somebody gives a shit about this team

"a sort of soft tyranny of positivity" -GM

by ksucubbie on May 20, 2006 1:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Good for Barrett. Need more guys like him

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have they recommenced...

play yet?

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Details, we need

details. Did Barrett have the ball? Was it a legitimate blocking of the plate? Did A.J. give him a forearm? What? We can't see this, we need details from those who can.

by Luigi on May 20, 2006 1:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

play

No, Barrett didn't have the ball.. It was a bang-bang play.. Murton's throw bounced once and A.J beat the throw by a couple of steps. Ran over Barrett and slapped the plate. Then Barrett and AJ ran into each together again and Barrett then punched AJ. Then all went crazy and some Sox players tackled Barrett.. Mabry was fighting Anderson I believe throwing hay-makers.. Really crazy..

by NorthernLights1972 on May 20, 2006 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anderson was the one throwing haymakers..

the Cubs got the raw deal here

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

John Mabry has been ejected too...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mayberry

And Darrin Jackson the MORON is calling him Mayberry.

MissouriKev

by MissouriKev on May 20, 2006 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm listening on

XM and all I can hear is the Sox announcers with their slant on what happened and, of course, they are saying the A.J. did what A.J. does. "He may have been a little animated..." and Barrett just slugged him. What really happened?

by Luigi on May 20, 2006 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They showed it on FOX

Barrett was blocking the plate. I thought there was some unwritten rule that catchers don't plow other catchers, but that's beside the point. It didn't look like a dirty play by AJP although I only saw one replay at normal speed. Then he pounded the plate with his hand in celebration, then stood up and walked into Barrett, kind of giving him a little shoulderblock. Words were exchanged, Barrett introduced Mr. Thunder to AJP's face.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Thunder?

...

...right downtown and PRINT IT!!!

by CliffX on May 20, 2006 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mabry Out?

and what did Mabry get ejected for?

by cubrandy on May 20, 2006 1:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

3rd man in..

if he is gone Brian Anderson who also took a swing at Mabry should be gone

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have they cleared the benches?

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ejections:

John Mabry
Michael Barrett

Brian Anderson

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

AJP's Arms?

how did he use his arms?

by cubrandy on May 20, 2006 1:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

like a Breast stroke Albert Belle style

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmm...

Blanco Catching, Neifi at 2b, Hairston at 1B, and Walker as DH...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So that means

Blanco and his .057 average will be occupying the cleanup spot?

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill

Just walked Pods...

That is 4 this inning...

RICH HILL SUCKS!!!!!!!

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill

MUST settle DOWN ! !

4 walks?

UN - F'n - BELIEVABLE

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 1:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

iguchi slam

hill is awful!!

by zjb600 on May 20, 2006 1:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

bye bye hill

No question he's back to AAA

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of Course...

Iguchi just hit a Slam...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Grand slam

5-0 Sox

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This game is over...

We have no offensse anyway...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So what exactly happened.....

...I just walked in and got on game day and see all the ejections. What in the world went on?

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I am with you.

What we need is for someone to post a narrative of what happened but all we're getting are brief little snipets.

It appears that Barrett block home plate on a sac fly and A.J.P. bowled him over. From what the Sox announcers are saying it appears to have been a clean hit however after being called safe A.J.P. slapped home plate with his hand and gave Barrett some kind of a shove so Barret clocked him. In the ensuing scuffle a couple of other players got ejected including Mabry. I've gotten that from the guys doing today's game on XM.

Please, someone, confirm or refute what I have just written.

by Luigi on May 20, 2006 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No question

it was a clean hit. The slap on the plate after and running into Barrett with a probable comment is what set him off. Looked to be just another low class move by a low class individual like AJP. AJP had it commin.

by wicubfan on May 20, 2006 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

5 runs

on 1 hit! Does Hill belong back in the minors or what? His trade value has to be near zero. Maybe we could get someone in the Bynum category for him but I doubt we could get that.

by Luigi on May 20, 2006 1:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WTF!!!!

Hill can K thome on 3 pitches but can't get an out from AJ, Crede, Uribe, etc.

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Can we option him right now?

Maybe he needs glasses a la Ricky Vaughn. Walks the bases loaded then gives up a grand slam. Dusty is in the dugout right now saying "Well, at least it was a strike."

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

AJP

came in.. and ran Barrett over.. afterwards AJP slams his hand down ont he plate.. then AJP ran directly into Barrett... may have said something but if he did it was immediate.. then Barret punches AJP in the mouth.. Pods tackles Barrett Mabry everyone in.. Brian Anderson throws haymakers at Mabry.. this is ridiculous

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

All star game

Since every team gets at least one player at the game, who do you think will represent the cubs? Barrett, Maddux, JJ?

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is what I call Baseball...

I am glad we are fighting the Sox!

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wow...

...crazy!!! And they say its just a fans rivalry!!

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sad to say

....that it's over after two innings, but we can't scrape together 5 runs WITH Barrett in the lineup. How with Blanco cleanup, it would take a miracle.

by cubrandy on May 20, 2006 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barret was already one of my favorites

Now he's in first place all by himself in my book. He'll be a popular guy today in a lot of major league cities (Anaheim for sure).

But seriously, that'll be our highlight of the day. This team looks worse than bad.

by SuperContext on May 20, 2006 1:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

I dont think we will score ANY runs today...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

or tomorrow, or the next day.....

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.057 batting cleanup....

.....explain why Dumbass Dusty couldn't have pulled a double switch? Well, Perez batting .189 isn't much better.

Thanks for the great bench Hendry.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I LOLed.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn...

I am ready for another BB parade...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

micheal

good!, AJ is an ass, the sox have had their manager publicly talking about our team and this team has looked dead-- if this doesnt light a fire under their ass then nothing will

"a sort of soft tyranny of positivity" -GM

by ksucubbie on May 20, 2006 1:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This team is too bad

for this incident to have any effect, but it was awsome nonetheless!

by VS on May 20, 2006 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

its just too bad

that our team is so awful!! this would be a great game to really get into if we actually had a shot against these guys, but down 5-0 its pretty much over.

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Michael Barret=Piece Of Crap

Michael Barrett is such a piece of crap. If he can't handle fielding his position and taking a "standard" hit then he needs to go home and never come out of it. No one would miss the little cheap shot taking piece of crap!

by ID on May 20, 2006 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no one

will miss you posting here either

"a sort of soft tyranny of positivity" -GM

by ksucubbie on May 20, 2006 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the way you think

Let me know what gas station you work at so I can stop by sometime and talk baseball.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm thinking it wasn't the hit

It was the arrogant, show-boating garbage that happened afterwards. AJP has had that coming for quite a while, and I'm glad it was Barret who gave it to him.

by SuperContext on May 20, 2006 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

couldn't agree more..

n/t

by wicubfan on May 20, 2006 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A "standard hit"?

What about when AJ forearmed him? Or when he pumped his first into home plate? Or how about AJ going straight to Michael instead of heading to the dugout?

Please, AJ deserved it.

by VS on May 20, 2006 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep

excellent

by VicVega on May 20, 2006 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And welcome, B---h Sox fans,

to Bleed Cubbie Blue!

by dfrancon on May 20, 2006 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

a 1-2-3 inning...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Michael Barrett...

is the best offensive Catcher in the League...

ID is probably a wrong-sider...

Git 'er done!

by KChiCubs on May 20, 2006 1:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

AJP

not only slapped the plate, but walked into Barrett rather walk back to his dugout, which was behind him.

Don't f*** with Barrett!

by Matt Allison on May 20, 2006 1:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is the key

There was no excuse for AJP purposely walking into Barrett and mouthing off. Barrett doesn't punch him if he just walks back to the dugout instead of being a dickhole.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree with your first remark.

Would like to see him f with someone with his bat and glove sometimes.

by Tom Mason on May 20, 2006 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see it

cause I'm watching GameDay, but it doesn't sound like the hit is waht set him off. If he slugged AJ because he was taunting Barrett, then he got what was coming to him.

by cubrandy on May 20, 2006 1:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

the hit was borderline..

the getting in Barrett's face after the play after the play was over is what caused Barrett to punch him in the face

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see Dusty on the fiield....

...during the ruckus, while Ozzie was out there trying to do something (who knows what). I guess he was on the phone giving a pep talk to his buddy B-Roid and wishing he could be in Oakland today.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 1:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dusty was there...

He was out there on the field.. just on the fringes trying to get his players to stay out of it..

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So I guess Blanco

will be getting some consecutive starts sometime this summer...

I wonder what the average suspension length is for this type of incident.

by Matt Allison on May 20, 2006 1:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If Springer got 4 for throwing at Bonds...

one can theorize that it will be between 6-10

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can see it now

Barrett gets suspended, Blanco goes down in a game and our pal Neifi will get to play behind the plate. This is all part of Dusty's grand scheme to get Neifi as many ABs as possible

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate to cheer the Mets

But what the heck... I can't stand the Yankees.

by SuperContext on May 20, 2006 1:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

how come nobody

is talking about how barret definitely grabbed pierzynski to keep him from getting away? cubs fan that i am, this still definitely seems like barrett's fault. AJP just looked mostly dizzy after getting up from a full on collision with another relatively large man. he didn't even look at barrett when he bumped into him. are there any people here who aren't afraid to put some blame on the cubs?

by cubs3298 on May 20, 2006 1:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barrett grabbed him because AJP ran

directly into him..

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Getting away?

AJP was walking towards the Cub dugout not his own.

by Matt Allison on May 20, 2006 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

That was very immature of him to do. Just because you get pissed of at someone because he is a prick and because your own team sucks, thats no reason to punch a guy in the face. Michael has been one of my favorite cubs all year but this was a childish move and he deserves every bit of his suspension.

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only highlight of the year

AL fans know AJP is a thug jackass and he finally got what was coming to him.

by salparadise23 on May 20, 2006 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you.

I was shocked. I thought running into Michael the way AJ did was not exactly normal and then slapping the plate was unnecessary. Michael didn't have to go grab him though.

I turned off the game after Iguchi hit the grand slam. I couldn't take it anymore.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 20, 2006 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Normal collison

That collision looked like the norm to me when the catcher was blocking the plate.

Expect Barrett to get suspended for 4-6 games, and rightfully so for that cheap-shot.

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying Barrett won't

have a punishment coming from the league--but given that we're not exactly in a pennant race anyway, it almost feels worth it to have AJP suffer a punch, that weasly piece of c--p.

by dfrancon on May 20, 2006 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do you

have any idea what was said before barret grabbed him? no- do you have an explanation as to why he was walking toward barret and not his dugout no

enough of the self loathing cubs fan syndrome- show some pride in the fact that at least barret wont let a jackass show us up like that

"a sort of soft tyranny of positivity" -GM

by ksucubbie on May 20, 2006 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Helmet

n/t

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His helmet was on the Sox side of the field

he still went for the cubs side

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WGN SportsCentral...

They said that AJ was clearly headed towards his helmet. Regardless, throwing a sucker punch was uncalled for and unprofessional.

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay..

and AJP was 100% professional in the way he conducted himself?

Please spare yourself the argument sir. Barrett lost his temper and popped him.

Was Barrett wrong for hitting him? Yes

However AJP probably deserved it.

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even Dusty thinks Barrett over-reacted

"I asked Michael what happened and Michael said he (Pierzynski) hit him without the ball, but that's baseball to me," Cubs manger Dusty Baker said during an in-game TV interview. "I think Michael is frustrated. Everybody is frustrated and everything broke out."

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-cubs-whitesoxbrawl&prov=ap&type=lgns

by Lance on May 20, 2006 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Equivocation

You can't dismiss what Dusty says, or dismiss his methods and philosophy, and then cite him later when it suits your purpose.

And my comments should in no way be seen as defending Baker.

by Tom Mason on May 20, 2006 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is this game still going on?

If so... why?

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hits

we have more hits than they do.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 1:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

this team is so bad on both sides it's almost becoming amusing

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

5 runs on 2 hits

talk about shooting yourself in the foot!!!! FIRE DUSTY!!! This has to be in some way his fault. Maybe he told hill he should walk the bases loaded so he could get the force out at home.

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

you have to be kidding me

n/t

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tadahito "Babe" Iguchi

Time to start giving him the IBB?

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Iguchi

Has anyone noticed that some people call him, "The Gooch", that has to be absolutly the worst nickname in the history of sports.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the one guy you would think hill should walk!!

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

did they pull hill yet???

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

His brotha from another motha Roberto Novoa is in.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only question is, will Hill

be on a train to Iowa or Tennessee after this game?

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Roberto Novoa....

The most over used gas can of a pitcher in the national league.

by RB on May 20, 2006 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually..

He will probably take a cab over to Iguchi's house so Iguchi can finish raping him.

by RB on May 20, 2006 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wanna see the fight?

It's posted on

http://www.youtube.com

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 2:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctsYoWLgtuY

by salparadise23 on May 20, 2006 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone notice

AJP had a chance to get back into it once his team showed up and he just stood there like the piece of shit he is.

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what i was thinking...

He just watched his teammate get his back...he didn't even try to go back and mess with Barrett. He can talk the talk...

Before there was Carlos...there was Eddie!

by thekansasian on May 20, 2006 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point...

Of course, I'm not sure I would wade back into a fight where the other guy had just schooled me.

by Molechaser on May 20, 2006 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if AJP

had any balls he would have

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sucker punch...

When your team is being schooled again, I guess that's what punks resort to.

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

dude

you can say whatever you want about the Cubs. We know they're a bad team. What's really pathetic is you're still here talking shit. Seriously bro...

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No feces, just facts

n/t

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hahah

he ignores the fact that barret was face to face with AJ and also the Brian Anderson punched barret- WHILE he had his back to him and Anderson was running full speed---

shut the f**k up and go back to your sox blogs

"a sort of soft tyranny of positivity" -GM

by ksucubbie on May 20, 2006 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

IF

Anderson punched Barrett then that was wrong then he should be and will be suspended.

You guys can be as beligerent as you wish, but it doesn't change the fact that what Barrett did was wrong and uncalled for.

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

speaking of punks

when will the next pack of drunken WS fans come on out to take on the first base coach?

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol - nice!

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and silence

from our d-bag friend..

"a sort of soft tyranny of positivity" -GM

by ksucubbie on May 20, 2006 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or some drunken Cub fans...

to come out of the stands and jump an ump.

to shoot someone outside the stadium.

to throw a baseball at a Cub player.

hurl racist insults at a Sun-Times reporter.

by DrCrawdad on May 20, 2006 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crawdad

do have some kind of bcb anti-sox software installed on your computer. Or do you just like to see what were talking about when the cubs are getting spanked or when Barrett is bitch slapping that weasel-faced chinless piece of crap.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on May 20, 2006 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

pot kettle black

south side of chicago, not the least bit racist...

"Cubs fans are fags" "Boystown" etc.

Never heard that before...

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do u have

a direct link?

by luv4cubs2 on May 20, 2006 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forfeit

Can the cubs forfeit the game and just leave. I'm embarrassed for them.

by mgfabc on May 20, 2006 2:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

baker

im sorry, i know no one on BCB likes dusty, but i really give him credit for wanting to finish what he started. thats commendable and i like to have someone like that on my team. good chat with baker on FOX just now.

by dtpollitt on May 20, 2006 2:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What did he say?

by mgfabc on May 20, 2006 2:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

read below...

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guess the number of pitches

that the Cubs see the final 3 innings.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on May 20, 2006 2:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I could have gone

to today's game but declined the tickets. I knew it would be bad.

by mgfabc on May 20, 2006 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

god damn

you neifi perez. I HATE YOU!!!!

by luv4cubs2 on May 20, 2006 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

My man Neifi comes through....

...again. Holy shit, what an awful excuse for a team.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 2:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This just seems like a great time

to make major changes. Laughing stock of Chicago. Baker - gone, Rothschild - gone, Neifi - GONE,

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 2:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hear, hear!

Add in Baker's entire coaching staff, too.

by Molechaser on May 20, 2006 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah you're right

Definitely all hitting coaches - GONE

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hendry

GONE!!! Mc Phail, GONE!!! Seriously, while I don't like Baker's moves, this has to start at the top. Hendry assembled this collection of no-talent spare parts. I mean, come on, you lose ONE hitter, and your offense goes completely in the tank??? What really irritates me about it is that Hendry saw the results of relying on D. Lee for all the offense last year, and did nothing that could reasonably be expected by almost anyone who watches baseball to have any positive effect. Injuries are a part of the game and while no one expects to replace a player like D. Lee with a like player, you would reasonably expect to replace an injured player with a replacement level, league average player.

I really wanted to have some continuity here,I really thought that this organization was going to do some good things, but from what I've seen, Hendry just has no idea how to assemble a team. Also, a minor league system that was considered one of the top systems just a few years ago has produced almost nothing. It appears that the organization is in a total shambles from top to bottom. No idea how to assemble a competitive team, no real minor league system, poor fundamentals, lack of intensity, I really feel everyone should go. Or else, as fans, we're going to sit here for another three years wondering why things can't, or won't, change. Sorry for being negative, but the effort shown by everyone in the organization is just disgusting.

by Bill M on May 20, 2006 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

7th inning summary

3 hits
0 runs
13 pitches
Perez should have bunted

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on May 20, 2006 2:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

will ohman??

this guy gets shelled every time he comes into a game. I expect no less than 2 runs in this half inning.

by luv4cubs2 on May 20, 2006 2:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oops

forgot it was 2 outs. Why am i still watching this game?

by luv4cubs2 on May 20, 2006 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get a hit Todd.....

....so we'll have a .300 hitter!!!!

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 2:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Depressing

WS have 5 guys in the lineup over .300

Cubs 0

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baker & Hendry tried as hard as.....

...they could to trade Walker, who turns out to be the best active hitter the Cubs have (and certainly the only active one with potential to hit .300).

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Their trying to trade Walker begged an explanation.

by Tom Mason on May 20, 2006 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They still are tryng to move him..

and it made sense the Cubs knew they had a logjam of middle IF and guys who can play 2b and ss... trading Walker IF you could get a good amount of value for him seem(s(ed) like a rational thing to do.. I would like to see him dealt for a solid prospect who might be a couple years away

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blanco

I don't care how well he handles pitchers, he is a black hole in the lineup and needs to go. When you have 2 hits 2 months into the season, there is no reason you should be on a major league roster. What a joke, every attempt at a rally today has been killed by the DP.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Blanco is totally worthless at the plate, we all know that. Why even let this guy swing with runners on base? Either tell him to just stand there and hope the pitcher walks him or make him bunt. Same with Neifi.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 2:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Armor

He just needs to throw some armor on and stand as far out over the plate as he can so maybe he'll get hit a few times, that is his only way he'll ever get on base.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

REALLY frustrated w/ Rallykiller Blanco

I can't believe this guy isn't back in the minors by now.

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DJ calls out Dusty

for Cub's lackadaisical baserunning.

by clever screenname on May 20, 2006 2:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

good

he needs to be called out, and this time the trib can't go and cuss 'em out.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Music to my Ears

I applaud that comment by D.J.

To Bleed or Not to Bleed?

by TheRamZamDLEE on May 20, 2006 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you read this site?

There are exactly zero Neifi supporters on BCB.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 2:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yoda?

n/t

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you kidding me?

Who in this site supports Neifi?

by VS on May 20, 2006 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand

What you are implying, however Korey was supposed to be the future but he never learned how to hit in the majors. He was expected to do certain things and he either failed miserably or outright refused to even try. Neifi is just worthless altogether and most of the ire is directed at Baker and Hendry because everybody with a brain knows Neifi has no business being on a major league roster yet there his name is on the lineup card every friggin game. We know he's worthless, Korey at least we still had hope for.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because

Neifi never was expected to be a superstar and carry this team, everyone just expects him to pull crap like that. You boo a waste of talent much more than no talent.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

There isn't a point to it, really. The ire should be directed at the management for keeping this pile of trash on the roster. We expected Korey to be a major league hitter. We expect Neifi to be working at KFC any day now. It's like getting upset that Blanco can't hit and wondering why he does this and that. He sucks. Pure and simple. He's never going to get better. The anger is directed at the management for keeping a guy on the roster who is completely incapable of getting even a seeing-eye single at the major league level.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is true

But Neifi still gets no support from this site and to imply otherwise means you obviously haven't been reading this blog for any considerable amount of time.

by VS on May 20, 2006 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the same reason.....

...you don't get on your 10 yr old son for being struck out by a 16 yr old.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I don't get on my son at that point, I yell at the ump and threaten to beat his @$$ for being blind and tell him to find another profession aside from little league umpiring. J/K

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget, it's the American way...

....to file a lawsuit, too.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You threaten to beat up a little league umpire?

For missing a call? You'll understand why nobody's going to take you seriously then. You're part of the problem.

by Lance on May 20, 2006 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the J/K

stands for just kidding.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neifi is a favorite here now?

Neifi is a worthless player that only an organization as clueless as the Cubs would sign.

Show some examples of us favoring Neifi or quit spouting off nonsense.

by VS on May 20, 2006 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

M.B.

whats everyones thoughts on barrett?? hes always been one of my favorite players...hard nosed, hard working, a team guy, and a great overall catcher...i really dont mind - in fact enjoyed - seeing barrett step it up and beating the crap outta the 2nd biggest dickhead in baseball...thoughts??

by dtpollitt on May 20, 2006 2:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He's a hothead

His confrontation earlier this season with Brian Roberts of the Padres was stupid. His punch today will probably cost him a week suspension at least and he's one of the few guys in the lineup who can hit a little. He's also a terrible defensive catcher, terrible at blocking balls, terrible at throwing out runners, and terrible at handling pitchers. He's a decent offensive catcher, but not nearly good enough to offset his liabilities.

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett

He's the one player on this team that is showing some fire because of their horrible play lately. He's not going to just roll over like the rest of the team has. Dusty just sits back there chewing his toothpick and saying, well we'll get out of this slump eventually, there is nothing I can do to help them. His defense is bad but his offense I would say more than makes up for it. Having Blanco back there is a far worse choice with his absolute lack of offense this year.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still a hothead

He does show some fire, but very often it's counterproductive to winning. I disagree that his offense outweighing his defense. I'd rather have a guy like Matheny who's terrific defensively, but doesn't hit as well. I agree he's better than Blanco, who probably shouldn't be in the major leagues.

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cry Barret

I want to win games not see fights. What good has that fight done? Baker even said it "seems like that's just baseball to me"

To Bleed or Not to Bleed?

by TheRamZamDLEE on May 20, 2006 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My question would be...

Shouldn't Dusty be supporting his players either way?

Before there was Carlos...there was Eddie!

by thekansasian on May 20, 2006 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are so wrong I don't

even know where to begin.

05 BRAR (Batted Runs Above Replacement Player) - 23
06 BRAR - 7

05 FRAR2 (Fielding Runs Above Replacement Player) - 13
06 FRAR2 - 0

Michael's offens more than makes up for his defensive shortcomings.

by VS on May 20, 2006 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm confused..

Are those numbers for Barrett's 05 and 06 seasons? Also, can you explain what those numbers mean and why they show that his offense makes up for his defense? Maybe I have overlooked something.

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those numbers are for

both 05 and 06 season, yes. The 04 numbers are actually better but I didn't want to go that far back.

Anyway, they're pretty straightforward. BRAR means that in 05 Barrett was worth 23 runs more than a replacement level player. He's worth 7 so far this season.

In 05 Barrett was worth 13 more defensive runs than a replacement level player. He's worth 0 so far this season.

The point is that yes, Michael is a sub-par defensive catcher, but his offense more than makes up for his defense.

by VS on May 20, 2006 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It appears you got those numbers

from Baseball Prospectus. For a reference point (and since I brought him up earlier), I looked up Mike Matheny's BRAR and FRAR stats for 05 and 06. Here they are:

05 BRAR: 5 FRAR: 28
06 BRAR: 0 FRAR: 8

If you add them up Barrett comes out 3 runs ahead in 05 and 1 run behind in 06. But that doesn't tell the whole story.

According to the definition, the FRAR number only factors in the defensive chances a catcher has and doesn't take into account a catcher's ability to handle a pitching staff. Barrett is horrible at this and the FRAR doesn't take that into account. So even though those stats indicate Barrett might've been slightly better than Matheny in 05, I'd much rather have Matheny behind the plate. I stand by my claim that Barrett's offense doesn't outweigh his terrible defense.

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll look up the Cubs starters ERA

with Barrett behind the plate and with Blanco. If I remember correctly there wasn't a big difference.

by VS on May 20, 2006 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I seem to remember..

there was a big difference, at least last year. I could be wrong though.

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here we go

I couldn't find the ERAs and suuch but I found this post from the Cub Reporter. It's a good read, Rob pretty much nails it. Barrett stinks up the joint defensively, but he is not a liability.

by VS on May 20, 2006 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dave Roberts

not Brian. And DR is one really nice guy from what I've heard around LA. Also a former football player who hits catchers very hard when they come in to score.

by helen on May 20, 2006 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My bad

Not sure why I said Brian. I'm sure Barrett is a nice guy off the field but my point was that he loses his cool a lot on it.

by cubsbak on May 20, 2006 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just saw the vid

Can't watch the game thanks to Fox, but having seen the video on youtube, I'd say that MB overreacted. I love the guy, but that was a lapse in judgement. Of course, it's not like he slugged Mother Theresa, so I don't really feel bad, and all my Angels fans friends are smiling. But I'd say this one was on MB. AJ's hit wasn't necessary, I'll give Barrett that, but I still basically blame MB.

I'll say that I'm happy that the Cubs showed some emotion, and maybe it'll signal some kind of change, but I don't have much hope for that. (A little, 'cause it's still May.)

So I think MB should 'fess up, and (yuck) apologize, and then we should all get over it.

by helen on May 20, 2006 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just saw it again...

and while AJ isn't completely innocent, Barrett pulled him back to hit him. That wasn't going to solve anything.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 20, 2006 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Might want to watch it again...

AJP charged Barrett after the play was dead. He tried to level Barrett with his left shoulder. (And, no, he wasn't walking back to the dugout--the Sox dugout is on the third base side, and AJP was "walking" toward first base. It's pretty clear that he was trying to hit Barrett.)

Yes, Barrett held on to AJ at that point, and yes, punching a guy who you've already got wrapped up is a cheap shot. Barrett's an idiot for doing what he did. But AJP had it coming--he clearly started the fight.

by Molechaser on May 20, 2006 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought...

the shoulder thing happened as he was coming home and then ran into Barrett. That's why I thought AJ came in weird. Barrett didn't let him get very far though, so I'm not sure I could even tell what direction AJ was going. I wasn't paying attention to that anyway.

I'm sure I will get to watch the play many more times.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 20, 2006 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

The shoulder thing was after the play. (Fox just showed an angle I have not seen before, from the camera on top of the backstop, and it was really clear from that shot.)

Here is what I saw: AJ came into the plate, which was blocked by Barrett, and he shoved Barrett with his forearms as he came in (tougher play than it needed to be, but still a clean play). After both players got up, rather than going back to the dugout, AJP grabbed his left wrist with his right hand and dropped his left shoulder into Barrett. Then, Barrett held on to AJP, wrapped him up, and slugged him.

Yes, Barrett was clearly wrong, but so was AJP. They should both be suspended, although I suspect only Barrett will be.

by Molechaser on May 20, 2006 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw it now.

I don't know how I missed that.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 20, 2006 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Brian Anderson

who luckily hit no one with the monster haymaker he tossed..

Suspensions..

Michael Barrett 8 games

Brian Anderson 6 games

John Mabry 2 games

AJP 2 games

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well that 4 pitch walk....

...surely showed us how to handle Barry Iguchi.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 2:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barrett is the only player on the Cubs...

...who seems to genuinely be pissed off by the way this team is playing. He's obviously sick of losing but I guess he can't beat the crap out of Dusty - although that would be great. Punch that damn toothpick down his throat. So he did the next best thing and decked Pyzdickski. Way to go Michael!

On another note...boy, do we really, really, really suck the big one.

It will happen...someday!

by bergs55 on May 20, 2006 2:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

NOW Perez singles

great job Neifi!

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 3:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh no

5 more points and Nefi will be resting on the mendoza

by RB on May 20, 2006 3:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WOW

3 more hits than the sox and a 7 run deficit to show for it

by RB on May 20, 2006 3:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Amazing Talent

to hit and NOT score, this team has.

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blanco

can end it here

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 3:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well lets go get em tomorrow...

...Ah who are we kidding. Lets just go get drunk!!

by RB on May 20, 2006 3:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Margarita's....

...fajitas and BBQ at my place in an hour.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Margaritas?

After this game I need tequila injected directly into my arteries...

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't drink.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 20, 2006 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I had a board meeting and missed the whole game.

I'm pretty glad I did. I think.

phat

by phatass on May 20, 2006 3:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Same here

I was ticked at first that I couldn't see the game thanks to FOX, but now I almost feel like thanking them.

by VS on May 20, 2006 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whistler

Your Mommy called from her rocking chair, she said shut your mouth.

It's cool we like the same junk and stuff- Phillip J. Fry

by smwojoz on May 20, 2006 3:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey everyone!!

Its Corey's wetnurse!

It's cool we like the same junk and stuff- Phillip J. Fry

by smwojoz on May 20, 2006 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yawn

It's cool we like the same junk and stuff- Phillip J. Fry

by smwojoz on May 20, 2006 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

See, that was clever how you turned that around on those of us who have been visiting this site for a while. You are awesome!

It's cool we like the same junk and stuff- Phillip J. Fry

by smwojoz on May 20, 2006 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now you are just trolling

Forget it, the burden of proof is on you.

by VS on May 20, 2006 3:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

espn news

for those who have the channel they are just about to show replays from the game and some interviews from players

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 3:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ozzie Guillen...

says at the press conference that AJP tried to "walk around" Barrett "to get back to the dugout." Maybe Guillen needs geography lessons. When AJP crashed into Barrett after standing up, he was walking directly away from the Sox dugout. I am not saying that Barrett did the right thing, but we should at least be honest--AJP was trying to start a fight, and it worked.

by Molechaser on May 20, 2006 3:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That Damn B-Roid just ...

...hit 714. Baseball's national disgrace continues.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 3:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Balco Barry

I can't wait for the end of the season when he goes the way of Sosa and Palmeiro because no team is going to give him a contract.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The whores at ESPN have all....

...bowed at the alter of Steroid Bonds. Do NOT go to the ESPN homepage unless you're prepared to puke.

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Umps

The homeplate umps have been horrible. And that's not an excuse for the pitiful play of the team, but I did find the varying strike zone pretty frusterating.

by Jake on May 20, 2006 3:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Brawl

Please, don't just dismiss this as a comment from a Sox fan being a big time homer.

I honestly, in an unbiased view think that AJ was legitimately only walking over to get to his helmet. Next time you see the replay, watch for where his helmet lands. He makes a bee line to that spot, and he drops his shoulder to avouf Barrett rather than deck as he walks over.
I know AJ is an asshole, and that with his rep it's easy to jump to the conclusion that he was looking for trouble, that's what I intitially thought, but seriosuly just watch for the helmet; it corroborates what AJ said in his interview.

Yah, and Oz had no idea what was going on in his interview. He was just trying to pull some excuse out of his ass on AJ's behalf. He tried to pretend he forgot the word for dugout as he furiously searched his mind for an excuse.

www.chisoxblog.blogspot.com

by jeeves on May 20, 2006 4:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good Observation

That shifted my paradigm a bit. We'll never know for sure, but I looked at it through a Sox eyes and I see what you are saying. However, no reason to grab the wrist, drop the shoulder...
Meh, there I go again...

It's cool we like the same junk and stuff- Phillip J. Fry

by smwojoz on May 20, 2006 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sox fans ovation for Pierzynski's tackle

I am sure this event will become yet another asinine "grinder rule."

by Tom Mason on May 20, 2006 4:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

well

"Is something similar LIKELY to happen today? Of course not."

Seems like taking whats likely going to happen has been the way to go this year. The road to 100 losses continues, and it actually is getting worse from the beginning of the month.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs