Entire Coaching staff to return

by kaseyi on Nov 12, 2008 2:40 PM CST Comment 56 comments

http://www.sacbee.com/baseball/story/1392164.html

The Chicago Cubs announced Wednesday that manager Lou Piniella's coaching staff will return for the 2009 season.

So much for grooming Ryne Sandberg or Jody Davis on the major league level to be Lou's successor. I guess that might also be why Pat Listach took the Nationals position
Kasey

See my Pictures of the 2008 Cubs at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/cub-pics-2008.html
Also, see the Cubs 2009 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2009.html

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I'm surprised that Matt Sinatro is back.

I was sure he’d be gone.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 12, 2008 2:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why?

by dr stabbingworth on Nov 12, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Heard strong rumors about this toward the end of the season.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 12, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yup

There were some reports out there that Sinatro was done after the season. It sounded like it was his personal choice and he wanted to return home (I believe he lives in Seattle). I do wonder, however, had Sinatro departed if Sandberg or Davis would have joined the major league team. Piniella wanted John McClaren to join his coaching staff when he first came to Chicago but McClaren obviously got some indication at that time that he was next in line to manage the Mariners.

I do believe that some change on the staff might have been a good thing. Not saying any of the guys deserved to go however a new opinion and voice or two on the coaching staff might have provided some new perspectives on the team.

by dmlichte on Nov 12, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can Lou function without Sinatro?

Personally, Sinatro should either be the bench coach or the bullpen coach. It makes no sense to have a former catcher who stole a grand total of 2 bases (1 CS) in his entire career to be the first base coach. Could that be part of the reason that Riot ran so many times even though his jump was poor? Was he not getting enough help on pitchers’ moves?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 12, 2008 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hm, somehow I never knew that about Sinatro.

That is an interesting point. In Sinatro’s defense, though, he certainly looked like he was trying hard to help the runners at first base.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 12, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Carrying a stopwatch helps with the look

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 12, 2008 5:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

His jobs as 1b coach

Take the batters’ elbow guards and pads and safely return them to the dugout.
Yell “back” when the pitcher attempts a pickoff move.
Yell “go, go, go!” when the ball gets past the catcher.
Hop in the air when the play is close at first, and swing the arm in frustration when the Cub hitter is out.
Whisper “freeze on the line drive” to every batter who gets to first.

I am sure I am missing some, but really, these aren’t that tough.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this? -Oysterband

by Ross on Nov 12, 2008 7:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He also has to remember how many outs there are

and remind the runner to go halfway to second on a flyball to the outfield with less than 2 outs
and yell at the runner to keep going if he can tell the ball is going to get through the outfielders
and take the batting helmet back to the dugout of a runner that is left on 1B because the batter swung at a 3d strike that was 5 feet short of the plate and 2 feet outside

I could so do all those things

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 12, 2008 7:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But what about...

….the all-important butt patting?

I think that’s where I’d start to have problems. Especially if it were, like, Adam Dunn or Prince Fielder.

"[Lou Piniella] might be over 100, but he still has a lot of fire in him." - Ted Lilly, Sept. 10, 2008

by CaughtInTheVines on Nov 12, 2008 8:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ooooh, I never thought of that, pass.

Matt Stairs has a future in baseball after his playing days are over then.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 12, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Trust me...

…if a baserunner is relying on the first base coach to help with a pitcher’s moves, that guy is in trouble and certainly won’t be stealing too many bases.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 12, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No, that cannot be the reason. Theriot slowed down, either by nagging injury or the

cumulative wear that results from attempting steals.

by DudeVf11 on Nov 12, 2008 10:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sandberg

I was hoping ryne would be part of the coaching staff….I think he could bring alot to this team based on what he did in Peoria.

by cubsmania on Nov 12, 2008 3:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No complaints from me

Sweet Lou has assembled a quality and veteran coaching staff. They’re a good group overall.

When organizations groom their own to be manager one day (Ryne Sandberg, Jody Davis) it typically ends up disastrous. Main qualifications for being a manager shouldn’t be that you were once a Hall of Fame player or fan favorite. Nepotism of this sort is ruinous in professional sports. The Blackhawks recently learned from the error of their ways in hiring Denny Savard to be head coach.

McGrath: I got a good deal on those boys. The scouts said they showed a lot of promise.
Reggie Dunlop: They brought their f***in' TOYS with 'em!
McGrath: Well, I'd rather have em playin with their toys than playin with themselves.
Reggie Dunlop: They're too dumb to play with themselves. Boy, every piece of garbage that comes into the market and you gotta buy it!

by MDBNIU on Nov 12, 2008 4:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They re-signed the entire coaching staff?!

Why I…I…y’know I actually have no problem with this.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 12, 2008 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Just wonderin'...

Would a new hitting coach help some of the guys who had off-years like Dome and DLee? Or would you be afraid about screwing up guys who had good years like DeRo, Riot, and Soto?

Sometimes a good coach can have a message that just gets stale.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 12, 2008 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure about DLee...

…but I think Dome is an isolated case and the Cubs shouldn’t throw Gerald Perry under the bus just because of Kosuke’s struggles. If anything, Dome seems to need a personal hitting coach that could work with Perry to break Kosuke of some of his bad (or, should I say, nontranslatable) habits. Speaking of which, maybe the new translator will help, too.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 12, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hitting coaches get way too much blame and praise

Gerald Perry has actually been very good. I personally don’t think it is coincidence the volume of Cub position players who had solid offensive campaigns in 2008. Kosuke? Given the extreme and unique nature of his “running up in the batter box” hitting approach? I think it is up to Kosuke to figure out what to do on this one. American simply don’t approach hitting in the way Kosuke does. Hard therefore for Gerald Perry (or Lou Piniella who is good hitting teacher in his own right) to have much of an impact on Kosuke.

by MDBNIU on Nov 12, 2008 5:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

But a “special assistant hitting coach” for Fukudome wouldn’t hurt.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Nov 12, 2008 5:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed - Perry has been great

Look at the difference in walks, for gosh sakes. Yes, it starts with the personnel, but the approach of the offense the last two years is completely different from the last, what, 20?

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 12, 2008 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

200% agree...

…this is one of the most misunderstood things for the average fan.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 12, 2008 9:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See? We agree about something.

Can I leave the sandbox now?

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Awwww, that's so sweet

I always like a happy ending.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 9:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess that means we should head back to Roxy's.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 9:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yo, I am totally there man

bring lots of dollar bills

Willie Mays Hays Gloves, you in this?

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm in, with bells on.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 13, 2008 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought the strippers wore the bells...

…at least at first.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Where do you think I'm getting the bells from?

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 13, 2008 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Classy

bring enough dollars to get all the bells

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 10:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good news

I like this and like even more the front office was also kept. I was worried that the Cubs might be picked apart.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 12, 2008 4:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Lou is here through 2010, correct?

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Nov 12, 2008 5:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 12, 2008 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Some might phrase that...

Lou is gone in 2010, correct?

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Nov 12, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

By that time...

…Girardi should be ready to be fired in NY and everybody will be clamouring for him.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 12, 2008 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Only those in the U.K.

Here they will clamor for him. ;-)

Actually, as much as I like Joe, I don’t want him as the Cubs manager. His rep isn’t a good one.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 12, 2008 9:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My prediction is...

if we don’t win a WS with Lou, we will see Tony LR be the next one to give it a shot. I don’t have any feelings one way or the other about him but I can see those planets all lining up. And then it will be Joe Torre, etc. We will be the last stop for every manager in baseball before they retire until one of them gets it right.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 12, 2008 9:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I suppose they could try

the body of Miller Huggins.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 12, 2008 11:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Doubt it.

LaRussa turns 67 in 2011. He may be ready to retire himself by then. Torre will be 71 in 2011.

At some point they’ll have to hire someone under 60!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 4:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you're right.

My next suggestion, as you probably guessed, was going to be Jim Leyland.

Maybe they need a young, calm HOF infielder who has personally experienced the “Cubs” thing after being a throw in on a trade from Philly. Let’s see, anybody? anybody?

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 8:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Get him some major league coaching experience first.

Maybe as Lou’s bench coach in 2010?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping that would happen in 2009

but I guess you can’t rush these things. Has bench coach really become the “heir apparent” coaching position now? I don’t really know what they do.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 9:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They're supposed to be an "assistant manager".

But the duties are really up to the manager. Frankly, I’m not sure what Alan Trammell does.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fills out the lineup card?

Holds a stopwatch to get the catcher’s throw time down to second? Thanks his lucky stars to be part of a winning team?

Those are my guesses.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 13, 2008 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget about his job of making post-game cocktail suggestions for Lou.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 13, 2008 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he should add to his list

navigating the car from Chicago to Cincy.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Al, IIRC

your seats are in RF. Can you actually see what Tram does during the course of a game? Does he sit next to Lou because you rarely see him on TV. It’s always Larry sitting there chewing his cud. I had totally forgotten Tram was the bench coach.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Alan Trammell is the infield coach.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 13, 2008 10:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, really?

TLR in Cubbie Blue? That makes me cringe. Then again, so did Jim Edmonds in Cubbie Blue. But, somehow, TLR seems worse.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can totally see him in royal blue pinstripes for a season or two.

even with the dark glasses

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not gonna happen...

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll bet an Old Style that he does for one season

even if he uses a walker for support (not Larry)

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're on.

Let’s make it a case- and if it happens we’ll meet at Wrigley and drink it all before attending a game. How does that sound to you?

Jimmyeatworld

by Jimmyeatworld on Nov 13, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great

That would be worth the drive up.

Tommie Agee was out.
"This field, this game, is a part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and it could be good again." TM

by Weeghman Park on Nov 13, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

If you two really do drink a CASE of Old Style before a game, just be sure one of you brings along a designated driver. I’d hate to see either of you end up like TLR, after all.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 13, 2008 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs