Call me crazy--but I'm worried!

by cubfever7 on Mar 17, 2008 7:15 PM CDT Comment 37 comments

For starters, Soriano was not running well going down to first in yesterday's game. Hill has been unimpressive--Fukudome will eventually round into shape, but for right now I see Jacque Jones, only with a better arm and less power (and better OBP)....

I watched the interview with Lou and he kept saying how athletic his Red team was the year they won. DLee is now reduced to only an average base runner...Ramirez will never be a good base runner--Pie is fast, but undisciplined/refined...DeRosa is 100% ball player, but an average base runner at best...Soto is lead footed..Theriot is the one bright spot on the base paths--along with probably Dome.

If the season started today--I'd have to pick the Brewers to take the division. They have athleticism pretty much at every position--their bullpen can't hold up to ours, but I'm not entirely sure their starters aren't just as good..especially if Sheets can win about 14 for a change.

Does anyone really think Lilly can repeat what he did last year? Will Hill get better, or will he come back to earth?

I don't think we have enough; we need Roberts--and I also think we could really use Byrd. Without one or both, we won't win this division.

If anyone knows my mom's #--please call her and ask if she can talk me in off this ledge.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (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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Sometimes I wonder

Just how the heck we won the division last year without Roberts, without Byrd, and with Blanco, Cedeno, Howry, Kendall, Monroe, Ohman, and Wuertz.

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Mar 17, 2008 7:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bingo!

Although, Wuertz is actually good, and so was Howry in the second half.

I am NOT worried. There are still two weeks left to figure out whatever problems appear to exist.

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

by Al on Mar 17, 2008 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.

I'm a little concerned too. I fully agree that upgrades can be made. I'm not too worried about the field positions but Roberts would be a huge addition. Stealing bases for sure. I really think the pitching can use a bump. I'm worried about the 6th 7th and 8th inning. I dont know how many times I saw a lead blown in the last 3 innings. I've seen a few trade rumors for more outfielders WE DONT NEED ANY MOOOORE OUTFIELDERS! Add to the arms in the bullpen!

by Keystone80435 on Mar 17, 2008 7:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't disagree more.

The bullpen is fine. If anything, this team has too many arms in (or for) the bullpen. Shortstop and centerfield are, indeed, the offensive question marks. I still, however, want to see Felix get every chance to succeed. And I'm not sure what can be done about shortstop. For now, Theriot is it.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 17, 2008 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe i'm way off then. I cant count how many one run games were lost last year in the last 3 innings. I haven't seen too many moves to improve that.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 18, 2008 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay,

you're crazy

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 17, 2008 7:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Speed is nice

but stealing first base is far more important than stealing second base. In other words, if Roberts replaces DeRo, the Cubs have just wasted a bunch of prospects on a lateral move (.377 vs. .371 OPB). Theriot can steal second, if he gets on. If he doesn't drastically improve his OBP, he is useless offensively. Same situation with Pie.

More than Roberts, the Cubs need an offensive upgrade at SS and/or CF. We don't have that many top prospects, so we need to use them wisely.

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 17, 2008 7:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Loud, sustained applause!

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 17, 2008 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed!

You get a lollypop!

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 17, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you have any grape lollypops?

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 17, 2008 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

dere ya go, neighborino...

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 17, 2008 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is that a purple unicorn lollypop? yikes!

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 18, 2008 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

purple SEAHORSE

thank you very much! I mean, really...

Unless you wanna count the stick as a unicorn, and I don't really think it's, ah, located properly for that.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

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

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 18, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not just speed

Roberts' OBP comes from the AL East. We don't assume Fukudome's OBP last year in Japan is equal to D-Lee's in the majors. In the same way, we shouldn't assume Roberts' OBP is equal to DeRosa's in a much easier division in the easier league.

Besides all that, I heard Lou on ESPN radio and he said, "We aren't a very deep club." That's part of what the Roberts trade is about - having someone that can play 3B when Aramis is out and RF when Fukudome is out.

by DGU on Mar 17, 2008 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pie

I mean, this guy is supposed to be the best prospect in our farm system, for the last few years. Patterson could possibly fill the hole at SS, one way or another.

I'm also crossing my fingers that Hoffpair can play RF, like Daryle Ward can, only with fielding. He's hitting the cover off the ball, and Fuku could move to center easily. That said, I think Pie will be fine, and I'd rather give him time than a guy without a chance. He could be a very good player.

by cubbybear on Mar 17, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it was Al who said...

He thought the Cubs would be a better club with Cedeno and DeRosa up the middle vs. Roberts and Theriot. I hope I've not misquoted.

Thought about that alot......maybe it has merit.....but NAHHHHH.

Roberts is a gold glover who will end up only a couple or 3 jacks shy of what DeRo will and he is a little tougher out than Mark. Until he shows otherwise, Ronny Cedeno is a monster talent, but remains unfulfilled potential. Theriot on the other hand is the opposite; a player who has squeezed everything out of what his Maker has given him. He's smarter and faster. I'll take the Riot for now.

DeRosa may very well be my favorite player on the squad. Love the way he can be plugged in anywhere and shine no matter what. But he's just not as good an every day 2B as Roberts and he's not lefty.

I know I'm paranoid (and thanks for confirming the craziness there, uh, ballhawk), but I've been conditioned to be that way.

BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"

by cubfever7 on Mar 17, 2008 8:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well......

A couple of weeks before the opener and there is still no lock in CF or 2B along with no set lineup as far as I can tell.

I was hoping this year would be a little more set lineup and roster-wise but not at this point.

by Peoria Matt on Mar 17, 2008 9:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

THATS EXACTLY what I'm saying. Last year seemed like an experiment sometimes with who was playing where. Never a set line-up you could depent on seeing unless it was a rest day for a starter. I'd like to see a set satartign line-up, but whatever works.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 18, 2008 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What?

"I see Jacque Jones, only with a better arm and less power (and better OBP)...." In other words, you don't see Jacque Jones. I think the better arm and better OBP is alone worth its weight in gold.

I think you're worrying way too much. Get off the ledge man. This team may only be marginally better than last year's but it is better and we won the division. Relax. It's March for Pete's sake.

And so it goes.

by Luigi on Mar 17, 2008 9:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

If Fukudome doesn't bat .290, I'll be very surprised. He can hit. He just needs more FukuFriends!

by cubbybear on Mar 17, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay --

I'll chill Luigi; you're right. I think I need to head to e-bay now and find me a nice #1 Fukudome jersey! By the way--I did draft him on my fantasy team..got him at pick 169.

I must say this on the Fuku/Jacque comparison...Japanese players always seem so rock solid fundamentally and Jacque never met a cutoff man he couldn't miss or a 2nd base he couldn't over run.

BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"

by cubfever7 on Mar 17, 2008 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why worry?

I don't really get why everyone is so worried. As sanantonecub said before, how did the Cubs win the division last year with the guys they had? Because they played good enough baseball to do it. I think the team is improved, and whatever happens....well, happens.

I'm just ready for the season to start, and I think that the Cubs can compete with anybody. Why shouldn't everybody else believe that they can?

by rambler19 on Mar 17, 2008 11:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think we;re worried becuase the Cubs are expected to win the Central with ease and that makes some un-ease-e. Its always cool when you win by surprise but when you are favored it makes ya worry a little.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 18, 2008 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a long season

and a short ST when Lou is trying ne pieces to the puzzle and the player are perhaps working on very specific aspects of their game. watching ST to see or predict how the team as a whole will function once the season starts is, in my view, an exercise in fultility.

by sdurst on Mar 18, 2008 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs aren't only ones with Problems

Yes the cubs have some issues but think about the Brewers problems as well in comparison to the ones we face before going off the edge cubfever7.
1) Mike Cameron out 25 games
2) Braun looks unconfortable in LF
3) Prince unhappy about contract (prolly won't matter) and he went vegetarian this offseason
4) Capuano is hurt not (elbow soreness) might start on DL
5) Dave Bush inconsistent same with Vargas and Cappy
6) Gallardo hurt (start on DL) and Sheets always gets hurt
7) Jason Kendall... speaks for it
8) New bullpen
I could go on... every team has problems going into the season lets hope some of ours pan out early!

by Steves Stoners on Mar 18, 2008 2:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

not to mention

the one thing people seem to forget when comparing these two teams:

the brewers god-awful defense vs. the cubs strong defense

the cubs have a gold glover at first, aramis could win a gold glove before his career is done and had to be in the discussion last year. then there's the arms, speed and athleticsm in the outfield.

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

by kylejo on Mar 18, 2008 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

Though the Brewers should be slightly better on defense than last season. Cameron is still a pretty solid defensive player. Hart is a plus defender in RF, and Bill Hall is much better than Braun at 3B. I still think the Cubs have the edge, but the Brewers, IMO, will be a better defensive team in 2008.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 18, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're not crazy but...

it depends on the scope of "worriness". Is this for the division, then you're crazy. They should win the division by a good 5-7 games. Now for the playoffs, there's some concern, but it's not that big. An addition here and there from now through 7/31 would be in order to increase the Cubs' chances against teams like the Mets and snakes.

On the trade that's been discussed for 4 months, I'm so tired of the arguments against Roberts by just looking at the 1-8 lineup for a given day. We MUST look at the 25-man roster when making changes, any changes. The addition of Roberts makes the 25-man roster notably stronger. The bench is stonger. The lineup has greater lineup flexibility. There's more options from the left side of the plate...

by blackhawk24 on Mar 18, 2008 6:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

For some reason, I haven't felt this good about a Cubs team in quite a few years. How many teams have won the WS in the last 10 years with a lineup that, in Spring Training, was probably laughed at?

Heck, every Marlins team. Lots of Championship teams can look back and find the little pieces of the puzzle that came up big time and shocked everyone. I see that kind of potential in our laymen.

"Oh, I get a little tired now and then, but knowing my lifestyle, that's only natural." -- Harry Caray

by Cribbs463 on Mar 18, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Despite all these "worries"...

... 92% of you voted for the Cubs to win the Central in the current front-page poll.

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

by Al on Mar 18, 2008 9:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Break this team down..

position by position and they really aren't all that much better than last year. Center and right field are questions. Jon Lieber your #3?? Catcher a rookie, though he does look good. I can't get overly optimistic about this club. Best that can be said is that the division still looks awfully weak.

Wood for closer.

by wicubfan on Mar 18, 2008 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lieber's #4, not #3

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 18, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he was #3...technically

The impression that I had was that Lieber was going to be pitching out of the #3 spot in the rotation in order to break up the lefties. But I guess Zambrano, Lilly, and Hill all had rotation spots locked up at the beginning of Spring Training. So that would technically make them #1, #2, and #3.

by rambler19 on Mar 18, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What, me worry?

I feel good about this team, the spring training record is relatively meaningless. I think we have enough speed, the pen is very good, and the starting pitching is OK. I certainly feel we are the best team in the Central.

I believe that Lilly will be as good as last year, and Hill will be decent again, probably winning 11 or 12 games. I think some people tend to expect too much out of Hill. He's never going to be a dominating pitcher, but he is a solid 3rd or 4th starter. I also don't think Fukudome is anything like Jacque Jones. I believe he will get on base a lot more and score more runs.

The Brewers are good, but I think we're a little better. I wouldn't worry about Sheets too much. He's never won 14 games in a season, and hasn't pitched 200 plus innings in a season since 2004. Get off the ledge, it's going to be a great season.

by qccub on Mar 18, 2008 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Before you worry

Remember its Spring Training. If Spring Training meant anything the Rays would be extremely happy that they are 5 games in front of the Red Sox. Which CLEARLY makes them a better team afterall is spring training

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/exhibition.jsp

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

by Hammer on Mar 18, 2008 3:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Darn tootin

I am concerned. Honestly over 33% of our starting fielders are unproven. We have a CF, RF and catcher that have never played a full season in the ML. Time for all Cub fans to stop drinking the blue cool aid.

Do we all seriously think they are that good? I hope they are, but again three of your starting fielders have never played a full season. I think that is a cause for concern.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Mar 20, 2008 7:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs