Not much of an effort this Spring, says Trammell...

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Mar 13, 2008 1:08 PM CDT Comment 8 comments

Are the Cubs...dogging it a bit this March? Apparently, bench coach Alan Trammel thinks they might be not giving it a full effort right now.

Wednesday, Trammel told Double-X Sports Radio in San Diego when discussing the Cubs 5-10 Cactus League record:

"....Lou would like to have everybody bustin' it everyday....but sometimes, that's not the case....it's the middle of Spring Training, and it can get like that sometimes."

(My opinion here -- but Tram sounded a bit exasperated, and possibly a bit perplexed by the effort he was seeing on the field.)

He went on to tell the hosts that he thinks that Felix Pie will be the everyday CF -- and he intimated that he was a bit surprised that Sam Fuld "hasn't stepped up" in competition for the position...saying "after all, he had a great Fall League, and in that league, you are playing against great talent."

Trammel believed that Kerry Wood was ready to go, with a fastball popping at 97-98 mph....and a good slider...but that he was a one-inning pitcher. He didn't speculate on who the ultimate closer would be, but he thought the combo of Wood/Marmol would be good, with Bobby Howry as the set up man.

He was very impressed with Ryan Dempster -- and he is of the opinion that Dempster will win the 5th starter's job -- stating that Dempster is 'in great shape' and is ready for the task.

Tram said that Dempster (and other Cubs) have lost a lot of weight -- "...these guys keep bringing in all this special food to the clubhouse.." (NutriSystem?)

But, pennants are not won in March. Spring Training records don't count.

Apparently, Joe Girardi thinks otherwise, but that's another story...

See you in Mesa one week from today...

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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trammel

is a badass, hopefully he's lighting a fire under these guys rear ends.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Mar 13, 2008 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I think Cubs fans...

...still owe Alan a big thanks for taking us for that ride on the Trammel Train last season, when he took over as manager during Lou's suspension. I know it's dicey business to name a "turning point" in any given season, but that would be a good candidate.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 13, 2008 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well if this were the Bears

The organization would deny all of these reports.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 13, 2008 1:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Trammel

Will be managing this team when Lou decides to pack it in...that is, unless he's wooed by another team before that happens.

He was dealt a bad, no horrible hand in Detroit. Good guy, well respected. The Cubs are lucky to have him.

All we are saying...is give Pie a chance.

by Hugest Canadian Cubs Fan on Mar 13, 2008 2:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Mar 13, 2008 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trammell

Alan Trammell was always one of my favorites ballplayers. And yeah, I would love it if he became a serious candidate to replace Sweet Lou when he retires.

by MDBNIU on Mar 13, 2008 10:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs