Put The Peavy Rumors To Rest... Forever
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:00 PM CST
in News
169 comments
If there were any lingering questions about whether the Cubs had pulled back from pursuing San Diego ace Jake Peavy in a trade, manager Lou Piniella answered them this week.
The Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer asked Piniella at an event in Chicago on Sunday whether the Cubs were still pursuing starting pitching in the wake of their four-year contract extension with free agent right-hander Ryan Dempster.
"No," Piniella was quoted as saying in Tuesday's Sun-Times. "Starting we don't need. We're set. We've got six good starters, and they're all experienced. Getting Dempster back was the key. We're in good shape with our starting pitching. Bullpen-wise, [we're looking for] possibly one more experienced pitcher. We've got a lot of young kids out there."
So Kevin Towers can posture any way he wants. Peavy's going somewhere else. Here's Wittenmyer's full article. I will resist the urge to say "Told you so."
2 recs |
169 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Oh well
There’s always Brian Roberts to talk about.
Old Style is the nectar of life.
by Mordecai on Nov 25, 2008 1:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ARGHHHHHHH
you’re looking for an experienced bullpen guy? REALLY!
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 25, 2008 1:02 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Wait!
I know one who’s available. He had 34 saves last year for a playoff team. Can anyone guess who I’m talking about?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No idea
No idea maybe his name rhymes with Harry Good?
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 25, 2008 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds about right to me.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Still have hope
Still have hope that Kerry is still a Cub when all is said and done. I just wish it would end either way and soon.
But I’m guessing it’s not over until after the arbitration offer deadline because if I’m correct if let’s say the Rangers sign him before that the Cubs get the draft picks so teams are hoping the Cubs don’t offer him arbitration on December 1st.
I predict he’s a Ranger or Cub on opening day.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 25, 2008 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also
Al I asked you in a thread but I don’t think you answered as the thread was dying and you probably didn’t see it.
Is there more than just an educated and thought out guess to the thought PInella has a problem with Wood?
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 25, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have no information on that.
It does seem to be an educated guess, though.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Okay
I trust your instincts but was wondering if this had more legs.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 25, 2008 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to my knowledge.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm befuddled
by this Kerry Wood situation.. why havent the cubs come out and just said we’re going to offer him arbitration and if kerry wants to stay for 1 year he can
this would make everyone happy and challenge wood to his comments that he’d come back on a 1 year deal. Obviously they still can do this and just because they haven’t said it doesn’t mean they won’t do it, but when fans are this irate why not just settle this immediately.
it makes me think for some reason they’re considering NOT offering arbitration to him, which would be insanely stupid.
Heck i’d even offer arbitration to Howry for the shot at a 1st or supplemental rd pick.
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 25, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Well...
… the arb deadline isn’t till next Monday, so they don’t have to say anything until then.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i know they don't have to
but what’s the benefit of not saying something?
it’s not like them saying they intend to offer arbitration would impact Wood’s negotiations with anyone.
There’s no downside to the club to say their intentions and because they aren’t saying anything i’m becoming suspicious
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 25, 2008 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone considered the fact that maybe the Cubs really don't want Kerry
Wood back? All indications are that they could sign him if they really wanted to. Maybe they don’t.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i think a lot of us think that's the case
just no one knows WHY?
it seems to make absolutely no sense that you’d want to throw him to the curb given the production last year, the likely shorter-term contract, etc
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 25, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking it's the injury potential. The fact that he was almost out of the
game and gave it one last try says alot. Maybe Cubs management feels that last year was a blessing and that signing him is a risk that they just don’t want to take. If someone is willing to sign him to a multi-year deal, then I think it puts the Cubs in a bad spot. They really may not want to take on the risk and it’s much easier to step aside at this point and let him find a payday elsewhere. I know it’s hard for us Cub fans to accept that, but the fact is, this may just be a matter of not wanting to roll the dice again.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Since the Cubs said "goodbye"...
… no one has offered Wood a multiyear deal.
Maybe there IS injury risk. If so, why not offer Wood a one-year deal with incentives? If he makes his appearances, he gets his money. If not, the Cubs aren’t really out any big dollars.
Wood seemed to signal that he’d do something like this.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you. A one year deal wouldn't be a big risk, but they may
be afraid of what happens if he makes it through the year and produces. Then what do you do? I really think they want to move Marmol into the closer’s role and this is giving them that chance. I believe they are hoping that someone signs him so they don’t have to deal with the options.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well then...
…. why wouldn’t you extend him? It’s not as if Wood is 40, like Trevor Hoffman. Wood just turned 31. What’s wrong with having a great setup man in Marmol and a great closer in Wood?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they feel that he doesn't want to setup after having such a good year as
a closer. I think he would accept it, but management types can be pretty weasely when it comes to these things. It makes the decision easier if someone takes him off their hands. If they step up and say they don’t want him, then they look like bad guys. As it is, they look like they have his best interst at heart by letting him pursue an offer somewhere else.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Again...
… I think the Cubs are still better off with Marmol setting up Wood than with any other combination they could come up with this offseason.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Me too, but if the Cubs feel that Marmol can handle the
closer’s role, it saves some salary. You know that will play into it. All things being equal, Marmol will cost them much less than Kerry.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But that's not the price issue.
The issue is, how much less is Kevin Gregg than Wood? Because Marmol’s on the team either way.
Once arb is over, Gregg will be making nearly as much as Wood — and not be as good a pitcher.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you certain they won't include Gregg in a deal for
a LH bat?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why can't we just be candid about this?
There is nothing to suggest that this is monetary. Kerry may posture about accepting a one-year deal, and Hendry may say something about his budget, but the contract terms would have likely been somewhere in the middle, and it’s difficult to imagine that everyone couldn’t have worked out an incentive-laden, multi-year deal if Kerry was wanted.
Maybe we just need to accept that he’s not a Lou guy. If I were to hazard a guess, this seems much more about Lou liking to wear out his favorite arms, and feeling that he has to baby Wood.
But whatever the reason, it’s intellectually dishonest for people to keep pretending that after 14 year it’s about the money.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 25, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Why can't it be about money? Do the Cubs
have a money tree that they can pluck a few million off to give to Kerry. I agree that it’s more about not having to deal with the thoght of what to do with Kerry than anything else, but to assume that this cannot be about money is naive. The Cubs are a business and businesses have to deal with the bottom line. You may think that money doesn’t play into this, but I don’t have the benefit of your insight.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well,
given that Gregg will see something in the neighborhood of 4 milion dollars next season, Lou is still on the lookout for another bullpen arm — likely cost: 1 3 million - and clearly has at least seriously discussed signing Raul Ibanez internally — figurig a 6-10 million per annual deal — I’d say there was money there if Kerry was wanted.
But if you think differently, hey…
by Damen Jackson on Nov 25, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As I stated in my original post, they really don't want him. I'm
not sure why, if it’s money or the fact that they don’t want to deal with the injury potential, but their behavior is telling me that they don’t want him. If they did, they would have signed him by now.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, actually
my response was more to Al, who was bringing up re-signing him to a one-year deal.
As I’ve stated before though, seeing whether the Cubs actually offer him arbitration will be one of the more interesting happenings of this off-season.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 25, 2008 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be suprised if they did.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rec'd
And let me add this – I am very disappointed that the Chicago press is not running this story down. The question of why a team is letting go a player who has stuck with that team for so long and says he’ll do anything isn’t just relevant for Cub fans, it’s relevant as a story about modern baseball, where you rarely see players stick on one team their entire career.
Why in the world wasn’t Lou asked about this in one of his several interviews? And why in the world wasn’t there a Kerry Wood follow up question once Lou says, “We want a veteran arm in the ‘pen and it doesn’t need to be a lefty”?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Nov 25, 2008 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
That's the part I didn't get
When Hendry mentioned the Cubs wouldn’t pursue Wood after the Gregg deal, it seemed like all the Cubs would want to do was 1 year and incentives with Wood wanting a multi-year deal. Then what was it, only 2-3 days later, Wood mentioned he’d do anything, including another 1-yr + incentives.
I’d say, go with the 1-year deal and one issue for 2009 is solved. No long term commitment, Gregg effectively fills Howry’s spot, they can now look at a ’pen southpaw and the lineup fixes. Seems like a no-brainer, especially for a guy that really, really, really wants to be here.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Nov 25, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the fact that it's sucha no-brainer tells you
that they really don’t want to sign him. If someone signs him and takes him off their hands, the perceived problem is gone.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
right
but i’m not suggesting they sign him to a multi-year deal, i’m suggesting simply that they OFFER ARBITRATION, which would be a 1 year deal
i understood not wanting to commit multi-years to Wood, i even said as much when we said goodbye
but then when Wood came out and said he’d be willing to come back on a 1 year deal, i got frustrated because a 1 year deal for a reliever of his caliber is something we absolutely should be pursuing
by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 25, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you.
And I think they WILL offer arb.
And if they do, I am certain he’ll accept it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That seems to make sense given the iffy nature of relievers. I don't know
why they wouldn’t do it.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would like to see them
give Kerry a contract that is similar to Wake’s in Boston. A 4 Mil Option that lasts indefinately until either the team or the player decides to nix it..
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Nov 25, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't think of that...
Good idea. He’s only 31.
"Just win tonight" - derv
by derv on Nov 26, 2008 12:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roberts/Peavy
I was thinking that Peavy was going to be this season’s Brian Roberts.
This doesn’t surprise me in the least. I think and I think Al agreed with me when I posted this as did others it was either resign Dempster or trade for Peavy.
It's a boy. My new nephew William Oliver born 11/14/2008 256 am. Thank you to all who offered best wishes when I mentioned it a few times over this summer and fall.
That's not my nephew in the picture. Don't have one to upload yet.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 25, 2008 1:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It's subterfuge!
This only proves that there IS a deal for Peavy and it is imminent! He’s only trying to throw us off the scent.
Formerly NO100
by jerry morales rules on Nov 25, 2008 1:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
You May Be On To Something...
… clearly Hendry has the leverage now over Towers. Before, Towers had ATL and the Cubs in a position to bid against one another. He missed that window of opportunity.
I think that if a deal can be made, Hendry will make it… it will go for less, though, than what was orignially offered.
Priority is now set on a lefty RF, then a veteran ’pen guy, then…
In Hendry We Trust
by initram on Nov 25, 2008 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I predict
that the cubs will trade for Peavy, flip him to the Orioles for Roberts, and then flip Roberts to the Marlins for Ceda. Everyone on the board owes me dinner at their place when I’m right.
by leothelip on Nov 25, 2008 1:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
…and then flip Ceda to the Rangers for Wood, sparing us from all of this ’till next season.
by leothelip on Nov 25, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
…and then flip the ’09 season to the Phillies for ’08, scratching, at last, our 100 year old itch and doing so on the anniversary, as planned by all. Kerry gets the save.
by leothelip on Nov 25, 2008 1:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think we'd all love that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats a whole lot of flipping going off
To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!
by Chanman25 on Nov 25, 2008 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
anybody else
… really intrigued by Lou’s comments about Fontenot at short? To me, that’s the most interesting thing in Gordo’s story.
Assuming Fontenot is as good as Theriot at short, this could be the lineup against righties, assuming we get a left-handed bat for right field:
Soriano, Fontenot, Lee, Ramirez, Abreu/Ibanez/someone else, Soto, Fukudome, DeRosa
It doesn’t get Sori out of the leadoff spot, but it does create more righty-lefty balance.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 1:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Don't You Think...
… that “Abreu/Ibanez/someone else” would go in between Lee and Ramirez?
In Hendry We Trust
by initram on Nov 25, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
possibly, I guess
Depends who it is. I’d say Abreau would, but I don’t know about Teahen.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
so Fonty takes over at short
and Riot becomes the backup infielder?
I hate to see what Riot will do to pinch-hitting.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Nov 25, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think what all this means is...
we are going to platoon those two, to get our real leadoff hitter @ 2B Brian Roberts!!!! … and then DeRo plays right, and the middle of the order lefty bat Lou is looking for signs, but to play CF instead of RF!!!…and his name??? JIM EDMONDS.
Then as said above we go ahead and get that reliable pen guy named Harry Good, or something along those lines and we are good to go.
by jbertram on Nov 25, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would assume it just means Cedeno is gone....
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
it could mean a Fontenot/Theriot platoon
IMO.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it means
to get another left handed bat in the lineup Fontenot gets in and platoons with Theriot. Fotenot didn’t have much range before but I’m all in for trying.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Nov 25, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa
really isn’t an outfielder. I think it’s a mistake to keep thinking we can just stick him there and have him succeed long-term.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Nov 25, 2008 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you stick him out there full-time, he will succeed defensively.
The real question is not his glove — which is already more than adequate and would get better with regular play — it is whether or not his replacement at 2B (be it LBR or Roberts) can produce the numbers expected of a COF. If they can’t, the Cubs are playing with 3 MI bats which is a real drag on the offense.
The other question is how he will feel about playing a full season in a position he hates.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 25, 2008 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
didn't Lou try LBR at short last year?
IIRC, this experiment lasted all of about two innings – or was it just one? Well whatever it was, it was pretty abrupt.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 25, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he tried him ...
for about three innings in 2007.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that long ago, huh?
guess that’s my brain’s way of telling me to just forget about the 2008 season… not that 07 was much better…
Can’t remember who it was against, but it was one of the few games i went inside for. There goes Fonty, trotting out to short. Wow- check that out, Lou’s trying something different. Cool. Then Boom! Bam! Pow! At least one fielding error and I think somewhat of a botched throw on another play and then if I’m not mistaken, Lou comes out and makes the change in MID-inning!
I had no idea doghouses could be built that fast…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 25, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still trying to figure out what I think about that.
by cwyers on Nov 25, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm all for it ...
as long as Fontenot isn’t a step DOWN from Theriot. That would be unbearable.
You’d probably know this off the top of your head, cwyers. How did Theriot and Fontenot compare range-wise at second?
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Fontenot is pretty obviously the superior hitter.
Theriot’s defensive range in comparison to Fontenot is probably better – I’m mostly basing this off the way that both the LSU coaches and the Cubs minor league system treated the two of them, though, not any hard data or my own scouting observations.
by cwyers on Nov 25, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hmmmm ...
I wouldn’t be willing to take a downgrade on range at short from Ryan Theriot.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It all depends on how it washes out.
Let’s say – and this is a real rough estimate, now that I have some numbers to look at – that Theriot would be -7 at shortstop defensively, and Fontenot would be -14. That’s runs per 150 games.
Over a full season, is Fontenot’s bat worth seven more runs than Theriot’s?
by cwyers on Nov 25, 2008 2:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it is.
For one thing, Fonty can actually hit homeruns with some amount of regularity.
On the other hand, I don’t necessarily equate runs scored with runs allowed, not with our pitching staff…
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Nov 25, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would *think* so
Fontenot’s power would probably tip the scales. But the Cubs would also lose Fontenot as a pinch-hitter a lot of the time.
I guess it also could be a situation where a straight platoon could lead to a competition for playing time.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
While you are running numbers,
could you check on the combination of DeRo at SS and LBR at 2B? That would seem more natural than the other way around. If DeRo’s glove were as good as Riot’s, the MI offense would improve significantly.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 25, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"A lot of young kids" in the bullpen?
Shark——check.
Um, who else?
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 1:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who knows? I'm just as confused as everyone else.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Lou is 65.
To him, EVERYONE is a “young kid”.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He probably call Yosh a young kid.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cotts, Hart, Wuertz (sort of), Marmol
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Nov 25, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
Cotts has 5 years in the bigs, Wuertz is 30 years old, Marmol has 2 full seasons as a set up man, and God help us if Hart is in our bullpen next year.
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Angel Guzman?
Seriously. I bet he’s in the pen next year.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like that....
..maybe he’s thinking Ascaino and Hart ?
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
my "shudder" key didn't work.
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
why shudder?
Guzman could be a nice addition, if he stays healthy.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hart.....not Guzman
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Most of their bullpen actually...
You start with Marmol and Samardzija, and go from there. Ascanio may get a look there, same with Guzman. Marshall may stay in the pen. Kevin Hart may get some time.
I mean, realistically one can easily see the Cubs going with some of the house options for RH relievers next , and only shopping around for an effective veteran lefty or two. You know, like Scott Eyre before he kicked Lou’s dog.
by Damen Jackson on Nov 25, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I can see Guzman......if it's Hart and Ascanio it's only going to be because of injuries...
So you have Cotts, Weurtz, GoDan, Marmol, and Gregg. I’d hardly call that a “young bullpen”.
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he meant "young at heart".
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL...
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait...so...
We’re getting Peavy?
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 25, 2008 1:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it's in the bag.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 25, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So Lou says were not getting Peavy,
and were supposed to believe him?
by dakoose on Nov 25, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I only listen to
what Kevin Towers says. Everything else is just white noise.
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
by BMoney79 on Nov 25, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I feel us BCBers have a much better insight into
this than the people actually making the decisions. We’re remove from the situation so we can look at it without the jaundiced eye of an insider.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd.
I think it’s pretty obvious we all know what we’re talking about here. GM by committee, I say.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
If Hendry were smart, he would just listen to us and
stop screwing around with all of these charts and facts. You know what they say about figures and liars.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I can see it now.
JH opens BCB account. First FanPost contains poll: Jake Peavy: Yay, Nay, or Meh. Majority rules. Meh winning results in recount.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
College of GMs!!
Steve Phillips on his computer use as Mets GM, "I played solitaire on my computer in my office."
by Tate491 on Nov 25, 2008 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Al
The rumors won’t be dead until Jake Peavy is traded to another team, or until spring rolls around and he’s still on the Padres. I hate to break it to ya, but it’s very hard to put any rumor to rest until something ACTUALLY happens.
