Why not Fukudome?
by cubbiesrule on Dec 15, 2008 10:01 PM CST
90 comments
I don't understand why we the Cubs won't consider playing Fukudome in right 1 more year and see what happens. His defense is awesome. We led the NL in runs scored last year. We don't really need power. We do need a left-handed leadoff hitter. I hate to bring this up again but we need Brian Roberts. I would give up the farm if we can get him and sign him to an extention. This would force Soriano down in the lineup. I know this would mean we would have all of the right handed power hitters all together, but oh well! We will have a legit leadoff hitter and DeRo can play SS/RF/3B/. If that is all we did this winter....I would be happy! I am not high on Frucal, nor am I excited about anyone else mentioned for RF. thoughts?
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Can Mark DeRosa really play SS?
Everyone keeps saying this, but I have serious doubt he can do that at this stage in his career
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 Dec 15, 2008 10:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed...
that said, we’re playing a guy who can’t play SS very well already. DeRosa certainly has a stronger arm, and I’m not sure Theriot has THAT much more range to make up the difference.
by SouthernCub on Dec 15, 2008 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, I just dont see this working
he doesnt seem to be very quick laterally
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 Dec 15, 2008 10:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well it's not going to happen so it's irrelevant...
but I don’t think DeRosa’s lack of range is any worse than Theriot’s lack of arm. Theriot might be able to get to a few more balls, but he’s not getting guys out anyway on anything hit to his right.
by SouthernCub on Dec 16, 2008 7:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because Piniella/Hendry want a power bat...
and they don’t see Fukudome as that guy. Fukudome COULD get to stay in RF if the Cubs find a power bat for CF (if Edmonds decides not to retire, for example). But the reality is that almost all of the options available are corner OF. As such, they’d need to move Fukudome to CF to add that power bat.
Aside from Dunn, I don’t think any of the options left for RF are exciting. I’d be willing to suffer Dunn’s poor defense for the tremendous OBP and power he’d add.
With regard to leadoff, why couldn’t Fukudome be that guy? He’s clearly a high-OBP guy who runs the bases well. If you’re in favor of a leadoff guy, why not put Fukudome there AND get the LH power bat?
by SouthernCub on Dec 15, 2008 10:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
completely correct. could not say it any better.
However, I like bradley in right as well as dunn.
by lexmarklover on Dec 15, 2008 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad Beltran isnt on the block
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 Dec 15, 2008 10:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with most of what you said
except the suffering poor defense in RF bit. If we play 81 games a year in the park with the hardest RF in the league to play, we need a solid defender in right — Fukudome fits the bill perfectly. If Edmonds comes back our problem is solved; otherwise we need to find someone else to fill his role in center.
If anyone knows of such a person, please write their name on the back of a $20 bill and mail it to me.
"Well, we're out of cake! We only had three bits and we didn't expect such a rush! So what do you want?"
"What, so my choice is 'or death?' Well, then I'll have the chicken, please."
--Eddie Izzard
by znohitter on Dec 15, 2008 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ok, if you really feel like we need a solid defender in RF, we can keep Dome in right.
We’ll just put Dunn in center…
;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Dec 15, 2008 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
but do the Cubs...
really NEED another power bat. Was that the problem with this team last year?
I say no. The Cubs would be better served to find a legit lead-off man, and give RF back to Dome for one more year. We invested a lot in this guy, and he deserves at least another to to improve his offense (to go along with this already stellar defense).
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Dec 16, 2008 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Why not put Kosuke in leadoff?
He had a .373 OBP batting leadoff, and was 3-4 in SB
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 Dec 16, 2008 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because he couldn't make contact for the last 3 months of the season.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
but that doesn't mean that he'll be so lost this coming year...
I think it’s worth considering personally…
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Dec 16, 2008 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
At the leadoff spot, his ability to take pitches, draw walks, bunt over the pitcher and provide a little speed would have more value than Soriano’s swing for the fences approach. A 577 ops for September, as cited by Daver below, is not usually impressive. Doing it with OBP is not too shabby.
by N Oakley on Dec 16, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can't take walks if the pitcher challenges you.
He got challenged late in the year, mostly because he had a tough time hitting a piped fastball.
I hope he’s worked on not stepping into the bucket on his swing. If he fixes that, he’s our solution in RF, possibly at the top of the order. If not…
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess it depends on whether or not youve written him off completely...
Which I havent, the guy was too good for too long in Japan to be as bad as he was the second half.
What people lauded him for, his patience and ability to slap hits and run the bases, are ideal for the leadoff spot…..stature wise, he just looks like a leadoff hitter, doesnt he?
I still hold out faith that a guy with his intrinsic talent can get it together; as much as pitchers figured him out, he now has a years worth of film on them.
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 Dec 16, 2008 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it's worth hoping for anyway.
One thought that occurred to me recently is it will be very interesting to watch Kosuke in the WBC. My feelings about his involvement are mixed.
On the one hand, he’ll get a bunch of live at-bats to perhaps get himself geared up for the season. On the other, he’ll be playing for Japan. So is there a risk that he might fall back into bad habits playing alongside his countrymen? Also, if fatigue really was a problem this past season, will the early start hurt him even more in ‘09? I guess we’ll see.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would argue...
falling back into his old habits would be a good thing.
This guy was red hot when he was coming off playing alongside his countrymen. Seems to me that the American game sent him for a tailspin.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Seems to me many of Dome’s struggles sprang from his tendency to spin off the plate in that Japanese style. And once MLB pitchers realized they could move (read: twirl) him off the plate by busting him inside and get him to flail at outside breaking balls, his stock fell pretty precipitously.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right, but...
You didn’t speak to the main point, the timing of the drop off. Or are you saying it was just due to pitchers figuring him out?
Either way, I don’t understand these “bad Japanese habits” you’re talking about. He was a stud for Japan in last WBC. He was a stud in the Japanese league.
He didn’t struggle until he played in America for half a season.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
His 'bad japanese habits'...
are the norm for Japanese players are more effective overseas. I think the timing of Dome’s slump coincided with pitchers figuring him out, and realizing the weaknesses inherent in his twirling swing.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Dec 16, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was an awful first sentence.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Dec 16, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
I don't put much stock in the "pitchers figuring him out" stuff
He was a high-profile signing. Age 30.
Game tape was available—had no one ever pitched the guy inside?
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, game tape is one thing.
Pitching to a guy live is another. And I can’t speak to whether Japanese pitchers went inside on him the way MLB pitchers did, but I believe that, for the most part, the quality of pitching over there isn’t as high as it is here.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Uh, yeah, what he said.
MLB pitchers figured him out. And part of figuring him out was realizing that his Japanese style of swing had a couple major holes in it. Namely, Kosuke often (IMHO) drastically overreacted to inside pitches and, as the season wore on, he was increasingly fooled by low and outside pitches.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 11:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you on...
Kosuke’s shortcomings.
I disagree with you on it all being because of MLB pitching. I don’t think it takes the league 3 whole months to catch up to a guy.
I think this is more about Kosuke than the league. I don’t pretend to know what the answer is, though.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
While it's been repeatedly pointed out by many that pitchers "figured him out"
and it certainly seemed that way to the naked eye, and the downtrend in numbers would also suggest that. However, beyond that, there is no proof, just everyone’s assumptions.
This article suggests that his BABIP also took a ridiculously unlucky dive through the year, and asserts that part of his second half failure was more a product of luck- that balls he hit were more frequently fielded for outs. So, he’s not actually as good as he was in April nor as bad as he was in Sept.
by philadelphiacub on Dec 16, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So part of his decline in performance was due to teams figuring out how to field him?
I’d believe that.
"Well, we're out of cake! We only had three bits and we didn't expect such a rush! So what do you want?"
"What, so my choice is 'or death?' Well, then I'll have the chicken, please."
--Eddie Izzard
by znohitter on Dec 16, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well that would go hand in hand w/ figuring out how to pitch him..
pitching him in a way to make outs to their defensive alignment
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 Dec 16, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, BABIP doesn't neccessarily indicate that
the stat is intended to help measure the degree to which luck was a factor, both on the pitcher and hitters part. Based on BABIP, one would expect Dome to have better numbers than he had the last half of last year because an abnormally high number of balls he put in play were fielded.
by philadelphiacub on Dec 16, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, thanks for the article.
That’s just what the doctor ordered. I’m not sure I completely buy the author’s premise, but it at least gives me some hope that we may see a more consistent Dome next year. One comment (by "Kevin’), however, caught my attention:
I think the most important factor in Fukudome’s decline was his huge change in plate discipline. For the first 3 months, Fukudome had a O-Swing% of 16.17, compared to 24.87 for the last 3. That kind of plate discipline leads to a lot of weakly hit balls that don’t fall for hits. It was obvious from watching games that Kosuke was simply not himself at the end of the year.
This would still indicate that it wasn’t bad luck alone that caused Kosuke’s demise. Then again, maybe he started swinging more out of desperation because he’d been having so little success.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
your welcome
oh I agree it wasn’t just luck. His K rate went up, while his walk rate went down, for instance, which also shows something about plate discipline. However, luck did play some part according to BABIP
by philadelphiacub on Dec 16, 2008 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That quote is relevant...
the only knock on BABIP is that it doesn’t capture the force with which the ball is hit. Combining the K/BB stats and BABIP gives a better picture. If a guy is flailing (as Fukudome was to a large degree), he’s less likely to drive the ball. If you’re less likely to drive the ball, you’re less likely to have balls hit find their way for base hits.
So it’s hard to say how much of the BABIP is luck, and BABIP is pretty much the only argument in favor of luck being a key component.
by SouthernCub on Dec 16, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But, this isn't the same team as last year.
We’ve lost pop in the outfield (Edmonds, and no pun intended on "pop")
Our bullpen is weaker. (Wood for Gregg)
This begs for other parts of our game to improve. Remember, last year’s seasons aren’t frozen in time. Will D-Ro have the same year? Probably not. Of course, it could be argued that Lee and Fukudome will have better years.
I would just like to see a trade/signing/transaction that improves our team. Until now, I’ve witnessed moves that make the Cubs weaker.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
and recd.
"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 Dec 16, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, a leadoff guy would be great...
…but it doesn’t seem like there are many, if any, good options. Furcal is now off the table, and we’ve all been down the road that leads to Brian Roberts. Seems like a lefty power bat is just more doable.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 11:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't matter whether WE think the team needs another power bat...
Piniella and Hendry think so, thus it shall be.
We can debate the merits of the idea all we want, but ultimately Piniella/Hendry are going to get what they think we need, not what we think we need.
by SouthernCub on Dec 16, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Put Dunn in RF.
Only difference between Dunn in RF and Bradley in RF is that Bradley will blow a hamstring by May…
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
by CubFaninCA on Dec 15, 2008 10:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That's not really the case...
Bradley is pretty good defensively when he’s healthy. He’s just never healthy.
by SouthernCub on Dec 16, 2008 7:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If the Cubs get Roberts, DeRo is gone.
Even though I think that DeRo can play a passable SS (think Michael Young, but slightly better defensively), they can’t afford $8M for Roberts and $5.5M for DeRo in the MI.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Dec 15, 2008 10:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
they might if they get rid of Marquis
and pay maybe half of his deal, and put Marshall as the fifth starter
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 Dec 15, 2008 10:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Michael Young is a better hitter than DeRosa.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Michael Young’s OPS+ the last 3 seasons: 108, 107, 96. OBP: .356, .366, .339
DeRo’s OPS+ the last 3 seasons: 108, 102, 118. OBP: .357, .371, .376
Also, 33.7% of DeRo’s hits were XBHs, while only 27.6% of Young’s were. DeRo out-walked Young 171-150 in 409 fewer PAs.
DeRo has also out-homered Young 44-35 despite having 448 fewer ABs and playing two of the three seasons in a less hitter-friendly ballpark.
Is Michael Young really a better hitter than Mark DeRosa?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Dec 16, 2008 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hm, yeah.
Something about Bildo’s statement didn’t ring true to me either.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 17, 2008 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what the cubs will do in RF
but I think the potential bullpen problems are being overlooked….im a little worried about how good our bullpen is, and wouldn’t mind another good arm in the pen.
by cubsmania on Dec 15, 2008 10:34 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Someone...........
………throwing from the port side, perhaps?
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns
by tville on Dec 15, 2008 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
The imperative is to add another good bullpen arm. I’m not sold on Jeff Spellcheck being a consistently reliable set-up man in 2009. Also, it would be a mistake to place too much hope on Angel Guzman coming through given his wretched injury history. The rest of the bullpen beyond Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg is filler quality.
by BLou on Dec 16, 2008 8:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
agree on samardzja(however its spelled)
I think he’s more of a 6th inning type guy right now. As for gregg, I’m not sold….he walks too many guys and he’s the type that could fall into lou’s doghouse pretty quickly. And marmol, great talent…lets just hope he has the mentality to be a closer or else it could fall quickly for him (we saw the problems he had with his confidence last summer)…………………………I think were going to miss Kerry badly!!!!
by cubsmania on Dec 16, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oooh, you were so close.
You just left out the ‘i’. Remember, it’s: Sam + ard + zija.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For Fukudome Fans
Don’t worry, all is not lost for Fukudome. I am sure he will have more than enough opportunity’s to earn a FT position. All he has to do is hit…. if he does that, he’ll play. ’nuff said.
by TheHawkRules on Dec 16, 2008 10:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why not Fukudome?
Maybe because of this:
OPS in March/April (98 ABs): .915
OPS in May (99 ABs): .792
OPS in June (87 ABs): .789
OPS in July (89 ABs): .688
OPS in August (83 ABs): .546
OPS in September (45 ABs): .577
I think Lou still values Dome defensively but considers him a huge question mark offensively, so the plan is to platoon him in centerfield and try to leverage some of Kosuke’s defensive skills while managing the risk that he’ll simply never fully adjust to major league pitching.
Meanwhile, I think the Cubs obsession with this lefty slugger has more to do with the postseason than the regular season. Sure they won 97 games and scored a ton of runs. Didn’t mean a damn thing come October. So Lou is trying to force opposing teams to put more LHPs on the mound because, in a marked difference to previous years, the Cubs actually hit lefties pretty well in ’08. They put up a .807 OPS vs lefties compared with a .793 OPS vs. righties.
And, yeah, sure, Brian Roberts would be great. But for those of us who followed (read: suffered through) last offseason, the lesson was clear: The Orioles are a nightmare to deal with. And I would guess that Hendry’s patience has already been taxed to the limit by his recent cage match negotiations with Kevin Towers.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 10:24 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
A real leadoff hitter wouldve made more of a difference in the post season
they needed to manufacture runs, so I think a leadoff hitter wouldve made more of an impact than a left handed power hitter.
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 Dec 16, 2008 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, that's probably true.
Problem is, unless I’m missing someone, there just aren’t any difference-making options out there outside of that guy whose name rhymes with Cryin’ Joberts.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah youre exactly right
I think we could certainly use a LH power hitter, in the event that some other hitters dont repeat last years performance, but a leadoff hitter would be more important b/c it wouldnt be wise to change the approach suddenly when the playoffs arise (hopefully)
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 Dec 16, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You can't bank on Kosuke
Not until he shows up in Mesa next spring and demonstrates adjustments with his “run up in the batter box” approach to hitting that can work against major league hitters. It’s even a stretch to pencil him in as platoon mate to Reed Johnson in center field right now. The right approach is to wait and see what happens.
by BLou on Dec 16, 2008 10:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
What complicates matters for me is that, as I recall, Kosuke looked pretty good in spring training last year. He was on OBP machine. And, of course, he looked great the first couple months of the regular season as well. So the question is: At what point in ‘09 will we be able to start really assessing whether Dome is capable of hitting effectively to a reasonable degree – particularly when he’s probably not going to get as many ABs platooning in centerfield?
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DeRo in RF?
The offense will be good again in 2009, even with the loss of Edmunds. This could be especially true if Soriano plays 150+ gmes. So: why not move Fuko to CF, DeRo to RF and give Fontenot the starting job at 2b? Then, just go out and bolster the bench with some 200 at-bat guys (in the mold of Glennallen Hill, plus another middle infielder).
I think some problem areas could be: DLee downslide; Reed Johnson back to reality; Theriot back to reality; Cedeno to the minors; injuries to top starting pitchers.
But the offense— I’m not really too worried, even without getting another bat.
"These are terrible times, and I shouldn't joke about them." --Warren Zevon
by ExNorthsider on Dec 16, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This is my favorite plan.
Spend on a quality reliever and relax. Fontenot and Dome provide the “lefty” look to the pitchers and Hendry can see how it goes. If Fontenot or Dome aren’t working, Hendry has the luxury of shopping for whateve needs improvement.
by N Oakley on Dec 16, 2008 12:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I endorse this...
The thing that bothers me the most is the love affair with Derrek Lee. It is clear he is in decline phase. It is also clear that his contract is expensive. I would like nothing more than to ship him off and to insert the needed left-handed bat at 1st base.
I don’t understand why Lee is untouchable. Not for the life of me.
by BLou on Dec 16, 2008 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree here.
He’s average offensively at a position where the stars play. I really really like the guy. But, sometimes love is not enough.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 16, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you...are you breaking up with me?
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you think
that Mike Fontenot can be an everday player, and you want to boot Lee?
BlueMike… now, more than ever.
"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 Dec 16, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There are some things that logic can prove.
For everything else, there’s BlueMike.
"Well, we're out of cake! We only had three bits and we didn't expect such a rush! So what do you want?"
"What, so my choice is 'or death?' Well, then I'll have the chicken, please."
--Eddie Izzard
by znohitter on Dec 16, 2008 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I have a simple answer.
He has a no trade clause, and he seems to want to stay with the Cubs. And though every player goes through a decline phase eventually, I’m not ready to call it a day on DLee just yet. I suspect a nagging injury hurt his power numbers this past year, and I feel far less outraged at his GIDP numbers having learned that he was put into an unusually high number of double play opportunities. To sum up, DLee is OK with me.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Point is 1st base is where you can often find left-handed hitting options...
by BLou on Dec 16, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly.
But you asked why Lee is untouchable, and that’s why.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 16, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
NO TRADE CLAUSE
Hes not going anywhere
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 Dec 16, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn
I just noticed that Dunn has a .286 career BA in Wrigley, far and away his best BA in any park in which he’s had significant plate appearances. This is skewed by the fact that he was hitting against Cubs’ pitchers, but I split some of his basic stats to show his hitting v. Cubs at cincy compard to his hitting v. Cubs at Wrigley, and it’s interesting (I think I’ve got this right)…
Total v. Cubs — 373 ABs; 97 hits; 38 HR; 67 RBI; 84 BBs; 126 ks (.260 BA/.396 OBP)
Total v. Cubs at Cincinnati: 156 ABs; 35 hits; 15 HR; 23 RBI; 35 BBs; 58 ks (.224/.366)
Total v. Cubs at WRIGLEY: 217 ABs; 62 hits; 23 HR; 44 RBI; 49 BBs; 68ks (.286/.417)
"These are terrible times, and I shouldn't joke about them." --Warren Zevon
by ExNorthsider on Dec 16, 2008 3:25 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Let (the contract) be written, let it be Dunn.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 17, 2008 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Something tells me that defense isn't really the problem the Cubs have with Dunn.
I think that zeros (the ones in Dunn’s contract) are the major culprit.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Dec 17, 2008 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because he's not good at hitting baseballs
For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.
by Less is Walrond on Dec 16, 2008 8:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Any chance Johnny Damon is available?
If the Yankees do bring on Manny, I think this is a possibility.
He can play good defense, steals a fair share of bases, and has a little pop from the left side (17homers). His arm is garbage though.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Dec 17, 2008 10:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Expensive.
Worse arm than Strap.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
by Bildo1805 on Dec 17, 2008 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
To answer his question..
Hell yes Damon is available and no way do you want him.
by N Oakley on Dec 17, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
he'd get to grow his beard again.
Maybe he’s like Sampson.
"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 Dec 17, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ralph Sampson, maybe.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Dec 17, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The playoffs had nothing to do with the decision to havea LH hitter...
The Dodgers had the best ERA in the league. Another thing is that the Cubs could NOT have faced the Dodgers if Lou had not played the last Brewers series with a Spring Training lineup. Sweep the Brewers, Mets get into the NLDS and the Phillies deal with the Dodgers.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Dec 17, 2008 11:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The playoffs had nothing to do with the decision to have a LH hitter???????
Are you sure about that? That’s a bold statement to say the playoffs had NOTHING to to with it.
by Glen Bishop on Dec 17, 2008 6:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is Juan Pierre available?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Dec 17, 2008 2:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
For lunch. On Saturday. He’ll text you.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Dec 17, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We've basically got him...
his name is Joey Gathright. Give or take 10-15 singles per year.
by SouthernCub on Dec 17, 2008 5:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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