Furthermore, why do you seem so eager to be done with any sort of postseason rumors when you yourself are adding to the fire with your “Next 100 Years” posts? Part of the reason I enjoy the offseason even though there’s no baseball being played is the constant speculation and the excitement involved with it – like, for instance, the possibility of acquiring Jake Peavy. In a community such as this one, it seems rational that the forum members talk about who might be going where, even if they ARE just rumors. So I don’t really understand why you seem to be so adamant to the idea of BCBers discussing potential trades.
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
by Keith on Nov 25, 2008 2:15 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Agreed 100%
Rumors are fun. I don’t get all the complaining about them. They are just that, rumors. You see the source and you make up your own mind on how probable they are. End of story.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It May Be Put To Rest...
…when ST rolls around. But then heats up again in early June!
In Hendry We Trust
by initram on Nov 25, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rec'd
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Nov 25, 2008 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The one thing I don't get is
That this big bat comming from the left side is the Cubs primary focus this offseason but the reality of it is that whoever the Cubs get will be hard pressed to compete with the production of Edmonds from last year. So basically the Cubs are going into 09 with the same team minus Wood and with weaker production from the left side as compared to 08.
How are we supposed to be optimistic about that?
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 2:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Because the Cubs offense was the best offense in the NL last year, broseph.
That’s pretty flippin’ awesome in my mind.
CUBS WIN! CUE THE ORCHESTRA!
by Keith on Nov 25, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Until the playoffs, that is....
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the other question ...
is why won’t the Cubs just re-sign Edmonds? My guess is that the Cubs figure they have to do something to change the mix after the playoff sweep, and that Edmonds’ roster spot is the easiest one to change.
Why? The Cubs are essentially locked in at third, first, left and catcher, finding a lefty power bat at second or short is near impossible, and Fukudome’s contract makes thing even more difficult — IF the team is set on tinkering by adding a left-handed slugger who WASN’T on the 2008 Cubs.
The problem with that thinking is it could mean signing Ibanez when Edmonds will do the same thing at a lower price tag. It also doesn’t address Sori at leadoff or Theriot’s defense at short.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are on the right path and
it seems change just for the sake of change. None of the options being discussed seem better than Edmonds. Unless Hendry puts one out of the hat we may be looking at worse lineup “balance” as compared to last year.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll hedge a little ...
It’s possible that the Cubs’ people think Edmonds is due for a sharp drop in production, and/or that Ibanez (or Teahen) would bring more to the table. It’s also possible that Edmonds wants more money than we’re assuming. But Edmonds is pretty unique in that he can play center, whereas Ibanez might have a tough time playing right at Wrigley.
Anyway, Edmonds seems like a goner. I just wish I agreed with/knew the reasons why.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Between him and Wood it seems all we can do is scratch out heads.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm willing to look past not re-signing Kerry
… if they use the money saved there to make a dent elsewhere. As I’ve been saying for days on BCB, Furcal makes so much sense for this team.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I´m not confident
We’ll see a real important acquisition. I have this stiking feeling of a Jones (Jacque) type move… hopefully something like that never happens but I do fear it!
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
then not re-signing Kerry
assuming he was telling the truth about a 1-year deal, would be a freaking outrage.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another year older...
and he did finish the year 9-53 at the plate. After his hot streak, he really did tail off. We caught him at a good time, but it is unlikely he can reproduce that magic next year.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that's probably what the Cubs are thinking
And I’d be OK with that if Ibanez wasn’t the most talked about alternative. Replacing a 39-year-old outfielder with a 37-year-old outfielder doesn’t make a ton of sense, but when you figure the 37-year-old is a bad outfielder, it really makes you wonder.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
Ibanez isn’t the answer. But I also think Edmonds doesn’t have enough left to justify another contract from the Cubs.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it depends on what the Cubs do
If the Cubs get a legit LF hitter then I agree. If the Cubs get a “meh” type hitter then I’d probably would have taken a flyer on Edmonds (unless he is looking for more than a 1 year contract).
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Buster Olney
keeps mentioning how Abreu would be the perfect fit for the Cubs …
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As long as you ignore his defense, he is EXACTLY what Lou wants.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Nov 25, 2008 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This whole article is disgusting
More proof that Lou runs the show and not Hendry. Great he does not really need a lead off hitter and remains obsessed with a lefty bat. Oh and I love the line about experience mattering when looking for help in the bullpen Explains continuing use of Howry when he sucked. I almost posted the article earlier but when it said it was from a Sunday talk I assumed it had been covered. If Lou continues to run this team like the good old hard ass, unwilling to adjust and playing favorites it will take a miracle for the team to play up to the level they should. These statements about the team show he tells Hendry what he wants and Hendry tries to get it for him. Lead off man not a priority, not interested in Peavy even if we can get him, well then just get Ibanez and cut Wood
.
Frankly this quote sums it all up for me "I’d be very happy to have Soriano leading off.’’
If Sori leads off after two straight seasons of showing he is a INSANE free swinger who is NOT suited to batting
first, this team is going to the same issues as before with Lou coddling Soriano and not even remembering the names of lesser players.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 25, 2008 2:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Don't know what you've got till it's gone
Lou is not perfect, but the Cubs could do a LOT worse. Given a few years with a team everybody will complain about any manager, including the best of the best.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
other than howry
how has Lou played favorites?
Isn’t the manager SUPPOSED to run the show?
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Nov 25, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano being kept at lead off is worse than Howry
and the fact that he is STILL willing to do it is just nuts. Sori feels “comfortable " batting lead off. TOO DAMN BAD he is not a good lead off hitter. I have mentioned far to many times the series in Philly back in April. Up until the those games I sincerely did believe in Lou like anyone else. Then I saw over one weekend how screwed up he and the Cubs were. Al and anyone else who was around me last season will tell you my mantra was the Cubs are succeeding DESPITE Lou not because of him. I don’t want to go through everything but coddling Soriano ( remember when it was suggested he remove Sori in the 9th inning for defensive reasons and he said he could not because Sori was a star and fans expected to see him ) is one of many. Not giving either Cedeno or Pie a chance. I e mailed Al recently an article from the Globe about Theo INSISTING the team stick with Pedroia despite his first two months in the majors which were HORRIFIC. Somehow everyone thinks Lou’s idea of produce this week or else is great, I don’t . Showing some faith and support of struggling players ( besides Howry) is what I would like in a manager.
I remember how Lou could never get Eyre’s name right so Eyre as a joke had a special glove engraved with "Stevie” on it, at first
I thought this was funny but then I read Derek Lowe saying how when he came up as rookie and struggled Lou never once called him by his name only “kid” and he got traded to Boston mid season. 10 years ago Lou’s style of managing maybe worked better but he has in fact had a lot to work with on the Cubs and few crushing injuries and in my mind he has wasted it despite two first place finishes.
I understand the majority of you will never agree but I assure you I did NOT start out this way but I have seen him mishandle and misuse too many players. I also fully understand he will be the Cubs manager. My only hope was for Hendry to take charge on shaping the roster but I do not see that happening at all.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 25, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
You can have the exact same criticism about Lou concerning Hill, and in the end Lou was right and probably gave the Cubs a few more wins by making a decision early, rather than late. As someone else on this site (I forget the name) constantly points out, it was probably not Pie’s numbers but rather how he was looking that made Lou sit him. I remember a few years ago the criticism that it was the way that the Cubs handled Patterson, or maybe even the boos, that made him fail and in the end the reality was that he just wasn’t very good.
Like I said, Lou is not perfect, but go into any team blog and you will find similar criticisms of any manager. Lou is the best the Cubs have had in a long long time.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what Lou would say if Big Z sidled into his office and said that he feels more comforable
batting cleanup. Now that would make more sense than Soriano batting leadoff.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Batting Soriano leadoff
Is a bad decision, there are not two ways about that. However, it has to be said that Soriano doesn’t fit into any lineup spot. I can already see myself fuming by seeing him hack away recklessly in rbi spots. I can’t believe that there are still 6 more years to go…………………….
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is it possible those are dog years? Or maybe light years? I'm willing
to try for anything.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cedeno has been given a LOT of chances
He played a full season as a starter in 2006 and was incredibly unimpressive. Granted, that was before the Lou era, but the Cubs, as an organization, have given Cedeno a shot. Pie’s another story, IMO.
My point is that I don’t think Lou has made the same kind of mistakes over and over again, though he has made some personnel mistakes. He gave up on Pie and Eyre somewhat unfairly. Meanwhile, he clung to Howry and, IMO, D-Lee. I don’t think Lee should have been hitting third down the stretch last year.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 3:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What about Cedeno's 2008?
He had a better bat than Theriot (and better glove) for the first month of the season, but fizzled as he got fewer and fewer starts.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, but which came first
his fizzle, or his limited time?
He had several clutch situations at the plate late in the year, and he didn’t get it done. Don’t get me wrong — I like him, and I thought he needed more chances, but…
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Nov 25, 2008 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
his limited time. He was batting 378 (of course with more SLG than Theriot) at the end of April, and yet got only 7 starts in May. Would he have tailed off even with consistent play? I would think so, but he was never given a chance to have a full-time job, and I get tired of people saying Lou plays the hot hand, when he most certainly does not. Theriot was favored.
I think we would have got better production out of the SS role (combination of offense and defense) had his role been switched with Ryan Theriot, but that’s my personal opinion.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You also forget that
Theriot had an OPS above .800 at the time. He had bad luck that he got hot when Theriot was also having his best production. In the end, Theriot or Cedeño, I don’t think either is that much better than the other.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I realize that.
But I don’t recall Theriot being named the SS for the year in March. With similar production, it’s just odd that Theriot got consistent time and Cedeno didn’t. It’s also odd, or more like stupid, that when both played Theriot was SS.
I agree with your last sentence. Theriot brings OBP, while Cedeno brings better D and a little more pop.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it came down to Cedeño´s mental lapses
And I think the reason why Cedeño played 2nd with Theriot at ss was a confidence thing more than anything.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd have to look at the numbers
for the first month of 2008. But I also remember a LOT of times where Cedeno failed to execute, which is a big no-no with Lou.
by elgato on Nov 25, 2008 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Along those lines...
Cedeno was criticized heavily for some of his baserunning and defensive blunders prior to 2008, but he proved to be a smarter, more fundamental player in 2008. I recall failing to execute a bunt once, but that was later in the season.
I’m not trying to argue that Cedeno is our SS of the future, but I do think he was treated differently for some reason, and I still see potential for him to be a solid player at some point in his career.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Lou would agree with your last sentence. Just add "somewhere else"
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How many times does Riot have to get thrown out at 3B on a grounder to SS
before Lou will decide that he is a bad baserunner? How many bunts does he have to fail to get down?
Cedeño has had his share of gaffes, but Theriot’s fundamentals haven’t been air-tight either.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 26, 2008 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I do remember DeRosa doing the same thing 2X....
However, I agree with you.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 26, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Partially in agreement here
Way back in the beginning of Willie Mays’ career, he was hitting just terribly, and yet Durocher stuck with him. can you imagine Lou in those shoes? “Get out of here kid, you’re dtinking up the place. I would rather have a washed up CF”. No one would have ever heard of Willie Mays.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
by Tekboy on Nov 25, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And for every Mays
There are how many Pattersons?
Time will tell if Pie was deserving more of a chance, I´m sure. I, at least, agreed with Lou that his approach was not going to be successful no matter how many at-bats he got.
by Luis on Nov 25, 2008 3:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And if a good-looking swing were a requirement for MLB,
Willie McGee would never have won a batting title.
As Tim McCarver says, “no pictures, just numbers”.
I would like for Lou to give Pie’s “ugly swing” a real chance, but I know it won’t happen.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 26, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you know how I feel about Soriano leading off
Soriano leads off because Lou wants him to, not because Lou is coddling him. Soriano has said more than once that he’ll hit — and play — wherever Lou wants him too.
Pie never did get a chance, I agree with you there. Cedeno, well, I don’t know. When Ronny was given chances, he just seemed to screw them up. Pie, when he returned, did pretty well.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Nov 25, 2008 3:32 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I could not agree more
Lou is probably the most overated manager in the game. The way he handled the Fukodome situation was pretty pathetic as well. Then to blame the pressure of not winning in 100 years on the reason the Cubs lost 3 straight in the playoffs and everyone jumping on the bandwagon is ridiculous.
by cubdreamer on Nov 25, 2008 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious...
…how would YOU have handled the Fukudome situation last year?
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chill out, Doggie... save some of that bark and bite for the convention... ;-)
Question for you: Given the current roster makeup – who would you have Lou bat leadoff, if not Soriano? I’ve been bitching about Soriano batting leadoff almost from Day One but it took me a long while before I figured out, there isn’t anyone better. And that’s a more of a damning statement about Hendry than Lou.
So consider this – maybe Lou is publicly proclaiming his love to keep Soriano in the leadoff spot so as to force Hendry to go get him a legitimate leadoff hitter. It’s painfully clear to everyone involved that Soriano is NOT a leadoff hitter, but no one else on this team is. So maybe Lou is doing what he can in the offseason to get that point across.
Personally, I don’t think Lou needs to be that subtle. He’s perfectly capable of calling Hendry up and telling him “get me a g**d**ned leadoff hitter!”
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 25, 2008 8:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa, Theriot, Johnson
Would all be better than Soriano. As I have stated before this goes far deeper than say BA or OBP, the fact that your leadoff
guy will often strike out ( or fly out) on 3 or fewer pitches is a disaster that sets up not only the tone of a game but how a team is. When I saw Victorino take over 10 pitches in his first at bat in April and not even get on base, I knew the Phillies were still going to win. If Frank Robinson could tell Soriano you are playing the OF whether you like it or not Lou can tell him he is batting 5th wether he likes it or not ( or 3rd or anywhere other than lead off).
Lou does not need to be that subtle. He wants a lefty bad more than a lead-off hitter and he does not even care it that bat
is a BAD fielder. Not my idea of great managing.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 26, 2008 8:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
marginally better, at best.
Of those three the only one I’d consider would be DeRosa, primarily because that’d be some pretty out-of-the-box thinking to put him there. But I really like his bat further down in the lineup so I’d hate to mess with that. Johnson isn’t going to start enough to warrant taking over the top spot, and Theriot… I have no stats to quote to back me up, but Theriot leading off just fills me with a bunch of meh’s… My hope was that Dome would figure out his swing and become Ichiro Redux. So much for my hope.
But you’re right – there are quite a few players on this team that could lead off, and for short bursts of time they could probably all do better than Soriano. But unless you want Lou to go with the College of Leadoff Hitters approach, face it – overall, we’re going to suck at the leadoff spot. We don’t have a leadoff hitter on this club. So with no overwhelming reason to change, Lou is going to stick with what he has. It sucks but I can’t fault him for that.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Nov 26, 2008 8:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
With all due respect, Doggie......
In my heart, I think old codger is crazy like a fox.
Hey Lou, we're long overdue.
by deadcatbounce on Nov 25, 2008 8:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Does Lou make the final decision?
You never know.
I do like the Ibanez mention though. Would be a good addition.
by lamentir on Nov 25, 2008 2:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wittmeyer of the SunTimes says today....for what it's worth....
Continued stirring over the weekend of the Mark Teahen-to-the-Cubs trade rumors continue to ring of hollow speculation, with no signs from either side of any movement. The Cubs’ plans to increase Mike Fontenot’s role and the value of Sean Marshall in their pitching plans make those players too steep a price for Teahen.
Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 25, 2008 3:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i still believe that the Cubs are still going after Peavy.
Lou is sprouting from the mouth.
by lexmarklover on Nov 25, 2008 3:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
lolzerkan
i just wanted to show you guys a really cool pic
by lexmarklover on Nov 25, 2008 3:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That Dog passed awhile not long ago...
…had cancer. It was in the news.
by TheHawkRules on Nov 25, 2008 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad, there's not enough beauty in this world.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 25, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank goodness that is over.
Sign that Wood guy to fill in the hole in the bullpen.
by TheHawkRules on Nov 25, 2008 3:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don't think we'll get Peavy...
But why do you dismiss some GM/Manager claims as “posturing” but accept this one as fact?
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 3:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Because this doesn't sound much like posturing, does it?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 25, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've learned not to trust...
any comments during the offseason, whether they are denying something OR affirming it.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Nov 25, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I want to second Kansas25's comments here.
Last year, the Yankees came out at one point and said, “A-Rod’s moved on. We’ve moved on.” Then A-Rod signed. The Cubs just said, “Bye-bye Kerry.” And now we’re hearing he might be back.
Look at it from this perspective. Kevin Towers just said, “We’re only dealing with the Cubs.” If you were interested in acquiring Peavy but wanted to drive the price down as much as possible, sn’t the appropriate response from the Cubs to say, “We’re set at SP and not looking for anyone else, thank you very much”?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Nov 25, 2008 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep - the Yanks did the same thing with A-rod.
"Just win tonight" - derv
by derv on Nov 26, 2008 12:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Im still holding out hope
where theres a will, hendrys anyway, theres a way…..Peavy would be here a lot longer than Piniella, would he really say no to Jake or is he just sick of the speculation?
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 25, 2008 7:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I wanted Peavy
also. I consider him a better pitcher than Dempster. We all wail on Peavy’s road record, well Dempster won what, 14 games at home last year, and was so-so on the road.
And Lou, the veteran for the pen is already in Chicago. The Wood situation is bewildering. This situation with Wood has Lou all over it.
I also would rather trade for Teehan than sign Ibanez. I rather take a chance with a younger player than a 37 year old, of course Lou would rather have Julio Franco in right, so what do I know.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Nov 25, 2008 7:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No time to read all of this thread
…but Hendry’s the GM, not Lou.
That’s all I’m saying. Until A deal is finished, to state “Peavy isn’t coming to Chicago”….anything can happen. What Lou mumbles in a news conference doesn’t mean squat.
….Unless Deep Goat has spoken….
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 26, 2008 9:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Have not heard from Deep Goat.
However, if Lou has told Hendry, “I don’t need any more starters”, why would Hendry go out and get one?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Nov 27, 2008 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleed Cubbie Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
